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US President Donald Trump has warned that the European Union could face severe tariffs if it moves forward with a proposal to make Canada its first associate member.
The United States has long regarded Canada as one of its closest partners, but relations between the two countries have deteriorated in recent months. Meanwhile, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has been seeking closer ties with the EU.
Last week, Carney said he was working to build a “unique alliance” with Brussels.
In her State of the Union address on Wednesday, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said she wanted to “open the door” to Canada and develop closer ties in several key areas.
Speaking to reporters later that night, Trump said the US would take action if he considered the move hostile.
“If I think it’s some kind of hostile act, I will put very heavy tariffs on, or we’ll stop trade with Europe on many things,” Trump said.
He added that if the EU pursued the plan with “bad intentions”, Washington would impose “very heavy tariffs” on Europe, while a move made with “good intentions” would be acceptable.
Trump also described the prospect of Canada becoming an associate member of the EU as “ridiculous”.
Carney is scheduled to address the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France, today as a guest of honour at its plenary session.
