Trump warns EU of steep tariffs over closer ties with Canada

Closer ties between the European Union and Canada have prompted a strong reaction from US President Donald Trump, who warned that he could impose steep tariffs and even sever trade relations with the EU.

At a rally in the US, Trump called the prospect of a closer partnership between Canada and the European Union “ridiculous.” He said he would take economic measures if such an agreement were viewed as a hostile act against the US.

“I would impose very steep tariffs on products coming from Europe. If they did that, they would only make the situation worse,” Trump said.

The US president’s comments came after Canada and the EU advanced talks on deepening a partnership aimed at expanding economic and strategic cooperation.

In contrast to Trump’s position, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney welcomed stronger ties between Canada and the EU. According to him, a stronger Canada would also be a better partner for the United States.

“An alliance is a positive process. A stronger and more resilient Canada is a more effective partner for the US as well, and the same applies to the EU,” Carney said at a news conference alongside European Parliament President Roberta Metsola.

The Canadian prime minister stressed that cooperation with Europe would help strengthen Canada’s sovereignty and make the country more resilient in the face of crises and external shocks.

Carney also clarified that the use of the term “associate member” does not mean that Canada is seeking full membership in the European Union.

“Canada is not in a position and has no intention of becoming a full member of the European Union. What matters is the substance,” he said.

Both Carney and Metsola have argued that closer ties between Europe and Canada could help both sides strengthen security, prosperity and strategic autonomy.

“The future is ours,” Carney said, reinforcing Metsola’s position that Europe and its partners must take greater responsibility for their own future.

Before such an alliance can be finalized, the agreement must still be approved by the relevant institutions in Canada. Meanwhile, Trump’s warnings indicate that closer ties between the EU and Canada could create a new front in trade relations between Washington and Brussels.