Trump threatens EU with tariffs over proposed associate membership for Canada

US President Donald Trump has threatened to impose "very severe tariffs" or restrict transatlantic trade if the European Union grants Canada associate membership status. Trump criticized a proposal by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to deepen ties with Ottawa, calling the initiative "ridiculous."

The US president stated that Washington would view actions directed against American economic interests as a hostile move, though he added that punitive measures might be avoided if the initiative stems from "good intention."

The diplomatic friction follows growing economic tensions between the US and Canada. European leaders, including Finnish President Alexander Stubb, have increasingly floated closer integration between Brussels and Ottawa as trade relations across the US-Canada border deteriorate.

Sources: 444, HVG, Telex.