Starmer addresses Munich summit as US seeks to ease transatlantic tensions

National Press Corporation(NPC)
United Kingdom—UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has addressed the Munich Security Conference, amid renewed efforts to underline unity between the United States and Europe despite clear policy differences.

His speech came shortly after US Secretary of State Marco Rubio told delegates that “the United States and Europe belong together”, striking a more conciliatory tone following strains in transatlantic relations over the past year.

However, Rubio also used his remarks to criticise European approaches to climate change and migration, and accused the United Nations of playing “no part” in resolving global conflicts. His comments underlined the continued divisions between Washington and its European allies on key international issues.

Earlier, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen warned that the “European way of life is being challenged in new ways”, pointing to geopolitical instability, migration pressures and security threats.

Moments before taking to the stage, Mr Starmer was directly addressed by von der Leyen, who emphasised the importance of close cooperation between the UK and the EU, nearly a decade after Brexit.

“Ten years on from Brexit, our futures are as bound as ever, dear Keir,” she said. “It is in our common interest to be ambitious about our partnership. We are in this together.”

Diplomats say the message was aimed at reinforcing unity at a time when Europe faces uncertainty over security, migration and climate policy, as well as concerns about future US engagement on the global stage.

While significant differences remain between the US and Europe, Rubio’s remarks were widely seen as an attempt to ease tensions sparked at last year’s conference, when comments by then-senator JD Vance caused unease among European leaders.

Mr Starmer’s appearance at the Munich summit is being closely watched as a signal of how a future UK government would position itself between Washington and Brussels, seeking closer cooperation while navigating longstanding political divides.