European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas responded to recent US criticism of Europe during the final day of the Munich Security Conference. She stated that ending the Russia-Ukraine war requires forcing Moscow to make concessions at the negotiation table. Rejecting claims of a declining Europe, Kallas asserted that European civilization is not facing extinction.

Her remarks followed comments by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who reassured allies that the United States and Europe remain united but urged Europe to strengthen defenses against mass migration to protect its civilization. Kallas acknowledged that while transatlantic unity remains important, the two sides may not always agree on every issue.

European leaders at the conference emphasized the need for Europe to take charge of its own defense amid Russia’s aggression and policy shifts under President Donald Trump. Kallas called for restoring European capabilities, stressing that Europe’s security begins with Ukraine. She described Russia as fragile rather than a superpower and warned that Moscow must not gain more at the negotiating table than on the battlefield.