‘The EU is not the little sister of the US,’ European Parliament Vice-President Wilmès says
The EU is not the little sister of the US,’ European Parliament Vice-President Wilmès says
Equal Partnership in EU-US Relations
The EU is not the little – On Wednesday, Sophie Wilmès, the vice-president of the European Parliament, emphasized the necessity for the European Union to engage with the United States as a peer rather than a subordinate. Speaking to Euronews, she highlighted the growing importance of the EU asserting itself on the global stage, particularly in light of the ongoing tensions between EU leaders and Washington regarding the Iran war and trade tariffs. Wilmès argued that the EU must no longer be perceived as a junior partner to the US, stressing that mutual respect and equal dialogue are essential for maintaining a robust alliance.
“What is very important regarding the United States is that we are talking to each other as equal partners and not as a big brother against the little brother or the little sister,” Wilmès stated. She elaborated that the EU’s relationship with the US should reflect its own agency and strategic autonomy, rather than being defined by Washington’s dominance. This sentiment comes as the EU grapples with balancing its traditional partnership with the US while pursuing its own geopolitical objectives, such as strengthening ties with emerging markets and advancing climate policies independently.
The vice-president’s remarks underscore a broader shift in EU foreign policy, where member states are increasingly prioritizing collective action over unilateral decisions. Wilmès, who previously served as Belgium’s prime minister, noted that the EU’s independence is critical in addressing complex issues like the Israel-Hamas conflict and its impact on regional security. Her comments align with recent calls for the EU to take a firmer stance in negotiations, ensuring that European interests are not overshadowed by American priorities.
Addressing Antisemitism in Europe
Later on the same day, Wilmès and her colleagues convened to debate the growing threat of antisemitism across Europe. The discussion follows a series of alarming incidents targeting Jewish communities in the Netherlands and Belgium, which have reignited concerns about the intersection of the Israel-Hamas war and rising xenophobia in the region. The vice-president acknowledged the surge in antisemitic attitudes since the October 7 attacks, emphasizing the need for a nuanced approach to address the issue.
“Antisemitism is definitely rising since the attack of 7 October,” Wilmès said, linking the phenomenon to the broader Middle East conflict. She pointed out that while the Israel-Hamas war has galvanized public opinion, it is vital to distinguish between the actions of the Israeli government and the Jewish community itself. “Whatever a minister or a government does, it does not excuse antisemitic action,” she stressed, urging the European Commission to revise its 2021 strategy on combating antisemitism to better reflect current realities.
The debate also highlighted the EU’s commitment to fostering dialogue and understanding. Wilmès argued that policies should not only target hate crimes but also address the underlying causes of prejudice, such as misinformation and political polarization. Her remarks were echoed by fellow lawmakers, who called for a unified response to ensure the protection of Jewish communities while maintaining solidarity with Israel.
Rule of Law Report and Budget Negotiations
Meanwhile, the European Parliament was set to vote on the European Commission’s 2025 rule of law report, a document that assesses the state of legal frameworks across all member states. The report covers four critical areas: the justice system, anti-corruption measures, media pluralism, and institutional accountability. This review coincides with the first official visit to Brussels by Hungary’s newly elected Prime Minister, Péter Magyar, who will meet with Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Wednesday evening.
“We are very hopeful that this new government will put things back on track. They say they will, and I think that we need to support that,” Wilmès said, expressing optimism about the potential for improved cooperation. She added that restoring the rule of law is a formidable task, requiring sustained effort and political will. “It is much more difficult to put things back on track than to dismantle the rule of law,” she remarked, underscoring the importance of maintaining legal standards in the face of political pressures.
The rule of law report serves as a barometer for EU member states’ adherence to democratic principles. Its approval could signal a renewed focus on legal reforms, especially in countries where national governments have shown resistance to EU oversight. Wilmès noted that the report’s findings would inform future discussions on strengthening institutional checks and balances, ensuring that no single state undermines the EU’s collective governance.
Parallel to these developments, the European Parliament is also preparing to finalize its position on the EU’s long-term budget. The proposed increase of nearly €200 billion—approximately 10% of the total allocation—reflects the bloc’s ambition to address pressing challenges. Wilmès, drawing on her experience as Belgium’s former premier, explained that the tension between EU institutions and national governments is a recurring theme in budget negotiations. “I had the chance to sit in both situations, on the Parliament side but also at the Council side,” she said, highlighting the dynamic between the EU’s legislative body and member state executives.
Historically, the European Parliament has adopted a more flexible approach to budgetary matters, often yielding to the demands of member states. However, recent signals suggest a stronger determination to advocate for increased funding. Wilmès attributed this shift to the EU’s need to respond to new challenges, such as enhancing competitiveness and bolstering security and defense capabilities. “Reality is that we are facing a lot of new challenges, such as competitiveness, but also in security and defence. And those require more money, for sure,” she explained.
As the EU positions itself to assert greater autonomy, the interplay between domestic and international priorities will remain a central theme. Wilmès’ advocacy for equal partnerships and robust legal frameworks signals a broader movement toward redefining the bloc’s role in global affairs. This transition is not without obstacles, but the vice-president remains confident that the EU can navigate these complexities while preserving its unity and effectiveness. The upcoming vote and negotiations will serve as critical tests of this vision, shaping the direction of European policy in the years to come.
With the clock ticking toward decisive actions in multiple fronts, the European Parliament’s stance on both the rule of law and the budget will have far-reaching implications. The decision to reinforce legal standards and allocate additional funds reflects a strategic recalibration, positioning the EU to tackle emerging threats head-on. Wilmès’ emphasis on independence and equality in EU-US relations further underscores the bloc’s commitment to asserting its own voice in the international community. As Europe moves forward, the balance between cooperation and autonomy will define its ability to remain a cohesive and influential force on the global stage.
