A top EU official has issued a stern warning to the US, cautioning against meddling in European affairs. According to European Council President Antonio Costa, only European citizens have the right to decide which parties should govern them, and foreign interference is unacceptable.
Costa's remarks came in response to the Trump administration's new national security strategy, which portrays European allies as weak while offering tacit support to far-right political parties. The EU official deemed it "good" that the strategy acknowledges Europe's status as an ally but argued that US allies cannot be expected to choose their own governments.
Costa also expressed concern over the document's criticism of European free speech and migration policy, warning that these issues could lead to "civilizational erasure." He emphasized the importance of a balance between freedom of speech and information, arguing that citizens' right to know is essential for an informed democracy.
The strategy has been criticized by EU officials, with some accusing it of promoting illiberal populism. Fabian Zuleeg, chief executive at the European Policy Centre think tank, described Trump's America as "an adversary to Europe's freedoms and fundamental values."
In a statement, German government spokesperson Sebastian Hille downplayed the criticisms, saying that while there were differing views, the US-EU relationship remained strong due to their shared history, economy, and culture.
However, Costa warned that the security strategy prioritizes US interests over European concerns, particularly regarding Russia. He stressed that Europe's "history has taught us that freedom of speech cannot exist without freedom of information," emphasizing that EU citizens must be able to access accurate information to make informed decisions.
The document's focus on ending the war in Ukraine and reestablishing strategic stability with Russia was seen as a threat by some, who argued it could embolden Russian aggression. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov praised the strategy, saying it aligned with Moscow's vision for a more stable Europe.
Costa's remarks came in response to the Trump administration's new national security strategy, which portrays European allies as weak while offering tacit support to far-right political parties. The EU official deemed it "good" that the strategy acknowledges Europe's status as an ally but argued that US allies cannot be expected to choose their own governments.
Costa also expressed concern over the document's criticism of European free speech and migration policy, warning that these issues could lead to "civilizational erasure." He emphasized the importance of a balance between freedom of speech and information, arguing that citizens' right to know is essential for an informed democracy.
The strategy has been criticized by EU officials, with some accusing it of promoting illiberal populism. Fabian Zuleeg, chief executive at the European Policy Centre think tank, described Trump's America as "an adversary to Europe's freedoms and fundamental values."
In a statement, German government spokesperson Sebastian Hille downplayed the criticisms, saying that while there were differing views, the US-EU relationship remained strong due to their shared history, economy, and culture.
However, Costa warned that the security strategy prioritizes US interests over European concerns, particularly regarding Russia. He stressed that Europe's "history has taught us that freedom of speech cannot exist without freedom of information," emphasizing that EU citizens must be able to access accurate information to make informed decisions.
The document's focus on ending the war in Ukraine and reestablishing strategic stability with Russia was seen as a threat by some, who argued it could embolden Russian aggression. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov praised the strategy, saying it aligned with Moscow's vision for a more stable Europe.
I'm not sure what to make of this new US national security strategy 
. On one hand, I think it's cool that they're acknowledging our European allies as strong partners 
, but on the other hand, I worry that their criticism of us is kinda unfair 
. I mean, we're not perfect or anything, and yeah, some of our free speech policies might be up for debate 
, but to say that US interests should take priority over ours? That's a bit concerning 
.
I get that tensions are high, but trying to reestablish strategic stability without considering our own concerns is kinda like... well, it feels like they're not listening 
. And that Pompeo guy saying we should just "get over" our differences? Um, no thanks 
. We need a balanced approach here, not just some US-centric solution 
.
i feel like eu officials r getting super defensive about this us national security strategy 
costa's like "hey us, stop interfering in our europe affairs" and then trump's all "oh no, europe is weak" 
it's all kinda weird. but seriously, who does the us think they r? 
costa's right tho, eu citizens deserve to decide who governs them. and free speech is a big deal, can't have that stuff just taken away 
. i'm not surprised kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov liked this strategy tho, it sounds like they're getting what they wanted 
but i don't know, seems like trump's just stirring up drama as usual 
. But at the same time, US needs to stop criticizing EU's choices and just focus on being allies 
... if they're going to criticize our free speech and migration policies, at least have the decency to acknowledge that we've got it covered. It's not like we need some US expert coming in and telling us how to run our countries.
European officials are right though, we don't need them interfering in our affairs and trying to dictate how we govern ourselves. It's like, hello! We're Europeans, not Americans! 
this is so concerning 
.
think its pretty bold of costa to speak up like that... like he's not trying to be diplomatic at all lol. think its good that he mentioned civilizational erasure tho, thats a real concern in europe rn. dont agree w/ costa on this though, imo foreign interference is just as bad in eu countries 
It's like, I get the EU has its own issues to deal with, but shouldn't we be trying to find common ground? 
The US should be supporting our freedom of information, not threatening to curtail it 
. This whole thing just feels like a recipe for disaster 
And yeah, the part about European free speech and migration policy being seen as a threat is super concerning. How are they going to resolve that? With more dialogue or by telling EU countries what's good for them? Not cool. 
And I agree with Costa about freedom of speech and info being essential for a healthy democracy... it's crazy that some people think they can just control what we say and hear without any oversight! 
And what's up with this "civilizational erasure" thing? It sounds like they're trying to control our free speech and migration policies? No way, that's just not okay! 
And can someone pls tell me what's going on with Russia? Like, why would the US be all cozy with Moscow again?!