Speaking at the Munich Security Conference on Saturday, Rubio did not apologize for the Trump administration's repeated calls for the annexation of Greenland or his at times harsh criticism of Europe. However, he adopted a more conciliatory tone, emphasizing that the United States wanted work with Europe to “rekindle old friendships”.
“We don't want allies to rationalize the broken status quo instead of thinking about what is needed to fix it,” Rubio said. “We in America are not interested in being polite and obedient custodians of the West's ongoing decline,” he stressed.
Rubio appealed to the gathered world leaders to join in the criticism of the global order that led to President Donald Trump's return to office last year. He repeated the administration's allegations about the failures of international institutions, unrestricted trade and energy policies that he said are “impoverishing our nation,” and “mass migration that threatens the cohesion of our societies.”
“We made these mistakes together and now together we owe it to our citizens to face them and move forward,” he said. — We prefer and hope to do it together with you, our friends here in Europe, he added.
“The United States and Europe should stick together,” Rubio said.
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His speech came after top European leaders on Friday said they were ready to rebuild closer ties with the United States, but stressed that the continent is proud of its traditions, will enforce its own rules and will press to reduce its dependence on external entities – including the United States.
In his speech, Rubio emphasized the economic, military, cultural and spiritual ties between the United States and Europe, but downplayed the shared values that once underpinned the Western alliance.
— We want Europe to be strong. We believe that Europe must survive, he said, adding: Our fate is and will always be linked to yours, because we know that the fate of Europe will never be irrelevant to our national security.
Despite the Ukraine issue weighing heavily on this year's conference, Rubio made no significant mention of a full-scale Russian invasion, except to use it as an example of the failure of the United Nations.
— It did not solve the conflict in Ukraine. It took American leadership and partnership with many of the countries here today to get both sides to talk in search of a still-unattainable peace, he said.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio delivers a speech at the 62nd Munich Security Conference, February 14, 2026.Halil Sagirkaya/Anadolu via Getty Images/Getty Images
Rubio's criticism of Europe, however, was milder than Vice President J.D. Vance's sharp attack on the continent last year, though it still pointed to the MAGA culture wars that some Trump advisers are increasingly waging in Europe.
“We are united by the deepest bonds that can divide nations, consolidated over centuries of common history, Christian faith, culture, heritage, language, origins and sacrifices made by our ancestors for the common civilization of which we are the heirs,” Rubio said.
“He was trying to escape the ghost of J.D. Vance.”
The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, said that “she was very reassured by the Secretary of State's speech“, calling him a “good friend” and “strong ally.”
“We know that some members of the administration are taking a tougher tone on these issues,” she admitted, without mentioning the name of the US president or vice president.
American Democratic Party politicians who appeared in Munich said that Rubio's speech meant a change of tonebut they were not convinced that it would affect the essence of transatlantic relations.
“He clearly tried to escape J.D. Vance's confrontational spirit by trying to calm him down and reassure him of his support, but the speech was so lacking in substance and substance that ultimately its impact will be very limited,” said Sen. Richard Blumenthal, a Democratic member of the Senate Armed Services Committee.
— I don't think the speech was an attempt to close the chapter [po Grenlandii]but just surviving this moment. It didn't work no signs that Rubio is backing down from his antagonism and hostility – he added.
Sen. Thom Tillis, the top Republican on the Senate NATO Observing Group, praised Rubio's speech, saying it reinforced his efforts to assure allied leaders that NATO will survive.
“I thought it was great,” Tillis said. — We all know that this speech would not have been given if the White House had not agreed to it. So I think that this is not only a message from Marco, but also from the president – he concluded.
I’m Ashley Davis as an editor, I’m committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity and accuracy in every piece we publish. My work is driven by curiosity, a passion for truth, and a belief that journalism plays a crucial role in shaping public discourse. I strive to tell stories that not only inform but also inspire action and conversation.
