The Munich Security Conference concluded with a strong focus on Europe's push for greater independence from U.S. influence, particularly following U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio's address, which was met with skepticism. Rubio warned that Europe risks 'civilizational decline' if it does not bolster its defenses, a sentiment that has been criticized as 'fashionable euro-bashing' by EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas. She emphasized that many countries still aspire to join the European Union and argued that Europe must define its own strategic needs, stating, 'What matters more than having a seat at the table is knowing what to ask for when you are sitting there.' Kallas also pointed out that the U.S. cannot resolve the war in Ukraine without European involvement, reinforcing the need for a collaborative approach to security issues.