US Secretary of State Reaffirms Commitment to Europe, Warns of ‘Dangerous Illusion’

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio reaffirmed Washington’s commitment to Europe during his address at the Munich Security Conference, while criticizing certain Western policies he described as built on a “dangerous illusion” related to open borders, free trade, and punitive energy strategies.

The US Secretary of State emphasized that the United States has no intention of distancing itself from Europe, highlighting that the shared history—particularly the lessons of the two World Wars—demonstrates the interconnected destiny of both sides.

He noted that European stability remains a strategic interest for Washington.

Criticism of the International Order and Climate Policies

In his remarks, the US Secretary of State challenged the prevailing belief that the international order can override national identity and transform the world into a single global citizenship model.

He argued that such thinking ignores human nature and thousands of years of documented history.

He also criticized what he referred to as the “sanctification of climate,” suggesting that certain energy policies have taken on a punitive dimension that has affected Western economies.

He called for reassessing these approaches in line with national interests.

Reassurance Amid Transatlantic Tensions

Despite the sharp critique, the US Secretary of State delivered a message of reassurance to European allies, affirming that the United States will continue to work closely with its “valued allies and longstanding friends.” He stressed that the transatlantic partnership remains a cornerstone of US foreign policy.

The speech came at a time of recurring tensions between the United States and Europe, particularly over trade disputes and strategic matters, making the US Secretary of State’s address one of the most closely watched moments of the conference.