Thorsten Frei, Germany’s Minister for the Federal Chancellery, warned at the Munich Security Conference that the country could fall back into old comforts. “Unlike 25 years ago, no one today would say, ‘We are surrounded only by friends.’ Hard‑power politics is returning, and it carries a pressurising potential to intrude on all our personal lives. This is about war and peace” he told the “Rheinische Post”.
Frei added that for 80 years Germany has lived in peace, freedom and prosperity, and that for three generations we have been able to build a lasting foundation. “It is a remarkable, unique chapter of history that simply has not existed in earlier times” he said.
He remains hopeful that transatlantic ties will endure after remarks by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. “As the world’s third‑largest economy, together with our European partners, we have the capacity to build a partnership on equal footing” Frei said. “Exactly why the U.S. secretary urged us. Transatlantic relations may evolve, but they remain close and multifaceted”.
Frei also stressed the importance of sovereign states in security matters. “In turbulent times, the state plays a central role, and we must avoid endless debates over structures”. He noted that, after taking office, Friedrich Merz sought rapid and intensive contacts with France and Poland-and also with Italy and the United Kingdom. “For a credible European security architecture, the British are also essential” Frei added, addressing the EU’s role.