Trump threatens to sever trade ties with EU over Canada membership proposal

Washington (ANTARA) - US President Donald Trump on Wednesday (16/9) threatened to sever trade relations with the European Union (EU) after European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen proposed making Canada the EU’s first associate member.

“I think that proposal is ridiculous,” Trump told reporters when asked about the proposal presented by von der Leyen.

“If they actually do it, and if I consider it a hostile act, I will impose very heavy tariffs or stop trade with Europe for various commodities,” Trump added.

Trump stated, “If the intention is good, it is no problem. If the intention is bad, we will impose very high tariffs on Europe, and that is a possibility.”

In her annual State of the EU address to the European Parliament in Strasbourg on Wednesday, von der Leyen stated that the EU and Canada would strive to enhance their relationship, moving from the previous framework based on the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) to an “Alliance for the Future” covering manufacturing, technology, defence, the Arctic, energy, critical minerals, and artificial intelligence (AI).

“I want to work with you to pave the way for Canada to become the EU’s first associate member,” von der Leyen told Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, who was present during the annual speech.

The European Commission President expressed her desire to elevate the relationship with Canada to the highest possible level.