U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio addressed the 62nd Munich Security Conference on 15 February 2026, offering a tone that was softer than his predecessor’s but still aligned with President Donald Trump’s line, although European leaders voiced both cautious optimism and lingering scepticism.
Rubio’s speech and European reactions
Rubio’s remarks received a standing ovation and focused on trans‑Atlantic solidarity, the need to combat deindustrialisation and mass migration, and criticism of post‑Cold‑War free‑trade policies. German Green Party leader Franziska Brantner warned that “the speech is another sign that Europe must become stronger and more independent” and rejected any notion of a policy shift.
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul praised the speech as a “good start” for dialogue but rejected additional U.S. Demands, insisting Europe will boost its competitiveness “on its own”. He also highlighted shared challenges such as critical minerals, cyber threats and pressure from Russia and China.
U.S. Officials critique Trump’s approach
California Governor Gavin Newsom, speaking to Deutsche Welle, said Trump is “in retreat” and urged a strong European response. Defence Minister Boris Pistorius warned the United States against “solo actions” that could undermine NATO’s cohesion, especially regarding U.S. Pressure on Greenland and the Ukraine conflict.
Rubio, who also serves as the President’s National Security Advisor—a dual role not seen since Henry Kissinger in the 1970s—spoke of the United States as “always a child of Europe”, emphasizing historical ties and a shared future prosperity.
Key points from the conference
Rubio warned that deindustrialisation and uncontrolled migration threaten Western societies, calling the former “a foolish post‑war illusion” and the latter “a grave threat to our civilisation”. He dismissed the idea of an “end of history” and labelled the current liberal‑democratic model a “dangerous deception”.
German officials stressed the need for a balanced burden distribution: Europe should lead in conventional forces while the United States continue to provide strategic and nuclear support.
Conference facts at a glance
The 62nd Munich Security Conference ran from 13 to 15 February 2026, chaired by Wolfgang Ischinger (acting for Jens Stoltenberg). The event hosted roughly 120 ministers and heads of state, including the U.S. Delegation led by Secretary Rubio.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the main message of Marco Rubio’s speech?
Rubio emphasized the enduring trans‑Atlantic partnership, warned against deindustrialisation and mass migration, and criticised post‑Cold‑War free‑trade models as outdated.
Who attended the 62nd Munich Security Conference?
More than 450 senior figures attended, among them leaders such as Marco Rubio, Friedrich Merz, Emmanuel Macron, Mark Rutte, Volodymyr Zelenskyj and Keir Starmer.
Why are European leaders concerned about U.S. Pressure on Greenland?
Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and Greenland’s premier Jens‑Frederik Nielsen described the U.S. Interest in Greenland as “unacceptable” and warned it threatens the island’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
How might the dynamics observed at this conference shape future trans‑Atlantic cooperation?
