Trump threatens high tariffs against EU-Canada rapprochement

The planned rapprochement between Canada and the European Union is not welcomed in the White House in Washington. US President Donald Trump is reacting with a threat to EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen's push to make Canada the first "associated member" of the European Union. Trump told reporters that he thought it was “ridiculous.”

The US president also warned: "If they do that and I consider it even the slightest bit of a hostile act, I will impose very high tariffs or stop trade with Europe."

Canada a “terrible trading partner”

But Trump also said that it was fine if the intention was good - without explaining in more detail how he would determine that. All he said about Canada was that the neighboring country had recently been a “terrible trading partner”.

The USA and Canada are in a deadlocked trade dispute. In the customs conflict with the EU, the United States agreed on a customs agreement more than a year ago.

EU Commission President wants partnership

According to the wishes of the EU Commission President, Canada is to become the first “associated member” of the European Union. On Wednesday, von der Leyen named technology issues, the production of defense equipment, artificial intelligence and Arctic policy as concrete areas for possible closer cooperation. She did not initially explain how all of this would be designed.

However, von der Leyen has already emphasized that the partnership is “not directed against others” but is intended to “make Canada and the EU stronger together.”

Carney speaks to members of the EU Parliament

Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney welcomed the "proposal" for a "far stronger, more ambitious alliance in the future." Associate membership was not directly mentioned in his statement. 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.

Carney will give a speech in the EU Parliament in Strasbourg today. He is expected to explain to MEPs his ideas for closer cooperation between his country and the European Union.