Trump threatens EU with tariffs over proposed Canada associate membership

US President Donald Trump has threatened to impose additional tariffs on the European Union if a proposal to give Canada a new form of associate membership is pursued in a way he considers hostile to the United States.

Trump made the remarks after European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen proposed opening the door for Canada to become the EU’s first associate member.

Speaking to reporters, Trump described the proposal as “laughable” and said the US could impose heavy tariffs or restrict trade with Europe if he concluded that the arrangement was intended as a hostile move against Washington.

Trump also said he would view the situation differently if the proposal was made with what he described as good intentions.

Von der Leyen announced the proposal during her State of the European Union address in Strasbourg, attended by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney.

She said the EU and Canada wanted to deepen cooperation in areas including trade, technology, defence, energy, critical minerals, artificial intelligence and economic security.

Von der Leyen said she wanted to work with Canada on creating the bloc’s first associate membership arrangement, although the precise legal structure and terms have yet to be established.

The proposal comes as Canada and the European Union seek closer economic and strategic cooperation.

Relations between Ottawa and Washington have also faced trade tensions, while Trump has repeatedly criticised aspects of Canada’s trade relationship with the United States.

No final agreement granting Canada associate membership has yet been announced.