Trump threatens 'more tariffs' as EU backs Canada associate membership bid

President Donald Trump has issued a new warning to the European Union as the bloc backed Canada to become the first associate member.

According to Trump, the EU’s act of giving a nod to Canada to join as associate member could be a “hostile act.” With this interpretation, he also ramped up pressure over the EU by threatening to impose tariffs on the bloc.

Speaking to the reporters after landing in North Carolina, Trump mocked Canada for being a terrible partner and the prospect of it joining the EU is just “laughable.”

Moreover the US President stated that his threat of slapping tariffs is based on the “intention of European leaders.”

“If it’s a good intention, that’s fine. If it’s a bad intention, we’ll put very heavy tariffs on Europe.” He also suggested the US could cut off trade with Europe in certain areas.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen recently announced that the EU is open to making Canada its first associate member, a move that prompted a response from Donald Trump.

In a speech to the European parliament, with Carney in the audience, von der Leyen said, “In short, we want to bring the relationship with Canada to the highest level possible.”

“This is not a partnership against anyone else, but for our common strength. We share one ocean, one set of values, one way of seeing the world. And we will now build our shared future as well,” she added.

However, this proposal would require entirely new treaty frameworks, as associate membership is not currently a formal category within the EU and would need unanimous ratification from all member states.

Canadian PM Mark Carney also attended the address and prior to traveling to Europe, he expressed the desire to pursue a unique security and economic alliance with Europe but not a full membership. Today, Carney will address the EU Parliament.