At the Munich Security Conference, CDU foreign‑policy spokesman Norbert Röttgen urged Europe to strengthen both its own defence capability and its economic competitiveness, while acknowledging that progress on common commitments has been uneven. “The analysis is always created jointly, and then we deliver too little” he told Politico. He identified two main priorities: first, building an independent defence capacity; second, improving economic competitiveness. “Germany is moving in defense, but Europe as a whole still lags in both areas” he added.
Röttgen warned against settling for mere damage‑control during what he described as a “time of heightened risk”. “We must expect more than damage avoidance; it is realistic to anticipate something constructive” he said, stressing the need for a renewed sense of European purpose within the transatlantic alliance and a new common understanding with the United States.
On the U.S. side, Röttgen said he did not anticipate any overt distancing from President Donald Trump by Foreign Minister Marco Rubio, noting that the U.S. audience is in the White House, not Bavaria. “Rubio is in a constant rivalry with JD Vance over Trump’s succession, and pleasing Trump is the first order of business” he remarked. Regarding EU‑Russia relations, Röttgen praised European resolve in matters such as Greenland and readiness to impose reciprocal tariffs, but called the failure to tap frozen Russian assets a missed opportunity. He observed that while awareness of the need to act is rising, many Europeans do not view the same threat posed by Russia’s war.
Concerning the planned summit of Germany, France, and the United Kingdom, Röttgen dismissed the notion that a three‑country partnership could replace the EU. “In certain areas we still need pioneers ahead of the curve because consensus is lacking” he said.