Paris: European Council President Antonio Costa called on the United States to respect the European Union's domestic political life and democratic choices during the Jacques Delors Institute's annual conference held on Monday. Costa's comments were prompted by the recent release of Washington's National Security Strategy, which he criticized for threatening to interfere in Europe's political landscape.
According to Anadolu Agency, Costa emphasized the differences in worldview between Europe and the US, stating that the two no longer share the same vision of the international order. He reaffirmed Europe's commitment to multilateralism, a rules-based international order, and addressing global challenges such as climate change. Costa accused the US of abandoning these principles and labeled climate change denial as a significant departure from shared values.
Costa expressed concern over the US's perceived threat of interference in European politics, emphasizing that decisions regarding political parties and freedom of expression should remain within European hands. He also reiterated the importance of respecting Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity, warning that undermining these principles could have broader implications beyond Europe.
Highlighting the need for Europe to assert itself as a "commercial power" on the global stage, Costa stressed the importance of ensuring security for European citizens and borders against external threats. He noted that globalization has introduced new powers on a global scale, necessitating a stronger European presence in international affairs.
Costa's remarks followed the unveiling of the US National Security Strategy, which marks a significant shift in American policy and reflects President Donald Trump's critical stance towards Europe. The strategy accuses European institutions of undermining political liberty and sovereignty and predicts drastic changes for the continent if current trends persist. It also criticizes European governments for not effectively translating public support for peace into policy due to internal constraints.
The US strategy, which aligns with sentiments expressed by senior officials like Vice President JD Vance, highlights issues such as censorship, political opposition suppression, and eroding national identities in Europe. While it does not name specific political parties, it echoes Trump's support for leaders with controversial stances on immigration and LGBTQ rights.