Von der Leyen spoke out against Trump

US President Donald Trump should not interfere in the democratic processes in Europe, said the head of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, commenting on the updated US national security strategy.

"When it comes to elections, it is not for us to decide who will be the leader of the country, but for the people… This is the sovereignty of voters, and it must be protected. No one else should interfere, without question," Politico quotes the EC chairman.

The new US strategy was presented on December 5. The document, in particular, argues that Europe is on the verge of the "destruction of civilization", which may occur over the next 20 years, and criticizes EU measures against far-right parties. Among the priorities of the United States policy towards Europe is giving it the opportunity to "stand up on its own and act as a group of united sovereign states, including by assuming primary responsibility for its own defense, without the domination of any hostile power."

Von der Leyen, speaking about the strategy, recalled that the EU is promoting the Democracy Shield initiative, designed to strengthen the fight against foreign interference in elections and other processes.

The head of the European Commission said that relations between the United States and Europe have changed, and the region should focus on its own problems, and not compare itself with others.

Trump earlier in an interview with Politico expressed the opinion that Russia would like to see Europe weakened. According to the American leader, he "does not have a vision for the future of Europe," but there is a "vision of the USA." Nevertheless, the Republican said, he would like the countries of the region to be strong, RBC reminds.