Rubio Urges Europe to 'Wake from Slumber' on Defense and Economy

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio publicly called on Europe to increase defense spending and revitalize its economy, warning of the decline of Western civilization. The statement signals a hardening U.S. posture toward European allies, likely pressuring NATO burden-sharing and transatlantic trade relations. The exact policy implications remain unclear, but the rhetoric marks a notable escalation in U.S. demands.