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[webfact]

EU chair labels Trump a 'threat' as Europeans debate U.S. ties

By Alastair Macdonald

REUTERS

 

President of the European Council Donald Tusk speaks during a news conference in Tallinn, Estonia, January 31, 2017. REUTERS/Ints Kalnins

 

BRUSSELS (Reuters) - Donald Trump has joined Russia, China and radical Islam as a threat to the European Union, EU leaders were told on Tuesday by the man chairing a summit where they will debate relations with the United States.

 

European Council President Donald Tusk, a conservative former premier of Poland, wrote to EU national leaders to lay out themes for discussion when they meet in Malta on Friday to discuss the future of their Union as Britain prepares to leave.

 

In vivid language that reflects deep concern in Europe at the new U.S. president's support for Brexit, as well as his ban on refugees and people from several Muslim countries, Tusk called on Europeans to rally against eurosceptic nationalists at home and take "spectacular steps" to deepen the continent's integration.

 

Saying the EU faced the biggest challenges of its 60-year history, Tusk named an "assertive China", "Russia's aggressive policy" towards its neighbours and "radical Islam" fuelling anarchy in the Middle East and Africa as key external threats.

 

These, "as well as worrying declarations by the new American administration, all make our future highly unpredictable," he said.

 

Laying out issues leaders may address in a 60th anniversary declaration at Rome in March, Tusk said the EU unity built after World War Two and the Cold War was needed "to avoid another historic catastrophe". He also said Americans should not weaken Transatlantic ties fundamental to "global order and peace".

 

"The disintegration of the European Union will not lead to the restoration of some mythical, full sovereignty of its member states, but to their real and factual dependence on the great superpowers: the United States, Russia and China," Tusk wrote to the EU leaders. "Only together can we be fully independent."

 

CAUTION TEMPERS DISMAY

 

Senior officials discussed a possible EU response to Trump at a meeting in Brussels on Monday where some governments stressed that Europeans should not be hasty to alienate a key ally, diplomats said.

 

"We don't want to get fired," one senior EU diplomat said in reference to Trump's reality TV catchphrase.

 

Another said that because the full U.S. administration was not yet in place, Europeans should be cautious: "No government in Europe can respond in a coherent manner to this series of orders and tweets," the diplomat said.

 

Yet after 11 days in office, Trump and his aides have stirred concern in Europe due to their doubts about NATO and countering Russia in Ukraine, as well as over free trade. The Socialist finance minister of France, a nation long sceptical of U.S. market economics, said on Tuesday Washington seemed set on protectionism that was a "grave risk to the world trade order".

 

Friday's summit could also expose tensions with British Prime Minister Theresa May, who will attend a morning session on efforts to curb migrants heading for Europe from Libya but will leave before the other 27 discuss post-Brexit reforms.

 

British and EU officials said they expect May to attend a lunch where all 28 leaders will discuss "international challenges", including Trump. But May's embrace of Trump by way of a visit to Washington last week and push for a post-Brexit UK-U.S. trade deal have irritated London's continental partners.

 

Some were also annoyed by a British announcement that its citizens who also hold passports from the seven states on Trump's banned list could enter the United States. That, diplomats said, risked breaking EU rules on equal treatment for EU citizens.

 

Washington later said it would accept all EU passports.

 

(Editing by Robin Pomeroy)

 

-- © Copyright Reuters 2017-02-01

[Laughing Gravy]

Maybe he is telling the truth that Obama didn't and has also told the Germans. Whether you agree with the man (Trump) or not it is interesting times. I just hope that he doesn't end up like JFK.

[selftaopath]

I totally agree. I view the popular-vote LOOSER (Trump) a threat to U.S. democracy, and the entire world. Hopefully he (Trump) will be removed. I strongly believe Trump and his minions are gravely disturbed. 

[piersbeckett]

"Only together can we be fully independent" or should it read,  "Only as the United States of Europe can we exist in the myth of independence".  What did it take for China and for the USA to be independent states - is it really possible with Europe? I think not, outside of total war.  It might be old fashioned to carry on with treaties and alliances within what is geographically Europe but nationalities IMV are too entrenched, too historically credible and too culturally opposed to form any real union of which the only real winners are people like Tusk.

 

[Grouse]

32 minutes ago, Laughing Gravy said:

Maybe he is telling the truth that Obama didn't and has also told the Germans. Whether you agree with the man (Trump) or not it is interesting times. I just hope that he doesn't end up like JFK.

A respected president you mean?

[Laughing Gravy]

8 minutes ago, Grouse said:

A respected president you mean?

No Dead, shot assassinated, although I see your humor.

[Grouse]

1 hour ago, Laughing Gravy said:

Maybe he is telling the truth that Obama didn't and has also told the Germans. Whether you agree with the man (Trump) or not it is interesting times. I just hope that he doesn't end up like JFK.

 

I can't imagine Trump saying "Ich bin ein Berliner" any time soon.

 

Maybe "Ich bin ein Frankfurter" or "Ich bin ein Wiener"?

 

I had better explain before I get into trouble.

 

JFK was showing solidarity with the people of West Berlin when they were walled in by the Soviets; notwithstanding the fact that a Berliner is a type of German bun!

 

Frankfurter- someone coming from Frankfurt the German banking capital. A type of sausage

 

Wiener- someone coming from Vienna. A type of sausage. An American joke ?

Edited February 1, 2017 by Grouse

[Grouse]

With Trump's German ancestry, one would have thought he would be more pro German rather than a Germaphobe

 

http://m.spiegel.de/international/germany/a-1072975.html

 

Edited February 1, 2017 by Grouse

[selftaopath]

19 minutes ago, Grouse said:

With Trump's German ancestry, one would have thought he would be more pro German rather than a Germaphobe

 

http://m.spiegel.de/international/germany/a-1072975.html

 

Perhaps Trump is only listening to Putin and his plan for Europe/ World. 

[smedly]

2 hours ago, webfact said:

BRUSSELS (Reuters) - Donald Trump has joined Russia, China and radical Islam

interesting that lowlife Tusk didn't have the balls to say USA - last time I looked Donald is the President and Commander In Chief - that makes him "the USA"

 

I wonder is he going to throw a few threats at the US like he did at the UK

[Grouse]

10 minutes ago, smedly said:

interesting that lowlife Tusk didn't have the balls to say USA - last time I looked Donald is the President and Commander In Chief - that makes him "the USA"

 

I wonder is he going to throw a few threats at the US like he did at the UK

What a silly comment!

 

Tusk is absolutely correct to mention Trump and not the USA.

 

Trump is proving to be a major problem NOT the USA generally

[Grouse]

Met lthe in 

[zaphod reborn]

3 hours ago, Laughing Gravy said:

Maybe he is telling the truth that Obama didn't and has also told the Germans. Whether you agree with the man (Trump) or not it is interesting times. I just hope that he doesn't end up like JFK.

I agree, I hope he does not end up like JFK, as I hope, and believe, he will end up like Richard Nixon

[smedly]

Interesting read - do a search to read the full article, pretty much confirms what I have been saying all along - the EU and the Euro does not suit certain EU member states, only those that are industrial nations

 

The eurozone must break up if its members are to thrive again, according to a former European Central Bank official.

Jürgen Stark, who served on the ECB’s executive board during the financial crisis, said it was time to “think the unthinkable” and work towards a “reset” of Europe that pulled power away from Brussels.

[smedly]

13 minutes ago, Grouse said:

What a silly comment!

 

Tusk is absolutely correct to mention Trump and not the USA.

 

Trump is proving to be a major problem NOT the USA generally

Really ?  seems to me he won an election in the USA and as President he is the top representative of ................................... you guessed it  - The United States of America 

[alocacoc]

The world must learn to accept the President. He is the new Boss under the sun.

[selftaopath]

22 minutes ago, zaphod reborn said:

I agree, I hope he does not end up like JFK, as I hope, and believe, he will end up like Richard Nixon

How he leaves might not matter to many as long as he is GONE. He wants to rule and disregard rule of law other than his "law."

[Grouse]

47 minutes ago, Grouse said:

Met lthe in 

Please delete - system error

[Laughing Gravy]

35 minutes ago, Grouse said:

Please delete - system error

Don't worry Grouse nobody is going to flame you for a little error or spelling mistake. Other posters do that.

[Baerboxer]

4 hours ago, selftaopath said:

I totally agree. I view the popular-vote LOOSER (Trump) a threat to U.S. democracy, and the entire world. Hopefully he (Trump) will be removed. I strongly believe Trump and his minions are gravely disturbed. 

 

But the popular vote winner, who just nudged the popular vote but lost the Electoral College constitutional election, won't be given the job,

 

She would have continued believing she was above the law, raking in billions for her family foundation and pandering to those who fund her. Lovely picture of democracy.

 

The popular vote, by the way abstained. That number was far greater than the similar numbers who voted for Trump or Clinton.

 

Do you want a world where people have real choices? Or do you want a world where only the politically correct with the "right views" approved by the "right people" are allowed to stand to make sure elections don't really change things?

[Baerboxer]

1 hour ago, selftaopath said:

How he leaves might not matter to many as long as he is GONE. He wants to rule and disregard rule of law other than his "law."

 

And Hilary would've respected the law 555555!

 

Good one!

[Baerboxer]

2 hours ago, Grouse said:

What a silly comment!

 

Tusk is absolutely correct to mention Trump and not the USA.

 

Trump is proving to be a major problem NOT the USA generally

 

But it was fine for Obama to bug the phone of Merkel and her minions - his dear friend and close political ally.

 

Typical socialist - do as I say not as I do; the rules don't apply to me.

[Grouse]

20 minutes ago, Baerboxer said:

 

But it was fine for Obama to bug the phone of Merkel and her minions - his dear friend and close political ally.

 

Typical socialist - do as I say not as I do; the rules don't apply to me.

You think Obama personally bugged Merkel's phone? Even authorised it?

 

I'll tell you this, Trump is personally upsetting many people. This is not going to end well. 

 

I am not anti American but I am anti Trump. OK, a majority of Americans chose him. I wonder why? I'll wager the majority will be disappointed. In the meantime, the world will be much more dangerous.

[soalbundy]

6 hours ago, Laughing Gravy said:

Maybe he is telling the truth that Obama didn't and has also told the Germans. Whether you agree with the man (Trump) or not it is interesting times. I just hope that he doesn't end up like JFK.

He needs looking after, in a mental hospital

[sanukjim]

Those expressing this opinion will be changing their tune claiming that they were misquoted as they are kissing America's AXX when looking for a hand out of money. Google how much money that the US has loaned or giver either through money or military aid to European Countries in the last 10 years.

[Grouse]

7 minutes ago, sanukjim said:

Those expressing this opinion will be changing their tune claiming that they were misquoted as they are kissing America's AXX when looking for a hand out of money. Google how much money that the US has loaned or giver either through money or military aid to European Countries in the last 10 years.

References?

[Stargeezr]

The EU head, should concentrate on the EU.  Actors should just be actors, let the politicians be

politicians. Donald Trump is now a politician, let him do his job!  This message is also

foe the Democrats, who lost the election, the country was simply tired of dirty politics, even

if the people in the large cities were not, lesson learned!, well not yet it seems..

Geezer

[Grouse]

41 minutes ago, Stargrazer9889 said:

The EU head, should concentrate on the EU.  Actors should just be actors, let the politicians be

politicians. Donald Trump is now a politician, let him do his job!  This message is also

foe the Democrats, who lost the election, the country was simply tired of dirty politics, even

if the people in the large cities were not, lesson learned!, well not yet it seems..

Geezer

Seems to me that just like in the UK, a large proportion of the population wanted change. For various reasons. And the same reasons. Both populations will indeed get change. Whether they will be happier as a result is moot! Me? I've run off to the hills!

[elgordo38]

Hey everybody rush out to your favorite book store and buy a copy of "How To Make Friends And Influence People" and mail it to Donald J Trump c/o of the White House. He needs it. 

[elgordo38]

9 hours ago, webfact said:

Tusk called on Europeans to rally against eurosceptic nationalists at home and take "spectacular steps" to deepen the continent's integration.

Yes Mr. Tusk you better hurry on this one. More countries are on the good ship EU Titanic looking for life boats to "save" themselves. It seems the Brussels Boys did a bad read on peoples feelings you know the people you poorly represent after big business. Looks like the global village is going in the same direction as the colony at Jamestown. You and the "Brussels Boys" should learn to become people persons not big business flunkies.