Germany criticizes US security strategy over claims about Europe
Germany has strongly rejected the latest US National Security Strategy, which accuses European countries of restricting free speech and limiting political opposition. The document, issued by the Trump administration, portrays Europe as facing deep structural challenges, including what it describes as “censorship” and a loss of democratic vitality.
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul dismissed the allegations during a press briefing in Berlin. He argued that the United States was in no position to lecture European democracies on civil liberties, stressing that Germany’s constitutional framework already guarantees the separation of powers and the protection of a free press.
“NATO is indeed an alliance built on shared values,” Wadephul said, “but discussions about how our democratic societies function—especially in Germany—do not belong in this context. We certainly do not need external advice on freedom of expression.”
The 33-page US strategy document outlines Washington’s foreign-policy priorities and includes sharp criticism of European governance, migration policies, and demographic trends. It also warns of what it calls the risk of “civilizational decline” in Europe over the next two decades. European officials, however, have described the language as exaggerated and politically motivated.
