Francois Hollande calls on EU leaders to present united front as Donald Trump implements his controversial policies
THE President of France has urged European leaders to show a united front against Donald Trump, as the US leader begins to implement his controversial policies.
Speaking at a gathering of leaders today, Francois Hollande urged the EU to provide a "firm" response to the American president.
Hollande said: “We must conduct firm dialogue with the new American administration which has shown it has its own approach to the problems we all face.”
Trump has rattled some of America's traditional European allies with a slew of radical policies.
He has branded Nato "obsolete", announced he would rip up a planned trade deal and used a meeting with PM Theresa May to applaud Brexit as "a wonderful thing".
He also signed an executive order to suspend the arrival of refugees and impose tough controls on travellers from seven Muslim countries.
The French leader added: “When he adopts protectionist measures – which could destabilise economies not just in Europe but the economies of the main countries of the world – we have to respond.
“And when he refuses the arrival of refugees – while Europe has done its duty – we have to respond.”
Related stories
Italian PM Paolo Gentiloni echoed his French counterpart, saying Europe was "ready, interested and willing to cooperate" with Trump – but adding: "We are Europe and we cherish our values."
And Spanish PM Mariano Rajoy said the EU project had helped transform Europe into the region with the "highest level of progress, civil rights and wellbeing" in the world.
Also at the meeting in Lisbon were the leaders of Malta, Cyprus, Greece and Portugal.
We pay for your stories! Do you have a story for The Sun Online news team? Email us at [email protected] or call 0207 782 4368.