Trump threatens EU trade action over Canada membership proposal
President Donald Trump said Wednesday he could impose tariffs on the European Union or restrict trade if the bloc moves ahead with a proposal that could make Canada its first associate member.
Speaking after landing in North Carolina, Trump tied any action to how he judges the plan, saying he could respond if he sees it as unfriendly. His remarks followed comments by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who said in Strasbourg that the EU is opening the door for Canada to become an associate member and wants the relationship to reach its highest level.
That status does not currently exist under EU treaties. Any such arrangement would require a new legal framework and approval by EU member states.
The proposal comes as Brussels and Ottawa seek closer ties while Canada tries to reduce its reliance on the United States after months of trade tensions. Trump has already imposed a 50% tariff on Canadian goods and plans new restrictions on some Canadian imports later this month.
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