amidst growing transatlantic friction, European Commission President Ursula von der leyen directly addressed concerns over a newly revealed U.S. national security strategy and pointed criticisms of the European Union leveled by former President Donald Trump. Speaking at a Politico event on December 10, 2025, von der Leyen defended the EU’s sovereignty and its ability to address internal challenges, while acknowledging a shifting dynamic in the relationship with the United States. The exchange highlights increasing anxieties in Europe about potential U.S. interference in upcoming elections and the long-term stability of the transatlantic alliance.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen addressed the United States’ new national security strategy and recent critical remarks about the European Union made by Donald Trump during an event hosted by Politico on December 10, 2025.
It is not up to us who will be the country’s leader in the elections, but to the people of the country. This is the sovereignty of the voters, and it must be protected.
Von der Leyen stated this during an interview at Politico’s gala event, according to reporting from the publication.
Regarding the U.S. national security strategy, Von der Leyen emphasized that no one should interfere in European elections. The document reportedly criticizes the EU, alleging a “civilizational decline” and faulting mainstream political parties for attempting to curb the influence of far-right groups. It also suggests the United States should support nationalist parties that oppose the EU’s current direction. A longer, non-public version of the document allegedly outlined a goal of assisting in the dissolution of the EU.
The Commission President added that the so-called “democracy shield” was created precisely to counter interference in European democracies and elections, protecting them from foreign intervention and disinformation.
Von der Leyen indicated she has always maintained a good working relationship with U.S. presidents, and believes that remains the case,
but added that the EU should focus on its own strengths rather than comparing itself to others.
“Deep down, I am a convinced transatlanticist. But what is important? [What] is important is that we are proud to be the European Union, that we recognize our strengths, and that we deal with the challenges we face,” von der Leyen said, also acknowledging the changing relationship between the EU and the United States, which she described as natural.
Of course, our relationship with the United States has changed. Why? Because we are changing too. And it is so important to keep in mind: what is our position? What is our strength? Let’s work on these, be proud of them! Let’s stand up for a united Europe. This is our task, to look inward and be proud of ourselves.
Her remarks were met with applause from attendees at the Brussels gala.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump has repeatedly stated in recent days that he believes European countries are in decline and their leaders are weak.
Trump voiced these opinions in an interview with Politico on December 9, 2025, and again the following day, criticizing what he described as weak, politically correct European leaders and their handling of issues like migration.
European leaders have reacted in various ways to Trump’s statements. Some offered mild criticism, while others were more direct. Still others suggested Trump’s words and the new U.S. national security strategy accurately reflected the challenges facing the European Union. The development underscores growing transatlantic tensions and questions about the future of the U.S.-Europe alliance.
European Council President António Costa stated that the EU will not accept interference in European politics,
and that the February 14, 2025, speech by U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance at the Munich Security Conference, along with Trump’s tweets, clearly outlined a new American doctrine, requiring a corresponding response.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz delicately noted that some elements of the U.S. national security strategy were unacceptable from a European perspective, and emphasized that European democracy did not need saving, and if it did, Europeans were capable of doing so themselves.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Péter Szijjártó, however, expressed approval of both the document and Trump’s statements. Speaking at a DPK event in Kecskemét over the weekend, Orbán stated that the U.S. leadership was now “saying exactly what we say about the problems in Europe.”
(Cover image: Ursula von der Leyen on December 10, 2025, in Brussels, Belgium. Photo: Yves Herman / Reuters)
