Trump Calls EU’s Canada Offer ‘Laughable’

U.S. President Donald Trump has warned he will retaliate against the European Union if it proceeds with a European Commission proposal to make Canada the bloc’s first associate member, threatening tariffs and broad limits on trade.

Speaking to reporters while travelling to an event in North Carolina, Trump said that if the plan was intended as a hostile move, the United States would impose “very serious” tariffs or stop trading with Europe on multiple goods. He also described the proposal as “laughable”, adding that while he would accept it if it reflected good intentions, the United States would respond with heavy tariffs if it did not.

Von der Leyen Proposes Canada as First Associate Member

The EU proposal was set out by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Wednesday during her annual State of the Union address, which was attended by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney.

Von der Leyen said the aim was to deepen ties among allies amid what she described as an “openly hostile world”. The announcement is framed as part of an effort to strengthen cooperation at a time when the EU faces heightened security risks linked to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Trade Tensions With the United States, China

The EU has also been dealing with trade frictions involving the United States and challenges connected to China’s growing assertiveness. Canada, like the EU, has faced tension with Washington since Trump returned to the White House, with tariffs imposed on tens of billions of dollars worth of cross-border trade.

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Canada Backed by EU Chief as First 'Associate Member'

Earlier this month, Carney said he was pursuing a “unique alliance” with the EU as relations between Ottawa and Washington have deteriorated. In contrast, the EU has generally resisted flexible alliances that carry no formal legal status.

An EU diplomat said the commission’s proposal had come as a surprise and that it was unclear what associate membership would practically mean. The diplomat added there were concerns the commission chief was promising more than it could deliver.

Carney to Address European Parliament

Carney is scheduled to address the European Parliament on Thursday morning. His appearance comes as the EU seeks to consolidate arrangements with partners, while the United States signals it could respond if it views the association plan as antagonistic.

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17 September 2026