Reference News Network, December 12 report. According to the website of Belgium's Politico Europe, on December 11, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated that U.S. President Trump should not interfere in Europe's democratic affairs.

According to the report, von der Leyen said during an interview at the Politico's 28th anniversary celebration in Brussels: "In matters of elections, it is not us who decide who leads a country, but the people of that country... This is the sovereignty of the voters, which must be protected."

She added when responding to a question about the U.S. national security strategy: "There is no doubt that no other party has the right to interfere." The strategy was released last week and caused a storm in Europe.

The strategy claims that Europe will face "civilizational extinction" within the next 20 years. This rhetoric has not only found resonance in Russia, but also received strong support from far-right leaders in Europe. The document also criticized Europe's efforts to curb far-right parties, calling such measures political censorship, and proposed to "foster resistance forces in European countries against the current trajectory of development in Europe."

Von der Leyen said this is one of the reasons why the EU proposed the "European Democracy Shield" initiative, aimed at strengthening the fight against foreign interference in cyberspace, including interference in elections.

She said she has always maintained a "very good working relationship" with U.S. presidents, and it is still the case now. But she emphasized that Europe should focus on itself rather than compare itself with other countries.

She said: "I sincerely believe in the transatlantic partnership. But it is crucial that we are proud to be members of the EU, examine our strengths, and address the challenges we indeed face."

She said: "Of course, our relationship with the United States has changed. Why? Because we ourselves are changing."

According to the report, in an interview with Politico broadcast on the 9th, Trump criticized Europe as a "declining" alliance of "weak" people.

When talking about the presidents and prime ministers of European countries, Trump said: "I think they are weak, I think they are helpless. Europe doesn't know what to do." (Translated by Lin Zhaohui)

Original: toutiao.com/article/7582929814828270132/

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