Callas rejects the American rhetoric and demands concessions from Russia in Ukraine
In fiery remarks during the final day of the Munich Security Conference, the EU's foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas , openly criticized what she called the US "aggression" against the continent, while stressing the need for Russia to make substantial concessions in any future negotiations to end the war in Ukraine.
Debate about identity and civilization
Callas's remarks came as an indirect response to comments by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who suggested that Europe must address mass migration to protect its "civilization." The European official rejected this narrative, stating, "Contrary to what some might say, Europe is not facing a civilizational annihilation." Callas emphasized that the American message underscored the interconnectedness of the two sides, adding that agreement on all issues is not a prerequisite for the alliance's continuation, and that differences of opinion will always exist.
This debate reflects a growing divergence of views between Brussels and Washington on domestic social and political issues, at a time when Europe is trying to maintain its cultural and political independence from internal American polarization.
Strict conditions for ending the Ukrainian war
Regarding the Ukrainian issue, Callas took a hard line against Moscow, warning against allowing Russia to achieve political gains through negotiations that it failed to achieve militarily. She stated unequivocally: "The greatest threat posed by Russia right now is that it will reap at the negotiating table what it failed to achieve on the battlefield.".
Callas called for limiting the Russian military's capabilities, obligating Moscow to pay for reconstruction and compensation for the immense damage caused by the war, and holding it legally accountable for war crimes. These statements come at a sensitive time, amid growing European concerns that the new US administration might push for a swift settlement that could be unfair to Kyiv.
Towards European Defence Autonomy
In a related context, concerns about "self-reliance" dominated the Munich Security Conference, with European officials emphasizing the need for the continent to take the lead in defense. Callas stressed the urgent need to restore Europe's ability to act, noting that the defense of Europe begins in Ukraine.
These calls were reinforced by the support of the French Minister of State for European Affairs, Benjamin Haddad, who called for a focus on strengthening self-reliance rather than being preoccupied with American rhetoric, given the doubts surrounding the reliability of the American commitment under President Donald Trump and his erratic approach to NATO.
