Archive · 8 Oct 2026
Rubio Urges Europe to Awaken and Strengthen Western Power
Marco Rubio, the United States’ top diplomat, gave a speech in Athens, Greece.
He said the West has an important choice to make about its future.
He urged Europe to become stronger and said it should wake from a “long slumber.”
Rubio said the United States wants to make more important goods at home, strengthen its military and lead in new technologies.
He also praised the partnership between the United States and Greece.
The two countries announced an agreement to share information about drug trafficking and terrorism.
Rubio discussed energy and regional security with Greek officials.
His trip also included Iceland, and Portugal was scheduled to be his last stop.
Speaking at Athens’ Pnyx Hill, Marco Rubio warned that the West faces a crossroads between retaining global influence and decline.
Rubio called on Europe to emerge from a “long slumber” and strengthen its defence, production and technological capabilities.
He said the Trump administration is pursuing national power by securing critical supply chains, reindustrialising, rebuilding defence and competing in future industries.
Rubio praised US-Greece cooperation, highlighting energy ties and an agreement to share information on drug trafficking and terrorism.
His October 5–8 European tour included Iceland and Greece, with Portugal scheduled as the final stop on October 8.
- Who
- US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Greek officials, including Foreign Minister Georgios Gerapetritis and Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis.
- What
- Rubio urged Europe to strengthen Western power and discussed US-Greece cooperation, including energy ties and information-sharing on drug trafficking and terrorism.
- When
- Wednesday, October 7, 2026; Portugal was scheduled for October 8.
- Where
- Pnyx Hill in Athens, Greece, beneath the Acropolis.
- Why
- Rubio argued that the West faces a choice between maintaining its global position and declining, and called for stronger defence, production and technological capabilities.
Rubio’s case for stronger Western power
Concerns and criticism described in coverage
Western strength and defence
Rubio’s case for stronger Western power
Rubio urged Europe to strengthen its defence and production, arguing that the West risks decline if it does not act.
Concerns and criticism described in coverage
The coverage notes that European officials have cited the US-Iran stalemate, higher global energy prices and depleted US munitions stocks as evidence that US military power has limits.
Relations with Europe
Rubio’s case for stronger Western power
Rubio praised the US-Greece alliance and said cooperation is important amid global uncertainty.
Concerns and criticism described in coverage
The coverage describes deteriorating US-European relations under Trump, including disputes over Greenland, Iran and the administration’s criticism of European policies.
- Speaker
- Marco Rubio, US Secretary of State
- Speech venue
- Pnyx Hill, Athens, beneath the Acropolis
- Speech date
- October 7, 2026
- Tour dates
- October 5–8, 2026
- Tour stops mentioned
- Iceland, Greece and Portugal
- US priorities named
- Critical supply chains, reindustrialisation, defence and future technologies
- US-Greece cooperation
- Energy cooperation and an agreement to share information on drug trafficking and terrorism
- Next scheduled stop
- Portugal on October 8
