Rubio calls America the “Child of Europe” in reassuring Munich speech

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio urged European allies on Saturday to take responsibility for their own security by building stronger defence capabilities and reducing reliance on Washington, as he sought to soothe concerns about the future of the transatlantic alliance under President Donald Trump.

Rubio, speaking at the Munich Security Conference, said the U.S. wanted to see a more capable Europe that could act as a reliable partner, not a dependent. “We want Europe to be strong. We believe that Europe must survive because the two great wars of the last century serve for us as history’s constant reminder that, ultimately, our destiny is and will always be intertwined with yours,” he said.

Rubio’s address struck a constructive tone, emphasizing shared history and mutual interests while acknowledging past policy missteps on both sides of the Atlantic.

This year’s speech provided a stark contrast to the divisive tone set at the 2025 Munich Security Conference by then-Vice President JD Vance, whose remarks are widely remembered as a turning point in escalating transatlantic tensions. Vance had launched a blistering critique of Europe’s internal policies, accusing the continent of democratic backsliding through censorship, suppression of dissent, and exclusion of populist voices. “What I worry about is the threat from within, the retreat of Europe from some of its most fundamental values,” Vance declared, likening European actions to Soviet-era tactics and warning that the U.S. would condition its support on whether Europe upheld free speech and political legitimacy.

Vance’s address, which questioned Europe’s commitment to shared democratic values and criticized its handling of migration and free expression, shocked attendees and prompted strong pushback from European leaders, who saw it as an ideological assault rather than constructive dialogue.

The speech marked the beginning of a year of strained relations, including U.S. tariffs on European goods and Trump’s public mockery of allies.

‘The adult in the room’

In this context, Rubio’s personality emerged as a stabilizing force, often described as the “adult in the room” in Trump’s administration – a pragmatic diplomat balancing the president’s “America First” impulses with alliance-building.

Known for his measured, bipartisan approach during his Senate tenure and foreign policy expertise, Rubio has navigated Trump’s volatile style by advocating for reciprocity without outright confrontation. His Munich address exemplified this, offering reassurance while gently pressing Europe to step up.

“In a time of headlines heralding the end of the transatlantic era, let it be known and clear to all that this is neither our goal nor our wish, because for us Americans, our home may be in the western hemisphere, but we will always be a child of Europe,” Rubio emphasized, invoking a familial bond to underscore enduring ties.

He acknowledged mutual errors in the post-Cold War era, such as overreliance on trade to foster global stability and a “dangerous delusion” of a borderless world. “We made these mistakes together and now together we owe it to our people to face those facts and to move forward to rebuild,” Rubio said.

This nod to shared responsibility clearly contrasted with Vance’s accusatory tone.

Rubio’s comments aligned with broader MSC discussions on European strategic autonomy, including German Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s proposal for a European nuclear shield and French President Emmanuel Macron’s call for Europe to become a “geopolitical power.”

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The conference, attended by over 70 heads of state, highlighted the urgency of these issues as Europe contends with Russia’s war in Ukraine and potential U.S. disengagement.

I encourage all to read the full text of ⁦@SecRubio⁩ speech at ⁦@MunSecConf⁩. Some commentators criticize it, but IMO the overarching trust underscoring Europe’s and America’s historic bond and our common security and defense is spot on. https://t.co/GXIBzDsicl
— Andrew A. Michta (@andrewmichta) February 14, 2026

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Answering a question after his speech, Rubio expressed uncertainty about Russia’s intentions, stating, “I don’t know if Russia actually wants peace in Ukraine,” a surprising admission given the United States’ unparalleled intelligence capabilities and the many direct contacts recently held.

Overall, his speech signalled a preference for partnership over rupture, urging Europe to invest in defence to earn U.S. reciprocity. “This is why President Trump demands seriousness and reciprocity from our friends here in Europe. The reason why, my friends, is because we care deeply about your future and ours,” he concluded.

Rubio’s speech was met with sustained applause and visible relief from many European leaders and attendees, a stark contrast to the stunned silence and gloomy faces that greeted JD Vance’s confrontational remarks a year ago.

A so-called Berlin Format talks – focused on coordinating Europe’s position on Ukraine ahead of U.S.-led negotiations – proceeded without Rubio due to last-minute scheduling conflicts. A U.S. official explained that the U.S. top diplomat was engaging on Russia-Ukraine issues in other bilateral meetings in Munich instead.

Good cop. Bad cop. Same team. Don't be fooled by Rubio. pic.twitter.com/j8r02nyKlt
— Alan Friedman (@alanfriedmanit) February 14, 2026

With agencies and speech transcript.

Caption: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio speaks during the 62nd Munich Security Conference (MSC) at the hotel ‘Bayerischer Hof’, in Munich, Germany, 14 February 2026. The 62nd Munich Security Conference, running from 13 to 15 February 2026, is expected to host around 50 world leaders. EPA/RONALD WITTEK