Underlining that the EU only accounts for 9 percent of global emissions, she said other economies must be brought on board, saying from China to Canada, through to California, others are "working with us" on their own Emission Trading Systems.

Von der Leyen underscored that Phil Hogan, the new European Commissioner in charge of trade, "will ensure that our future trade agreements will include a chapter on sustainable development."

STRATEGIC AUTONOMY

While von der Leyen didn't specifically use the term "strategic autonomy" on Wednesday as she did in earlier speeches at the EU legislature, her call to "have mastery and ownership of key technologies in Europe" echoed in effect the current buzzwords in Brussels.

"These include quantum computing, artificial intelligence, blockchain, and critical chip technologies," she said.

Von der Leyen is not shy about the EU's strength, touting "We are the world's trading superpower. We rank first globally in exporting manufactured goods and services. We are the largest source and destination of foreign direct investment anywhere in the world."

"We should harness this transformative power of the twin climate and digital transition to strengthen our own industrial base and innovation potential," she urged.

At a time when Europeans feel its reliance on the United States for security is increasingly fragile, repeated calls for strategic autonomy could be received with mixed feelings in Washington.

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