The Future of Europe: Should It Still Matter?

Kristjan Prikk, Estonia's ambassador to the United States since 2021, spoke at Calvin University’s January Series on Friday, Jan. 24, addressing a critical question: Does Europe still matter to North Americans? As a representative of a country deeply tied to European history and values, Prikk offered insights into the transatlantic relationship and its importance.
Estonia, though small—roughly the size of Vermont and Rhode Island combined—maintains a significant presence in Europe. Historically intertwined with European culture and politics, Estonia was a launching pad for the Vikings and the site of the first public Christmas tree in the 14th century. In the 20th century, Estonia emerged from centuries of occupation, most recently gaining independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. Estonia joined the European Union in 2004, and today it thrives as a hub for innovation, with a strong digital economy and a reputation as a start-up hotspot.
Prikk highlighted that the U.S. and Europe are fundamentally linked economically, politically, and culturally. Yet this bond faces significant challenges, not least due to the ongoing war in Ukraine. Since Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014 and its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Europe has become a battleground not just for territory but for values. Russia’s actions are not the result of misunderstanding but of strategic ambition, threatening the principles of democracy, freedom, and the rule of law. These are values shared by the U.S., Canada, and Europe, and their defense is essential to the regions’ futures.
The war in Ukraine, Prikk emphasized, is not just a European issue; it is a global one. It represents a direct challenge to Western ideals, affecting both continents. If the West fails to support Ukraine, Europe may face even greater instability, with ramifications that extend to North America.
Despite this, Prikk noted, some Americans question the relevance of the European-American relationship. Critics view Europe as overly regulated, “socialist,” politically adversarial, or economically competitive. Others argue that America’s focus should shift toward Asia. However, Prikk underscored the deep economic ties between the U.S. and Europe. Over 60 percent of U.S. foreign investment comes from the European Union, and transatlantic companies employ tens of millions of people. Trade between the two regions far outpaces that with China, and future prosperity depends on maintaining and strengthening these connections.
But it’s not just about economics. The U.S. and Europe share a commitment to global stability, peace, and freedom. As Russia’s aggression demonstrates, the consequences of a fractured alliance could be catastrophic. A divided West would embolden authoritarian regimes and destabilize the international order, leading to a world where power, not principles, dictates outcomes.
Prikk concluded with a call for unity and cooperation. The U.S. and Europe must work together to create a future rooted in shared values—one defined by compassion, kindness, protecting the vulnerable, and a commitment to doing what is right. By strengthening transatlantic ties, the West can help to ensure a world where peace and prosperity prevail over conflict and coercion.
As the war in Ukraine rages on, the stakes couldn’t be higher, Prikk suggested. The U.S. and Europe must remain steadfast partners, not just for their own sake but for the future of the world.