Rubio touts US power, calls on Europe to emerge from ‘slumber’

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio passionately advocated for American influence and urged Europe to rise from its "long slumber" during his speech at the Acropolis in Athens. Praising ancient Greece as the birthplace of Western democracy, Rubio urged Europe to awaken and reignite the spirit that fueled its civilization millennia ago.

The Secretary highlighted the surge in defense spending, new partnerships, and programmes across the continent, drawing upon the historic defense commitments made at the NATO summit in The Hague. However, he cautioned that the West now stands at a "crossroads" between "national power" and decline. Drawing from the wisdom of the ancient Greeks, Rubio emphasized that power demands not only defense capabilities but also the willingness to use them.

He articulated the Trump administration's aim to reclaim classical understanding of politics and statecraft, not only for the United States but for the entire Western civilization. Rubino declared that the next decade would decide whether the West retains its global leadership or succumbs to stagnation, servitude, and decline. The US under the Trump administration had chosen to prioritize the unapologetic pursuit of national power, including regaining control over critical supply chains, revitalizing the economy, restoring defense capabilities, and asserting dominance in future technologies and industries.

Rubio's speech was rich with historical references and admired figures from antiquity, such as Alexander the Great and Hernan Cortes. Following his remarks in Athens, Rubio emphasized the critical US alliance with Greece, focusing on the energy sector and introducing a joint agreement on information-sharing regarding drug trafficking and terrorism.

The Mediterranean location of Greece, situated at the crossroads of numerous transit routes, made it particularly vulnerable to threats associated with migration, human trafficking, and various forms of terrorism. Rubio acknowledged the fragility of energy supply routes, particularly in light of the wars in Iran and Ukraine, and stressed Greece's role in becoming a vital hub for the transportation of natural gas in southeastern Europe.

The recent expansion of gas pipelines and port infrastructure had enabled Greece to contribute significantly to the energy corridor connecting Eastern Europe to Ukraine. The Secretary concluded his European tour with a visit to Portugal on Thursday.