European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen has proposed to EU leaders the launch of a Europe-led initiative to establish a structured trade cooperation with Asian countries, potentially laying the groundwork for an alternative to the gridlocked World Trade Organisation (WTO).

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on Thursday the EU had received the "latest U.S. document" for further negotiations on tariffs but did not reveal details of Washington's demands.

The European Union is prepared for all eventualities in its trade negotiations with the US, including for a breakdown in talks, Ursula von der Leyen said, after discussing the latest proposals from the Trump White House with the bloc’s leaders.