Speaking following the debate in Plenary on Trump's discriminatory travel ban and disregard for international law, S&D president Gianni Pittella said:

"Trump is frightening the whole of the civilized world. Unfortunately, the statements and actions of president Trump seem to be just as worrying as those of candidate Trump.

"In just a week as president, he has been able to put at stake the core democratic values, respect for human rights, the rule of law and the solidarity based approach of the international community.

"In just a week, he has put transatlantic relations in danger, damaged political and social dialogue with the Muslim world, Mexico and Latin American communities, by widely spreading the virus of xenophobia and hate.

"The travel ban on nationals of certain Muslim-majority countries is not an example of sovereign border management; it is just an unacceptable exercise in discrimination based on religious belief or origin. It also turns out to be an attack on the rights of those seeking asylum and on refugees. It is an unacceptable and dangerous mistake to link immigration with terrorism.

"The Socialists and Democrats Group will demand an open debate with resolution in the next plenary session in Strasbourg and calls on the EU foreign affairs council to hold an urgent meeting on transatlantic relations. The EU should also take into consideration the suspension of visa reciprocity and blocking the appointment of Ted Malloch as a possible future US ambassador, whose statements against the European Union are simply delirious.

"Europe cannot accept to have its integration model, its values and its institutions destabilized. The European Union is called upon to act and immediately react as one. And we have to act now."