Trump threatens the EU with tariffs over possible cooperation with Canada
US President criticizes plans for Canada's associated EU membership as a hostile act.
Quick Look
- US President Donald Trump is threatening the EU with tariffs or trade suspension if Europe seeks closer cooperation or associate membership with Canada.
- France criticizes the threat as interference.
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Why It Matters
EU Commission President von der Leyen proposed making Canada the first associated member of the European Union.
Washington. US President Donald Trump has threatened the EU with new tariffs or even a trade halt if Europe cooperates more closely with Canada. A possible associate membership of Canada in the EU would be harmful for the USA.
"If they do that and I think it's a hostile act in any way, I will impose very serious tariffs or stop trade with Europe in many areas," Trump told reporters on Wednesday when asked about the proposal.
This immediately met with criticism in Europe. It is not up to the USA or anyone else to determine the geopolitical direction of the Europeans, France's European Minister Benjamin Haddad told the Public Senate television channel on Thursday. It is the EU's right to deepen its relations with Canada.
EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen had proposed making Canada the first associated member of the European Union. She said she wanted to work with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on the idea. Von der Leyen made the invitation on Wednesday during her State of the Union speech in Strasbourg. Carney was present.
Open Questions
- How does the EU officially respond to Trump's threat?
- Will the initiative with Canada be pursued further?
