Key points
- Criticises EU migration and climate policies
- Von der Leyen terms speech reassuring
- Ukraine tensions shadow transatlantic talks
MUNICH: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio called for renewed unity between the United States and Europe during a speech at the Munich Security Conference, while sharply criticising European policies on migration and climate change amid continuing strains in transatlantic relations.
According to Al Jazeera, Rubio offered reassurance that Washington still views Europe as a vital partner, describing Americans as “a child of Europe” and insisting the alliance remains central despite recent political turmoil and disagreements.
“In a time of headlines heralding the end of the transatlantic era, let it be known and clear to all that this is neither our goal nor our wish,” Rubio said, adding, “For the United States and Europe, we belong together.”
However, his address was also marked by criticism of what he described as misguided Western decisions since the Cold War. Rubio argued that the belief in a borderless liberal world created a “dangerous delusion” and led to sovereignty being outsourced to international institutions.
He warned that Europe’s approach to migration had opened the door to “an unprecedented wave of mass migration” that threatens cultural cohesion and social stability. Rubio also attacked climate policies, saying Western nations had imposed measures on themselves “to appease a climate cult”, leaving ordinary people poorer.
Defence spending
Rubio’s speech came after a year of tension between Europe and the Trump administration, including disputes over defence spending, trade tariffs and Trump’s controversial remarks about Greenland.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen described Rubio’s tone as “reassuring”, though she noted some US officials have taken a harsher stance. She stressed Europe must become more independent, particularly in defence and digital regulation.
The speech avoided direct mention of Russia, but Ukraine remained a major undercurrent at the conference. European leaders have expressed concern that Washington and Moscow could push a peace deal forcing Kyiv to concede territory.
Analysts said Rubio’s conciliatory language may not signal a major policy shift, with uncertainty persisting over the Trump administration’s long-term approach to Europe, security cooperation and the war in Ukraine.
