Harris to attend Munich Security Conference this month

Vice President Harris will attend the Munich Security Conference later this month, a source familiar with the matter confirmed to The Hill on Monday.

Harris is expected to attend the conference on Feb. 20, the source said. The event is scheduled to take place from Feb. 18 to Feb. 20 in a reduced capacity due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The vice president’s office did not immediately respond to a request for comment, and it’s unclear whether Harris will speak or what her remarks would focus on.

The event is expected to focus on challenges facing the globe, including the pandemic and climate crisis. The security conference is also taking place amid concerns among the U.S. and its European allies about a potential Russian invasion of Ukraine.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz visited the White House on Monday to discuss coordination with President Biden on countering Russian aggression.

“Germany is one of America’s closest allies,” Biden said. “We’re working in lockstep to further deter Russian aggression in Europe and to address the challenges posed by China and to promote stability in the Western Balkans.”

The trip to Munich would be Harris’s second time in Europe since being sworn in as vice president. She previously conducted what aides hailed as a successful trip to France to smooth over relations after a dust-up over a submarine deal between the U.S., the United Kingdom and Australia.