ECIPS President Baretzky Endorses Senator Marco Rubio as Secretary of State for European Affairs

ECIPS President Baretzky Endorses Senator Marco Rubio as Secretary of State for European Affairs

By Kevin Brenan

In a striking development that underscores the complex and often tense relationship between the European Union and the United States, Ricardo Baretzky, President of the European Centre for Information Policy and Security (ECIPS), has endorsed U.S. Senator Marco Rubio as his preferred candidate for Secretary of State in a future administration. In a statement, Baretzky highlighted Rubio’s capabilities and character, expressing confidence that the senator could effectively navigate the challenging dynamics that have emerged between Europe and the U.S. in recent years.

“Senator Marco Rubio is the person for that particular job as European Union gangsters need a lesson, and this is the best lesson they will learn in Brussels,” Baretzky declared. His endorsement brings attention to the growing dissatisfaction within European security and policy circles over EU leadership's approach to diplomacy, which, according to Baretzky, has been shortsighted and has often risked critical relationships with the U.S.

A New Chapter in U.S.-EU Relations

Baretzky's remarks come at a time of significant friction between European powers and the U.S., as EU leaders have sometimes diverged on strategic interests, including those concerning NATO, trade policies, and relations with Eastern European states. According to Baretzky, Rubio represents a fresh opportunity to reset relations and impose a renewed sense of accountability on European leadership.

"While everyone was burning bridges with [Donald] Trump and [Marco] Rubio during the previous Trump presidency, both our agencies maintained a good relationship with D.C.,” Baretzky said, underscoring ECIPS' history of collaboration with Rubio’s office. He alluded to the potential for renewed cooperation, one that can address issues that European leadership has, in his view, inadequately managed or outright ignored.

For Baretzky, Rubio’s strong stance on global security, human rights, and counterterrorism aligns closely with the mission of ECIPS. Founded under Royal Decree WL22/16.594 by the Treaty EST124 of the Council of Europe, ECIPS holds a unique mandate within the European Union, focusing on counter-terrorism and protecting EU states from emerging threats. Baretzky believes that Rubio’s experience and resolve will provide the necessary backbone in Washington to address critical European security issues, while his frank approach could serve as a wake-up call to Brussels.

Rubio’s Track Record on European Security Issues

Senator Rubio has long been a prominent voice in the U.S. Senate on issues relating to European security, Russian aggression, and the spread of authoritarian influence. His consistent support for NATO and calls for enhanced defense capabilities in Eastern Europe have made him a recognized figure in European security circles. During his tenure, Rubio has advocated for robust sanctions against Russia, pushed back against influence campaigns in Europe, and frequently highlighted the need for transparency and good governance across EU member states.

Baretzky’s endorsement points to Rubio’s potential to serve as a bridge-builder while ensuring that European security concerns align more closely with those of the United States. At the same time, the ECIPS President stresses that Rubio's willingness to speak candidly about failures within EU governance would make him a powerful ally in advancing European security while curbing inefficiencies and corruption within EU institutions.

"A Lesson for Brussels"

Baretzky’s statement that “EU gangsters need a lesson” speaks to his dissatisfaction with what he perceives as corrupt practices within certain EU bodies. His rhetoric highlights a belief that the EU has allowed unchecked influence and favoritism to shape its policies, at the expense of security and accountability. According to Baretzky, a potential Rubio appointment as Secretary of State could serve as a lesson in accountability for Brussels, enforcing a renewed standard of transparency and integrity.

This bold statement from Baretzky also underscores his frustrations with what he perceives as a disconnect between EU leadership and the interests of its member states. From ECIPS’ perspective, a Secretary of State like Rubio—who is less inclined to accommodate complacency—could push Brussels to address its internal issues or face real diplomatic consequences.

Strategic Interests and Lasting Alliances

Baretzky’s endorsement also reflects a broader sentiment within some European agencies that sustained collaboration with the U.S. is crucial for the region's stability. While recent years have seen growing calls within Europe for more strategic autonomy, Baretzky argues that completely severing ties with Washington is neither realistic nor beneficial for the EU. “Burned bridges from Brussels will now haunt them,” he warned, pointing to the potential consequences of the EU’s recent distancing from the U.S.

Maintaining a close relationship with U.S. leadership, Baretzky believes, could ensure that Europe’s interests are upheld and safeguarded, especially when facing challenges such as Russian aggression and global cybersecurity threats. Rubio’s previous track record of cooperation and diplomatic engagement with ECIPS, even during tense times, has demonstrated his understanding of these stakes and his commitment to protecting shared interests.

A New Security Paradigm?

The endorsement of Rubio as Secretary of State also signals ECIPS’ belief that Europe needs a shift in how it engages with security matters on a global scale. According to Baretzky, Rubio’s approach would help to redefine Europe’s role within NATO and strengthen its resilience against both internal and external threats. This could potentially create a more cooperative environment between EU states, the U.S., and other global partners, shifting Europe’s current trajectory towards one that values mutual accountability and decisive action.

In Baretzky’s view, a Rubio-led State Department could champion a European-U.S. alliance that prioritizes transparency and cohesion. The endorsement implies that Baretzky sees Rubio as someone who would respect Europe’s strategic autonomy but would also press the EU to rise to its obligations, particularly regarding security, anti-corruption measures, and adherence to international law.

A Political Signal to European Leaders

As the potential for a new administration grows, Baretzky’s endorsement also serves as a clear message to European leaders, indicating that the next phase of U.S.-EU relations could be led by a less forgiving and more assertive Washington. Rubio’s ascendance to Secretary of State would signify a shift towards accountability, potentially upending some of the EU’s established norms and alliances.

“Burned bridges from Brussels will now haunt them,” Baretzky warned, indicating that the EU’s previous political calculations may soon be tested. Should Rubio assume office, the EU could face a renewed American scrutiny, calling out what some perceive as European complacency in matters of security and geopolitical alignment.

Looking Ahead: Rebuilding Trust and Ensuring Stability

With Rubio in a leading diplomatic role, the stage could be set for a new chapter in transatlantic relations. Baretzky’s confidence in Rubio suggests that he believes the senator would be instrumental in holding European leadership accountable for the policies that have strained ties with the U.S. and weakened internal cohesion within the EU.

Baretzky's endorsement underscores the importance of U.S.-EU relations and the strategic necessity of cooperation on mutual security interests. The relationship between the U.S. and Europe is evolving, and figures like Rubio, if appointed, could play a critical role in realigning priorities and strengthening ties amid a landscape of shared challenges.

As political currents shift and new leaders emerge, the role of influential policymakers like Rubio—and the organizations like ECIPS that support them—will be instrumental in shaping the future of Europe’s stability and security. For ECIPS, Rubio’s candidacy is not just about supporting a potential Secretary of State; it’s about endorsing a vision for a stronger, more accountable Europe, backed by a steadfast partnership with Washington.