Trump threatens EU with tough sanctions if it admits Canada as joint member
Trump called the EU's plan to admit Canada as an "association member" a hostile act and threatened tariffs and trade sanctions.
Quick Look
- President Trump warned the European Union on Wednesday that accepting Canada as an "associate member" would be considered a hostile act and threatened to impose severe tariffs and trade sanctions.
- Previously, European Commission President von der Leyen announced the concept against the background that Trump’s tariff policy had shaken U.S.-Canada relations.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
Trump’s tariff policies in his second term have shaken U.S.-Canada relations and the transatlantic alliance. Canada seeks a unique alliance with the European Union.
On Wednesday (September 16), Trump responded with threats and ridicule to the European Union’s plan to admit Canada as its “joint member.”
European Commission President von der Leyen said in her annual "State of the Alliance Address" at the European Parliament in Strasbourg that the EU is opening its doors to welcome Canada as its first "associate member."
Canadian Prime Minister Carney, who is visiting the European Union this week, attended the meeting. He previously said that Canada is seeking to establish a "unique alliance" with the EU, but is not seeking to join the EU.
At present, the EU has not yet established such a membership relationship. To realize this idea, it needs to start from scratch.
Trump told reporters on Wednesday that the idea could constitute a "hostile act" and threatened to impose sanctions on the EU over it.
"If they did that, if I thought it was in any way hostile, I would impose very severe tariffs or stop trade with Europe in many areas," Trump told reporters on his way to an event in North Carolina. The U.S. president also called the prospect of Canada joining the European Union "ridiculous."
Why did Canada turn to the EU?
Canada's move closer to the European Union, and even possible associate membership, comes as Trump's second term in office has fundamentally shaken Washington's relationship with its northern neighbor.
Canada was one of the first victims of Trump's tariff policies. Tensions between Ottawa and Washington escalated after the breakdown of U.S.-Canada trade talks last month; Trump announced in July last year that he would increase tariffs on Canadian goods from 25% to 35%. The Canadian Prime Minister vowed to take reciprocal countermeasures.
Canadian Prime Minister visits China to join forces to resist Trump's tariffs?
Under Trump, Washington’s relations with its transatlantic allies have also taken a hit. The most high-profile of these is Trump's attempt to bring Greenland, part of the Kingdom of Denmark, under U.S. control.
Like most countries around the world, the EU was affected by Trump's extensive tariff policy, but the two sides finally reached a trade agreement in July last year aimed at reducing tariffs. The United States imposes a uniform 15% tariff on EU goods, and the EU has also committed to purchasing large quantities of US energy and military equipment. In addition, the agreement requires the EU to invest $600 billion in the United States.
EU-US trade deal reached: How much concessions will Brussels make?
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
Trump may impose tariffs on EU or halt some trade
Possible · Within months
Open Questions
- Will the EU formally move forward with Canada’s associate membership program?
- Will Trump impose tariffs and sanctions?
