United States President Donald Trump on Wednesday reacted strongly to the European Union’s plan to make Canada its first associate member.
The US leader warned of additional tariffs on European nations if the proposed move is actualised, describing Canada as “a terrible trade partner.”
“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 told reporters at Charlotte Douglas International Airport in North Carolina.
The President, however, added that he would not object to the “laughable” idea if he believed the arrangement was made with “a good intention.”
Earlier in the day, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen extended the invitation to Canada during her State of the Union address at the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France.
Von der Leyen declared the EU’s intention to take its relationship with Canada to “the highest level possible”, moving from the CETA framework to “an alliance for the future” to create a common space for prosperity and economic security.
“We will work on intelligent manufacturing, create a tech alliance, and integrate industrial defence bases,” she noted. “We will make the Arctic a flagship joint project, work on energy, critical minerals, batteries, AI, quantum cyber, and economic security.”
Emphasising that the collaboration was not against anyone but for common strength, von der Leyen said, “Dear Mark, we must urgently reimagine our partnerships. I would like to work with you on opening the door for Canada to be the first associate member of the EU.”
The announcement received a standing ovation from European lawmakers, while Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney left his seat, walked over to von der Leyen and exchanged the French la bise greeting.
Von der Leyen’s statement came amid diplomatic strain between Washington and Ottawa over new trade levies on several items and countermeasures. Carney will address the European Parliament on Thursday.