New Tariffs Possible: Trump Threatens EU Over Rapprochement with Canada

While Canada and the EU are still considering how they want to work more closely together in the future, US President Trump has made clear he finds the idea "ridiculous" — and is threatening new tariffs.

The planned rapprochement between Canada and the European Union is not being welcomed at the White House in Washington. US President Donald Trump responded with a threat to EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen's proposal to make Canada the first "associate member" of the European Union. He considers it "ridiculous," Trump told reporters.

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

Canada a "terrible trading partner"

Trump also said it would be fine if the intention were good — without elaborating on how he would determine that. Of Canada, he only said the neighboring country had recently been a "terrible trading partner."

The United States and Canada are locked in a deadlocked trade dispute. In the tariff conflict with the EU, the United States had agreed on a tariff deal more than a year ago.

EU Commission President seeks partnership

The EU Commission President wants Canada to become the first "associate member" of the European Union. As concrete areas for possible closer cooperation, von der Leyen named on Wednesday technology issues, the production of defense goods, as well as artificial intelligence and Arctic policy. She did not initially explain how all of this would be structured in practice.

However, von der Leyen already emphasized: the partnership is "not directed against others," but should make Canada and the EU "stronger together."

Carney speaks to members of the EU Parliament

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney welcomed the "proposal" for a "far stronger, more ambitious alliance in the future." An associate membership was not directly mentioned in his statement. Regular EU membership for Canada is not possible under the current treaties. Under Article 49 of the EU Treaty, only European states may join the Union.

Carney is delivering a speech today in the EU Parliament in Strasbourg. He is expected to outline his ideas for closer cooperation between his country and the European Union to the members of parliament.