Keir Starmer has urged that Europe must accept a changing global landscape and take greater responsibility for its own defense, while continuing to work closely with the United States as an indispensable ally.
Speaking at the Munich Security Conference, the UK Prime Minister acknowledged that “things are changing” and described the current period as a “new normal” in which Europe must assume more responsibility for safeguarding its own security.
Starmer said that Europe must rise to this moment and “spend more and deliver more and co-ordinate more.”
At the same time, Starmer was clear that stronger European defense efforts should not come at the expense of transatlantic unity. “Crucially we must do this with the US,” he said. He described the United States as an “indispensable ally” whose contribution to European security remains “unparalleled.”
Europe, Starmer said, must stand on itd own two feet. He suggested that this can be achieved by putting an end to “petty concerns” and building a more European NATO, underpinned by “deeper links.”
He said that part of this foundation can be built by showing that “people who look different than each other can live peacefully together.”
“We are not the Britain of the Brexit years anymore. Because we know that in a dangerous world, we would not take control by turning inward, we would surrender it and I won’t let that happen.”
Keir Starmer
Also, he called for NATO’s European members to work together to “great effect” in the face of Russian aggression. “We must move forward together to create a more European NATO. As I see it, Europe is a sleeping giant,” Starmer said.
“Our economies dwarf Russia’s more than 10 times over. We have huge defense capabilities, yet too often this adds up to less than the sum of its parts. Fragmented industrial planning and procurement have led to gaps in some areas and massive duplication in others.”
Keir Starmer
Additionally, the UK Prime Minister noted that Europe does not seek conflict and its objective is lasting peace but the road ahead “must be built on hard power” and “we must be ready to fight if necessary.”
“That is the currency of the age, we must be able to deter aggression, and yes, if necessary, we must be ready to fight, to do whatever it takes to protect our people, our values and our way of life.”
Keir Starmer
Rubio Stresses Importance Of Ensuring Strong US-Europe Alliance
Prior to Starmer’s address, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio opened his much-anticipated remarks at the Munich Security Conference by recognizing the historical significance of the alliance between Europe and America that “saved the world” from past threats.
“While we are prepared, if necessary to do this alone it is our preference and it is our hope to do this with you, our friends here in Europe.”
Marco Rubio
Rubio added about the United States and Europe, “We belong together,” emphasizing the importance to the decades-long partnership that has come under intense strain during President Donald Trump’s second term.
Rubio acknowledged that the US can, at times, be somewhat “direct and urgent in our council,” but sought to reassure European leaders that the Trump administration is committed to the alliance.
While US Secretary of State Marco Rubio praised the historical importance of a strong US-European alliance, he also made clear the Trump administration believes the path forward requires a shift in how those countries work together.
“We want allies who can defend themselves so no adversaries will feel inclined to challenge our collective strength.”
Marco Rubio
The Trump administration has stressed that Europe must take on more responsibility for defending itself against regional threats rather than relying so heavily on American assistance.
“We want allies who are proud of their culture, their heritage … and together with us are willing and able to defend it.
“For we in America have no interest in being polite and orderly caretakers of the West’s managed decline. We do not seek to separate, but to revitalize an old friendship.”
Marco Rubio
The tone of Rubio’s remarks stand in stark contrast to those delivered at the Munich Security Conference just one year ago by US Vice President JD Vance, in which he harshly criticized Europe for relying too heavily on US support.
At the same time Rubio said the global institutions of the old world order must be “reformed” and “rebuilt,” referring to the Trump administration’s dramatic shift in how the US deals with its foreign partners.
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