EU Chief Costa Rejects US Bid to Shape Europe's Politics

• European Council President Antonio Costa pushed back against the new US National Security Strategy, stating the US cannot shape Europe's political direction.
• The US strategy, published by President Trump, described Europe as "over-regulated" and lacking "self-confidence," and aimed to cultivate resistance to Europe's current trajectory.
• Costa asserted that the US cannot dictate European political parties or define freedom of expression, emphasizing Europe's sovereignty.
• Concerns were raised over Russia's positive response to the US strategy, which called it "largely consistent" with its own vision.
• Costa noted the US strategy's approach to the Ukraine war did not align with Europe's goal of a "just and durable" peace, focusing instead on ending confrontations with Russia.

Why It Matters: Europe pushes back against US attempts to dictate its political future.