Trump threatens tariffs on EU

US President Donald Trump warned he will impose very heavy tariffs or stop trading with Europe if the EU makes Canada its first associate member, calling the proposal laughable.

“If they do that, if I think it's at all a hostile act, I will put very serious tariffs or stop trading with Europe, on many things.”

EU proposes Canada as first associate

EU chief Ursula von der Leyen pitched making Canada the EU's first ever associate member, a status that doesn't yet exist in EU treaties but would deepen cooperation on tech, defense, and energy.

“I would like to work with you on opening the door for Canada to be the first associate member of the EU.”

Canada seeks escape from US trade war

Canadian leader Mark Carney is pursuing closer EU ties as Canada faces escalating trade tensions with the United States under Trump's administration.

Von der Leyen pitches broader alliance

The EU chief told the European Parliament that democracies must pull closer together amid a fracture in the international rules-based system, proposing cooperation on tech, defense, energy, and Arctic projects.

“This is a partnership not against anyone else, but for our common strength.”

Carney addresses European Parliament

The Canadian leader became the first non-European head of government to attend the annual State of the European Union speech, with his visit meant to catalyze an EU-Canada summit in Montreal next month.

Associate membership status unclear

EU treaties don't currently define associate membership, and lawmakers admit they don't know what the status would entail. Member states must approve any partnership with third countries.

“We don't really know yet what it means.”

Ukraine floated for associate status first

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz first proposed associate membership for Ukraine this year, which would allow attendance at EU summits and budget benefits but without full voting rights. Ukraine rejected the idea.

EU-Canada already deeply connected

The CETA free-trade agreement has boosted trade in goods and services by more than 80 percent since 2016, and Canada joined an EU defense loan program this year as the first non-EU country.

Carney meets UK Prime Minister Burnham

After his EU visit, Carney flew to Britain for his first meeting with new UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham, attending a football match between Everton and Wolverhampton together.

Trump frames proposal as hostile

Trump said if the EU-Canada move is a good intention he's fine with it, but if it's a bad intention he will impose very heavy tariffs on Europe, treating closer EU-Canada ties as a potential act of aggression.

“If it's a bad intention, we'll put very heavy tariffs on Europe, which is a possibility.”