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President of the Munich Security Conference Wolgang Ischinger opened it wearing a hooded sweater hit by European stars on 15 February 2019. REUTERS / Andreas Gebert

The gratin of international politics - thirty heads of state and government and several dozens of ministers from around the world - has gathered since yesterday in Munich, where the conference on security is being held. The first day was essentially devoted to the future of the transatlantic relationship and the role of Europe in a period full of uncertainties.

With our special correspondent in Munich , Pascal Thibaut

It's a bit of a conference on insecurity taking place this weekend in Munich.

While transatlantic relations are heckled and the disarmament treaty on intermediate-range missiles has been suspended (INF), we are trying to reassure ourselves. Or by advocating for a stronger Europe. Conference Chairman Wolgang Ischinger opened it wearing a hoodie hit by European stars. French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian recalled that Europe was already more sovereign.

Others recall the merits of the Atlantic Alliance despite the attacks of the American president. Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg stressed the importance of Donald Trump and emphasized that NATO is better endowed with new threats.

" Today, tensions are increasing. And for the first time in years we have made a significant increase in our military budgets, "said Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg.

German Defense Minister Ursula von der Leyen, who opened the conference, agreed. She acknowledged that the US demands for greater European effort were justified. Berlin often attacked by Washington increases its defense budget but insufficiently for Washington.

" We Europeans must do more. The United States' call for a better balance in NATO funding - I have known it for years - is legitimate, "said Germany's defense minister.

US Vice President Mike Pence will be able to respond this morning to the statements of the Europeans.