 "US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Reuters")
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio addressed European leaders at the Munich Security Conference on Saturday, delivering a message of unity while calling for policy changes.
Rubio emphasised that Washington does not intend to abandon the transatlantic alliance, saying, “We want Europe to be strong. We believe that Europe must survive,” and adding, “For us Americans, our home may be in the western hemisphere, but we will always be a child of Europe.”
More conciliatory than last year
Rubio’s remarks were seen as more conciliatory than last year’s address by US Vice President JD Vance, which had sharply criticised European policies on censorship and democracy. While highlighting togetherness, Rubio also raised concerns over migration, warning of “civilisational erasure” and the destabilising effects of mass movement.
Avoiding Russia and Nato in the speech
Notably, Rubio’s roughly half-hour address did not mention Russia, Europe’s main geopolitical challenge, nor NATO. He said the US seeks to lead global “renewal and restoration” and prefers to act alongside Europe whenever possible.
European leaders stress stronger defence
European leaders at the conference reaffirmed their commitment to NATO and shared defence responsibilities. French President Emmanuel Macron highlighted Europe’s support for Ukraine and efforts to build its own security architecture, calling the continent a “good ally and partner for the United States.” British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said Europe must be ready to defend its people and values, reduce dependencies, and develop a “more European Nato.”