Marco Rubio in Europe: US Secretary of State Outlines Vision for a 'New Western Century'

At the Munich Security Conference, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio delivered a speech that became the focal point of discussions about the future of NATO. The politician called on European allies to jointly build a "new Western century," while also noting that the current form of relations requires thorough revision. Rubio emphasized that Washington does not expect Europe to play the role of a "vassal," but rather a partner force capable of independently safeguarding its defense interests. These statements, though phrased diplomatically, sparked controversy due to the diagnosis of the state of European civilization, which Donald Trump's circle views as threatened by unregulated migration and excessive state interventionism. The transatlantic alliance, founded on the 1949 treaty, for decades relied on American security guarantees in exchange for Western political cohesion against the threat from the Soviet Union. Continuing his journey, Rubio deliberately chose capitals of countries governed by politicians skeptical of the mainstream European Union. In Bratislava, he met with Prime Minister Robert Fico, and in Budapest with Viktor Orbán. This selection of dialogue partners was interpreted by commentators as a signal of support for sovereigntist forces within the community. Critics note that American diplomacy appears to actively support states that challenge Brussels' bureaucracy, raising concerns in Berlin and Paris. Simultaneously, the America First doctrine remains the unchanging foundation of the administration's actions, as confirmed by demands for increased defense spending. „We are not asking Europe to be a vassal of the United States. We want a strong Europe because only such a Europe makes NATO stronger.” — Marco Rubio Meanwhile, EU representatives, including the head of diplomacy Kaja Kallas, firmly rejected the vision of Europe in decline. Kallas emphasized that the European economy shows resilience and that aid to Ukraine cannot be decided without the participation and consent of continental partners. In the conference corridors, discussions also touched on the proposal of 15-year security guarantees for Kyiv, which the Ukrainian side deemed insufficient, demanding a perspective covering 20 to 30 years. Rubio's documents and speeches indicate a lasting shift in the American approach to geostrategy, where the burden of financial and military responsibility is to be definitively shifted onto the shoulders of European states. 15 years — is the duration of security guarantees offered to Ukraine by the USA