US EditionRubio Says US Does Not Want 'Vassal' Europe On Visit To Trump's Allies
Rubio emphasized the need for reciprocity and policy reforms on trade, migration, and energy while affirming strong transatlantic ties at the Munich Security Conference.
- At the Munich Security Conference, Rubio argued the US and Europe 'belong together' while backing Trump policies, emphasizing unity in a message of reassurance.
- A year of confrontations with Washington left transatlantic relations strained, as European allies arrived worried about issues from Ukraine to trade, prompting Rubio's reassurance at the Munich Security Conference.
- European officials praised the address, with Ursula von der Leyen saying she was `very much reassured` and Johann Wadephul calling Rubio a `true partner`, despite some cautious tones, after the speech drew a standing ovation.
- The speech provided short-term respite to European countries fearing abandonment, but German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius and Chancellor Friedrich Merz warned the alliance depends on U.S. predictability and leadership.
- Rubio's broader strategic vision positions the alliance amid new Navalny poisoning findings and U.S.-brokered peace talks resuming next week in Geneva.
86 Articles
86 Articles
At the Munich Conference on Security, the brutality of J.D. Vance last year to give way to the courtesy of Marco Rubio, Saturday 14 February. But we will not fool ourselves. The US President did not give up defeating the European Union.
China woos Europe as Trump's hard stance unsettles allies; Rubio moves to reassure
At the Munich Security Conference, China's FM Wang Yi courted Europe as US Secretary Marco Rubio reaffirmed transatlantic ties. Europe faces pressure to balance U.S. security ties with China trade, amid tariff tensions and Ukraine strains
Merz is clearly positioned, Rubio reaffirms the US course, and China is making advances to the world: what's next after the conference?
ANALYSIS. While the US Secretary of State has been less aggressive towards Europe than the US Vice-President a year ago, the substance of the speech has hardly changed.
US need strong allies, not vassals, Rubio tells Europe
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has said America is not asking European allies to be vassals, but they need to be less dependent on Washington. Rubio made the remarks in a joint press conference in Bratislava after holding talks with Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico.
Michelle Haas is a researcher in international politics affiliated with Ghent University and the Egmont Institute. Her column appears every four weeks.
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