At the opening of the Munich Security Conference, Chancellor F. Merz articulated a pressing need for a renewed perspective on global relations, citing increasing tensions and conflicts in the world. He pointed to Russia's aggressive actions in Ukraine as a pivotal example of the changing landscape, arguing that the previous world order no longer holds. Merz stated, "Europe has just returned from a historical holiday," indicating that now is the time to reassess and redefine what actions and terms mean in international discourse.

Moreover, Merz highlighted not only the revisionist aggression from Russia but also the ambitions of China to assert itself as a global leader, albeit by manipulating dependencies to reshape the international order in its favor. He suggested that the claims of the United States to global leadership have been challenged and potentially jeopardized. This approach underscores a strategic shift in how European leaders view global power dynamics and their role within them.

The Chancellor remarked that the politics of great powers reflect the anxieties of turbulent societies during periods of revolutionary change. He cautioned that these shifting dynamics test the limits of democratic systems, suggesting that the pressure from rising authoritarian tendencies could lead to challenges in upholding democratic ideals. As the conference unfolds, these themes are expected to dominate discussions about security and cooperation in an increasingly complex global environment.