The European Union will be ready for tough negotiations with the United States to protect its own interests and will be pragmatic in trying to find solutions, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said as Europe braces for potential new U.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is planning to meet industry leaders on Feb. 26 in a bid to assure top local producers that the European Union will act to boost competitiveness during an ambitious green overhaul.

Officials need to manage diplomatic negotiations in a more volatile geopolitical environment the Commission President said in reference to a possible trade war between the bloc and the U.S.

"We will always protect our own interests – however and whenever that is needed," Ursula von der Leyen said after Donald Trump warned tariffs against the EU would happen "pretty soon." #EuropeNews

Brussels hopes simplifying green compliance rules will boost Europe’s flagging economy. Green groups fear something more sinister.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasized Europe's commitment to safeguarding its economic security against increasing economic coercion, including sanctions and tariffs. She highlighted the need for a balanced approach focusing on trade,

To effectively counter modern security challenges, Europe must strengthen its own defense industry. One of the key elements of these efforts should be the exchange of experience with Ukraine’s defense sector.