US President Donald Trump has criticised a proposal for Canada to become an associate member of the European Union, warning that the move could trigger new US trade measures against the bloc.
Responding to a reporter’s question on Wednesday (16 September), Trump called the proposal “laughable” and criticised Canada’s trade relationship with the United States, saying: “Canada’s been a terrible trade partner.”
He added that any US response would depend on the EU’s intentions, stating: “If I think it’s at all a hostile act, I will put very serious tariffs or stop trading with Europe on many things.” Trump also said that “if it’s a good intention, that’s fine”, but warned that “if it’s a bad intention, we’ll put very heavy tariffs.”
The proposal was announced by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who suggested creating a new associate membership status to deepen cooperation with Canada in areas including defence, technology, critical minerals, energy and the Arctic. The initiative would require the backing of EU member states and no such membership category currently exists.
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