MUNICH, Feb. 16 (Xinhua) -- The future role of the European Union (EU) as a global actor and its relations with Russia and the United States are among the key focuses of the 54th Munich Security Conference (MSC), which officially opened here Friday afternoon.
Over 500 participants from around the world attended the three-day major annual gathering for international security issues, amid uncertain transatlantic relations and challenges to the liberal international order, mainly protectionism and nationalism.
In addition, participants will also discuss an array of global security issues, such as conflicts in the Middle East, especially the deteriorating relations between the Gulf states, and political developments in the Sahel region in Africa.
Moreover, arms control issues will be a point of emphasis, in particular the Democratic People's Republic of Korea's nuclear program.
We came much closer to the brink of inter-state conflicts," said Wolfgang Ischinger, chairman of the MSC, at the opening ceremony." "We must make concrete steps."
At her opening address, German Defense Minister Ursula von der Leyen strengthened Europe's responsibility in the future, saying that "We want to remain transatlantic, and at the same time become more European."
"It is about a Europe that can also throw more weight militarily in the military. This can be more self-reliance and self-responsibility - ultimately in the NATO," said von der Leyen.
While making committed to anti-terrorism efforts, the German defense minister also stressed the role of development besides security, in achieving long-term security, comparing to NATO and Marshall Plan after the WWII.
French Defense Minister Florence Parly said at her opening address that she believed that France and Germany will renew European defense cooperation and France is ready to join hands with Germany to address short-term and long-term security threats of Europe.
However, while stressing "unbreakable" transatlantic bond and welcoming EU's efforts on strengthened defense, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said that the risk of weakening transatlantic relations and EU's duplicating of NATO's role.
"We welcome EU's efforts on defense. It can further strengthen European pillar within NATO....EU cannot protect itself by itself."
