Trump threatens EU over ‘hostile’ Canada association plan

US President Donald Trump has threatened to impose tariffs or cut trade with the European Union if it makes Canada an associate member. According to Trump, this move would be considered "hostile".

The proposal to make Canada an associate member was floated by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who wants to deepen ties with Canada beyond their existing trade agreement. Von der Leyen stated that this partnership would not be against anyone else, but for their common strength.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has expressed interest in seeking a "unique alliance" with the EU, amid tense relations with the US. Trade talks between Canada and the US collapsed last month, leading to new tariff measures. Trump has previously referred to making Canada a "51st state" and called Canada a "terrible trade partner".

Brief written by urgent.news from Punch, Punch Nigeria, The Chronicle Ghana, Business Insider, Winnipeg Free Press — 5 reports on this story. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.