US Secretary of State Marco Rubio addressed Europe’s largest security and defence conference in Munich, reaffirming the enduring partnership between the United States and its European allies. World leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, attended the event.
The central question was whether the US remains a reliable ally of Europe. The keynote address came from US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who spoke to a packed hall of politicians, diplomats, military officials, and US Congress members.
Key points from Rubio’s speech
Early in his address, Rubio commented on trade, migration and climate policies, noting areas where the US and Europe face challenges. He also referenced international organisations and ongoing global conflicts, emphasising the need for cooperation and constructive dialogue.
However, Rubio quickly highlighted the long-standing ties between the US and Europe. “Our destiny will always be intertwined with yours,” he said. “The end of the transatlantic era is neither our goal nor our wish… we will always be a child of Europe.”
He spoke about shared goals, including strengthening supply chains for critical minerals and promoting innovation. He also praised Europe’s cultural contributions, mentioning figures such as Shakespeare and Mozart.
Strengthening transatlantic ties
Rubio stressed that the US and Europe have unique shared interests and must work together to ensure stability and prosperity. About half of the audience stood to applaud at the end of the speech, signalling broad support for the message.
EU officials, including Kaja Kallas, welcomed Rubio’s remarks, noting that the speech reaffirmed the importance of the alliance. While policy differences remain in certain areas, the overall sentiment was positive, highlighting continued cooperation and mutual respect between the US and Europe.
