The US's new national security strategy, released on Thursday, sharply criticizes Europe and highlights a deep crisis on the continent. The document warns of a 'civilizational extinction' and accuses European leaders of hindering a quick resolution to the Ukraine war. European leaders, in turn, express distrust toward the US's commitments in Ukraine.
The US's new national security strategy, a 33-page document, was released on Thursday and signals a clear inward turn for America. It portrays Europe as trapped in a political crisis, at risk of 'civilizational extinction' due to high migration, low birth rates, and a lack of confidence. It accuses some European leaders of preventing a quick Ukraine war resolution through unrealistic expectations and erosion of democratic processes.
Leaked notes from a Paris summit on December 1 reveal European leaders' concerns over the US's commitment to a fair peace in Ukraine. French President Emmanuel Macron warned that the US might abandon Ukraine on territorial issues without clear security guarantees. Germany's Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Finland's President Alexander Stubb, and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte shared worries for Ukraine and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Macron later denied any mistrust between the US and Europe.
EU foreign affairs chief Kaja Kallas commented on Saturday: 'The US is still our biggest ally. Sure, there's a lot of criticism, but I think some of it is also true.' She stressed the need to stick together. US expert Dag Blanck at Uppsala University called the strategy a 'remarkable marking' that deepens the rift and questions trust in the US within NATO.
Journalist Anne Applebaum sharply criticized: 'Donald Trump betrays his allies and destroys the US's reputation in the world.' The strategy proposes changing cooperation with Europe to correct its course.
Sweden's Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard stated: 'Analysis of the American national security strategy is ongoing. Our relationship with the US is long-term and remains central.' Defense Minister Pål Jonson noted after meeting Pete Hegseth that the US is no longer the same ally as before. According to Reuters, the US has given Europe a deadline of 2027 to shoulder main responsibility for NATO's defense.