Rubio Reassures Europe Even as He Warns of ‘Dangerous Delusion’

Article content(Bloomberg) — Secretary of State Marco Rubio sought to reassure Europe of the US commitment to the continent even as he criticized western leaders for what he called a “dangerous delusion” of open borders, free trade and punishing energy policies.Sign In or Create an AccountEmail AddressContinueor View more offersArticle contentIn a speech to the Munich Security Conference, Rubio called out a belief that the so-called international order would “replace nationhood” where everyone became a citizen of the world. He lambasted what he called the “climate cult.” Article contentWe apologize, but this video has failed to load.Try refreshing your browser, ortap here to see other videos from our team.Article contentArticle content“This was a foolish idea that ignored both human nature and it ignored the lessons of over 5,000 years of recorded human history, and it has cost us dearly,” Rubio said. “We made these mistakes together, and now together, we owe it to our people to face those facts.”Article contentTop StoriesGet the latest headlines, breaking news and columns.There was an error, please provide a valid email address.Sign UpBy signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc.Thanks for signing up!A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder.The next issue of Top Stories will soon be in your inbox.We encountered an issue signing you up. Please try againInterested in more newsletters? Browse here.Article contentAt the same time, Rubio’s speech veered between stark criticism and jokes about the quality of American beer, and he stressed a commitment to working with “our cherished allies and oldest friends.” Article content“We believe that Europe must survive, because the two great wars of the last century serve for us as history’s constant reminder that ultimately, our destiny is and will always be intertwined with yours,” he said.Article contentIt was a far more accommodating message than a speech delivered a year by Vice President JD Vance, who suggested that the US was ready to turn away from Europe and warned of a “new sheriff in town” after years in which the Biden administration sought to shore up the US alliance with Europe. Article contentTensions between the US and its allies have only gotten worse in the year since that earlier speech, with repeated tariff fights, President Donald Trump’s renewed threat to take over Greenland, and a National Security Strategy unveiled late last year warned Europe faces “civilizational erasure” due to decades of economic decline as well as political and cultural failures.Article contentArticle contentRubio spoke a day after German Chancellor Friedrich Merz warned against a new era of great power politics and said that Germany and Europe need to bolster their security and independence together, while seeking partnerships with other regions to buoy the liberal order. But, he said, leaders must come to terms with the fact that the world has changed. Article contentRubio’s speech was the most anticipated of the three day conference, with world leaders eager to hear if he would double down on Vance’s tone or try to moderate it. The audience applauded loudly when he concluded and Wolfgang Ischinger, the chairman of the Munich Security Conference, offered immediate praise.Article content“Mr. Secretary, I’m not sure you heard the sigh of relief through this hall when we were just listening to what I would interpret as a message of reassurance of partnership,” Ischinger said.Article contentTrending As U.S. companies return to Venezuela's oilfields — one Canadian driller has a head start Oil & Gas Subscriber only. 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As U.S. companies return to Venezuela's oilfields — one Canadian driller has a head start Oil & Gas Subscriber only. Donald Trump plans to roll back tariffs on steel and aluminium goods Subscriber only Financial Times This TSX top gainer's 25% leap prompts TD analyst to predict 'upward financial revisions' this year Investor As Canadian bond yields fall, watch for fixed rates to follow Mortgage Rates CRA charged taxpayer instalment interest before he received all his GIC income Taxes