Donald Trump has threatened the European Union with serious tariffs and a cut to trade after the bloc proposed making Canada its first associate member, a move he called 'laughable' and a 'hostile act'.
Key facts
- European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the EU is opening the door for Canada to become the first associate member of the 27-member bloc.
- Trump called the proposal 'laughable' and described it as a 'hostile act'.
- Trump threatened 'very serious tariffs' or to 'stop trading with Europe'.
- Canada is seeking to move closer to the EU and diversify its defence ties, according to the Guardian.
US President Donald Trump has threatened the European Union with ‘serious tariffs’ and a potential cut to trade after the bloc proposed making Canada its first ever associate member, according to the Guardian.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the EU is opening the door for Canada to become the first associate member of the 27-member bloc, CNBC reported.
Trump described the idea as ‘laughable’ and suggested the move was a ‘hostile act’. He told reporters he could put ‘very serious tariffs or stop trading with Europe’, according to the Guardian.
The president added: ‘If it’s a good intention, that’s fine. If it’s a bad intention, we’ll put very heavy tariffs on Europe.’
According to the Guardian, the proposal comes as Canada seeks to move closer to the EU and diversify its defence ties.
The sources did not detail what form an associate membership would take, nor did they specify the level of any tariffs Trump might impose.
Why it matters
A trade dispute between the United States and the European Union could affect global markets and the flow of goods across the Atlantic. The dispute also highlights Canada's efforts to broaden its international ties beyond its largest neighbour.
Frequently asked questions
What did the EU propose for Canada?
According to CNBC, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the EU is opening the door for Canada to become the first associate member of the 27-member bloc.
How did Trump respond to the proposal?
Trump called the idea 'laughable' and a 'hostile act', and threatened 'very serious tariffs' or to stop trading with Europe, according to the Guardian.
Why is Canada seeking closer ties with the EU?
The Guardian reports that Canada is seeking to move closer to the EU and diversify its defence ties.