Rubio presses for stronger NATO allies as U.S. trip reaches Lisbon

Secretary of State Marco Rubio pressed NATO partners to strengthen their defenses as his European trip reached Lisbon on Thursday, October 8, 2026. His message combines Washington’s push for stronger allies with an effort to deepen cooperation with Portugal, according to official U.S. remarks and Associated Press reporting published by WKMG News 6.

A stronger alliance is Washington’s argument

At a Lisbon news conference, Rubio described U.S. pressure for more defense investment as “not a hostile thing,” AP reported. He argued that stronger member countries would make NATO a more effective deterrent.

That position follows the State Department’s transcript of his remarks at Athens International Airport earlier on October 8. Rubio said the administration wanted a stronger Europe and partners with greater social, economic and military strength. He pointed to Greece, Portugal and Germany as countries making efforts in that direction, while recognizing that governments face domestic pressures.

Portugal is the final stop

The official travel page sets out an October 5–8 itinerary through Reykjavík, Athens and Lisbon. Iceland discussions concerned economic and security collaboration; Greece hosted the sixth U.S.–Greece Strategic Dialogue. The stated Lisbon agenda covers defense, economic and technology cooperation with Portuguese officials.

Before leaving Athens, Rubio described Portugal as a “great ally” and said the visit was intended to reinforce an existing relationship. Asked to compare Portugal’s support with Spain’s position, he said starting a dispute with another country was not the purpose of the trip.

Defense within a wider relationship

For U.S. readers, the visit shows how the administration is pursuing military cooperation while asking European partners to carry more of the alliance’s defense effort. Rubio’s statements explain Washington’s position; the trip’s agenda also includes the economic and technology ties that support the wider bilateral relationship.