US President Donald Trump has threatened the European Union with “serious tariffs” and a possible halt to trade if the bloc proceeds with plans to make Canada its first associate member.
Trump described the proposal as “laughable”, warning that Washington could impose heavy tariffs on Europe if the plan moved forward.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen invited Canada to deepen ties with the EU, proposing cooperation in defence, technology, energy, AI and critical minerals.
Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney, who has called for a closer alliance with the EU, said Canada and Europe were “natural partners” as Ottawa seeks to reduce its dependence on US trade.
France’s Europe Minister Benjamin Haddad rejected Trump’s threat, saying the United States had no power to determine the EU’s political or geopolitical direction.
The proposed associate membership would require approval from all 27 EU member states. The EU has never previously created such a membership category.
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