The transatlantic relationship between the United States and the European Union is under renewed strain. US President Donald Trump has recently criticised European leaders, labelling them “weak,” describing key nations as “decaying,” and accusing them of allowing the war in Ukraine to drag on. His remarks coincided with the release of a new US National Security Strategy (NSS), which has alarmed European capitals with both its rhetoric and potential implications.
Adding to concerns were reports by US outlet Defence One about a longer, unpublished draft of the NSS, allegedly outlining plans to “pull” Austria, Hungary, Italy, and Poland closer to the US and away from the EU. While the White House denied the existence of such a draft, stating, “no alternative, private, or classified version exists,” the report heightened fears in Europe about Washington’s evolving approach and its engagement with nationalist governments sympathetic to Trump’s worldview.
Alleged proposals in the draft document
According to the report, the internal draft advocated strengthening ties with governments in Hungary, Poland, Austria, and Italy, particularly supporting parties that promote “traditional European ways of life” while remaining pro-American. The draft reportedly framed Europe as a continent facing “civilisational erasure” and criticised EU efforts to curb far-right parties, labelling these attempts as “political censorship.”
Observers say the language reflects a deliberate strategy to create divisions within the EU. The document aligns closely with Trump’s praise for Hungary’s Viktor Orbán, who has repeatedly defied Brussels on migration, judicial independence, and media freedom. The White House has rejected these claims outright, with Deputy Press Secretary Anna Kelly insisting that Trump “put his signature on one NSS” and no other version exists.
Trump’s recent remarks on Europe
In a Politico interview, Trump expanded his critique, stating: “I think they’re weak. I think they don’t know what to do.” He described Europe as “decaying” while praising Hungary and Poland for strict immigration policies. Trump also suggested that European inaction was prolonging the Ukraine conflict, claiming governments were letting Ukraine “fight until they drop” and accused Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of refusing to “play ball” with a proposed US peace plan.
Trump further questioned Ukraine’s democratic credentials, citing elections suspended under martial law since Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022. Zelenskyy responded that elections could be held within 60 to 90 days if security conditions improve.
European leaders push back
EU officials responded with unusual directness. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen warned that “nobody else is supposed to interfere, without any question” in European democracy, emphasising that “the sovereignty of the voters must be protected.” She defended the EU’s proposed Democracy Shield against foreign disinformation and election interference, stressing that Europe must define its own values.
UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper rejected Trump’s claims of European weakness, highlighting strong defence investments and sustained support for Ukraine. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz called parts of the NSS “unacceptable,” particularly the notion that the US must “save democracy” in Europe, asserting, “We can handle that ourselves.”
Are Austria, Hungary, Italy, and Poland drifting from the EU?
Formally, none of the four nations have begun leaving the EU. However, Hungary and Poland have long challenged EU norms, particularly regarding judicial independence, press freedom, and LGBTQ rights. Both have adopted nationalist rhetoric that resonates with Trump’s platform. Italy has seen a rise in far-right political momentum, while Austria frequently shifts between pro-European and populist stances.
Concerns have grown that if these countries interpret Trump’s rhetoric as support for defiance, it could reshape power dynamics within the EU and encourage internal dissent.
Implications for Europe’s future
The NSS has raised alarm because it does not treat Russia as a direct US threat, a departure from the traditional Atlanticist consensus. European leaders worry that Washington’s posture could embolden far-right movements, weaken EU unity on Ukraine, and undermine transatlantic alignment at a critical moment. Efforts to strengthen Europe’s strategic autonomy—from digital regulation to energy security and defence integration—may face obstacles if US policies appear to support internal divisions.
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