Rubio Urges U.S.-Europe Unity but Nobody Trusts Trump Anymore

The Greek Courier

Published On 14 Feb 2026

At the annual Munich Security Conference, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized the need for renewed unity between the United States and Europe after a turbulent year in transatlantic relations. However, his message did not resonate positively among European leaders, especially due to his critiques of their climate and migration policies.

Rubio's speech, while receiving a standing ovation, fell short on specific commitments and notably omitted mention of Russia—an oversight some attendees found troubling amid growing geopolitical tensions. “In a time of headlines heralding the end of the transatlantic era, let it be known... we will always be a child of Europe,” he proclaimed. He insisted on the importance of solidarity between the U.S. and Europe.

While Rubio acknowledged Europe’s cultural milestones, he was clear in his stance that the Trump administration aims to redefine the transatlantic alliance according to its priorities. He voiced concern over the supposed “dangerous delusion” stemming from the Cold War victory, which led Western nations to oversell the idea of liberal democracy universally achieving global dominance and neglecting the complexities of national sovereignty.

His comments regarding migration and climate policies sparked discontent among European officials. He criticized the response to migration as opening “doors to an unprecedented wave of mass migration” harmful to societal cohesion, and he argued against energy policies that he claimed impoverished the populace by pandering to a “climate cult.”

European leaders expressed varied reactions to Rubio's message. Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission, described his speech as “very reassuring,” yet noted that some within the U.S. administration maintain a harsher rhetoric on these issues.

Other leaders adopted a more cautious perspective. Gabrielius Landsbergis, former foreign minister of Lithuania, pointed out that many Europeans do not view migration and deindustrialization as core uniting interests, focusing instead on security as their main concern. “This was not a departure from the general position of the administration…it was simply delivered in more polite terms,” he remarked.

Al Jazeera's James Bays, reporting from Munich, indicated that despite the softer tone from Rubio, the underlying policies of the Trump administration are unlikely to change significantly. He noted lingering issues, including past U.S. tariffs on European allies and concerns surrounding Ukraine, which continue to strain relations.

European allies remain wary of U.S. intentions, particularly regarding Ukraine. Recent fears have surfaced that Trump may advocate for a resolution that favors Russia over Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed concern over U.S. pressure for concessions from Kyiv, suggesting that such compromises could endanger long-term peace.

In the backdrop of heightened tensions, the EU's foreign affairs chief, Kaja Kallas, urged against viewing concessions as a viable solution, warning that succumbing to aggressors could only lead to a temporary cessation of hostilities.

Donald Jensen, a former U.S. diplomat, highlighted that serious discrepancies persist between Washington and Europe, suggesting that Rubio's conciliatory tone may not suffice to bridge these gaps. He remarked that there is an inconsistency in the U.S. administration's approach toward European partners, making it difficult for them to navigate the evolving relationship.

Ultimately, while Rubio's address aimed to reassure European allies, his critiques of policies and lack of substantial commitments fell flat, reflecting deeper challenges in the transatlantic partnership.