US vice-president JD Vance delivered a broadside against Europe at last year's Munich Security Conference. Photograph: Johannes Simon/GettyWary European leaders are to meet senior Trump officials at the Munich Security Conference on Friday amid growing doubt – and dissent – over the future of the transatlantic relationship. After a bilateral meeting with Rubio, however, Merz will also meet Trump arch-rival Gavin Newsom, California’s Democratic governor. EU leaders will be watching closely for early US signals on a French-backed proposal to attach “buy European” strings to future EU funding and state contracts. Minister for Foreign Affairs Helen McEntee will represent Ireland in Munich, accompanied by Thomas Byrne, the Minister of State for European Affairs and Defence.

Source: The Irish Times February 14, 2026 00:00 UTC