ISTANBUL

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.

"We will be open and pragmatic,” she said of negotiations with the US during a speech at the EU ambassadors conference in Brussels. “But we will make it equally clear that we will always protect our own interests – however and whenever that is needed. This will always be the European way.”

Von der Leyen acknowledged the enduring strength of EU-US relations, which she described as the "strongest of transatlantic partnerships" and a "cornerstone of peace and prosperity for the best part of the century."

She also highlighted the deep economic ties between the two, with total trade volume standing at around $1.5 trillion.

"No other economies in the world are as integrated in such an advanced way as the European Union and the United States," she said.

Together, the EU and the US account for nearly 30% of global trade in goods and services.

"Europe will safeguard its economic and national security, but it is important that we strike the right balance," she said.

EU-based companies in the US employ 3.5 million Americans, with another million American jobs directly dependent on trade with Europe, von der Leyen said.

She also discussed the complex relationship with China, which will see a pivotal year as the EU marks half a century of diplomatic ties with the Asian giant.

She emphasized that the EU is open to "constructive engagement" to find solutions of “mutual interest.”

“I think we can find agreements that could even expand our trade and investment ties. It is a fine line that we need to walk. But it can lead us to a fairer and more balanced relationship with one of the world's economic giants. And that can make sense for Europe.”