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Rubio Calls U.S. “Child of Europe” at Munich Security Conference, Pledges Transatlantic Unity
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio calls America a “child of Europe” at Munich Security Conference, emphasizing transatlantic unity while critiquing Western “managed decline” and warning against weak allies.
ND
by News Desk
2026-02-14
Rubio Calls U.S. “Child of Europe” at Munich Security Conference, Pledges Transatlantic Unity

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio delivered a message of transatlantic unity on Saturday at the Munich Security Conference, positioning the United States as the “child of Europe” amid growing global uncertainties.

Speaking to Europe’s top leaders, Rubio reassured allies that the U.S. remains committed to a shared Western legacy. “For the United States and Europe, we belong together,” he said, drawing a standing ovation. He also criticized Western nations for pursuing a “managed decline” on issues like migration and climate policies, arguing that weak allies make the U.S. weaker.

While the speech was well received by figures like European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, some European officials remained cautious. Gabrielius Landsbergis, former Lithuanian foreign minister, said that Rubio’s rhetoric on civilizational decline did not align with most Europeans’ focus on security.

The Munich conference also highlighted broader geopolitical tensions. Five European allies accused Russia of killing Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny using poison from dart frogs, while U.S.-brokered peace talks on Ukraine are set to resume next week in Geneva. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy acknowledged pressure from former President Donald Trump to reach a deal quickly, but emphasized that concessions often disproportionately target Ukraine.

Rubio praised Europe’s cultural heritage while reinforcing the U.S. commitment to defend NATO allies. “We do not want our allies to be weak, because that makes us weaker,” he said. He warned against disengagement from Europe, stating that the U.S. seeks to “revitalise an old friendship and renew the greatest civilization in human history.”

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot acknowledged the speech’s rhetorical appeal but said it would not change Europe’s strategy. Meanwhile, German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius stressed that U.S. reliability and predictability are essential for the transatlantic alliance, particularly in light of last year’s confrontations with Trump over NATO and other global issues.

Rubio’s address comes as Europe continues to navigate security, trade, and political challenges in a rapidly shifting global order, seeking reassurance from its historic ally across the Atlantic.
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