In his speech at the Munich conference on its second day, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced on Saturday that his country does not seek to “separate” from the European Union, but rather to “stimulate” the alliance between them, considering that “their destiny is to be together.” He also criticized the United Nations, which plays “no role” in resolving conflicts, while British Prime Minister Keir Starmer called on the Europeans to “rely on ourselves.” On Friday, they sent calls to Washington to heal the rift with the old continent and stop “criticizing” it. At the same time, they stressed "reviving trust" between the two sides.

Published on: 02/14/2026 - 07:32 Last updated: 02/14/2026 - 11:59

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US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced on Saturday, at the Munich Security Conference, that the United States does not seek to "separate" from the European Union, but rather to "stimulate" the alliance between them, in a calming message towards European leaders.

“We do not seek separation, but rather to stimulate an old friendship and renew the greatest civilization in the history of mankind,” Rubio said, stressing that “what we want is a renewed, stronger alliance.”

Rubio, who heads the US mission to Munich, stressed that the United States and Europe are “destined to be together,” adding that the United Nations does not play “any role” in resolving conflicts, considering that the United States, under President Donald Trump, wants to lead global “renewal and restoration.”

The head of American diplomacy added, "The United States is driven by a vision of a proud, sovereign, and vibrant future that matches the past of our civilization." "While we are prepared, if necessary, to do it alone, we prefer and hope to do it with you, our friends here in Europe," he added.

Starmer: “As Europeans we have to rely on ourselves.”

For his part, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer stressed in his speech the need to build a "solid force" and prepare to fight if necessary. He said after the opening speech by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, "We are not today at a crossroads. The road ahead of us is straight, and we must certainly build solid power, because it is the currency of the times."

He added, "We must be able to deter any aggression, prepare to fight if necessary, and do everything necessary to protect our people, our values, and our way of life. As Europeans, we must rely on ourselves."

The Europeans call on "American friends" to heal the rift

On the first day of the Munich Security Conference, the Europeans on Friday called on the United States to heal the rift with them, and urged “American friends” to stop “criticizing” the Old Continent and “revival trust between the two sides of the Atlantic.” Meanwhile, French President Emmanuel Macron called for Europe to be treated as an “example” and to stop “distorting its image.”

Macron said in a speech in English, "Europe has been criticized as an old, slow, fragmented entity, marginalized by history. As an overly regulated and inactive economy that shuns innovation. As a society suffering from barbaric migrations that spoil its ancient traditions."

In response to a provocative speech delivered by US Vice President Jay DeVance during last year's edition of the same conference, Macron noted that "what is even stranger than that" is that Europe is described "in some circles" as "an oppressive continent with no freedom of expression."

Read also: The Munich Security Conference...an opportunity to rebuild confidence amid rising tension between Europe and the United States

“Together, let us revive trust between the two sides of the Atlantic.”

As for German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Macron also said in English at the opening of the conference with the participation of more than 60 heads of state and government, “Let us reconcile and restore together trust between the two sides of the Atlantic,” addressing the “dear friends” of the Americans.

He added, "In the era of competition between major powers, the United States will not be strong enough to rely exclusively on itself."

Finnish President Alexander Stubb spoke in detail about this issue, saying, “There are issues that we can work on with the Americans, such as NATO, defense, technology, minerals, and in our case icebreakers (...), and therefore there are many things that we can do, with friendly disagreement on matters related to the European Union or international institutions, the liberal international order and climate change.”

Mertz explained that he held "secret deliberations" with Macron regarding the European nuclear deterrent, which France is the only country in Europe, along with the United Kingdom, that also possesses the atomic bomb, capable of providing it.

Meetings behind closed doors

In addition to the official discussions, the Munich conference, which continues until Sunday and is hosted by two hotels in the historic center of the Bavarian capital amid strict security measures, will be an occasion for informal discussions and meetings behind closed doors.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sepiga announced on X that he discussed in Munich with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi “peace efforts and China’s important role in facilitating the end of the war” with Russia.

As for Wang Yi, during his meeting with Sepiga, according to a statement broadcast by the official Chinese CCTV station, he stressed that relations between China and Ukraine must “remain on the right path,” stressing that Beijing is “ready to provide new humanitarian assistance” to Kiev. He stressed that China's position is "steadfast..., supports objectivity and fairness, and actively works to push for peace talks."

Western governments and Kiev accuse Beijing of providing vital economic support to Russia in its war effort, especially by supplying it with military components for its defense industry.

“Europe needs a very strong, independent defense industry.”

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on the sidelines of the conference, "It is good to establish a strong partnership with the Americans, with the United States in all its forms." He added, "But Europe needs an independent, very strong defense industry... It is our continent."

Zelensky had a meeting with a number of European leaders, including Meretz and Macron, in addition to the leaders of Canada, NATO, and the European Union, to discuss the war in Ukraine. An American official indicated that US Secretary of State Marco Rubio did not participate in this meeting due to his many preoccupations, after the most prominent of his meetings on Friday was his meeting with his Chinese counterpart.

French President Emmanuel Macron finally hoped to resume dialogue with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

In response to a question in Munich, the German Chancellor said on Friday that he was “ready to talk” with Russia “if it helps in anything,” but noted that “Russia does not yet have the desire to hold a serious discussion.”

The Kremlin announced that the next round of negotiations between Moscow, Kiev and Washington to try to reach a settlement to the war in Ukraine will be held in Geneva on February 17 and 18.

Macron said from Munich that Europe is supposed to "define its rules for coexistence" with Russia if a peace agreement is reached to end the war in Ukraine.

He believed that the countries of the Old Continent must effectively “develop” their defense arsenal, especially with regard to long-range “precision strike” systems, if they want to be in a “position of strength” to negotiate with Russia in the future.

“The international system has suffered severe blows.”

At the heart of the Munich discussions stands out the title “The international system has been hit hard,” which the organizers were keen to include. This was especially evident in the issue of Greenland, which Trump threatened to seize.

Rubio met with Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and his Greenlandic counterpart Jens-Friedrich Nielsen to discuss the issue. Frederiksen described the talks as "constructive."

The Director-General of the International Atomic Energy Agency, Rafael Grossi, who was also present in Munich, said that reaching an agreement between the agency and Tehran on inspections related to the Iranian nuclear program is “quite possible,” but he believed that moving the dialogue forward requires a great deal of caution.

France 24/AFP

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