BRUSSELS

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Thursday reiterated its readiness to strike a trade deal with the US and vowed to defend the bloc's interests if no agreement is reached.

Speaking at a news conference in Aarhus alongside Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, von der Leyen said the EU is "ready for a deal" but is also "prepared for the possibility that no satisfactory agreement is reached."

Trade and Economic Security Commissioner Maros Sefcovic is currently in Washington as talks continue ahead of the July 9 deadline for an agreement in principle.

"This is why we consulted on a rebalancing list, and we will defend the European interest as needed. In other words, all the instruments are on the table," she said.

With €1.5 trillion ($1.76 trillion) in annual trade between the two partners, von der Leyen cautioned that finalizing a detailed deal within 90 days is "impossible," adding: "What we are aiming at is an agreement in principle."

Migration reform a top priority

Frederiksen described the EU's asylum system as "broken," calling for tougher border controls and new mechanisms to process asylum applications outside of the EU. "We need to be in control of our own borders, who can enter and stay in our countries."

"We need new solutions that will lower the influx of migrants to Europe," she said, emphasizing the need for return agreements and the expulsion of individuals who commit serious crimes or reject European values.

Backing Ukraine and strengthening EU defense

In light of possible reduced US support to Ukraine, both leaders emphasized the EU's responsibility to bolster military assistance and defense cooperation.

Frederiksen warned that a potential US withdrawal would be a "serious setback" for Ukraine, Europe, and NATO.

"We hope that the partnership transatlantic, also when it comes to Ukraine, will stay on."

The Danish leader also praised Ukraine's efforts to advance EU membership despite the ongoing war, saying: "They are really doing a lot of their own homework. Now it's time for Europe to do the same."

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has been invited to the official handover ceremony and will meet both von der Leyen and Frederiksen.