Kaja Kallas Seeks to Calm Tensions After US Security Critique

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas sought to ease tensions with the US after a national security paper criticized Europe’s handling of political, social, and demographic challenges. While acknowledging some points as valid, she emphasized that the US remains Europe’s key ally and called for greater European self-confidence. The US strategy controversially echoed the Great Replacement theory, warning of potential demographic and civilizational decline, and stressed the need for a strong Europe to support transatlantic cooperation.

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas sought to calm growing tensions with the United States following the release of a national security document that strongly criticized European allies. Speaking at the Doha Forum in Qatar, Kallas acknowledged that some of the criticisms in the paper were valid, particularly regarding Europe’s perceived underestimation of its own power in relation to Russia. She emphasized that Europe should become more self-confident and assertive while continuing to recognize the US as its most important ally. Kallas stressed that, despite occasional disagreements on certain issues, the overarching principle of transatlantic partnership remains intact, and European nations should continue to work closely with the United States to address shared challenges.

The US National Security Strategy, published online on Friday, highlighted a range of concerns about Europe’s political, social, and demographic trajectory. The document criticized Europe for declining birthrates, the censorship of free speech, suppression of political opposition, and the erosion of national identities and self-confidence. It controversially echoed elements of the Great Replacement theory, warning that some European countries risk becoming “majority non-European” and that the continent could face the “real and stark prospect of civilisational erasure” within 20 years if current trends continue.

The strategy underscored that a strong and capable Europe is essential not only for regional stability but also to help the United States successfully compete on the global stage and prevent any adversary from gaining dominance in the region. While the language of the document alarmed many European leaders, Kallas sought to frame the discussion in a constructive light, urging Europe to recognize its own strengths and maintain its critical partnership with the US in the face of global challenges.