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Rubio Tells Munich Security Conference Europe Must Build Defense Capacity to Keep US Partnership Strong
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Marco Rubio told European leaders at the Munich Security Conference the US remains committed to the alliance, but expects Europe to take greater responsibility for defense.
Rubio Signals Continued US Support With Conditions
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio addressed European leaders at the Munich Security Conference in Munich on Saturday, February 14. He said the United States prefers to work with Europe but warned Washington is prepared to act alone if necessary.
Rubio’s remarks were received with cautious approval by some European officials, in part because his tone was described as less confrontational than remarks made by senior US officials at the same event last year.
Message Centers on Defense Spending and National Strength
Rubio urged European countries to accelerate defense spending and strengthen military readiness. He framed the goal as ensuring allies can defend themselves so adversaries are not tempted to challenge the alliance.
He also argued that, in the current geopolitical environment, nations rather than international institutions are best positioned to navigate an “imperfect world.”
Shared History Emphasized, Along With a Warning
During the speech, Rubio referenced shared historical ties between Europe and the United States. He described America as a “child” of Europe and said the continents’ fates are “intertwined,” drawing applause in the room.
At the same time, he delivered a warning that the US will move forward on its own if European partners do not assume more responsibility for security and align with what he described as common values.
International Institutions and Policy Disputes Highlighted
Rubio criticized the United Nations as an ineffective forum for diplomacy and reiterated a nations-first approach to foreign policy.
He also criticized what he described as a “climate cult,” and argued that Europe should not fear technological development at a time when European regulators have sought additional guardrails affecting major US technology companies.
European Leaders Welcome Tone Shift, Stress Independence
Germany’s foreign minister, Johann Wadephul, said Rubio’s remarks were markedly different from last year’s address by Vice President JD Vance. He also emphasized that Germany and Europe must pursue independence on defense, climate policy, and trade.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen echoed that theme later Saturday. She said an independent and stronger Europe would strengthen the transatlantic alliance and described Rubio as a “good friend” and “strong ally.”
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said Rubio’s message was consistent with European views that Europe has not done enough for its own defense and security for many years.
Poland Raises Concern About Limited Focus on Ukraine
Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski said he welcomed what he called a return of American politeness. He also said he was disappointed that Rubio did not focus more heavily on what Europeans view as the most urgent security threat, which he described as Russia’s aggression against Ukraine.
Sikorski said Europe is preparing for a new era in which Europeans take greater responsibility for territorial defense. He also noted that European defense spending has increased compared with earlier levels.
Rubio Says the Global Order Has Changed
Rubio said the geopolitical environment has entered a new phase. He previously told reporters before the conference that “the old world is gone” and that the world is now in “a new era in geopolitics.”
In Munich, he repeated that the US prefers to work with Europe and does not want to see the transatlantic alliance end, while reinforcing the administration’s expectation that European states increase their own capacity to defend the continent.
Related Coverage
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- National News – https://idahonews.co/national-news/
- Global News – https://idahonews.co/global-news/
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