US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has assured European leaders that the U.S. does not plan to abandon the transatlantic alliance, stating its destiny 'will always be intertwined' with the continent's. Speaking at the Munich Security Conference, he emphasized a desire to revitalize the longstanding friendship, noting, 'We do not seek to separate, but to revitalize an old friendship and renew the greatest civilization in human history.'
Rubio's address included critiques of European immigration, trade, and climate policies, yet his overall tone marked a shift from previous harsh criticisms, particularly contrasting with Vice-President JD Vance's remarks at the previous year's conference where he admonished European leaders.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen expressed that she was 'very much reassured' by Rubio's address. He reiterated the U.S.'s intention to continue fostering strong alliances, remarking, 'For us Americans, our home may be in the Western Hemisphere, but we will always be a child of Europe.'
Rubio acknowledged mistakes made by both sides in trade and expressed a desire for Europe to increase its defense investments, while underscoring the importance of a unified response to current global challenges. Meanwhile, Von der Leyen welcomed his statements as proof of the U.S.'s commitment to maintaining a strong partnership with Europe.
The Secretary's remarks come at a time of increasing scrutiny on the U.N.'s role in global crises and ongoing discussions regarding the implications of the U.S.-Iran negotiations around nuclear weapons, highlighting the complexity and interdependency of international relations today.
