Rubio: US & Europe Must Unite – Stronger Together

MUNICH – U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Saturday sought to reassure European leaders that Washington aims to “revitalise” the transatlantic alliance, envisioning a strong Europe as a partner in a global “renewal” effort.

Rubio Reassures Allies at Munich Security Conference

Rubio struck a markedly reassuring tone at the Munich Security Conference after months of strained U.S.-European relations, prompted by President Donald Trump’s proposals and critical remarks regarding allies. “We do not seek to separate, but to revitalise an old friendship and renew the greatest civilisation in human history,” Rubio said, emphasizing a desire for a “reinvigorated alliance.”

He stated the United States wants Europe to be strong and believes the continent “must survive,” adding that the U.S. and Europe “belong together.” The U.S. will be guided by a vision of a future as “proud, as sovereign, and as vital as our civilisation’s past,” Rubio said.

While prepared to act alone if necessary, Rubio expressed a preference for collaboration with European partners. His speech contrasted sharply with that of U.S. Vice President JD Vance a year prior, who used the same platform to criticize European policies on immigration and free speech.

Rubio reiterated the Trump administration’s position that immigration is “destabilising societies” but largely avoided other contentious issues that, according to German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, have created a “rift” between the U.S. and Europe.

European Leaders Seek Stronger Defense Capabilities

European leaders, gathered at the Munich Security Conference, have pledged to increase their contributions to shared NATO defenses, particularly in response to Trump’s pursuit of Greenland and his critical comments about traditional allies.

Leaders emphasized the need for a strong Europe to counter a hostile Russia, with NATO chief Mark Rutte stating that “a strong Europe in a strong NATO means that the transatlantic bond will be stronger than ever.” French President Emmanuel Macron called for “a strong Europe” that would be “clear in the support of Ukraine” and “building its own architecture of security,” positioning it as a reliable ally to the United States.

British leader Keir Starmer is expected to tell the conference that Europe is “a sleeping giant” and should reduce its reliance on the United States for defense.

The Trump administration’s National Security Strategy has also launched an attack against Europeans, alleging a “civilisational decline” on the continent. Ties further deteriorated last month when Trump escalated threats to annex Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark, prompting protests from European nations.