European Commission, after Trump threatened the EU with additional tariffs if it accepts Canada as an associate member: The partnership is not directed against anyone

The European Commission rejected US President Donald Trump’s accusations on Thursday and stated that the plan to deepen the partnership with Canada “is not directed against anyone”. The reaction comes after the leader in Washington threatened the European Union with high tariffs or even with interrupting direct trade with the bloc.

The EU’s spokesperson for trade, Olof Gill, said that the initiative seeks to strengthen the joint force of the Union and Canada. Trump, however, described Canada’s potential association with the EU as a “hostile act” and criticized trade relations with Ottawa.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen proposed on Wednesday that Brussels should “open the door” for Canada to become the EU’s first associate member. The status would allow cooperation in areas such as technology, defense, energy, critical minerals, artificial intelligence, and economic security, without the North American country becoming a full member.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney stated that Ottawa is not seeking to join the EU, but rather a unique alliance based on shared values and interests. Against the backdrop of the trade war with the United States, Canada is seeking new partners, while Europe is trying to strengthen its strategic position.