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European Union Trade Commissioner, Cecilia Malmstrom, came to the defence of the bloc’s policies insisting Mr Trump's ideas on trade and migration “will not work”. She said: “Those who in the 21st century think that we can become great again by rebuilding borders, reimposing trade barriers and restricting people’s freedom to move, they are doomed to fail.” Saying that Brussels had learned from the “dark days”, she added: “Building a wall is not the answer.”

GETTY Cecilia Malmstrom has told Trump his immigration policies won't work

GETTY Cecilia Malmstrom defended the EU's policies

Building a wall is not the answer Cecilia Malmstrom

Her remarks come as the new president signs several executive orders, which will limit the amount of refugees and immigrants from Muslim countries from entering the US. Donald Trump originally pledged to ban all Muslims from America but has since backtracked claiming he will instead suspend immigration from countries which have been associated with terrorism. During his presidential campaign, Mr Trump also promised to build a wall on the Mexican border to stem the flow of immigrants. Ms Malmstrom, a Swedish commissioner, also argued that the EU remained the biggest trading bloc and foreign investor in the world.

First 100 days of President Trump Mon, June 12, 2017 President Donald Trump is making a significant impact on global politics during his first term. Play slideshow REUTERS 1 of 23 President Donald Trump arrives at Newark International airport

GETTY Donald Trump signs executive papers

The EU bigwig said Brussels was standing by its principles to negotiate free trade agreements with 20 “like-minded nations”. She said: “The success of the European Union relies on our open societies and open economies.” She also insisted “some countries are really eager” to have talks with the EU after Mr Trump signed executive orders which have withdrawn the US from the Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP)

GETTY Donald Trump originally planned to introduced a ban on Muslims entering the US