EU’s top official rejects US interference in European politics

On December 8, European Council President Antonio Costa firmly rejected any attempt by the United States to interfere in European politics, following the release of Washington’s new National Security Strategy, which sharply criticises the continent’s policies.

"What we cannot accept is the threat to interfere in European politics," Costa told a conference in Brussels, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

The strategy, published last week, saw President Donald Trump describe Europe as an “over-regulated, censorious continent” lacking in “self-confidence” and facing “civilizational erasure” due to immigration.

It also indicated that the US under Trump would actively pursue similar objectives in Europe, aligning with agendas of far-right parties, and said the administration would be “cultivating resistance to Europe's current trajectory within European nations.”

Costa stressed that Europe’s political choices must remain in the hands of its citizens. "The United States cannot replace European citizens in choosing which parties are good and which are bad," he said. He also emphasised that foreign influence should not shape European values. "The United States cannot replace Europe in what's its vision is of freedom of expression."

As European Council president, Costa chairs summits of the EU’s 27 national leaders. He acknowledged existing disagreements with the Trump administration on issues such as climate change, but said the new strategy “goes beyond that.”

"This strategy continues to talk about Europe as an ally. That's fine, but if we are allies, we must act as allies," he said. "The United States remains an important ally, the United States remains an important economic partner, but Europe must be sovereign."

Costa also noted concerns over Russia’s reaction to the US strategy. He said Moscow had welcomed the outlook as “largely consistent” with its own vision. Regarding the approach to the war in Ukraine outlined in the strategy, Costa said it did not support the “just and durable” peace Europe has long advocated. "It is only for the end of confrontations and stable relations with Russia," he said.

By Aghakazim Guliyev