The 62nd Munich Security Conference (MSC) formally opened on 13 February 2026, bringing together world leaders, defence ministers and foreign policy experts at the Hotel Bayerischer Hof in Munich amid deepening global geopolitical strains. The three‑day forum, running through 15 February, has become one of the most influential platforms for dialogue on international security since its founding in 1963.
Organizers and participants say that this year’s conference confronts “a world in which the international order is under destruction,” reflecting widening rifts in global norms, rising great‑power competition and intensifying armed conflicts. Nearly 50 heads of state and government from across Europe, North America, Asia and beyond are attending, underscoring the event’s scale and urgency.
A central theme of the conference is the state of transatlantic relations, which have frayed over the past year amid policy disagreements between the United States and key European allies. According to MSC Chairman Wolfgang Ischinger, the partnership between Europe and Washington is experiencing “a significant crisis of confidence and credibility,” though he also expressed hope that renewed engagement in Munich could help rebuild trust.
Leading the U.S. delegation is Secretary of State Marco Rubio, whose presence is seen as an effort to repair ties after a turbulent period for the alliance. European officials are watching closely, with one diplomat telling reporters that they seek “clarity on U.S. commitments to collective defence and shared security goals.” European leaders such as German Chancellor Friedrich Merz are also slated to deliver keynote remarks.
The war in Ukraine remains at the center of discussions, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirming his participation and plans to highlight Kyiv’s security concerns. According to Ukrainian officials, the delegation will press for enhanced air defence systems, increased energy resilience and sustained pressure on Russia through sanctions and diplomatic isolation. The conference will host the first‑ever Ukrainian House, a symbolic space dedicated to Ukraine’s evolving role in global security.
Debates are also expected over NATO’s future and European defence autonomy amid calls for stronger regional cooperation. Senior officials affirm that Western alliances must adapt to strategic shifts, including burden‑sharing and joint procurement initiatives, with British Prime Minister Kier Starmer preparing to propose a multinational defence framework aimed at lowering costs and enhancing capabilities.
In addition to Europe’s security challenges, the conference will tackle broader global concerns. According to statements from MSC leadership, the Middle East will be a top priority, with high‑level delegations from across the region — including Israel, Egypt, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye — expected to engage on implementation of peace plans and bilateral security cooperation. Wolfgang Ischinger told reporters that the region offers “many opportunities for bilateral and multilateral meetings … and will be one of the focal points.”
Beyond geopolitical flashpoints, the MSC also highlights emerging domains of security such as space and technology. The European Space Agency is engaging leaders to underscore how space systems underpin resilience and strategic autonomy in an era of rapid technological change. Officials say this reflects a broader recognition that 21st‑century security challenges extend well beyond traditional battlefields.
