Europeans hit back at US after claim that continent faces ‘civilizational erasure’

Head of European Union diplomacy, Kaja Kallas, speaks during the Munich Security Conference. Michael Probst/AP European authorities reacted this Sunday (15) to criticism from the United States government that Europe was going through a “civilizational erasure”, rejecting the assessment and defending the continent’s values. European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas spoke during the Munich Security Conference, a day after US Secretary of State Marco Rubio tried to reassure European allies. Rubio struck a less aggressive tone than Vice President J.D. Vance had used at the same event the previous year, but held firm to Washington’s stance on reshaping the transatlantic alliance and prioritizing its own policies. Kallas mentioned criticisms present in the national security strategy released by the US in December, which states that European economic stagnation is overcome by a “real and harsher prospect of civilizational erasure”. READ MORE: Rubio’s speech to European allies adopts a softer tone, but maintains Trump’s firm position Americans and Europeans defend unity at security conference The document suggests that the continent is being weakened by migration policies, falling birth rates, alleged censorship of freedom of expression, repression of political opposition and loss of national identities. “Contrary to what some say, this ‘woke’ and decadent Europe is not facing a civilizational erasure,” said Kallas. “In fact, people still want to join our club — and not just other Europeans.” She said she heard during a visit to Canada last year that many citizens showed interest in joining the European bloc. Kallas also criticized what he called widespread attacks on the continent. “We are promoting advances for humanity, defending human rights and generating prosperity. Therefore, it is difficult to believe these accusations”, he declared. In his speech, Rubio stated that the end of the transatlantic era is “neither the goal nor the desire” of the United States. “Our home may be in the Western Hemisphere, but we will always be children of Europe,” he said. Despite this, he made it clear that President Donald Trump’s government will maintain firm positions on issues such as migration, trade and climate. European officials present at the meeting responded that they will also continue to defend their own values, including climate policies, freedom of expression and free trade. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said on Saturday that Europe needs to protect “the vibrant, free and diverse societies we represent”. According to him, showing that different people can live together peacefully “is precisely what makes us strong”. Kallas assessed that Rubio’s speech sent an important signal that the United States and Europe remain interconnected, despite differences. “It is clear that we do not agree on all issues, and this will continue to be the case, but we can work from there,” he said.

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