Manfred Weber, president of the European People’s Party (EPP), no longer views the US as the stabilising global force it once was.
In an exclusive interview with Euronews, he expressed concern over what he described as “disruptive and erratic behaviour” during the early Trump administration, which is now 100 days into its work reshaping the global order.
“In a world where America is not anymore the stable anchor and gives not this kind of orientation, Europe is even more asked to do so. And again, the biggest party of Europe must provide Europe exactly with this thinking and this content,” Weber said.
The divide between Europe and the US was on full and shocking display when Vice President JD Vance addressed the Munich Security Conference in February. In his remarks, he accused the EU of stifling free speech and promised a different approach.
“Under Donald Trump’s leadership, we may disagree with your views, but we will defend your right to offer it in the public square — agree or disagree,” Vance said.
Weber strongly disagreed, defending European limits on hate speech and disinformation.
“We don’t follow Vice President Vance’s consideration that everything is allowed,” he told Euronews. “No, in Europe, not everything is allowed. You cannot lie, you cannot give hate speeches there. You cannot be antisemitic in today’s world in Europe.”
European way of life
Weber emphasised the importance of defining a distinct European identity, free from external influence — whether that be from the US, China, or Russia.
“This implementation of our rules is making us self-confident that we believe in the European way of life, not following the American, the Chinese or the Russian approach.”
Despite advocating for strategic distance from Washington, Weber underlined the ongoing importance of defence cooperation and the need for Europe to strengthen its role on the global stage.
“Where we still need more engagement is the defence side and the coming external affairs policies, and that’s the task ahead of us.”
Weber was re-elected for a second term as EPP president during the Valencia Congress, winning 502 out of 563 valid votes.
