When Europe fails, not only does Europe fail. The idea of global order after 1945, with institutions that were strong enough to prevent war from one country against another, fails.
Analyse
The quote is accurately attributed to Merkel's speech, where she emphasized Europe's role in upholding the post-WWII global order. Transcripts and reputable news outlets confirm the statement. The context aligns with her broader warnings about the fragility of multilateral institutions.
Achtergrond
The Munich Security Conference is an annual forum for discussing international security policy. Merkel's 2017 speech addressed rising nationalism and the importance of collective security frameworks like NATO and the UN.
Samenvatting verdict
Angela Merkel did make this statement at the 2017 Munich Security Conference.
Geraadpleegde bronnen
— Munich Security Conference (2017). Speech by Angela Merkel. https://www.securityconference.de/en/mediathek/audio-video/details/merkel-2017/
— The Guardian (2017). 'Angela Merkel warns of disintegration of western world order.' https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/feb/18/angela-merkel-warns-of-disintegration-of-western-world-order
— Deutsche Welle (2017). 'Merkel: Europe must take fate into its own hands.' https://www.dw.com/en/merkel-europe-must-take-fate-into-its-own-hands/a-38990000