MUNICH – The annual Munich Security Conference concluded Sunday with a palpable, if carefully managed, tension between the United States and its European allies, despite Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s efforts to project a unified front. Held at the Hotel Bayerischer Hof, the conference, often dubbed “Davos with guns,” saw a flurry of bilateral meetings and public statements focused on a shifting global order and the future of transatlantic security.
Rubio’s address, delivered Saturday, marked a distinct departure from the confrontational tone adopted by Vice President J.D. Vance at last year’s conference, where he sharply criticized European defense spending and commitment to NATO. This year, Rubio emphasized the enduring ties between the U.S. And Europe, stating that America “will always be a child of Europe,” and acknowledging the shared historical and cultural foundations of the two continents. He highlighted the sacrifices made by allied forces in conflicts from Korea to Afghanistan, countering narratives of European underperformance.
“Their very destinies are intertwined and, Americans seek ‘not to separate but to revitalize an old friendship,’” Rubio said, prompting a standing ovation. Other U.S. Officials present, including U.N. Ambassador Mike Waltz and Undersecretary of Defense Elbridge Colby, echoed this sentiment, reaffirming the U.S. Commitment to European defense and the continued applicability of the U.S. Nuclear deterrent.
However, beneath the surface of diplomatic cordiality, a strong current of European resolve to increase strategic autonomy was evident. Several European leaders explicitly called for greater independence from the United States, citing concerns about the reliability of U.S. Leadership and the potential for a shift in American foreign policy priorities.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz emphasized the need to “repair and rewrite transatlantic trust,” whereas acknowledging Germany’s inability to guarantee its own security independently. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer advocated for reducing the United Kingdom’s reliance on U.S. Military capabilities, and Austrian and French officials pledged to deliver a “strong and independent Europe.” European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated bluntly, “Europe must develop into more independent – there is no other choice.”
This push for greater autonomy is not necessarily a rejection of the transatlantic alliance, but rather a response to perceived vulnerabilities and a desire to diversify risk. The sentiment reflects a growing recognition of the dangers of overdependence on the U.S. For defense, technology, and market access. Latvia’s Prime Minister Evika Siliņa even raised the possibility of a European nuclear deterrent, potentially built upon France’s existing force de frappe, asking, “Why not?”
The conference also served as a forum for acknowledging the profound changes reshaping the international order. Secretary Rubio acknowledged that “the old world is gone,” a sentiment echoed by Chancellor Merz, who stated that the post-World War II order “no longer exists.” This widespread recognition of a shifting global landscape fueled discussions about the need for new approaches to security and diplomacy.
Alongside the core transatlantic discussions, the conference addressed a range of pressing global challenges, including the ongoing war in Ukraine, regional conflicts in the Middle East, and the security implications of technological advancements. Delegates from over 70 countries attended, including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, and Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado.
The Munich Security Conference concluded without any major breakthroughs or concrete agreements. While Secretary Rubio’s conciliatory tone appeared to ease some tensions, the underlying desire for greater European strategic autonomy remains. The conference underscored the complex and evolving nature of transatlantic relations, and the challenges of navigating a rapidly changing global order. The next Munich Security Conference is scheduled for February 2027, where these issues are certain to remain at the forefront of international discussion.
