Rubio’s no-show at EU foreign ministers’ meeting fuels fears of Trump administration sidelining Brussels in favor of bilateral diplomacy.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s absence at the EU foreign ministers’ meeting has amplified concerns in Brussels about a potential shift in Washington’s approach to Europe. Rubio declined an invitation extended by EU High Representative Kaja Kallas, leaving EU diplomats uneasy over what appears to be a deliberate strategy of sidelining Brussels.
Rubio’s no-show is more than a scheduling issue; it reflects a broader pattern in President Donald Trump’s administration. Since taking office, Trump has bypassed EU institutions, favoring bilateral engagements with member states. For instance, Trump’s direct dealings with Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen over Greenland—reportedly laced with sanctions threats—highlight this approach.
EU officials worry that bypassing Brussels will erode the bloc’s unity, especially on critical issues like trade and defense. Trump’s team has already leveraged bilateral ties, such as prioritizing Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni over EU leaders at his inauguration. Meanwhile, Rubio’s outreach to select European capitals, while ignoring EU representatives, underscores the divide-and-conquer approach.
This strategy marks a stark departure from the Biden administration’s cooperative engagement with the EU. Under Biden, the U.S. and Brussels coordinated closely on sanctions, vaccine rollouts, and geopolitical challenges. Trump’s administration appears to prefer a fractured Europe, possibly to exert more influence over individual states.
While some EU member states, like Italy, remain optimistic about relations with Washington, top EU officials urge unity. Irish Foreign Minister Simon Harris emphasized the importance of maintaining strong transatlantic ties. Yet, with Trump’s administration favoring bilateralism, the EU faces the challenge of preserving cohesion while managing growing pressure from Washington.
As Rubio avoids Brussels, the EU must navigate an uncertain relationship with Washington, balancing optimism for dialogue with caution against fragmentation. Another opportunity for engagement looms on February 24, but whether Rubio prioritizes the EU remains to be seen.
