MUNICH – A leading European Union figure on Sunday dismissed claims that Europe is at risk of “civilizational erasure,” responding to critiques from the Trump administration.
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas addressed audiences at the Munich Security Conference, following a speech by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. His remarks aimed to comfort European partners, presenting a less confrontational stance compared to Vice President JD Vance’s lecture at the same event the previous year. However, Rubio reiterated Washington’s determination to reshape trans-Atlantic relations and emphasize its policy objectives.
Kallas referred to the U.S. national security strategy issued in December, which argued that Europe’s economic challenges pale in comparison to the looming threat of “civilizational erasure.” The document criticized Europe for its immigration policies, low birth rates, restrictions on free speech, suppression of political dissent, and a perceived loss of national identity and confidence.
“Despite what some might claim, Europe is not on the verge of civilizational erasure,” Kallas stated confidently at the conference. “In reality, many people are eager to be part of our union—not just Europeans.” She noted that during a visit to Canada last year, she learned that many Canadians are interested in joining the EU.
Kallas firmly opposed what she described as “European-bashing.”
“We are advancing humanity, defending human rights, and promoting prosperity for people,” she declared. “That’s why I find these accusations so difficult to accept.”
In his conference speech, Rubio said that an end to the trans-Atlantic era “is neither our goal nor our wish,” adding that “our home may be in the Western hemisphere, but we will always be a child of Europe.”
He made clear that the Trump administration is sticking to its guns on issues such as migration, trade and climate. And European officials who addressed the gathering made clear that they in turn will stand by their values, including their approach to free speech, climate change and free trade.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said Saturday that Europe must defend “the vibrant, free and diverse societies that we represent, showing that people who look different to each other can live peacefully together, that this isn’t against the tenor of our times.”
“Rather, it is what makes us strong,” he said.
Kallas said Rubio’s speech sent an important message that America and Europe are and will remain intertwined.
“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.
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Moulson reported from Berlin. Associated Press writer Jill Lawless in London contributed to this report.
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