GETTY
Cecilia Malmstrom has told Trump his immigration policies won't work
European Union Trade Commissioner, Cecilia Malmstrom, came to the defence of the bloc’s policies insisting Mr Trump's ideas on trade and migration “will not work”.
She said: “Those who in the 21st century think that we can become great again by rebuilding borders, reimposing trade barriers and restricting people’s freedom to move, they are doomed to fail.”
Saying that Brussels had learned from the “dark days”, she added: “Building a wall is not the answer.”
GETTY
Cecilia Malmstrom defended the EU's policies
Building a wall is not the answer
Cecilia Malmstrom
Her remarks come as the new president signs several executive orders, which will limit the amount of refugees and immigrants from Muslim countries from entering the US.
Donald Trump originally pledged to ban all Muslims from America but has since backtracked claiming he will instead suspend immigration from countries which have been associated with terrorism.
During his presidential campaign, Mr Trump also promised to build a wall on the Mexican border to stem the flow of immigrants.
Ms Malmstrom, a Swedish commissioner, also argued that the EU remained the biggest trading bloc and foreign investor in the world.
President Trump's Key Moments
Wed, January 25, 2017
Our pick of the top key moments so far for the 45th President of the United States, Donald J. Trump.
Play slideshow
1 of 9
US President Donald Trump delivers remarks after signing five executive orders related to the oil pipeline industry in the oval office of the White House in Washington, DC, USA
GETTY
Donald Trump signs executive papers
The EU bigwig said Brussels was standing by its principles to negotiate free trade agreements with 20 “like-minded nations”.
She said: “The success of the European Union relies on our open societies and open economies.”
She also insisted “some countries are really eager” to have talks with the EU after Mr Trump signed executive orders which have withdrawn the US from the Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP)
GETTY
Donald Trump originally planned to introduced a ban on Muslims entering the US
Speaking during a conference, she added: “They feel, like we feel, that there can be good trade agreements that are good for business and the people.
“We need now to step up, even if others are disengaging temporarily or for a longer time.”
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Tumblr
RSS