Von der Leyen invites Canada to join Europe as a first step toward associate membership; Trump denounces the move as hostile and threatens tariffs
On September 16, inside the European Parliament chamber in Strasbourg, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen dropped a major political bombshell during the annual “State of the Union” address. In front of visiting Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, she publicly said she is willing to work together to open the door for Canada to become the first “associate member” of the EU. The statement immediately sparked intense shockwaves across the Atlantic relationship. On the same day, U.S. President Donald Trump responded from Washington, characterizing the move as a potential “hostile act,” and threatening that if the United States determines Europe’s intentions are not good, it will impose extremely high tariffs on Europe, and even suspend trade with the EU in certain areas. One side is Brussels trying to…
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On September 16, inside the European Parliament chamber in Strasbourg, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen dropped a major political bombshell during the annual “State of the Union” address. In front of visiting Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, she publicly said she is willing to work together to open the door for Canada to become the first “associate member” of the EU. The statement immediately sparked intense shockwaves across the Atlantic relationship. On the same day, U.S. President Donald Trump responded from Washington, characterizing the move as a potential “hostile act,” and threatening that if the United States determines Europe’s intentions are not good, it will impose extremely high tariffs on Europe, and even suspend trade with the EU in certain areas. One side is Brussels trying to…
Follow me—don’t miss the next quick read of the headlines.