The president Donald Trump warned on Wednesday that he would impose "serious tariffs" on the European Union — or even cut trade with the bloc in several sectors — if Canada is named his first "associate member," describing that potential integration as a "hostile act" against the United States.
The statements were made by the American president at a press conference in North Carolina, in direct response to the proposal put forward that same day by the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, before the European Parliament in Strasbourg.
"I find it ridiculous. Canada has been a terrible trade partner," Trump stated, leaving open the possibility of not taking action if the initiative was done "with good intentions," but warned that otherwise he would respond with "very serious" tariffs.
Von der Leyen proposed to "open the door" for Canada to become the first "associated member" of the EU, a status that currently does not exist in European treaties and whose establishment would require negotiating its terms and securing the unanimous support of the 27 member states.
The proposed cooperation would encompass areas such as technology, defense, energy, critical minerals, artificial intelligence, and economic security, in an approach that has intensified precisely in response to the growing trade tensions with Washington.
The Canadian Prime Minister, Mark Carney, clarified on Sunday that his government is not seeking for Canada to become a full member of the EU, but rather to promote a "unique alliance" based on shared values and interests that preserves the country's sovereignty.
The episode occurs amidst an ongoing trade war between Washington and Ottawa. Following the failure of the bilateral negotiations in August, tariffs of 50% on most Canadian imports went into effect, to which Canada responded with retaliation of up to 50% on American products worth 27.6 billion Canadian dollars.
Trump also announced a 50% tariff on Canadian vehicles and steel effective January 1, 2027, and in July he ruled out renewing the USMCA under its current terms.
The approach between Ottawa and Brussels enjoys broad public support in Canada. According to a survey conducted by Abacus Data from September 4 to 9 among 1,479 adults, 81% support greater integration with the EU without full membership, 80% back deepening strategic cooperation in foreign policy, defense, and economy, and 49% would even support formal membership in the bloc.
Canada and the EU already have the CETA trade agreement and cooperation mechanisms in defense, a foundation on which Von der Leyen's proposal aims to build a closer relationship at a time when both blocs are seeking to reduce their economic dependence on Washington.
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