Munich: Sharp differences between European leaders and the United States came into focus at the Munich Security Conference, where officials debated the future of transatlantic cooperation and shared values.
European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas rejected claims from the United States that Europe is in decline, saying such statements unfairly portray the continent in a negative light. She said Europe remains strong, attractive and committed to democracy, human rights and freedom of expression.
Kallas stressed that Europe’s openness and diversity should be seen as strengths rather than signs of weakness.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio sought to reassure allies that Washington remains committed to its partnership with Europe. He emphasized that cooperation across the Atlantic remains vital for global stability and security.
At the same time, Rubio raised concerns about migration policies, trade imbalances, climate strategies and defense spending, suggesting closer alignment would strengthen cooperation.
The exchange highlighted wider tensions between Europe and the United States during President Donald Trump’s second term. European leaders have expressed concern about pressure from Washington on Ukraine peace negotiations, trade disputes and questions about NATO’s future reliability.
Some European officials have also renewed calls for stronger defense autonomy to reduce dependence on the United States.
The conference revealed differing visions of Western values. US officials emphasized national sovereignty, border control and cultural identity, while European leaders defended multicultural democracy, human rights and multilateral cooperation.
Despite disagreements, both sides acknowledged that the transatlantic alliance remains essential for addressing global security challenges.
The Munich Security Conference is an annual gathering of world leaders and security experts to discuss major global threats and cooperation. This year’s meeting underscored that while the alliance between Europe and the United States endures, it is entering a more complex phase shaped by political, economic and security differences.