A senior European Union official on Sunday pushed back against claims that Europe is sliding toward “Civilisational erasure,” rejecting criticism from the Trump administration that portrays the continent as weakened by its own social and political choices.
Speaking at the Munich Security Conference, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas dismissed arguments made in the latest U.S. national security strategy, which warns that Europe faces long-term decline due to immigration policies, falling birth rates, restrictions on free speech, and a loss of national identity.
The strategy document, released in December, describes Europe’s economic challenges as secondary to what it calls the “more stark prospect of civilisational erasure” arguing that social and political trends are hollowing out the continent’s cultural foundations.
Kallas countered that narrative, saying Europe remains an attractive destination and a strong global actor.
“Contrary to what some may say, woke, decadent Europe is not facing civilisational erasure” she told the conference. “People still want to join our club and not just fellow Europeans.”
She added that during a visit to Canada last year, she was told many there expressed interest in EU membership, underscoring what she described as Europe’s continuing appeal beyond its borders.
Kallas also criticized what she termed “European bashing” in U.S. political discourse, arguing that the EU’s focus on human rights, democratic values and social protections has strengthened both stability and prosperity.
“We are pushing humanity forward by defending human rights, and that is also what brings prosperity to people,” she said. “That’s why it is hard for me to believe these accusations.”
Her remarks came a day after U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio delivered a comparatively reassuring message to European allies, signaling continued cooperation despite Washington’s stated aim to reshape the transatlantic relationship.
Rubio’s tone contrasted with that of Vice President JD Vance, who last year used the same forum to sharply criticize European governments over issues ranging from migration to speech regulations.
While acknowledging that Europe faces real challenges, Kallas insisted that the EU’s model remains resilient and desirable. She said Europe’s commitment to shared values should be viewed not as a weakness, but as a source of strength in an increasingly divided global order.
“Our project is about dignity, freedom and opportunity,” she said. “That is not erasure. That is progress.”
