MUNICH – U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio extended a hand of partnership to Europe on Saturday, February 14, 2026, while simultaneously outlining a sobering assessment of the challenges facing allied nations. The speech, delivered at the Munich Security Conference, comes as transatlantic relations have faced scrutiny in recent years.
Addressing heads of state and government at the Hotel Bayerischer Hof in Munich, Rubio stated, “Our fate has been and remains inextricably linked to yours.”
The Secretary emphasized the United States’ commitment to the transatlantic alliance, stating that despite reports suggesting its decline, it is not Washington’s goal or desire to see it complete. “At a time when headlines proclaim the end of the trans-Atlantic era, it should be clear to everyone that this is not our goal or our wish,” Rubio said.
Rubio adopted a more conciliatory tone than former Vice President J.D. Vance, who delivered pointed criticisms of Europe at the same conference a year prior. “For us Americans, our homeland may be in the Western Hemisphere, but we will always remain sons and daughters of Europe,” Rubio stated.
The U.S. Recognizes the importance of a shared future, Rubio affirmed, adding, “If we sometimes disagree, this disagreement stems from our deep concern for Europe, with which we are connected not only economically and militarily, but also spiritually and culturally.”
But, Rubio also acknowledged past missteps, pointing to a “culture of climate absolutism” that he said led to flawed energy policies. He also argued that pursuing a borderless world resulted in “opening our doors to an unprecedented wave of mass migration.”
“We made these mistakes together,” Rubio said, adding that the United States is prepared to build changes on its own, but would prefer – and hopes – to do so with its “European friends.” “We belong to each other,” he stated, suggesting America is paving the way for “a new century of prosperity” and desires to see Europe standing alongside it, “proud of its heritage and history.”
Rubio also announced that the United States does not seek to “divide” NATO, but to “stimulate” it, in a message aimed at reassuring European leaders. “We do not seek division, but to stimulate an old friendship and renew the greatest civilization in the history of mankind,” he said, adding, “What we wish is a renewed alliance.”
The Secretary of State underscored the enduring bond between Washington and Europe, stating that America’s destiny is intertwined with that of the continent and that the U.S. Has no intention of abandoning the transatlantic alliance.
Rubio also affirmed the United States will continue to press for a peace agreement in Ukraine, but will await evidence of Russia’s genuine desire to end the conflict. “We do not know if the Russians are serious about ending the war. They say they are, we will continue to monitor that,” he said.
Rubio received frequent applause during his speech, which observers noted was more conciliatory in tone than anticipated, given recent shifts in U.S. National security and defense strategies.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz was not present in the hall during Rubio’s address, though he had met with the Secretary of State on Friday, February 13, 2026. According to German government sources, the discussions focused on the situation in Ukraine and Europe’s role within NATO.
In his opening remarks to the conference, Merz acknowledged existing gaps between Europe and the United States, calling for a fresh start to the relationship. “We must conclude on both sides of the Atlantic that together we are stronger,” he said.
