U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio says ties between the United States and Europe have reached a defining moment as leaders gather for the Munich Security Conference.
Speaking before the meeting in Germany, Rubio said the old world order is gone and a new era in geopolitics is emerging that will force both sides to rethink their roles. He stressed that the United States and Europe remain deeply linked and must discuss how to shape their shared future.
The annual forum in Munich comes after years of turbulence under President Donald Trump, whose harsh rhetoric and disruptive policies have shaken U.S. alliances. European partners have watched Washington topple Venezuela’s leader, threaten other Latin American governments, impose tariffs on allies and rivals and even talk about annexing Greenland from NATO partner Denmark.
Last year at Munich, Vice President JD Vance clashed with European officials after sharply attacking U.S. allies, fuelling fears that Washington is dismantling the international system it helped create. In response, many European governments have tried to close ranks and build more strategic autonomy while still keeping the U.S. inside the alliance.
German diplomat Wolfgang Ischinger warned this week that so called wrecking ball politics are replacing careful reforms, causing sweeping damage to the transatlantic relationship. A new YouGov poll in six major European countries shows views of the United States have slumped to their lowest level since 2016, in some cases not far from perceptions of China, Iran or North Korea and only better than Russia.
European leaders say they want to avoid a rupture with Washington but feel pressured to boost their own defences. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said no one wins if old allies fall into conflict, but argued Europe must arm itself as fast as possible in a new world disorder.
The Trump administration’s fierce new tone, including warnings that Europe faces civilisational erasure, has spurred NATO members to increase military spending after years of underinvestment. Still, Europe’s heavy dependence on U.S. security guarantees will take years to unwind, leaving it exposed as the standoff with Russia over the war in Ukraine continues.
Germany’s foreign minister Johann Wadephul said comments from Washington have caused irritation inside NATO and that allies need frank talks in Munich. The head of German industry group BDI, Peter Leibinger, went further, saying Europe must prepare its defence sector to operate with, without and possibly against Washington if needed.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz will open the conference, which is expected to draw around 70 heads of state and government and more than 140 ministers under tight security. Key participants include Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and French President Emmanuel Macron, who warned that Europe faces a Chinese trade tsunami and constant instability from the American side.
About the author
Rema, LISA and Anitta perform “Goals” at World Cup 2026 opening ceremony
Nigerian singer Rema, K-pop star LISA from BLACKPINK, and Brazilian singer-songwriter Anitta performed their new single "Goals" at the opening ceremony of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Los Angeles, California. The spectacular performance took place at SoFi Stadium ahead of the tournament's opening match between France and Canada, bringing together music and football culture from three continents. Fans experienced the energy of LISA, Anitta and Rema during the spectacular opening ceremony at Los Angeles Stadium, watching the full performance online and experiencing the music, culture and excitement that helped launch football's greatest tournament. Rema, the Nigerian rapper, shared an incredible experience performing with LISA and Anitta at the opening ceremony of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Instagram. The trio performed "Goals" live - the song they created specifically for the FIFA World Cup - marking a groundbreaking moment […]
Nollywood actress Toyin Adewale says marriage is not a do-or-die affair
Nollywood actress Toyin Adewale has shared her personal views on marriage, saying it is not a "do-or-die affair" for her and that she would not remain in a relationship where physical violence occurs. According to the actress, marriage has never been a do-or-die commitment for her, and she would never stay in a relationship where physical abuse takes place. She explained that "if there's no violence involved and it's just little things, I can try to work on it," but physical beating is unacceptable and she would leave. Toyin Adewale is a well-known Yoruba actress in the Nigerian film industry and has been married for many years. She has previously spoken about why actresses don't last in marriages, arguing that the entertainment industry should not be blamed for broken marriages. For 33 years, she and her husband have stayed together […]
Former Man Utd manager Ruben Amorim emerges as leading AC Milan candidate
Former Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim is reportedly in contention for the managerial position at AC Milan after the dismissal of Max Allegri following a disappointing conclusion to their Serie A campaign. Amorim's tenure at Manchester United came to an end in January, marking a lackluster period at Old Trafford. Having been without a managerial role for the past six months, Amorim now has a chance to take the helm at one of Europe's most prestigious clubs. AC Milan is actively seeking a new coach and is set to reach out to various candidates after parting ways with Allegri once the Serie A season concluded. In addition to Amorim, AC Milan's management is also considering Oliver Glasner, another manager currently without a position, who has a provisional two-year contract offer on the table. During his tenure at Sporting CP, Oliver […]
Folarin Balogun scores brace as USA thrash Paraguay 4-1
United States striker Folarin Balogun scored two goals to help the U.S. men's national team beat Paraguay 4-1 in their opening match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Inglewood, California. This was Balogun's World Cup debut in what Mauricio Pochettino's enthusiastic squad call a "dreamy night" for the striker. Balogun became the first U.S. men's national team player to score two goals in a World Cup game since the inaugural tournament in 1930. The Americans took the lead early in the seventh minute due to an own goal from Paraguay's Damián Bobadilla, then extended their advantage with Balogun's strikes in the 31st minute and in first-half stoppage time to end the first half with a commanding three-goal advantage. Balogun netted his first goal in the 31st minute as Christian Pulisic's deflected centering feed sat up perfectly for him to […]
An unusual World Cup marked by hostile reception for fans and teams
The 2026 FIFA World Cup, jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada, has been described as unusual and hostile, with passionate football fans facing visa barriers, inflated prices and poor facilities across the three host nations. Group-stage ticket prices have already been called "unusual and inflated" by supporters, while fans complain that the passionate supporters should not be cut off from the World Cup because of money. Stadiums have appeared empty at times, training pitches are poor, and airports have been described as obstacles rather than welcoming entry points for international visitors. Uruguay coach Marcelo Bielsa expressed frustration, saying "If the stadiums are empty, the training pitches are poor, and even the airports feel like obstacles, then what are we really celebrating?" Instead of discussing superstars and football teams, the focus has shifted to poor facilities, organization and […]
US Iran peace deal to be signed Sunday as Hormuz reopens
US President Donald Trump has announced that a deal between the United States and Iran is set to be finalized on Sunday, and that the Strait of Hormuz will reopen right after the agreement is signed. Pakistan, which has been mediating the talks, said a final agreed-upon text of a US-Iran peace deal has been reached, with only next steps needing clarification. The deal is expected to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, extend the current ceasefire, and begin negotiations on Iran's nuclear programme. Under the terms of the proposed deal, the Strait of Hormuz would reopen to shipping, returning to the situation that existed before the US and Israel launched their recent military action against Iran. The ceasefire is expected to continue for a further 60 days, with conflict ending across multiple fronts including Lebanon. The proposed memorandum of understanding […]
Related
US Iran peace deal to be signed Sunday as Hormuz reopens
US President Donald Trump has announced that a deal between the United States and Iran is set to be finalized on Sunday, and that the Strait of Hormuz will reopen right after the agreement is signed. Pakistan, which has been mediating the talks, said a final agreed-upon text of a US-Iran peace deal has been reached, with only next steps needing clarification. The deal is expected to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, extend the current ceasefire, and begin negotiations on Iran's nuclear programme. Under the terms of the proposed deal, the Strait of Hormuz would reopen to shipping, returning to the situation that existed before the US and Israel launched their recent military action against Iran. The ceasefire is expected to continue for a further 60 days, with conflict ending across multiple fronts including Lebanon. The proposed memorandum of understanding […]
US and Iran to sign peace deal Sunday as Strait of Hormuz opens
The United States and Iran are close to signing a landmark peace memorandum that could mark a major breakthrough in relations between the two nations. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who has been mediating the talks, announced that a final agreed-upon text of the peace deal has been reached, with only the next steps needing clarification. The deal is expected to be signed on Sunday, June 14, 2026, with Geneva emerging as the most likely venue for the signing. US President Donald Trump has said that a deal between the United States and Iran is scheduled to be signed tomorrow, and that immediately after the agreement is signed, the Strait of Hormuz will be "open to all." The deal is expected to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, extend the current ceasefire, and begin negotiations on Iran's nuclear programme. Under the […]
Trump’s name removed from Washington arts centre after court order
President Donald Trump's name has been taken down from the front of the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C., following a federal court order. Workers began removing the name early Saturday morning, less than six months after it was first installed on the historic venue. The work started around 1:20 a.m. local time, hours after the Department of Justice said the government would miss a court-ordered deadline to take Mr Trump's name off the building. A U.S. District Court judge ruled last month that adding Trump's name to the facade of the Kennedy Center was unlawful, because the institution cannot be renamed without approval from Congress. Judge Christopher Cooper ordered the removal by Friday, June 12, 2026. Crews set up scaffolding on Friday, but thunderstorms delayed the work until early Saturday. Workers covered the scaffolding with plastic […]
Trump confirms World Cup 2026 attendance but will not attend US opening match in Los Angeles
President Donald Trump has confirmed that he will attend the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but has indicated he will not be present at the United States opening match in Los Angeles. The World Cup tournament kicks off on Thursday, June 11, 2026, with Mexico facing South Africa at the iconic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. The United States will play its first match against Paraguay on June 12, 2026, at 9:00 PM ET at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, California. Trump had previously said to reporters that he would attend the first match in the new stadium with his children, but later changed his plans regarding the opening game. The 2026 World Cup will be hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, with 16 venues throughout the three countries. The tournament runs from June 11 to July 19, 2026, […]
Netanyahu says he and Trump fully agree Iran must not acquire nuclear weapons
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has declared that he and US President Donald Trump are in complete agreement on preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons. Netanyahu made the statement on Friday in a message released by his office following a phone call with Trump about potential negotiations with Iran. "As long as I am Prime Minister of Israel, Iran will not have nuclear weapons," Netanyahu said. "There is full agreement between President Trump and me on this issue." Netanyahu emphasized that he has led the international fight against Iran's nuclear programs for more than three decades. He stated that without this struggle, Iran would have obtained nuclear bombs long ago to destroy Israel. He also said that Iran is working to destroy the Jewish state and that he has dedicated his life to preventing them from doing so. While Israel […]
Iran says no final decision on deal while Trump claims imminent agreement with Tehran
Iran has stated that it has not reached a final decision on a deal to end the Middle East war, despite US President Donald Trump claiming that an agreement could be signed in days. The Iranian statement came on Friday, even as Trump announced he had canceled scheduled strikes and bombings against Iran. Trump said that talks with Iran had been brought to the highest level of Iranian leadership and approved. He added that the time and place of the signing would be announced shortly. The president claimed that the finer points of the arrangement had been approved by the United States and its allies in the region, including Israel, with which Washington jointly launched the war in February. However, Iran's foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said Tehran had not reached a final conclusion on the agreement. He explained that […]