Trump threatens Europe over Canada:Says he will impose heavy tariffs and halt trade if Canada joins EU

US President Donald Trump has threatened to impose heavy tariffs on the European Union. Trump said, “If the European Union moves ahead with plans to make Canada its first associate member, the US could impose very heavy tariffs on Europe. If necessary, it could also halt trade with Europe.” Shortly after Trump’s threat, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney made it clear that Canada would decide its own foreign policy and agreements with other countries. Speaking at the European Parliament on Thursday, Carney said, “No one will decide who we make agreements with at the international level.” Trump angry over proposal to make Canada an EU associate member Trump is angry over the European Union’s proposal to make Canada its first associate member. He called the proposal “laughable” and even described it as a “hostile act” by the EU. Trump told reporters that if the EU’s intentions are good, there is no problem. But if its intentions are bad, Europe should be prepared for heavy tariffs. EU chief says cooperation with Canada is not against anyone European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on Wednesday that the plan to make Canada an associate member was not directed against any other country. She said the partnership was aimed at strengthening the EU and Canada’s own capabilities. EU Deputy Chief Spokesperson Olof Gill reiterated the same point in response to Trump’s threat on Thursday morning. Carney takes swipe at US tariff policy in European Parliament Carney addressed the European Parliament on Thursday. He welcomed the EU’s proposal to make Canada an associate member. Carney said, “Europe and Canada are both strong. But together, Europe and Canada will be even stronger.” Carney did not mention Trump by name in his speech. However, referring to US trade policy, he said economic ties were being used as a weapon through tariffs. He said supply chains and the financial system could also be used to exert pressure. France says US cannot block EU decisions France’s Europe Minister Benjamin Haddad also commented on the issue on Thursday. He said the US cannot block the EU’s geopolitical decisions. Haddad said, “It is not for the US or any other country to decide what the political direction of European countries should be.” Canada and EU already have a free trade agreement Canada and the EU already have a Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA). Parts of the agreement came into effect in 2017. Under it, both sides eliminated tariffs on 99% of tariff lines. The new proposal to strengthen ties between Canada and the EU comes at a time when Canada and the US are engaged in a trade dispute. The US has increased tariffs on goods imported from Canada. In response, Canada has also imposed tariffs on US goods. ​