Egyptian businessman slams Munich Security Conference for focusing on weapons instead of peace

Shafik Gabr, Director of the Egyptian company ARTOC Group, has said that the Munich Security Conference is an example of double standard policy dominating in the world.

He made the remarks at a panel discussion within the framework of the 12th Global Baku Forum, Caliber.Az reports via local media.

According to him, in this world of double standards, there is no universal rule that can be applied to everyone.

“One of the vivid examples is the Munich Security Conference, where the stated goals did not correspond to the actual content of the discussions. Imagine - all its participants talked exclusively about weapons. This is the exact opposite of the stated purpose for which the conference was supposedly convened,” he said.

The only country whose representatives spoke at the conference about cease-fire and stability was China, Gabr said.

For the record, the Munich Security Conference (MSC) 2025, held in February, was marked by intense discussions on Europe's defense posture, arms procurement, and strategic autonomy. Key developments focusing on weapons and military support included: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called for the formation of a unified European army to counter Russian aggression, emphasizing the necessity for Europe to bolster its own defense capabilities amidst uncertain U.S. support. He stressed that Europe's security hinges on its unity and proactive defense measures.

In response to evolving threats, European leaders acknowledged the urgency of increasing defense spending. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte proposed that the alliance's new spending target should be "considerably more than 3 percent" of GDP. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen suggested activating the escape clause of the Stability and Growth Pact to facilitate defense investments. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz echoed this sentiment, advocating for reforms to Germany's fiscal policies to finance rapid defense enhancements.

By Khagan Isayev