Some European policymakers welcome U.S. Secretary of State Rubio's warm words, others remain cautious

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio delivered remarks at the Munich Security Conference in Germany on February 15, 2025, that struck a notably softer tone than Vice President JD Vance's address at last year's event, prompting mixed reactions from European policymakers who remain cautious about U.S. foreign policy direction under the new administration. The annual Munich Security Conference serves as a critical platform for transatlantic dialogue on global security challenges, and Rubio's address this year was closely watched for signals of continuity or change in U.S. foreign policy. While the Secretary of State emphasized continued U.S. commitment to European security, his language was notably less confrontational than the previous year's address by Vice President Vance, which had raised concerns among some European officials about potential shifts in transatlantic relations. European policymakers have expressed varying degrees of welcome toward Rubio's more measured approach, with some seeing it as a positive sign of diplomatic engagement, while others remain skeptical about the underlying policy directions.