Rubio Wraps Central Europe Tour With Open Backing for Orban and Pledge of a 'Partner' Europe

Overview

• After a conciliatory speech in Munich urging Europeans to revitalize ties, defend Western civilization and align behind President Trump's vision, Marco Rubio visited Slovakia and Hungary.
• In Bratislava, he said the United States wants a strong partner rather than a dependent or 'vassal' Europe and reassured that Washington is not leaving NATO, describing any troop moves as routine reallocations.
• Talks in Slovakia focused on energy and security, including potential nuclear cooperation with Westinghouse, oil and gas supplies, the Ukraine war and NATO ties.
• In Budapest, Rubio publicly signaled support for Viktor Orban ahead of Hungary's April 12 elections, echoing Trump's recent praise and calling the U.S.–Hungary relationship an 'age of gold' in warm remarks reported by international outlets.
• EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas welcomed the softer tone yet rejected anti‑EU denigration, and European commentators said Rubio's approach appears softer without a clear shift from the administration's critical posture toward the EU.