Trump threatens to impose ‘serious tariffs’ on Europe if Canada joins EU as associate member

Trump threatens to impose ‘serious tariffs’ on Europe if Canada joins EU as associate member The president's threat comes as Canada seeks closer ties with Europe amid its deteriorating relationship with Washington. President Donald Trump speaks to reporters at Charlotte Douglas International Airport on Wednesday in Charlotte, North Carolina. | Alex Brandon/AP President Donald Trump pulled out one of his favorite words as he threatened retaliation if the European Union were to admit Canada as an associate member. Trump told reporters Wednesday that he might respond with “serious tariffs” if Canada were to become integrated with the 27-member EU to a degree that he perceived would be hostile to the U.S. amid a trade war with its northern neighbor.

He called it “laughable” that Canada would become an associate member, as European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen proposed earlier in the day during her State of the Union speech. Trump left open the possibility that he would accept the arrangement if he believed it was made with “a good intention,” but warned that the U.S. could otherwise impose “very heavy tariffs on Europe.” Von der Leyen first floated the idea of making Canada the first associate member of the EU with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney in attendance. She also announced a broader “Alliance for the Future” built on the already existing EU-Canada trade deal.

The proposal caught European capitals off guard, and Canadian leaders appear to be distancing themselves from the idea. It also remains unclear what associate membership would entail, considering no such status currently exists under EU law. Canada’s incoming ambassador to the EU, Jonathan Wilkinson, quickly downplayed the prospect.

Carney has called for a “unique alliance” with the EU but has stopped short of fully endorsing an associate membership. Carney is set to address the European Parliament on Thursday. By signing up, you acknowledge and agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service .

You may unsubscribe at any time by following the directions at the bottom of the email or by contacting us here . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.