Trudeau tries to calm Trump fears in Europe, which sees Canada as bridge to U.S.
STRASBOURG, France — Fresh from his meeting in Washington, Justin Trudeau sought to bring Europe a message of reassurance Thursday about the anxiety it faces over Donald Trump’s antipathy towards the continent.
Trudeau’s recent visit to the White House, kicking off a whirlwind week of international travel, was closely watched in the European Union, which endured another round of bashing this week from Trump’s pick for ambassador to Brussels.
Trudeau’s host, Antonio Tajani, the president of the European Parliament, said Europe views Canada as an important bridge builder in its attempt to forge positive relations with the United States.
“It’s easier for the Canadians to speak to the Americans,” Tajani said, seated next to Trudeau at their joint press conference in Strasbourg, France, the seat of the bloc’s 28-country parliament.