14-02-2026

Tensions and Unity at Munich Security Conference

Date: 14-02-2026
Sources: bbc.com: 1 | edition.cnn.com: 1 | france24.com: 1 | news.sky.com: 1 | nytimes.com: 1 | scmp.com: 1 | straitstimes.com: 1
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Image Prompt:

High-profile leaders gathered at the Munich Security Conference, engaged in diplomatic discussions, documentary-style photography with a 50mm lens, soft natural lighting through large windows, capturing the intensity of global security discussions and collaborative atmosphere among world leaders.

Summary

The Munich Security Conference saw high-profile leaders discussing the strained transatlantic relationship and global security challenges, with calls for greater European unity and a reaffirmation of the US-Europe alliance.

Key Points

  • Leaders emphasized the need for European unity in the face of Russian aggression and global challenges.
  • US Secretary of State Marco Rubio reaffirmed the importance of the US-Europe alliance.
  • European leaders called for greater autonomy in defence and a reset in relations with the US.

Articles in this Cluster

World's rules-based order 'no longer exists', Germany's Merz warns

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz warned at the Munich Security Conference that the rules-based world order 'no longer exists' due to big power politics. He emphasized that Europeans must be ready to make sacrifices and that a deep divide has opened between Europe and the United States. The conference took place amid tensions between the US and Europe, with US President Donald Trump threatening Denmark's sovereignty over Greenland. Merz appealed for repairing transatlantic trust and revealed confidential talks with French President Emmanuel Macron on creating a joint European nuclear deterrent. French President Macron called for Europe to become a geopolitical power and urged others not to cave in to Russian demands on Ukraine.
Entities: Friedrich Merz, Munich Security Conference, Donald Trump, Europe, United StatesTone: urgentSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

Live updates: Marco Rubio delivers speech at Munich Security Conference, Trump administration news | CNNClose icon

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio delivered a speech at the Munich Security Conference, emphasizing the importance of the alliance between the US and Europe. Rubio stated that 'we belong together' and acknowledged that the US can be 'direct and urgent in our council.' The conference took place amid growing transatlantic tensions and unease among world leaders over the Trump administration's unpredictable foreign policy. Other high-profile Democrats, including California Gov. Gavin Newsom and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, are also attending the conference to outline their foreign policy visions and counter President Donald Trump's approach. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz noted that the international world order 'no longer exists,' and the conference has taken on added weight due to the growing divide between the US and Europe.
Entities: Marco Rubio, Munich Security Conference, US, Europe, Donald TrumpTone: neutralSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

Live: Europe and the US 'belong together', Rubio tells Munich Security Conference - France 24

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio addressed the Munich Security Conference, emphasizing that the US and Europe 'belong together' and expressing the US desire to 'revitalise alliance' with Europe. Rubio's speech came amid strained transatlantic ties under President Donald Trump's administration. European leaders, including German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron, called for a 'strong Europe' and greater autonomy in defence. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is expected to address the conference later, with the war in Ukraine high on the agenda.
Entities: Marco Rubio, Munich Security Conference, Europe, United States, Donald TrumpTone: neutralSentiment: neutralIntent: inform

Sir Keir Starmer to accuse Reform UK and Greens of being 'soft on Russia' and 'weak on NATO' | UK News | Sky News

UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is set to accuse Reform UK and the Greens of being 'soft on Russia' and 'weak on NATO' in a speech at the Munich Security Conference. Starmer will emphasize the need for European unity to defend against Russian aggression and argue that the UK is no longer the 'Britain of the Brexit years'. He will call for closer relations with EU allies on defence and security, while also stressing the importance of the US as an ally. The speech is expected to trigger a backlash from Conservatives, with Shadow Foreign Secretary Dame Priti Patel accusing Starmer of 'handing away sovereignty'.
Entities: Sir Keir Starmer, Reform UK, Greens, NATO, RussiaTone: positiveSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

Live Updates: Marco Rubio to Address Munich Security Conference - The New York Times

The article reports on Secretary of State Marco Rubio's address at the Munich Security Conference, where European leaders discussed new visions for the trans-Atlantic alliance. Rubio's speech emphasized the importance of the US-Europe relationship, criticized globalized citizenship, and highlighted the need for a strong US presence in Europe. The conference saw discussions on various topics, including Ukraine, Greenland, and nuclear deterrence.
Entities: Marco Rubio, Munich Security Conference, European leaders, United States, EuropeTone: neutralSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

Breaking | Rubio to European allies: our destiny will be intertwined with yours | South China Morning Post

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio addressed European allies at the Munich Security Conference, emphasizing the importance of a strong Europe and a new alliance to counter global challenges. He stated that the US and Europe share a common destiny and that together they can regain supply chain sovereignty. Rubio called for a new Western century, unshackling ingenuity and creativity, and prioritizing vital national interests over the so-called global order.
Entities: Marco Rubio, Europe, US, Munich Security Conference, WashingtonTone: urgentSentiment: positiveIntent: inform

Europe calls for US reset at security talks | The Straits Times

European leaders called for a reset in relations with the United States at the Munich Security Conference, amid strained ties due to US President Donald Trump's criticism of European nations. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz urged a 'new transatlantic partnership', while French President Emmanuel Macron defended Europe and called for 'greater European autonomy'. The conference discussed Russia's war against Ukraine, European defence budgets, and NATO alliance, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky attending and calling for a strong European defence industry.
Entities: European leaders, United States, Donald Trump, Munich Security Conference, Friedrich MerzTone: neutralSentiment: negativeIntent: inform