Imago Stock & People GmbHThe hotel in Munich where the safety conference has been taking place for years
NOS Nieuws•vandaag, 10:14
The annual international security conference has started in Munich. Over the next three days, heads of state, soldiers, diplomats and ministers from all over the world will speak about the Russian threat and the war against Ukraine, the future of NATO and the conflict in the Middle East.
The list includes around 800 guests, including Ukrainian President Zelensky, US Vice President Harris and Israeli President Herzog. Prime Minister Shtayyeh of the Palestinian Authority is also in Munich.
On behalf of the Netherlands, outgoing Prime Minister Rutte and Ministers Bruins Slot (Foreign Affairs) and Ollongren (Defense) are present.
Russia is not invited.
Defense budgets
An important theme this weekend is the defense budget of the NATO member states. This must meet the standard of 2 percent of gross domestic product. 18 of the 31 NATO countries now comply. Last year there were only seven.
The Netherlands – which has not yet achieved that standard – has increased its defense budget again. Outgoing Minister of Defense Ollongren said yes last night News hour that the Netherlands is “almost good”.
According to defense specialist Dick Zandee, every country must do its part and this is especially important in the case of what he calls a “all out war”. In the NOS Radio 1 News the defense specialist from the Clingendael Institute explains why this contribution is so important: “It is especially important to deter Russia so that they do not attack. If the deterrence is not credible, Russia may attempt an attack,” says Zandee.
European defense policy
Another theme is European defense policy. The current reason is the threatening language of Donald Trump (who is trying to become president of the US again). He said that as far as he is concerned, Russia can attack NATO countries that do not spend enough on defense.
European countries are wondering whether they should take more control over their defense against Russia to become less dependent on American military protection.
“I have never heard the bell ring as loudly in Europe as it does now in my life,” said De Hoop Scheffer.
Behind closed doors
Unlike summits such as the G7 and G20, the Munich conference is known for its informal nature. There will be no official final statement and no resolutions will be tabled. This gives government leaders the opportunity to talk to each other informally.
Former Speaker of the US House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi mentioned the conference in the German documentary Hotel World Politics the way to solve problems. “There’s no point in going there and being so diplomatic that the important issues are ignored,” Pelosi said. “That’s the great thing about the Munich conference; everyone comes together in all honesty and openness. That’s the only way to find solutions.”
2024-02-16 09:14:22
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