Friday, February 13, 2026
The Munich Security Conference has become a critical platform for U.S. Democrats, who are urging European leaders to stand firm against the unpredictability of President Trump.
As divisions within the EU linger regarding how to approach the American president, prominent Democratic figures are leveraging the conference to advocate for a resilient stance against what they perceive as Trump’s coercive tactics.
California Governor Gavin Newsom has been vocal in his criticism, recently highlighting at the World Economic Forum in Davos the need for Europe to avoid appearing "pathetic" by catering to Trump’s demands. He sarcastically suggested that Trump should have "brought a bunch of kneepads with him."
Changing Dynamics
As the U.S. delegation, led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, prepares to take the stage, expectations are mixed. Europeans hope for a gentler approach compared to Vice President J.D. Vance’s controversial remarks from the previous year, which included sharp criticism of Europe’s immigration and free speech policies. Vance’s comments ignited intense debates across European capitals regarding the fundamental differences in values between the U.S. and Europe.
At this year’s conference, the backdrop is one of heightened tension, particularly as Trump continues to make provocative statements about U.S. interests in Greenland and imposes tariffs that complicate transatlantic relations. The German Chancellor, Friedrich Merz, set the tone at the conference by asserting that the "rules-based order no longer exists," reflecting widespread concerns about the state of global politics and European security.
Divisions in Strategy
Despite the call for a unified front, European leaders are divided in their responses to Trump. Some, including French President Emmanuel Macron, argue for a proactive diplomatic strategy in the face of Trump's so-called "wrecking ball politics." Meanwhile, others, such as NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, advocate for a more conciliatory approach to maintain stability.
Merz’s comments underscored the substantial rift that has emerged, noting that an unsettling divide has opened between Europe and the U.S. He emphasized that the culture wars associated with Trump's "Make America Great Again" movement do not resonate with European principles centered around human dignity and free trade.
Future Considerations
Looking ahead, Rubio acknowledged the rapidly changing geopolitical landscape and the need for a collective reassessment of responsibilities among allies. European leaders are particularly concerned about the implications of Trump's policies for NATO, especially as discussions of a potential European nuclear deterrent gain traction amid ongoing security threats from Russia and China.
In an appeal for renewed trust, Merz expressed hope for a revitalization of the transatlantic partnership, despite the present challenges. He concluded with a call for solidarity among European nations to protect their shared values and security interests.
As the conference progresses, the conversations around global security, the Russia-Ukraine conflict, and U.S.-China tensions will be pivotal in shaping the future of transatlantic relations, underscoring the need for unity amid an increasingly complex geopolitical environment.
Ukraine
Upon arrival in Munich, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky set an optimistic tone for the Conference, saying that it would bring "new steps toward our shared security - that of Ukraine and Europe". On Friday, as the BBC reports, Russia and Ukraine announced that a new round of peace talks, also involving the US, would take place in Geneva on 17-18 February, aimed at bringing Russia's full-scale, four-year invasion to an end. The three countries recently held talks in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), to no avail, although Ukraine and Russia carried out a rare prisoner-of-war exchange shortly after the meeting.
China and Taiwan
At the sidelines of the conference on Friday, Rubio met Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi , as Washington and Beijing seek to ease tensions over several issues, including trade and tariffs, as well as Taiwan.
Last week, China's President Xi Jinping called Taiwan "the most important issue" at stake between the US and China during a phone call with Trump. Xi also told the US president to be "prudent" when supplying weapons to the self-governing island, which Beijing views as a breakaway state it has not ruled out taking by force, and which has long been supplied militarily by the US.
Iran and the US
Finally, Iran's nuclear programme - which Tehran maintains is peaceful - is also expected to draw focus in Munich. Trump has threatened military action against Iran if it does not agree a new deal to prevent it from developing nuclear weapons.
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