The European Commission today said that the draft association between the European Union and Canada is not against the United States.
© Reproduction/ Website European Commission
17/09/2026
by
Lusa
Olof Gill, spokesman for the European Commission on Trade Affairs, said today that the proposal to strengthen the partnership between the European bloc and Canada “is not directed against anyone”, responding to Washington’s threats to new partnerships.
On Wednesday, the President of the United States, Donald Trump, threatened to break trade relations with the European Union (EU) by demonstrating opposition to the project that can make Canada the first associated country of the European Union (EU).
The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, proposed on Wednesday that Canada become the EU’s first “associated member” country, in the presence of Prime Minister Mark Carney, who is speaking to MEPs today.
The President of the European Commission also proposed that Canada join the future “European Security Council”.
“ I think that’s ridiculous,” the US chief of state told journalists when asked about the proposal.
“If they do and if I consider this to be a hostile act, I will impose too heavy tariffs or interrupt all trade with Europe,” Trump added.
Canada, in trade war with the United States, is looking for new partners.
On the other hand, Europe, whose relations with Washington are equally problematic, seeks support for the rebalancing strategy between the two superpowers: the People's Republic of China and the United States.