An earlier version of the statement had contained at least two explicit references to Canada as an “associate member.”
On top of this, President Trump had warned he might interpret the move as a “hostile act” and could halt American trade with Europe “on many things.”
The idea originated six weeks ago when European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen used her state of the union address to float the possibility of Canada becoming the EU’s first associate member.
Her announcement blindsided nearly all EU capitals, as the concept carries no legal definition under existing EU treaties, leaving diplomats uncertain about fundamental questions, such as whether Canada might gain access to the European Council, legislative bodies or decision-making processes.
