Overview
- German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said Berlin has begun confidential talks with President Emmanuel Macron on a European nuclear deterrent, describing it as compatible with NATO nuclear sharing.
- U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio told the conference that the United States and Europe "belong together," contrasted his tone with last year’s JD Vance broadside, and called for seriousness and reciprocity from allies.
- Rubio sharply criticized the United Nations for having "virtually no role" in resolving major conflicts such as Gaza and Ukraine, arguing for reform of global institutions.
- European leaders pressed for greater defense capacity and burden‑sharing, with calls to build a shared industrial base and reduce reliance on the United States for security.
- Denmark’s prime minister described talks with Rubio on Greenland as constructive, with U.S.-Denmark‑Greenland discussions continuing through a high‑level working group.