Stay out of European democracy, Leyen tells Trump

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has told US President Donald Trump to "stay out" of European democracy. At the POLITICO 28 gala in Brussels, she reacted to both the recent US National Security Strategy and the White House chief's harsh remarks on Europe.

The head of the European Commission highlighted the right of the people to democratically elect their political representatives and stressed that the sovereignty of the electorate must be protected. "No one else is to interfere in this, without any doubt," she added.

The US strategy argues that Europe is at risk of "civilisational obliteration" within 20 years. The document also criticises EU action against radical political forces as political censorship and speaks of the need to "cultivate resistance to Europe's current course".

Von der Leyen recalled in this context the proposal for a so-called European Democracy Shield, which the EU wants to strengthen the fight against foreign interference, especially in the online space and during elections. She stressed, however, that she has always had a "very good working relationship" with US presidents and that this is still the case today.

She also called on Europeans to focus on their own strength and unity. "I am a convinced transatlanticist, but it is important that we are proud of the European Union, of our position and our strength," she said. Yet Trump only recently described Europe as "declining" and its leaders as "weak".

(luc)