European Council President Warns US Not to Interfere in Europe’s Affairs
London, UK, December 9, 2025
Sovereignty First: European Council President Warns US Not to Interfere in Europe’s Affairs, Rejecting Threats to Political Life
Headline Points:
• European Council President António Costa Warns US Not to Interfere in Europe’s Affairs following the release of the new U.S. National Security Strategy (NSS).
• The NSS was criticized for painting European allies as weak and offering tacit support to far-right political parties within the European Union.
• Costa stated that “Allies do not threaten to interfere in the domestic political choices of their allies,” calling the NSS’s language “unacceptable.”
• The comments underscore a “seismic shift” in transatlantic relations, forcing the EU to articulate a stronger, more sovereign strategy of its own.
• Russia’s quick praise for the NSS, particularly its section on the Ukraine conflict, further complicated the already strained relations between the US and the European bloc.
The rift in transatlantic relations has widened dramatically after the new U.S. National Security Strategy (NSS) prompted a forceful rebuke from Brussels.
European Council President António Costa Warns US Not to Interfere in Europe’s Affairs, calling out the Trump administration’s strategy for allegedly attempting to weaken the European bloc and offering what he described as tacit support to far-right political parties.
Speaking in Paris, the EU leader stated with unusual candour that while it is acceptable for allies to have differences, “What we cannot accept is the threat to interfere in European political life.”
This high-stakes diplomatic confrontation signals a “seismic shift” in the relationship, forcing European nations to confront the need for greater strategic autonomy.
The U.S. strategy, published recently, contained controversial language that analysts interpreted as depicting European allies as weak and overtly supportive of nationalist factions within the bloc.
The NSS suggested the U.S. would “cultivate resistance” in the EU to “correct its current trajectory.” For the European Council President, this language was a fundamental breach of alliance principles.
Costa emphasized that only European citizens have the right to decide which parties govern them and that the U.S. “cannot replace European citizens” in choosing their political future.
His warning—that “Allies do not threaten to interfere in the domestic political choices of their allies”—was a direct rejection of what the EU perceives as an ambition to divide and conquer the continent.
Further complicating the delicate situation was the immediate and positive reaction to the NSS from Russia.
Moscow quickly praised President Trump’s security vision, particularly its section concerning the Ukraine conflict, which European leaders felt prioritized a quick ‘end of hostilities’ and stability with Russia over a “fair and durable peace.”
This coincidence of vision between Washington and Moscow on a critical security issue has deeply concerned European leaders, who worry that the US is ready to sacrifice long-term European security for short-term gains.
The mounting pressure has led to calls for the EU to adopt a much more pragmatic and sovereign strategy towards Washington.
Analysts are urging European leaders to recognize that the era of relying on unquestioning US partnership is over, suggesting that flattery and promises of increased defense spending are “not going to cut it.”
The public warning from the European Council President sets the stage for a major summit later this month, which will serve as a “decisive test of Europe’s ability to say no” to Washington’s dictates and to finally articulate a strong, independent foreign policy that prioritizes European values and Affairs.
