The concluded 62nd Munich Security Conference highlighted the complexity of transatlantic relations under Donald Trump's administration. While Secretary of State Marco Rubio softened the tone, calling the USA 'a child of Europe,' Vice President J.D. Vance openly accused allies of 'self-sabotage.' Europe is responding to these signals with discussions about strategic autonomy, including its own nuclear umbrella, fearing a permanent shift in US foreign policy.

Rubio's Diplomatic Offensive

Secretary of State Marco Rubio eased tensions in Munich, assuring the desire to strengthen NATO and calling the alliance the foundation of security.

Sharp Criticism from Vance

Vice President J.D. Vance accused Europeans of sabotaging their own interests and confirmed the 'good cop, bad cop' strategy in relations with allies.

Concerns About Diego Garcia Base

Donald Trump sharply criticized the agreement to transfer Diego Garcia island to Mauritius, considering it a serious strategic mistake by the United Kingdom.

This year's Munich Security Conference became an arena for presenting the dual-track foreign policy of the United States. The main event was the speech by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who, in contrast to last year's sharp remarks by the vice president, opted for diplomatic language. Rubio declared that Washington does not intend to abandon Europe, describing the transatlantic alliance as fundamental to Western strength. However, the diplomat emphasized that America expects allies to be partners, not dependent entities, which requires European countries to increase defense spending and take greater responsibility for continental security. The Munich Security Conference (MSC), held since 1963, is one of the most important forums for international security policy discussions, gathering decision-makers from around the world annually at the Bayerischer Hof hotel.Parallel to Marco Rubio's softer tone, Vice President J.D. Vance maintained a critical line toward allies. In an interview with Fox News, he stated that Europeans often 'sabotage themselves,' though he did not specify specific actions covered by this term. Vance suggested that he and Rubio are playing 'good cop, bad cop' roles to more effectively force changes in the EU countries' stance. In the background of these tensions, Donald Trump criticized the decision to transfer Diego Garcia island to Mauritius by the United Kingdom, warning of losing control over a strategic military base. This situation, combined with reports of ideological disputes (such as the clash between Hillary Clinton and Czech Deputy Prime Minister Petr Macinka), shows deep divisions within the Western camp. 62. — edition of the Munich Security Conference has concluded In response to uncertainty emanating from Washington, discussions about building an autonomous security architecture have revived in Europe. Experts point out that the continent faces a choice: uncritically accepting Donald Trump's conditions or building its own military strength, including a European nuclear umbrella. There is increasing talk of the need for 'de-risking' in relations with the USA, which could lead to a shift in NATO's center of gravity to the eastern flank if Central European countries prove more aligned with the new American doctrine than traditional European Union leaders. „It's not that we don't respect our allies, but Europeans do many things to sabotage themselves.” — J.D. Vance

Mentioned People

  • Marco Rubio — US Secretary of State, who in Munich sought to rebuild trust in transatlantic relations.
  • J.D. Vance — US Vice President, known for his critical approach to Europe's engagement in its own security matters.
  • Petr Macinka — Czech Deputy Prime Minister, who engaged in a high-profile ideological dispute with Hillary Clinton during the conference.