A heated debate unfolded recently at the Munich Security Conference, where a top European Union official, Kaja Kallas, sharply rejected strong criticism from the Trump administration. The US had suggested that Europe was facing “civilisational erasure” due to issues like immigration policies, declining birth rates, and a perceived “loss of national identities.”
But Kallas wasn’t having it. “Contrary to what some may say, woke, decadent Europe is not facing civilisational erasure,” she declared, pushing back against what she called “European-bashing.” She pointed out that people actually *want* to join the EU club, citing interest from countries like Canada. For Kallas, Europe is actively “pushing humanity forward” and defending human rights, which in turn brings prosperity – making the accusations hard to believe.
Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, while striking a less aggressive tone than some previous US officials, still made it clear Washington intends to reshape the trans-Atlantic alliance. He affirmed that an end to the trans-Atlantic era is “neither our goal nor our wish,” emphasizing America’s European roots. However, both sides remain firm on key issues. The US stands by its stance on migration, trade, and climate, while European officials are equally committed to their values, including free speech and their climate approach.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer echoed this sentiment, stressing the importance of defending Europe’s “vibrant, free and diverse societies.” He argued that people from different backgrounds living together peacefully isn’t a weakness, but rather “what makes us strong.”
Ultimately, Kallas acknowledged Rubio’s message: America and Europe are, and will remain, intertwined. While they may not see eye-to-eye on every issue, she believes they can certainly “work from there.” It seems the unique relationship between the US and Europe will continue, differences and all.
