European Council Chief: US Threats to Interfere in Politics ‘Unacceptable’

António Costa has joined other European leaders in forcefully rejecting American approaches to continental affairs, as Donald Trump combines pressure on Ukraine with controversial statements about European immigration. The European Council president’s statement represents a significant hardening of European positions toward Trump’s administration.
Trump’s proposed peace deal for Ukraine would force President Zelenskyy to accept territorial losses to Russia within an extraordinarily short timeframe. US envoys have reportedly given Ukraine just days to respond, with Trump seeking to announce an agreement before Christmas. The president’s public comments about Russian military superiority have been criticized by some as undermining Ukraine’s negotiating leverage.
The president’s rhetoric about Europe has centered on immigration, with Trump claiming that demographic changes threaten European civilization. He used explicitly racial language to describe immigrants from Africa and the Middle East, suggesting their presence makes European cities “not viable.” His comments about major cities like London and Paris having become “much different” focused on their increasing diversity, which he portrayed in negative terms.
Trump maintained his hostile stance toward London Mayor Sadiq Khan, using exceptionally harsh personal language. The president’s attacks on Khan have persisted across multiple years and appear connected to Khan’s identity as London’s first Muslim mayor and his criticism of Trump’s policies. Khan responded by questioning Trump’s apparent obsession while defending London’s character as a diverse global city.
António Costa’s statement that interference threats are unacceptable followed similar comments from other senior European officials. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz emphasized that Europe can manage its own democratic processes, while EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas described American approaches as provocative. Pope Leo XIV added religious authority to warnings about damage to Western alliances. The unified European response has strengthened discussions about strategic autonomy and accelerated plans for enhanced defense capabilities independent of American commitments.