Marco Rubio to meet Viktor Orbán in Hungary as he continues tour of US allies – Europe live | Europe
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EU foreign policy chief criticizes US ‘attack on fashionable Europe’
Patrick Wintour
The EU’s foreign policy chief has denied US claims that Europe faces the destruction of civilization, condemning the claim as Washington’s “fashionable attack on Europe”.
Kaja Kallas he also said that the United States had discovered that it could not resolve the war in Ukraine without European participation and consent.
His remarks underscored a grueling three-day Munich Security Conference attended by world leaders and security officials, where the health of the transatlantic alliance, a stronger European pillar within NATO and Ukraine peace talks weighed heavily.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio sounded a harsher message in his speech on Saturday, striking a more diplomatic tone that Washington can work with Europe only if the United States changes to align its leadership on mass immigration, free trade and more European defense spending.
Speaking on the final day of the conference, Kallas suggested that some of Rubio’s remarks were aimed at domestic audiences.
Kallas said it was now “very fashionable” to “attack Europe” despite “all the good things Europe actually has to offer.” “When I travel around the world, I see countries that still admire us because we represent respected values.
“Contrary to what some might say, a woke, collapsing Europe is not facing the extinction of civilization. In fact, people still want to join our club, not just Europeans. In Canada, I’m told more than 40% of Canadians are interested in joining the EU.”
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Marco Rubio to meet Viktor Orbán in Budapest ahead of Hungarian elections
Good morning and welcome to our Europe live blog. US Secretary of State, Marco RubioHe is in Hungary today to continue his tour of important American allies in Central Europe after attending the Munich Security Conference.
Rubio is expected to meet with the Hungarian foreign minister in the morning. Peter SzijjártóBefore meeting the country’s embattled prime minister in Budapest, Viktor OrbanHe is a name that is falling behind in the polls before the critical elections on April 12. A press conference is expected to be held around 11:00 local time.
Rubio, who visited Slovakia yesterday on a diplomatic visit, is expected to discuss bilateral relations with Orbán, who is trying to strengthen relations with US allies in the region.
The Foreign Minister is also reportedly pushing to support energy deals with Slovakia and Hungary, and Orbán has been openly critical of the EU’s green policies in particular. Rubio and Orbán plan to sign a civil-nuclear cooperation agreement later, according to the Associated Press.
US president, Donald TrumpEarlier this month he offered his support to Orbán, the EU’s longest-serving leader, saying he “fully and completely supports his re-election”. Orbán has developed a strong personal rapport with Trump over the years, including over their shared strict immigration policies.
Rubio’s charm offensive continues at this year’s MSC, with J.D. Vance striking a lighter tone compared to last time’s aggressive speech in which the vice president condemned Europe for its policies on immigration and free speech. Instead, Rubio spoke of an “intertwined destiny” for the United States and Europe, describing America as “the child of Europe” before making a highly conditional offer for a new partnership.
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