German Chancellor stresses Europe needs to strengthen defense capabilities

In his speech on the second day of the conference, the German leader stressed that European countries need to ensure better security for themselves, now and in the future. Chancellor Scholz said that Germany - the "locomotive" economy of Europe - has increased defense spending to 2% of gross domestic product (GDP), and affirmed that Berlin will continue to maintain this spending level in accordance with the target set by the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) for member countries. Mr. Scholz also added that Germany is discussing with its French and British allies about plans to develop precision weapons capable of operating at a distance, to ensure that Germany's deterrence strategy keeps up with modern technological advances.

The Munich Security Conference 2024 brings together more than 450 delegates, including heads of state, ministers, leading figures from international and non-governmental organizations, industry, media, academia and civil society, to engage in in-depth discussions on global security policy. Regional conflicts and crises, especially the conflict in Ukraine and the situation in the Middle East, are at the top of the conference’s agenda on February 17.

Chancellor Scholz affirmed that Germany is still working to support Ukraine, while promoting diplomatic measures to prevent the Hamas-Israel conflict from escalating further.

The final day of the conference will feature discussions on Europe's role in the world and the European Union's (EU) relations with its partners.

Since its inception 60 years ago, the Munich Security Conference has been the world’s leading forum for international security policy, shaping diplomatic initiatives to address the world’s most pressing security concerns. In addition to the formal conference sessions, the Munich Security Conference 2024 will feature around 200 side events organized by leading think tanks and other partners from around the world, and dozens of community outreach events.

In addition to its flagship annual conference, the Munich Security Conference regularly hosts high-level events on specific topics and regions, and publishes the annual Munich Security Report, which compiles relevant data and research on key security challenges.