Secretary of State Marco Rubio has issued a pointed warning about the future of Europe’s cohesion, arguing that security alliances cannot endure without a deeper shared foundation of culture, history, and values.

Speaking about Europe’s strategic direction, Rubio said that if nations erase their shared history, shared culture, shared ideology, shared priorities, and shared principles, what remains is no longer a genuine political or civilizational partnership.

In such a scenario, he said, Europe is left with little more than a basic defense agreement.

Rubio’s remarks highlight a broader concern about the long-term strength of alliances that rely solely on military coordination while neglecting the cultural and ideological bonds that traditionally underpin collective action.

He emphasized that defense cooperation, while important, is insufficient on its own to sustain unity or purpose among nations.

The statement reflects a view that shared identity and values are central to strategic resilience, and that without them, formal agreements risk becoming hollow and fragile.

Rubio’s comments add to ongoing debates within Europe and the transatlantic community about sovereignty, identity, and the foundations of long-term cooperation.