Global Times reported on September 17: Trump: If Canada Becomes a 'Joint Member' of the EU, I Will Halt U.S.-EU Trade. According to foreign media reports, U.S. President Trump threatened on the 16th that if Canada becomes a "joint member" of the European Union, he would halt trade between the United States and the EU.

Earlier that day, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, during her annual "State of the Union" address at the European Parliament, stated publicly her willingness to work with visiting Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau toward making Canada the first "joint member" of the EU. (Xinhua News Agency)

Trump's threat to "halt U.S.-EU trade" may sound like an outburst, but it is actually a panicked reaction to Canada's perceived "strategic drift"—Washington's real fear isn't Canada joining the EU per se, but rather the erosion of the traditional North American trade order, and the weakening of America’s unique dominance over Canada.

Timeline of events: On September 16, during the European Parliament’s annual "State of the Union" session, von der Leyen formally proposed in front of Canadian Prime Minister Trudeau: "We are ready to open the door for Canada to become the EU’s first 'joint member.'"

The two sides will move beyond their existing CETA free trade agreement toward establishing a "common space for prosperity and economic security," with cooperation spanning six key areas: intelligent manufacturing, technology alliances, defense industry integration, Arctic development, energy, critical minerals, AI, quantum technologies, and cybersecurity.

On the same day, Trump launched two measures:

Verbal threat: Allowing Canada to become a "joint member" could constitute "hostile behavior." If European leaders act with "malice," the U.S. will impose "very high tariffs" on the EU, or even "suspend trade with Europe in certain sectors."

Policymaking action: Signed a presidential memorandum excluding products originating from Canada from U.S. federal procurement programs until Canada restores "fair reciprocity."

"Joint membership" is not formal accession. Canada will not gain voting rights in the EU, will not join the eurozone, will not open its borders, and will not participate in EU legislation.

Von der Leyen’s proposal introduces a novel institutional status—somewhere between full membership and ordinary partnership—allowing Canada deep participation in the EU’s economic, security, and technological systems without assuming full institutional obligations.

Canada’s "tilt toward Europe" is not betrayal—it is survival.

This move by the Trudeau government was not impulsive; it is a strategic hedging maneuver amid deteriorating U.S.-Canada relations:

After the de facto outbreak of a U.S.-Canada trade war, Canada became acutely aware of the risks posed by excessive dependence on the U.S. Nearly 75% of Canada’s exports go to the United States—a concentration that brings efficiency in peacetime but proves fatal in trade conflicts.

Trudeau’s strategic logic is to "reduce America’s uniqueness." In early 2024, he declared at Davos that "the old order won’t return," calling for "middle powers" to unite against pressure from dominant global economies. Aligning with the EU essentially sends a signal to Washington: Canada has alternatives—it is not irreplaceable.

What’s most noteworthy about this event is not whether Canada can become a joint EU member, but what it reveals about deeper structural shifts:

The backlash effect of America’s "America First" policy is becoming evident. Trump’s tariff threats and remarks about the U.S. being the "51st state" are pushing even its closest allies into opposition.

Global regional trade blocs are increasingly forming. Countries are actively seeking more trading partners to reduce reliance on single markets.

Middle powers are exploring a "third way." Trudeau’s call for a "coalition of middle powers," combined with the EU’s pursuit of strategic autonomy, both reflect efforts to carve out independent space amid great power competition.

The U.S. indeed feels strategic anxiety. Canada’s shift toward Europe strikes at Washington’s most sensitive nerve—the emergence of a European variable in North America’s backyard.

Trump’s rhetoric is largely a negotiating tactic, aimed at pressuring both the EU and Canada to concede in future talks—not a genuine intent to completely cut off U.S.-EU trade.

Original source: toutiao.com/article/1876538255474755/

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone.