EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas has delivered a sobering assessment of Europe's position in global affairs during her address at the European Defence Agency's annual conference this morning. Her message carried a tone of profound urgency, suggesting the continent stands at a critical historical juncture.
A Dramatically Deepening Crisis
Kallas opened her remarks by stating that the crisis facing Europe has "deepened dramatically" over the past year. While not explicitly naming specific nations, her comments clearly referenced the ongoing impact of Russia's aggressive actions in Ukraine, alongside growing global uncertainty and instability.
The Structural Shift in Transatlantic Relations
Perhaps her most significant warning concerned the fundamental change in Europe's relationship with the United States. Kallas declared that Europe is "no longer Washington's primary centre of gravity," describing this shift as structural rather than temporary.
"The shift has been ongoing for a while," she stated. "It is structural, not temporary. It means that Europe must step up. No great power in history has ever outsourced its survival and survived."
The Risk of Returning to Power Politics
Kallas raised the alarming prospect of a full-scale return to international relations governed by coercive power and spheres of influence. "The risk of full-blown return to coercive power, politics, spheres of influence and world where might makes right is very real," she cautioned.
Europe's Required Response
According to Kallas, the European Union must respond to these challenges through concrete actions. She emphasised the need for increased defence spending across member states and greater clarity about what strategic role Europe wishes to play in tomorrow's world order.
A Personal Warning Bell Analogy
Drawing on her personal experience growing up in Estonia, Kallas employed a powerful metaphor to illustrate the urgency of the situation. She recalled school bell systems where the first bell signalled time to go to class, the second served as a warning, and the third indicated lateness with consequences.
"We are now dangerously close to the third bell," she warned, suggesting Europe has limited time to act before facing serious repercussions in the emerging global landscape.
The conference continues with further contributions from EU defence commissioner Andrius Kubilius, while developments in Ukraine, discussions about Greenland's future, and other key geopolitical topics remain under close observation.
