US Secretary of State Marco Rubio reassured European leaders at the Munich Security Conference that the US remains committed to its transatlantic alliance. Emphasizing a shared destiny, Rubio declared, "We do not seek to separate but to revitalize an old friendship."
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Rubio's speech aimed to ease tensions, contrasting with previous criticisms from Vice-President JD Vance. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen welcomed Rubio’s remarks, finding them "very reassuring."
While affirming the alliance, Rubio criticized European policies on immigration, trade, and climate, referring to them as threats to civilization. He reiterated US calls for Europe to increase defence spending and self-reliance, stating, "We want allies who can defend themselves."
Rubio also addressed the need to rebuild international cooperation, singling out the UN for inefficacy in crises like Gaza and Ukraine. As US-Iran tensions rise, Rubio noted ongoing negotiations, with Oman hosting a second round of talks soon.
Amid conference discussions, UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer emphasized the importance of Europe’s self-defense and deeper UK-EU cooperation, calling for "closer economic alignment."
Addressing the Russian threat, Starmer announced a joint initiative deploying NATO forces to the Arctic. This move responds to increased Russian military activity in the region, echoing President Trump's security concerns involving Greenland.
At the conference's periphery, 200,000 protesters rallied against Iran's government, following violent crackdowns on recent protests. Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed skepticism about Russian intentions in Ukraine, calling Putin a "slave to war."
Zelensky resisted pressure for immediate elections under martial law, stressing the need for security measures and a ceasefire. European leaders, including Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, urged unity against Russia, advocating stronger European defense capabilities.
Frederiksen underscored the importance of respecting national sovereignty amidst discussions of Greenland. Concurrently, Finland's President Alexander Stubb highlighted the strategic value of Arctic NATO exercises.
Key Takeaways
Rubio emphasizes the US-EU alliance despite policy differences.
Calls for increased European defense amid Russian threats.
UK announces NATO deployments in the Arctic region.
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Adapted by ASEAN Now · Source · 14 Feb 2026