After the Munich Security Conference, Vice‑Chancellor Lars Klingbeil (SPD) warned that the German‑American relationship remains under pressure. He noted that Secretary of State Antony Rubio’s speech was more conciliatory and diplomatic than recent remarks, yet fundamental differences with the Trump administration persist. “No one should be naïve after the Munich conference and think everything will sort itself out” he said. “The key point is that we must make Europe stronger and more independent, and that’s why we are moving forward together with France and others”.
Klingbeil, who is also the finance minister and SPD chairman, reaffirmed his commitment as a transatlanticist. He explained that when the Greenland debate broke out and Trump threatened tariffs, a line was crossed. “We made it clear that as Europeans we will not be blackmailed” he said, adding that this firmness forced Trump to relent. “That clarity and confidence are precisely what we need to keep having”.
On the role of CDU leader Friedrich Merz at the conference, Klingbeil praised Merz’s address as setting the right tone. He reiterated a focus on a sovereign, self‑confident Europe while keeping the hand extended to the United States.
