Canada associate EU member? Trump scares the EU with further duties

Donald Trump has threatened the European Union with further duties if Brussels decides to strengthen its relations with Canada and to grant it Associated status. The president of the United States indicated that everything depends on European intentions.

Trump described the thought of bringing Canada closer to the EU as "funny", while criticising Ottawa for its trade policy towards the United States. He besides mentioned the anticipation of imposing very serious duties on the EU and limiting trade with Europe.

In the past, European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen announced the beginning of Canada to become the first EU associate member. Von der Leyen presented this initiative as a way of creating a "space of shared prosperity and economical security" between Europe and Canada. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney welcomed this proposal.