US relations, Ursula von der Leyen said the day after Donald Trump's inauguration. View on euronews

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.

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.

DAVOS, Switzerland — European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen declared on Tuesday that Europe was ready to negotiate with United States President Donald Trump, but the European Union will also seek to improve ties with China and other nations as global competition heats up.

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.

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.