Munich – The annual Munich Security Conference concluded on , leaving observers grappling with a palpable sense of unease regarding the future of transatlantic relations and the evolving global security landscape. While traditionally a forum for bolstering consensus, this year’s gathering was marked by stark disagreements, particularly between European and American leaders, and a renewed focus on European strategic autonomy.
The conference unfolded against a backdrop of growing anxieties surrounding the commitment of the United States to European security, fueled by recent rhetoric and policy shifts. US Vice President JD Vance’s criticism of European nations in 2025 cast a long shadow over proceedings, prompting a defensive posture from many European leaders. This year, French President Emmanuel Macron urged Europe to “wake up,” signaling a growing impatience with perceived American unreliability. He and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz both announced the commencement of discussions regarding a European nuclear deterrent, a move indicative of a desire to lessen dependence on the US security umbrella.
The UK Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, echoed the call for greater European cooperation on defence, stating his country was “not the Britain of the Brexit years” and advocating for a closer defence relationship with the continent. However, Starmer was quick to emphasize that strengthening ties with Europe would not come at the expense of the UK’s relationship with the United States or its commitment to NATO.
A noticeable shift in tone from the US delegation emerged with Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s address on . Rubio struck a more conciliatory note than Vance had the previous year, acknowledging the deep ties between the US and Europe. “The US is deeply tied to Europe, and our futures have always been linked and will continue to be,
” he stated. Despite this, Rubio outlined a vision of a US intent on shaping a new world order, adding that Washington was “prepared, if necessary, to do this alone,” but expressed a preference for collaboration with European allies. This statement, however, did little to assuage concerns given the recent polling data indicating a decline in favourability towards the US among the six largest European countries.
The growing rift was openly acknowledged by Chancellor Merz, who stated, “A rift has opened up between Europe and the United States.
” He further distinguished European values from what he termed the “culture war of the Maga movement,” emphasizing Europe’s commitment to free trade and human dignity. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas similarly condemned “fashionable euro-bashing” from the US, asserting that Europe represents values “that are still highly regarded” globally.
Beyond the transatlantic tensions, a surprising element of the conference revolved around the continued interest of former US President Trump in Greenland. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen revealed that she believes Trump still harbors a desire to acquire the island, despite recent indications to the contrary. A US-Denmark-Greenland working group has been established to address US security concerns in the Arctic, but Frederiksen expressed concern over the “unacceptable” pressure being placed on the Greenlandic people.
The ongoing conflict in Ukraine also remained a central focus. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, in his address, emphasized Kyiv’s commitment to ending the war but stressed the necessity of robust security guarantees. He stated that Ukraine requires security assurances for a minimum of 20 years from the US as a prerequisite for any peace deal, and also called for a clear timeline for Ukraine’s accession to the European Union. Notably, Secretary Rubio did not participate in a Ukraine-focused meeting with European leaders and offered limited commentary on the conflict during his speech.
The conference also served as a platform for potential future Democratic presidential contenders. California Governor Gavin Newsom, Arizona Senator Ruben Gallego, and Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer were all in attendance, advocating for a stronger European response to potential challenges from a second Trump administration. Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, however, garnered significant attention with her articulation of an “alternative vision” for US foreign policy, criticizing Trump’s actions and warning of an “age of authoritarianism.” She also suggested a re-evaluation of unconditional US military aid to Israel.
The 2026 Munich Security Conference, concluded not with a reaffirmation of established alliances, but with a series of pointed questions about the future of the international order. The growing divergence between the US and Europe, coupled with the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the persistent geopolitical ambitions of figures like Donald Trump, has created a climate of uncertainty and prompted a renewed focus on European strategic autonomy. Whether Europe can successfully navigate these challenges and forge a cohesive path forward remains to be seen.
