US President Donald Trump should not interfere in democratic processes in Europe, said the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, commenting on the updated US national security strategy.
„When it comes to elections, it is not our job to decide who will lead a country, it is the job of the people... This is the sovereignty of the voters and it must be protected. No one else should interfere, there is no doubt“, said the President of the EC, quoted by Politico.
The new US strategy was presented on December 5. The document claims that Europe is on the brink of the "destruction of civilization," which could happen within the next 20 years, and criticizes EU measures against far-right parties. Among the priorities of US policy towards Europe is to enable it to "stand on its own two feet and act as a group of united sovereign states, including by assuming primary responsibility for its own defense, without the domination of any hostile power."
Speaking about the strategy, von der Leyen recalled that the EU promotes the "Democracy Shield" initiative, designed to strengthen the fight against foreign interference in elections and other processes.
The head of the European Commission said that relations between the US and Europe have changed and the region needs to focus on its own problems instead of comparing itself with others.
Trump previously expressed the opinion in an interview with Politico that Russia would like to see Europe weakened. According to the American leader, he "does not have a vision for the future of Europe," but "a vision for the United States." However, the Republican added, he would like the countries of the region to be strong.