The United States has warned that if the European Union proceeds with a plan to make Canada the bloc’s first associate member, it will retaliate with “very heavy” tariffs against the EU.
If Trump believes the move is hostile to the United States, he could respond with ‘very serious tariffs’ or withhold trade with Europe, he said, reacting to the idea as ‘laughable. He made the comments as he made his way to an event in North Carolina.
The proposal was made by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in her State of the Union speech on 16 Sept, in the presence of Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. The plan is part of the process of establishing a stronger partnership between Canada and Europe, Von der Leyen said.
The European Commission has dismissed the idea that the plan was targeted at Washington. The envisaged cooperation with Canada was not aimed at anyone else and was meant to bolster Europe’s position,” spokesman Olof Gill said.
Trump’s remarks were also met with a reaction from France. Europe Minister Benjamin Haddad stated that the U.S. was not entitled to set the EU’s political and geopolitical course.
As relations with the United States have soured, Canada has been seeking to expand relations with Europe. Carney’s earlier statement indicated that he would like to see a “unique alliance” with the EU after disagreements between Ottawa and Washington regarding trade and tariffs.
The EU and Canada would enhance cooperation in various areas, such as artificial intelligence, technology, defence, the far North, energy, and critical minerals, under von der Leyen’s proposal. It’s not just an effort to form a traditional EU expansion, the European Commission states it as a more comprehensive strategic partnership.
Proposed associate-member status has yet to be specified in detail, and would be dependent on approval by EU member states. Also, it remains to be seen if Canada would even accept the deal.
With the proposal, doubts have already been raised within the EU. One diplomat explained that it was not yet clear what it meant, while another termed it as an unfortunate offer not yet discussed with member states.
The row is coming as Europe is facing security issues related to Russia’s war in Ukraine, trade conflicts with the U.S. and competition with China.
The future of the Canada-EU relationship is likely to be further discussed in Carney’s 09:30 UTC September 17 address to the European Parliament.
