EU chief Ursula von der Leyen proposes Canada becoming the bloc's 1st associate member
Speaking in Charlotte, North Carolina, Trump suggested that allowing Canada to become an associate EU member could be a "hostile act" and threatened to respond to the proposed move by imposing more tariffs on the bloc.
Rob Gillies, Associated Press Rob Gillies, Associated Press
STRASBOURG, France (AP) — European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Wednesday proposed making Canada the European Union's first associate member, a striking overture as U.S. President Donald Trump's threats drive Ottawa closer to Europe.
Trump conditioned his threat on the "intention" of European leaders, saying that, "If it's a good intention, that's fine. If it's a bad intention, we'll put very heavy tariffs on Europe." He also suggested the U.S. could cut off trade with Europe in certain areas.
Trump called the prospect of Canada joining the EU "laughable" and called America's neighbor a "terrible trade partner."
Trump's tariffs and repeated talk of making Canada the 51st state have soured the relationship between the North American neighbors. Canada is seeking to reduce its dependence on the United States, the destination for roughly 70% of its exports, and Prime Minister Mark Carney has called for a "unique alliance" with the EU.
