Trump threatens EU with tariffs over proposed associate membership for Canada

US President Donald Trump has warned the European Union against deepening ties with Canada, threatening potential tariffs and trade restrictions. The warnings followed a proposal by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to make Canada the bloc's first associate member.

Speaking to reporters, Trump labeled the idea "ridiculous" and cautioned that Washington could view closer EU-Canada integration as a "hostile move." He stated that retaliatory measures, including severe trade limits, would depend on whether the proposal was made with good or bad intentions.

The rhetoric comes amid heightened trade tensions between Washington and Ottawa, as well as recent comments by Finnish President Alexander Stubb questioning whether Canada aligns more closely with Europe than North America.

Sources: 444, HVG, Telex.