Munich, Germany – U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio attempted to reassure skeptical European allies at the Munich Security Conference on Saturday, signaling a shift in tone from previous administrations while still urging reforms and highlighting shared concerns about societal cohesion. The effort comes after a period of strained transatlantic relations, punctuated by the combative approach of former Vice President J.D. Vance at the same conference last year and the broader disruptive policies of the Trump administration.
Rubio’s address, which drew a standing ovation, explicitly sought to “revitalize an old friendship” with Europe, framing the relationship not merely as a strategic alliance but as a shared civilization rooted in history, faith, and culture. “We are bound to one another by the deepest bonds that nations could share, forged by centuries of shared history, Christian faith, culture, heritage, language, ancestry and the sacrifices our forefathers made together for the common civilization to which we have fallen heir,” Rubio stated, according to reports. This emphasis on cultural and historical ties represents a departure from purely transactional rhetoric, though it also echoes themes familiar to the “America First” base.
The shift in tone was welcomed by European leaders, with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen describing herself as “very much reassured” and calling Rubio a “good friend” and “strong ally.” However, beneath the surface of polite diplomacy, a sense of unease persists. Several officials, speaking on the sidelines of the conference, likened the current dynamic to an “abusive relationship,” characterized by fluctuating behavior and a tendency to blame the victim. U.S. Senator Ruben Gallego, a Democrat from Arizona, described the situation as a “roller coaster of emotions” for European policymakers, adding, “I feel like the toxic girlfriend or toxic boyfriend right now… and Europe just wants us to be better.”
The need for reassurance stems from a period of significant disruption in U.S. Foreign policy. President Trump’s administration has pursued policies that have directly challenged European interests, including aggressive trade disputes, questioning the future of NATO, and even attempting to annex Greenland. These actions, coupled with Vance’s sharply critical remarks at last year’s Munich conference – rebuking European leaders for marginalizing far-right parties and accusing them of curbing free speech – created a climate of deep distrust. Rubio’s speech was, in part, an attempt to repair that damage.
However, Rubio’s message wasn’t solely one of reconciliation. He also delivered a pointed critique of Europe’s post-Cold War trajectory, arguing that a period of “euphoria” had led to complacency regarding defense spending, economic vulnerabilities through outsourcing, and societal challenges related to immigration. He suggested that both the U.S. And Europe had made “mistakes together” and now had a shared responsibility to “rebuild.” This framing, while presented as constructive criticism, implicitly echoed concerns about societal cohesion and national identity that resonate with the Trump administration’s political base.
The Secretary of State’s speech also touched on the need for Europe to strengthen its own defenses, implicitly criticizing what he characterized as a prioritization of welfare programs over self-defense. This aligns with longstanding U.S. Pressure on European nations to meet NATO’s defense spending targets. Rubio argued that the U.S. And Europe “belong together,” emphasizing the intertwined nature of their destinies and the shared sacrifices made throughout history. He acknowledged that the U.S. May be geographically located in the Western Hemisphere, but asserted that it would “always be a child of Europe.”
The contrast between Rubio’s approach and that of his predecessor, J.D. Vance, was stark. While Vance delivered a combative address that rattled European capitals, Rubio paired criticism with repeated affirmations of shared destiny and a conciliatory tone. This shift suggests a deliberate effort to stabilize transatlantic relations, even as the underlying tensions and disagreements remain. The speech, however, did not fully address the specific policy concerns that have fueled the recent strain, such as trade disputes or the future of NATO.
The long-term impact of Rubio’s speech remains to be seen. While it was well-received in Munich, the underlying challenges to the transatlantic alliance – stemming from divergent economic interests, differing views on global security, and the unpredictable nature of the Trump administration – are unlikely to disappear overnight. The question now is whether this rhetorical shift will translate into concrete policy changes and a more stable and predictable relationship between the U.S. And its European allies.
