Harsh reaction from Trump to EU and Canada's 'associate membership' proposal

US President Donald Trump targeted European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen's proposal to give Canada "associate membership" status in the European Union (EU).

Describing the proposal as "ridiculous", Trump said that new trade sanctions could be imposed on Europe if the initiative is considered a step against the USA.

In his statement to reporters, Trump said, "If it is well-intentioned, there is no problem. If it is malicious, we will impose very heavy tariffs on Europe."

The US President also stated that trade with the EU could be limited and gave the message that Washington would respond if the proposal was seen as a "hostile act".

In her speech at the European Parliament, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen proposed Canada to become the first "associate member" of the EU.

Von der Leyen emphasized that relations with Canada are not only in the field of trade; He also wanted it to be deepened in strategic sectors such as defence, technology, energy, artificial intelligence, critical minerals and cyber security.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney recently announced that he wanted to establish a "unique alliance" with the EU, but stated that his country was not seeking full EU membership.

CALL FOR “THE ALLIANCE OF THE FUTURE”

Von der Leyen stated that the relationship between Ottawa and Brussels should be expanded beyond existing trade agreements.

The President of the European Commission suggested establishing closer cooperation with Canada in many areas, from joint production to the defense industry, from energy security to projects in the Arctic region.

Von der Leyen argued that the initiative was not created against another country and said that the new structure to be established with Canada aims to increase the "joint power" of the parties.

There is no official "associate membership" category in the current structure of the EU. For this reason, it is not yet clear what the proposed status for Canada will mean in terms of the single market, free movement, EU legislation and decision-making processes.

According to Reuters, implementing the new status may require political agreement and legal regulations from the 27 EU members. Although the EU has strong economic relations with non-member countries such as Norway, Iceland and Switzerland, the model proposed for Canada is not a form of membership that has been implemented before.

CANADA IS REDUCING ITS DEPENDENCE ON THE USA

The Ottawa administration accelerated its steps to diversify foreign trade and defense relations after Trump's return to the White House.

While Canada and the EU currently have a Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), the parties are holding talks to expand cooperation in the defense industry, critical minerals, energy and technology.

Canada has also formally applied to join the British-led Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF).

JEF was created as a rapid response force; In addition to England, it consists of Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Norway and Sweden.

Ottawa's application is considered a new step in Canada's quest to deepen military cooperation with European countries by reducing its dependence on the United States in the field of defense.