February 15, 2026
Kallas Outlines Three Priorities for Europe’s Future
The final day of the Munich Security Conference featured remarks from European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas. Addressing concerns about the continent’s future, Kallas stated, “Contrary to what some say, Europe is not facing civilizational destruction. On the contrary. People still aim for to join our club.” She noted a “quite long” waiting list for membership, expressing hope that those who have waited will not have to wait much longer.
Kallas identified three key priorities for Europe moving forward, beginning with European defense. She emphasized that while it starts with Ukraine, the threat extends beyond its borders. Russia, she argued, is already attempting to destabilize economies through cyberattacks, satellite disruption, sabotage of underwater cables, disinformation campaigns, and the continued threat of nuclear escalation. “To counter these threats, we are working on a new European security strategy,” Kallas said.
Dismissing claims of Russian strength, Kallas asserted, “Russia is not a superpower. After more than 10 years of conflict, it has barely made progress in Ukraine, at a cost of 1.2 million losses.” She characterized Russia as weakened, with a shattered economy, isolation from European energy markets, and a growing exodus of its citizens. Kallas warned that Russia’s primary danger lies in gaining concessions at the negotiating table that it has failed to achieve on the battlefield.
Kallas: Russia’s Demands in Negotiations Cannot Be Met
Regarding negotiations with Russia regarding Ukraine, Kallas stressed the importance of knowing what to ask for. “Russian maximalist demands cannot meet a minimalist response,” she stated. “If the Ukrainian army is limited in size, so must the Russian army be.” She insisted Russia must be held accountable for its actions in Ukraine, including paying for the destruction it has caused, with no amnesty for war criminals and the return of deported Ukrainian children. “This is the minimum Russia should agree to if peace is its goal,” Kallas believes, though she expressed skepticism that peace is, in fact, the Kremlin’s objective.
The second priority Kallas outlined was stability within Europe, framing EU expansion as “an antidote to Russian imperialism.”
Finally, Kallas highlighted the importance of international cooperation, noting that “the EU has built the largest free market in the world” and is also forging defense alliances, citing examples like partnerships with India and Australia this year.
