During the 62nd Munich Security Conference, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio presented a new, more conciliatory face of US diplomacy. While his tone differed from last year's speeches by J.D. Vance, the essence of the message remained consistent with Donald Trump's line. Washington expects European allies to take greater responsibility for their own security, suggesting that the era of unconditional US dominance in the Old Continent's defense architecture is coming to an end.

Marco Rubio's New Rhetoric

The US Secretary of State used diplomatic language, referring to Europe as a partner, which contrasts with the aggressive speeches of the Trump administration from last year.

Ultimatum in White Gloves

Despite the softer tone, Washington maintains its demand for increased defense spending and warns against Europe's excessive dependence on American resources.

Poland Omitted from the Itinerary

Rubio's visit to Hungary and Slovakia while simultaneously bypassing Warsaw sparks discussion about a new balance of power in Central Europe.

The recently concluded 62nd Munich Security Conference (MSC) was marked by an attempt to redefine transatlantic relations. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio delivered a speech that many observers described as a diplomatic smile offensive. Rubio declared that America does not intend to abandon Europe, calling allies „children of the same civilization”. However, he also set clear conditions: Europe must cease being a vassal and become a full-fledged partner, which in practice means a radical increase in defense spending and military self-sufficiency. The change in tone, although met with a standing ovation, raises skepticism among European elites, who fear that behind the smooth words lies the same ultimatum that Vice President J.D. Vance formulated brutally a year earlier. The Munich Security Conference, founded in 1963 by Ewald-Heinrich von Kleist, has for decades been the most important platform for discussions on global defense policy, gathering Western leaders in the heart of Bavaria.The Polish delegation in Munich sought to strengthen Warsaw's position as a key security hub on NATO's eastern flank. Meanwhile, Rubio, continuing his tour of the region, visited Slovakia and announced a visit to Hungary to meet Viktor Orbán, conspicuously bypassing Warsaw. This gesture is interpreted as a signal to the Polish government that ideological closeness with the Trump administration does not guarantee a privileged position if it is not accompanied by full convergence of political interests. The German press, including Der Spiegel, notes that a return to the „old America” from before the Trump era is impossible, regardless of who sits in the White House after the next elections. Europe faces the necessity of building its own strategic subjectivity, as American Republicans increasingly emphasize the need to pivot to the Pacific. „We do not want you to be our vassals. The stronger the European members of NATO are, the stronger the entire Alliance is.” — Marco Rubio60 — heads of state and government participated in the conferenceEvolution of US Message in Munich: Tone of speech: Confrontational, accusatory (Vance) → Conciliatory, diplomatic (Rubio); Definition of Europe: Dependent ally receiving assistance → Co-creator of Western civilization; Financial demands: Criticism of low spending → Postulate of partnership instead of dependence Reactions to Rubio's words are divided. The European Union's High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Kaja Kallas, criticized the phenomenon of „Euro-bashing”, emphasizing that the conflict in Ukraine cannot be resolved without the active participation and consent of Brussels. Meanwhile, Chancellor Friedrich Merz offered a new cooperation proposal while distancing himself from American culture wars. The conference showed that although NATO formally remains united, the foundations of trust between Washington and European capitals have been permanently damaged. Europe, despite momentary relief caused by Rubio's softer language, leaves Munich with a sense of uncertainty about the durability of American security guarantees in the coming years.

Mentioned People

  • Marco Rubio — US Secretary of State, who delivered the key speech in Munich.
  • J.D. Vance — US Vice President, author of controversial statements from the previous year.
  • Kaja Kallas — EU diplomacy chief, criticizing the American approach to Europe.
  • Friedrich Merz — German Chancellor, who participated in the debate on the transatlantic future.