Rubio: We don't want a Europe subservient to Washington and we support the results of the Navalny investigation
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio affirmed that the Trump administration is adopting a new approach to transatlantic relations, one based on strengthening equal strategic partnerships rather than Europe's complete dependence on the United States. These remarks came during an official visit by Rubio to Slovakia, following his active participation in the Munich Security Conference, where he outlined Washington's vision for the future of Western alliances.
Strategic partnership, not political subservience
In elaborating on the new American vision, Rubio, during a joint press conference with Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico in Bratislava, emphasized that the United States does not want European countries to be subservient to it or merely recipients of its decisions. Rubio stated clearly: "We don't want Europe to be subservient to the United States. We want to be your partners. We want to work with Europe, and we want to work with our allies." This statement reflects an American approach aimed at pushing European countries to assume greater responsibilities in defense and security, an issue repeatedly raised by President Trump throughout his term, demanding that NATO members increase their defense spending to ensure European decision-making independence and strength.
Agreement on the Navalny case and the Russian file
On another front, the US Secretary of State addressed human rights issues and tensions with Russia, announcing Washington's full support for the findings of the European investigation into the death of Russian opposition figure Alexei Navalny. Rubio emphasized that there was no reason for the United States to question the report issued by five European countries (Britain, France, Germany, Sweden, and the Netherlands), which concluded that Navalny was killed using a "rare toxic substance" in prison in 2024.
Rubio added, "Of course, we have no reason to doubt it, and we don't disagree with it," sending a unified message from the West to Moscow regarding human rights abuses. This stance reinforces the united Western front against Russian practices, despite American calls to restructure the nature of the defense alliance with Europe.
changing geopolitical context
These statements come at a time of profound transformation in the global order, as the United States seeks to restructure it in a way that ensures a more equitable distribution of security burdens. Rubio's call for Europe to abandon its dependence on Washington does not signify American isolationism, but rather reflects Washington's desire for a strong European ally capable of protecting its interests and contributing effectively to international security, instead of relying solely on the American security umbrella.
