Rubio in Munich: America is not leaving Europe, but demands reciprocity and seriousness

(Patria) - U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio delivered a sharp message to European allies at the Munich Security Conference, calling for a radical shift in transatlantic relations. Rubio stated that America under President Trump is not leaving Europe, but demands "reciprocity and seriousness," criticizing previous policies on migration, trade, and deindustrialization.

Addressing those present in Munich, Rubio reflected on the history of an alliance that survived the Cold War, but emphasized that the triumph over communism led to a "dangerous delusion" – the idea of the end of history and a world without borders, as reported by N1

"Deindustrialization was a conscious choice, not an inevitability"

Rubio strongly criticized the global order which, according to him, sacrificed national interests for the sake of abstract rules.

"We believed that trade would replace nations, and rules would replace national interest. That was a crazy idea that ignored human nature and 5,000 years of history," Rubio said.

He stressed that the deindustrialization of the West is a direct consequence of a dogmatic vision of free trade while others subsidized their economies. He added that Western nations "outsourced" their sovereignty to international institutions while others built military capabilities.

Criticism of the "climate cult" and mass migration

A particular focus of the speech was on the internal challenges of the West. Rubio accused European and American leaders of impoverishing their own people by pandering to the "climate cult," while competitors use fossil fuels to strengthen their economies.

He also labeled mass migration as an existential threat: "This is not xenophobia, but a fundamental act of national sovereignty. Failure to control borders threatens the very fabric of our societies and the survival of our civilization."

"The UN has no answers; American leadership is needed"

Rubio did not shy away from criticizing the United Nations either, stating that the organization has no answers to key crises – from Gaza and Ukraine to Iran and Venezuela. He emphasized that in all these cases, results were achieved solely through American leadership, not resolutions.

"We do not have to leave international institutions, but we must reform them. They must not be a shield for those who violate international law," the U.S. Secretary of State said.

Message to Europe: Be strong so that we can be stronger

Concluding his speech, Rubio underscored that America wants a strong Europe that is proud of its Christian heritage and culture.

"America is a child of Europe. Our destinies are intertwined. We do not want allies who are burdened by guilt and shame, but those who are capable of defending themselves. Weak allies make America weaker," Rubio said, emphasizing that the Trump administration does not seek to manage the "controlled decline of the West," but its complete renewal.