US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Munich: 'America and Europe belong together'
Following speculation about a transatlantic rift, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio delivered a key speech at the Munich Security Conference on the afternoon of February 14th (local time). He affirmed Washington's desire to "revive" the old alliance, but accompanied this with a call for Europe to join the US in the fight to protect "civilizational heritage" and combat immigration.
An unexpected "healing" message.
In contrast to his controversial absence from the previous day's "Berlin format" meeting, Marco Rubio's official speech took on a distinctly conciliatory tone. Facing allies anxious about President Donald Trump's "America First" rhetoric or the Greenland issue, the US Secretary of State softened his tone.
We are not seeking division, but rather to revive a long-standing friendship and renew the greatest civilization in human history.
Mr. Rubio emphasized
He asserted that the US and Europe "belong together" and that Washington wants to see a strong Europe.
Observers note that this represents a significant shift from the attitude of US Vice President JD Vance at this forum a year ago, when he openly criticized European policies.
However, Rubio's call was not entirely unconditional. He skillfully incorporated the Trump administration's ideology into his definition of a new alliance. According to him, this alliance must be based on jointly addressing what he called the "mass migration crisis"—a factor destabilizing Western societies.
"We want allies who are proud of their culture and heritage... people who are willing and able to stand with us to protect it," the US Secretary of State declared. He argued that only by acting together can the West stop "forces that seek to erase civilization."
Europe responded with "hard power".
In response to calls from the US, European leaders in Munich also showed rare initiative, focusing on strengthening their own internal power rather than relying solely on diplomatic commitments.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer delivered a strong message: "We must build hard power, because that is the currency of our time." He called for the development of a common defense industry base across Europe and affirmed his readiness to fight if necessary.
Meanwhile, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte both agree that Europe needs to shoulder greater security responsibilities.
"Ten years after Brexit, our future is more intertwined than ever," von der Leyen emphasized, highlighting the close relationship with the UK.
Rubio's speech took place as the war in Ukraine was about to enter its fifth year. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was also in Munich seeking support.
Following the Munich conference, Rubio is expected to visit Slovakia and Hungary – countries with nationalist leaders who are believed to hold views close to President Trump.
