US President Donald Trump has expressed strong opposition to the European Union’s proposal to offer Canada associate membership, labeling the idea as “laughable” and threatening potential tariffs on European goods. Trump’s comments come in response to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s invitation to Canada to become the EU’s first associate member, aiming to foster closer cooperation in areas such as technology, defense, and energy.

The US president described the potential EU-Canada agreement as a “hostile act” and warned that the United States could impose “very serious tariffs” or reduce trade with the EU if the move is perceived negatively. Trump’s administration has previously introduced tariffs on traditional US trading partners, including both Canada and the EU, which has strained economic relationships.

Von der Leyen’s proposal to Canada seeks to build a broader “alliance for the future,” as democracies face increasing challenges to the international rules-based system. The invitation comes as Canada aims to expand its defense partnerships beyond the US, having formally applied to join the British-led Joint Expeditionary Force, a military coalition involving several NATO member states.

Currently, the EU does not have a formal category for associate membership, although nations like Norway, Iceland, and Switzerland maintain close economic ties with the bloc. The details of the proposed associate membership for Canada remain under discussion, with potential cooperation areas including defense industries, artificial intelligence, critical minerals, batteries, cybersecurity, energy, and Arctic collaboration.

Canada and the EU already enjoy a robust trade agreement alongside several bilateral arrangements, further strengthened since Trump’s return to the White House. The development underscores a strategic shift as Ottawa and Brussels seek to deepen their relationship amid evolving global challenges.