European Leaders Reject U.S. Allegations of ‘Civilizational Erasure’ as Tensions Rise

MUNICH – On Sunday, a high-ranking European Union representative refuted claims of an impending “civilizational erasure” in Europe, countering criticisms from the Trump administration.

Speaking at the Munich Security Conference, EU foreign policy leader Kaja Kallas responded to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s address from the previous day. Rubio’s remarks were notably more conciliatory than those of Vice President JD Vance, who last year took a more confrontational stance towards European allies. Nevertheless, Rubio underscored the U.S.’s determination to mold the trans-Atlantic alliance in alignment with its strategic objectives.

Kallas referenced critiques within the U.S. national security strategy published in December, which painted a grim picture of Europe. The strategy suggested that the continent is hindered by economic stagnation, exacerbated by its immigration policies, dwindling birth rates, restrictions on free speech, political dissent suppression, and a loss of cultural identity and confidence.

“Despite what some critics claim, Europe is not on the brink of civilizational erasure,” Kallas asserted at the conference. “In reality, many are eager to join our union, not only fellow Europeans.” She mentioned her visit to Canada last year, where interest in EU membership was expressed.

Kallas firmly dismissed what she termed as “European-bashing.”

“We are, you know, pushing humanity forward, trying to defend human rights and all this, which is actually bringing also prosperity for people. So that’s why it’s very hard for me to believe these accusations.”

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.