Following the Munich Security Conference, Vice‑Chancellor Lars Klingbeil (SPD) warned that the German‑American relationship remains under pressure. “Foreign Minister Rubio’s speech was more conciliatory and diplomatic in tone than the remarks we have recently heard” he told the “Rheinische Post” on Monday. “But fundamental differences with the Trump administration persist. No one should be naïve. After the Munich Security Conference, we must not simply lean back and say everything will be fine. Our priority must be to make Europe stronger and more independent, which is why we will move forward together with France and others”.
Regarding Germany’s overall stance toward the United States, Klingbeil said, “I am a proud trans‑Atlanticist, and that will not change. However, when the debate over Greenland erupted and President Trump issued tariff threats, a line was crossed. We made it clear that we will not be coerced as Europeans; that pushback brought Trump to the negotiating table. That clarity and self‑confidence must remain”.
Addressing Chancellor Merz’s role at the MSC, Klingbeil added, “Friedrich Merz struck the right tone in his remarks. We are committed to a sovereign, confident Europe, but at the same time we keep the United States in mind”.