The European Union (EU) has made it clear that it will not tolerate any interference in its affairs, particularly from the United States (US). This stance was emphasized by EU Council President Antonio Costa, who stated that the EU cannot accept any threats to interfere in European politics. The statement came in response to the new US national security strategy, which is seen as an affront to Europe. The US government's strategy document criticizes European institutions and policies, accusing them of restricting freedom of expression, suppressing opposition, and flawed migration policies. This has sparked concern among EU observers, but leading EU politicians remain committed to the transatlantic partnership. The EU has also emphasized the importance of transatlantic ties while maintaining Europe's sovereignty. However, Judy Dempsey of Carnegie Europe laments the lack of a unified strategy from the EU. The US government's strategy is seen as a continuation of the 'Make America Great Again' (MAGA) policy, with everything having a price. The specific implications of this can already be seen in Marco Rubio's instructions to US diplomats in Europe to lobby national governments to restrict immigration as much as possible. While the US sees the war in Ukraine as an unpleasant problem to be fixed, Europe sees it as a bigger problem that needs a ceasefire and a settlement. The EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Kaja Kallas, acknowledged that some of the US criticism is true, but emphasized that Europe should be more self-confident and that the US is still their biggest ally.
