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Trump says EU letting Canada become an associate member could be ‘hostile act’
The Independent • • world
Key Points:
- President Donald Trump warned that if the European Union allowed Canada to become an associate member, it could be considered a “hostile act,” threatening heavy tariffs or even cutting off trade with Europe depending on the EU's intentions.
- Trump criticized Canada as a “terrible trade partner” and suggested the U.S. could stop trading with European nations, emphasizing America's self-sufficiency in key goods like cars, lumber, and food.
- Canada is pursuing closer ties with the EU to reduce its economic dependence on the United States, aiming for a strategic partnership that stops short of full EU membership to maintain Canadian sovereignty.
- European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen proposed building on the existing Canada-EU free trade agreement (CETA) with an “Alliance for the Future” focused on economic security and shared democratic values.
- Canadian officials have discussed associate membership with the EU, seeking arrangements that would allow Canadians to live and work in Europe without visas, reflecting a desire for a closer but sovereignty-preserving relationship.
