Trump threatens EU with tariffs over proposed ‘associate membership’ for Canada
The European Union has proposed making Canada its first-ever “associate member” as Ottawa seeks closer economic and defense ties with Europe, prompting U.S. President Donald Trump to threaten the bloc with new tariffs.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen proposed the new relationship after meeting Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, saying the EU and Canada should deepen cooperation in technology, defense, energy and economic security.
The EU has never had an associate membership category, and its exact meaning - including what access Canada could gain to the EU single market - has yet to be defined. Any agreement would require approval from all 27 EU member states.
Trump called the proposal “laughable” and said Washington could respond with “very serious tariffs or stop trading with Europe.”
“If it’s a good intention, that’s fine. If it’s a bad intention, we’ll put very heavy tariffs on Europe,” he said.
Von der Leyen said the proposed partnership was “not against anyone else, but for our common strength.”
Carney has called for a “unique alliance” with the EU as Canada seeks to reduce its heavy dependence on U.S. trade. Canada and the EU already have a free trade agreement and numerous bilateral agreements.
Canada has also formally applied to join the British-led Joint Expeditionary Force, a 10-country rapid-response military partnership of northern European NATO members.
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