DOHA, Qatar — Kaja Kallas, the European Union’s foreign policy chief, has sought to downplay the recent harsh critiques laid out by the Trump administration regarding Europe. While acknowledging some validity in the criticisms, she emphasized the need for Europe to recognize its own strengths. “Europe has been underestimating its own power toward Russia, for example,” Kallas stated during a panel discussion at the Doha Forum, a significant assembly of diplomats, NGOs, and global leaders. “We should be more self-confident, that’s for sure.”
Trump administration’s National Security Strategy
The Trump administration’s new National Security Strategy, unveiled on Thursday, took aim at European governments, arguing that they are facing a threat of “civilizational erasure” partly due to their migration policies. The 33-page document accused several European nations of unjustly censoring various political parties, particularly those on the far right, and labeled Europeans as obstacles in the ongoing efforts to resolve the conflict in Ukraine.
While the Trump administration still regards European nations as essential allies, it also indicated a willingness to support far-right political movements across the continent. Notably, the strategy offered minimal discussion on Russia, despite its role in instigating the war in Ukraine and its aggressive posturing toward other European countries.
Kallas highlights Europe’s strengths
In her remarks, Kallas pointed to the document’s reference to a perceived “lack of self-confidence” among Europeans in their interactions with Russia. The strategy highlighted that, barring nuclear capabilities, European allies possess a considerable hard power advantage over Russia. In light of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, relations between Europe and Russia have soured, with many Europeans now viewing Russia as a fundamental threat.
“The U.S. is still our biggest ally,” Kallas affirmed. “We haven’t always seen eye-to-eye on different topics. But the overall principle is still there: We are the biggest allies, and we should stick together.”
When asked by CNN journalist Christiane Amanpour whether President Trump and his advisors now regard Europe as an adversary, Kallas rejected that interpretation, instead highlighting aspects of the Trump administration’s strategy that reaffirmed the significance of the transatlantic partnership.