Trump's “work” may surpass him. It has awakened forces in Europe that threaten the United States
On Friday, more European leaders appeared on the podium at the Munich security conference and talked about increasing military budgets and transforming the transatlantic alliance into “NATO 3.0.”
Secondly, however, they appealed for European patriotism and called on the continent to strengthen its own arms, space and technology sectors to reduce dependence on external entities – including the United States.
To emphasize the importance of the matter more strongly, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz switched to English. Addressing the American delegates present at the summit, he said: “Dear friends, NATO membership is not only a competitive advantage for Europe, but also for the United States. So let's repair and revitalize transatlantic trust. We, Europeans, are doing our part.”
European leaders meeting at the Munich Security Conference, Germany, February 13, 2026.PAP/EPA/Kay Nietfeld / POOL / PAP
“We must step up and ensure all elements of geopolitical power: defense, technology and risk reduction for all great powers so that they become less dependent,” said French President Emmanuel Macron in a rousing speech in which he extolled the virtues of the European model and the European way of life.
— The EU should be more proud – he said – and not believing in it is “a huge mistake.”
Americans in Munich emphasized that they are pleased with the increase in defense spending as the United States focuses again on its own hemisphere and the Asia-Pacific region.
European-American relations are like an old married couple who don't divorce but move into separate bedrooms.
New contract
Other European leaders, including the Prime Minister of (traditionally close to the US and neutral) Sweden, Ulf Kristersson, also emphasized the mutual benefits of the post-war alliance, suggesting coordination among themselves.
During the leaders' meeting in Munich, he wrote on X that the Western alliance is too important to allow it to fall apart. “The relationship between the United States and Europe is under strain but must be maintained,” he wrote, adding: “We must honestly acknowledge that our relationship has suffered. This does not mean that we should abandon the transatlantic relationship.”
EU Defense Commissioner Andrius Kubilius also talked about transforming the Western alliance, downplaying any changes in transatlantic relations following Trump's recent threats to annex Greenland. Appearing on the “POLITICO Pub” program, he said there was a chance for the EU to take control of its defense capabilities.
— We took it for granted that the transatlantic relationship meant that the United States would be present in Europe and would spend its resources here – said Kubilius, but also repeated his call for the creation of a European rapid reaction force of up to 100,000. soldiers who will be able to replace American soldiers if they are called to the US.
Europeans also stressed that they will continue to support Ukraine with money and weapons, while American support under Trump is reduced to almost zero. Macron emphasized that there can be no agreement to end the war without taking Europe into account.
Change of US tone
Before leaving for Germany, US Secretary of State Rubio emphasized that the alliance would continue. The future of America and Europe “has always been connected and will remain so… so we just need to talk about what that future will look like,” he said.
But there may be flashpoints ahead, and European leaders have drawn the line when it comes to trade tariffs and Make America Great Again efforts to shape European politics in Trump's image by supporting populist parties.
“The MAGA culture war is not our war,” Merz said. — Our freedom of speech ends when these statements are contrary to human dignity and the constitution. We do not believe in tariffs and protectionism, but in free trade.
In his speech, Macron emphasized how different Europe is from Trump's America on everything from freedom of speech to technology regulation and respect for science.
— Such a Europe will be a good ally and partner for the United States. Will be a partner who is respected, [bo] we must be respected. We have done a lot and we will do even more, Macron said.
