US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has reassured European leaders that the US remains committed to the transatlantic alliance, stating that the two regions' destinies are forever intertwined. During his speech at the Munich Security Conference, Rubio stated: We do not seek to separate, but to revitalize an old friendship and renew the greatest civilization in human history.
Rubio acknowledged the existing tensions regarding issues such as immigration, trade, and climate change policies, yet maintained a constructive approach, differing from Vice-President JD Vance’s more critical remarks from the previous year. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen remarked that she was very much reassured by Rubio’s message.
Rubio emphasized that it was neither the goal nor the desire of the US to end the transatlantic partnership, reinforcing that while the US has its roots in the Western Hemisphere, it will always regard Europe as a parent. He urged for renewed cooperation in addressing shared challenges and reaffirmed the need for Europe to invest more in defense capabilities.
Reflecting on trade policies, Rubio pointed out previous mistakes in a collective approach to unregulated free trade, firming up his stance on the necessity for allies to strengthen their defenses against any potential threats. Von der Leyen echoed his sentiments, calling for a robust and united Europe.
Moreover, Rubio critiqued international organizations, notably the UN, for their ineffectiveness in managing global conflicts, specifically referencing the tensions in Gaza and Ukraine. He asserted that the US would continue to engage with adversarial powers, citing ongoing uncertainty about Russia's intentions regarding its conflict with Ukraine.
The conference highlighted that while differences remain, the foundational relationship between the US and Europe remains strong and is essential for navigating current global challenges.
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