After the U.S. government criticized Europe's immigration policies and regulations and raised the specter of a "civilization extinction" crisis, the European Union (EU) pushed back hard and warned Washington to stop interfering in internal affairs. Within the EU, the previously restrained response tone is shifting, while Europe's right wing is welcoming the U.S. stance and moving to build political justification.
European Council President Antonio Costa said at the Jacques Delors Conference in Paris on the 8th (local time), "Allies do not threaten to interfere in another ally's political life or democratic choices," adding, "The United States cannot speak on Europe's vision and freedom of expression on its behalf." He also hit back at U.S. criticism of Europe's big tech regulations, saying, "Without freedom of information, there is no freedom of expression," and "Citizens' freedom of information must not be sacrificed to protect U.S. tech giants."
Euronews called the remarks the EU's firmest warning since the United States strongly criticized Europe in its recent National Security Strategy (NSS). Earlier, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas said, "The United States remains our most important ally," maintaining a cautious response.
On the 5th, the United States said in the NSS that Europe faces a "harsh prospect of civilization extinction," effectively signaling support for Europe's far-right parties that advocate anti-immigration policies. The same day, the European Commission imposed a 120 million euro penalty surcharge on X, the social media platform owned by Elon Musk, further escalating tensions between the two sides.
By contrast, Europe's right wing and populist forces are welcoming the U.S. criticism. Hungarian Prime Minister Orban Viktor wrote on X, "When they cannot win an argument, the Brussels powerholders pull out a penalty surcharge," adding, "Europe needs real freedom of expression, not unelected bureaucrats." He also said he "pays respect" to Musk, who called for dismantling the EU.
The European Parliament group Patriots for Europe (PfE), which includes Orban's Fidesz and France's National Rally (RN), also said it would "fight to dismantle the censorship regime." Politico analyzed that the United States' new criticism of the EU is being used to highlight the political agenda of Europe's right wing.