Rubio Reassures Allies, Merz Calls for European Strength at Munich Security Conference

MUNICH — The 62nd Munich Security Conference, held February 14-15, 2026, showcased a shift in tone from the United States whereas also revealing growing European resolve to chart its own course. Secretary of State Marco Rubio delivered a speech aimed at reassuring European allies, a year after Vice President JD Vance’s address on free speech and democracy sparked concern. Simultaneously, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz delivered a stark assessment of the international order, urging greater European unity and self-reliance.

Rubio’s Reassuring Tone

Secretary Rubio adopted a softer approach compared to the previous year’s address by Vice President Vance, which many European leaders found critical of their immigration policies.^nytimes.com Rubio acknowledged the challenges of mass migration, stating that the U.S. Also faced similar issues. He argued that both the U.S. And Europe had operated under a “dangerous delusion” following the end of the Cold War, believing that liberal democracy would universally prevail and that economic ties alone would supersede national identity.^nytimes.com This, he suggested, contributed to an “unprecedented wave of mass migration that threatens the cohesion of our societies, the continuity of our culture, and the future of our people.”

Rubio emphasized the shared heritage between the U.S. And Europe, highlighting the contributions of various European groups – Scots-Irish, Germans, Italians, French, and Spanish – to the development of the United States.^apnews.com

The speech was well-received by many, with several U.S. Senators praising Rubio’s message. Vice President Vance called it “a great speech,” while Senators Katie Britt, Joni Ernst, and Lindsey Graham also expressed their support.^apnews.com

European Reactions and Calls for Independence

Despite the positive reception from some American lawmakers, Rubio’s speech did not resonate with all European leaders. European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas reportedly displayed a look of “horror” and did not join the standing ovation following the address.^nytimes.com

A more forceful message came from German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who delivered a speech on the opening day of the conference. Merz criticized what he termed “big power politics” waged by the U.S., China, and Russia, arguing that these nations were using natural resources and technology as bargaining chips in a “zero-sum game.”^nytimes.com He asserted that the existing international rules-based order “no longer exists.”

Merz urged European countries to unite their resources, build a stronger economy, and increase their defense capabilities, drawing lessons from the past. He pointed out that the European Union’s GDP is ten times that of Russia, but Europe has not fully leveraged its potential.^nytimes.com

A Shifting Transatlantic Relationship

The Munich Security Conference signaled a potential shift in the transatlantic relationship. While European leaders may offer polite applause to visiting U.S. Officials, the conference demonstrated a growing European determination to pursue its own interests and strengthen its own position on the world stage.^nytimes.com