Tuesday, February 17, 2026-At the 2026 Munich Security Conference in Germany, a striking contrast emerged between the United States’ attempt to mend trans-Atlantic relations and signs that Europe is increasingly ready to chart its own path. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio delivered a keynote speech that struck a more conciliatory tone than last year’s confrontational rhetoric from American officials, acknowledging shared history and stressing the enduring connection between the United States and European nations. Rubio’s message emphasized cooperation on defense, trade, and global challenges as a way to sustain the long-standing alliance.
But beneath the diplomatic niceties, European leaders sent clear signals that deeper shifts are underway on the continent. Germany’s Chancellor Friedrich Merz, in his opening address, warned that the post-World War II rules-based international order “no longer exists” and pushed for a more autonomous European approach to security, economics, and global influence.
His comments reflected growing unease that European interests cannot always be tethered to U.S. leadership, especially in the face of rising great power competition with China and Russia. Merz stressed that Europe must unite its resources and strategic vision to resist external pressure and shape its own future.
The result was a mixed mood at Munich: polite applause for gestures toward unity, but unmistakable undertones of divergence. European officials cautiously welcomed renewed dialogue, yet many observers see a shift toward greater European strategic independence, particularly on defense and foreign policy. While the United States insists it is ready to “make up” — reinforcing ties and shared goals — Europe appears increasingly ready to “break up” from automatic reliance on Washington and pursue a more self-directed role on the global stage.
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