Rubio urges Europe to awaken, defends US national power in Athens speech

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio's visit to Athens confirmed a more assertive US posture toward European allies, characterized by calls for Europe to 'awaken' and take greater responsibility for security and strategic autonomy. The visit reinforced US regional interests in defense and energy, with a joint counterterrorism program announced, though specific policy changes or program details remain largely unspecified. The rhetoric framed current geopolitical challenges in civilizational terms, emphasizing shared Western values.