EU Leaders gather in Sofia to discuss Balkans and Trump

EU Leaders gather in Sofia to discuss Balkans and Trump
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By Chris Pilcher
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European Council President Donald Tusk put the US President at the top of the agenda, critcising his recent decision-making on the Iran nuclear deal and import trade tariffs.

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Europe's most powerful leaders gather in Sofia for an EU summit.

They've been discussing the Balkan States' possible EU membership as well as what to do about Donald Trump. It follows the US President's recent decision to pull out of the Iran nuclear deal.

Trump has also threatened to implement tariffs for imported steel and alumnium on the basis of 'national security'.

Addressing EU Leaders on Wednesday, Donald Tusk, European Council President said:

"Looking at the latest decisions of President Trump, someone could even think 'with friends like that who needs enemies?"

Tusk also insisted the EU must stick together and not be bullied by the US into concessions. Global leaders will further discuss its US relations on Thursday.

Ryan Heath is Politico's Europe Editor. He gave his views on Tusk's impassioned speech regarding the US President:

"This was a very deliberated move. Donald Tusk treats this as a very personal matter. He grew up wanting to be part of the West. So this current gap in between the US and Europe he feels that very very personnally. What he wanted last night was to get leaders to really talk about Trump at the dinner of this Summit. Which was what they did, it wasn't a discussion about Digital Innovation as planned, it was about keeping united on Iran, it was about sticking to the line of retaliatory measures when it comes to Trump steel tariffs. And they did that. So Donald Tusk achieved all that he wanted yesterday."

As Europe's leaders demonstrated their unity with a family photo, they'll be after close co-operation on a crucial day of talks in Sofia.

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