Overview
- At the Munich Security Conference, Secretary of State Marco Rubio delivered criticism in more courteous terms than last year’s remarks by J. D. Vance, yet attendees left feeling the Trump administration sees Europe largely on its own.
- European leaders at Munich and Davos pushed back against U.S. rhetoric and trade threats, rejecting talk of “vasallaje” and calling for greater independence.
- A tense exchange between U.S. envoy Mike Waltz and EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas went viral, crystallizing public irritation with Washington’s narrative on migration and burden‑sharing.
- NATO discussions point to fewer U.S. troops in Europe and a push for a “NATO 3.0” with larger European roles in financing and command as Washington prioritizes resources for Asia.
- EU governments are pursuing joint moves on competitiveness, industry, capital markets, energy and migration after a leaders’ meeting with Mario Draghi and Enrico Letta, with Ursula von der Leyen preparing a roadmap for next month.