Rubio’s Europe Trip: US-Europe Relations Strained Under Trump?

Rubio Signals Shift in U.S. Approach to Europe, Bolsters Ties with Pro-Trump Leaders

Tuesday, February 17, 2026 – U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio concluded a two-day visit to Eastern Europe on Sunday, signaling a potential recalibration of the U.S. Relationship with the continent while reinforcing ties with leaders in Slovakia and Hungary who are aligned with President Donald Trump.

The visit followed Rubio’s address to the Munich Security Conference, where he sought to reassure European allies following concerns raised by previous Trump administration officials. While reiterating the need for Europe to assume greater responsibility for its own security, Rubio emphasized a desire for continued partnership. “We do not seek to separate, but to revitalize an old friendship and renew the greatest civilization in human history,” he stated in Munich, according to reports from the conference.

However, Rubio’s message wasn’t without its pointed critiques. He referenced concerns about European immigration policies, trade practices, and climate policies, echoing themes previously expressed by the Trump administration. He warned that armies “fight for a people, a nation, a way of life,” and that the U.S. And Europe must defend “a great civilization” against forces of “civilizational erasure.”

The Secretary of State’s trip focused specifically on Slovakia and Hungary, both countries led by conservative leaders often viewed as disruptive voices within the European Union. Hungary, under Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, and Slovakia, led by Prime Minister Robert Fico, have continued to purchase Russian energy despite the ongoing war in Ukraine. President Trump has exempted Hungary from U.S. Sanctions related to these purchases.

In Budapest, Rubio publicly endorsed Orbán, who is seeking a fifth consecutive term in office this April. “President Trump is deeply committed to your success, because your success is our success,” Rubio said at a joint news conference, according to reports. This endorsement comes despite Orbán’s track record of cracking down on media freedom, civil society, and judicial independence.

In Bratislava, Rubio met with both Slovak President Peter Pellegrini and Prime Minister Robert Fico. Discussions with Fico included potential agreements for U.S.-based Westinghouse to build a new nuclear power plant in Slovakia, following a nuclear cooperation agreement signed during Fico’s recent visit to Washington. Fico also expressed interest in purchasing an additional four F-16 fighter jets from the U.S., bringing Slovakia’s total to 18.

Rubio’s efforts to project a warmer tone in trans-Atlantic ties were met with mixed reactions. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said she was “very much reassured” by his remarks. However, some European officials remain wary, particularly in light of past disagreements, such as the recent dispute over Greenland.

Belgian Defense Minister Theo Francken described the current state of transatlantic relations as a “marriage crisis,” stating, “We have a marriage of 76 years old and we’re in a crisis.” He acknowledged that the relationship had experienced “fights” in recent months, citing the Greenland incident as a particularly contentious point. Francken suggested that Europe pushed back effectively on the U.S. Over Greenland, leading to a change in approach from Washington.

Kaja Kallas, the European Commission’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs, noted a shift in tone from the Trump administration compared to previous engagements, but also highlighted ongoing disagreements on issues such as immigration and climate change. She acknowledged that Europe is seeking to diversify its security partnerships and reduce its dependencies on any single nation, including the United States.

The visit also comes amid growing concerns about Russia’s actions, including the recent death of Alexei Navalny, which Kallas described as a demonstration of a “dictator’s handbook” – eliminating political opponents to maintain power. Kallas expressed skepticism about Russia’s stated willingness to negotiate a resolution to the conflict in Ukraine, suggesting that Moscow is merely attempting to achieve its goals through diplomatic means what it has failed to achieve militarily.

Rubio, while emphasizing the importance of a strong trans-Atlantic alliance, also made it clear that the U.S. Expects its European allies to invest more in their own defense and to share common values. “We want allies who can defend themselves so that no adversary will ever be tempted to test our collective strength,” he said.