Politics
U.S. President Donald Trump has said that his country could halt trade with European countries if Canada is granted associate membership in the European Union. Speaking to reporters in North Carolina, Trump said that if he considered the
U.S. President Donald Trump has said that his country could halt trade with European countries if Canada is granted associate membership in the European Union. Speaking to reporters in North Carolina, Trump said that if he considered the move hostile, “I would put very heavy tariffs on it, or I would stop trade with Europe in a lot of things.”He said the U.S. response would depend on the intentions of European leaders. “If the intention is good, that’s fine. If the intention is bad, we’ll put very heavy tariffs on Europe,” he said. The Wall Street Journal reported on September 12, citing sources that Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney was considering associate membership in the European Union. Such an arrangement would allow Ottawa to gain economic and political benefits without becoming a full member of the bloc. Commenting on the reports, the Canadian prime minister said that his country would seek to establish a “unique alliance” with the European Union without formal membership. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on September 16 that the European Union would invite Canada to become its first associate member.
