International News

LISBON, Jan 28, (APP/AFP) – Leaders of seven southern
European Union nations met in Lisbon on Saturday, seeking a united
front against Brexit and the new protectionist administration of US President Donald Trump.
The mostly centre-left leaders taking part — the second
summit of southern EU leaders in four months — are also expected
to renew action to boost flagging growth and tackle the migrant
crisis.
Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Costa shook hands and
embraced Italian Prime Minister Paolo Gentiloni, French President
Francois Hollande and the other leaders as they arrived.
Faced with the rise of “protectionism and populism”, the
EU needs urgent reforms to “surpass the economic, social and
political legitimacy crisis which is weakening it,” Costa said
ahead of the event.
Spain, Greece, Cyprus and Malta are the other countries
present.