Rubio Urges Europe to Join US in Saving the West at Munich

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio addressed top leaders from around the world at the Munich Security Conference in Germany on February 14, 2026. He called on Europe to change its policies on migration and climate to help save Western civilization. Rubio said the US wants strong partners across the Atlantic but warned that America has limits on its support. The speech came one year after Vice President JD Vance gave a tough talk at the same event that upset many Europeans.

Background

The Munich Security Conference brings together heads of state, defense ministers, and other key figures each year to discuss global security issues. This year's event, which ran from Friday to Sunday, focused on tensions between the US and Europe. Leaders from Germany and France spoke on Friday about worries over cracks in the alliance. About 50 global leaders attended, including Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Rubio led the US team as Secretary of State. He has held several roles in the Trump administration, including acting national security advisor and others. Last year, Vance spoke at Munich and said Europe's real problem was not outside threats like Russia or China, but issues inside, such as censorship and political correctness. He pointed to policies that limit speech and religious freedom. Trump called that speech brilliant at the time. Vance did not attend this year due to security reasons for top officials.

Tensions have grown between the US and Europe. The Trump team has criticized Europe for relying too much on American money and military power. They point to what they see as too much focus on political correctness and weak security. Rubio left for Germany on Thursday after warning allies that the US is not focused only on Europe and has limited resources.

Key Details

Rubio's speech on Saturday was softer than Vance's but carried the same main points. He said the US and Europe belong together and their fates are linked. America sees itself as a child of Europe.

"We do not want allies to rationalize the broken status quo rather than reckon with what is necessary to fix it, for we in America have no interest in being polite and orderly caretakers of the West's managed decline."

Rubio blamed policies on climate and mass migration for harming Western societies. He called climate change fears a cult and said migration threatens the fabric of nations. He urged Europe to reindustrialize, build up defenses, and put national interests first over a vague global order.

He pushed for an alliance that acts boldly, not one stopped by fears of war, technology, or climate. Rubio said the US wants allies who can defend themselves, making everyone stronger. Weak partners hurt America too.

European leaders had mixed views. Some welcomed the warmer tone. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said she felt reassured about US ties after the speech. Others stayed cautious. French Deputy Defense Minister Alice Rufo expressed worry over US documents that talk of Europe's decline. She said Europe must read them carefully.

Talks on Ukraine

Rubio met with officials on Ukraine. He said talks to end the war are moving forward at technical levels. Military officials from both sides met last week for the first time in years. But no big agreement yet. Rubio wants to test if Russia and Ukraine can find terms both accept. Ukraine's Zelenskyy pushed for a date to join the EU in 2027.

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas pushed back on Rubio's call to save the West. She said the EU does not need saving.

Rubio also criticized the United Nations for doing nothing on conflicts.

White House spokeswoman Olivia Wales said before the speech that Trump has the best team, with Vance and Rubio working together for America First policies. They have ended long wars, brought peace to the Middle East, and strengthened the Americas.

After Munich, Rubio planned trips to Hungary and Slovakia. These countries lean nationalist and closer to Russia, sending a signal amid EU and NATO strains.

What This Means

Rubio's words show the Trump administration's foreign policy: peace through strength, America First, but with calls for Europe to step up. The US wants Europe to spend more on defense and change internal policies. This could lead to more burden-sharing in NATO, where America pays a big share now.

Europe faces pressure to boost its military and economies. Some leaders see Rubio's approach as a chance to work together. Others fear a harder US line, like threats over Greenland or less support for Ukraine.

The speech got a standing ovation, but reactions split along lines. Pro-US voices in Europe praised the unity talk. Critics worry it masks demands for big changes. Transatlantic ties hang in balance as both sides eye security needs.

For Ukraine, progress in talks offers hope but no quick end. Military meetings are a start, yet terms remain far apart. Rubio's focus on testing Russia's seriousness keeps pressure on.

Overall, the conference highlighted two views of the West: one pushing reform and strength, the other defending current paths. Leaders left with work ahead to align on threats from Russia, migration, and internal divides. Rubio's trip to eastern Europe may build bridges with skeptics of Brussels. The alliance aims to race forward, not decline.