Secretary of State Rubio urges Europe to strengthen defense — Anadolu Agency

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, speaking at the Acropolis in Athens, Greece, on October 7, called on Europe to strengthen its defense amid what he said was the return of great-power competition. This was reported by Anadolu Agency.

Rubio said that Western countries had been losing ground by handing control over critical industries and decision-making to international institutions. He also linked the West's vulnerability to the weakening of military forces, the relocation of production abroad, and declining confidence.

Competition for resources and technology

According to the head of US diplomacy, states are once again competing for territories, technology, resources, markets, and energy. He noted that the decisions countries make over the next decade will determine whether the West retains its global position.

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Rubio said that President Donald Trump's administration seeks to restore control over critical supply chains, reindustrialize the economy, and strengthen defense. He named artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing, space exploration, and military technology among the areas of focus.

An example of cooperation in the Arctic

The US secretary of state urged Europe to restore its own ambitions, citing increased defense spending, expanded production, and new partnerships following commitments made last year in The Hague. He called Greece an exemplary ally in defense, energy, and migration.

Rubio also cited as an example of transatlantic cooperation an agreement reached last month between the United States, Denmark, and Greenland. In his view, it will change the situation in the Arctic and strengthen the security of all NATO members. Rubio stressed that diplomacy must be backed by military capabilities and the willingness to use them.