European Policy Makers Relieved but Still Cautious as Rubio Reassures Alliance

European policymakers welcomed U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio's warmer tone at the Munich Security Conference, but remained cautious about the future of their alliance. Rubio's comments underscored the U.S. and Europe's shared heritage, goals, and challenges, a stark contrast to Vice President JD Vance's criticism of Europe's democracies, migration policies, and freedom of speech last year. German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said Rubio's speech assured their togetherness in partnership, while EU chief diplomat Kaja Kallas noted that "America and Europe are intertwined, they have been in the past and will be in the future." However, European leaders acknowledged they must become more independent militarily and economically, with some bristling at the Trump administration's confrontational approach.