Costa rebukes US strategy: Washington cannot dictate Europe's path

WISE NEWS PRESS / PARIS, FRANCE — DEC. 09, 2025

Antonio Costa, President of the European Council, delivered a sharp rebuke to Washington on Monday, stating that the United States has no right to determine European political preferences or intervene in its democratic choices.

Speaking at a conference in Paris, Costa responded to a newly updated US National Security Strategy that calls for Europe to change its course and praises "patriotic European parties" that resist Brussels' policies.

Sovereignty and Political Choice

The 33-page US document argues that a combination of ill-conceived economic policies, irregular migration, and over-regulation could lead to Europe's collapse as a civilization, stating the US aim is to "help Europe change its current trajectory".

Costa firmly rejected this premise, marking one of the sternest interventions by a sitting EU official against the Trump administration. "Allies do not threaten to intervene in the political life or internal democratic choices of other allies," Costa said, defending Europe's right to choose its own path.

"The United States cannot define for Europe what vision we will have or what freedom of expression is," he added. While affirming that the US remains an ally and partner, Costa stressed that Europe must become stronger and more sovereign to hold its ground internationally.

Tensions Over Tech Regulation

The diplomatic friction has been exacerbated by recent clashes over digital regulation. On Friday, the European Commission fined Elon Musk’s X platform (formerly Twitter) €120 million for violating transparency rules under EU law.

Musk responded by calling for the dissolution of the 27-member bloc and a return to nation-states. The fine has fueled US criticisms—echoed earlier this year by Vice President JD Vance—that the EU unfairly targets American tech giants and engages in censorship comparable to "Soviet-style commissars".

The US strategy document reiterated these sentiments, accusing Europe of "undermining democratic processes" through a structure that weakens political freedom. The EU continues to defend its digital rules as necessary tools for consumer protection.

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