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MUNICH — European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas forcefully rejected assertions of Europe’s decline on Sunday, responding to criticisms leveled by the Trump administration regarding the continent’s economic and social stability. Addressing the Munich Security Conference, Kallas directly countered claims of “civilizational erasure” that appeared in a U.S. National security strategy released in December.
The U.S. Strategy document had suggested that Europe is facing weakening due to factors including immigration policies, declining birth rates, restrictions on free speech, suppression of political opposition, and a perceived loss of national identity. Kallas dismissed these assertions as unfounded. “Contrary to what some may say, woke, decadent Europe is not facing civilizational erasure,” she stated to the assembled delegates. She further emphasized Europe’s continued appeal, noting that individuals outside the continent express interest in joining the European Union. “In fact, people still want to join our club and not just fellow Europeans,” Kallas added, referencing conversations during a visit to Canada last year.
Kallas’s remarks came a day after U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio delivered a speech at the same conference. While Rubio’s tone was less confrontational than that of Vice President JD Vance at the 2025 Munich Security Conference, he reaffirmed the Trump administration’s intention to reshape the trans-Atlantic alliance and prioritize its own policy objectives. Rubio stated that an conclude to the trans-Atlantic era “is neither our goal nor our wish,” adding that the United States remains fundamentally connected to Europe, describing America as “a child of Europe.”
Despite Rubio’s assurances of continued ties, European officials signaled their resolve to uphold their own values. The Secretary of State made clear the administration’s firm stance on issues such as migration, trade, and climate policy. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, speaking on Saturday, underscored the importance of defending “the vibrant, free and diverse societies that we represent,” arguing that such diversity is a source of strength rather than weakness.
Kallas acknowledged the areas of disagreement between the U.S. And Europe, but expressed optimism about continued cooperation. “It is also clear that we don’t see eye to eye on all the issues and this will remain the case as well, but I think we can work from there,” she said. She also announced that she is working on a “new European security strategy” that will address “all dimensions of European security” in a more hostile geopolitical environment, according to reports from the conference. The EU is also forging stronger security and defence ties with India, Kallas stated.
The Munich Security Conference concluded Sunday after two days of discussions, leaving unresolved the fundamental tensions between the United States and Europe regarding the future of their relationship and the direction of global policy.
