Trump voices concerns over Canada-EU proposal

Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney (Pascal Bastien/AP)

Thu, 17 Sep, 2026 - 02:20

Rob Gillies, Associated Press

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Wednesday proposed making Canada the European Union’s first associate member, a striking overture as US President Donald Trump’s threats drive Ottawa closer to Europe.

Speaking in Charlotte, North Carolina, Mr Trump suggested that allowing Canada to become an associate EU member could be a “hostile act” and threatened to respond to the proposed move by imposing more tariffs on the bloc.