Europe not convinced? French FM pushes back after US’s Rubio seeks to reassure allies

Описание: “Do I look like I need to be reassured?”

That was the pointed reply from Jean-Noël Barrot when asked whether a speech by Marco Rubio had reassured Europe.

The exchange followed Rubio’s address at the Munich Security Conference, where he sought to reaffirm transatlantic unity, telling European allies that the United States and Europe “belong together” and that Washington wants to shape a new century of prosperity alongside its “cherished allies and oldest friends.”

But the message comes after more than a year of often combative rhetoric toward traditional allies under Donald Trump, fueling doubts in Europe about the reliability of U.S. commitments.

Chinese scholar Da Wei of Tsinghua University said the growing distance in U.S.–Europe relations is already a fact. Over the past year, Europe has increasingly emphasized “strategic autonomy” — strengthening its own capabilities and reducing dependence on Washington.

He said Rubio’s speech was well delivered and resonated emotionally with many Europeans. However, he argued that reassurance in strategic terms ultimately depends on action, not rhetoric. With NATO not engaged in active combat operations and disputes such as Greenland still causing friction, there is little concrete action to reinforce Washington’s words. Without tangible steps, such reassurances risk appearing hollow.

Rubio also criticized the United Nations, saying it lacks solutions to today’s crises and that meaningful results stem from American leadership rather than international institutions.

Barrot defended the UN as indispensable, particularly for its logistical and humanitarian operations. While acknowledging challenges within the Security Council, he said France supports reforms aimed at improving both legitimacy and efficiency, including promoting more responsible use of the veto.

For now, Europe’s reaction suggests that while diplomatic language matters, credibility in transatlantic relations will ultimately be measured by deeds rather than words.
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