Lagarde (ECB): EU must move towards strategic autonomy. Frederiksen: 'Nato to protect the Arctic permanently'

"Today we have an offer from the American side for 15 years (of security guarantees). We want to have more than 20 years, 30, 50. We will see what the administration and Congress will do". Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said this when meeting journalists on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference. Ukrainska Pravda reports.

Il presidente ucraino Volodymyr Zelensky interviene durante la 62ª Conferenza sulla sicurezza di Monaco (MSC) presso l'hotel "Bayerischer Hof", a Monaco di Baviera, Germania, il 14 febbraio 2026. La 62ª Conferenza sulla sicurezza di Monaco, che si terrà dal 13 al 15 febbraio 2026, dovrebbe ospitare circa 50 leader mondiali. EPA/RONALD WITTEK

"Today I will meet with the US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, and later this evening I will have a phone call with US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. My chief negotiator and former defence minister Rustem Umerov speaks with them several times a day". Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said this on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference, as reported by the Guardian. Zelensky added that he also met with a delegation of US senators and stressed the importance of dialogue with the US through all possible channels, 'so that no one can say that the Ukrainians are slowing down the negotiations'. Regarding the Geneva talks next week, the Ukrainian president said he was surprised by the Russian decision to change the head of its delegation after the first two meetings. "I see this move as a possible attempt to delay decisions, but I count on the Americans to continue the talks and not allow Russia to reopen issues that have already been resolved," he said. Zelenskyy also confirmed that he is still seeking a political commitment to allow Ukraine to join the European Union, 'ideally by 2027, as part of the security guarantees. We have to be ready, prepare everything. Technically Ukraine must be ready in 2027, but the date of accession depends on all these dialogues with the 27 member states'.

The 'Munich Circus'. Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi speaks thus of the Munich Security Conference. "Sad to see the usually serious Munich Security Conference turned into the 'Munich Circus' when it comes to Iran," reads a post on X in which the minister writes of what he considers a "decline" with "important messages". "The EU seems confused, anchored in an inability to understand what is happening inside Iran," he argues, "At the strategic level this aimless EU has lost all geopolitical weight in our region. And, he says, 'Germany in particular is leading the way in the total surrender of its regional policy to Israel'. For Araghchi, 'to put it mildly, Europe's overall trajectory is disastrous' and the minister speaks of the 'paralysis and irrelevance of the EU/E3' (France, Germany, and the UK) that can be seen 'in the dynamics surrounding the ongoing talks on Iran's nuclear programme'. Indirect talks between Iran and the United States, which are expected to see a second round in Geneva next week with the mediation of Oman. 'Once a key interlocutor, Europe has now disappeared,' Araghchi concludes, 'Our friends in the region are instead much more effective and helpful than a peripheral and empty-handed E3.

"Donald Trump is perhaps the most anti-American president ever to occupy the White House," said California's Dem governor Gavin Newsom, speaking at the Munich Security Conference, where he drew applause. 'Ronald Reagan would be ashamed,' continued Newson, who quoted the late Republican president's last speech on the flame of liberty. The governor, so far the frontrunner among the potential Dem candidates for the White House, launched a scathing attack on the tycoon, denouncing the instability he is creating inside and outside America with his 'imperialist presidency', the harsh crackdown on immigrants, with the 'militarisation of cities' and 'masked agents' who 'make people disappear', and the use of justice to persecute his enemies.

"The ECB needs to be prepared for a more volatile environment. As industrial policies become more assertive, geopolitical tensions rise and supply chains break down, tensions in financial markets are likely to become more frequent". This was said by ECB President Christine Lagarde in her opening remarks at the round table on trade dependencies and global supply chains at the Munich Security Conference. "We need to avoid a situation where such stress triggers forced sales of euro-denominated securities in global financial markets," she added.

Today, everyone in this room recognises that trade is as much a security issue as it is an economic issue. Economic interdependence has deepened considerably in recent decades, creating intricate networks of cross-border trade flows. While this was once seen as a source of stability, it is now a source of vulnerability: to global disruptions such as pandemics and the deliberate militarisation of dependencies'. This was said by the ECB President in her introductory speech to a panel on trade addictions during the Munich Conference. "This change is of fundamental importance for Europe. We are the most open of the big economies. Now we have to make the transition to strategic autonomy," she added.

The enhancement of the Eurep repo system to central banks 'ensures permanence', 'agility' and 'also strengthens the role of the euro'. This was said by Christine Lagarde, in her speech at the panel discussion "Chain Reaction: Navigating Geoeconomic Shifts and Dependencies" at the Munich Security Conference, commenting on the central bank's move to expand the effectiveness of the Eurosystem's repo system for central banks. The expansion, he said, ensures "permanence" because "central banks outside the euro area can now rely on continuous access to euro liquidity, not just on temporary lines" and "broadens its scope" by moving "from a regional to a global perimeter". "Any central bank that meets the basic criteria can request access, with flexibility of use," he said.

The changes also ensure its 'agility' in that 'access is granted by default, unless there is a reason to restrict it, accelerating the provision of liquidity'. This instrument, Lagarde concluded, "also strengthens the role of the euro. The availability of a lender of last resort for central banks around the world reinforces confidence in investment, lending and trade in the euro, in the knowledge that access will be guaranteed even in the event of market turbulence'.

MUNICH - It was the most eagerly awaited speech of the Munich conference, that of US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. It ended with a liberating standing ovation when he closed his speech by assuring that 'the United States and Europe are meant to be together'. The 'European friends' feared a repetition of Vice-President JD Vance's shock attack at the last conference, when the rift between the Trump administration and the liberal democracies of the old continent became glaring.

If the Russians were to cross Poland's borders with panzers, Warsaw would expect NATO Article 5 to be applied, 'and the plan is very simple at that point: we win and they lose'. This is what Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorsky answered at the Munich Security Conference to a question about what would happen if Russia attacked with panzers.

"Now we are the ones paying for Ukraine. The Americans haven't paid for anything anymore. There are no congressional packages even in perspective. And so we are entitled to a place at the negotiating table'. This was said by Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorsky, speaking at a panel in Munich with the Ukrainian and German foreign ministers.

"I don't see a direct security threat coming from Russia at the moment, but when the war in Ukraine ends, the threat will not diminish for the rest of Europe, for Central Asia or the South Caucasus, because the inherent DNA of Russia and Putin is imperialism and expansion". This was stated by Finnish President Alexander Stubb speaking on a panel at the Munich Security Conference. Putin 'does not want to end this war, not because he thinks he can advance, because he is not advancing. He does not want to end this war because the political and social cost of bringing back soldiers is too high,' he explained. 'What can we do? First, increase economic pressure, sanctions, maritime services, shadow fleet, hit as hard as possible. Second, continue to provide Ukraine with all the necessary means, including Tomahawks. This is how Ukraine will win this war,' he added.

epa12738608 President of Republic of Finland, Alexander Stubb speaks at a panel discussion during the 62nd Munich Security Conference (MSC) at the hotel 'Bayerischer Hof', in Munich, Germany, 14 February 2026. The 62nd Munich Security Conference, running from 13 to 15 February 2026, is expected to host around 50 world leaders. EPA/RONALD WITTEK

"We must stop Putin, we must strengthen our deterrence capacity. But we have to do it in a coordinated way, in a controlled way. Let's build a real European army'. This is the exhortation made by Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, speaking at a panel of the Munich Security Conference, 'Fortifying the foundation of transatlantic security', together with Danish Prime Minister Mette Fredreriksen, Finnish President Alexander Stubb and US Senator Chris Coons. Sanchez also called for reforming and strengthening the 'multilateral institutions, which have managed to keep the peace for decades', and for the values of 'solidarity, empathy, cooperation', because 'the rearmament we most need in the world, today more than ever, is a moral rearmament', he emphasised. Opening his speech, Sanchez recalled that Spain had 'doubled the presence of military personnel in NATO missions and tripled our investment in defence spending'. And he reaffirmed Madrid's commitment to the defence of Nato's eastern flank, however recalling 'the reality of the southern flank', pointing out that we need to show the countries on the other side of the Mediterranean that Europe is committed to their side. "But without admitting double standards". "We must defend territorial integrity in Ukraine as in the West Bank and Gaza," he added.

"Dear Volodimir Zelensky, thank you for yet another election speech in support of Ukraine's accession to the European Union. It will help Hungarians a lot to see the situation more clearly. However, there is something you do not understand: this debate is not about me and it is not about you. It is about the future of Hungary, Ukraine and Europe. And for this very reason, you cannot become a member of the European Union. This was written on X by Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban in response to Zelensly's statements from the stage of the Munich Security Conference.

"Unfortunately," US interest in Greenland has not ended. This was said at the Munich Security Conference by Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, speaking at a panel.

"I think the US president's desire is exactly the same," she added, stressing that Trump remains "very determined" to control the territory. She also said that she was open to discussions to strengthen security measures in the Arctic, but stressed that there are obvious limits.

"I would like to humbly ask all major powers: stop nuclear rearmament! Sit down at the table, negotiate and sign a new START treaty to ensure the continuity of the one that has just expired". This was said by the Spanish Prime Minister, Pedro Sanchez, in his speech at the Munich Security Conference.

"As a non-nuclear country that has seen atomic bombs accidentally fall on its territory in 1966, I implore you: prevent the start of a new arms race while it is still possible," Sanchez added, "Humanity will be eternally grateful if you do so, and will judge you severely if you do not."

Around 200,000 people gathered in Munich this afternoon to protest against the Iranian authorities. The police in the Bavarian capital told Afp, raising an initial figure of 80,000 people, while the Munich Security Conference was underway in the city. Many demonstrators gathered peacefully on the Theresienwiese, a large square in the western part of the city, to call for an end to the Islamic Republic after the bloody crackdown that has stifled a wave of widespread protests since late December. Some waved Shah-era Iranian flags.

Nato Secretary General Mark Rutte said no one in Europe is pushing to replace the US nuclear umbrella, after Germany said it was in talks with France about its nuclear deterrence. "I think any discussion in Europe to ensure that collective nuclear deterrence is even stronger is positive, but nobody in Europe is arguing that this should replace the US nuclear umbrella," Rutte told reporters at the Munich Security Conference.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban responded to Volodymyr Zelensky's attack from the Munich Security Conference by ironically thanking him 'for yet another campaign speech in support of Ukraine's EU membership. It will help Hungarians a lot to see the situation more clearly'. "There is, however, something you misunderstand," Orban wrote on X, addressing Zelensky, "this debate is not about me and it is not about you. It is about the future of Hungary, Ukraine and Europe. And that is precisely why you cannot become members of the European Union'. From the Munich stage, Zelensky had pointed out that 'thanks to the Ukrainians, Orban can think about growing his belly and not about how to grow his army to stop Russian tanks returning to the streets of Budapest'.

Russian opponent Alexei Navalny, who died in a prison camp two years ago, was murdered by the Russian state with a 'rare toxin', the governments of Germany, France, Great Britain, Sweden and the Netherlands said in a joint statement on the sidelines of the Munich conference. "We know that the Russian state used this lethal toxin to target Navalny, fearing his opposition," the British Foreign Office said. London reported Moscow to the global chemical weapons control body.

About 80,000 people have gathered in Munich to protest against the repression of demonstrators by the Iranian authorities. This was reported by the local police, while the Bavarian city is hosting the Security Conference that brings together several world leaders until Sunday. Protesters marched to the Theresienwiese, a large square in the west of the city, clamouring for an end to the Islamic Republic.

I sostenitori del principe ereditario iraniano in esilio Reza Pahlavi partecipano a una manifestazione durante la Conferenza sulla sicurezza di Monaco di Baviera, in Germania, sabato 14 febbraio 2026. Il cartello a destra recita: "Ci congratuliamo con Reza Shah II nel giorno dell'amore, il giorno in cui 80 milioni di iraniani amano lo Scià dell'Iran". (AP Photo/Ebrahim Noroozi)

"The Russians are not winning" in Ukraine and "in December and January they lost 65,000 troops" against "very small gains in Donetsk and other places, so small as to be almost irrelevant". This was said by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte on the panel after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's speech at the Munich Conference.

"If there is a dictator in Moscow who is prepared to do such a thing, then we are dealing with someone who is prepared to sacrifice so many compatriots in this war. We have to take this seriously, because this is insane behaviour,' Rutte added.

"The US is still supplying a massive amount" of weapons to Ukraine, "this is the Purl (Prioritized Ukraine Requirements List, ed.) program, paid for by Canada and European allies, which will cost $15 billion this year, €12 billion" and "please use the Purl, there is a list of what the Ukrainians need. Don't give bilateral aid outside that list because it's nice, it gives you pictures in the newspapers but we know exactly what they need, please use that list." So said NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, speaking at the Munich Security Conference, on the panel moderated by journalist Christiane Amanpour entitled 'Coalition of the Able? Securing Long-Term Support for Ukraine'. Rutte emphasised in particular that the Allies must ensure that the Ukrainians have everything they need to fight and defend themselves not only at the front, but also in the cities, to protect civilians from incoming missiles.

"It seems that Putin hopes to repeat Munich of 1938, when the previous Putin began to divide Europe," Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said at the Munich Conference, with an image thus comparing the Russian president to Adolf Hitler. "Peace can only be built on clear security guarantees. Where there is no clear security system, war always returns. Ukraine will do everything to make these negotiations successful. We have invested in this process and are in constant contact with Steve Witkoff, with Jared Kushner and with whoever President Trump appoints. Today we meet with Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Ukraine wants the result of all these efforts to be real security and real peace, real peace, not what the Russians are hoping for from these so-called Anchorage spirits. And it seems that Putin hopes to repeat Munich of 1938, when the previous Putin started to divide Europe,' he said, comparing the Russian president to Adolf Hitler.

"It would be an illusion to believe that this war can now be reliably resolved by dividing Ukraine, just as it was an illusion to believe that sacrificing Czechoslovakia would save Europe from a major war. And when the question arises today as to what the price of an agreement might be, our answer is simple: the main thing is that in four years' time the civilised world will not be forced to justify itself again, to pass the buck, and will not be forced to look again for someone else to blame'. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said this in his speech at the Munich Security Conference.

"Ukraine is ready for an agreement that will bring real peace to Ukraine, to Europe. And I am confident that this war can be ended, and ended with dignity," he added.

'Europe is practically absent at the negotiating table. This is a big mistake, in my opinion'. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said this at the Munich Security Conference, adding that Ukrainians "are trying to fully involve Europe in the process, so that its interests and voice are taken into account".

"None of our people chose to be heroes". This was stated by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, paying tribute to the civilian population from the stage of the Munich Security Conference. "Putin is no longer interested in anything but war, because he cannot imagine life without power or after power," Zelensky warned, "Putin consults Tsar Peter and Empress Catherine more about territorial gains than any living person in real life. Can you imagine Putin without a war?" The Kremlin leader 'may see himself as a tsar, but he is a slave to this war,' Zelensky added.

"It is the Ukrainians who hold the European front. Behind our people are an independent Poland and the free Baltic states. There can be a Moldova and a Romania without dictatorship. And also a Victor who can think about how to grow his belly, not how to grow his army to prevent Russian tanks from returning to the streets of Budapest'. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said this at the Munich Security Conference.

"There is no country in Europe that can rely only on its own technology and money to defend itself. In a large-scale war, no one could do it alone. That is why, while we invest in interceptors and protection, Russia invests in breaking the unity between us all. Our unity with you, unity in Europe, unity in the Euro-Atlantic community. They want to break it because our unity is the best interceptor against Russia's aggressive plans. Our unity is what protects us'. Volodymyr Zelensky said this at the Munich Security Conference.

US President Donald Trump would be prepared to meet with Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei if 'the ayatollah says tomorrow that he wants to meet with him'. This was said by the Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, in an interview with Bloomberg on the sidelines of the Munich Conference.

Rubio remarked that Trump "is willing to meet with anybody," adding, "I'm pretty safe to say that if the ayatollah said tomorrow that he wanted to meet with President Trump, the president would meet with him, not because he agrees with the ayatollah, but because he thinks that's how you solve problems in the world, and he doesn't consider meeting with somebody a concession."

Further reading

Iran, US prepares for sustained operations: nuclear and missile sites targeted

13 February 2026

"Most Russian attacks target our power plants and other critical infrastructure. And there is not a single power plant left in Ukraine that has not been damaged by Russian attacks, not a single one'. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said this at the Munich Security Conference. "We have kept our system running thanks to the physical protection of the facilities. And thanks to all those who help us with air defence. Just as important, Ukraine still has electricity thanks to our people, thousands of workers who serve millions of people. And when I see our power workers, our repair teams, our rescue teams, I see something that is often missing in politics: the dedication, the ability to work 100 per cent, to act immediately in a real emergency, not in a month, not in a year or two, but they save lives here, they save lives now. And many politicians could learn and, I think, must learn from normal rescue workers, normal repair teams, normal electricians how to act in this war,' he said.

"Purl is a programme that allows us to buy Patriot missiles in the US and other weapons that protect the Ukrainians from Russian attacks. Most of the air defence missiles that can stop Russian ballistic missiles come to us thanks to the Purl that exists thanks to Europe. Europe is paying for our ability to stop ballistic attacks'. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said this at the Munich Security Conference.

"One of the worst things a leader can hear in wartime is a report from the Air Force commander saying that the air defence units are empty, that they used missiles to stop Russian attacks, and there are no supplies and intelligence says that a new massive attack could come within a day or two," Zelensky recounted. "Sometimes we manage to deliver new missiles to our Patriots or Nasams just before an attack and sometimes at the last moment. And I especially want to thank Germany, Norway and the Netherlands for their strong leadership in Europe in providing us with air defence systems. These systems save our lives. And thanks to every European leader who invests in Purl and other programmes'.

''Ukraine is a nation of pride'' and for this ''we want respect''. This was stated by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky speaking at the Munich Security Conference and emphasising the importance of air defence. Zelensky said he was ''proud'' of the Ukrainian soldiers for continuing to repel Russian attacks, adding that ''the Ukrainian people deserve gratitude and respect''.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was greeted with a standing ovation and long applause before delivering his speech to the audience at the Munich Security Conference.

Volodymyr Zelenskiy interviene alla conferenza di Monaco (REUTERS/Liesa Johannssen)

The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, said she was "very reassured" by the speech made today at the Munich conference by the US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio. Asked about this after his speech in Munich, Von der Leyen replied: 'I was very reassured by the Secretary of State's speech, he is a good friend, strong ally'.

"I say to all NATO members that our commitment on Article 5 is as deep as ever" and "be assured that Britain will come to your aid". This was said by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer speaking at the Munich Security Conference. "We must move together to create a more European Nato".

"Europe is a sleeping giant. Our economies are ten times bigger than Russia's. We have enormous defence capabilities. Yet, all too often, this has been less than the sum of its parts'. This was said by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer speaking at the Munich Security Conference. "Across Europe, fragmented industrial planning and lengthy and drawn-out procurement mechanisms have led to gaps in some areas and huge duplication in others."

Among the many topics being discussed at the moment in Munich, where a security conference is taking place with the participation of some fifty heads of state and government (the US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, also spoke), there is also the issue of migrants. Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani chaired, together with UK Foreign Minister Yvette Cooper, the second round table on countering irregular migration after the one organised last year on the margins of the Munich Security Conference. Foreign Ministers and representatives from Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Denmark, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway and EU High Representative Kaja Kallas attended. Opening the proceedings, Tajani recalled that the fight against irregular immigration is also a priority foreign policy objective, to be tackled with an integrated approach, of which the Mattei Plan is an example, aiming at conflict prevention, management and resolution, as well as economic development in the countries of origin and transit.

"We are no longer the Britain of the Brexit years. Because we know that, in difficult times, we would not regain control by folding in on ourselves: we would surrender it. And I will not allow that to happen'. This was said by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer speaking at the Munich Security Conference.

"Cordial first meeting with Elbridge Colby, Under Secretary at the US War Department. Reaffirmed the historic ties between Italia and the US, the common commitment to international stability and within the Atlantic Alliance. Focus on major crisis areas including the Middle East and Ukraine, with particular attention to the stability of the southern flank and the importance of the African continent, and the fight against hybrid warfare. An in-depth look at the strategic importance of the Indo-Pacific, which is increasingly central to global balances and international security. Finally, there was a shared desire to strengthen strategic cooperation, including through new partnerships in the defence industry sector and in the development of artificial intelligence applied to security and defence'. Thus Minister Guido Crosetto on the sidelines of #MSC2026, the Munich Security Conference.

"Europe must become more independent: there is no other choice. Independent in every dimension that affects our security and prosperity. Defence and energy. Economy and trade. Raw materials and digital technology. Some might say that the word 'independence' is at odds with our transatlantic bond. But the opposite is true. An independent Europe is a strong Europe. And a strong Europe makes the transatlantic alliance stronger'. So said European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen speaking at the Munich Security Conference.

On Ukraine 'we must find a political solution', but 'China is not directly involved'. This was said by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi at the Munich Conference. We 'promote dialogue for peace', he added, stressing that Beijing's message is 'that we want to see a cessation of hostilities' as soon as possible, and 'I think the real issues are being discussed now'. On this path, Europe should be directly involved in the talks and "not be sidelined" in the process, he emphasised.

"Without peace, global governance will be out of the question. As we speak, there are still more than 60 conflicts dragging incessantly around the world, causing traumatic suffering to the affected populations. The vision of a common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security proposed by President Xi Jinping has shown the way to solve the problems. We should resolve differences through mediation and overcome conflicts through dialogue'. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said this at the Munich Conference. "In Gaza, the implementation of the ceasefire and reconstruction will require relentless efforts to implement the two-state solution and restore justice for the Palestinian people. This is an unwavering responsibility of the international community. The situation in Iran has a direct impact on peace in the Middle East. The parties involved should act with caution and avoid creating new conflicts. With regard to the Ukrainian crisis, the door to dialogue is finally open. All parties concerned should seize the opportunity to reach a comprehensive, lasting and binding peace agreement, remove the root causes of the conflict and bring lasting peace and stability to Europe. As far as Venezuela is concerned, the red line of the international rule of law must not be crossed and the principle of state sovereignty must be respected,' he stressed.

The US does not seek to divide but to 'revitalise' the US-European alliance. This was stated by the US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio. "We do not seek to divide, but to revitalise an old friendship and renew the greatest civilisation in human history. What we want is a reinvigorated alliance,' he said speaking before the Munich Security Conference. According to Rubio, the United States under President Donald Trump is ready to lead the 'restoration' of the world order. The US will be 'guided by a vision of a future as proud, sovereign, and vital as our civilisation's past. And while we are prepared, if necessary, to act alone, we prefer and hope to act with you, our friends here in Europe'.

According to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, 'mass immigration is not, a marginal concern of little consequence' and in his view it is 'transforming and destabilising societies across the West' and it is necessary 'to gain control of our national borders', he emphasised during his speech at the Munich conference. It is not 'xenophobia. It is not hatred. It is a fundamental act of national sovereignty, and not doing so is not only an abdication of one of our most basic duties towards our people. It is a threat to our societies and to the survival of our own civilisation,' he said.

"We don't know" yet. This is how Secretary of State Marco Rubio responds, during his speech at the Munich Conference, to a moderator's question about his perception of whether Moscow is serious about negotiations for a peace in Ukraine. Rubio says that in the meantime the US and Europe continue to put pressure on Russia and that the US has managed to 'make progress' in the talks and that further discussions are scheduled for Tuesday.

Standing ovation for Marco Rubio at the end of his speech at the Munich Security Conference. Introducing the Q&A session at the end of the US Secretary of State's speech, Msc President Wolfgang Ischinger asked Rubio whether he "caught the sigh of relief in this room as we listened to what I would interpret as a message of reassurance, of partnership. The fact that you spoke of an interconnected relationship between the United States and Europe reminds me of statements made decades ago by your predecessors, when the discussion was: is America really a European power? Is America a power in Europe? Thank you for offering this message of reassurance about our partnership,' he stressed.

The United Nations and major international organisations need to be 'rebuilt and reformed' to meet new challenges. This was stated by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, speaking at the Munich Security Conference, where he emphasised that it is not necessary to dismantle them but to make them effective. According to Rubio, the UN has 'enormous potential', but it has repeatedly proven to be 'powerless', failing to resolve the crises in Gaza and Ukraine. "In a perfect world, these problems would be solved by diplomats and resolutions," Rubio said, admitting, however, that "we do not live in a perfect world" and that those who openly threaten global security cannot continue to be allowed to hide behind abstractions of international law that they regularly violate.

"We are part of one civilisation, the western civilisation. We are connected. We want Europe to be strong. We believe that Europe must survive. Ultimately, our destiny is intertwined with yours'. This was said by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio at the Munich Conference.

Transatlantic relations, international conflicts and Ukraine are the focus of the second day of the Munich Security Conference, which kicks off with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio's eagerly awaited speech on 'The United States in the World', followed by a talk with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on China's global role. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer will discuss 'wielding power in a world in disarray'. Later, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will address a panel on securing long-term support for Ukraine, together with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and European Parliament President Roberta Metsola. Strengthening transatlantic security will be the focus of a panel with leaders such as Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, Finnish President Alexander Stubb and Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen. A panel on 'Defending Europe and Supporting Ukraine' will feature German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius, Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda, Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski and Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha.

The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, will hold meetings with US officials, the Secretary General of NATO and the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom in Munich, as well as making several public speeches. This was announced by his spokesman, Serhii Nykyforov, and reported by Ukrainska Pravda. The programme will begin with talks between Zelensky and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer at the Bayerischer Hof Hotel, the venue of the Munich Security Conference.

During the day, two official meetings are scheduled on the US side: in the morning with a bipartisan group of US senators and later with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who leads the US delegation. A meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte is also planned.

The Security Conference continues today in Munich. Rubio's speech is expected. Yesterday Merz's warning: 'A gap has opened up between the US and the EU; the Maga culture is not ours; the post-war order is no more and the Atlantic Alliance must be refounded', said the German Chancellor.

Further reading

Merz: the post-war order no longer exists, we need a sovereign Europe

13 February 2026

MUNICH - The Munich Security Conference revives the hypothesis of a pan-European nuclear umbrella. In his opening speech, the German Chancellor, Friedrich Merz, said he had entered into confidential talks with the French President, which he in turn confirmed in his speech. Indeed, Macron was more explicit: Europe, he said, must focus on a long-term strategy, including the creation of deep strike capabilities and an assessment of how the French nuclear deterrent could fit into the future security architecture of the Union.