Editor in Chief: Moh. Reza Huwaida Thursday, March 28th, 2024

Brexit and Trump Top Southern EU Nations Summit

Brexit and Trump Top Southern EU Nations Summit

LISBON - Leaders of seven southern European Union nations met in Lisbon on Saturday, seeking a united front against Brexit and the new protectionist administration of US President Donald Trump.
The mostly centre-left leaders taking part -- the second summit of southern EU leaders in four months -- are also expected to renew action to boost flagging growth and tackle the migrant crisis.
Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Costa shook hands and embraced Italian Prime Minister Paolo Gentiloni, French President Francois Hollande and the other leaders as they arrived.
Faced with the rise of "protectionism and populism", the EU needs urgent reforms to "surpass the economic, social and political legitimacy crisis which is weakening it," Costa said ahead of the event.
Spain, Greece, Cyprus and Malta are the other countries present.
Hollande warned Friday after talks with German Chancellor Angela Merkel in Berlin that Trump's administration poses "challenges" to "our trade rules, as well as to our ability to resolve conflicts around the world".
Trump has rattled America's traditional European allies with a range of radical policy plans.
He has called NATO "obsolete", announced he would rip up a planned transatlantic trade plan and supported Britain's move to leave the EU, calling it a "wonderful thing" on Friday during a meeting with British Prime Minister Theresa May.  (AFP)