- Title: EU's Tusk calls for transatlantic unity after Trump's victory
- Date: 9th November 2016
- Summary: BRUSSELS, BELGIUM (FILE) (REUTERS) EXTERIOR OF EU COUNCIL BUILDING EU FLAG
- Embargoed: 24th November 2016 14:39
- Keywords: EU USA Election Trump European Council President Tusk
- Location: BRUSSELS, BELGIUM
- City: BRUSSELS, BELGIUM
- Country: Belgium
- Topics: Government/Politics,Elections/Voting
- Reuters ID: LVA00157Q722V
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Story Text: PLEASE NOTE THIS EDIT CONTAINS A WHITE FLASH IN SHOT FIVE
European Council President Donald Tusk called on Wednesday (November 9) for transatlantic unity after Donald Trump was elected U.S. president.
The president of the European institution that comprises all leaders of the 28-member bloc warned against the uncertainty linked to the election of the Republican candidate to the White House.
"While respecting the democratic choice of the American people, we are at the same time aware of the new challenges that these results bring. One of them is in this moment of uncertainty over the future of our transatlantic relations," Tusk said.
During his campaign, Trump promised radical changes in U.S. policy, praised Russian President Vladimir Putin and questioned the cost of U.S. military and other commitments in Europe.
The European Union faces a more aggressive Russia to the east, conflicts in the Middle East to the south and an increased threat from Islamist militants among others.
Tusk warned against the strategic and economic risk of isolationism and called for unity.
"I listened with attention to President-elect Trump's call for American unity. And I, in turn, would like to call for European and transatlantic unity. I do not believe that any country today can be great in isolation. But I do believe that America and Europe can, should and will work together. It is in our common interest," he said.
Tusk and EU Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker invited Trump to a summit as soon as he can schedule one and cited security and trade ties as key in a letter sent earlier and congratulating him on his election as U.S. president.
EU foreign ministers will meet for a special dinner on Sunday evening (November 13) in Brussels to discuss the implications of Trump's White House victory, diplomatic sources said.
The ministers will arrive ahead of their scheduled talks starting on Monday. The special dinner was added as the EU is left wondering about Trump's foreign policy plans. - Copyright Holder: FILE REUTERS (CAN SELL)
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