Written by: General Piro Ahmetaj
The 62nd Security Conference, which took place last weekend in Munich, Germany, was not only followed with increased interest, but also continues to remain in the "top news" and analysis for chancelleries, institutes and personalities in Washington, Brussels, London, Berlin, Beijing, Moscow, etc. In the capacity of "Expert on National Security, the Region and Relations with the US/NATO", I am presenting a summary of the circumstances, discussions and geopolitically weighty messages that were conveyed from Munich:
The conference was first held in Munich (1963), and due to the division into hostile camps (Warsaw – NATO) until the 90s, fewer than 100 participants attended. However, the MSC was designed as an annual event that provided an opportunity for leaders from NATO/EU countries and the US to share perspectives on: “dealing with collective and global security threats”.
After the 90s, this Conference has not only expanded, but also been “institutionalized” as one of the most important forums for the world security community. The very fitting motto for MSC-2026: “Under Destruction”, translated into Albanian: “Under and beyond the ruins of the old global security order”. Although it took place against a backdrop of geopolitical instability, escalating conflicts and critical questions about the future of the international security order, the conference was dominated by an atmosphere of understanding, or so-called: “Munich Rule = don’t lecture, don’t ignore but interact with each other”!
This year, 40 heads of state and government participated, as well as about 1000 ministers, diplomats, scientists, generals, businessmen, experts, etc. Among the prominent participants, we mention the German Chancellor, the US Secretary of State, the President of the EC Ursula von der Leyen, the UK Prime Minister, the Ukrainian President, etc. The 5 essential issues on the agenda: (1) “Global security order in the face of rivalry between great powers”; (2) “Transatlantic relations in relation to the US/Trump approach”; (3) “Collective defense/NATO and European military autonomy”; (4) “Wars in Ukraine, the Middle East and the humanitarian consequences”; (5) “Cyber threats, governance of artificial intelligence and energy security”.
As expected, the main attention was paid to the speech of Secretary Marco Rubio, who, after sharply criticizing the old security order, further confirmed President Trump's determination: "The United States will not seek permission from anyone (including the UN) to use military force against any country that poses a threat to the integrity and standards of living of the American people." He further added that "peace through strength" also serves as an additional guarantee for the defense of the 32 NATO countries (Article 5). Perhaps to defuse tensions with his counterparts, he emphasized that: "We are part of a civilization, so the United States remains interested in a stronger Europe," underlining that "Russian aggression against Ukraine and China's expansion remain serious threats to the international order and Western values." He also reiterated the request for a 5% budget increase from NATO countries, and reaffirmed the US's determination to end the bloodshed in Ukraine: "End the Ukraine war once and for all".
Beyond the “earthquake/Trump anxiety in American foreign policy”, the speeches or positions of the heads of European states, such as the UK, France, Italy, etc., can be summarized through the cold findings and spirit of understanding of German Chancellor Friedrich Merz: “The global security order no longer exists, so strengthening Euro-Atlantic cohesion and continuing unconditional support for Ukraine’s victory remain critical”. On the other hand, there was also open discussion about: “greater strategic political, economic, military and technological autonomy (or a more advanced Berlin+), a project that in any case does not compete with, but complements, the military power of the US/NATO”. The establishment of “Ukraine House” was also presented, which demonstrates the determination of the EU countries to bring Russia to its knees in Ukraine.
Thanking the US and Western support, President Zelenskyy spoke about: "The intensity of the war; refused territorial concessions (=coronation of the occupier/Putin); called for (urgent) air support, for long-term guarantees, comprehensive monitoring, etc."
In summary, MSC-26 demonstrated the deep crisis of the global order, but also the serious efforts of Euro-Atlantic leaders to shake up, awaken and develop not only a leadership with vision and strong will, but also high responsibility and projects for the modernization of military power, in order to face the threats to security and democratic stability, including and beyond the Euro-Atlantic area. From this conference we can draw and address “5 lessons and 5 strategic messages”, specifically:
First, "NATO/EU: doomed" to further strengthen cohesion and mutual trust between alliances, countries and Euro-Atlantic values, by uncompromisingly supporting Ukraine until victory over Russia, but also to improve military power (including deterrence/discouraging capabilities) in defense of the territorial integrity of the 32 member states, as well as the geopolitical interests of NATO/EU.
Secondly, Euro-Atlantic messages to official Belgrade: "not to be misused for Moscow's and Beijing's agenda in the region; not to arm itself needlessly (to the teeth) with MiG-29s, missiles, tanks, Russian drones, etc.; not to inspire criminal groups in northern Kosovo, and not to dare to militarily threaten Kosovo's sovereignty, the status quo, and the geopolitical interests of the US/NATO in the region"!
Third: “In addition to demonstrating solidarity for commitments and projects in the interest of collective security (Article 5) and in support of Ukraine, the Republic of Albania should also promote the weight it carries in the partnership with the US/NATO, as well as the leading role in joint projects and the Euro-Atlantic integration process of the 6 Western Balkan countries”. On this occasion, it certainly deserves to be reiterated the participation of the Republic of Albania/Kosovo as “co-founder of the Trump Peace Board, the increase in the 2026 budget, the agreement between Croatia, Kosovo and the Republic of Albania in the field of defense; the construction of the NATO Air Base in Kuçova; the commitment of the Republic of Albania to Corridor 8; the treatment of military personnel and the fulfillment of obligations in NATO”.
Fourth, priority no. 1 remains: “Modernizing the concept, structures, capacities, democratic balances of power, as well as strengthening strategic cooperation with the USA/NATO”. In these efforts, “neither the privatization of love for the motherland nor the Euro-Atlantic agenda; nor the collusion with the bankrupt opposition/private company, hated and rejected forever by Albanians, nor the misuse of constitutional institutions as a (non)cure nursing home for the Balkan disease of superpower” are valid, but only love for the country, vision, humility and high state responsibility towards nationwide interests, faith in democratic values, as well as the “blessing” from/to the strategic partnership with the USA.
Finally, but above all, I hope that the (USA) messages of this conference will serve open-minded elites in NATO/EU, including the Republic of Albania/Kosovo, to recall the clarion call: “People, stay alert; peace, security and democracy are not eternal gifts (not even from the USA)”, as well as the wise message of President Kennedy 62 years ago, at the opening of the First Munich Conference: “Let us look beyond the dangers of today, to the hopes of tomorrow”! Having said this, we must believe and strongly promote that not war, but peace in Ukraine, the Middle East, the Western Balkans, and throughout the globe, remains the only hope and mission of humanity.
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