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US and Europe face pivotal moment at Munich Security Conference
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has described the current geopolitical climate as a "new era" as he arrives in Munich for the annual security summit, where transatlantic relations top the agenda.
Rubio signals shift in US approach to Europe
Speaking to reporters ahead of his address, Rubio acknowledged rapid global changes but stopped short of promising a more conciliatory tone than last year, when US Vice-President JD Vance sharply criticized European policies on free speech and immigration. Rubio emphasized the need for allies to "re-examine" their roles in the evolving landscape.
"We live in a new era in geopolitics, and it's going to require all of us to sort of re-examine what that looks like and what our role is going to be."
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio
European leaders push for strategic autonomy
French President Emmanuel Macron has reiterated calls for Europe to reduce its dependence on the US, while German Chancellor Friedrich Merz urged Washington to "repair and revive transatlantic trust" in his opening remarks. Merz also disclosed ongoing "confidential talks" with Macron about establishing a joint European nuclear deterrent-a move that could reshape NATO's security framework.
Currently, only France and the UK possess nuclear capabilities in Europe, with most NATO members relying on the US nuclear umbrella. The proposal reflects growing unease over Washington's long-term commitment to the alliance.
Greenland dispute casts shadow over NATO unity
Tensions have flared after President Donald Trump renewed claims that Greenland-a semi-autonomous Danish territory-is critical to US national security, alleging (without evidence) heavy Russian and Chinese maritime activity in the region. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen confirmed plans to meet Rubio in Munich to address the threats, which European leaders view as a breach of trust.
Eight former US ambassadors to NATO and eight retired American commanders in Europe issued an open letter ahead of the conference, warning that the alliance is a "force-multiplier" for US influence and not a "charity."
Defense spending and Ukraine war dominate discussions
With 50 world leaders in attendance, debates will focus on European defense capabilities and the future of NATO amid Trump's skepticism. Dutch Foreign Minister David van Weel acknowledged the need for Europe to "step up" its security efforts but cautioned that assuming full responsibility from the US would take time. The Netherlands is among NATO allies pledging to increase defense spending to 5% of GDP by 2035.
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky, arriving in Munich, framed the conference as an opportunity for "new steps toward our shared security." Meanwhile, Russia and Ukraine announced another round of US-mediated talks in Geneva on February 17-18, following recent negotiations in Abu Dhabi that yielded no breakthrough but led to a rare prisoner exchange.
UK and France seek to redefine transatlantic partnership
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, facing domestic political turbulence, will meet with Merz and Macron before delivering a Saturday address. Macron, who recently warned against "new imperialism" at Davos, is expected to advocate for European strategic autonomy.
Conference chairman Wolfgang Ischinger, a former German diplomat, warned in a pre-summit report that the US foreign policy shift is already reshaping global dynamics, with consequences still unfolding. He noted that the once-reliable alignment on international order principles is now in question.
