The Munich Security Conference was "somewhat of a European nightmare," said the event’s chairman Christoph Heusgen at the end of the international meeting of leaders and experts from around the world.
Speaking to the German broadcaster ZDF, Heusgen appeared emotional during the closing press conference, following American statements about Europe.
He noted that the summit clarified many issues. "This America under Trump lives on another planet," he remarked, adding that "even Republican senators speak very cautiously in public because they fear their president."
These concerns followed comments from US Vice President JD Vance, who attacked European "censorship" of free speech during the Security Conference on Friday, also calling into question European democracy.
German lawmakers condemned Vance’s indirect reference to the upcoming legislative elections scheduled for next Sunday. Vance argued there is no place for a "firewall," referring to the political isolation of the far-right German party AfD, a post-World War political norm.
Trump-Putin talks
The war in Ukraine was also a major topic at Munich. European leaders and Ukraine left the summit worried about being excluded from peace talks between the US and Russia. Earlier this week, Trump announced plans for discussions with Moscow to end the conflict.
In potential peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, Europe must present a unified front, emphasised Heusgen. He urged Europe to show greater strength and develop its own security plan for Ukraine.
Several European leaders will meet in Paris on Monday to discuss future strategy. Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever is not on the guest list.
