The US-Europe relationship was extensively examined during the Munich Security Conference. With world tensions escalating and the war in Ukraine continuing for what seems an indefinite period, all heads of state brought to Munich one simple question: Is the US still fully invested in Europe?
Marco Rubio, in his keynote address, provided the clearest answer possible — the alliance will continue, but it will be based on new terms.
A firm tone on trade, borders and global institutions
Confidently, Rubio opened with critiques of what he believed to be dangerous Western policies, including large-scale immigration to Western nations, environmentally-centred policies, and the over-dependence of Western economies on global supply chains. According to Rubio, these types of policies have made Western economies weaker, and dependent.
He also criticized the United Nations and expressed his opinion that it is ineffective and that reform, rather than blind faith in multilateralism should be utilized to address issues such as Gaza and Ukraine.
The majority of the audience in attendance initially viewed his statements as too similar to last year’s bombastic remarks from President JD Vance. Many in the audience began to fear another dramatic expansion in the already widening Transatlantic divide.
“Our destiny is intertwined”: reassurance for Europe
Next came the pivot.
As he made his remarks, Rubio stated that American and European destinies are still forever connected. According to Rubio, the U.S. is “the child of Europe” and that the transatlantic period is not over.
Applause was sparse but important. European leaders — Emmanuel Macron, Friedrich Merz and Keir Starmer — were all visibly relieved.
Relief was significant because there was doubt regarding Washington’s reliability following recent U.S. tariffs, policy unpredictability, and disputes over burden-sharing. Rubio reassured that U.S.-European alliances existed — but would evolve.
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Partnerships on Trump’s Terms
Rubio made it clear that the United States under President Donald Trump seeks a new and improved alliance — rather than a business-as-usual partnership.
Rubio called for increased NATO defenses, a commitment to European partners to spend increased amounts on defense expenditures, and the economic resilience of key resource-producing sectors such as mining and energy. The U.S., according to Rubio, did not wish to participate in “managed decline.” Rather, the United States was willing to reshape the international order — if necessary, alone — but would prefer to do so in cooperation with European allies.
Rubio did not provide much information about Ukraine. He did, however, say that there have been some reductions in the differences between the US and Europe, but that there were still some critical issues that have not yet been worked out. Many European leaders expressed frustration at how little pressure the US has applied to Russia.
what’s next
Rubio’s speech symbolizes a US-Europe relationship that is damaged but also lays out the foundation for a strategic US-Europe relationship. The alliance will not disband but it will require renegotiation.
The US’s message to Europe is that the transatlantic partnership continues to be vital to global stability; however, that Europe should adapt to the US’s new strategic vision.
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