US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the United States and Europe “belong together” while outlining President Donald Trump’s vision for global “renewal and restoration”
Munich: Speaking at the Munich Security Conference in Munich, Germany, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington wants a strong and enduring partnership with Europe.
“We want Europe to be strong. We believe that Europe must survive,” Rubio said, emphasising that the transatlantic relationship remains central to US foreign policy.
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He added that while the United States is prepared to act alone if necessary, it prefers to work “together with you, our friends here in Europe.”
Trump administration’s vision of ‘renewal and restoration’; Rubio said the United States under President Donald Trump aims to lead a global “renewal and restoration”.
“The United States will be driven by a vision of a future as proud, as sovereign, and as vital as our civilisation’s past,” he told delegates at the annual security forum.
The speech comes at a time when European leaders are closely monitoring Washington’s evolving foreign policy direction, particularly on Russia and Ukraine.
Rubio’s remarks followed criticism after he skipped a scheduled meeting with European allies on the war in Ukraine, known as the Berlin Format.
The meeting included representatives from countries such as Germany, Poland and Finland, as well as the European Commission. Rubio cancelled his participation citing scheduling conflicts.
A US official said he was engaging on Russia-Ukraine issues in other meetings in Munich. However, one European official described the cancellation as “insane”, while another said the meeting lacked substance without US participation.
The move heightened concerns in European capitals that Washington may be reducing direct coordination with its allies on efforts to end the nearly four-year war in Ukraine.
Talks with German leadership
On the sidelines of the conference, Rubio held talks with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.
According to a German official, Ukraine was the central topic of discussion. The leaders also addressed negotiations with Russia, continued military aid for Kyiv, and Nato’s role.
Rubio reportedly commended Germany’s efforts to strengthen the military alliance.
After Munich, Rubio is scheduled to travel to Budapest to meet Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who is considered one of the European Union’s most pro-Russian leaders.
A senior US State Department official said the visit aims to strengthen ties with a European government that shares the Trump administration’s vision for peace in Ukraine.
Transatlantic alliance under scrutiny
The Munich Security Conference has long served as a barometer for the state of the transatlantic alliance. This year’s event comes amid heightened uncertainty over US-European relations.
US Democratic Senator Peter Welch told the Financial Times that allies fear being left to handle security challenges independently.
His remarks reflect broader anxiety among European leaders about the future of US commitments to Nato and collective security.
Rubio’s speech sought to reassure Europe of America’s continued partnership, even as diplomatic decisions and policy shifts have raised fresh questions about Washington’s long-term strategy towards Ukraine and its traditional allies.
(With AFP inputs)
Published: 14 Feb 2026, 02:09 pm IST
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