Brussels Live · EC midday briefing 2026-10-30
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[12:09:06] Speaker 1 [FR]
Hello and a very warm welcome to our midday meeting. Before taking your questions, we have a few announcements for you. And let us start with President von der Leyen's agenda for next week. So, on Monday, the President will receive CEOs of European start-ups and sustainable development actors at a working dinner here in Parliament. On Tuesday, the President will deliver a speech on the occasion of the Win-Win summit. here in Brussels. And on Wednesday, the President will chair the meeting of the College of Commissioners, also in Brussels. So that is the President's agenda for now. as for next week. And I would also like to take this opportunity to remind you that a press conference will be held with President von der Leyen and the President of the European Council, Mr Coste, and the Prime Minister of Canada, Mr Carney, which will take place will be held in Montreal later in the day, as part of the European Union-Canada summit. The press conference is scheduled for around 5.15 p.m. Brussels time this afternoon. And you will be able to follow it live on EBS. And now, I would like to call on Anouar to join me. Sad news concerning Eaufore, Altea, and Anouar will explain what Eaufore and Altea are and why they are indeed sad news.

[12:11:03] Speaker 2 [FR]
Thank you, Paola.

[12:11:07] Speaker 2 [EN]
Indeed. Last evening, on the evening of the 29th of October, an Italian helicopter from our EU force in Bosnia and Herzegovina, EU4 Altea, which serves every day to support peace and stability in Bosnia and Herzegovina, crashed while conducting routine training. As a result of this accident, EU4 Altea suffered the loss of four persons on board, with another 11 injured, currently in a stable condition and receiving medical treatment. The European Union is deeply saddened by this tragic loss of life. We extend our deepest condolences to the families and friends of those who lost their lives in the service of peace. The high representative yesterday has conveyed her heartfelt condolences to the Italian ministers for foreign affairs and defense. Europe stands in full solidarity with Italy in this difficult time.

[12:12:12] Speaker 1 [EN]
Thank you, Anouar. And our thoughts and sentiments are with the family and the friends of all those who lost their lives in service in this tragic accident. Now, I would like to invite Eva to share some updates on our efforts to improve European disaster preparedness. Eva.

[12:12:42] Speaker 3 [EN]
Good afternoon, everybody. Let me change the topic and let's speak about wildfires, floods, extreme weather, health emergencies. All this is Europe facing more frequently. The crises are more destructive and more complex. Climate change is accelerating these risks. And these crises do not respect borders. And no country, however well-prepared, can face every threat alone. Europe makes a difference. With disaster strikes, countries can count on each other. We saw this again this summer when firefighters and aircraft crossed borders to battle devastating wildfires. In Europe, European solidarity is powerful and saves lives. As the risk evolves, so must our ability to prepare for such a risk. And this is why President von der Leyen announced in her State of the Union speech the creation of a new advisory group on European disaster preparedness. And today, the Commission is establishing that group, prepare EU. It brings together 11 senior civil protection and crisis management experts and six scientists and academics to examine the threats Europe faces. They will assess our existing capabilities and recommend how to strengthen them. The demand for stronger European cooperation from citizens is there. Today, we also publish new Eurobarometer, 94 of Europeans believe countries should help one another when disaster overwhelm national capacities. And 91% of people won't even stronger European coordination to face the future crisis. Prepare EU will put forward concrete recommendations by spring of the next year, to help turning this ambition into action. And both on Prepare EU and on Eurobarometer, we have prepared press release for you, which you can check.

[12:14:57] Speaker 1 [EN]
Thank you very much, Eva. And before closing our announcements, just a kind reminder that there will be no midday briefing next Monday, as the Commission will be closed for all souls' day. So we will see you back here in the press room on Tuesday. And now, who would like to take the first question? Yes, Christian.

[12:15:28] Speaker 4 [EN]
Thanks, Paola. Christian, I would answer Europe. A question for Anna-Kaisa on the methane regulation. The Council has postponed the discussion on the proposal until next Friday. So I was wondering, would this leave little time for trialogues? Obviously. So I was wondering, is there any strict timeline or deadline from the Commission's side for reaching agreement, or are you fine with the adoption being pushed back until next year? And then a second question on the substance, if I may. The Parliament adopted a position for a three-year delay. You proposed a limited one-year delay. So I was wondering, have you assessed the impact of different lengths of postponement, including potentially a three-year delay? Thank you.

[12:16:09] Speaker 1 [EN]
When we made the proposal a few weeks ago, it is now with the call it is later, and it is obviously their prerogative to now set the speed at which they will take this forward. We obviously made very clear that we had good reasons to make a proposal for to delay by one year. We stand by that. We consider this to be the appropriate measure to take at this point in time. But it is the prerogative, obviously, of the call it is later. Now, to decide on the speed, and we stand ready to support and be part of this exercise as we proceed. And I think that answers your question. It answers the question on the Parliament's three-year as well. We respect the right of the call it is later. To make up their own opinion and position on what we propose. But we put on the table a proposal to postpone by one year. We consider this to be sufficient. To allow the necessary flexibility that we want to achieve. And then what is needed in the current period. And therefore, we will engage now with the Parliament and the Council to ensure that the process. For the proposal that we made, it fully preserved in its essential scope. And it would not distort it. This is where we are. But as to the timetable, as to the comments made by the call it is later, as by the suggestions for the timeline, this is the prerogative of the call it is later. This is not for us to comment here. These are questions that should be asked to the Council or to the European Parliament.

[12:17:57] Speaker 2 [EN]
Christian, you have a follow-up.

[12:18:01] Speaker 4 [EN]
Thanks. Just on the impact of this, because you didn't really answer that question, I think. So wondering if you've assessed that. I mean, you said it's sufficient, one year is sufficient. But did you assess the impact of a longer delay, one year delay, or did you just take one year on the basis that it can't do too much damage? Thank you.

[12:18:18] Speaker 1 [EN]
You will see when you look at the proposal that we made, there is this kind of prelude to before the legal. Text. And there is a mention on impact. Impacts as well. And given that we are not touching the substance or the ambition of the methane regulation at all with this very, very targeted amendment, this so we're not changing the substance or the spirit or the objective, at all. So therefore, there is no further impact assessment now being carried out while the proposal is with the call it is later. We are not introducing any new requirements to the member states or the operators with this very, very targeted amendment. So you will see this language. It is all in the proposal that we made. So now it's a normal co-decision process. It is now with the call it is later. And we do not, from the Commission, have any comments to run on the record commenting the process that is ongoing in the Parliament and in the European Council.

[12:19:28] Speaker 2 [EN]
Okay. And I have one more question. Yes. Nicholas for Anna-Kaisa.

[12:19:36] Speaker 4 [EN]
Thank you so much. It's Nicholas for Rapporteur. You said prerogative of the call it is later to make up their own mind. It's also the prerogative of the Commission to withdraw the legislation should the call it is later in. Pose too much bureaucracy, significantly, as you said, distort the nature of the proposal. Is the Commission recognizing its ability to withdraw the law?

[12:19:59] Speaker 1 [EN]
We don't propose exactly. We don't want to now go to the speculation but I do appreciate that you consistently ask this question. Repeatedly, it's good. And our response remains the same, that we have now made the proposal. It is now with the call it is later. We work with everybody. And we hope that we will have a solution soon enough to preserve because ultimately, our main goal and objective is to preserve the regulation. And that should be also the ultimate goal for the Parliament and the Council. And we made in this current situation, in this current context, we made a proposal delay its entry into force by one year, or the certain obligations to enter into force by one year. So ultimately, this should kind of be the framework now for everybody. And we work in this context. But we do not make any kind of speculative football commentary now from the podium what might or might not happen.

[12:21:03] Speaker 2 [EN]
We. Absolutely stick to our proposal. Nicholas. Philip.

[12:21:08] Speaker 3 [EN]
Can I just quickly follow up?

[12:21:11] Speaker 2 [EN]
Go ahead.

[12:21:14] Speaker 4 [EN]
It was previously on this podium that the Commission announced the withdrawal of the Green Claims Directive when the call it is later exceeded too much, which means that there is precedent that this can be announced at the podium. Just wondering whether this would be the place where you could okay, this is actually extremely speculative, but just like.

[12:21:34] Speaker 3 [EN]
Thank you. You answered your own question.

[12:21:36] Speaker 1 [EN]
Next. Philip.

[12:21:43] Philip Bello-Servin (Norwegian Media Energy Org Klima) [EN]
Thank you. Philip Bello-Servin with the Norwegian Media Energy Org Klima. Today, Commissioner Jørgensen presented his implementation report. And it's not looking very implemented. So to say, because for many files, like the energy efficiency directive, there are 52 infringement cases for the buildings' energy performance directive or regulation. There's only Czechia has satisfactorily implemented the regulation. And in total, there are 239 infringement cases what. Is the point of making regulations and directives if they're not implemented? And will the Commission. Do come up with the change of pace in some sort to tackle the lack of implementation when everything every major EUCO meeting here seems to touch on the topic of energy? And at the same time, all these very important energy files are just not being followed up.

[12:23:03] Speaker 1 [EN]
That is a very, very good question that probably would merit an entire seminar to kind of tackle from a more philosophical point of view, what is the point of legislation indeed if it's not being implemented? And this is a question that should go not just to us in the Commission, but also many, many others. What is the purpose of sort of our goal is not to infringe, not to pinpoint shortcomings in the member states. Our approach is always to help and assist member states to be able to implement what has been agreed. Because what we present from here, what the legislation that we present, it is adopted jointly with the Parliament and the European Council. Meaning with the member states. So now, you refer to implementing report with certain with some energy pieces of energy legislation. And then obviously, you managed to paint a fairly bleak picture of nothing being implemented and nobody being on track, which is obviously not the case. But it is one important tool for us to track progress and to have an understanding of how our member states are able to keep up and where they see where they clearly experience challenges is that we have this very regular, very comprehensive tracking. And reporting. Annually, and sometimes even more often, of their progress. So even though, yes, you said that what is the purpose of anything? Because no one's doing nothing. It's not as grim as that. But it shows that there is also merit to our approach of having regular reporting, being in contact with member states on a regular basis, having an understanding where they are meeting challenges, how we can help them. But I will absolutely not subscribe to kind of what is the purpose of legislating on anything. Absolutely not. We have been able to reach significant Changes and improvements as regards energy climate transport, environment, et cetera, by our legislation. But it is true, yes, given that we have this very comprehensive tracking and monitoring with our member states, obviously, we are also very transparent with the shortcomings and challenges.

[12:25:40] Speaker 2 [EN]
So if I can just resume and for your question, I would say, first of all, EU legislation, be it on energy or on any other field, is the result of an agreement between the Commission, the European Parliament, and the Council with all its member states represented there. That's the first thing. And the second, as Anneke has also said, legislation has been a key driver. And certainly, in the field of energy, in the field of climate, it has been a clear decisive driver of good, positive change. Philip.

[12:26:22] Speaker 4 [EN]
The reason for my question is that some of these files are very central to the Green Deal, some of these files really legislative. On areas that are topics of discussion right now. And seem to be very, very central parts of the EU's politics these past few years. And the fact that for some of them, no member state has implemented the files seems to be like an acute issue that would warrant perhaps stronger or more proactive response. So I'm wondering, are you worried at all about these implementation figures? And will there be a change of pace in any way?

[12:27:13] Speaker 1 [EN]
It really depends a bit what like we have to take a step back and see the bigger picture and the kind of the longer-term trend. Of what is it that we are here to do? And what are the objectives that we want to reach? And where do we where do we clearly have shortcomings? We have to take into account the context in which member states are implementing and putting in practice some of this legislation. And as I said, I mean, the projections that we make for example, to reach the climate neutrality by 2050 or cutting emissions by 90%, et cetera, et cetera, these are all based on our calculation that there will be a full implementation of our legislation. So of course, we the starting point is that when we legislate, and when we jointly agree on something with our member states and the Parliament, it will be then done. But then at the same time, we are especially in the field of energy, and especially as regards energy legislation, it is at the same time a very, very challenging context in which our member states are putting in place and implementing some of these laws. The past five years, I mean, this is the second massive energy crisis which is putting a huge strain on member states. So therefore, it is still it has merit that we have a very, very transparent granular. System of having this exchange with our member states. Because that help us helps us understand that where are the shortcomings? Is there something can we give some flexibility within the legislation? Is there something that has to be done? Or is this a systemic thing? And this is some of the examples. The methane, one year, is one example. Our member states, the majority of our member states, got in touch with us and said that is there something you can do about this? And we did. So while we don't operate in a vacuum either, but I would not draw too dramatic conclusions based on an implementing report that focuses on certain type of legislation. It is just a snapshot of a specific area. But it shows that we take implementation very seriously.

[12:29:37] Speaker 1 [EN]
This is why we do these reports. And this is why we make these reports public as well, for everybody else to see.

[12:29:44] Speaker 2 [EN]
And in the meantime, we're not just acknowledging the results of this reports. We have a number of groups with the member states dedicated to accompany the implementation, the transposition in each member state on a number of pieces of legislation. On energy efficiency, on renewables, where we sit and discuss in detail how to go about this. And this report helps us precisely see as Anneke has said, where are the biggest challenges. Any other questions for Anneke as of today? I see Hank Jakob. Is it for Anneke? No, but I gave you the floor. Go ahead.

[12:30:31] Speaker 4 [EN]
Hi. Thank you. It's a question about the car deal negotiated by Volkswagen with the US government and that apparently will also apply to all other German car makers. My question is, is the Commission informed about these negotiations that were done by the CEOs of German car companies with the US government to lower the effective tariff rate of the US on German cars? And do you have any comments on that, on those deals that will basically mean that they get lower tariffs if they produce more in the US, leading to jobs moving from Europe to the US?

[12:31:09] Speaker 2 [EN]
Thank you, Jakob. I think I saw some reporting in that sense. Indeed, we do not have comments to offer at this stage. But we'll get back to you on this. Other questions? Yes, please.

[12:31:29] Speaker 4 [EN]
Um. One question regarding the social media guidelines. As the EU Kids Act in Austria, there's quite an uproar since yesterday about the decision of the Commission. So yesterday, I thought Vice Chancellor Babler and State Secretary Pröll called the Commission for taking action and for making a solution until March 27. Do you think that's realistic? And could you give us maybe kind of like a roadmap for the following months for EU Kids Act?

[12:32:11] Speaker 2 [EN]
Thank you. Good afternoon.

[12:32:13] Speaker 5 [EN]
So first, one point to be extremely clear. The message goes to all member states. We now need to focus on the negotiations of the Kids Act. This is the top priority not to fragment the market and to protect all kids. I think the Commission was extremely clear on this. And this is where we're accounting definitely on member states who already advanced the work at national level. And who have come up with potential solutions like Austria to lead this process, to help us to advance this work. I mean, it's a very ambitious timeline. I can agree that we have indeed received a letter from the Austrian side, you're right, where this tentative agenda of March 2027 has been raised with us. We are all in favor of an ambitious agenda for our Kids Act. So let's work hand in hand with all our member states to get this over the line as quickly as possible.

[12:33:06] Speaker 2 [EN]
Thank you. You have a follow-up? Yeah. Go ahead.

[12:33:12] Speaker 4 [EN]
Yeah, also in this letter, it's written that if otherwise the negotiations come not to a solution until March 27, Austria will taking take action again for. Proposing national solutions. So what's your position on that?

[12:33:38] Speaker 5 [EN]
I'm an optimist. I mean, we have clear evidence at our disposal that shows how much damage is being done by online social media platforms, our kids on a daily basis. We have seen indeed several member states, including Austria, who have come out with potential national measures. We have come up with a harmonized EU-wide proposal. So I do believe that we have a lot of and a strong push from everywhere across Europe to get a deal over the line as quickly as possible. So I will not prejudge what may happen or not after March. We have now come forward with a postponement for 12 months. Let us use these 12 months to preserve the work of our co-legislators. Let's work hand in hand with Austria. So this is absolutely nothing against Austria. This is work together with Austria and all member states to advance the work on the Kids Act.

[12:34:35] Speaker 2 [EN]
Thank you, Thomas. Other questions for Thomas? Does not seem to be the case. Other topics today here in the room? Jorge?

[12:34:49] Speaker 6 [EN]
Hello, Paula. Sorry. Hello, Paula. There are currently seven ships going from Russia to the US, carrying diesel under the Trump-Putin deal. It appears that several of these ships are actually of European origin. We have seen that US senators are warning these ships to go back because they say the sanctions waiver does not overrule US Congress. Do you have any position on this matter? What's your advice to these vessels? Should they go back or should they keep going? Thank you.

[12:35:24] Speaker 2 [EN]
I. My advice in this case does not really matter. What matters is the position that we have. On this topic and which we set out very clearly from the beginning. You know what the position is. There are sanctions in place. Supported by the EU when it comes to the exports of oil and oil products from Russia. They're subject to sanctions. They're subject to an oil price cap. And we stick to those sanctions. And the less that can be promoted in terms of those exports, the better. Other questions? David?

[12:36:22] Speaker 4 [EN]
Thank you, Paula. David Price, your democracy and human info. I want to come back to the question of the Canada and the associate membership or associate agreement. The Commission is the guardian of the treaties. And there was a very elegant solution which was for association which was made in 1950s with the European Community. And United Kingdom. And it lasted for a couple of decades. Before European Community European Kingdom became a member. So I'm wondering whether this solution which was to create a association. Council which was tied to the European Commission or high community high authorities was then has been considered. Because it's a very short treaty of 15 articles. It created a standing committee with four members from each side. And discussed and exchanged information on a number of topics of great importance to all of them. And included for example consumer Consumer issues. What discussion has taken place inside the Commission relative to this precedent for creating associations with external Bodies and countries? And has anything been taken forward on it? The Commission, as I say, is the guardian of the of the treaties. And this was probably one of the first that was ever made.

[12:38:22] Speaker 2 [EN]
David, if my memory serves me correctly, that agreement that you're referring to in the 50s with UK was with the Coal and Steel Community. So based on a different treaty. And we do not really have the same type of of. Mechanism that is foreseen in the current treaty for the European Union. So I cannot say that this has been the basis or inspiration for what is being discussed and flagged today. And today indeed when we speak of Canada, when we speak of never closer relation with Canada, which stops short of full membership because also based on the treaty Canada cannot become an EU member state, we are looking into really bringing Canada closer to the EU. Closer than any other non-EU country. Closer than anything we have done before. In terms of closer alignment and cooperation on policies, on programs, on governance. And I invite you to also read the speech from the President yesterday in Canada, where she also elaborates on what this closer ever closer relation with Canada entails. And gives concrete examples. And Reminds that it is time to work on new frontiers together which. Is very much inspired on what Germany wrote when he came back from Canada himself. At the beginning of the 20th century. Yes, David?

[12:40:33] Speaker 4 [EN]
Yeah. The idea of geography is a bit of a red herring because part of Canada is also part of the illegal sovereignty of the European Union, which is Saint-Pierre-Miquelon so the geography was not considered as part of the way to discuss this problem. And it was discussed on the basis of European human rights law. And specifically the Council of Europe Human Rights Law. So I wonder whether those principles can be have been discussed because it's extraordinary that you people talking about geography and geography has got nothing to do with it. Cyprus was considered to be part of Asia before it joined. And part of the sovereignty of the European Union is worldwide basically. Including South America Canada.

[12:41:33] Speaker 4 [EN]
And North America and Asia and so on. So I wonder whether the basic principles of that first association agreement.

[12:41:47] Speaker 1 [EN]
Should be looked at more carefully. It sounds like you haven't actually considered it.

[12:41:54] Speaker 2 [EN]
Um, David, thank you. And without entering into discussions on geography, I can assure you, and confirm, that it's really precisely based on principles and very solid principles and values that we share with Canada, that we are having this discussion for an ever closer relation. And those principles are also being reiterated, recalled, by the leaders the three leaders present in Montréal today, and we will have the occasion to hear more from President von der Leyen on this at the joint press conference this afternoon. I have Pierre Benazir online.

[12:42:44] Speaker 3 [FR]
Yes, I have a question.

[12:42:45] Speaker 1 [FR]
for Anouar.

[12:42:47] Speaker 2 [FR]
Yes, go ahead.

[12:42:50] Speaker 1 [FR]
Er, the Algerian Parliament has announced the deployment of troops and military resources to Niger. Just as the recommendations of the European Union's Representative for the Sahel, Mr Cravigny, seem have been heeded, since the Nigerien diplomat presented his letters of credence this month. I would like to know where relations between the European Union and Niger stand, and whether there is any comment on this Algerian military deployment in the Sahel.

[12:43:23] Speaker 2 [EN]
Wait, Anouar.

[12:43:25] Speaker 3 [FR]
Thank you, thank you Pierre for your question. We have indeed taken note, and acknowledged the information according to which, at the initiative of President Tebboune, the Algerian Parliament has approved the deployment of Algerian army units in Niger. We are closely monitoring the situation and seeking further clarification on its scope and objective, as well as basis of this reported deployment. As the European Union, we reaffirm our support for efforts that contribute to peace, stability and security in the Sahel, and this in full respect of international law, the sovereignty of States and the protection of civilians. I will also recall that any security measure should be transparent, proportionate and conducive to regional de-escalation as well as to long-term stability. We, for our part, remain in contact with the relevant partners and continue to support peaceful, effective and sustainable solutions to the region's security problems.

[12:44:24] Speaker 2 [FR]
Thank you. Anouar. Any other questions for Anouar? That is not the case. Any other questions?

[12:44:39] Speaker 2 [EN]
Yes, please.

[12:44:41] Niklas Pichler (Austrian press agency again) [EN]
So, Niklas Pichler, Austrian press agency again. A question regarding the special taxes in Hungary. Yesterday we heard about a letter concerning the special taxes from Spa CEO Hans K. Reich to the Commission. Could you confirm already receiving this letter, and what's your position to this letter?

[12:45:08] Speaker 2 [EN]
Thank you. Indeed, we looked into it following your question yesterday. And Louise.

[12:45:15] Speaker 1 [EN]
Yes?

[12:45:16] Speaker 2 [EN]
What can we say today?

[12:45:17] Speaker 4 [EN]
Hi, yes, thank you for your question. So indeed we can now confirm that we have received the letter from the CEO of the Spa-Austria group. We're assessing its content for now, and just to specify as well, and give a bit of context, on this retail tax regime in Hungary, there's an ongoing infringement procedure. So the European Commission decided to refer Hungary to the Court of Justice in April 2026. In the meantime, Hungary adopted legislation in summer 2026 to abolish the discriminatory aspects of the retail tax regime. We are still assessing this legislation, and its effect for foreign retail companies in Hungary. So for now, we're in contact with the Hungarian authorities and we will consider possible next steps.

[12:46:10] Speaker 2 [EN]
Okay. Good. Other questions to Louise who is also stepping in for Maciej today? No? Then we go again online. Momchil.

[12:46:31] Speaker 1 [EN]
Good afternoon. There is very a very sad news from Russia just came. One the newspaper Novaya Gazeta which was directed by the famous journalist Dmitry Muratov who was also Nobel laureate announced that it's closing. Is the Commission aware of this and what it's what is its command?

[12:46:57] Speaker 2 [EN]
Thank you, Momchil. I was personally not aware. I'm looking at the team we do not have a reaction at this stage on that. We'll look into it and get back to you.

[12:47:10] Speaker 1 [EN]
Thank you.

[12:47:11] Speaker 2 [EN]
Thank you. Other questions for us today? It's yes, there you go.

[12:47:22] Viber Vlainić (Croatian Radio Television) [EN]
Thank you, Viber Vlainić, Croatian Radio Television. I want to ask something about planned negotiations between Russia, Ukraine, and the United States. So the Kremlin spokesperson just said that at some stage the participation of European representatives will be necessary, will be will be needed. So is the Commission preparing for that stage of the negotiations? Is it prepared to send someone to negotiate?

[12:47:55] Speaker 2 [EN]
Of course we are prepared, and we have been preparing for a long time. And we just are looking forward to the moment. Where indeed Russia will be ready to engage in real discussions and in real terms to put an end to this war. Any other questions? Not today, so we wish you a good hopefully also long weekend. And wish you a good afternoon.