EU will stand up to protectionist trade 'bullies'

The EU's top trade official today said Europe was not afraid to stand up to intimidation by protectionists, as a row with US President Donald Trump over metals tariffs heated up.

"Recently we have seen how (protectionism) is used as a weapon to threaten and intimidate us. But we are not afraid, we will stand up to the bullies," European Trade Commissioner Cecilia Malmstroem said at a conference in Brussels.