Trump: ‘Canada as an EU associate member? I’ll impose heavy new tariffs’
European and Canadian officials are discussing a new form of relationship with the EU which would not involve full membership, but would aim to establish ties that are as close as possible
At a rally held in Charlotte, North Carolina, US President Donald Trump stated that allowing Canada to become an associate member of the European Union could constitute a ‘hostile act’, threatening to respond to such a proposal by imposing further tariffs on the bloc.
Trump’s comments come in response to remarks made by the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, who proposed paving the way for Canada to become the European Union’s first associate member. Trump made his threat contingent on the ‘intentions’ of European leaders, stating: ‘If the intention is good, that’s fine. If the intention is bad, we will impose very heavy tariffs on Europe’. The tycoon also hinted that the United States might halt trade with Europe in certain sectors.
European and Canadian officials are discussing a new form of relationship with the EU which would not involve full membership, but would aim to establish ties as close as possible.
