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 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.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Tuesday spoke about the growing use of economic coercion -- such as sanctions, export controls, and tariffs and reaffirmed Europe's commitment to safeguarding its economic security.