Europe’s response to Trump’s threat: The alliance plan with Canada is not against any country

🔸 The U.S. president called the European Union’s proposal to grant Canada a form of “associate membership” “ridiculous” and threatened that if the plan were carried out, he might impose heavy tariffs on Europe or halt part of the trade with this bloc.

🔸 Donald Trump said on Wednesday, 25 Shahrivar, that if he considers this move “hostile,” he will apply “very heavy” tariffs to European goods. He added that if the proposal was made “in good faith,” he has no problem with it.

🔸 The European Commission said on Thursday in response that Ursula von der Leyen’s proposal to bring relations closer with Canada is not meant to be against the United States or any other country.

🔸 Olof Gill, the trade spokesperson for the European Commission, said the purpose of this proposal is not to confront other countries, but rather to “strengthen the joint capacity” of the European Union and Canada.

🔸 Von der Leyen had proposed in the European Parliament on Wednesday that Canada become the EU’s first “associate member.” This status is not defined in the EU’s current treaties, and its implementation would require the approval of member states.

🔸 Over the past months, Mark Carney, Canada’s prime minister, has sought to expand Ottawa’s ties with the European Union amid escalating trade tensions with the United States. The two sides already have extensive cooperation in areas such as trade, defense, technology, and critical minerals.