EU Chief Costa Slams New U.S. Security Strategy, Says Europe Must Defend Itself

European Council President António Costa has called on the European Union to respond decisively to the United States’ latest national security strategy, emphasizing that Europe must take control of its own political and security future.

Speaking at an event in France, Costa said, “We need to focus on building a Europe that understands the relationships between allies and the post-World War II alliances have changed.”

He criticised what he described as U.S. interference in European politics, particularly the strategy’s reference to the “growing influence of patriotic European parties.”

“The United States cannot replace European citizens in deciding which parties are right or wrong,” Costa said, adding that Europe must also safeguard its own vision of freedom of speech.

“Our history has taught us that there is no freedom of speech without freedom of information,” he noted.

Costa also expressed concern over the influence of certain U.S.-based tech companies, stating that “There will be no freedom of speech if citizens’ freedom of information is sacrificed to defend the tech oligarchs of the United States.”

As the EU negotiator responsible for building consensus among member states and managing relations with global partners, Costa urged Europeans to strengthen their defence capabilities.

“The United States remains an important ally and economic partner. But Europe must be sovereign in its security and military decisions,” he stressed, adding that the EU should aim to take a leading role in NATO in the future.

On the conflict in Ukraine, Costa warned that the U.S. strategy reflects a focus on ending hostilities to restore ties with Russia, rather than ensuring a durable peace.

“Many European leaders believed they had stable relations with Russia until the war proved otherwise. Russia continues to pose a threat to our security,” he said.