Trump threatens EU with severe tariffs over proposed associate membership for Canada
U.S. President Donald Trump warned the European Union of severe tariffs if Brussels grants Canada associate membership, calling the proposal a potentially hostile move.
U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened the European Union with severe tariffs and trade restrictions following European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen's proposal to grant Canada associate membership in the bloc.
Speaking to reporters, Trump called the associate membership initiative "ridiculous" and warned it could be interpreted as a "hostile move." He indicated that Washington might impose "very severe tariffs" or halt certain trade with Europe if the EU pursues closer institutional ties with Ottawa out of "bad intention." However, he added that a move made in "good faith" would be acceptable.
The dispute follows remarks by Finnish President Alexander Stubb highlighting Ottawa's drift toward Europe amid mounting trade and diplomatic friction between the United States and Canada.
Sources: 444, HVG, Telex.
Sources
Earlier coverage
- Oct 16, 2026, 02:30 AM UTCTrump threatens EU with tariffs over proposed Canada associate membership
- Oct 14, 2026, 11:00 PM UTCTrump threatens EU with tariffs over proposed Canada associate status
- Oct 13, 2026, 11:00 PM UTCTrump threatens tariffs on EU over proposed Canadian associate status
- Oct 13, 2026, 05:00 PM UTCDonald Trump threatens tariffs over EU proposal for Canadian associate membership
- Oct 13, 2026, 11:00 AM UTCTrump threatens EU with tariffs over proposed Canada associate status
- Oct 12, 2026, 11:00 PM UTCTrump warns EU of tariffs over proposed associate membership for Canada
- Oct 12, 2026, 10:30 AM UTCUS President Donald Trump threatens EU tariffs over Canadian associate membership proposal
- Oct 12, 2026, 04:30 AM UTCTrump threatens EU tariffs over proposed associate membership for Canada
- Oct 11, 2026, 11:00 PM UTCTrump threatens EU tariffs over associate membership plan for Canada
- Oct 11, 2026, 05:00 PM UTCTrump threatens tariffs over proposed EU-Canada associate membership