Trump threatens EU tariffs over proposed associate membership for Canada

US President Donald Trump has threatened the European Union with heavy tariffs and trade restrictions following a proposal to grant Canada associate EU membership.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen suggested the unprecedented status for Canada amid shifting transatlantic relations. Trump called the idea "ridiculous" and warned that deepening European-Canadian ties could be viewed as a hostile move toward Washington, potentially prompting severe duties or sector-specific trade halts. However, he noted that economic retaliation could be avoided if Brussels acts with constructive motives.

The proposal underscores growing diplomatic and economic closeness between Ottawa and the EU following trade friction with the US. Finnish President Alexander Stubb recently highlighted this realignment, publicly questioning whether Canada's interests now lie closer to Europe than the United States.

Sources: 444, HVG, Telex.