Europe is strong enough to pursue its own interests in trade talks with the United States, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said on Monday after a meeting with fellow EU leaders.

The leaders of France and Germany called for a united and resilient Europe during their meeting in Paris. Marking the Elysée Treaty anniversary, they pledged to strengthen European independence amid global challenges.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said on Monday that the European Union needs "less bureaucracy, more determination" to bolster its defence capacities. "Companies must be freed from all the legal rules that affect their co-operation,

Trump said he would speak Monday morning with the leaders of Mexico and Canada after imposing 25% tariffs on the two North American countries. Meanwhile, Trump also said in a separate statement that Washington would cut funding to South Africa until it conducts an "investigation" into alleged mistreatment of "certain classes of people.

BRUSSELS: European Union's leaders warned on Monday there would be no winners in a trade war with the United States and they would hit back if President Donald Trump enforced tariffs.