The European Union has clinched a string of pacts after the United States, its top trading partner, flipped into full protectionist mode.

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.

Ursula von der Leyen casts Europe as an economic heavyweight that can forge new alliances during another “America First” presidency.

Ursula von der Leyen, is trying to arrange a meeting with US President-elect Donald Trump, but so far to no avail. This was announced at a press conference in Brussels by EC spokeswoman Paula Pinho.

EU chief Ursula von der Leyen told the Davos economic forum on Tuesday the 27-nation bloc would seek to "engage early" and "stand ready to negotiate" with Donald Trump's US administration.

President Donald Trump has given everyone at Davos something to talk about with his actions on the first day of his second term.

EU chief Ursula von der Leyen invoked the "enduring strength" of transatlantic ties Monday as she congratulated Donald Trump on his inauguration for a second term as US president.

Various European leaders reacted to President Donald Trump's withdrawal from the Paris Agreement saying that they will stick to the landmark Paris climate agreement even though the United States has withdrawn from it.

Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulated Trump on his return to office, specifically his "desire to restore direct contacts with Russia, which were interrupted through no fault of our own by the outgoing administration."

Video. 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.

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.