‘He should not get involved’ Terrified Brussels warn Trump to STAY OUT of bloc’s business

AFP

EU leaders have warned US President Donald Trump to stay out of bloc's business

Mr Muscat, whose country holds the current six months rotating Presidency of the Council of Europe, said there was real “concern” among leaders of the bloc over some of Donald Trump’s decisions and attitudes.

He said they would not be afraid to speak out if they do not agree with the policies being pursued by the pro-Brexit Republican President.

Billionaire Mr Trump has made clear he believes Britain would be “better off” without the EU and that migration had lead to major problems.

We are partners. There should be some respect

Francois Hollande

Mr Muscat said bloc leaders were unhappy with the stance taken by the new US government but agreed it was time the EU would “lead at a global level”.

He said: “Obviously, there was concern among the EU28 on some decisions that are being taken by the new US administration and also some attitudes that are being adopted by this administration.

“Nevertheless, there was no sense of anti-Americanism.

“There was a sense that we need to engage with the United States just the same, but that we need to show… that we cannot stay silent where there are principles involved.

“As in any good relationship, we will speak very clearly where we think that those principles are being trampled on.”

French President Francois Hollande also hit out at Mr Trump, particularly following his decision to welcome Brexit and after he dismissed the EU as a “vehicle for Germany”.

EPA

Maltese prime minister Joseph Muscat has hit out at the US president

Mr Hollande said: “We are partners. There should be some respect.

“We did not build Europe against the US. He should not get involved in what the life of the EU is.

“He can have an opinion, but it is up to Europe to decide how it wants to be and how it should live.”

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He also added even if the US President “does not see the same way” on climate change, Europe will forge ahead with the Paris climate change goals.

Mr Hollande also hit out at the suggestion Britain could act as a bridge between the EU and US.

“Of course it is not about asking on particular country, be it the UK or any other, to represent Europe in its relationship with the United States.

“For European relations with the US, it is Europe which does that.”

AFP

French President Francois Hollande said there should be respect between world leaders

But Donald Tusk, President of the European Council, said Britain will be “very helpful” in forging ties with the US.

But he added: “We have no illusions. In the future, we have to count on the 27.”

German Chancellor Angela Merkel has also warned the US and UK that cutting corporation tax would represent a race to the bottom.

She said: “We have a tax system in Germany that has weathered challenges well.

EPA

German Chancellor Angela Merkel the countries are 'trying to explore the common interests'

“I see no reason for entering a race for who has the lowest corporation tax.”

After being asked about the policies of Mr Trump, she said: “Step by step we will try to explore where there are common interests and where there are less than with other US administrations.

“We are strong when we stand together when we are willing to tackle our problems together.

Original Article