The national security strategy document of U.S. President Donald Trump states that America supports political forces working against the European Union. European Council President António Costa says this infringes on European sovereignty.
Professor of international law Lauri Mälksoo said that U.S. criticism may stem from Europe limiting American economic interests. He said the U.S. security strategy emphasizes American sovereignty and criticizes globalism and supranational organizations.
Mälksoo said the U.S. has always been an ally of Europe but is now criticizing it. He compared it to a family conflict where a child criticizes parents. He said the U.S. loves Europe but wants it to change.
Mälksoo noted that Trump's strategy differs significantly from that of his predecessor Joe Biden. Trump's strategy emphasizes America's primacy and is critical of multilateralism and global order rules. He said Trump's strategy acknowledges Russia's actions and the U.S. does not want to interfere.
Mälksoo said this is a dangerous time for small states, as larger nations set the rules and smaller ones must comply. He said these are not good times for international law, but it is not a single event, rather a series of different events.
Mälksoo praised the Baltic states for raising defense spending to five percent of GDP. He said Estonia has done its part and the U.S. should keep its word in case of a threat.