The European Commission chief did not explicitly mention the new US president or his trade policies, but underscored the number of American jobs tied to European trade.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen at the World Economic Forum (WEF). Photo: VCG. In a speech delivered on Tuesday at the World Economic Forum (WEF), European Comm

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,

EU chief Ursula von der Leyen said Tuesday the bloc should "engage constructively" with China, despite rising trade tensions between Beijing and Brussels.

EU chief Ursula von der Leyen has called for the bloc to "deepen" ties with China and boost relations with India, while taking a "pragmatic" approach with Donald Trump's new US administration.

The EU Commission President emphasizes the need for a balanced relationship with China, amidst trade conflicts over tariffs on electric vehicles and other imports. The EU recently filed a WTO complaint against China regarding patent issues,

European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen has warned against a “race to the bottom” on global trade, saying the world economy had “started fracturing along new lines”.

EU chief Ursula von der Leyen called Tuesday for the bloc to "deepen" ties with China and boost relations with India, while taking a "pragmatic" approach with Donald Trump's combative new US administration.

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.

Von der Leyen insisted that the United States remains an important partner, taking a conciliatory tone in a speech to the annual meeting of global elites in Davos, Switzerland. The EU's "first priority will be to engage early, discuss common interests, and be ready to negotiate" with Trump, she said.

The European Union is keen to partner with countries around the world and is “open for business,” European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen said Tuesday.