MSC: EU eying new security strategy, says Kaja Kallas
Deutsche Welle
February 15, 2026
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The EU is considering a new security strategy aimed at addressing all aspects of European security in response to an increasingly hostile geopolitical environment. This plan was discussed by Kaja Kallas, the EU foreign policy chief, during her remarks at the Munich Security Conference (MSC). The conference also featured US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, whose speech was critiqued by Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann, chair of the European Parliament's Committee on Security and Defense. She described Rubio's message as a "poisoned love letter to Europe," highlighting its lack of mention regarding Article 5, democracy, shared values, or Ukraine. Strack-Zimmermann emphasized Europe's absence in crucial negotiations with Russia and warned against nationalist forces within the EU that seek to alter the world order.
Strack-Zimmermann also criticized Rubio's subsequent visits to Hungary and Slovakia, countries led by nationalist leaders who have expressed sympathy toward Russia. She viewed these trips as a signal to nationalist movements advocating for a rule-less world order. Meanwhile, former NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg, who is set to lead next year's MSC, acknowledged the challenges in trans-Atlantic relations but remained optimistic about their future. He noted that while there are serious disagreements between the US and Europe, particularly under President Trump, dialogue remains possible.
Stoltenberg commended European efforts to address defense spending, a key issue raised by the Trump administration, and praised NATO's current leader, Mark Rutte, for managing significant challenges effectively. The MSC this year was described as "calmer" compared to previous editions, attributed largely to Rubio's emphasis on dialogue with Europe. However, ongoing tensions, such as Trump's push to acquire Greenland and disputes over trade issues like tariffs and Greenland's status, highlight the delicate state of US-EU relations.
These discussions at the MSC underscore the complexities of modern geopolitics, where traditional alliances are tested by shifting priorities and ideological divides. The conference serves as a reminder of the importance of strong European unity in addressing security challenges while navigating strained relationships with global powers like the United States. As Europe contemplates its new security strategy, the stakes for trans-Atlantic cooperation—and Europe's ability to shape its own future—are higher than ever.
This matters to readers interested in world politics because it reveals the ongoing struggles between major powers and the potential implications for global stability. The MSC discussions highlight the delicate balance of
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Originally published on Deutsche Welle on 2/15/2026