EU foreign policy chief says US remains Europe’s 'biggest ally'

ISTANBUL

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said on Saturday that the US is still Europe's "biggest ally,” seeking to play down tensions after Washington released its National Security Strategy, accusing Europe of overregulation, censorship, and weakness in the face of migration challenges.

Speaking at the Doha Forum in Qatar, Kallas acknowledged that parts of the US document were critical of European institutions, but insisted the transatlantic partnership remained intact.

“Of course, there's a lot of criticism, but I think some of it is also true,” she said.

“The US is still our biggest ally. … 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.”

The new strategy, unveiled early Friday morning in Washington, DC, marks a significant departure from previous US policy, codifying President Donald Trump’s months-long criticism of Europe.

The document accuses the continent of being over-regulated, suffering from declining “self-confidence,” and experiencing “civilizational erasure” due to immigration.

It claims European institutions “undermine political liberty and sovereignty” and predicts that, should current trends persist, Europe will be “unrecognizable in 20 years or less.”

It further criticizes what it describes as censorship, suppression of political opposition, collapsing birth rates, and the erosion of national identities. The text also suggests European governments are failing to translate public support for peace into policy due to internal political constraints.

The strategy follows a series of pointed remarks from senior US officials, including Vice President JD Vance, who, in a speech in Munich, criticized limits on free speech in Europe and aligned himself with far-right movements such as Germany’s AfD.

The document does not name specific political parties but echoes Trump’s long-standing support for leaders such as Hungary’s Viktor Orban, known for his opposition to immigration and LGBTQ rights.

Despite the escalating rhetoric, Kallas argued that cooperation with Washington remains essential.