EU Invites Canada as Associate Member, Trump Threatens Tariffs

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen invited Canada to become an associate member of the European Union on Wednesday, September 17, 2026, a historic proposal that immediately drew sharp criticism from U.S. President Donald Trump. Trump dismissed the idea as "laughable" and threatened to impose heavy tariffs on Europe if he perceives it as a hostile act. The invitation, extended to Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, represents a first-of-its-kind status for a non-EU country. Von der Leyen framed the proposal as an effort to build common strength rather than a move against anyone else. Speaking to reporters in North Carolina on Wednesday night, Trump warned, "If they do that, if I think it's at all a hostile act, I will put very serious tariffs or stop trading with Europe on many things." He added that his response would depend on whether the intention is good or bad. Carney, addressing the European Parliament in Strasbourg on Thursday, September 18, welcomed the prospect and advocated for stronger economic and security ties with the EU. He stated, "Europe and Canada are even stronger together," and emphasized shared values, saying, "We are not fair-weather allies.