European Council President Antonio Costa warned that Europe must protect its sovereignty and be prepared to replace the United States as NATO’s leading power by 2027. Speaking at the Jacques Delors Institute conference in Paris, Costa stressed that Europe must be internally strong and resist outside political interference, noting that allies should not influence each other’s domestic choices. He referenced recent tensions involving Elon Musk’s X, US political leaders’ criticism of the EU, and Washington’s updated National Security Strategy. Costa urged Europe to adapt to shifting global alliances while defending freedom of expression, pluralism, and the continent’s long-term strategic independence.