US Secretary of State Marco Rubio reassured a nervous Europe on Saturday that Washington wants to “revitalise” the transatlantic alliance.
“We do not seek to separate, but to revitalise an old friendship and renew the greatest civilisation in human history,” Rubio said.
“What we want is a reinvigorated alliance.”
Rubio stressed that the US and Europe “belong together” and must act as partners to defend shared values.
“It is our hope to do this together with you, our friends here in Europe,” he said.
The Secretary of State warned that mass migration is destabilising Western societies, echoing longstanding US administration concerns.
“We want allies who are proud of their culture and heritage, willing and able to defend it alongside us.”
Rubio said acting together would restore a clear sense of purpose, rebuke threats to Western civilisation, and recover “a sane foreign policy.”
Unlike US Vice President JD Vance’s controversial Munich speech last year, Rubio largely avoided culture war flashpoints and focused on security and alliance-building.
Relations have been strained by past US policies, including Trump’s threats to annex Greenland and claims of civilisational decline in Europe. Rubio’s speech marks a more soothing, unifying tone.
European leaders at the conference pledged to share more of the NATO defence burden.
NATO chief Mark Rutte said: “A strong Europe in a strong NATO means that the transatlantic bond will be stronger than ever.”
European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen added: “Europe needs to step up and has to take on its responsibility. Our futures are as bound as ever.”
Rubio’s message is clear: a strong, united Europe is key to global stability — and the US is ready to stand alongside it.
