The Munich Security Conference, held in February 2026, highlighted significant tensions and calls for unity between Europe and the United States amidst ongoing geopolitical challenges. EU top diplomat Kaja Kallas rejected US criticisms of Europe, emphasizing that 'woke, decadent Europe is not facing civilizational erasure,' as reported by The Frontier Post. She stressed the need for Europe to lead its defense efforts, particularly in response to Russia's aggression in Ukraine, stating that 'European defense starts in Ukraine.' This sentiment was echoed by France’s Europe minister, Benjamin Haddad, who urged Europe to focus on its own capabilities rather than US opinions. Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio attempted to reassure European allies by describing the US as a 'child of Europe' and emphasizing that 'we belong together,' according to Tribune Latest. However, his speech was criticized for lacking concrete commitments, particularly regarding Russia, and for focusing on divisive issues like mass migration.