WEBVTT NOTE Brussels Live. Transcribed and translated automatically from the original sound. Mistakes are possible. Independent service, not affiliated with the European Parliament or the European Commission. Source: © European Union. AI-generated: Transcripts, translations and summaries on this site are generated automatically by AI: speech recognition (Soniox), machine translation and summaries (Mistral AI). Not edited by humans before publication. EU AI Act, Article 50. 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:03.146 Good afternoon, and welcome to our midday briefing. 00:00:03.210 --> 00:00:08.622 Apologies for the delay; let me begin with the agenda of President von der Leyen for 00:00:08.686 --> 00:00:13.647 next week. On Tuesday, the President will chair the meeting of the College of 00:00:13.711 --> 00:00:18.414 Commissioners here in Brussels. On Thursday, she will travel to Canada to 00:00:18.479 --> 00:00:22.731 participate in the EU-Canada summit together with President Costa. 00:00:22.795 --> 00:00:27.562 She will also be accompanied by HRVP Kallas and a number of executive vice 00:00:27.627 --> 00:00:32.909 presidents and commissioners. At the summit on the Thursday, at the margins of the 00:00:32.974 --> 00:00:37.999 summit, President von der Leyen will deliver a keynote speech on EU-Canada rel 00:00:38.063 --> 00:00:43.217 ations. At the CDH Institute, she will also participate in an EU-Canada business 00:00:43.282 --> 00:00:48.565 roundtable. The summit will then continue on Friday, and both presidents will meet 00:00:48.629 --> 00:00:53.912 with Prime Minister Mark Car ney. There will also be a press conference on Friday. 00:00:53.976 --> 00:00:59.130 This summit will be an important occasion to reaffirm and further strengthen our 00:00:59.194 --> 00:01:04.220 close partnership with Canada. At our summit last year, we set a high level of 00:01:04.284 --> 00:01:09.245 ambition for our relationship, and of course this year we intend to take that 00:01:09.309 --> 00:01:14.656 ambition even further. We will share with you more details in the coming days, so I 00:01:14.721 --> 00:01:19.939 encourage you to keep an e ye on our communication channels like always, where we 00:01:20.003 --> 00:01:23.804 will be providing you with additional details on the visit. 00:01:23.869 --> 00:01:27.219 This concludes the President's agenda for next week. 00:01:27.283 --> 00:01:30.891 Moving on, I would now like to invite Eva to the podium. 00:01:30.955 --> 00:01:36.109 She has an announcement concerning the EU Civil Protection Mechanism on a rather 00:01:36.174 --> 00:01:37.720 special occasion for us. 00:01:39.700 --> 00:01:46.369 Good afternoon, and thank you, Arianna. Indeed, today I would like to wish happy 00:01:46.452 --> 00:01:53.454 birthday to our European Civil Protection Mechanism, 25 years of saving lives and 25 00:01:53.537 --> 00:02:00.539 years of European solidarity in action. Our European Civil Protection Mechanism is a 00:02:00.623 --> 00:02:04.457 powerful example of how Europe can act as one. 00:02:04.541 --> 00:02:10.626 Since it was established in 2021, it has been activated around 900 times; 00:02:10.709 --> 00:02:16.711 the re quests came from 160 countries and 8 international organizations. 00:02:16.794 --> 00:02:22.296 The mechanism has been strengthened over the past quarter century. 00:02:22.379 --> 00:02:29.048 We have coordinated assistance during wildfires, floods, earthquakes, and health 00:02:29.131 --> 00:02:34.716 emergencies ; also during the heat waves, and also during COVID-19. 00:02:34.800 --> 00:02:41.218 We have helped also repatriate Europeans from around the world in time of the 00:02:41.302 --> 00:02:45.553 crisis, and we provided massive support to Ukraine. 00:02:45.636 --> 00:02:51.305 Sending generators and evacuating Ukrainian patients from hospitals. 00:02:51.388 --> 00:02:56.139 I invite you to read our press release about the details. 00:02:56.223 --> 00:03:02.808 And as disasters and crises do not stop at national borders, nor should our sol 00:03:02.891 --> 00:03:06.392 idarity; this is why we today announce 22. 00:03:06.476 --> 00:03:13.478 5 million in humanitarian aid for Yemen, at the time of the immense needs ca used by 00:03:13.561 --> 00:03:17.896 escalation of the conflict. This comes on top of 87. 00:03:17.979 --> 00:03:24.731 5 million already allocated this year. Let me stress that our humanitarian aid is 00:03:24.814 --> 00:03:31.483 provided in line with the principles of humanity, neutralit y, impartiality, and 00:03:31.566 --> 00:03:37.818 independence. And it never goes to governments, or parties of the conflict. 00:03:37.902 --> 00:03:44.904 It's delivered through our trusted international partners, who provide assistance to 00:03:44.987 --> 00:03:51.906 people in need. And despite the serious current challenges in reaching those people 00:03:51.989 --> 00:03:58.908 in need, in Yemen right now, these principles will continue to guide our assistance 00:03:58.991 --> 00:04:05.660 also there in Yemen. You also have details in our press release, so please check 00:04:05.743 --> 00:04:06.943 them. 00:04:08.080 --> 00:04:09.280 Thank you, Eva. 00:04:09.880 --> 00:04:15.194 I will now continue with a reminder about the informal meeting of the European 00:04:15.262 --> 00:04:19.964 ministers responsible for trade, which is being held today in Dublin. 00:04:20.032 --> 00:04:24.869 The Commission is represented at this meeting by Commissioner Ševčovič. 00:04:24.937 --> 00:04:30.592 During this meeting, the minister will discuss ongoing negotiations on the European 00:04:30.660 --> 00:04:35.770 Union's free trade agreements, as well as our trade relations with our main 00:04:35.838 --> 00:04:41.289 partners. The discussions will focus in particular on opening up new markets, in 00:04:41.357 --> 00:04:46.603 order to diversify our trade, strengthen our economic resilience, and support 00:04:46.671 --> 00:04:51.917 European competitiveness. Commissioner Sevchevich will take part in the press 00:04:51.985 --> 00:04:54.983 conference scheduled for today around 15:00. 00:04:55.051 --> 00:05:00.775 I therefore invite you to save your questions on these topics, and more generally on 00:05:00.843 --> 00:05:05.680 the European Union's trade policy, for this dedicated press conference. 00:05:06.760 --> 00:05:11.866 And finally, I would like to extend a warm welcome to a group of visitors joining us 00:05:11.927 --> 00:05:16.486 today here in the press room. I understand that we have 25 journalists from 00:05:16.547 --> 00:05:21.167 different EU member states visiting us as part of a program organized by the 00:05:21.228 --> 00:05:24.085 Director General for Regional and Urban Policy. 00:05:24.145 --> 00:05:29.130 I hope you have a great time here in Brussels, and of course in particular with us 00:05:29.191 --> 00:05:32.838 here in the press room. It's a pleasure to have you with us. 00:05:32.899 --> 00:05:35.999 With that, we are now ready to take your questions. 00:05:36.060 --> 00:05:39.160 Let's start here in the press room. Go ahead, yeah. 00:05:43.840 --> 00:05:48.762 Hi, Lisa Heselund from a Danish TV2. I would like to ask you about the peace 00:05:48.827 --> 00:05:53.813 negotiations for Ukraine. Particularly, there are now reports that a group of 00:05:53.878 --> 00:05:58.994 European leaders are being considered as represent atives in peace negotiations 00:05:59.059 --> 00:06:04.434 among others: the Danish Prime Minister, but also the Norwegian and the Swedish, or 00:06:04.499 --> 00:06:09.874 I think the Finnish leader. We know also, of course, that Björn Sæberg, the head of 00:06:09.939 --> 00:06:15.120 cabinet of the president , is deeply involved already in these talks, so I would 00:06:15.185 --> 00:06:20.430 just want to know if you can confirm whether this is an idea on the table and how 00:06:20.495 --> 00:06:25.741 far you are with this idea, and also if the Commission thinks it's a good idea to 00:06:25.806 --> 00:06:30.922 have a group of European leaders representing Europe in, well, in potential and 00:06:30.987 --> 00:06:32.800 future negotiations. Thanks. 00:06:34.660 --> 00:06:39.950 What I can say, and then I give the floor to Christian, is that of course, as you're 00:06:40.013 --> 00:06:45.051 aware, the European Union was present at the talks earlier in the week that took 00:06:45.114 --> 00:06:50.215 place in Oslo. The expectation is now that there will be tal ks, further talks at 00:06:50.278 --> 00:06:53.112 multilateral level, at senior official level. 00:06:53.175 --> 00:06:57.710 Of course, the European Union will also be represented in that occasion. 00:06:57.773 --> 00:07:00.040 Christian, anything you want to add? 00:07:00.340 --> 00:07:04.888 Yeah, so this is what is concretely ongoing, and you know, more broadly, these 00:07:04.946 --> 00:07:09.435 negotiations are happening in different form ats, different places, different 00:07:09.493 --> 00:07:14.391 levels, involving heads of state and government, ministers, senior diplomats, and EU 00:07:14.449 --> 00:07:18.880 officials. And the EU is involved, and this is what I can say at this stage. 00:07:19.600 --> 00:07:22.720 You have a follow-up. 00:07:23.860 --> 00:07:25.060 Yeah, just if you can. 00:07:25.180 --> 00:07:29.548 Tell us if you are you backing the idea of a group of leaders representing Europe. 00:07:29.601 --> 00:07:33.863 There have also been talks about, for example, the higher representative of Kaja 00:07:33.916 --> 00:07:36.207 Kallas representing Europe, or other ideas. 00:07:36.260 --> 00:07:40.149 Do you think this is a good idea that you have a core group of leaders as 00:07:40.202 --> 00:07:42.280 representatives in these talks? Thanks. 00:07:43.540 --> 00:07:47.862 Thank you. What I can say is that we have always, of course, worked to have Ukraine 00:07:47.915 --> 00:07:52.133 in a position of strength, and we have always worked for a just and lasting peace 00:07:52.185 --> 00:07:54.581 for Ukraine. We're doing so at every occasion. 00:07:54.633 --> 00:07:58.747 Now the expectation is to have multilateral talks at senior official level, and 00:07:58.799 --> 00:08:03.121 we're not going to comment beyond that. Of course, if Christian wants to add, but I 00:08:03.173 --> 00:08:04.840 don't think there's more to say. 00:08:05.920 --> 00:08:07.600 Go ahead, if you have a question on this. 00:08:11.860 --> 00:08:15.532 Vitaly Sizov, Freedom TV channel. Just follow up: 00:08:15.607 --> 00:08:21.901 could you reveal some detail of feedback that you got from Vitkov after he came back 00:08:21.976 --> 00:08:27.970 from Moscow, and as you understood correctly, he was going to, like, expand this 00:08:28.045 --> 00:08:33.215 format to include Europeans in negotiation with Russians and Ukraine? 00:08:33.290 --> 00:08:39.434 What's the result? Will you be presented during the next possible round of meeting 00:08:39.509 --> 00:08:43.256 between Russia and Ukraine, and the United States? 00:08:43.331 --> 00:08:44.531 Thank you. 00:08:45.580 --> 00:08:50.880 Look, as we said, we are working constantly to have Ukraine above all in a position 00:08:50.944 --> 00:08:53.945 of strength, and for a just and lasting peace . 00:08:54.009 --> 00:08:58.607 What we can say is that now there is an expectation that there will be a 00:08:58.671 --> 00:09:03.524 multilateral-level discussion with representatives at senior official level. 00:09:03.587 --> 00:09:08.888 The EU will be present at these talks, and we're not going to provide a running com 00:09:08.951 --> 00:09:13.804 mentary of the exchanges at this stage. We just can confirm that this is the 00:09:13.868 --> 00:09:18.849 expectation to have these talks at senior official level happening in the near 00:09:18.913 --> 00:09:20.113 future. 00:09:20.920 --> 00:09:24.995 Other questions for us today, since Christian is here with me, I would focus on 00:09:25.046 --> 00:09:26.800 questions for Christian. Go ahead. 00:09:30.340 --> 00:09:35.199 Thank you so much, Ariana. As Ariana Stepanenko radio for Europe-Ukraine, you 00:09:35.263 --> 00:09:39.175 mentioned that there is an expectation of multil ateral talks. 00:09:39.239 --> 00:09:44.414 But Peskov, Dmitry Peskov, Kremlin spokesperson, already said today that the talks 00:09:44.477 --> 00:09:48.453 scheduled for the November, they are supposed to be trilateral. 00:09:48.516 --> 00:09:53.817 So do you mean yet another round, which is supposed to happen later, or just this is 00:09:53.880 --> 00:09:58.866 expectation for now but there is no conf irmation that this is going to happen? 00:09:58.929 --> 00:10:00.129 Thank you. 00:10:00.820 --> 00:10:04.608 I think I have been clear on the fact that this is the expectation that we have, and 00:10:04.653 --> 00:10:07.044 we're not going to comment further than that for now. 00:10:07.089 --> 00:10:08.289 Yes, go ahead. 00:10:12.400 --> 00:10:17.210 Hello, Adrienne de Calon for AFP. Just to clarify, can you explain if this 00:10:17.275 --> 00:10:20.070 multilateral talks can include the Russia ? 00:10:20.135 --> 00:10:23.320 Will the EU and Russia sit at the table together? 00:10:23.800 --> 00:10:25.000 Thanks. 00:10:25.780 --> 00:10:29.663 The format should be similar to the ones of the previous talks, for example in 00:10:29.713 --> 00:10:33.844 Miami, so I would not have more specific det ails than just confirm that the format 00:10:33.894 --> 00:10:35.094 should be the same. 00:10:36.040 --> 00:10:37.240 Yes, go ahead. 00:10:40.000 --> 00:10:44.880 Yes, Ariana, it has—sorry, to insist on this, but I think everybody is thinking of 00:10:44.940 --> 00:10:49.641 the same thing. When you say that it's going to be multilateral, but follow the 00:10:49.700 --> 00:10:54.640 example of Miami, do you mean that the European representatives will not sit at the 00:10:54.700 --> 00:10:57.318 same table as the Russians at the same time? 00:10:57.378 --> 00:11:01.305 They will do it separately? Not at the same table as the Russians? 00:11:01.365 --> 00:11:02.565 Thank you. 00:11:03.400 --> 00:11:07.645 At this stage, I wouldn't have further details to provide. 00:11:07.718 --> 00:11:13.572 The expectation is that there would be a joint commission council representation 00:11:13.645 --> 00:11:19.720 that would attend the meetings. Beyond that, as I said, I don't have other elements 00:11:19.793 --> 00:11:22.720 to share. Other questions for Christian? 00:11:23.380 --> 00:11:25.720 On foreign affairs matters in general, since he's here with me. 00:11:26.920 --> 00:11:28.120 Yes, go ahead. 00:11:34.420 --> 00:11:39.676 Magdalena Cedrow, Polish Press Agency. Thank you for the floor. 00:11:39.760 --> 00:11:43.597 Changing the topic, but it is also on the G20. 00:11:43.681 --> 00:11:47.519 It is about Polish aspirations on for the G20. 00:11:47.602 --> 00:11:54.360 Poland wants to formalize its presence in the group by securing a permanent obser 00:11:54.443 --> 00:11:58.865 ver or guest status with the goal of full membership. 00:11:58.948 --> 00:12:02.453 Does the commission support these efforts? 00:12:02.536 --> 00:12:06.040 Will it back Poland officially? Thank you. 00:12:10.240 --> 00:12:15.820 Thanks for the question. What I can say is that we support the efforts of Poland. 00:12:15.889 --> 00:12:19.402 And we welcome the engagement of all member states. 00:12:19.471 --> 00:12:21.400 With the G20 and in the G20. 00:12:23.020 --> 00:12:25.840 You have a follow-up. 00:12:28.300 --> 00:12:33.721 Is the support of the commission conditional on the presence of another EU member 00:12:33.788 --> 00:12:37.000 state with a similar economy, for example Spain? 00:12:39.940 --> 00:12:44.411 I have—I would just repeat what I just said, that we, of course, we welcome the 00:12:44.468 --> 00:12:47.920 engagement of all member states with the G 20 and in the G20. 00:12:50.620 --> 00:12:52.956 Other questions for Christian? Since he's here with me. 00:12:52.998 --> 00:12:54.400 At the back of the press room, I— 00:12:58.540 --> 00:13:01.472 Adrian Bakić, Slovenian public broadcaster. 00:13:01.541 --> 00:13:07.269 I have a question regarding the upcoming elections in Serbia, where the president of 00:13:07.337 --> 00:13:13.065 the assembly and acting president, Ana Brnabić, protested over the upcoming—over the 00:13:13.133 --> 00:13:17.634 composition of the EU observation delegation, saying it is biased. 00:13:17.702 --> 00:13:22.749 How do you comment on that coming from a country that is EU member, to be? 00:13:22.817 --> 00:13:28.409 And how important test will the upcoming elections on Sunday be for Brussels about 00:13:28.477 --> 00:13:31.000 the Serbian European path? Thank you. 00:13:32.620 --> 00:13:38.149 Yeah, first, let me—let me say that the EU is closely following, of course, the 00:13:38.219 --> 00:13:41.228 upcoming elections in Serbia on 25 October. 00:13:41.298 --> 00:13:46.687 Free, fair, and transparent elections are at the core of European dem ocracy. 00:13:46.757 --> 00:13:51.866 They must be organized in line with European and international standards. 00:13:51.936 --> 00:13:57.815 Specifically, on the election observation missions, let me be clear that we take any 00:13:57.885 --> 00:14:03.693 attemp ts to discredit members of the European Parliament in the election observers 00:14:03.763 --> 00:14:08.942 very seriously. Election observation missions deployed by well-established 00:14:09.012 --> 00:14:14.681 international organizations, including by members of the European Parliament, are 00:14:14.751 --> 00:14:20.420 playing an important role to ensure the democratic process and accountability are 00:14:20.490 --> 00:14:26.228 respected. Their work is based on clear standards, impartiality, and long-standing 00:14:26.298 --> 00:14:32.107 expertise. So we expect all countries, including of course candidate countries, and 00:14:32.177 --> 00:14:37.846 potential candid ates, to engage constructively and transparently with recognized 00:14:37.916 --> 00:14:40.925 international election observation efforts. 00:14:40.995 --> 00:14:46.874 The deployment of the long-term OSCE ODR election observation mission at the request 00:14:46.944 --> 00:14:52.613 of the Serbian authorities, by the way, as well as the invitation of the European 00:14:52.683 --> 00:14:58.492 Parliament, are important steps towards ensuring credible election observ ation and 00:14:58.562 --> 00:15:04.370 supporting the contribution of domestic observers to the integrity of the electoral 00:15:04.440 --> 00:15:05.640 process. Thanks. 00:15:07.840 --> 00:15:09.280 Other questions for Christian today? 00:15:10.720 --> 00:15:13.307 Not the case, as far as I can see. Not even online. 00:15:13.358 --> 00:15:15.640 Oh, sorry, Jorge, I had missed you. Go ahead. 00:15:16.060 --> 00:15:16.420 Yes. 00:15:16.420 --> 00:15:17.260 Thank you. 00:15:17.260 --> 00:15:19.965 I'm not sure if this is for Christian or Tomaj. 00:15:20.022 --> 00:15:24.454 It's related to Ukraine because, as you probably seen, President Zelensky has 00:15:24.511 --> 00:15:29.230 accused the United States of deliberately delaying or suspending purchases of U.S. 00:15:29.288 --> 00:15:33.892 -made weapons and we know that these weapons, for the most part, are paid for by 00:15:33.949 --> 00:15:38.035 Europeans. So basically you. Which makes you a part of the transaction. 00:15:38.093 --> 00:15:42.581 Have you seen an indication that this suspension or this deliveries are taking 00:15:42.639 --> 00:15:46.840 place? And have you asked the U.S. government to clarify what's going on? 00:15:47.260 --> 00:15:48.460 Thank you. 00:15:49.540 --> 00:15:52.960 Okay, in this we would have to—we would have to look into and get back to you. 00:15:55.540 --> 00:15:59.560 Okay. Other questions for us today or for Christian in this specific case? 00:16:01.120 --> 00:16:02.920 I have one question. Is it for Christian? 00:16:03.580 --> 00:16:06.193 No? Okay. I have one question—not for Christian. 00:16:06.248 --> 00:16:09.623 Okay, then Christian, thank you. We come back to other topics. 00:16:09.678 --> 00:16:12.400 Let's go to the back of the press room. Thank you. 00:16:14.320 --> 00:16:17.436 Good morning. Vincenzo Genovese from Euronews. 00:16:17.503 --> 00:16:22.244 I have a question on today's Calle Callas visit to the ICC in the NAG. 00:16:22.312 --> 00:16:27.866 I would like to know if the EU is considering to activate the EU blocking statu te 00:16:27.934 --> 00:16:31.456 to protect the ICC from the consequences of the U.S. 00:16:31.523 --> 00:16:34.978 sanctions that have been announced a few weeks ago. 00:16:35.045 --> 00:16:36.400 Thank you very much. 00:16:37.840 --> 00:16:41.560 Anwar joining me, then let's see if we have anything else to add with other spokes. 00:16:42.400 --> 00:16:47.905 Yes, indeed. I'll start on your first leg, since you mentioned the high rep and her 00:16:47.971 --> 00:16:53.477 visit. Today, indeed, the high representative Calle Callas is today in The Hague to 00:16:53.543 --> 00:16:58.915 show the EU's unwavering commitment and sol idarity to the international criminal 00:16:58.982 --> 00:17:04.354 court and international criminal justice. This afternoon, the high representative 00:17:04.421 --> 00:17:09.727 will meet with the president of the ICC, President Tomoko Akane, and the court's 00:17:09.793 --> 00:17:15.232 regist rar, Osvaldo Zavala-Giller. This visit takes place in the six months window 00:17:15.298 --> 00:17:18.880 that creates in deed space for dialogue and diplomacy. 00:17:21.220 --> 00:17:25.213 Thank you. And on the rest of your question, I think we have already said in the 00:17:25.263 --> 00:17:28.757 past all we had to say on the matter, so nothing to add at this stage. 00:17:28.807 --> 00:17:31.353 Other questions for Anwar, since he's here with me? 00:17:31.402 --> 00:17:32.800 Yes, Odile, is it for Anwar? 00:17:33.460 --> 00:17:33.940 Yes. 00:17:33.940 --> 00:17:35.140 Go ahead. 00:17:37.360 --> 00:17:44.595 Odile Arvé, for Radio North Britain. Une question sur le Moyen-Orient. 00:17:44.698 --> 00:17:52.449 Le projet E1, the construction de 1,000 habitations séparant effectivement. 00:17:52.553 --> 00:17:55.240 Ça ne marche pas, là? Bon. 00:17:55.540 --> 00:17:56.260 Ça marche. 00:17:56.260 --> 00:17:56.980 Ça marche. Bon. 00:17:56.980 --> 00:17:57.580 Oui. 00:17:57.580 --> 00:18:05.163 Alors, oui. Donc, dans la perspective de deux États, Is raël et la Palestine, on 00:18:05.257 --> 00:18:13.030 sait que le projet E1 de construction de 1,000 habitations sépar ant effectivement 00:18:13.124 --> 00:18:20.423 le territoire palestinien rendant de ce fait impossible la traversée pour les 00:18:20.517 --> 00:18:27.910 habitants, a été fortement critiqué. Mais on apprend maintenant que il y a une 00:18:28.005 --> 00:18:35.967 annonce du Premier ministre israélien Netanyahu de fermer toute la Cisjordanie après 00:18:36.062 --> 00:18:42.697 des attaques contre des Israéliens. Est-ce que vous avez une réaction? 00:18:42.791 --> 00:18:43.991 Merci. 00:18:47.020 --> 00:18:51.655 Merci. Merci, Odile. Je me permettrai de répondre d'abord sur le plan E1, avant de 00:18:51.711 --> 00:18:54.933 toucher du doigt la deuxième question, qui est la tienne. 00:18:54.989 --> 00:18:59.285 Alors, s'agissant de la publication par le gouvernement israélien de l'appel 00:18:59.341 --> 00:19:04.089 d'offres de construction de plus de 1,000, 200 log ements dans le cadre du projet de 00:19:04.146 --> 00:19:08.724 colonisation dit E1, nuit, et ce, fondamentalement, à la perspective de solutions 00:19:08.780 --> 00:19:11.606 fondées sur la coexistence à deux États. Pourquoi? 00:19:11.663 --> 00:19:16.410 La mise en œuvre du plan E1 diviserait la Cisjordanie en deux, isolant Jérusalem-Est 00:19:16.467 --> 00:19:19.971 et érodant davantage la viabilité de la solution à deux États. 00:19:20.028 --> 00:19:24.719 Ceci se passe pas dans un vacuum, mais dans un écosystème où la Cisjordanie connaît 00:19:24.775 --> 00:19:29.467 une instabilité accrue, ainsi que des niveaux de records de violence de la part des 00:19:29.523 --> 00:19:32.293 colons violents. Notre position, quelle est-elle? 00:19:32.349 --> 00:19:36.927 Elle est très claire. Les colonies israéliennes en Cisjordanie, y compris dans la 00:19:36.984 --> 00:19:40.657 zone E1, sont illégales, et ce, au regard du droit international. 00:19:40.714 --> 00:19:45.462 Et c'est la raison pour laquelle nous avons exhorté et nous continuons d'exhorter le 00:19:45.518 --> 00:19:49.983 gouvernement israélien à retirer l'appel d'offres, à mettre fin à ces plans E1, 00:19:50.040 --> 00:19:54.618 ainsi qu'à tous les autres projets d'expansion des colonies et à veiller à ce que 00:19:54.674 --> 00:19:58.913 les auteurs de violences commises par les colons répond ent de leurs actes. 00:19:58.970 --> 00:20:03.718 S'agissant de l'horizon politique, qui a toujours été le nôtre, à savoir celui de la 00:20:03.774 --> 00:20:08.126 solution à deux États, nous, Union européenne, réaffirmons not re attachement 00:20:08.183 --> 00:20:12.704 indéfectible à une paix globale, juste et durable, fondée sur la solution à deux 00:20:12.761 --> 00:20:17.395 États, conformément aux résolutions du Conseil de sécurité des Nations unies, avec 00:20:17.452 --> 00:20:22.200 deux États démocratiques, Israël et la Palestine, vivant côte à côte, et ce, dans la 00:20:22.256 --> 00:20:26.156 paix et la sécurité à l'intérieur de frontières reconnues et stables. 00:20:26.213 --> 00:20:29.773 Donc, voici quand il s'agit de notre position sur ce projet E1. 00:20:29.830 --> 00:20:32.486 Maintenant, quand il s'agit de la dernière des. 00:20:32.543 --> 00:20:37.177 Développements que tu as mentionnés. L'Union européenne condamne tous les actes de 00:20:37.234 --> 00:20:40.060 terrorisme et de violence à l'encontre des civils. 00:20:40.300 --> 00:20:45.176 C'est extrêmement clair. Permets-moi d'ajouter que tout en reconnaissant les 00:20:45.240 --> 00:20:50.630 préoccupations qui sont celles d'Israël en termes de sécurité, et a fortiori dans le 00:20:50.694 --> 00:20:55.763 contexte de tensions accrues en Cisjordanie, nous, Union européenne, soulignons 00:20:55.827 --> 00:21:00.960 l'importance de la liberté de circulation à l'intérieur de la Cisjordanie, ainsi 00:21:01.024 --> 00:21:04.360 qu'à l'intérieur et à l'extérieur du dit territoire. 00:21:07.120 --> 00:21:10.660 Merci, Anwar. Est-ce qu'on a d'autres questions à ce sujet? 00:21:10.720 --> 00:21:14.320 Je ne vois pas de main levée. D'autres questions pour Anwar? 00:21:14.380 --> 00:21:19.300 Pas de main levée non plus. Merci, Anwar. D'autres questions pour nous aujourd'hui 00:21:19.360 --> 00:21:22.780 sur des autres sujets? On revient ici en salle de presse. 00:21:22.840 --> 00:21:24.040 Oui. 00:21:30.340 --> 00:21:35.877 Hello. I think I'm from MLEX. Just a question for Thomas. 00:21:35.974 --> 00:21:43.843 Just a follow-up on some of the big news this week in the United States regarding 00:21:43.940 --> 00:21:52.101 Meta. And this is a rather large court ruling against Meta that was about 25 billion 00:21:52.198 --> 00:21:58.609 dollars following up another ruling in August that was 18 billion. 00:21:58.707 --> 00:22:06.478 So in the last couple of years, we've had a steady stream of complaints by U .S. 00:22:06.575 --> 00:22:13.181 administration officials about the DSA and, to some degree, the DMA. 00:22:13.278 --> 00:22:21.342 But essentially, the complaint is that these European legislations and rules are un 00:22:21.439 --> 00:22:29.210 fairly targeting EU companies. And my question today is how the Commission would 00:22:29.307 --> 00:22:36.691 respond to these accusations in light of these massive rulings against Meta. 00:22:36.788 --> 00:22:44.171 In the tens of billions, far exceeding any DSA decisions to date or even DMA 00:22:44.268 --> 00:22:49.125 decision s. That are in the millions. Can the U.S. 00:22:49.222 --> 00:22:57.188 administration say that the European legislation is actually targeting or unfairly 00:22:57.285 --> 00:23:04.183 targeting U.S. companies when U.S. states are levying such large fines? 00:23:04.280 --> 00:23:05.480 Thanks. 00:23:07.840 --> 00:23:12.386 Thanks, Matthew. Let's start maybe with the obvious that we have said many times 00:23:12.443 --> 00:23:15.795 from this podium. We have the sovereign right to legislate. 00:23:15.852 --> 00:23:18.750 And this, of course, applies to the digital sector. 00:23:18.807 --> 00:23:21.364 And we always do this in a proportionate way. 00:23:21.421 --> 00:23:25.682 We do not enforce and regulate by flag. We enforce and regulate by problem. 00:23:25.739 --> 00:23:30.342 That's a big, big difference. So the DSA, the DMA, DI Act, they apply to the U.S. 00:23:30.399 --> 00:23:33.808 companies. They apply to Asian companies, Chinese companies. 00:23:33.865 --> 00:23:36.422 They apply, of course, to European companies. 00:23:36.479 --> 00:23:40.058 One of the prime examples was this week with a booking dot com. 00:23:40.115 --> 00:23:44.718 Now, that being said, when we enforce our legislation, we start with the problem. 00:23:44.775 --> 00:23:49.434 And we always said that, speaking of the DSA and Meta, for example, because you're 00:23:49.491 --> 00:23:52.787 referring to this company, that this is a shar ed concern. 00:23:52.844 --> 00:23:57.560 We have a DSA investigation in two years. We reached the same conclusion as we have 00:23:57.617 --> 00:24:02.106 seen on the other side of the Atlantic. Now, again, when the company is able to 00:24:02.162 --> 00:24:06.651 offer safeguards in the U. S., then we expect these safeguards to be offered in 00:24:06.708 --> 00:24:10.004 Europe. This is what we're currently discussing with Meta. 00:24:10.061 --> 00:24:13.357 Let us have this dialogue. Let's see where this will lead. 00:24:13.413 --> 00:24:16.652 And again, then you're referring to the size of the fine. 00:24:16.709 --> 00:24:21.198 When we start an investigation, and even when we conclude an investigation, the 00:24:21.255 --> 00:24:24.210 amount of the fine is not where we're starting with. 00:24:24.266 --> 00:24:28.983 We are always having a proportionate fine, which is proportionate to the breach, to 00:24:29.040 --> 00:24:32.904 the gravity, to the duration. So we take these factors into account. 00:24:32.960 --> 00:24:36.199 And all of this, of course, to have a change of behavior. 00:24:36.256 --> 00:24:40.120 So the fine has never been the objective of any of our legislations. 00:24:42.400 --> 00:24:46.184 Thank you, Thomas. You have a follow-up question, a quick one, please, because I 00:24:46.231 --> 00:24:48.360 still have many hands raised from colleagues. 00:24:48.407 --> 00:24:49.607 Thank you. 00:24:51.100 --> 00:24:57.468 While you're up there, Thomas, of course, we've got lots of news in the last couple 00:24:57.545 --> 00:25:01.765 of weeks about riots in France and social disturbances. 00:25:01.842 --> 00:25:08.287 And then allegations that the social media platform s are not doing enough to remove 00:25:08.364 --> 00:25:14.656 some of the images or misinformation that might contribute to f omenting even more 00:25:14.732 --> 00:25:20.794 violence. And I'm just wondering what the Commission's role is when it comes to 00:25:20.871 --> 00:25:26.088 regul ating platforms versus what the role of the member states are. 00:25:26.165 --> 00:25:31.383 Because each member state has their own digital service coordinator. 00:25:31.459 --> 00:25:37.368 Is it really the role of the Commission to organize meetings, call upon these 00:25:37.444 --> 00:25:43.889 platforms, to do more? Or is it the member states themselves, in this case France or 00:25:43.966 --> 00:25:49.721 Belgium, Italy, where the actual events are occurring, for them to take the 00:25:49.798 --> 00:25:56.166 initiative to contact the companies and to say, well, we need a lot more efforts on 00:25:56.243 --> 00:26:00.386 your side to stop the misinformation on the platforms? 00:26:00.463 --> 00:26:01.663 Thanks. 00:26:03.100 --> 00:26:07.347 Thanks, Matthew. The first role is with the companies and with online platforms. 00:26:07.400 --> 00:26:10.426 They have to make sure in the DSA is very clear about it. 00:26:10.479 --> 00:26:14.885 They have to make sure that their systems, their algorithms, their services are not 00:26:14.938 --> 00:26:19.238 being mis used in such a context. So it is for online platforms to make sure that 00:26:19.292 --> 00:26:23.379 they comply with a number of obligations that are laid out in our regulation. 00:26:23.432 --> 00:26:27.892 Then, of course, the DSA also gives an entire toolbox to our member states that they 00:26:27.945 --> 00:26:32.085 can make use of in such a context if they see the need to rely on these tools. 00:26:32.139 --> 00:26:36.386 For example, law enforcement authorities under the DSA can send orders to online 00:26:36.439 --> 00:26:40.792 platforms to get certain information. What is the role of the Commission in there? 00:26:40.845 --> 00:26:44.614 We are, of course, always ready to support our member states if needed. 00:26:44.667 --> 00:26:48.596 This is why we had meetings, for example, with the French Digital Services 00:26:48.649 --> 00:26:52.789 Coordinator, ARCOM, but we had also a board meeting with all dig ital services 00:26:52.842 --> 00:26:56.824 coordinators because of the cross-border dimension of the events that we're 00:26:56.877 --> 00:26:59.478 currently facing in some of our EU member states. 00:26:59.531 --> 00:27:03.672 What is our role? Again, supporting our member states, seeing if platforms are 00:27:03.725 --> 00:27:07.760 responsive to the steps and the measures that o ur member states are taking. 00:27:07.813 --> 00:27:12.272 Should that be not the case, for whatever reason, then, of course, the Commission is 00:27:12.325 --> 00:27:16.360 ready to support and to also play its role if there is a systemic dimension. 00:27:18.340 --> 00:27:22.234 You have a related question, I think. Is it related? 00:27:22.308 --> 00:27:26.651 Okay, go ahead. It's fine. Yeah. It was a second question. 00:27:26.726 --> 00:27:27.926 Go ahead. 00:27:30.160 --> 00:27:35.753 Thank you. Regarding the ongoing talk with Meta, which you mentioned earlier, can I 00:27:35.820 --> 00:27:41.211 just get a sense of whether if Meta were to implement the same exact measures it 00:27:41.279 --> 00:27:45.591 promised to implement in the U. S., at some point in the future? 00:27:45.659 --> 00:27:49.365 Because from what I understand, it's not yet operative. 00:27:49.432 --> 00:27:55.093 Whether that would be enough for the Commission to close the DSA probe against Meta? 00:27:55.160 --> 00:27:58.058 Good question. Our DSA case is quite broad. 00:27:58.125 --> 00:28:03.651 We have an issue not only with the one safeguard that is being offered in the U.S. 00:28:03.718 --> 00:28:09.244 by a company, meaning the two-hour screen time limit, we have a broader issue with 00:28:09.311 --> 00:28:14.972 the addictive design, with the rabbit hole effec t, and this is what the DSA aims to 00:28:15.039 --> 00:28:20.565 tackle. So I mean, it's for our services to determine if it will be enough or not. 00:28:20.632 --> 00:28:25.215 Our basic principle is that if Meta can offer safeguards in the U.S. 00:28:25.282 --> 00:28:30.471 to protect children in the U.S., this must be offered immediately for kids in 00:28:30.538 --> 00:28:34.446 Europe. Now, will this be enough to close the case or not? 00:28:34.514 --> 00:28:39.635 For our services, I said it here, we will not settle the case for one or two 00:28:39.703 --> 00:28:45.093 safeguard s. We really need to tackle, and this is the objective of the DSA, the 00:28:45.161 --> 00:28:48.058 core addictive features of these companies. 00:28:48.126 --> 00:28:50.080 We want a change of behavior. 00:28:53.380 --> 00:28:54.760 Follow-up. Go ahead, John. 00:29:00.820 --> 00:29:06.577 Has such an offer been made on the part of Meta platforms, Inc. 00:29:06.669 --> 00:29:07.869 ? 00:29:08.740 --> 00:29:12.520 We are in constructive discussions with Meta on this precise issue. 00:29:15.580 --> 00:29:18.876 Let's see if we have related questions. Are there related questions? 00:29:18.925 --> 00:29:22.027 Not the case. Are there questions for Thomas on digital matters? 00:29:22.076 --> 00:29:24.160 We're going to stay with digital. Go ahead. 00:29:27.580 --> 00:29:30.554 Thanks very much. Maximilian Henning from Rapporteur. 00:29:30.610 --> 00:29:33.023 This is a question a bit out of left field. 00:29:33.079 --> 00:29:37.793 China, this summer, set up an international AI group of governments called the World 00:29:37.849 --> 00:29:42.507 Artificial Intelligence Corporation Organization, or WICO for short, has China ever 00:29:42.563 --> 00:29:46.828 reached out to the Commission on whether it wants to join this organization? 00:29:46.884 --> 00:29:50.475 If yes, when and how did it do so? And did the Commission reply? 00:29:50.531 --> 00:29:52.720 And if yes, what did it say? Thank you. 00:29:55.780 --> 00:30:01.462 Thanks, Maximilian. I'm I can tell you that we have not received a formal invitation 00:30:01.529 --> 00:30:04.370 whatsoever to join that cooperation group. 00:30:04.438 --> 00:30:09.646 Let me recall that the Commission's position has always been extremely clear. 00:30:09.714 --> 00:30:15.193 We need to tackle the risks that come from AI with global partners, because these 00:30:15.261 --> 00:30:19.657 challenges are global ones, not isolated , to the European Union. 00:30:19.725 --> 00:30:24.866 And in this context, let me say that we are already working with like-minded 00:30:24.933 --> 00:30:30.615 partners in different for a, be it the U.N., be it the G7, the G20, the OECD, and we 00:30:30.683 --> 00:30:36.026 have recently joined PAC Silica. So these are the existing fora in which we are 00:30:36.094 --> 00:30:41.640 raising our concerns and promoting the work that we're doing here with our AI Act, 00:30:41.708 --> 00:30:46.240 because let's not forget it. Europe already has the rules in place. 00:30:48.400 --> 00:30:49.600 Follow-up, Maximilian. Go ahead. 00:30:51.940 --> 00:30:54.570 You say you have not received a formal invitation. 00:30:54.622 --> 00:30:59.041 Can you say anything on any contacts on this matter below this level of formal invit 00:30:59.093 --> 00:31:03.406 ation? And I also want to ask, if such an offer were to come, would the Commission 00:31:03.459 --> 00:31:07.246 actually have a choice? Because, as you say, you have signed PAC Silica. 00:31:07.298 --> 00:31:11.243 And the Americans have been pretty clear that this seems to be an either-or 00:31:11.295 --> 00:31:12.495 situation. So thanks. 00:31:14.020 --> 00:31:17.601 We have signed PAC Silica. We have not received a formal invitation. 00:31:17.654 --> 00:31:21.866 I will not go into ifs, nor into hypothetical bilateral discussions we're having 00:31:21.919 --> 00:31:23.920 with our Chinese counterparts on this. 00:31:25.900 --> 00:31:30.470 Okay. Related questions to this. Gabriela Zerondes, not on this. 00:31:30.542 --> 00:31:33.684 Odile Zerondes? More or less. Related. Okay. 00:31:33.755 --> 00:31:39.040 Odile, then Gabriele, and then Vitali, I think, had a question for Thomas. 00:31:39.880 --> 00:31:43.000 Or Odile Harvey for Radio Nord-Bretagne. 00:31:44.500 --> 00:31:52.661 On 9, 10 and 11 November, the Paris Peace Forum will be held in Paris. 00:31:52.778 --> 00:32:01.289 And on the programme, there is also an entire session on the Kids Summit. 00:32:01.406 --> 00:32:10.733 I wanted to know whether you will be represented there, to promote the Kids Act, 00:32:10.850 --> 00:32:15.280 etc. Will you be attending? Thank you. 00:32:17.860 --> 00:32:21.288 Thank you, Odile. I can confirm that we will indeed be present. 00:32:21.342 --> 00:32:25.641 It is true that the Kids Act and the protection of minors online is an absolute 00:32:25.696 --> 00:32:29.559 priority not only for the President, but for the Commission as a whole. 00:32:29.613 --> 00:32:33.640 So, indeed, we have a strong interest in taking part in these discussions. 00:32:35.860 --> 00:32:37.060 Okay. Gabriele? 00:32:37.840 --> 00:32:39.040 I can get back to you. 00:32:39.760 --> 00:32:40.540 Sama agrees with this, 00:32:40.540 --> 00:32:46.514 actually. Gabriele Rosana, venir. Greece passed the Greek Parliament passed a social 00:32:46.585 --> 00:32:52.416 media ban for children under 15, which is due to take effect on the 1st of January 00:32:52.487 --> 00:32:58.390 2027. I would like to know if the Commission considers this a fragmentation somehow 00:32:58.461 --> 00:33:04.364 of the internal market , if this somehow hinders or jeopardizes the internal market 00:33:04.435 --> 00:33:08.559 while you are working on a uniform ban for the entire E U. 00:33:08.631 --> 00:33:14.106 And if perhaps member states should not wait for that, since it's a matter of 00:33:14.178 --> 00:33:17.378 priority and you want it to be ad opted soon. 00:33:17.449 --> 00:33:18.649 Thank you. 00:33:20.380 --> 00:33:23.078 Thank you. Let's start with the overall objective. 00:33:23.132 --> 00:33:27.611 We're fully in line with our member states who do want to do more to prote ct their 00:33:27.665 --> 00:33:31.874 kids in the online world in light of all the harms that is being done to them. 00:33:31.928 --> 00:33:34.734 This is precisely why we have proposed the Kids Act. 00:33:34.788 --> 00:33:39.159 Now, indeed, several member states have notified their draft national laws to the 00:33:39.213 --> 00:33:42.774 European Commission . We have addressed procedures that we follow. 00:33:42.828 --> 00:33:45.364 We assess these drafts based on our assessment. 00:33:45.418 --> 00:33:48.872 We may give recommendation, a detailed opinion to member states. 00:33:48.926 --> 00:33:53.351 And we then take it from there. Now, indeed, our main objective is not to fragment 00:33:53.405 --> 00:33:57.668 our internal market. All kids across the entire European Union deserve an equal 00:33:57.722 --> 00:34:01.661 level of protection. This is precisely why we have proposed the Kids Act. 00:34:01.715 --> 00:34:06.140 And we definitely urge our co-legislatures to advance the work on this as quick ly 00:34:06.194 --> 00:34:10.618 as possible because we have no time to lose when it comes to the protection of our 00:34:10.672 --> 00:34:11.872 kids online. 00:34:12.880 --> 00:34:14.200 You have a follow-up, Gabriele. 00:34:16.780 --> 00:34:22.756 Since you used yourself the fragmentation word, do you think that if the Kids Act is 00:34:22.828 --> 00:34:28.590 not in pla ce, before the 1st of January, then there is a risk of fragmenting the 00:34:28.662 --> 00:34:29.862 internal market? 00:34:32.200 --> 00:34:36.193 Yes, and we have proposed the Kids Act with clear age limits. 00:34:36.258 --> 00:34:41.364 No own accounts below 15. Accounts with the supervision and control of parents 00:34:41.429 --> 00:34:45.291 between 13 and 15, and no social media at all for under 13. 00:34:45.356 --> 00:34:48.629 So our position on this matter is extremely clear. 00:34:48.695 --> 00:34:54.062 And this is what we have proposed for all member states across the entire European 00:34:54.127 --> 00:34:55.327 Union. 00:34:57.400 --> 00:35:01.240 I don't see other hands raised on digital matters for Thomas. 00:35:01.303 --> 00:35:05.080 Therefore, we can move to Vitali. If it's for Thomas, still. 00:35:07.060 --> 00:35:13.126 Yes, Vitali Sizov, Freedom TV channel, on security maybe you have got some feedback 00:35:13.199 --> 00:35:17.438 from SpaceX company on Starlink. Do you have some updates? 00:35:17.511 --> 00:35:20.800 Did they react in some way on your statement? 00:35:24.880 --> 00:35:30.033 Usually never comment on bilateral discussions we're having with the companies. 00:35:30.099 --> 00:35:35.513 I mean, it is more for the Ukrainian authorities to confirm or not if full services 00:35:35.578 --> 00:35:40.667 were restored in Ukraine. What I can say on this matter is definitely at least 00:35:40.732 --> 00:35:46.081 recall our position, which is that the latest reports that Starlink has decided to 00:35:46.146 --> 00:35:49.799 slow down its services in Ukraine are deeply concerning. 00:35:49.864 --> 00:35:54.887 And inconsistent with previous sharing of these essential needs for Ukrainian 00:35:54.953 --> 00:36:00.367 soldiers and for Ukraine to prote ct its territory and defend its citizens and this 00:36:00.432 --> 00:36:05.912 is why if not already done we definitely still ur ge SpaceX to restore full services 00:36:05.977 --> 00:36:07.177 for Ukraine. 00:36:09.160 --> 00:36:15.646 Other questions for Thomas? Not the case as far as I can see. 00:36:15.752 --> 00:36:21.069 Other questions for us today? Daniele from remote. 00:36:21.175 --> 00:36:25.960 Daniele? Daniele? You need to press on speak. 00:36:26.440 --> 00:36:27.640 Oh, yeah. Daniele. 00:36:28.240 --> 00:36:32.185 Sorry for that. Thank you very much for the floor. 00:36:32.264 --> 00:36:36.525 It's Daniele Weber for the Luxembourgish Public Radio. 00:36:36.604 --> 00:36:39.997 It's on an evergreen this time of the year. 00:36:40.076 --> 00:36:46.388 The daylight saving time. And yeah, many of us remember Jean-Claude Juncker, the 00:36:46.467 --> 00:36:51.044 former commission president, saying the people w ant this. 00:36:51.123 --> 00:36:55.542 We are doing this. Meaning abolishing changing the time. 00:36:55.621 --> 00:37:02.012 Or yeah, the clock. You know what I mean? So ever since that was 2018, ever since 00:37:02.091 --> 00:37:08.561 nothing happened, so I wanted to know whether the commission is acting in a way in 00:37:08.640 --> 00:37:13.532 this matter today. Can you confirm that there will be a study? 00:37:13.611 --> 00:37:19.845 When will the results be published? And what questions are asked in this study? 00:37:19.924 --> 00:37:23.080 What is the aim of the study? Thank you. 00:37:23.500 --> 00:37:24.580 Very much. 00:37:24.580 --> 00:37:28.288 We share your enthusiasm on the topic. It's one of our favorite press room topics, 00:37:28.334 --> 00:37:30.640 and in particular in Akaiza. It's thrilled with it. 00:37:31.180 --> 00:37:37.454 And listen, thank you, because this allows us to make an important public service 00:37:37.531 --> 00:37:43.882 announcement, which is that this weekend we will be turning backlog s by one hour. 00:37:43.960 --> 00:37:50.311 I will personally only turn it back by 55 minutes because I don't want to be late. 00:37:50.388 --> 00:37:56.894 But on this issue, member states, our position has remained the same since 2018 when 00:37:56.972 --> 00:38:01.464 we made the proposal to the co-legislatures on this issue. 00:38:01.542 --> 00:38:05.647 Member states are best placed to decide on this time. 00:38:05.724 --> 00:38:11.920 And since then, I mean, for eight years now, this proposal has been stuck in the 00:38:11.998 --> 00:38:16.722 council. There has not been a decision between member states. 00:38:16.800 --> 00:38:23.073 But we have been constructively engaging with success ive council presidencies to 00:38:23.151 --> 00:38:29.580 see what we can do. Our job as the commission is to foster consensus amongst member 00:38:29.657 --> 00:38:35.621 states and help coordinat e. But ultimately, this decision is with the member 00:38:35.698 --> 00:38:42.204 states. You asked about the study. Yes, we are working on a study as well that would 00:38:42.282 --> 00:38:46.774 then be ab le to possibly support in this decision-making. 00:38:46.852 --> 00:38:53.048 The. Work is ongoing. I do not yet have the date when we will be able to present 00:38:53.125 --> 00:38:59.631 results. But obviously the study will be looking into the various aspects of related 00:38:59.709 --> 00:39:05.982 to changing the time inter estingly, the summertime or changing clocks in Europe. 00:39:06.060 --> 00:39:12.411 It started during the first world war. And then it was kind of scrapped for a bit. 00:39:12.488 --> 00:39:18.840 And given that we are in an energy crisis now, it was France that exactly 50 years 00:39:18.917 --> 00:39:23.564 ago introduc ed summertime, reintroduced summertime, to say. 00:39:23.642 --> 00:39:29.915 Energy as a response to the oil crisis. But of course we have since had we have a 00:39:29.993 --> 00:39:36.034 directive in place since 2000 on this. And following many requests from member 00:39:36.112 --> 00:39:42.540 states, the European Parliament, we then decided in 20 18 to make a proposal and it 00:39:42.618 --> 00:39:48.891 has been stuck in the council ever since. So as a result, this weekend we will be 00:39:48.969 --> 00:39:54.545 turning our clocks back by one hour. Other questions on the time change? 00:39:54.623 --> 00:39:58.341 Let's see. Since I see hands raised from remote. 00:39:58.418 --> 00:40:01.981 Gerardo, Tommaso, is it on this? Probably not. 00:40:02.058 --> 00:40:05.931 No. Okay. Thank you. Other questions for Anakaisa? 00:40:06.008 --> 00:40:07.480 She's here with me. 00:40:08.920 --> 00:40:11.567 Not in the press room. I have two hands raised from remote. 00:40:11.612 --> 00:40:13.720 Let's see if it's for you. Let's go to Gerardo. 00:40:17.080 --> 00:40:18.280 Yeah. Hi. Can you hear me? 00:40:18.400 --> 00:40:19.600 Yes. And we see you. Hi. 00:40:20.620 --> 00:40:26.467 No. I mean, it's on the operation revival that was launched mentioning Juncker. 00:40:26.541 --> 00:40:30.907 But it's on the previous commission. College of Commission. 00:40:30.981 --> 00:40:35.200 There was a reporting this morning on New Observer about. 00:40:35.620 --> 00:40:38.920 Gerardo, just one second. Apologies. Let me check if Tommaso's for Anakaisa. 00:40:39.460 --> 00:40:40.180 Ah, yeah, yeah. Right. 00:40:40.180 --> 00:40:42.560 I will get back. Tommaso, is it for Anakaisa? 00:40:42.613 --> 00:40:44.200 Since your hand stayed raised. 00:40:46.420 --> 00:40:50.128 Yes. Good afternoon. It is for Anakaisa, actually. 00:40:50.202 --> 00:40:55.986 Tommaso Vallavotti at Encrono City. It's just a curiosity because the European 00:40:56.060 --> 00:41:02.140 Parliament yesterday adopted a position on the ET S, which called for the adoption 00:41:02.214 --> 00:41:08.147 of revised parameters for some industrial sectors, among which there is ceramic, 00:41:08.221 --> 00:41:13.189 ceramics. Which is a very important sector for the Italian economy. 00:41:13.263 --> 00:41:19.195 Which is actually penalized by the fact that it has been excluded from the CBAM. 00:41:19.270 --> 00:41:25.424 May you please explain why ceramics was excluded from the CBAM, which is actually a 00:41:25.498 --> 00:41:31.431 penalization for the sector because they paid ETS but they face competition from 00:41:31.505 --> 00:41:37.289 ceramics imported from out side the EU, which doesn't pay any price for carbon 00:41:37.363 --> 00:41:38.920 emitted. Many thanks. 00:41:41.740 --> 00:41:47.592 If I understood correctly, you would ask me to explain the European Parliament 00:41:47.667 --> 00:41:53.894 decision or their request and this is something I'm I would have to send you to ask 00:41:53.969 --> 00:42:00.121 the European Parliament about th is. It is part of the co-decision process that is 00:42:00.196 --> 00:42:05.673 related to the ETS proposal that or the review that we made back in July. 00:42:05.748 --> 00:42:11.675 But on the individual changes that the European Parliament is now making, these 00:42:11.750 --> 00:42:17.827 would be for them to comment, not for us. We are obviously very closely following 00:42:17.902 --> 00:42:23.904 and supporting the co-leg islatures in this process, but not commenting on their 00:42:23.979 --> 00:42:27.880 individual decisions. Tommaso, you have a follow-up? 00:42:33.380 --> 00:42:36.635 Uh, yes, I do, because— I mean, the question is: 00:42:36.703 --> 00:42:42.332 ceramics has been excluded from the CBAM, which is applies— applies only to certain 00:42:42.400 --> 00:42:47.825 sectors. May you please explain why ceramics is still out of the CBAM, which is— 00:42:47.893 --> 00:42:53.047 which is a competitive disadvantage for the sector, because they face unfair 00:42:53.115 --> 00:42:55.760 competition from abroad, right? Thanks. 00:42:57.320 --> 00:43:02.736 Um, CBAM is actually taxation, so it would be for my colleague, uh, she— she will 00:43:02.803 --> 00:43:06.080 get back on— on this — on the ceramics exclusion. 00:43:08.600 --> 00:43:12.774 Thanks a lot, Anna. Kai is Louise, you want to provide an answer already, or you 00:43:12.826 --> 00:43:14.600 want to get back later to Tommaso? 00:43:15.200 --> 00:43:18.320 Later. Okay, Tommaso, we'll be in touch. Louise, we'll be in touch in the afternoon. 00:43:19.280 --> 00:43:22.280 Thank you. Gerardo, we come back to your question. 00:43:22.340 --> 00:43:23.720 If you can start again. 00:43:30.980 --> 00:43:37.575 Yeah, hi, um, Gerardo from Politico. Yeah, there was this reporting this morning on 00:43:37.654 --> 00:43:44.329 you observer, uh, on former Commissioner Didi Reynders, there was an exchange that a 00:43:44.408 --> 00:43:50.924 WhatsApp exchange that was published, uh, between him and an intelligence operator 00:43:51.003 --> 00:43:57.519 from the Belg ian intelligence, and it was while Reynders was also a member of the 00:43:57.598 --> 00:44:04.273 college. I just want to know, since also the commission wanted to participate, and I 00:44:04.352 --> 00:44:10.391 think the commission said one year ago that it would have contributed to the 00:44:10.470 --> 00:44:16.986 investigation of the police, if this WhatsApp message was from, uh, Didi Reynders, 00:44:17.065 --> 00:44:23.104 actual phone at the commission, and it is something that was provided by the 00:44:23.183 --> 00:44:29.778 commission, and also in general, if you have a comment on the ongoing investigation 00:44:29.858 --> 00:44:32.480 and the new developments, thanks. 00:44:33.380 --> 00:44:38.059 Thank you. Balázs joining me, I doubt we would say much on ongoing investigation, 00:44:38.117 --> 00:44:42.796 and of course we stand always ready to cooperate with the national authorities on 00:44:42.854 --> 00:44:44.240 all matters, but Balázs. 00:44:44.660 --> 00:44:49.791 Ariana did my job as usual, so indeed we are very much aware of the proceedings 00:44:49.856 --> 00:44:53.038 pursued by the Belgian authorities on this point. 00:44:53.103 --> 00:44:58.363 To my knowledge we have not been contacted by the Belgian authorities, but should 00:44:58.428 --> 00:45:02.000 this be the c ase we will of course as usual cooperate. 00:45:03.260 --> 00:45:08.924 Thank you, Balázs. Since Balázs joined me, other questions for Balázs on the files 00:45:08.994 --> 00:45:12.171 he covers? No. Ah, wait, a couple from remote. 00:45:12.240 --> 00:45:13.760 Let's go to Alexandra. 00:45:17.300 --> 00:45:20.000 Thank you, Ariana, for the floor. Do you hear me well? 00:45:20.720 --> 00:45:21.920 We do, and we see you as well. 00:45:23.300 --> 00:45:29.193 On the same story, regarding former Commissioner Didier Reynders, irrespective of 00:45:29.266 --> 00:45:34.868 the Belgian investigation, does the commission consider that this revelations 00:45:34.941 --> 00:45:38.360 warrant an internal security review? Thank you. 00:45:41.180 --> 00:45:47.062 I would slow down a little bit and recall that from what we understand there is an 00:45:47.133 --> 00:45:52.943 ongoing investig ation, so no conclusions have been drawn, so I would not jump to 00:45:53.015 --> 00:45:56.960 any conclusion for this reas on. At this point in time. 00:45:58.940 --> 00:46:01.520 Thank you, Balázs. I see Tommaso has a hand raised. 00:46:08.440 --> 00:46:09.640 I will just begin: 00:46:10.240 --> 00:46:17.638 sorry for asking another question, but it's just on Ital y, because Prime Minister 00:46:17.728 --> 00:46:25.036 Meloni said after the European Council that she has talked with President von der 00:46:25.126 --> 00:46:32.615 Leyen and that she's optimist in as far as the request of flexibility is concerned. 00:46:32.705 --> 00:46:40.193 I wonder if you are already in contact with Italian authorities on this matter, and 00:46:40.284 --> 00:46:45.787 if you expect high -level contacts in the next days or weeks. 00:46:45.877 --> 00:46:47.077 Many thanks. 00:46:49.900 --> 00:46:53.664 Und die the point of flexibility in the Italian case: 00:46:53.735 --> 00:46:59.700 I think what is important to recall is that Ital y recently requested the activation 00:46:59.771 --> 00:47:05.238 of the national escape clause. On the Commission's side, there was a positive 00:47:05.309 --> 00:47:09.144 assessment, and the file has now moved to the Council. 00:47:09.215 --> 00:47:13.547 And it is for them to deliver a final opinion on the request. 00:47:13.618 --> 00:47:19.441 Obviously, this would give Italy extra fiscal space, be it in the field of defense 00:47:19.512 --> 00:47:22.920 or in the field of energy. This is their choice. 00:47:22.991 --> 00:47:28.246 And what I can confirm is that we have had good discussions with Ital y in 00:47:28.317 --> 00:47:34.282 particular as to how to make the best use of the extra fiscal space when it comes to 00:47:34.353 --> 00:47:35.560 energy me asures. 00:47:38.620 --> 00:47:42.220 Other questions for Balasz? Not the case. Thank you, Balasz. 00:47:42.280 --> 00:47:45.280 Other questions for us today on different matters? 00:47:45.340 --> 00:47:46.540 Go ahead. 00:47:50.020 --> 00:47:54.150 Hi, thank you for the floor, Alessia Balducci, now Italian News Agency. 00:47:54.208 --> 00:47:58.570 I have a question on the trade-and-fence partnership with Tur key announced 00:47:58.629 --> 00:48:01.537 yesterday by Prime Minister of Canada Mark Carney. 00:48:01.595 --> 00:48:05.958 I would just like to know your take on this, because we know that Carney is 00:48:06.016 --> 00:48:10.844 interested in an alliance for the future, open not only to the European Union, so w 00:48:10.902 --> 00:48:15.788 ithout going into speculation and prejudging the outcome of the summit, but for now, 00:48:15.846 --> 00:48:20.499 I would just like to know: do you see this Canada-T urkey agreement as part of a 00:48:20.557 --> 00:48:25.152 bigger alliance for the future plan, like does this fit in that frame, and then 00:48:25.211 --> 00:48:29.806 secondly, if I may, have other partners reached out to you specifically showing 00:48:29.864 --> 00:48:34.401 interest in this alliance for the future idea, or is this more of a Canada-led 00:48:34.459 --> 00:48:36.960 initiative that you are just tagging along? 00:48:37.018 --> 00:48:38.218 Thank you. 00:48:39.400 --> 00:48:43.781 On the first part of the question, as you said, this is a trade agreement. 00:48:43.840 --> 00:48:48.399 We're not taking trade questions today; there is a presser dedicated to trade 00:48:48.458 --> 00:48:52.010 matters at 3 o'clock, so we're not going to enter into that. 00:48:52.069 --> 00:48:56.509 On the upcoming Canada summit, of course, the alliance for the future is an 00:48:56.569 --> 00:49:00.417 important component. We will have the summit coming up in a week; 00:49:00.476 --> 00:49:05.330 right now we're focused on that, and we will see in the future how to go about it, 00:49:05.390 --> 00:49:10.363 but our priority is to strengthen our relationship with Canada and the summit is the 00:49:10.422 --> 00:49:14.507 first very important occasion to do so. Other questions for us today? 00:49:14.566 --> 00:49:18.296 Not the case. That brings us to the end of our midday briefing. 00:49:18.355 --> 00:49:22.499 Thank you very much for having participated, also to the interpreters. 00:49:22.558 --> 00:49:27.413 We wish you a very nice weekend, and we will be back on Monday with our next press 00:49:27.472 --> 00:49:28.672 event. Goodbye.