Trump threatens tariffs on the EU after von der Leyen's proposal for associate membership for Canada
Quick Look
Donald Trump criticizes European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen's proposal to make Canada an associate member of the EU and threatens new tariffs on Europe if he perceives cooperation as threatening, while Canada welcomes deepened cooperation within CETA without confirming the title of associate member.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
Relations between the US and Canada have been strained during Trump's presidency, with repeated proposals to make Canada a 51st US state and the recent renaming of Lake Ontario to Lake America. At the same time, the EU seeks to deepen its ties with Canada through the CETA trade agreement.
Donald Trump's relationship with Canada has been strained recently. From time to time, the president has floated the idea that the neighboring country should constitute a 51st US state. He also recently changed the name of the lake that is shared between the US and Canada â and which has areas named after him on both sides â from Lake Ontario to Lake America.
Now comes the next move. It is aimed at both Canada and the EU.
In a speech on Wednesday, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen opened up about making Canada an "associate member." She also said that the EU and Canada's free trade agreement CETA should be developed into a "future alliance".
- We share an ocean and values, a way of seeing the world. And now we will build a common future as well, von der Leyen said in Strasbourg.
Donald Trump is skeptical. In front of a gathering of reporters, he calls the proposal to make Canada an "associate member" "laughable." He also threatens new tariffs against the EU.
- Canada has been a terrible trading partner, says Trump and continues:
- If in any way I think it is a threatening act, I will introduce very strong tariffs or stop trading with Europe in many areas, he says according to several American media, including Politico.
Donald Trump adds that he can accept the cooperation if he comes to believe that it was entered into with "good intentions". Otherwise, he reiterated, the US would impose "heavy tariffs on Europe".
The EU has not yet responded to Trump's warning.
There is also still uncertainty about what Ursula von der Leyen's statement would actually mean. No concrete proposal seems to be on the table and there is currently no other country that holds the title of "associate member".
A statement from the Canadian Prime Minister's office welcomed the deepened cooperation within CETA, but did not elaborate on the possible title. Canada's incoming ambassador to the EU, Jonathan Wilkinson, was also cautious when commenting on the possibility on the ground in Strasbourg.
- We are not there yet, he said according to Radio Canada.
- What we focus on is achieving results.
What to Watch
AI outlook â possibilities, not facts
Trump to impose new tariffs on EU if he does not get assurances that Canada-EU cooperation is not aimed at the US
Possible · Within months
The EU and Canada will deepen their cooperation within CETA without formally adopting the title of 'associate member' in the near future
Likely · Within months
Open Questions
- What does associate membership of the EU mean in practical terms?
- Will Trump follow through on his threats of tariffs against the EU?
- Is there a formal proposal for associate membership for Canada on the table?
- How will Canada balance its relations between the US and the EU?
