Global Order Should Not Override National Interests, Says Rubio

He also reaffirmed Washington’s commitment to its alliance with Europe and urging partners to strengthen their own defence capabilities.

Opening his speech with a message of unity, Rubio said the United States and Europe “belong together” and emphasised that the fate of the European continent “will never be irrelevant” to the United States.

He criticised the energy and migration policies of previous governments and some Western leaders, saying they had made people poorer and threatened the future. Rubio also criticised the United Nations, claiming the organisation had played little role in resolving major conflicts.

Rubio said that under President Donald Trump, the United States intends to change this approach and hopes European allies will join in that effort. While Washington is prepared to act alone if necessary, he said, it prefers to work in partnership with Europe.

Referring to the historical importance of transatlantic cooperation, Rubio said the alliance between the United States and Europe had helped save the world from past threats.

At last year’s Munich Security Conference, US Vice President JD Vance surprised European leaders with sharp criticism of American allies. This year, however, Rubio arrived in Europe with a calmer and more reassuring message aimed at easing concerns.

Some European Union leaders have recently called for reassessing and repairing ties with Washington following Trump’s threats to assert control over Greenland and impose new tariffs. Rubio’s visit to Munich, however, carried a message of unity, historic solidarity and readiness for joint cooperation.