Europeans reject US allegations after Rubio’s speech in Munich

MUNICH (AP) — A senior European Union official on Sunday rejected the idea that Europe is facing “civilizational erasure,” responding to the Trump administration’s criticism of the continent.

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas addressed the Munich Security Conference a day after US Secretary of State Marco Rubio delivered a somewhat reassuring message to European allies. He used a less aggressive tone than that of Vice President J.D. Vance in lecturing them at the same gathering last year, but maintained a firm tone about Washington’s intention to reshape the transatlantic alliance and advance his policy priorities.

Read more: Rubio is trying to reassure skeptical European allies, but he is pushing Trump’s vision for reshaping the alliance

Kallas alluded to criticisms in the US National Security Strategy released in December, which asserted that economic stagnation in Europe was “overshadowed by the real and more obvious possibility of the obliteration of civilizations.” The report noted that Europe had become weak due to immigration policies, low birth rates, “censorship of freedom of expression and suppression of political opposition” and “loss of national identities and self-confidence.”

“Contrary to what some may say, decadent Europe has awakened and no longer faces civilizational erasure,” Callas told the conference. “In fact, people still want to join our club and not just their European brothers,” she added, saying that she was told during her visit to Canada last year that many people there were interested in joining the European Union.

Callas rejected what she called “Europe bashing.”

“We are, you know, moving humanity forward, trying to stand up for human rights and all of this, which actually brings prosperity to people as well. That’s why it’s very difficult for me to believe these accusations.”

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer visits a community centre, as part of his cost of living tour, in Hertfordshire, Britain, February 10, 2026. Photograph by Susan Plunkett/Reuters/Pool

In his speech before the conference, Rubio said that the end of the transatlantic era “is neither our goal nor our desire,” adding that “our homeland may be in the Western Hemisphere, but we will always remain children of Europe.”

He explained that the Trump administration is adhering to its position on issues such as immigration, trade and climate. European officials who addressed the gathering made it clear that they, in turn, would adhere to their values, including their approach to freedom of expression, climate change and free trade.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said on Saturday that Europe must stand up for “the vibrant, free and diverse societies that we represent, and show that people who look different from one another can live together in peace, and that this does not contradict the tenor of our time.”

He added: “This is what makes us strong.”

Callas said that Rubio’s speech sent an important message that America and Europe are and will remain intertwined.

“It is also clear that we do not agree on all issues and that will continue to be the case as well, but I think we can work from there,” she added.

Molson reported from Berlin. Associated Press writer Jill Lawless in London contributed to this report.