'Hostile act': Trump threatens EU with tariffs over Canada associate-membership proposal
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said EU is opening the door for Canada to become the first associate member of the 27-member bloc.
TL;DR
- Donald Trump threatened the EU with tariffs or a trade halt over Canada's potential associate membership.
- European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen proposed making Canada the first associate member of the EU.
- Associate membership is not a current formal category in EU treaties and would require member state ratification.
- Canada seeks to strengthen ties with the EU to reduce vulnerability to U.S. economic pressure amidst trade disputes.
- The EU's proposal includes cooperation in manufacturing, defense, technology, energy, AI, and the Arctic.
- Canada already has a free-trade agreement with the EU, though it requires ratification by 10 member states.