European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said that the US should not interfere in democratic processes in Europe. She made this statement in an interview at the POLITICO 28 gala evening in Brussels, responding to a question about Washington’s position.
“When it comes to elections, it is not up to us to decide who will lead the country, but to the people of that country. This is the sovereignty of the voters, and it must be protected. No one else should interfere — that is not even up for discussion,” von der Leyen emphasized.
Her words were a response to recent criticism from US President Donald Trump, who called Europe a “decaying” group of countries led by “weak” leaders, as well as to the updated US National Security Strategy. The document, published on December 5, claims that European authorities are suppressing opposition and violating democratic principles.
Von der Leyen noted that this is precisely why the EU is promoting the Democracy Shield initiative, a program to strengthen protection against foreign interference in elections and the online space.
At the same time, the head of the European Commission emphasized that she has always had “very good working relations” with US presidents, including the current one. “But Europe must focus on itself, be proud of its strengths, and stand up for a united Europe,” she added to applause from the audience.
Von der Leyen’s statement highlights growing tensions in transatlantic relations amid differences in approaches to global challenges, including the situation in Ukraine and EU domestic policy.