Rubio in Munich: Rebuilding a Rocky Partnership

At the Munich Security Conference on February 14, 2026, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio gave a keynote speech that mixed reassurance with firm demands. He said the United States and Europe belong together and he urged Europeans to address problems such as mass migration, deindustrialization and trade practices that he said weaken the West. His language was less confrontational than some previous U.S. speeches, although it kept to the administration's wider themes about national sovereignty and stronger borders.

European leaders reacted with cautious relief. Many were reassured by Rubio’s expressed commitment to the trans‑Atlantic alliance, while others emphasized that Europe must become more independent in defense and economic policy. The speech has been viewed as an attempt to rebuild trust, but it has also been noted that disagreements remain over climate policy, Greenland and how to support Ukraine. Some agreements on cooperation have been proposed and practical steps are already being discussed. Therefore, officials from both sides are expected to continue talks and seek practical steps to cooperate while protecting their own interests.