European Parliament Vice-President Sophie Wilmès has urged the European Union to approach its relationship with the United States as equals, rejecting any dynamic that casts Brussels as a junior partner. Speaking on Euronews' Europe Today, the former Belgian Prime Minister stressed that transatlantic dialogue must be grounded in mutual respect.
“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 said. Her remarks come as EU leaders weigh a more assertive stance toward Washington on issues ranging from trade tariffs to the Iran nuclear file.
When asked whether the EU should reduce its dependence on its transatlantic ally, Wilmès replied: “Europe should do with Europe.” The comment reflects a growing sentiment among European policymakers that the bloc must bolster its strategic autonomy without severing ties with Washington.
Rising Antisemitism and the Rule of Law
On Wednesday, Wilmès and her fellow MEPs are set to debate the rise of antisemitism across the continent, following recent attacks on Jewish communities in the Netherlands and Belgium. “Antisemitism is definitely rising since the attack of 7 October,” she said, drawing a direct link between the spike in hate crimes and the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza as well as the broader Middle East conflict.
Wilmès emphasised the need for nuance: “We need to make a very cautious distinction between the government in Israel and the Jewish community. Whatever a minister or a government does, it does not excuse antisemitic action.” She called for an update to the European Commission’s 2021 strategy on combating antisemitism, arguing that current measures are insufficient.
Also on the agenda is the European Parliament’s vote on the European Commission’s 2025 rule of law report. The vote coincides with the first visit to Brussels by Hungarian Prime Minister-elect Péter Magyar, who is scheduled to meet 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, adding a cautionary note: “It is much more difficult to put things back on track than to dismantle the rule of law.”
The rule of law report reviews developments across all twenty-seven member states in four key areas: the justice system, anti-corruption frameworks, media pluralism and freedom, and institutional checks and balances.
Budget Battle Looms
Beyond the rule of law debate, attention is turning to negotiations on the EU’s long-term budget. The Parliament on Tuesday adopted its stance, calling for an increase of nearly €200 billion—roughly 10% of the overall sum. Drawing on her experience as Belgium’s former premier, Wilmès said tensions between EU institutions and national governments are to be expected. “I had the chance to sit in both situations, on the Parliament side but also at the Council side. It's very normal and usual that the member states push for a budget a little bit down, while the Parliament is pushing for more,” she explained.
While the European Parliament has historically softened its stance under pressure from member states, early signals suggest a tougher line this time, according to sources familiar with the negotiations. For more on the budget debate, see our coverage: European Parliament Demands €200 Billion Budget Boost, Setting Up Clash with Member States.
Wilmès’s call for EU-US equality resonates with broader discussions about Europe’s role in a shifting global order. As the bloc navigates trade disputes, security challenges, and internal rule-of-law concerns, its ability to speak with one voice—and on equal footing with Washington—remains a central test. For context on how other European leaders view transatlantic ties, see: MEP Grudler: 'Made in Europe' Rules Should Favor Geographically Close Partners.
