EU and Canada discuss associate membership amid US trade tensions

Canada and the EU currently have one thing in common: both are suffering from the unpredictable trade and foreign policy of the USA under President Donald Trump. “In this new world, we urgently need to rethink our partnerships,” said EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Wednesday in the EU Parliament in Strasbourg in the presence of Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. She campaigned for “associated” EU membership for Canada (more on that here).

This proposal is not well received in the White House. “I think that’s ridiculous,” Trump said when asked. And: "If they do that, and I see it as even the slightest bit of a hostile act, I will impose very high tariffs or stop trade with Europe in many areas."

Trump spoke in the state of North Carolina, where he gave a campaign speech before the midterms. He added: 'If the intention is good, that's fine. If the intention is bad, we will impose very high tariffs on Europe, that is one possibility. He did not explain how exactly he would determine the intentions.

At the meeting, Trump only said about Canada that the neighboring country had recently been a "terrible trading partner."

The USA and Canada are currently in a deadlocked trade dispute that has recently escalated again (more on this here). In the customs conflict with the EU, the United States agreed on a customs agreement more than a year ago.

Carney speaks in the EU Parliament on Thursday

Canada's Prime Minister said in response to von der Leyen's statements that he welcomed the "proposal" for a "far stronger, more ambitious alliance in the future." Associate membership was not directly mentioned in Carney's statement. He wants to give a speech in the EU Parliament on Thursday. He is expected to explain to MPs his idea of ​​a "unique alliance" between his country and the European Union.

In her speech, Von der Leyen did not give any details about what Canada's "associated" EU membership could actually look like. Among other things, she announced a technology alliance and closer cooperation in the defense industry between Canada and the EU. The partnership is “not directed against others,” but is intended to “make Canada and the EU stronger together,” said von der Leyen.

Regular EU membership for Canada is not possible under the current treaties. According to Article 49 of the EU Treaty, only European states can join the Union.

In order to reduce its dependence on the USA, Canada has also applied to join the British-led military coalition Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF). "Prime Minister Carney announced that Canada has formally applied to join the Joint Expeditionary Force and welcomed the UK's support for Canada's participation in this important initiative," said a statement from the Prime Minister's Office.