Trump suggests EU allowing Canada as associate member could be a ‘hostile act’ - AP News

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has suggested that the European Union consider opening the door for Canada to become the bloc’s first “associate member.” The proposal, announced in a recent address, would create a new type of relationship that does not currently exist under EU treaties. Any such arrangement would require the approval of all EU member states, and the specific rights and obligations attached to the associate status have not been detailed.

Canada’s prime minister’s office responded positively to the idea of a “far stronger, more ambitious alliance” with Europe, though it stopped short of formally endorsing the associate‑membership concept. Ottawa is seeking to diversify its trade partnerships as its economic ties with the United States have become strained, and the prospect of deeper cooperation with the EU is being explored as part of that strategy.

U.S. President Donald Trump reacted to the European proposal while speaking to reporters in Charlotte, North Carolina. He described the notion of Canada joining the EU as “laughable” and characterized Canada as a “terrible trade partner.” Trump said the United States’ response would depend on the “intention” of European leaders, adding that a “good intention” would be acceptable but a “bad intention” could trigger “very heavy tariffs” on Europe.

The president also warned that the United States could “stop trading with Europe on many things” if the associate‑membership move were pursued with hostile intent. In remarks made later at a rally, Trump emphasized that the United States could withdraw from trade with European nations, stating that the U.S. has sufficient domestic production of cars, lumber, food and other goods.

Canada currently sends roughly 70 percent of its exports to the United States, and recent U.S. tariff threats and discussions about making Canada the 51st state have contributed to a cooling of bilateral relations. The Canadian government’s interest in an EU partnership is partly driven by a desire to reduce dependence on the American market.

The associate‑membership concept remains undefined, and its implementation would require changes to EU law and unanimous support from member states. As the EU evaluates the proposal and the United States signals possible trade retaliation, the future of a Canada‑EU associate relationship remains uncertain.