EU chief Donald Tusk hit out at US President Donald Trump on Wednesday, accusing Washington of “capricious assertiveness” in abandoning the Iran nuclear deal and imposing trade tariffs on Europe.
“Looking at the latest decisions of President Trump, someone could even think with friends like that who needs enemies,” Tusk told reporters in the Bulgarian capital Sofia before EU leaders met to discuss a “united front” on Trump.
“But frankly speaking, Europe should be grateful to President Trump, because thanks to him we have got rid of all illusions. He has made us realize that if you need a helping hand you will find one at the end of your arm,” the European Council president added.
The 28 European Union leaders are meeting for dinner on the eve of a summit to discuss closer ties with the Western Balkans, but tensions with Trump have hijacked the agenda.
European ministers met with a top Iranian official in Brussels on Tuesday in a bid to save the Iranian nuclear accord after Trump decided to pull out. Meanwhile the EU is still trying to win exemptions from tariffs on steel and aluminum exports.