At the Munich Security Conference, Secretary of State Marco Rubio told European leaders the United States and Europe remain bound by history, culture, and shared interests. Speaking on the sidelines of the annual gathering in Germany, Rubio said the two sides “belong together” and described America as Europe’s “child,” signaling continuity even as policy differences remain.
He also made clear that Washington expects change. Rubio said the United States is prepared to rebuild strained ties, but only around what he described as shared values. He pointed to border security, cultural identity, and a reassessment of climate policies as areas where Europe should reconsider its direction.
A day earlier, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz argued that Europe does not need to adopt American culture wars. French President Emmanuel Macron defended national sovereignty in handling misinformation and democratic processes.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky brought urgency to the conference, detailing the toll of Russia’s invasion and urging stronger European defense coordination. His remarks underscored the ongoing war as the central security challenge facing the continent.
The tone in Munich reflected both relief and unease as allies weigh the future of the transatlantic partnership.
