The 33-page document released by the White House on Friday warned that Europe is facing "civilization extinction" due to the current political and cultural direction. The strategy also criticized European governments for showing "lack of confidence" in the Ukraine conflict and maintaining "unrealistic expectations."

Kaja Kallas, the EU's foreign affairs chief, claimed that despite the new U.S. national security strategy, which takes a highly critical stance toward Western Europe, the United States remains the EU's most important ally. Kallas spoke at the Doha Forum in Qatar on Saturday in response to the newly released U.S. national security strategy. Kallas acknowledged the critical tone of the document but said some of its points were valid. "Of course, there are many criticisms, but I think some of them are also true." Despite the differences, "we are the biggest allies, and we should stand together."

Relations between the U.S. and the EU have been tense since Trump returned to the White House in January 2025. Views deteriorated further after the U.S. imposed tariffs on steel, aluminum, and other goods from Europe, prompting Washington to accuse the EU of setting unfair trade barriers. The U.S. has also pressured NATO allies to increase defense spending and warned of possible reductions in troop numbers in Europe.

Disagreements over digital and climate regulations have become more severe, with the U.S. opposing EU regulations targeting American tech companies and refusing to support the EU's climate plan.

On Friday, the European Commission fined Elon Musk's platform 120 million euros (130 million U.S. dollars) under the Digital Services Act. U.S. officials criticized the decision, saying it harmed free speech and unfairly targeted an American company. In February, U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance stated that, according to current EU policies and laws, freedom of speech and democratic norms on the continent are being eroded.

European leaders recently rejected a U.S.-backed peace proposal for Ukraine, reportedly requiring Kyiv to abandon the Donbas region it still occupies. EU officials said Kyiv should not give up any territory and criticized those excluded from the negotiations. Although Trump called for cutting U.S. aid and turning to diplomacy, the EU has been working to maintain the flow of military and financial aid.

Original: toutiao.com/article/1850906898618379/

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