Daily brief
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz called for a rebuilding of transatlantic trust and a new partnership with the United States in a major speech at the Munich Security Conference, stating that freedom can no longer be taken for granted and the U.S. is not powerful enough to go it alone. French President Emmanuel Macron also addressed the conference, urging European nations to be less timid globally. The event highlighted ongoing discussions about NATO's future and Western unity, with leaders from several European nations participating.
US Secretary of State Rubio skipped a meeting with European leaders about Ukraine at the Munich conference but plans to hold separate talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy there.
A German court ruled the Bundestag can deny a parliamentary access pass to an AfD staffer due to his contacts with Russia, upholding a previous decision to bar him from the building.
The AfD faces allegations of nepotism ahead of state elections in Baden-Württemberg, with its top candidate criticized for employing family members, prompting the state party leader to call for new internal hiring rules.
Volkswagen faces a trial in France over the diesel emissions scandal.