Trump win prods European diplomats to seek greater role

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European Union High Representative Federica Mogherini speaks with the media as she arrives for a meeting of EU foreign ministers at the EU Council building in Brussels on Monday, Nov. 14, 2016. EU foreign ministers meet Monday to discuss strained ties with Turkey and trans-Atlantic ties. (AP Photo/Virginia Mayo)

BRUSSELS – Britain’s foreign secretary says Donald Trump’s U.S. presidency could be a “moment of opportunity” for Europe, even as other EU diplomats worry about Trump’s isolationist, protectionist promises.

Boris Johnson spoke Monday before EU foreign ministers’ talks in Brussels. The top diplomats held a special meeting Sunday night about the U.S. election, and they hope to boost Europe’s role in world affairs until Trump’s plans become clearer.

Johnson, who championed Britain’s exit from the EU, said Trump “is a deal maker and I think that could be a good thing for Britain, but it can also a good thing for Europe. I think that’s what we need to focus on today.”

Other foreign ministers said Europe should focus on boosting its own defence, tensions with Turkey and war in Syria.

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