Europe’s New Tech‑Security Blueprint

The 62nd Munich Security Conference began on February 13, 2026, marking a significant shift from past gatherings. Traditionally focused on aircraft, soldiers, and treaties, this year's agenda prominently featured cyber threats, artificial intelligence, and digital infrastructure alongside traditional defense topics.

A Changing Security Landscape

German leaders emphasized that Europe’s post-World War II order is slipping. They warned that both digital and geopolitical defenses cannot be taken for granted. The conference’s sponsors, including the Tech Strategy Initiative, underscored that technology is now a mainstream security debate.

Key Discussions and Speeches

• German Chancellor Friedrich Merz highlighted that Europe must not assume its digital or military armor is unbreakable. Cyber attacks, disinformation, and missiles were discussed together, reflecting the expanded scope of modern security threats.
• German intelligence leaders pushed for greater freedom to counter hybrid threats, particularly cyber sabotage linked to rival states.
• French President Emmanuel Macron argued that Europe needs to become a geopolitical power, emphasizing the need for domestic tech capabilities and digital resilience alongside military strength.

Technology and Strategic Autonomy

The conference underscored how technology is woven into Europe’s strategic autonomy narrative. The EU has long focused on digital sovereignty through regulation, the AI Act, and data protection. In Munich, these topics were tied directly to defense priorities.

• Cyber resilience is no longer a niche issue; it is a core national security concern.
• Traditional defense without a digital strategy is now seen as obsolete.
• Critical infrastructure—from power grids to supply chains—is already being targeted, requiring coordinated public-private responses.

Future Security Priorities

European leaders acknowledged that alliances with the United States remain important but cannot be the sole source of security. This has led to discussions about:

• Tailoring AI standards to European norms
• Investing in sovereign semiconductor supply chains
• Building digital infrastructure less dependent on external cloud services
• Considering an “own Five Eyes” model to share intelligence among member states

Conclusion

The conference underscored that Europe is redefining its role in a world where digital and geopolitical risks are inseparable. Policymakers, defense chiefs, and industry leaders now see modern threats as strategic issues that shape alliances, domestic policy, and industrial priorities.

• Stronger cyber capabilities
• Renewed emphasis on strategic autonomy
• Technological resilience

For Europe’s tech ecosystem, this means that regulatory agendas, investment flows, and public-private cooperation will be guided not only by innovation goals but also by national and collective security needs.