US Seeks Stronger Allies in Europe, Rubio Says

The United States wants stronger allies in Europe, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Thursday as he headed to Portugal on the final leg of a four-day European tour.

Speaking to reporters at Athens airport, Rubio said the United States would benefit from having stronger European partners.

“We want our allies to be strong. The stronger they are, the stronger we are collectively,” Rubio said. “We want a strong Europe. We want strong partners in Europe.”

He said NATO would also be stronger if every member state strengthened itself socially, economically and militarily.

Rubio visited Greece on Wednesday for talks on energy, defence and cultural issues. During the visit, he also announced a joint agreement with Greece to share information on drug trafficking and terrorism.

After meetings with Greek officials, Rubio delivered a forceful speech near the Acropolis, highlighting US strength while urging Europe to awaken from what he described as a “long slumber.”

He warned that Western civilisation was at a “crossroads” between national strength and decline.

Rubio began his European tour in Iceland on Monday night. His visit came as Washington seeks to expand its influence in the Arctic following a US agreement concerning Greenland.

On Tuesday, Rubio said Iceland had long served as “an important base” for monitoring covert activities and deterring adversaries.

The Trump administration has repeatedly urged NATO members to increase defence spending and take greater responsibility for their own security.

At a NATO summit in The Hague in June 2025, member states agreed to invest 5% of their gross domestic product (GDP) annually in defence-related spending by 2035.

Rubio said on Thursday that many countries were stepping up to meet their commitments. He specifically praised Germany, saying it was taking responsibility and working to strengthen its capabilities.

“There are some positive signs in a lot of places,” Rubio said. “Obviously, there are some countries that are lagging behind. I know they have domestic pressures, but I think this is good for all of them.”

During Rubio’s visit to Greece, US media reports in recent days have raised questions about potential conflicts of interest involving US Ambassador to Greece Kimberly Guilfoyle.

Several Democratic lawmakers have accused Guilfoyle of promoting the commercial interests of a Greek construction and energy company during official diplomatic activities.

She has also been accused of allowing a registered lobbyist for the foreign company to attend meetings with senior US officials on several occasions.

Asked about the allegations, Rubio declined to comment but reiterated his support for Guilfoyle, a former Fox News host.