Foreign Minister Þorgerður Katrín Gunnarsdóttir attended the Munich Security Conference and noted a shift in the atmosphere among European leaders compared to the previous year. Last year's conference was marked by tension following a harsh speech from U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance, which had left many in Europe apprehensive. This year, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio's address was described as having a more positive tone, although the messages were still largely similar regarding global cooperation and security concerns.

Gunnarsdóttir participated in discussions with defense ministers and shared that there was a renewed sense of goodwill among European ministers. This indicates a slight easing of the tensions that had characterized previous gatherings, suggesting a potential for more collaborative efforts moving forward. However, Gunnarsdóttir expressed concern about the dependency on U.S. leadership, particularly referring to the MAGA (Make America Great Again) worldview that might prioritize certain geopolitical considerations over global unity and cooperation, particularly on issues like climate change.

The article highlights the ongoing challenges and dynamics in international relations, especially concerning European collaboration in security matters. The focus on U.S. influence reflects broader concerns about how policies shaped by a single nation can affect multilateral discussions and alliances, demonstrating the fragile balance between optimism for future cooperation and the realities of geopolitical tensions.