At the conclusion of the Munich Security Conference, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas firmly rejected claims by US government representatives about the alleged 'civilizational erasure' of Europe. She pointed to the strength of European institutions, high rankings in freedom of speech, and the undiminished attractiveness of the Community for candidate countries. It was also emphasized that Russia is no longer a superpower, but a country weakened by the prolonged conflict in Ukraine and economic isolation.

Rejection of US criticism

Kaja Kallas condemned 'Euro-bashing' and denied claims about the civilizational erasure of Europe, pointing to high press freedom in the EU.

Russia is not a superpower

The EU foreign policy chief emphasized that Russia's economy is in ruins, and losses of around 1.2 million people undermine its military power.

NATO combat readiness

Mark Rutte declared that NATO will win any battle with Russia and called for maintaining technological superiority for the coming years.

Expansion as an antidote

Kallas considered the expansion of the European Union as the only effective way to counter Russian imperialism in the region.

On the final day of the Munich Security Conference, public attention focused on Kaja Kallas's firm response to rhetoric from Washington. The EU's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy addressed the characterization of Europe as 'woke and decadent,' which has appeared in statements by members of Donald Trump's administration. Kallas emphasized that the narrative of the Old Continent's civilizational decline is completely unfounded. As evidence of the strength of the European model, she pointed to Estonia, which ranks second in the press freedom index, while the United States ranks a distant 58th. The head of EU diplomacy also noted that other nations still perceive the EU as an attractive development model, as evidenced by the long list of countries aspiring to membership. Transatlantic relations have for years been based on the foundation of NATO, but each change of occupant in the White House forces Europe to redefine its degree of autonomy in defense, which was particularly highlighted at the 2017 summit. An important element of the discussion was an analysis of Russia's current condition. Kallas and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte agreed that after four years of full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Moscow can no longer be considered a superpower. According to data presented at the summit, the aggressor has lost about 1.2 million people (killed and wounded), and its territorial gains are marginal relative to the costs. However, Kallas warned that the greatest threat remains Russia's ability to win more at the negotiating table than it has managed to achieve on the front. Meanwhile, Mark Rutte sent a clear signal to the Kremlin, declaring that the North Atlantic Alliance is ready to win any battle if attacked. Additionally, ECB President Christine Lagarde called on Europe to be more economically assertive and competitive in the face of global instability. „Contrary to what some say, decadent Europe is not experiencing the erasure of its civilization; people still want to join our club.” — Kaja Kallas Debates in Munich revealed a growing need for European defense self-sufficiency while maintaining cooperation with the USA. Kallas emphasized that the antidote to Russian imperialism is further expansion of EU structures. She noted that Europe must reform some decision-making processes to act faster, as previously suggested by President Emmanuel Macron. Continental unity is to be the key to maintaining global significance in a world where a new map of alliances is being redrawn under the dictate of great power rivalry. 1.2 million — fatalities and wounded on the Russian sideEstonia: 2, United States: 58

Mentioned People

  • Kaja Kallas — High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.
  • Mark Rutte — Secretary General of NATO, formerly Prime Minister of the Netherlands.
  • Marco Rubio — US Secretary of State in Donald Trump's administration.
  • Christine Lagarde — President of the European Central Bank.