A new policy threatens Europe’s cultural identity, sparking outrage among traditionalists.
Story Highlights
- Trump’s National Security Strategy criticizes Europe’s migration policies for cultural dilution.
- Brussels faces backlash for modernizing Christmas traditions, seen as cultural erosion.
- The U.S. urges Europe to regain “civilizational self-confidence” amid identity debates.
- Christmas controversies validate concerns about Europe’s cultural trajectory.
Trump’s National Security Strategy and Europe’s Cultural Erosion
In early 2025, the Trump administration released its National Security Strategy (NSS), explicitly warning of Europe’s potential “civilizational erasure.” The document criticizes Europe for its migration policies and secularism, suggesting these factors are eroding national identities. The NSS calls for Europe to regain its civilizational confidence, resonating with Trump’s previous warnings about Europe’s cultural demise. The strategy highlights Europe’s declining birth rates and identity crises as critical concerns.
Amid these warnings, Brussels unveiled a modern, faceless nativity scene by artist Victoria-Maria in November 2025, triggering significant public backlash. The installation, promoted as “inclusive,” replaced traditional nativity scenes in Grand Place. This move was met with vandalism and outrage from the public who viewed it as a dilution of Christian heritage. Brussels Mayor Philippe Close defended the installation, aligning with a broader European trend of revising traditional holiday displays to be more inclusive.
Historical Context of Europe’s Cultural Identity Crisis
The critique of Europe’s cultural identity crisis traces back to the post-World War II era when Europe began losing its cultural confidence. In 2003, the European Union rejected Pope John Paul II’s request to reference Christianity in its Constitution preamble, marking a significant shift towards secularism. This decision symbolized a broader secular drift and a failure to affirm the continent’s Christian roots, exacerbating the identity crisis.
In recent years, Europe has intensified its migration policies without implementing sufficient cultural safeguards, leading to further identity erosion. The NSS, marking a departure from traditional U.S. deference to European alliances, identifies the EU as a potential adversary. This stance contrasts sharply with historical U.S. commitments to protect Europe, such as JFK’s 1961 inaugural pledge.
Backlash and the Cultural Debate
The backlash against modernized Christmas traditions in Brussels and other European cities reflects a broader cultural debate. Many European Christians and nationalists perceive these changes as attacks on their heritage, escalating tensions with progressive officials. The public outrage over these revisions underscores the cultural polarization across Europe, with traditionalists pushing back against secular and inclusive policies.
This cultural debate is further complicated by Europe’s ongoing political and economic challenges, such as the Ukraine war and tariff negotiations with the U.S. The NSS’s call for Europe to correct its trajectory has deepened trans-Atlantic rifts, highlighting the complex dynamics between cultural identity, migration, and international relations.
Sources:
Europe’s ‘civilizational erasure’ happened when it snubbed John Paul II
Cities across Europe revise Christmas traditions, triggering public backlash
Discussion on European cultural identity
