French PM Calls on EU to Respond to US Protectionism Policy 'Adequately'

© REUTERS / Charles PlatiauBernard Cazeneuve replies to deputies during the questions to the government session at the National Assembly in Paris, France, January 12, 2016
Bernard Cazeneuve replies to deputies during the questions to the government session at the National Assembly in Paris, France, January 12, 2016 - Sputnik International
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The European Union should be able to protect its industries and its borders if the United States chooses to focus on domestic issues and introduce protectionist policies, French Prime Minister Bernard Cazeneuve said Thursday.

MOSCOW (Sputnik) — Cazeneuve called US President Donald Trump's public announcements made during his campaign and after assuming office "surprising" and "worrying."

"If the approach of the United States consists of withdrawing and defending the interests of their [domestic] industries through protectionism… We have to respond adequately, leaving behind naivete and angelism, [with] the European Union being able to say, with full authority, what our outstanding industries are," Cazeneuve said addressing the French Senate.

President Donald Trump looks up after signing the final of three executive orders, Monday, Jan. 23, 2017, in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) - Sputnik International
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The prime minister also stressed the importance of the European continent having the capability to protect itself on its own, including the control of the borders.

Following Trumps's inauguration, the United States has adopted America First Trade Policy, which will focus on bringing jobs and investments to the country and America First Foreign Policy which will concentrate on national security matters.

On Monday, Trump signed an executive order withdrawing the United States from Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) free trade treaty, including 12 countries from Pacific Rim region, and promised to renegotiate the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). The planned Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) between the United States and the European Union could be the next free trade deal that Washington discards.

Trump has also said that his administration may reconsider the US contribution to NATO.

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