BRUSSELS (Reuters) -The European Union will be ready for tough negotiations with the United States to protect its own interests and will be pragmatic in trying to find solutions, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said as Europe braces for potential new U.S. tariffs.

The leader of the French Patriots party, Florian Philippot, sharply criticized the statement of the head of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, about the "special tribunal" for Russia and Vladimir Putin.

Officials need to manage diplomatic negotiations in a more volatile geopolitical environment, the commission president said in reference to a possible trade war between the bloc and the U.S.

She reiterated that the EU remains open and pragmatic in achieving its objectives but will resolutely defend its economic interests.

"We will always protect our own interests – however and whenever that is needed," Ursula von der Leyen said after Donald Trump warned tariffs against the EU would happen "pretty soon." View on euronew