World Bulletin / News Desk

Globalisation has brought many economic benefits to the world but needs a "course correction" to address growing inequality, US President Barack Obama said Wednesday on his European farewell tour.

"The global path of globalisation demands a course correction," Obama said in an eagerly-awaited speech in Athens, before continuing his journey to Berlin. 

"When we see people, global elites, wealthy corporations seemingly living by a different set of rules, avoiding taxes, manipulating loopholes... this feeds a profound sense of injustice," he added.

During the trip, the outgoing president has repeatedly referred to the anger that lately brought success to populist movements in Europe and the United States, such as the Brexit referendum and Trump's shock victory last week.

In comments Tuesday Obama cautioned the world must guard against "a rise in a crude sort of nationalism or ethnic identity or tribalism that is built around an 'us' and a 'them'".

European governments, especially eastern countries close to Russia's orbit, have been shaken after Trump appeared to call into question Washington's near 70-year security guarantee by saying he would only help NATO allies if they paid their way.

Trump welcomed Britain's shock vote in June to leave the European Union (EU) and has been a critic of global free trade agreements. 

AFP