Timeline
February 13, 2026 — February 15, 2026
World
Timeline: How US-Europe Relations Were Tested at the 2026 Munich Security Conference
The 2026 Munich Security Conference became a crucial diplomatic moment as European leaders grappled with tensions in the transatlantic alliance under President Trump's second term. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio's keynote address sought to repair frayed ties with a softer tone than the previous year, while European officials navigated between American demands and concerns about Europe's strategic autonomy. The three-day conference revealed competing visions of Western civilization and its future.
13 events · 2 days · 30 source articles
Fri, Feb 13, 2026
Moderate
France and Germany Revive Diplomatic Format with China
On the margins of the Munich Security Conference, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot and German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul hosted Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in a trilateral meeting. This revived a diplomatic configuration not seen since Emmanuel Macron's first term, described as part of efforts to prevent superpowers from 'picking Europe apart.' Wang warned that 'Europe's challenges do not come from China' and urged a rational China policy.
Sat, Feb 14, 2026
Major
Rubio Delivers Conciliatory Message on US-Europe Alliance
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio addressed the Munich Security Conference with a markedly soothing tone after months of turmoil in US-European relations. He told the gathering that Europe and the US 'belong together' and that Washington wants to 'revitalise' the transatlantic alliance rather than separate from it. This represented a softer approach compared to Vice President JD Vance's harsh criticism of Europe at the same forum one year earlier.
Sat, Feb 14, 2026
Moderate
Rubio Pledges Careful Management of US-China Relations
In his keynote address, Rubio stated it would be 'geopolitical malpractice' not to talk to China and pledged Washington would manage differences with Beijing carefully. He acknowledged that as 'two large countries with huge global interests,' the US and China's national interests would often not align, but emphasized they 'owe it to the world' to avoid both economic and military conflict. His remarks came ahead of President Trump's expected trip to Beijing in April.
Sat, Feb 14, 2026
Moderate
Wang Yi Places Responsibility for US-China Relations on Washington
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi told the Munich Security Conference that while China sought to find the right way for the two major countries to get along through dialogue, 'whether we can achieve that goal ultimately depends on the United States.' Wang said he was encouraged by Trump's respect for President Xi Jinping and noted Trump's statement that the US and China working together 'can get a lot of great things done.'
Sat, Feb 14, 2026
Major
Rubio Calls for Global Order Based on Sovereignty and Strength
Rubio called on Europe to help the Trump administration refashion the global order with a focus on sovereignty, reindustrialization, and military strength. He made no apology for Trump's repeated calls to annex Greenland or harsh criticisms of Europe, but stressed cooperation. He stated: 'We in America have no interest in being polite and orderly caretakers of the West's managed decline,' while warning against deindustrialization, mass migration, and what he called a climate 'cult.'
Sat, Feb 14, 2026
Moderate
European Leaders Assess Rubio's Conciliatory Tone
World leaders including French President Macron, German Chancellor Merz, and UK Prime Minister Starmer gathered to hear whether the US remained a committed ally. The hall was packed as generals, admirals, and prime ministers awaited Rubio's speech. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen called his message 'reassuring,' though some officials expressed discontent over dismissive references to the UN and climate change.
Sat, Feb 14, 2026
Moderate
European Leaders Welcome Softer US Tone Despite Continued Concerns
While European leaders cautiously welcomed Rubio's softer tone compared to Vance's 2025 speech, the 'Trumpian narrative' remained prominent. Observers noted Rubio appeared to be creating 'a Trumpian narrative of renewal' that emphasized American independence. His speech didn't deviate from Trump administration themes but delivered them with greater diplomacy, focusing on shared Western civilization concerns.
Sat, Feb 14, 2026
Moderate
US and China Manage Great Power Competition in Munich
In back-to-back speeches, Rubio and Wang Yi spoke of managing superpower differences while trading thinly veiled barbs about their roles in global tumult. Both emphasized the need for careful management of the relationship, continuing a relative thaw expected to culminate in Trump's Beijing visit in April. The exchanges represented an attempt to navigate great power rivalry while maintaining dialogue.
Sat, Feb 14, 2026
Moderate
Mixed European Reactions to Rubio's 'Relationship Repair'
Analysis characterized Rubio's speech as marking Valentine's Day by trying to 'kiss and make up with Europe,' exactly a year after Vance left many questioning their relationship with Washington. While offering a friendlier spin, Rubio stayed on message with the Trump administration's stern talking points. NATO chief Mark Rutte denied any disconnect with the US on the Russia-Ukraine war during concurrent discussions.
Sun, Feb 15, 2026
Moderate
Rubio's Unity Appeal Fails to Fully Win Over Europe
Despite Rubio's attempt to mollify European concerns, his underlying message reinforced the US administration's core talking points, leaving many European officials viewing his speech as 'the best we can hope for' rather than a genuine breakthrough. The conciliatory tone was welcomed but concerns remained about fundamental policy differences and Trump's approach to the transatlantic alliance.
Sun, Feb 15, 2026
Moderate
Conference Focus Shifts to Europe's Own Role and Strategy
On the final day of the Munich Security Conference, the agenda turned inward to examine the EU's own role and influence after two days focused on external relationships with the United States and Russia's war in Ukraine. European leaders began discussions about the bloc's strategic autonomy and leadership in global affairs.
Sun, Feb 15, 2026
Major
EU's Kallas Rejects US Talk of Europe's 'Civilizational Erasure'
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas pushed back against 'European bashing' in her conference speech, directly rejecting claims that 'woke and decadent Europe' faces civilizational erasure. While welcoming Rubio's message of unity, she dismissed the Trump administration's narrative about Europe's decline, lamenting constant international criticism despite Europe's excellent living standards and societal achievements. This marked a clear assertion of European confidence against American criticism.
Sun, Feb 15, 2026
Major
Conference Reveals Competing Visions of the West
The Munich Security Conference concluded having laid bare two competing visions of the West. While Rubio called on Europe to help save a common civilization from decline, Kallas insisted Europe does not need saving and rejected the premise of civilizational crisis. The three days underscored fundamental disagreements about Western values, priorities, and the nature of the transatlantic relationship, even as both sides affirmed commitment to the alliance.
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