Munich Security Conference opens with transatlantic tensions in focus

The Munich Security Conference opened with senior leaders attending as officials described a crisis of confidence in transatlantic relations; U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is leading the American delegation and is due to address the conference on Saturday.

The Munich Security Conference opened Friday in Munich with senior officials from Europe, the United States and other countries in attendance. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is scheduled to give the opening speech and a number of heads of state and government from EU countries are expected to participate. Conference chairman Wolfgang Ischinger told reporters that transatlantic relations are currently in a significant crisis of confidence. Key details: - The conference opens with an address by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and about 15 EU leaders are expected to attend. - U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is leading the U.S. delegation and is due to address the conference on Saturday morning. - Attendees reported as including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, and the event features a sizeable delegation from the U.S. Congress. Summary: Officials at the conference described a crisis of confidence in transatlantic relations, reflecting tensions highlighted at last year’s meeting. The event runs through Sunday, with Rubio’s address scheduled for Saturday morning and multiple bilateral meetings planned on the sidelines.