Trump warns EU of high tariffs after Canada initiative: If the action is hostile, we will respond

Donald Trump has warned that the United States may impose heavy tariffs, as well as trade restrictions on the European Union, following Brussels’ proposal that Canada gain the status of the first “associate” member of the EU.

Speaking to the media, the American president called the possibility of such a rapprochement between Canada and the European Union “ridiculous.” He said the way Washington responds will be determined by the intentions the US sees behind this initiative.

“If it is a hostile act, I will impose very heavy tariffs,” Trump said.

According to him, European countries could face very high tariffs if the United States reaches the conclusion that Europe has “bad intentions.”

“If they have good intentions, very good. If they have bad intentions, we will impose very heavy tariffs on Europe,” the American president declared. He also did not rule out the possibility that trade with Europe could be halted in certain sectors.

Trump’s criticism was also directed at Canada, which he described as a “terrible trade partner” for the United States.

The initiative that triggered the American president’s reaction was presented a day earlier by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. She proposed that Canada become the first country with the status of an “associate” member of the European Union.

Von der Leyen presented the proposal in Strasbourg during her annual State of the European Union address to the European Parliament. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney was also in the chamber.

The European Commission president said she aims to create the opportunity for a new and significantly closer model of cooperation with Canada. This cooperation would include trade, defense, technology, energy, critical minerals and issues related to the Arctic.

Addressing Prime Minister Carney, von der Leyen declared: “I would like to work with you to open the door for Canada as the EU’s first associate member.”

Such a status is not currently provided for in European Union treaties, while the legal and institutional details for its implementation have not yet been determined. Consequently, the initiative aims to create a new form of partnership and not full EU membership for Canada.

According to von der Leyen, Brussels and Ottawa want to create an “alliance for the future,” building also on CETA, the existing free trade agreement between the EU and Canada. In addition to trade, the proposed partnership would also include defense, artificial intelligence, energy and critical raw materials.

Mark Carney had earlier said that Ottawa aims to build a “unique alliance” with the European Union, without seeking Canada’s full membership in the Union.