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.

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 said Tuesday that the EU is ready for "tough negotiations" with the US, while reaffirming the bloc’s commitment to safeguarding its interests.