Trump threatens tariffs over EU plan for Canadian associate membership

US President Donald Trump has criticized European Commission proposals to offer Canada associate membership status in the European Union, labeling the initiative "ridiculous." Speaking to reporters, Trump warned that Washington could impose severe tariffs or halt trade with the EU if the move is deemed hostile, though he added that US policy would depend on the intentions behind the proposal.

The initiative follows comments from Finnish President Alexander Stubb, who publicly questioned whether Canada should become "the 28th member state of the European Union instead of the 51st state of the United States." Tensions between Washington and Ottawa have prompted European officials, including European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, to explore deeper strategic and economic partnerships with Canada.

Sources: 444, HVG, Telex.