Europe seeks stronger defense role as U.S. reassures alliance at Munich conference

The Munich Security Conference concluded with European leaders discussing a future with greater strategic autonomy and defense capabilities, while welcoming U.S. Senator Marco Rubio's reassurances about the American commitment to the transatlantic alliance. Rubio's speech signaled a shift in tone from the U.S., emphasizing care for the EU partnership, though he also indicated America would redefine the international order. The conference highlighted Europe's ongoing effort to balance alliance reassurance with developing its own independent strategic role.