US Vice President J.D. Vance Arrives in Munich for Security Conference
On the eve of the Munich Security Conference, US Vice President J.D. Vance arrived in the Bavarian capital. Bavarian Premier Markus Söder (CSU) welcomed the Republican politician at the airport on Thursday afternoon.
Vance, who had attended the conference as a senator in 2024, will now participate for the first time as vice president. In previous years, the United States has consistently been represented at the world’s leading expert meeting on security policy by its vice presidents, who have delivered keynote addresses on US foreign policy. This year, shortly after the inauguration of US President Donald Trump, Vance’s participation is highly anticipated.
"The US Vice President has first of all expressed his deep sympathy after the horrific attack in Munich," Söder reported. On Thursday morning, a young Afghan man drove his car into a protest march in the city center, injuring at least 28 people, some of them seriously.
"Bavarian-American relations have always been very close and are very important to us. We are committed to the transatlantic partnership. We are closely connected by shared values and security policy," Söder said. He also emphasized that the upcoming Security Conference would be particularly exciting in light of the new US administration. "Germany and Europe must become more independent and take more responsibility for their own security and defense," the Bavarian Premier argued.
Security Conference to Focus on Transatlantic Relations and European Autonomy
The Munich Security Conference, held annually since 1963, brings together heads of state, government, and international organizations, as well as experts from academia, think tanks, and the private sector. This year’s conference is expected to focus on a range of security challenges, including the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, the threat of terrorism, and the rise of China.
Amid the changing global order and the uncertainties surrounding the Trump administration’s foreign policy, the conference will also provide a platform for discussions on the future of transatlantic relations and the role of the United States as a global leader.
US Vice President Vance to Deliver Keynote Address
As the highest-ranking representative of the United States, Vice President Vance is expected to deliver a keynote address on US foreign policy and its implications for Europe. His speech is likely to be closely scrutinized for insights into the Trump administration’s stance on key security issues.
The content of Vance’s address has not been made public, but he is likely to address the following topics:
- The US commitment to NATO and European security
- The conflict in Ukraine and Russia’s role in the region
- The fight against terrorism and the global threat posed by ISIS
- The rise of China and its implications for the US-China relationship
- The future of transatlantic relations and the role of the United States as a global leader
Other Key Participants Expected to Attend
In addition to Vice President Vance, the Munich Security Conference will be attended by a host of other high-level officials, including:
- German Chancellor Angela Merkel
- French President Emmanuel Macron
- British Prime Minister Theresa May
- NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg
- Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko
- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov
The presence of these leaders underscores the importance of the conference as a forum for dialogue and cooperation on global security issues.
Security and Defense in Focus for Europe
Söder’s remarks on the need for greater European autonomy in security and defense reflect a growing sentiment among European leaders that the continent must take more responsibility for its own protection. The Trump administration’s perceived reluctance to uphold the traditional US security guarantees has added urgency to this debate.
The Munich Security Conference will provide an opportunity for European leaders to discuss ways to strengthen their own security capabilities and deepen cooperation among themselves.
