New U.S. National Security Strategy Strains Transatlantic Relations

The Trump administration's release of its latest National Security Strategy (NSS) on December 5, 2025, has elicited strong reactions from European leaders, who view the document as an unwarranted critique of the continent's policies and a potential strain on transatlantic relations.

The NSS warns that Europe faces the "prospect of civilizational erasure" due to migration policies, declining birthrates, and suppression of free speech. It criticizes the European Union (EU) for economic stagnation and calls for European nations to assume greater responsibility for their own defense. The strategy also suggests that, without a change in trajectory, Europe could become unrecognizable within two decades.

European Council President António Costa responded by warning against U.S. interference in European politics, emphasizing that only European citizens should determine their political leaders. He stated, "What we cannot accept is this threat of interference in Europe’s political life. The United States cannot replace European citizens in choosing what the good or the bad parties are."

German officials, while emphasizing the importance of continued cooperation with the U.S., rejected the NSS's criticism of EU freedoms. Germany’s spy chief, Sinan Selen, stated that Europe need not sever ties with the U.S. despite the new security strategy but highlighted the need for Europe to strive for greater security independence.

The Kremlin welcomed the changes in the U.S. National Security Strategy, stating that the adjustments were "largely consistent" with Russia's vision. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov noted that the current U.S. administration was "fundamentally different from the previous ones" and that the adjustments align with Moscow's perspective.

The release of the NSS has strained transatlantic relations, raising concerns about the future cohesion of NATO and European political dynamics. The strategy's call for Europe to assume greater defense responsibilities and its critical stance on European policies have led to apprehension among European leaders about the U.S.'s commitment to traditional alliances. Additionally, the NSS's alignment with Russian interests, particularly regarding the war in Ukraine, has further complicated the geopolitical landscape.

This development marks a significant shift from previous U.S. administrations' approaches to European relations. Historically, the U.S. has been a staunch supporter of European integration and defense through NATO. The current NSS's critical tone and emphasis on European self-reliance represent a departure from this tradition. The strategy's focus on internal European issues, such as migration and free speech, and its perceived support for nationalist movements within Europe, suggest a new direction in U.S. foreign policy.

As the international community grapples with these developments, the future of U.S.-Europe relations remains uncertain. The NSS's implications for NATO cohesion, European political dynamics, and global security alliances will likely be subjects of ongoing debate and analysis in the coming months.