In the wake of the Munich Security Conference, we ask: what happens now? With Russia’s war on Ukraine still raging, do the grand words of Munich mean anything to those struggling to feed themselves, stay warm, or survive under Vladimir Putin’s ongoing missile and drone attacks?
On European security, tensions are rising. Germany is pressing France to increase its defence spending, with Foreign Minister Johan Wadephul essentially telling Emmanuel Macron to put his money where his mouth is. But with France facing a massive public debt crisis, finding the 5% of GDP required for NATO commitments is far from simple.
Meanwhile, US Senator Marco Rubio is visiting Budapest, delivering a message of support from President Trump to his ally Viktor Orbán — Europe’s most outspoken admirer of Putin. Rubio’s words at Munich suggested conciliation, but standing side by side with Orbán raises questions: is the gap between the US and the EU widening, just when unity is needed most for Ukraine?
Produced by Charles Wente, Aline Bottin, Guillaume Gougeon and Ilayda Habip
Source link
#Debate #Munich #hangover #Security #fest #defence #insecurities #exposed
