Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the United States was the “child of Europe” in a message of unity yesterday, offering some reassurance at what felt like a rift as tensions rise with an assertive Russia.
Published suddenly amid escalating Europe’s security concerns, Vice President JD Vance had sparked anger on the continent earlier this month by berating allies over free speech and immigration.
The speech delivered a degree of reassurance in Rubio’s comments as he spoke during the Munich Security Conference.
“Europe and the United States in my view are the same civilisation,” Rubio said.
“We are the child of Europe. It is a message of unity yesterday, offering some reassurance at what felt like a rift as tensions rise with an assertive Russia.”
Rubio and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen had a positive and constructive meeting about Ukraine and the Middle East. White House officials said that they had a “deeply productive” exchange.
The United States is in a period of transition. President Donald Trump has emphasised that the US will prioritise its own interests, including rethinking its approach to alliances and global commitments.
Rubio said he had been “deeply productive” in his talks and that both sides were working together to strengthen transatlantic ties.
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Rubio stressed that the US and Europe must work together to address global challenges, including Russia’s war in Ukraine and tensions in the Middle East.
He acknowledged differences in approach but said that cooperation remained essential.
The conference, held in Munich, has become a key forum for discussing global security and the future of the transatlantic partnership.
