The statement appeared after US President Donald Trump threatened to cut trade ties with the EU over this plan.
“As our chairwoman clearly said yesterday, the proposed strengthening of our partnership with Canada is not directed against anyone; it is aimed at our common strength,” said EC spokesperson Olof Gill when asked about Trump’s threat.
Trump threatened on Wednesday to cut trade with the EU after it proposed making Canada the first associate member.
EC President U. von der Leyen raised this prospect on Wednesday, a day before Canadian leader Mark Carney’s speech in the European Parliament.
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Her proposal was made to both Canada and the European Union to turn away from the aggressive United States led by Trump.
“If they do that, if I consider it a hostile act, I will impose very serious tariffs or stop trade with Europe on many goods,” Trump said, adding: “If these are good intentions, all is well. If these are bad intentions, we will impose very high tariffs on Europe, which is likely.”
Von der Leyen proposed closer cooperation with Carney in technology, defense, and energy sectors. The Canadian Prime Minister became the first non-European government leader to attend her annual State of the EU address.
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