At the opening of this year's Munich Security Conference, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz highlighted the growing divide between Europe and the United States, referencing comments made last year by US Vice President J.D. Vance. Merz criticized the MAGA (Make America Great Again) culture wars in the US, asserting that these conflicts do not align with European values and perspectives. He made it clear that European priorities lie elsewhere, underscoring a stark difference in political and cultural dynamics between the two regions.

Merz further elaborated on the principle of free speech, stating that it should not infringe upon human dignity and the constitutional rights of citizens. Through these remarks, he cautioned against populist rhetoric that could undermine democratic values in Europe. His comments reflect a broader concern about the potential influence of American political movements on European society, viewing such influence as detrimental to core European principles of rights and freedoms.

In addition, Merz reaffirmed his commitment to global cooperation, emphasizing the importance of trade agreements and collaborative action to address climate change and global health issues. He clearly positioned Europe against protectionism and isolationism, advocating for a unified approach to tackle pressing global challenges in a cooperation-oriented or multilateral framework, contrasting sharply with the more nationalistic policies observed in parts of the US.