Trump warns EU of tariffs over Canada associate-membership proposal

U.S. President Donald Trump has warned the European Union against advancing Canada’s proposal for associate membership, threatening retaliatory tariffs or trade restrictions if Brussels proceeds. His remarks followed European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s announcement that the bloc is exploring a formal framework to deepen ties with Canada, marking a significant shift in EU-Canada relations after years of cautious engagement. Associate membership, though not yet codified in EU treaties, would grant Canada a unique status akin to that of Ukraine’s previous proposal, which the EU had previously dismissed as premature. Von der Leyen emphasized in her annual state of the EU address that the EU seeks to elevate Canada’s relationship to its highest possible level, covering areas such as manufacturing, defense-industrial cooperation, technology, energy, artificial intelligence, and Arctic governance. Canada, meanwhile, has sought to reduce its economic dependence on the U.S. amid escalating trade tensions, including Trump’s recent 50% tariffs on Canadian goods and pending bans on dairy, alcohol, and auto imports later this month. Ottawa has already secured preferential access through the EU’s SAFE defense procurement initiative and maintains a free-trade agreement with the bloc, eliminating tariffs on roughly 99% of goods—though that deal remains pending ratification by 10 EU member states. Trump’s threat comes as the EU and U.S. remain locked in a trade dispute, with Brussels having previously agreed to a 15% ceiling on EU exports to the U.S. under a 2023 framework. While EU member states have yet to respond to Trump’s warning, several reportedly remain surprised by the proposal, leaving its future uncertain in the face of U.S. pressure.