European Council President Charles Michel was one of the key speakers at this year’s special virtual event organised by the Munich Security Conference, an established annual platform which brings together key players in international diplomacy. Under the theme ‘Beyond Westlessness: Renewing Transatlantic Cooperation, Meeting Global Challenges’ the participants discussed the renewal of the transatlantic alliance as well as the current pressing challenges.

“A strong partnership needs strong partners. That’s why we, in Europe, are growing stronger, to increase our strategic ability to act. For our common values, for more prosperity and for more security. We want to be a strong and reliable partner. Let's make our partnership a powerhouse for a better world. Welcome back America”, Michel said in his speech, emphasising the importance of working together moving forward.

Other speakers included US President Joe Biden, French President Emmanuel Macron, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and German Chancellor Angela Merkel.

ALDE Party President Hans van Baalen reacted to the statements shared at the Conference and underlined that Europe’s liberals are ready to build a stronger EU-US partnership.

The 57^th Munich Security Conference is due to take place later in 2021.

🇺🇸US is Back! A new chapter begins w @JoeBiden @ALDEParty and liberals all over Europe are ready to work with the US on a strong Transatlantic partnership to tackle global challenges: promote human rights and democracy; free and fair trade; and deliver a healthier, greener planet https://t.co/cE2Bbdrkmh

— Hans van Baalen (@hansvanbaalen) February 19, 2021

Together, we are stronger to ensure peace and security.

Let’s make our EU-US 🇪🇺🇺🇸 partnership a powerhouse for a better world. @POTUS @JoeBiden #MSC2021 @MunSecConf pic.twitter.com/nl1zhTPESW

— Charles Michel (@eucopresident) February 20, 2021

Photo credit: Alexis Haulot, European Parliament 2020.