The European Union’s foreign policy chief is sending a clear message to Washington and the world: the U.S. is still Europe’s most important partner — even after America’s newly released National Security Strategy took aim at European institutions for being overregulated and lacking self-confidence.
Speaking Saturday at a major diplomatic conference in Doha, Qatar, EU High Representative Kaja Kallas acknowledged the tough language from Washington but insisted the alliance remains solid. “Of course, there is a lot of criticism, and some of it is true,” Kallas said. “But the U.S. is still our biggest ally… We don’t always agree, but the general principle remains. We are the strongest allies, and we should stick together.”
Her remarks came just one day after the United States unveiled its updated national security blueprint, which bluntly argued that Europe must become “more confident” and less dependent on regulatory frameworks that often slow decision-making. Kallas agreed that Europe tends to underestimate its own power, particularly in confronting Russia. “We should be more self-assured,” she said.
The comments land at a sensitive moment. In Miami, U.S. and Ukrainian officials entered their third day of negotiations aimed at ending more than three years of Russia’s invasion. Washington’s proposal reportedly includes Ukraine relinquishing territories Russia has failed to capture militarily, in exchange for security guarantees — a plan far short of Kyiv’s long-standing goal of one day joining NATO.
Kallas warned strongly against any approach that rewards Moscow. “Limiting and pressuring Ukraine does not bring long-term peace,” she said. “If aggression is rewarded, it will happen again — and not only in Ukraine.”
Her message underscored a deeper divide between European confidence in Ukraine’s full sovereignty and Washington’s desire to stabilize the conflict as global tensions rise.
Still, Kallas emphasized unity above all. Even with disagreements, she said, the transatlantic partnership remains the backbone of Western security — and must not fracture under pressure.