A newly released U.S. national security strategy is prompting a sharp reaction from European leaders, who fear Washington is overstepping its bounds and undermining European sovereignty. The document, heavily influenced by former President Donald Trump’s “America First” agenda, openly critiques European policies on issues ranging from migration to economic stability and even questions the continent’s democratic health. As tensions rise over the war in Ukraine and with some U.S. policy positions aligning unexpectedly with Moscow,European officials are now publicly debating how to navigate a potentially fractured transatlantic alliance and bolster the continent’s own defenses.
European leaders are voicing increasing concern over a new U.S. national security strategy that is perceived as a challenge to the continent’s sovereignty and political independence. The shift in Washington’s approach comes at a time of heightened geopolitical instability, raising questions about the future of transatlantic relations.
António Costa, President of the European Council, stated on Monday, December 8, 2025, in Brussels, “We cannot accept the threat of interference in the political life of Europe.” Costa expressed his concerns during a debate at the Jacques Delors Institute, emphasizing the importance of European sovereignty.
The source of the anxiety is the recently unveiled U.S. national security strategy, which many in Europe view as a rebuke. The document, released periodically by the U.S. government, outlines its future security policy and the latest version has drawn criticism for its assessment of European institutions.
“Democracy in Europe is Threatened”
Table of Contents
The strategy, heavily influenced by former President Donald Trump, opens with the assertion that “the United States must remain the greatest and most successful nation in history.” The document adheres to the “America First” doctrine and prioritizes U.S. national interests.
While acknowledging Europe as a strategic partner, the U.S. government’s assessment is largely critical. The strategy alleges that Europe is facing economic stagnation, restrictions on political freedoms, and flawed migration policies. It accuses European institutions of stifling free speech, suppressing opposition, and eroding national identities. “If nothing changes, the continent will be unrecognizable in 20 years or less,” the strategy warns, calling for a halt to mass global migration.
Judy Dempsey, of Carnegie Europe, described the document as a continuation of the MAGA policy agenda. “Now we know where the Trump Administration stands, and that’s good,” she told DW. Dempsey explained that the document clearly demonstrates Washington’s transactional approach to international relations, where everything has a price and must serve U.S. interests.
The new security strategy draws heavily from a speech delivered by U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance at the Munich Security Conference in February 2025. Vance criticized what he described as a lack of free speech in Europe and questioned European values. The new strategic document expands on those concerns.
U.S. Aims to “Help” Europe
The U.S. government intends to take an active role in shaping Europe’s future and “help” correct its current course. A key objective is to “encourage resistance against the current trajectory of European nations.” The United States reportedly views favorably the influence of “European patriotic parties,” potentially including Germany’s Alternative for Germany (AfD), which is reportedly establishing contacts with Republican leaders.
The practical implications of this approach are already visible in guidance issued by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who has reportedly instructed U.S. diplomats in Europe to pressure national governments to significantly restrict immigration.
Praise from Moscow, Confusion in Brussels
The U.S. strategy also prioritizes resolving the war in Ukraine to stabilize the European economy. The U.S. government recently presented a 28-point plan for a resolution, which Russia welcomed while European politicians and Ukrainian President Zelenskyy voiced objections. The 28 points largely favored Russian interests.
According to the strategy, the Trump administration “disagrees with European politicians who have unrealistic expectations about the war.” The Kremlin echoed this sentiment, stating that the new U.S. security strategy largely aligned with Russian views. The development underscores the growing divergence in perspectives on the conflict.
Ian Lesser, who heads the Brussels office of the German Marshall Fund, a transatlantic think tank, sees the U.S. statements as confirmation of a fundamental difference. While the U.S. government “simply views the war in Ukraine as an unpleasant problem that needs to be resolved and put aside,” Lesser said, Europe faces the challenge of “how to coexist with an aggressive Russia in the future.”
Kaja Kallas: “Partly It Is Also True”
While many in the EU are concerned by the signals from the U.S., leading European politicians are publicly reaffirming the transatlantic partnership. EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Kaja Kallas attempted to allay those concerns at the Doha Forum. “Partly it is also true,” she said from a podium in the Qatari capital. “Europe is underestimating its own strength,” she noted, calling for greater confidence and highlighting collaboration with the United States. “We must stay united.”
European Council President António Costa also emphasized the transatlantic partnership. While acknowledging the U.S. as an important partner, he took a defensive stance against U.S. statements regarding European security strategy. “The United States cannot decide, on behalf of European citizens, which parties are right and which are not,” he said at a conference in Brussels. “To protect ourselves not only from our adversaries but also from our allies, we must strengthen Europe,” he added.
(ct/ms)
