Overview
- In Paris, European Council President António Costa said only European citizens should choose their leaders and urged the United States to respect allies’ sovereignty.
- Costa argued the new U.S. National Security Strategy portrays Europe as weak and tacitly backs “patriotic” parties, adding that recent remarks by President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance now reflect official doctrine.
- He defended the EU’s regulatory autonomy after a fine on platform X under the Digital Services Act, saying free speech relies on freedom of information and pluralism.
- Costa criticized the strategy’s approach to Ukraine, saying it seeks an end to hostilities to reestablish stability with Russia, a document the Kremlin openly welcomed.
- He warned stable ties with Moscow are impossible while Russia threatens European security, citing assessments that Russia could threaten other parts of Europe within three to five years if Ukraine is defeated.