European Commission: Proposal to grant Canada associate membership is not directed against "any other party"

Brussels, 17 Sep (KUNA) -- The European Commission confirmed on Thursday that its proposal to strengthen the partnership between the European Union and Canada, granting it "partner member" status within the bloc, is not aimed at the United States. This statement came after U.S. President Donald Trump threatened to impose significant tariffs or halt trade with the EU.

Olof Gill, the Commission’s spokesperson for trade affairs, told journalists at the Commission headquarters in Brussels that "our proposed enhanced partnership with Canada is not directed against any other party, but rather serves our collective strength."

U.S. President Donald Trump had threatened on Wednesday to sever trade relations with the EU if the bloc proceeded with its proposal to grant Canada the status of the first "partner member" of the European Union.

Yesterday, in her annual State of the Union address before the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France, Ursula von der Leyen raised the possibility of Canada becoming the first "associated member" of the EU, as part of efforts to enhance cooperation between the two sides in several areas. (End) ARN / SHM