🤝 U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio used a closely watched speech at the Munich Security Conference to tell European leaders that Washington is not walking away from the transatlantic relationship — and to press for a renewed U.S.-Europe partnership 3125. His remarks landed amid strained ties over trade and defense spending, and after a more confrontational tone from Vice President J.D. Vance at the same forum last year that left some European officials uneasy about how durable U.S. commitments are 3257.
Rubio mixed reassurance with sharp criticism of some European policy choices, including on immigration, trade, and climate. He urged closer alignment with President Trump’s vision, which emphasizes tougher border control and rebuilding industrial and military strength 126. Coverage and commentary split over what the speech really signaled: some heard an olive branch meant to keep cooperation intact, while others argued it carried a deeper message that Europe must make hard policy and sovereignty choices if it wants the alliance to thrive 35746.
Sources
- Rubio Says US and Europe 'Belong Together', Urges Alignment With Trump's Vision for Western Revival [allsides.com] (2026-02-16)
- Rubio says US and Europe 'belong together' despite tensions [allsides.com] (2026-02-16)
- The U.S. ready to make up, Europe ready to break up in Munich [npr.org] (2026-02-16)
- The Kinds of Abstractions Armies Fight For [nationalreview.com] (2026-02-16)
- What We Learned From Marco Rubio's Foreign Policy Speech to European Leaders [allsides.com] (2026-02-16)
- Rubio's charm conceals a brutal truth [allsides.com] (2026-02-16)
- 5 takeaways from a tense Munich Security Conference [thehill.com] (2026-02-16)
Highlights
- Quoted framing: Rubio said the U.S. and Europe’s destinies "will always be intertwined" and cast the aim as revitalizing "an old friendship" 2.
- Trade and industry: Commentary highlighted Rubio’s argument that Europe’s commitment to global free trade has driven deindustrialisation and hollowed out supply chains 6.
- Energy and climate: Rubio accused Europeans of trying to appease a "climate cult" and argued their energy policies have impoverished the continent, according to commentary 6.
- Sovereignty warning: Rubio criticized European transfers of sovereignty to international organisations — a swipe that commentary said extended to the EU itself 6.
Perspectives
Secretary of State Marco Rubio: Rubio told European leaders the U.S. and Europe should renew the relationship, while urging them to align with President Trump’s priorities on borders and rebuilding industrial and military strength 15.
European leaders (as described by NPR): European officials listened to Rubio’s reassurance but stayed skeptical, reflecting lingering doubts after months of tensions and U.S. rhetoric that has sometimes been critical of NATO 3.
The Hill analysis: The Hill framed the conference as a window into strained transatlantic ties under President Trump’s approach, with leaders debating security commitments and what the alliance should look like going forward 7.
AllSides commentary: A separate opinion piece argued Rubio’s smoother delivery made themes that sparked backlash during Vice President J.D. Vance’s Munich appearance a year earlier easier for the room to accept — and that it even drew a standing ovation 6.
National Review commentary: National Review read Rubio’s speech as a call to defend broader civilizational ideals, arguing observers missed its emphasis on a shared Western identity 4.