Brussels, Sept. 17 (SANA)The European Commission said Thursday that its proposal to strengthen partnership between the European Union and Canada is not directed against the United States.

European Commission spokesperson Olof Gill said in response to remarks by U.S. President Donald Trump: “Our proposal to strengthen our partnership with Canada is not directed against anyone,” according to Agence France-Presse.

Trump threatened Wednesday to impose “very severe” tariffs or halt trade with the European Union if the bloc moves forward with a proposal to grant Canada “associate member” status.

The threat came hours after European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen proposed that Canada become the European Union’s first “associate member.”FJ/MF