Trump threatens ‘serious tariffs’ on EU over proposal to make Canada ‘associate member’

Image source, Pool

US President Donald
Trump has threatened to take action against the European Union (EU) if it moves forward with a proposal to make Canada its first “associate member”.

Canada’s relationship with the US – long considered its closest partner – has soured in recent months, and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has been developing closer relations with the EU.

Last week, he said he’s seeking a “unique alliance” with Brussels. And, in her State of the Union address yesterday, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s said she wanted to work on “opening the door” for Canada, which would involve closer ties in various key sectors.

Speaking to reporters last night, Trump said: “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.

“And so if they do that, if Europe does that with a bad intention, if it’s a good intention, that’s fine. If it’s a bad intention, we’ll put very heavy tariffs on Europe.”

Carney is due to address the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France later this morning – he’s attending the parliament’s plenary meeting as a guest of honour.

The Canadian prime minister’s speech is set to begin at 11:30 local time (10:30 BST), and you’ll be able to watch live at the top of the page.