Marco Rubio Calls on Europe to Awaken from 'Long Slumber' in Athens Speech
On Wednesday, Marco Rubio, the U.S. Secretary of State, addressed prominent officials in Athens at Pnyx Hill near the iconic Acropolis. He urged Europe to emerge from a prolonged period of inaction, emphasizing that Western civilization is at a pivotal juncture, facing critical choices between maintaining national strength or succumbing to decline. Rubio lauded ancient Greece as the birthplace of Western democracy and expressed hope for a revitalization of European unity and strength. He acknowledged recent positive changes in Europe, including heightened defense spending and new collaborations, following last year's NATO summit held in The Hague.
Key facts
- US Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke in Athens on Wednesday.
- The speech took place at Pnyx hill, beneath the Acropolis, with senior Greek officials present.
- Rubio called on Europe to emerge from its 'long slumber'.
- He warned that Western civilisation is 'at a crossroads' between 'national power' and decline.
- Rubio praised ancient Greece as the cradle of Western democracy.
- He cited a generational shift in Europe, including skyrocketing defence spending and new partnerships.
- He referenced historic defence commitments from last year's Nato summit in The Hague.
- The speech was part of Rubio's efforts to flex American power.
Entities
Artists
- Marco Rubio
Institutions
- Nato
Locations
- Athens
- Greece
- Pnyx hill
- Acropolis
- The Hague
- Netherlands
- Europe
- United States