Trump threatens EU over 'hostile' Canada association plan

On Wednesday, U.S. President Donald Trump announced his intent to impose trade barriers on the European Union in response to the bloc's proposal to designate Canada as its first associate member. EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen suggested the move to Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney the day before the Canadian leader was scheduled to speak at the European Parliament. This comes as Canada and the EU are both looking to distance themselves from the aggressive policies of the Trump administration.

Trump dismissed the proposal as "laughable," stating that if he perceived it as a hostile act, the U.S. would impose significant tariffs on European goods or halt trade altogether. However, he added that he might consider the plan a "good intention" if the motive was sincere, and might agree to trade relations without additional tariffs.

Von der Leyen presented the idea of closer collaboration on technology, defense, and energy to Carney. The German official noted that as democracies face a "fracture in the international rules-based order," the EU must seek new partnerships.