Trump Threatens EU With Tariffs Over 1st Canada Associate Membership Bid
Updated
Updated · The Guardian · Sep 17
Trump Threatens EU With Tariffs Over 1st Canada Associate Membership Bid
3 articles · Updated · The Guardian · Sep 17
Summary
Trump said he could impose “very serious tariffs” or even stop trading with Europe after the EU proposed making Canada its first associate member, calling the idea “laughable” and potentially a “hostile act.”
Ursula von der Leyen unveiled the proposal before Prime Minister Mark Carney’s European Parliament address, pitching a broader Canada-EU alliance in tech, defence, energy and the Arctic as democracies face a fractured rules-based order.
Canada is already moving to widen its security ties beyond Washington: Carney’s office said Ottawa formally applied to join the 10-nation Joint Expeditionary Force led by Britain.
The associate status remains undefined for the 27-member EU, but the push reflects how Canada and Europe have drawn closer since Trump returned to office, raised tariffs on both allies and again floated making Canada the 51st U.S. state.