Germany criticizes US for its claims about Europe in national security strategy

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul has publicly dismissed elements of the latest US national security strategy that portray Europe as struggling with freedom of expression. Speaking during a meeting with Icelandic Foreign Minister Thorgerdur Katrn Gunnarsdttir in Berlin on Friday, Wadephul stated that Europe does not require guidance on free speech, which he emphasized is firmly protected under the country's constitutional framework.

While reaffirming the United States as Germany's key ally within NATO, Wadephul highlighted Germany's pride in maintaining a robust and independent media landscape.

The White House released the updated national security strategy late Thursday, critiquing what it sees as a decline in democracy and freedom of expression across Europe. The document claims that various factors, including the actions of the European Union, migration policies, censorship, suppression of political dissent, declining birthrates, and diminishing national identities, threaten political freedom on the continent.

Regarding Russia's war in Ukraine, the strategy notes that the US administration disagrees with European officials who it claims have unrealistic expectations, often relying on fragile minority governments that may compromise democratic principles to stifle opposition.

Author: Lucas Grant