Trump says Canada becoming EU ‘associate member’ could be ‘hostile act’

What the report says

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday warned that the European Union could face heavy tariffs if it moves ahead with a proposal to make Canada its first “associate member.” Speaking in Charlotte, North Carolina, he said the response would depend on whether European leaders had “good” or “bad” intentions, and he also raised the possibility that Washington could reduce trade with Europe in some areas.

The comments followed a proposal by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who suggested opening the door to a new form of closer ties for Canada as Ottawa seeks to strengthen relations with Europe while its relationship with the United States worsens. Trump dismissed the idea as “laughable” and criticized Canada as a poor trade partner.

According to Al Jazeera, the meaning of associate membership remains unclear because the status does not currently exist under EU treaties, and von der Leyen did not outline what rights or obligations it would include. Any step would also need approval from EU member states. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney’s office welcomed the broader idea of a stronger alliance with Europe, while stopping short of endorsing associate membership itself.

The development comes as Canada and the EU are already discussing deeper cooperation on trade, technology, defence, energy, critical minerals and the Arctic, with further talks expected at a summit in Montreal next month.