The European Union will have a "pragmatic" attitude towards the new administration of Donald Trump but "always" stand ready to defend its strategic interests against any unjustified measure, Ursula von der Leyen said on Tuesday in a speech that set the tone for how Brussels intends to engage with Washington in the next four years.

The US president had previously threatened to introduce tariffs on European imports, which was not exactly well received by European leaders and politicians.

Speaking at the Davos Summit, Ursula von der Leyen emphasided the EU's dedication to the Paris climate agreement and urged international cooperation, despite Trump’s decision to withdraw. View on euro

Von der Leyen’s announcement followed on the heels of a positive visit to Belgium by Indian Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal, during which he met European Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič. The next round of talks on a free-trade agreement has been set for March 10-14 in Brussels.

The President of the European Commission defends an adaptation of the EU to the new environment "within our values" but taking advantage of "opportunities wherever they arise" without excluding China,