Rubio tells Munich security forum that US and Europe belong together

By Humeyra Pamuk

MUNICH, ‌Feb 14 (Reuters) - ​U.S. ​Secretary of State Marco Rubio gave a message of unity to Europeans on Saturday, saying ‌Washington does not intend to abandon the ⁠transatlantic alliance, but that Europe's leaders had made a number ‌of policy mistakes and need ‌to change course.

Rubio's overall message of togetherness at the annual Munich Security Conference was relatively well-received ​by the gathering of European diplomats and security officials.

Even as Rubio at times needled European policymakers, ⁠his address contrasted sharply with Vice President JD Vance's address here a ​year ago, in which he argued that the greatest danger to the continent came ​from censorship and democratic backsliding - ‌rather than external threats like Russia.

"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, because for us Americans, our home may be in ​the western hemisphere, but we will always be a child of Europe," Rubio told the crowd.

The address was notably short ‌on specifics. Rubio did not mention Russia - the continent's main geopolitical foil - during the ‌roughly half-hour address, nor did he even bring ⁠up NATO by name, ‌the continent's main ​security bloc.

(Reporting by Humeyra Pamuk; writing by Gram Slattery; editing by Sarah Marsh and Mark ‌Heinrich)

---

Serious News for Serious Traders! Try StreetInsider.com Premium Free!

---

You May Also Be Interested In

• Trump says latest strikes on Iran are 'justified,' warns Tehran against retaliation
• Bessent urges BOJ chief to conduct 'sound' policy to avoid yen volatility
• Canada's Carney says US needs to start being serious before trade talks can resume