Brussels raises several no’s to Washington’s new strategy

European Council President António Costa has rejected Washington’s interference in the bloc’s internal affairs following the release of a new U.S. strategy that sharply criticizes Europeans.

Speaking at the Jacques Delors Institute, Costa said: “What we cannot accept is this threat of interference in Europe’s political life.”

He stressed that “the United States cannot replace European citizens in deciding which parties are good and which are bad.”

The administration of President Donald Trump released last Friday a document redefining the American “National Security Strategy.”

The document strongly criticizes European allies, stating that the United States will support opponents of the values promoted by the European Union, particularly in the field of migration.

The new strategy attacks Europe, accusing it of “undermining political freedom and sovereignty,” as well as “restricting freedom of expression, suppressing political opposition, and losing national identities and self-confidence” across the continent.

Costa responded by saying: “We may have differences in our worldview, but this attack on the continent goes beyond that.”

He added: “This strategy still refers to Europe as an ally, and that is positive, but if we are allies, we must act as allies,” emphasizing that partners must “respect each other’s sovereignty.”

He concluded: “The United States remains an important ally, an important economic partner, but our European continent must remain sovereign.”

U.S. Vice President J. D. Vance had already caused shock among Germans and Europeans last February when he stated in a speech in Munich that freedom of expression was “in decline” across the continent.