EU is strong enough to defend its interests towards US, Scholz says

BRUSSELS, Feb 3 (Reuters) - Europe is strong enough to pursue its own interests in trade talks with the United States, German chancellor Olaf Scholz said on Monday after a meeting with fellow EU leaders.

"The European Union is strong. We have every opportunity to make sure we can look after our own interests," Scholz said.

"And that is also a message to the United States, which at the same time is connected to us through an outstretched hand."

Scholz also praised Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum for winning breathing room from U.S. President Donald Trump's threatened tariffs.

"The Mexican president is a smart politician," he said. "She played it cool."