At the Munich Security Conference, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, a conservative, took a step forward in assuming European leadership. In a carefully considered and calculated speech, Merz sought a balance between the desire to move towards greater European defense autonomy and the need to maintain the historic alliance with the United States. All of this stemmed from the assumption that a new era is dawning on the international stage, one that no longer adheres to the parameters of the post-World War II era. Merz and Macron acknowledged ongoing talks to "articulate France's nuclear deterrent for Europe," Macron stated, making it clear that a strong stance is necessary: ​​"Europe must become a geopolitical power." At this point, it remains to be seen what position London, which also possesses nuclear weapons, will adopt. In any case, in Munich, Merz, Macron, and Starmer made a public appearance together. The chancellor has opted for this path without abandoning Atlanticism, that is, within a NATO in which Europe assumes greater responsibility and, therefore, greater military strength. This European strengthening responds to the Western rebalancing unleashed by US President Donald Trump with his disruptive and contemptuous approach to Europe. What approach? So far, a four-move strategy. First, pressuring traditional partners to increase their military budgets—and to do so by spending on American industry. Second, flirting with Russian leader Vladimir Putin in the context of the war in Ukraine; this very Friday he insisted: "Russia wants to reach an agreement and Zelensky will have to make a move or he will lose a great opportunity." Third, emboldening the continental far right and thus weakening European unity. And fourth, with the threat of invading a European territory, Greenland (Denmark).

Europe is at war with Russia on Ukrainian territory. February will mark four years since the start of the invasion. The drums of war are increasingly beating, signaling a wider conflict. Exaggeration? Self-serving alarmism? The truth is, the geopolitical dynamic is undeniably unpleasant and uncomfortable. No one wants this drift toward war and rearmament. But reality is what it is: Putin's expansionism is explicit and relentless, as are the failures so far of US President Donald Trump in his role as mediator and peacemaker—a role marked by the disruptive closeness he has shown to Moscow and by the pressure on Ukraine to rearm and assume its right to self-defense. This is the situation. It is important not to lose sight of it.

Hehomo smartphone, this species that we have become by spending hours glued to the screens of our mobile phones, is so accustomed to rapid inputs that, sometimes, it is difficult to perceive the depth of the landscape that surrounds us.

Donald Trump's presidential style is affecting all areas. If last week he presented his unusual 'solution' for Gaza by directly proposing the "voluntary" expulsion of the Palestinians, this one has put the focus on Ukraine. His proposal, which he says he has already discussed with Vladimir Putin, is to end the war quickly with important concessions by Ukraine, which should cede territories to Russia and forget about joining NATO. At the Munich Conference that will end on Sunday, the positions will be defined for future negotiations.

It has been over three months since the war between Russia and Ukraine began. At the time of the outbreak of the conflict, it was already being said that, at home, the big losers would be livestock farmers. The dependence on cereals from the so-called "breadbasket of Europe" and the high energy consumption required by farms indicated that the sector would suffer. And indeed they have.