US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has assured European leaders the US does not plan to abandon the transatlantic alliance, saying its destiny will always be intertwined with the continent's.
He told the Munich Security Conference: We do not seek to separate, but to revitalise an old friendship and renew the greatest civilisation in human history. Rubio criticized European immigration, trade, and climate policies, but his speech's overall tone was more conciliatory compared to that of Vice-President JD Vance's remarks at last year's conference.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated she was very much reassured by Rubio's comments and emphasized the importance of a strong Europe.
Rubio reiterated that it was neither our goal nor our wish to end the transatlantic partnership, adding: For us Americans, our home may be in the Western Hemisphere, but we will always be a child of Europe. He advocated for a cooperative approach towards a new century of prosperity with Europe, addressing shared challenges in defense and economic policies.
Despite his friendly tone, he maintained previous administration criticisms, particularly of Europe's immigration strategies, and urged for increased European defense spending. Rubio concluded by calling for a revitalized international cooperation structure, particularly addressing the failures of the United Nations in recent global conflicts.
