Shortly before the anniversary of Russia’s war of aggression, Hungary is undermining relations with its European partners by threatening a double veto. Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó has signaled that Budapest could block both the European Union’s 20th sanctions package against Russia and a €90 billion loan for Ukraine.
By Stephan Israel
If Germany and France fail to reach agreement on the joint development of a next-generation fighter aircraft, Berlin could turn to two alternative European programs. A decision on the future of FCAS is expected in early March.
By Gabriel Bub
Four months after the Sharm el-Sheikh peace summit, the Gaza Peace Council meets for the first time on Thursday. Director-designate Mladenov is calling for more pressure on Israel to prevent a permanent division of the coastal strip.
By Markus Bickel
According to Table.Briefings, the German Ministry of Defense is planning an internal meeting on risks posed by US investors in the defense industry. At the same time, opposition parties are pushing back against the drone manufacturer Stark, which counts Peter Thiel among its investors.
By Wilhelmine Stenglin and Robert Wallenhauer
Emmanuel Macron plans to update France’s nuclear doctrine as early as March and to continue the strategic dialogue with Germany and smaller EU member states on potential participation in the French nuclear umbrella. German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius is not alone in expressing skepticism about this initiative.
By Gabriel Bub and Wilhelmine Stenglin
Defense-industrial cooperation was one of the central themes of the Munich Security Conference (MSC). Against this backdrop, NATO’s 2026 accelerator program is set to reach record participation levels, while cooperation with Germany is being further expanded.
By Katharina Horban
Washington underscores its leadership claim, Berlin remains skeptical, Kyiv issues warnings and Beijing strikes a conciliatory tone – speeches by senior officials reflect the accelerating fragmentation of the global order.
By Nana Brink, Lisa-Martina Klein, Angela Köckritz and Viktor Funk
Panels and side events at the Munich Security Conference underscore a clear trend: hybrid threats and the resilience of the state, the economy and society are moving to the forefront of the security agenda. Participants are also examining scenarios involving chemical, biological and radiological risks.
By Lisa-Martina Klein
Four years after the start of Russia’s war of aggression, Ukraine played only a limited role in the German chancellor’s opening address at the Munich Security Conference. Instead, Friedrich Merz outlined the terms for a renewed transatlantic partnership – one built on a Europe capable of defending itself.
By Markus Bickel and Viktor Funk
At the Munich Security Conference, French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz pledged to deepen European defense integration. Yet recent procurement decisions – still largely shaped by national industrial interests – sit uneasily with the rhetoric.
By Gabriel Bub
