Terrified Germany DEMANDS EU wraps up trade deals QUICKLY following Theresa May’s US visit
GERMANY set the stage for a post-Brexit trade war by demanding the EU quickly wraps up a dozen deals around the world.
By HARRY WALKER
Express.co.uk
Sat, Jan 28, 2017
Terrified over the burgeoning relationship between Theresa May and Donald Trump, Europe’s leading economic power urged Brussels to launch a deal-making spree.
German officials warned EU finance ministers at a meeting in Brussels yesterday that urgent action is needed over perceived threats posed by Brexit and Trump’s presidency.
Finance minister Thomas Steffen sent a document to other EU states urging them to tie up 12 free trade deals with countries including China and Australia as quickly as possible.
In an apparent dig at Trump’s economic strategy, the document urges European leaders to “give a timely push against protectionism”.
The move indicates growing nerves over the increased bargaining power a post-Brexit deal for Britain with the US could give to the Prime Minister.
It also highlights building tensions between Trump and Angela Merkel, who is understood to be frustrated over her inability to engage with the US President.
Far from the experience Mrs May enjoyed at the White House yesterday, the German chancellor will have to settle for a short phone call with Trump later today.
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