The Munich Security Conference (MSC) last weekend saw a notable shift in the US's approach to its relationship with Europe, as Secretary of State Marco Rubio delivered a speech that contrasted sharply with last year's combative address by Vice President JD Vance. The previous year, Vance's ideology criticized Europe for drifting away from what he deemed core American values, creating tension in transatlantic relations. However, Rubio's speech was received positively by European leaders who yearned for a supportive and collaborative US stance regarding shared democratic ideals and international cooperation.

European officials, led by Germany’s defence and foreign ministers and a contingent of US representatives, appreciated the change in rhetoric, interpreting Rubio's standing ovation as a collective sigh of relief. While the reception was warm, the implications of a so-called return to a 'rules-based world order' suggested an undercurrent of expectation that the US would reaffirm its role as a stabilizing force in global politics. This moment could represent an opportunity for Europe and the US to reestablish their partnership amid complex global challenges, including security threats and economic instability.

However, intrinsic challenges remain as many in the audience will critically assess whether the US's message of friendship is genuinely inclusive or aligned with a narrow set of values often associated with its more conservative political factions. The cautious optimism from European leaders could be seen as a test of the US's commitment to multilateralism, and whether it can repair its past fractures and truly support a collaborative international agenda that reflects diverse perspectives.