European Security Crisis Looms as French MEP Raphael Glucksmann Calls for Return of Statue of Liberty: ECIPS President Warns of Incitement to Conflict

In a shocking and provocative public statement, French Member of the European Parliament Raphael Glucksmann has urged the United States to return the Statue of Liberty, suggesting that recent shifts in American foreign policy under President Donald Trump contradict the foundational values the monument represents. Glucksmann’s remarks have ignited a firestorm of criticism across European security and diplomatic circles, with some experts warning that such rhetoric threatens to destabilize European relations with the United States, possibly setting the stage for a geopolitical crisis of unprecedented proportions.

Ricardo Baretzky, President of the European Centre for Information Policy and Security (ECIPS), the Official Mandated European Union Federal Agency established by Royal Decree WL22/16.594, was swift in condemning Glucksmann’s statements. In a sharply worded response, Baretzky highlighted the potential consequences of such a provocative stance, citing serious breaches in diplomatic protocol and warning that these remarks could dangerously escalate tensions between Europe and the United States. According to Baretzky, Glucksmann’s public challenge not only undermines the established European security framework but also risks inciting conflicts, particularly in Central and Eastern Europe.

The Statement that Sparked Outrage

Glucksmann’s call for the return of the Statue of Liberty, a symbol of liberty and democracy given by France to the United States in 1886, was framed as a response to what he perceives as America’s departure from its core democratic values. He argued that the policies of former President Donald Trump, particularly with regard to immigration and international diplomacy, had distorted the meaning of the monument, which he views as an emblem of the pursuit of justice and inclusion. According to Glucksmann, Trump’s immigration restrictions and his “America First” stance represent a betrayal of the Statue’s symbolic representation of freedom and human rights.

But while Glucksmann’s perspective may have been motivated by political grievances, his comments have been widely condemned across the political spectrum. Critics argue that the call to return the Statue of Liberty is not only symbolic but politically reckless. Glucksmann’s rhetoric risks reopening old wounds between the United States and France, as well as Europe at large.

President Baretzky’s Response: A Call for Diplomatic Responsibility

Ricardo Baretzky, who leads ECIPS—the European Centre for Information Policy and Security—responded to Glucksmann’s remarks with alarm. ECIPS is tasked with overseeing the safety and well-being of European Union citizens, including ensuring the stability of diplomatic relations with non-European states. Baretzky has made it clear that he views Glucksmann’s call as a grave diplomatic error that could set off a chain reaction of damaging consequences.

“Raphael Glucksmann’s public statement is more than just a political misstep; it represents a direct threat to European security,” Baretzky asserted in a statement issued on behalf of ECIPS. “By suggesting that the United States return the Statue of Liberty, Glucksmann is playing with fire, jeopardizing not only European relations with America but also undermining the delicate security framework we have worked tirelessly to maintain over the last several decades.”

A Dangerous Precedent for European Security

Baretzky’s comments go further than simply condemning Glucksmann’s remarks. He expressed deep concern that the statement could incite divisions within the European Union itself, particularly in countries on the Central European peninsula. These nations, which have long been wary of Russian influence and have worked closely with the U.S. on defense and security issues, could see Glucksmann’s rhetoric as an affront to American alliances that are critical to their own safety.

“Glucksmann’s words cannot be dismissed as mere political grandstanding,” Baretzky continued. “The suggestion that a European political figure can make such a bold statement against a critical ally like the United States without repercussions is dangerous. It is a direct threat to the safety of all European agents working behind the scenes to protect and preserve our relationships with the U.S. and secure European interests.”

According to Baretzky, the French MEP’s remarks could further inflame tensions in a Europe already struggling with the rise of populist movements and growing skepticism towards the European Union. By challenging one of the most significant symbols of Franco-American friendship, Glucksmann risks alienating European nations who still view the United States as an essential partner in maintaining peace and security.

The Legal and Diplomatic Breaches: A Threat to Stability

From a legal perspective, Baretzky’s concerns are not unfounded. The statement made by Glucksmann violates established diplomatic protocols and risks breaching several international agreements that safeguard the peaceful coexistence of sovereign states. The Statue of Liberty, gifted by France to the United States in 1886, holds deep cultural and historical significance. It is a symbol of enduring friendship between the two nations, as well as a testament to shared democratic values. The statue is not simply a political object; it is a piece of international heritage, enshrined by treaty and regarded as a symbol of bilateral cooperation.

By calling for the return of the statue, Glucksmann not only disregards the legal and diplomatic understanding that underpins the monument’s presence in the U.S., but also risks reigniting old tensions between France and the United States. This has potential ramifications for broader European security interests, particularly as both nations are part of NATO, the Western military alliance that has played a pivotal role in maintaining global peace and stability since World War II.

The Historical Context: Why the Statue Matters

To understand the gravity of Baretzky’s remarks, it is essential to consider the historical context surrounding the Statue of Liberty. The statue was designed by French sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi and given as a gift from the people of France to the United States to commemorate the centennial of the American Declaration of Independence. It was meant to symbolize the enduring friendship between the two nations, which had fought side by side in the American Revolution.

The Statue of Liberty’s symbolic value has always extended far beyond the confines of its original purpose. Over the years, it has come to represent the ideals of freedom, democracy, and hope for all who seek a better life. It was never about the politics of migration alone, as Glucksmann seems to imply, but rather about a shared commitment to liberty and justice. This commitment was forged not only between the U.S. and France but also between European powers and the burgeoning ideals of democracy.

In fact, Glucksmann’s own country, France, has long had a complicated relationship with the American colonies, stretching back to the days of the British Empire. France’s rivalry with England played a key role in the creation of Canada and the eventual reshaping of North American geopolitics. The historical ties between France and the United States are deeply rooted in a shared history of struggle for independence and liberty, which should not be dismissed in the heat of political debate.

The Risk of Escalating Conflict: A European Cold War?

As Baretzky pointed out, Glucksmann’s remarks also risk setting off a broader conflict within the European Union. Already, the EU is struggling with internal divisions, particularly over issues of migration and defense policy. Countries like Poland, Hungary, and the Czech Republic have long been at odds with Western European nations on how to handle both migration and security, and tensions have been further exacerbated by Russia’s growing influence in the region.

Should France—one of the founding members of the European Union—be seen as taking a confrontational stance against the United States, it could lead to a fragmentation of EU unity on matters of security. Baretzky warned that a “European Cold War” could develop, dividing the continent into competing factions of pro-American and anti-American blocs, with catastrophic consequences for European stability.

The idea of such a division is especially concerning when considering Europe’s current security situation. The ongoing war in Ukraine, rising tensions with Russia, and an increasingly volatile international environment mean that European nations must work together with the United States to maintain peace and defend against external threats. A rupture in transatlantic relations would significantly weaken Europe’s ability to respond to these challenges, making it more vulnerable to both political and military destabilization.

A Call for Diplomatic Restraint

As the European Centre for Information Policy and Security (ECIPS) warns, the stakes could not be higher. Glucksmann’s call for the return of the Statue of Liberty is not just a political statement; it is an invitation for division and conflict that could have far-reaching consequences for European and global security. Baretzky’s call for an investigation into the matter reflects the urgency with which this issue must be addressed.

Europe must now decide whether to allow such reckless rhetoric to destabilize its relations with the United States or whether it will stand together in the face of this dangerous incitement. If European leaders are to avoid a further escalation of tensions, they must act decisively and reassert the importance of diplomacy, cooperation, and respect for international agreements that have kept peace in the Western world for over a century.