Trump says Canada becoming EU ‘associate member’ could be ‘hostile act’

On Wednesday, US President Donald Trump reacted to the European Union's decision to consider Canada as an associate member. At the European Parliament in Strasbourg, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced the EU's intention to establish this new relationship. This is the first time the EU is considering such a membership, which would require starting from the beginning.

During a press conference, Trump labeled this idea as a "hostile act" and threatened to impose sanctions on the EU in response. He indicated that if the EU perceives this as hostile, the US might stop trading with them on various fronts. Trump further described the idea of Canada joining the EU as "laughable". This potential membership comes amid a significant shift in US relations with Canada under Trump's administration.

Canada was one of the earliest countries to feel the impact of Trump's tariff policy. Tensions grew between the two countries after trade talks failed last month, leading to additional sanctions from Trump and a vow of retaliation from Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. US transatlantic ties have also suffered under Trump's administration, notably due to his efforts to gain control over Greenland, a Danish territory. Despite the strained relations, both sides had signed a trade agreement aimed at reducing tariffs.