Rubio continues European tour with Trump-aligned leaders
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is continuing his European tour with visits to Slovakia and Hungary, two countries led by political figures who maintain close ideological ties with President Donald Trump.
The diplomatic trip follows Rubio’s address at the Munich Security Conference, where he urged European nations to reaffirm what he described as the foundations of Western civilization while strengthening transatlantic cooperation. Speaking before policymakers and security experts, Rubio emphasized the need for a “strong Europe” aligned with Washington’s broader strategic vision.
Stop in Bratislava
Rubio’s first stop is Bratislava, where he is scheduled to meet Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico. Fico has frequently expressed nationalist and sovereignty-focused views that echo themes promoted by Trump.
Energy security is expected to feature prominently in their discussions. Slovakia, like several Central European nations, remains heavily reliant on Russian oil and gas supplies despite the geopolitical fallout from Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The issue has placed Bratislava at odds with certain European Union policies aimed at phasing out Russian energy imports.
Officials have indicated that nuclear energy cooperation and broader transatlantic energy ties may also be part of the bilateral agenda.
Talks in Budapest
Following his visit to Slovakia, Rubio will travel to Budapest for meetings with Hungarian leaders, including Prime Minister Viktor Orban. Orban has long been considered one of Trump’s closest allies in Europe, praised by the former U.S. president for his nationalist policies and strong leadership style.
Hungary faces a competitive political landscape ahead of upcoming parliamentary elections, with opposition forces gaining momentum in opinion polls. Domestically, Orban has pledged to intensify efforts against what he describes as foreign-influenced civil organizations and critics within the media and judiciary.
Energy policy is again expected to dominate discussions in Budapest. Hungary secured exemptions in previous years allowing continued imports of Russian fossil fuels, a move that sparked debate within the European Union. Washington is reportedly seeking to deepen energy partnerships with Central European allies, potentially expanding alternative supply arrangements.
Strategic alignment
Rubio’s tour underscores a broader effort to reinforce ties with conservative-led governments in Central Europe while advancing U.S. priorities on energy diversification, security cooperation and geopolitical alignment.
The visits also highlight ongoing tensions within the European Union over relations with Russia and the future of energy security in the region. As debates over sovereignty, migration and economic resilience continue across the continent, Washington appears intent on strengthening links with leaders who share elements of its strategic outlook.
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