Europe rebuffs US claims of ‘civilizational erasure,’ leaders defend bloc’s values

A senior European Union official on Sunday dismissed claims that Europe is facing “civilizational erasure,” responding to criticism voiced by the Trump administration.

Kaja Kallas, the EU’s foreign policy chief, spoke at the Munich Security Conference, a day after Marco Rubio delivered remarks aimed at reassuring Washington’s European allies. While Rubio struck a more measured tone than JD Vance had at the same forum last year, he reiterated the administration’s determination to reshape the trans-Atlantic alliance and pursue its policy agenda.

Kallas referenced the US national security strategy released in December, which argued that Europe’s economic challenges were overshadowed by a “more stark prospect of civilizational erasure.” The document linked this concern to immigration policies, declining birth rates, alleged restrictions on free speech, and what it described as a weakening of national identities.

“Contrary to what some may say, woke, decadent Europe is not facing civilizational erasure,” Kallas said. She pushed back against what she termed “European-bashing,” arguing that the EU continues to attract global interest. Recalling a visit to Canada, she noted that some people had even expressed curiosity about joining the bloc.

“We are pushing humanity forward, defending human rights and fostering prosperity,” Kallas said, adding that she found the accusations difficult to accept.

In his address, Rubio stressed that ending the trans-Atlantic era was “neither our goal nor our wish,” describing the United States as historically and culturally tied to Europe. However, he made clear that Washington would remain firm on priorities such as migration, trade, and climate policy.

European leaders at the conference underscored their commitment to the bloc’s core principles. Keir Starmer, the British prime minister, said Europe must continue to defend “vibrant, free and diverse societies,” arguing that diversity strengthens rather than weakens the continent.

Kallas welcomed Rubio’s message that the US and Europe remain closely linked, while acknowledging ongoing policy differences. “We don’t see eye to eye on all issues, and that will remain the case,” she said, “but I believe we can work from there.”