Munich Security Conference Poised for Record Attendance Amidst Global Upheaval
Munich, February 4, 2026 – The Munich Security Conference (MSC), the world’s most important expert meeting on security policy, is gearing up for an unprecedented gathering from February 13th to 15th in the Bavarian capital. Conference chairman Wolfgang Ischinger announced that this year’s event will be a “superlative security conference” in all respects, with a record number of heads of state and government, US Congress members, and foreign ministers expected to attend.
Record Participation Underscores Global Instability
According to conference organizers, 65 heads of state and government have confirmed their attendance, a significant increase from last year’s 42. Additionally, 98 foreign and defense ministers are on the guest list, up from 87 in the previous year. More than 50 US senators and members of the House of Representatives are also anticipated, highlighting the growing interest in the conference as the world order undergoes dramatic changes. Ischinger noted that the influx of attendees “eclipses everything seen before.”
Key Figures and Notable Absences
Among the most prominent guests expected is US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. However, unlike last year, US Vice President JD Vance is not anticipated to be present. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is also expected to attend, despite ongoing negotiations between Russia and Ukraine in Abu Dhabi regarding an end to the conflict. Notably, no Russian government representatives are expected in Munich this year.
Strong European Presence and a Call for European Awakening
This year’s conference will feature a particularly strong representation of European heads of state and government. While only a few have been officially announced so far, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) will be participating for the first time, presenting his government’s security policy. French President Emmanuel Macron, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen may also be in attendance, though their participation is not yet confirmed.
Ischinger places particular importance on the European presence, hoping that the crisis in relations with the US will lead to a “European awakening.” He emphasized, “I believe that we as Europeans should not pretend to be helpless. I would wish that in Munich we move in the direction of: Beyond the incantations, we make concrete decisions that lead the rest of the world to say: Aha, Europe has woken up.”
Conference Details and Future Outlook
The conference will once again take place at the Hotel Bayerischer Hof. The numbers of confirmed attendees are preliminary and may change with further confirmations or cancellations.
The MSC’s focus on a strong European presence and the call for concrete decisions reflect a growing desire for European self-reliance and a proactive approach to global security challenges. The discussions are expected to address the ongoing geopolitical shifts and the need for a renewed European strategy in a rapidly changing world.
The absence of Russian officials underscores the continued tensions and the complex diplomatic landscape surrounding the conflict in Ukraine. The conference will provide a crucial platform for international leaders to engage in dialogue and seek solutions to pressing global security issues.
The record attendance and the high-level participation are a testament to the MSC’s enduring relevance and its critical role in shaping international security discourse.
Source: https://www.on-online.de/artikel/1629910/Ischinger-verspricht-Sicherheitskonferenz-der-Superlative
