US Demands Rejected: Wadephul to Rubio: We Don't Need Further Advice

Germany - Ekhbary News Agency

US Demands Rejected: Wadephul to Rubio: We Don't Need Further Advice

In a significant diplomatic exchange at the recent Munich Security Conference, Germany has signaled a clear pushback against perceived American demands for greater European contributions to defense, emphasizing the continent's commitment to self-reliance and strategic autonomy. This stance was articulated by German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, responding to comments made by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Rubio had reiterated America's enduring commitment to playing a key role in Europe's defense but also stressed the necessity for European nations and NATO to assume more significant burdens.

Wadephul, a prominent CDU politician, described Rubio's address in Munich as a "good start" for future constructive discussions but firmly rejected any further demands. Speaking to journalists on the sidelines of the high-profile conference, Wadephul asserted, "Europe has decided, of its own accord, to ensure greater competitiveness and strength. For this, we do not need any further suggestions from outside." This statement underscores a growing European sentiment towards strategic independence, aiming to reduce over-reliance on Washington and forge a more self-sufficient security posture.

The German minister's remarks were not confined solely to defense matters but extended to other sensitive issues, including illegal migration. Wadephul affirmed that the German government is actively addressing this topic and is open to discussions with the US side. However, he reiterated the German position with conviction: "But we do not need any further advice on this matter." This firm stance highlights Berlin's desire to tackle its internal and external challenges from its own perspective, while still upholding the spirit of cooperation within alliances.

Wadephul also acknowledged a multitude of common challenges facing both sides, ranging from critical minerals and cyberattacks to the Russian threat and China. He advocated for addressing these issues together in a spirit of mutual collaboration. Expressing optimism, he stated, "If the spirit of togetherness prevails in the future, then I am very confident that we will return to our old unity." These words convey a dual message: appreciation for the partnership with the United States, but also a call for respect for the principles of equality and sovereignty within that relationship.

Earlier at the conference, Rubio had vigorously defended American power interests. In his speech, he characterized the current world order, with its free trade regimes and minimization of national identities, as a "foolish idea." He urged the US and its allies to work towards reshaping this order. Simultaneously, he affirmed that the United States would always remain Europe's ally, in an apparent effort to reassure allies after years of transatlantic strain.

Rubio declared, "We want allies who can defend themselves, so that no adversary is ever tempted to test our collective strength." He added that the US did not want allies to justify a broken status quo but rather to confront what is necessary to fix it. "For we in America have no interest in being polite and orderly managers of the West's managed decline." These statements reflect a conservative vision advocating for a more robust and pragmatic approach to foreign policy, aligning with a broader 'America First' sentiment while attempting to soften its implications for allies.

Rubio also sought to address former President Trump's controversial dealings with US allies, which had fueled growing anxiety in Europe about transatlantic relations. These concerns stemmed from issues such as tariffs and Trump's overtures to Russian President Vladimir Putin in an effort to end the war in Ukraine. Rubio explained, "That is why we Americans may sometimes seem a little direct and insistent in our counsel." He added that this was also why President Trump demanded seriousness from friends in Europe, because, as Rubio put it, "It is very important to us."

As the highest-ranking US representative at the conference, Rubio touched upon conservative themes similar to those discussed by Vice President JD Vance in his speech the previous year, including the disparagement of mass migration as a threat to Western civilization. However, he framed these remarks within a broader message of reassurance: the US would always remain Europe's ally. "Our destiny will always be intertwined with yours," he stated to applause from an audience of global national security elites. "We know that Europe's fate will never be irrelevant to our own."

Rubio's address was met with a standing ovation from the audience. Wolfgang Ischinger, head of the Munich Security Conference, immediately told Rubio on stage, "Mr. Secretary, I'm not sure if you heard the sigh of relief that went through this hall when we heard what I would interpret as a message of reassurance and partnership." Nevertheless, several high-ranking European officials indicated that the speech did not fully allay their concerns about the alliance, which has been deeply shaken by events such as Trump's reported attempts to acquire Greenland and the prospect of a US-brokered peace deal in Ukraine that could favor Russia.

Ekhbary News Agency