The American President Donald Trump is considering closing several U.S. consulates in France, including the one in Strasbourg, as part of the State Department's cost-cutting policy. This decision, if implemented, could have repercussions both for travelers and for Franco-American diplomatic relations.
According to revealed by the American media Politico on February 27the Trump administration would like to reduce the American diplomatic presence abroad, retaining only consulates deemed to be of immediate interest to the United States.
In addition to Strasbourg, the Rennes, Lyon and Bordeaux branches are also under threat.
This announcement prompted strong reactions from local elected representatives. Jeanne Barseghianmayor of Strasbourg, and Pia ImbsPresident of the Eurometropole, have described this eventuality as "a very real possibility".worrying message", fearing "significant repercussions in terms of international links“. Franck LeroyPresident of the Grand Est region, sees it as "a new sign of mistrust in Europe“.
For travelers and American residents in the region, the closure of the Strasbourg consulate would mean more complex administrative procedures. Services such as passport renewals or visa applications would have to be transferred to the Paris embassy or Marseille consulate, potentially leading to longer delays and additional travel.
Beyond the practical aspects, this decision could have important diplomatic implications. The Strasbourg consulate, which has been in existence since 1866, is also an observer at the Council of Europe. Its closure could be interpreted as an American disengagement from European institutions, in a context where Strasbourg is a Mecca of continental diplomacy.
It should be noted, however, that this information has not been officially confirmed. Interviewed by the Dernières Nouvelles d'Alsace newspaper (DNA), the American consulate in Strasbourg said it was unable to confirm or deny the news.
Faced with this threat, a mobilization is being organized. The Alsace - United States is planning a rally, while local elected representatives, such as Pierre Jakubowiczare planning to submit a motion to the town council in favor of maintaining the consulate.
Fill in a file from ESTA USA
English 
Français 
Deutsch 
Italiano 
Español