EU Commissioner Expresses Dismay Over Minneapolis Violence, Urges Transatlantic Unity Amid Strained T.S. Relations
BRUSSELS — In a striking departure from the European Union's typically measured diplomacy, a senior EU official has publicly condemned the recent violence in Minneapolis, where two American citizens were killed during demonstrations against federal immigration raids.
European Commission Vice President Teresa Ribera, in an interview with AFP, described her reaction to the events as one of "profound shock and horror." The victims, identified as 37-year-olds Renee Good and Alex Pretti, were protesting the actions of masked, heavily armed federal agents when they were shot dead.
"Witnessing such senseless violence, particularly against individuals exercising their right to protest, is terrifying," Ribera stated from her office in Brussels. "This is not a vision I hold for Europe. It is especially jarring when it occurs in a nation built upon ideals of freedom and individual rights."
Her forceful comments stand in stark contrast to the official position of the European Commission, which has so far characterized the Minneapolis violence as an internal U.S. matter and refrained from direct condemnation.
The incident has unfolded against a backdrop of increasingly fraught relations between the EU and the United States. Since the return of Donald Trump to the White House a year ago, the alliance has been tested by trade threats and, most recently, a diplomatic crisis over Trump's now-retracted vow to "seize" Greenland from EU member Denmark.
Ribera framed the Greenland episode as a "clarion call" for European solidarity. "We received a very harsh, threatening message," she said. "It underscored the imperative for Europe to respond with clarity and unity in the face of unjustified threats."
Beyond geopolitics, Ribera—who also serves as the EU's top antitrust enforcer—vowed that Brussels would not be deterred from regulating American tech giants despite U.S. threats of retaliation. She criticized Washington's "attacks" on European officials involved in digital regulation.
"In these turbulent times, Europe must anchor itself to its core principles," Ribera concluded. "This includes the resolve to be firm when necessary and to rely on the strength of our shared values."
Reactions & Analysis
Klara Schmidt, Political Analyst at the European Policy Centre: "Ribera's candor is unusual but reflects a growing undercurrent of concern in European capitals. The Minneapolis violence isn't just an American story; it's being watched as a stress test for democratic norms that Europe also holds dear."
Marco Rossi, Café Owner in Brussels: "It's shocking, yes. But I worry our leaders focus too much on words abroad and not enough on problems here at home. We have our own challenges with integration and protest."
David Chen, Commentator for 'The Global Lens': "This is pure hypocrisy. The EU lectures the U.S. while turning a blind eye to member states with questionable border practices. Ribera's selective outrage is a diplomatic performance, not a principled stand."
Anya Petrova, University Student, Warsaw: "Her speaking out matters. When a major ally sees such events as a 'wake-up call,' it should make everyone reflect. It shows the world is watching, and it cares about what America represents."