At the inauguration of the Munich Security Conference, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz made a provocative assertion regarding Europe's geopolitical situation, stating that the global order as it has been known no longer exists. He characterized this moment as Europe's return from a metaphorical 'vacation from History,' highlighting a critical self-reflection on the continent's strategic vulnerabilities in light of evolving global power dynamics.

Merz's speech was notably blunt, eschewing the usual diplomatic niceties to deliver a candid diagnosis of Europe’s dependence on the United States. He pointedly remarked that no one compelled Europe into this excessive reliance; rather, it was a self-inflicted wound resulting from historical choices. This acknowledgment calls into question the foundations upon which Europe's post-1945 stability was built.

By emphasizing that the current international environment has shifted from one governed by norms to one characterized by power disputes among major states, Merz underscored a critical turning point for Europe. His remarks suggest an urgent need for European nations to reassess and redefine their roles in a rapidly changing world, potentially signaling a shift toward greater autonomy and collaboration within Europe itself, in response to the challenges posed by global rivalries.