European capitals braced for what they feared could be the final blow to the transatlantic alliance when US Secretary of State Marco Rubio took the stage at the Munich Security Conference.
Instead of a confrontational speech, Rubio adopted a warm emotional tone, though laced with tough political conditions.
Europe recalled last year’s address by Vice President J.D. Vance, who accused the continent of restricting free speech and failing on migration.
Rubio, however, declared that Washington’s destiny is tied to Europe, saying: “For us Americans, our homeland may be in the Western Hemisphere, but we will always be Europe’s children.”
Yet he also presented Europe with a stark choice: join Trump’s “restoration project” or face “civilizational erasure” alone.
Rubio criticized past European policies, warning that Europe’s “erosion of strength” weakens America too, and insisted the US is ready to lead alone if necessary.
His messages were clear: the US wants a strong Europe, not weak allies, but partners capable of defending themselves.
He spoke of renewing the alliance and reviving shared civilization through cooperation.
Notably, Rubio did not mention Russia at all – a silence that unsettled Europeans amid the ongoing war in Ukraine.
Sources – Agencies
