(MUNICH, BAVARIA, GERMANY) – The United States Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, has called for a renewed partnership between America and Europe, saying the two sides “belong together” despite a year of strained relations.
Speaking at the Munich Security Conference, Rubio said the United States would “always be a child of Europe” and stressed the importance of rebuilding transatlantic unity in the face of global challenges.
He opened his address by recalling the origins of the conference in 1963, when Germany was divided and the Cold War was at its height. He referred to the Berlin Wall and the Cuban Missile Crisis as reminders of how close the world had come to nuclear conflict, and said Western unity had been essential in preventing catastrophe.
Rubio said that Europe and America had prevailed against Soviet communism through shared purpose and cooperation, leading to the reunification of the continent and decades of prosperity. However, he argued that the end of the Cold War had created a “dangerous delusion” that liberal democracy and free trade alone would secure global stability.
He criticised what he described as excessive faith in unfettered trade, saying it had led to de industrialisation, the loss of manufacturing jobs, and dependence on foreign supply chains. He said many Western countries had allowed key industries to move abroad, leaving them vulnerable to economic and political pressure.
Rubio also warned against over reliance on international institutions, arguing that some nations had prioritised welfare spending over defence while rivals had expanded their military power. He said Western energy policies had weakened domestic economies, while competitors continued to exploit fossil fuels for economic and political advantage.
Addressing migration, Rubio said that uncontrolled mass movement of people had threatened social cohesion and cultural continuity. He argued that border control was an essential element of national sovereignty and not an expression of intolerance.
Referring to President Donald Trump, Rubio said the United States was pursuing a policy of national renewal and restoration. He said Washington was prepared to act alone if necessary, but preferred to work closely with European partners.
He described the United States and Europe as part of a single Western civilisation, bound by shared history, culture, religion, and values. He said this connection explained why American leaders sometimes spoke bluntly to their allies, adding that such directness reflected concern for Europe’s future.
Rubio said Europe’s survival was vital to American security, citing the lessons of the two world wars. He argued that defence policy was not only about spending levels but about protecting a way of life and a people.
He praised Europe’s historical contributions to law, science, culture, and the arts, naming figures such as Mozart, Beethoven, Shakespeare, and Leonardo da Vinci. He referred to landmarks including the Sistine Chapel and Cologne Cathedral as symbols of shared heritage.
He said de industrialisation and supply chain dependence were the result of political choices rather than inevitability. He called for re industrialisation and closer cooperation in emerging sectors such as artificial intelligence, automation, commercial space, and critical minerals.
Rubio urged Western countries to develop their own supply chains and compete more effectively in developing markets. He said economic resilience was as important as military strength in maintaining independence.
On global governance, he said international organisations should be reformed rather than abandoned. He criticised the United Nations for what he described as limited effectiveness in addressing major conflicts, including wars in Gaza and Ukraine, and disputes over nuclear programmes.
He argued that American leadership, often in partnership with allies, had been decisive in managing crises when multilateral institutions had failed. He said diplomacy remained essential but could not replace firm action when international law was openly violated.
Rubio said the United States would continue to work with European partners to deter aggression and defend shared interests. He called for allies who were confident in their culture and capable of defending themselves.
He warned against what he described as a “managed decline” of Western influence, saying the United States did not intend to preside politely over weakening institutions and shrinking power. Instead, he said Washington sought to revitalise long standing alliances.
He called for an alliance that was willing to confront fear, including fear of technological change, conflict, and climate risks, and instead pursue innovation and growth. He said future generations should inherit stronger and more prosperous nations.
In a personal section of his speech, Rubio described the European roots of American society, referring to Italian, English, Scottish, Irish, German, French, and Spanish influences. He said these links illustrated the deep historical ties between the two sides of the Atlantic.
He concluded by saying that although America’s home lay in the Western Hemisphere, its identity remained closely connected to Europe. He said the two sides should once again work together to shape a shared future.
During a question and answer session, Rubio said it remained unclear whether Russia was serious about ending its war against Ukraine. He said negotiations had narrowed to difficult issues and that progress remained limited.
He said the United States had imposed additional sanctions on Russian oil and had sought commitments from partners, including India, to reduce purchases. He added that military support for Ukraine continued.
Asked about China, Rubio said engagement with Beijing was essential to avoid conflict. He said the United States and China had competing interests but shared a responsibility to manage tensions. He referred to a planned meeting between President Trump and President Xi Jinping, and said dialogue was necessary even amid long term rivalry.
Conference organisers said Rubio’s speech was intended to reassure European allies of continued American engagement, while also signalling tougher expectations on defence, economic policy, and migration.
