Kallas pushed back against criticism of the EU contained in the US strategy, suggesting Washington should direct concerns about democratic freedoms "perhaps toward Russia” instead.
Addressing a European Parliament committee, Kallas said the EU "is the very essence of freedom" and argued that allegations of eroding liberties were misplaced.
She stressed that Russia is "where dissent is banned, where free media is banned, where political opposition is banned, where ‘X’ is in fact also banned."
Kallas said Europe is already strengthening its own defence and must continue to do so, working with allies while building greater strategic responsibility.
Asked about the US document, the EU foreign policy chief added that its tone may be intended as a "provocation," while reiterating that the United States remains Europe’s "biggest ally" – a point she also made last week in Doha.
Germany’s Merz slams US portrayal of European democracy
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said several aspects of the US strategy were "unacceptable" from a European perspective, reinforcing his view that the continent must reduce its dependence on Washington in security matters.
Speaking in Mainz, Merz said the strategy’s themes echoed remarks made earlier this year by US Vice-President J.D. Vance at the Munich Security Conference.
While acknowledging that some elements were understandable, he rejected the idea that the US should act as a guardian of European democracy.
"I see no need for Americans to save democracy in Europe," Merz said.
"If it needed saving, we could handle it ourselves."
He added that the strategy confirmed his belief that Europe – and Germany in particular – must become "far more independent" in its security policy.
Merz said he frequently reminds US officials that "America first' is fine, but 'America alone' cannot be in your interest," arguing that Washington needs reliable global partners.
New US security strategy takes aim at EU
The strategy, unveiled by the White House on Friday, sets out the main pillars of US security policy.
A chapter on Europe criticises the EU over migration, reliance on the US for defence and what Washington calls attempts to curb online content.
It calls for restoring "strategic stability" with Russia, shifting primary defence responsibility to European states and ending the perception of NATO as an ever-expanding alliance.
It also argues that EU actions undermine political freedoms and national sovereignty, echoing rhetoric from Trump's MAGA movement and from Eurosceptic, anti-migration parties in Europe.
The sharp tone of the document has also prompted concern within German institutions.
The domestic intelligence agency, the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (BfV), has called for expanded powers to reduce reliance on US intelligence.
Meanwhile, in a post on X, Poland's Prime Minister Donald Tusk said that Europe is the United States’ closest ally, "not its problem," urging Washington to preserve strong transatlantic cooperation.
(ał)
Source: PAP, IAR, Reuters