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 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,

While a small minority of European leaders have welcomed the Republican's return to the White House, other EU leaders fear protectionist measures coming from Washington. The US president already threatened higher tariffs on Tuesday.

BRUSSELS (CN) — While some celebrated openly, most European leaders put on a brave face for President Donald Trump’s return to the White House, stressing the need for good transatlantic ties — but subtly, some warned they would defend Europe’s economic interests.