U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio delivered a speech at the Munich Security Conference on February 14, 2026, emphasizing renewal of ties with Europe amid past tensions. He critiqued post-Cold War policies on trade, climate, and migration while affirming shared Western values. The address received a standing ovation and was seen as a message of reassurance by conference host Wolfgang Ischinger.
At the annual Munich Security Conference in Germany, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio addressed European allies on Saturday, February 14, 2026, following a year of strained relations under President Donald Trump. Rubio's speech came after Vice President JD Vance's 2025 address, which criticized European approaches to free speech and migration, and amid Trump's threats of tariffs on European nations over issues like Greenland.
Rubio highlighted America's deep roots in Europe, stating, "For us Americans, our home may be in the Western Hemisphere, but we will always be a child of Europe." He argued that post-Cold War optimism led to mistakes, including over-reliance on free trade that caused deindustrialization and dependence on rivals like China, energy policies to appease what he called a 'climate cult,' and unchecked mass migration threatening societal cohesion. "Controlling who and how many people enter our countries is not an expression of xenophobia. It is a fundamental act of national sovereignty," Rubio said.
He defended Western civilization, bound by "shared history, Christian faith, culture, heritage, language, ancestry, and sacrifice," and called for a 'new Western century' focused on sovereignty and renewal. On international institutions, Rubio noted the United Nations' failures in conflicts like Ukraine and Gaza, adding, "In a perfect world, these problems would be solved by diplomats and strongly-worded resolutions. But we do not live in a perfect world."
Regarding Russia's war in Ukraine, Rubio expressed uncertainty about Moscow's seriousness in negotiations but affirmed U.S. efforts to end the conflict. The speech elicited applause and a standing ovation. Conference chairman Wolfgang Ischinger described it as a 'sigh of relief' and reassurance. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz urged repairing trans-Atlantic trust, warning the U.S. cannot go alone, while French President Emmanuel Macron called for Europe to lead against Russian aggression.
Democrats like California Governor Gavin Newsom and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez offered contrasting views, with Ocasio-Cortez accusing the Trump administration of fostering an 'age of authoritarians.' Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi countered by blaming some countries for undermining global cooperation through Cold War mentalities.
