MUNICH, Feb. 16 (Xinhua) -- The future role of the European Union (EU) as a global actor and its relations with Russia and the United States are among the key focuses of the 54th Munich Security Conference (MSC), which officially opened here Friday afternoon.

Over 500 participants from around the world attended the three-day major annual gathering for international security issues, amid uncertain transatlantic relations and challenges to the liberal international order, mainly protectionism and nationalism.

In addition, participants will also discuss an array of global security issues, such as conflicts in the Middle East, especially the deteriorating relations between the Gulf states, and political developments in the Sahel region in Africa.

Moreover, arms control issues will be a point of emphasis, in particular the Democratic People's Republic of Korea's nuclear program.

"Last year, the world came much too close to the brink of a significant conflict," MSC Chairman Wolfgang Ischinger said ahead of the conference.

"The escalating rhetoric of individual decision-makers is a very disconcerting development. Whether on the Korean peninsula, in the Persian Gulf, or in Eastern Europe -- just a single wrong decision taken in this charged situation could quickly trigger a dangerous chain reaction," said Ischinger.