1 00:00:00,000 --> 00:00:03,000 Brussels Live Transcribed and translated by AI 2 00:00:00,000 --> 00:00:04,439 Hello and welcome to our lunchtime meeting today. 3 00:00:04,539 --> 00:00:10,012 And we have a few announcements for you before taking your questions. 4 00:00:10,086 --> 00:00:16,402 First of all, President von der Leyen's agenda for next week, since it's Friday. 5 00:00:16,460 --> 00:00:23,915 So, on Monday, the President will begin her mission in the Black Sea region, in 6 00:00:24,036 --> 00:00:29,949 Bucharest, where she will meet the Romanian President. 7 00:00:30,045 --> 00:00:38,659 Dan and Prime Minister Nicolescu. On Tuesday, she will be in Varna, in Bulgaria, 8 00:00:38,769 --> 00:00:44,457 where she will meet Prime Minister Radev and visit the Academy. 9 00:00:44,548 --> 00:00:51,102 She will visit the Nikola Vavtsarov Naval Academy. 10 00:00:51,182 --> 00:00:58,211 On Wednesday, President von der Leyen will attend the United Nations climate change 11 00:00:58,353 --> 00:01:09,058 conference, COP31, in Antalya, Turkey. And on Thursday, she will attend the meeting 12 00:01:09,112 --> 00:01:15,512 of the European Political Community, this time in Dublin, Ireland, and on Friday, 13 00:01:15,663 --> 00:01:23,335 also in Dublin, President von der Leyen will attend the informal meeting of members 14 00:01:23,445 --> 00:01:31,462 of the European Council. So that is the intense agenda of the President. 15 00:01:31,537 --> 00:01:40,268 And now, I would like to invite Thomas to join me in making an announcement 16 00:01:40,340 --> 00:01:42,600 regarding the Digital Services Act. 17 00:01:43,740 --> 00:01:50,090 Merci. Hola. So, today the Commission preliminarily found TikToks for YouFeed in 18 00:01:50,160 --> 00:01:55,890 breach of the Digital Services Act. Why? Because TikToks personalized feed shows 19 00:01:55,980 --> 00:02:00,622 content that causes harm if viewed in repetition. 20 00:02:00,720 --> 00:02:06,331 Self-harm videos, body image, weight loss, depressing content. 21 00:02:06,420 --> 00:02:12,484 The longer and more you engage with such content, the more TikTok will show it to 22 00:02:12,564 --> 00:02:17,006 you. This pulls users into harmful loops of content: 23 00:02:17,093 --> 00:02:23,316 the so-called rabbit holes. This has to stop because it has an impact on users. 24 00:02:23,460 --> 00:02:30,765 Anxiety, sadness, lower self-esteem, and mental health issues to name just a few. 25 00:02:30,840 --> 00:02:35,474 Even more, if this is shown to children or vulnerable adults. 26 00:02:35,580 --> 00:02:41,540 At this stage, we consider that TikTok must change the design of its for YouFeed in 27 00:02:41,631 --> 00:02:46,653 Europe. Disable watch time and views as indicators to recommend content. 28 00:02:46,740 --> 00:02:50,170 Rely on users explicit choices of content. 29 00:02:50,280 --> 00:02:55,289 And ensure the refresh feed button is permanent, not temporary. 30 00:02:55,380 --> 00:02:59,703 TikTok now has the full right to defend itself and to access our entire 31 00:02:59,760 --> 00:03:03,780 investigation file to effectively remedy the situation. 32 00:03:06,000 --> 00:03:11,880 Thank you, Thomas, for this very important piece of news. 33 00:03:12,000 --> 00:03:19,312 And. Now, to conclude our announcements, I would like to extend a very warm welcome 34 00:03:19,448 --> 00:03:26,028 to our visitors today, 60 of you, joining us here in the press room. 35 00:03:26,100 --> 00:03:33,575 And you are the members of the Secretariat-General in Portugal, linked to the 36 00:03:33,641 --> 00:03:41,995 government, and leading with media. And you are also students from the College of 37 00:03:42,093 --> 00:03:48,000 Europe and we also have some students from Panthéon-Sorbonne. 38 00:03:48,600 --> 00:03:50,100 So, welcome to all, 39 00:03:50,580 --> 00:03:51,780 welcome to all, 40 00:03:52,320 --> 00:03:53,220 it's a pleasure, 41 00:03:53,220 --> 00:03:54,180 it is a pleasure 42 00:03:54,180 --> 00:03:57,290 it is truly a pleasure to have you all here with us. 43 00:03:57,381 --> 00:04:01,993 And we hope that you will make the most of this day. 44 00:04:02,126 --> 00:04:09,022 Here and here in the press room. And that’s all for our announcements, and we can 45 00:04:09,101 --> 00:04:10,680 take your questions. 46 00:04:12,540 --> 00:04:13,980 We'll start here in the very middle. 47 00:04:19,680 --> 00:04:20,880 Thank you very much. 48 00:04:21,000 --> 00:04:22,980 Vlainić Committee, Croatian Radio Television. 49 00:04:23,220 --> 00:04:29,409 It's a follow-up from a couple of days ago question about the letter that 26 MEPs 50 00:04:29,580 --> 00:04:34,358 sent to the European Commission regarding safeguards on electrical steel imports, 51 00:04:34,415 --> 00:04:40,311 which they argue are raising costs and weakening the competitiveness of European 52 00:04:40,423 --> 00:04:46,427 Union transformers manufacturers. So do you have a reaction on that? 53 00:04:46,500 --> 00:04:47,640 Thank you. 54 00:04:47,640 --> 00:04:53,564 Thank you for coming back on this. We had now the possibility to check where we are 55 00:04:53,631 --> 00:04:55,680 on it, and Olof will tell us. 56 00:04:56,220 --> 00:05:00,489 Thank you for your question, Vibor. I can confirm that we have received the letter. 57 00:05:00,540 --> 00:05:04,800 I can confirm that we are assessing its contents, and I can confirm that we will 58 00:05:04,860 --> 00:05:08,640 issue a reply in due course, as Paolo already indicated on Tuesday. 59 00:05:10,320 --> 00:05:19,376 Good. Other questions for Olof? Today? Not the case. 60 00:05:19,500 --> 00:05:22,140 Yes, Vitali? Not for Olof? Okay, go ahead. 61 00:05:25,560 --> 00:05:31,553 Vitali Sizdov, Freedom TV channel. Do you have some updates about negotiations on 62 00:05:31,680 --> 00:05:38,276 prosperity of Ukraine which took place on Wednesday and Thursday? 63 00:05:38,340 --> 00:05:42,903 And the President of the United States, Donald Trump, he announced some big, 64 00:05:42,960 --> 00:05:50,729 beautiful deal on peace in Europe, and he said that all will be thrilled of this 65 00:05:50,802 --> 00:05:54,217 deal. Do you know something, some details? 66 00:05:54,300 --> 00:05:58,260 What's the main features of this deal? Thank you. 67 00:05:59,700 --> 00:06:07,406 Thank you, Vitali. So, to update you, and here some of it you already probably know, 68 00:06:07,500 --> 00:06:15,293 the Commission hosted talks this week on Wednesday here in the Parlement as part of 69 00:06:15,360 --> 00:06:23,365 the ongoing efforts to secure a sustainable peace for Ukraine. 70 00:06:23,520 --> 00:06:31,880 We had with us delegations from Ukraine, obviously, from Germany, France, the UK, 71 00:06:31,960 --> 00:06:39,886 the United States, as well as NATO and the World Bank, and said the EU represented 72 00:06:39,956 --> 00:06:47,483 and the Commission hosting. And we met to discuss Ukraine's post-war reconstruction 73 00:06:47,580 --> 00:06:53,446 and prosperity, something to which we very much look forward, meaning this can only 74 00:06:53,524 --> 00:07:00,036 happen obviously once we have peace finally in Ukraine. 75 00:07:00,180 --> 00:07:07,767 These talks follow early meetings, notably in Miami and build on the work that we 76 00:07:07,849 --> 00:07:15,240 had initiated quite a while ago and that on the prosperity framework that had been 77 00:07:15,300 --> 00:07:21,845 developed already earlier this year together with Ukraine and the United States. 78 00:07:21,960 --> 00:07:30,130 And as we go forward, we are refining the scenarios for Ukraine's post-war economic 79 00:07:30,221 --> 00:07:36,985 development and prosperities. This includes, identifying the instruments and tools 80 00:07:37,051 --> 00:07:44,720 that can support Ukraine's future development and Ukraine's own efforts. 81 00:07:45,000 --> 00:07:54,100 So. There in these talks, emphasis is also put on the reform agenda by Ukraine, 82 00:07:54,195 --> 00:08:02,609 which is a key driver for stability and is in turn also boosting the investor 83 00:08:02,700 --> 00:08:10,625 confidence and is playing a role in attracting the private capital that will be 84 00:08:10,688 --> 00:08:18,105 needed in order to reconstruct this country after this devastating war that has been 85 00:08:18,166 --> 00:08:24,984 going on for the past years. So these talks continue. 86 00:08:25,080 --> 00:08:33,418 We are advancing. It's good that these could be resumed after quite some time where 87 00:08:33,506 --> 00:08:40,906 discussions hadn't taken place. And so there is now full engagement. 88 00:08:41,040 --> 00:08:44,712 There was always full engagement from our side. 89 00:08:44,880 --> 00:08:55,095 Now, as to the. Statement. That you referred to from President Trump, we all wish 90 00:08:55,193 --> 00:09:02,806 that we will have a peace deal soon. We are all working in that regard. 91 00:09:02,880 --> 00:09:06,637 And we look forward to seeing it materialize. 92 00:09:06,780 --> 00:09:10,152 But there's a lot of work that needs to go into it. 93 00:09:10,200 --> 00:09:16,339 And above all, there needs to be a willingness on the side of the one who first 94 00:09:16,397 --> 00:09:17,520 started 95 00:09:17,520 --> 00:09:24,662 the war, the one who aggressed and which said there's a very long way to go there, 96 00:09:24,720 --> 00:09:28,330 because we haven't seen much movement on that side. 97 00:09:28,620 --> 00:09:29,820 David. 98 00:09:32,760 --> 00:09:36,977 Yes, thank you, Paola. David Carretta, Radio Radicale. 99 00:09:37,080 --> 00:09:44,840 Was. The Commission. And Chief of Staff of the President invited and did he 100 00:09:44,914 --> 00:09:52,320 participate in the second meeting that took place yesterday organized by NATO? 101 00:09:52,620 --> 00:09:59,604 And since in those meetings, this meeting security guarantees and the security 102 00:09:59,700 --> 00:10:08,619 architecture of Europe was discussed, what was the position or what is the position 103 00:10:08,689 --> 00:10:12,600 of the Commission on that specific issue? Thank you. 104 00:10:14,580 --> 00:10:21,133 So David, I can confirm that he was represented also at the meeting hosted by NATO 105 00:10:21,240 --> 00:10:28,831 yesterday both by the European Commission and a team from the Council. 106 00:10:28,980 --> 00:10:34,162 And yes, these are topics that are being discussed. 107 00:10:34,260 --> 00:10:38,655 In terms of security guarantees, on the one hand we have the discussion on the 108 00:10:38,719 --> 00:10:45,088 security guarantees for Ukraine, and we have the discussion on a European security 109 00:10:45,162 --> 00:10:51,042 architecture. And there, if you will recall, we even have Council conclusions 110 00:10:51,120 --> 00:10:58,257 referring very clearly to the European security architecture as recently as from 111 00:10:58,380 --> 00:11:04,656 last month, October, where it is clearly stated in the European Council conclusions 112 00:11:04,700 --> 00:11:09,878 that the European Union will decide on matters of its competence or affecting its 113 00:11:09,989 --> 00:11:17,794 security. And obviously we very well know that Russia's war of aggression against 114 00:11:17,876 --> 00:11:25,508 Ukraine is a threat to Europe's security and challenges the international 115 00:11:25,605 --> 00:11:32,833 rules-based order itself and hence we are committed to address this. 116 00:11:32,940 --> 00:11:41,189 Topic which is of fundamental importance and obviously of direct concern for us. 117 00:11:41,340 --> 00:11:45,660 Yes, please. Wait. You're still on this topic. 118 00:11:50,880 --> 00:11:55,684 Hi, Max Laney, AFP. Just following up on this. 119 00:11:55,800 --> 00:12:00,562 I. Didn't fully understand. Can you just tell us, does the EU believe that 120 00:12:00,657 --> 00:12:06,645 re-examining the European security architecture to take into account Russia's 121 00:12:06,706 --> 00:12:11,853 security concerns as the US is saying it wants to do is something that needs to be 122 00:12:11,932 --> 00:12:15,251 done as part of a deal to end the fighting in Ukraine? 123 00:12:15,300 --> 00:12:17,460 Or do you think this isn't necessary? 124 00:12:19,440 --> 00:12:25,877 As. I mentioned and as I referred to, there's even a statement at EU, European 125 00:12:25,989 --> 00:12:34,264 Council level confirming. Reiterating that it's obviously up to the European Union, 126 00:12:34,320 --> 00:12:42,008 to decide on matters which affect its security and on matters which are of its 127 00:12:42,150 --> 00:12:44,520 competence. Yes, please. 128 00:12:48,480 --> 00:12:51,187 Also, on this topic, Tatyana Vysotska from Ukraine. 129 00:12:51,240 --> 00:12:56,751 Is the EU sending someone to participate on site in the meeting in Abu Dhabi? 130 00:12:56,820 --> 00:13:02,654 I know that at the table there will be no European representatives, but just on site 131 00:13:02,753 --> 00:13:04,500 will be anyone. Thank you. 132 00:13:05,280 --> 00:13:11,509 Thank you. On the next upcoming meetings and their format, I have no further 133 00:13:11,589 --> 00:13:15,737 information to share at this point in time. 134 00:13:15,840 --> 00:13:18,900 Other questions still on this topic? Yes, Gabriele. 135 00:13:22,500 --> 00:13:25,809 Thank you, Paola. Gabriele Rosano with Italian newspaper Avvenire. 136 00:13:25,860 --> 00:13:31,143 Apologies for the low voice. Yesterday there has been an exchange of letters on the 137 00:13:31,193 --> 00:13:34,792 other side of the street between the Italian Prime Minister and the President of the 138 00:13:34,828 --> 00:13:43,985 European Council. On the need to speak with one voice on negotiations for Ukraine. 139 00:13:44,160 --> 00:13:47,133 Since the President is a member of the European Council, I would like to know 140 00:13:47,180 --> 00:13:51,756 whether you were in the loop when it comes to these contacts and secondly, there is 141 00:13:51,804 --> 00:13:57,981 an interesting remark that President Costa writes in his answer saying that the 142 00:13:58,080 --> 00:14:02,638 European Union's interests need to be represented by its institutions in accordance 143 00:14:02,700 --> 00:14:06,825 with the treaties the fellow alumni from the College of Europe will correct me if 144 00:14:06,864 --> 00:14:11,756 I'm wrong, but I think that the external representation of the Union is a matter for 145 00:14:11,822 --> 00:14:16,500 the President of the European Council. Is that something that you would agree with? 146 00:14:16,560 --> 00:14:17,760 Thank you. 147 00:14:18,120 --> 00:14:24,031 Thank you, Gabriele. So first of all, yes, we are aware of the letter addressed by 148 00:14:24,120 --> 00:14:31,849 Prime Minister Meloni to the President of the European Council Costa and the leaders 149 00:14:32,040 --> 00:14:36,870 all the. Members of the European Council therefore also President von der Leyen 150 00:14:36,960 --> 00:14:45,935 received this letter. And first, we fully agree that we must be involved, that 151 00:14:46,020 --> 00:14:50,840 Europe must be involved in the talks aiming at a sustainable and lasting peace in 152 00:14:50,910 --> 00:14:57,682 Ukraine and that determine Ukraine's security as we also just covered. 153 00:14:57,840 --> 00:15:04,085 And we fully agree that we need to be united, coherent and determined in defending 154 00:15:04,140 --> 00:15:12,263 our interests in supporting Ukraine. And you quoted a particular part of the reply 155 00:15:12,377 --> 00:15:19,932 by President Costa. It's in the use the EU's interests need to be represented by its 156 00:15:20,064 --> 00:15:28,483 institutions in line with the treaties we are in agreement with that. 157 00:15:28,620 --> 00:15:33,720 Other questions on a different topic? Yes, Chris. 158 00:15:36,360 --> 00:15:38,776 Thanks, Paola. It's Chris Powers, Kyiv Independent. 159 00:15:38,820 --> 00:15:44,861 I think I have a question for Siobhan. About sanctions and yesterday's meetings. 160 00:15:44,940 --> 00:15:51,585 So I saw a LinkedIn post from Commissioner Albuquerque where she mentions a couple 161 00:15:51,660 --> 00:15:54,970 of cool things. One is the EU crypto sanctions task force. 162 00:15:55,020 --> 00:15:59,330 The other is a dedicated EU sanctions office. 163 00:15:59,460 --> 00:16:02,268 I'm wondering what you can tell us about it. 164 00:16:02,340 --> 00:16:05,100 It sounds super cool. I hope it is. Thanks. 165 00:16:06,600 --> 00:16:09,419 Well, we'd like it when our measures are cool. 166 00:16:09,480 --> 00:16:18,165 And super cool. Siobhan, tell us more about these measures posted by Commissioner 167 00:16:18,221 --> 00:16:19,380 Albuquerque. 168 00:16:19,380 --> 00:16:24,995 Good afternoon, everyone. And hi, Chris. Indeed, yesterday we had the meeting of the 169 00:16:25,050 --> 00:16:30,040 high-level meeting of sanctions coordinators from across the EU's member states. 170 00:16:30,120 --> 00:16:34,631 Along with the meeting of sanctions coordinators from our member states and the G7 171 00:16:34,726 --> 00:16:38,093 and several of our international partners. 172 00:16:38,160 --> 00:16:43,177 And of course, one of the things that we continue to do is to exert maximum pressure 173 00:16:43,272 --> 00:16:47,200 on Russia to end their illegal war in Ukraine. 174 00:16:47,280 --> 00:16:51,896 And that's something that obviously we have been consistent in doing across four 175 00:16:51,973 --> 00:16:58,336 years of war and 21 sanctions packages. And as most of you probably know, we are 176 00:16:58,401 --> 00:17:01,838 working on our 22nd sanctions package right now. 177 00:17:01,920 --> 00:17:05,093 One of the things that the President did say, and this is just to give a bit of 178 00:17:05,138 --> 00:17:09,470 context about yesterday's announcement related to the sanctions office, is that she 179 00:17:09,520 --> 00:17:13,748 did say in the letter of intent that accompanied the State of the Union's speech is 180 00:17:13,835 --> 00:17:19,897 that in order to keep up the pressure on Russia, we would do everything we could to 181 00:17:19,943 --> 00:17:23,909 strengthen our approach to sanctions enforcement. 182 00:17:24,000 --> 00:17:27,371 And in each and every sanctions package, of course, we're looking at ways we can 183 00:17:27,423 --> 00:17:32,505 close loopholes and tackle circumvention. So that's why yesterday we announced at 184 00:17:32,557 --> 00:17:36,438 the meeting, the high-level meeting of sanctions coordinators, the creation of this 185 00:17:36,480 --> 00:17:41,120 new sanctions office inside the Commission that will bring together the Commission's 186 00:17:41,165 --> 00:17:44,505 work on the entire economic sanctions lifecycle. 187 00:17:44,580 --> 00:17:50,928 So from policy design to outreach, implementation and of course circumvention. 188 00:17:51,000 --> 00:17:56,975 And the idea is to of course give member states quicker access to guidance, data 189 00:17:57,098 --> 00:18:02,700 sharing, economic and technical analysis and ensure that we are harmonizing the 190 00:18:02,760 --> 00:18:05,758 implementation and enforcement of our sanctions. 191 00:18:05,820 --> 00:18:11,234 So that we can continue to maximize their impact on Russia itself. 192 00:18:11,340 --> 00:18:17,298 Did I miss, did you ask another question about, sorry, the crypto task force. 193 00:18:17,340 --> 00:18:22,080 Sorry, I indeed. So one of the other measures that Commissioner Albuquerque 194 00:18:22,123 --> 00:18:26,726 announced yesterday at the meeting with the coordinators was the creation of a task 195 00:18:26,796 --> 00:18:29,040 force on crypto sanctions. 196 00:18:29,460 --> 00:18:34,432 As you've heard us say here from the podium at midday, we know that crypto is a tool 197 00:18:34,510 --> 00:18:37,509 that has been used to circumvent our sanctions. 198 00:18:37,560 --> 00:18:42,141 It's a very fast evolving world. And the idea in setting up this informal task force 199 00:18:42,206 --> 00:18:46,678 is to bring together expertise from across the Commission and from member states to 200 00:18:46,736 --> 00:18:52,568 look at how we can continue to design measures that close this as a tool of 201 00:18:52,615 --> 00:18:53,815 circumvention. 202 00:18:55,200 --> 00:18:58,908 Thank you. And you're right, Chris. Cool measures. 203 00:18:59,040 --> 00:19:04,987 Other questions to Siobhan? I don't see any. 204 00:19:05,100 --> 00:19:09,480 Thank you, Siobhan. Other topics? Razia. 205 00:19:12,960 --> 00:19:17,472 Thank you. Razia Akoch, AFP News Agency. I just have one question. 206 00:19:17,520 --> 00:19:21,118 It probably might be for you and then I do have a question on digital but maybe 207 00:19:21,171 --> 00:19:25,230 Tomer can answer the first. First thing I wanted to ask is I believe that Madam 208 00:19:25,275 --> 00:19:27,994 President von der Leyen will be going to Miami. 209 00:19:28,140 --> 00:19:33,011 And because I know that she's really keen to meet the frontier labs and the CEOs, I 210 00:19:33,073 --> 00:19:37,353 just wondered if she had any plans to do that. 211 00:19:37,500 --> 00:19:40,485 I can let you answer that question then I can ask my other question if that's 212 00:19:40,524 --> 00:19:41,724 better. 213 00:19:42,060 --> 00:19:48,238 That's fine. That's also fine. Razia. So regarding the G20 Leaders Summit, later 214 00:19:48,325 --> 00:19:53,703 this year in December, in the US we don't have yet a finalized program. 215 00:19:53,760 --> 00:20:01,337 So for the moment I cannot say what if any other events President von der Leyen will 216 00:20:01,406 --> 00:20:05,595 be participating beyond the summit itself. 217 00:20:05,700 --> 00:20:11,886 But we'll get back to that nearer to the event in December. 218 00:20:12,000 --> 00:20:14,700 And now you have another question for Tomer. 219 00:20:14,760 --> 00:20:15,960 Go ahead. 220 00:20:16,680 --> 00:20:24,067 Thank you. It's a question related to the announcement today on TikTok. 221 00:20:24,300 --> 00:20:29,580 What I did want to know is we had in February that there were that you asked for the 222 00:20:29,624 --> 00:20:32,700 addictive design to be changed. The European Commission did. 223 00:20:32,760 --> 00:20:40,256 And then now we have this demand for changes to tackle harmful rabbit holes effect. 224 00:20:40,320 --> 00:20:45,144 And we've also had previous issues about settings. 225 00:20:45,240 --> 00:20:47,766 I know this is a facetious question but allow me. 226 00:20:47,820 --> 00:20:51,560 Are we going towards a moment where Europe's going to argue that it should own the 227 00:20:51,606 --> 00:20:59,450 European TikTok à la US and Trump? And considering your challenging the business 228 00:20:59,537 --> 00:21:04,740 model of a platform, do you think the European Commission is going too far? 229 00:21:04,800 --> 00:21:08,935 And are you prepared for what could be a very difficult fight? 230 00:21:09,000 --> 00:21:10,200 Thank you. 231 00:21:11,100 --> 00:21:16,753 Razia that you would be welcoming the news this morning that Tomer just shared. 232 00:21:16,800 --> 00:21:18,000 But Tomer, go ahead. 233 00:21:18,600 --> 00:21:20,546 Thanks, Razia. I would put it the other way around. 234 00:21:20,580 --> 00:21:22,463 I don't think that the Commission is going too far. 235 00:21:22,500 --> 00:21:26,040 We believe that TikTok is not going far enough to protect our citizens. 236 00:21:26,100 --> 00:21:29,632 It's the other way around. So what is currently at stake? 237 00:21:29,700 --> 00:21:33,308 Well, these are preliminary findings. Let me be extremely clear about this. 238 00:21:33,360 --> 00:21:36,231 We have a company on the other side that is cooperative. 239 00:21:36,300 --> 00:21:42,687 Let's recall this. TikTok is cooperative. But this these preliminary findings are 240 00:21:42,756 --> 00:21:46,035 not minor ones. The first ones indeed were an addictive designs. 241 00:21:46,080 --> 00:21:49,175 These are the addictive features the system. 242 00:21:49,260 --> 00:21:55,227 Here this one is more about content. That is not necessarily illegal. 243 00:21:55,320 --> 00:21:58,635 That doesn't have to be removed. It's not about content moderation. 244 00:21:58,680 --> 00:22:04,929 Absolutely not. It's about content that if shown in repetition to our citizens could 245 00:22:05,074 --> 00:22:10,974 lead to anxiety, to stress and to mental health issues. 246 00:22:11,040 --> 00:22:15,230 So of course we expect now that the platform changes and this is our preliminary 247 00:22:15,274 --> 00:22:17,700 view. Again, TikTok can now defend itself. 248 00:22:17,760 --> 00:22:21,809 But at the current stage of things, we believe that TikTok has to change its 249 00:22:21,860 --> 00:22:26,697 business model in Europe to be compliant and to effectively protect our citizens. 250 00:22:26,760 --> 00:22:31,830 Now do we want to have a European TikTok, an American TikTok, an Asian TikTok? 251 00:22:31,920 --> 00:22:35,741 It's not for me to say from this podium because it doesn't change anything about 252 00:22:35,803 --> 00:22:39,654 compliance. Be it European, be it American, be it Asian, compliance and the 253 00:22:39,693 --> 00:22:41,160 obligations will be exactly the same. 254 00:22:42,720 --> 00:22:47,691 Thank you, Tomer. Other questions to Tomer? 255 00:22:47,820 --> 00:22:58,440 No? Tomer? No? No? Okay. Yes? Anouk here. 256 00:23:01,020 --> 00:23:02,837 Hi. Thank you. Anouk here from Rapid Toll. 257 00:23:02,880 --> 00:23:08,220 Just to follow up to understand how does the Commission see the business structure 258 00:23:08,269 --> 00:23:13,743 of TikTok right now? So if it were to find TikTok for any of the five findings it 259 00:23:13,834 --> 00:23:17,654 has had so far, how do you see the company structure of TikTok? 260 00:23:17,700 --> 00:23:18,900 Thank you. 261 00:23:20,400 --> 00:23:23,925 Thanks, Anouk. It's a bit premature because how would we go about it? 262 00:23:24,120 --> 00:23:27,237 First, let's give TikTok now the right to defend itself. 263 00:23:27,300 --> 00:23:32,035 They will have access to our entire investigation file all our documents and on that 264 00:23:32,100 --> 00:23:37,127 basis they will be able to defend themselves and hopefully to offer commitments. 265 00:23:37,200 --> 00:23:40,557 This is what we want because we want a change of behavior for our citizens. 266 00:23:40,620 --> 00:23:43,583 Now should this dialogue not be effective enough? 267 00:23:43,680 --> 00:23:46,872 And should this lead to a non-compliance decision? 268 00:23:46,980 --> 00:23:52,302 We would then establish a fine based on the gravity the duration and the nature of 269 00:23:52,357 --> 00:23:57,379 the breach if we get there. And only at that stage we would at the very final step 270 00:23:57,445 --> 00:24:01,832 would be to check the corporate structure of the company to make sure that the fine 271 00:24:01,890 --> 00:24:07,735 would come up with does not exceed the 6% turnover global one of the provider. 272 00:24:07,800 --> 00:24:12,016 So that's premature. Let's now give time to TikTok to engage with us. 273 00:24:12,060 --> 00:24:17,247 We will definitely faithfully engage with TikTok to try to settle the case rather to 274 00:24:17,324 --> 00:24:22,215 reach a non-compliance decision from whom nobody would benefit and especially not 275 00:24:22,253 --> 00:24:23,453 our citizens. 276 00:24:24,000 --> 00:24:31,209 Thank you. Other questions to Tomer? Razia. 277 00:24:31,320 --> 00:24:34,080 Still for Tomer. Second one. Go ahead. 278 00:24:35,340 --> 00:24:40,307 It's on another topic. It's related to so next week the EU leaders and Madam von der 279 00:24:40,353 --> 00:24:43,340 Leyen will also be there. We'll discuss AI. 280 00:24:43,440 --> 00:24:47,606 So first I wanted to ask the Chinese envoy yesterday had said China is ready to 281 00:24:47,656 --> 00:24:50,581 expand exchanges and cooperation with the EU on AI. 282 00:24:50,640 --> 00:24:54,003 And jointly advance global AI governance. So that's one side. 283 00:24:54,060 --> 00:25:01,085 Then we now have the Congress where both the House and the Senate are Democrat. 284 00:25:01,140 --> 00:25:06,616 So I wondered from that summit is the European Commission's hope that there will be 285 00:25:06,667 --> 00:25:10,546 greater efforts for global governance? Because she spoke about it in a Sotheo 286 00:25:10,601 --> 00:25:16,880 speech. So what is there more of a hopeful feeling in the Commission after the 287 00:25:16,950 --> 00:25:18,360 Congress results? Thank you. 288 00:25:20,400 --> 00:25:27,660 Razia. And you're right to quote and right correctly so. 289 00:25:28,080 --> 00:25:36,266 The President when she calls for global efforts to address what is a clearly global 290 00:25:36,380 --> 00:25:43,147 issue both on the opportunities it offers and the risks it brings. 291 00:25:43,260 --> 00:25:50,072 So we will continue to call for global effort to approach AI. 292 00:25:50,160 --> 00:25:55,073 And in the meantime as you know we have also our own regulatory framework which is 293 00:25:55,162 --> 00:25:59,580 addressing the challenges within Europe. But Tomer. 294 00:25:59,880 --> 00:26:11,271 Nothing to add. Nothing to add. From the summit I mean I expectation from the summit 295 00:26:11,312 --> 00:26:13,337 let me not prejudge what will be discussed there. 296 00:26:13,380 --> 00:26:16,552 But definitely our position has always been the same. 297 00:26:16,620 --> 00:26:21,214 No matter with which partners and what administration is on the other side I mean we 298 00:26:21,261 --> 00:26:25,753 want to cooperate with our global partners as Paula has just said. 299 00:26:25,860 --> 00:26:28,988 These are shared challenges. We have seen many incidents recently. 300 00:26:29,040 --> 00:26:33,854 We have an appropriate legislative framework with the AI Act in place. 301 00:26:33,960 --> 00:26:38,040 So let us focus now on addressing these risks at global level. 302 00:26:39,540 --> 00:26:46,500 Thank you, Tomer. Behind David. Then I'll come to David. 303 00:26:51,240 --> 00:26:57,522 Yes. Victoria English from MedNows. Could you please bring us up to date on the 304 00:26:57,577 --> 00:27:02,516 situation with Google now that we've had the digital services act on the table 305 00:27:02,603 --> 00:27:03,803 today? 306 00:27:06,240 --> 00:27:10,690 Thank you. Our cooperation with Alphabet definitely continues. 307 00:27:10,740 --> 00:27:15,259 We had a non-compliance decision that was issued in July. 308 00:27:15,420 --> 00:27:21,399 Discussions are pretty much on their way when it comes to Alphabet here again to 309 00:27:21,482 --> 00:27:25,560 have an appropriate solution offered to our citizens and businesses. 310 00:27:28,080 --> 00:27:29,280 David. 311 00:27:32,160 --> 00:27:36,289 Thank you, Paula. It's a follow up on the summit. 312 00:27:36,360 --> 00:27:42,005 Next week informal European Council and artificial intelligence. 313 00:27:42,060 --> 00:27:51,092 Should we expect a report by the special envoy that is working on industrial 314 00:27:51,192 --> 00:27:57,060 application of AI next week before the summit or. 315 00:27:57,720 --> 00:28:01,980 Contribution for this meeting? Thank you. 316 00:28:02,340 --> 00:28:09,240 Thank you, David. You are right that the special envoy will come up with a report. 317 00:28:09,300 --> 00:28:13,555 For the moment I'm not able to confirm to you whether this will be already shared in 318 00:28:13,643 --> 00:28:19,446 advance of next week's informal council. But we should know very soon. 319 00:28:19,500 --> 00:28:27,563 Okay. In the back. Still to Tomer. No? Let me just be sure that we don't have any 320 00:28:27,670 --> 00:28:33,566 other questions for Tomer. No? Then we can take the question there. 321 00:28:33,600 --> 00:28:34,800 In the back. 322 00:28:34,800 --> 00:28:37,934 Great. Thank you. Gina. Gina Smylick from The New York Times. 323 00:28:37,980 --> 00:28:43,429 I was just wondering if you had any updates on the hybrid attacks or whatever they 324 00:28:43,475 --> 00:28:48,045 were that we saw yesterday the bomb threats that grounded a lot of planes. 325 00:28:48,180 --> 00:28:51,726 And whether there's any further information whether the Commission or the European 326 00:28:51,781 --> 00:28:53,640 Union broadly are looking into that in any way. 327 00:28:55,560 --> 00:29:04,920 Gina. Yeah. We'll have Anna Kaiser sharing with us the latest. 328 00:29:07,860 --> 00:29:12,901 We take these threats very seriously. Any threats against civilians are absolutely 329 00:29:12,960 --> 00:29:19,482 unacceptable. And it is our top priority to secure and ensure the safety and 330 00:29:19,564 --> 00:29:27,397 security of our cities. So what we are doing in these situations where the main 331 00:29:27,496 --> 00:29:33,697 responsibility to investigate and look into these matters rests with the member 332 00:29:33,768 --> 00:29:40,053 states is that we are in touch for example with our European Aviation Safety Agency 333 00:29:40,126 --> 00:29:44,138 which looks into the safety aviation safety aspects. 334 00:29:44,220 --> 00:29:49,749 And whether these security threats might have any impact on aviation safety where 335 00:29:49,805 --> 00:29:56,958 they can take action. What we have been seeing so far concern aviation security. 336 00:29:57,060 --> 00:30:01,529 That means we are we are obvious as Commission where the regulator we have rules in 337 00:30:01,604 --> 00:30:07,838 place that concern aviation security. For example screening of passengers screening 338 00:30:07,935 --> 00:30:13,095 of cargo etc. And the implementation of all these rules and investigation of any 339 00:30:13,154 --> 00:30:21,770 security threats are with member states. So our job at this moment is to coordinate 340 00:30:21,900 --> 00:30:26,889 amongst member states to have a full visibility full picture of what is happening 341 00:30:26,944 --> 00:30:30,740 for this reason Commissioner yesterday Commissioner Tsitsikostas who is responsible 342 00:30:30,780 --> 00:30:39,425 for transport he was in touch with our aviation safety agency and we have activated 343 00:30:39,519 --> 00:30:42,540 the EU level information sharing mechanism. 344 00:30:42,600 --> 00:30:47,374 It is something that is chaired by the European Commission and they meet they have 345 00:30:47,431 --> 00:30:51,176 participants from member states and they exchange information. 346 00:30:51,240 --> 00:30:56,429 So this is what the Commission is doing at this moment in addition to being 347 00:30:56,493 --> 00:31:01,384 obviously in very close contact with national authorities in terms of getting 348 00:31:01,428 --> 00:31:02,760 information what is happening. 349 00:31:05,640 --> 00:31:06,840 Yes. Nicolas. 350 00:31:11,040 --> 00:31:13,331 Thank you so much. Nicholas Kummer for Rapporteur. 351 00:31:13,380 --> 00:31:17,455 I understand that there has been a group that claimed responsibility for these 352 00:31:17,522 --> 00:31:21,525 attacks or threats or whatever we want to call it. 353 00:31:21,600 --> 00:31:25,510 Can you share with us what the Commission's assessment is? 354 00:31:25,560 --> 00:31:30,060 Is that a genuine claim for being behind these threats? 355 00:31:32,040 --> 00:31:37,118 No. I cannot. It is not our responsibility to look into the threats or to 356 00:31:37,170 --> 00:31:43,133 investigate them. It is for national authorities and we keep our commenting to where 357 00:31:43,191 --> 00:31:50,443 we have competence and it is indeed not to go into any investigative role on this. 358 00:31:50,640 --> 00:31:57,180 Indeed. Thank you, Anna Kaiser. Any other questions to Anna Kaiser today? 359 00:31:57,300 --> 00:32:00,480 No? Yes please. Go ahead. 360 00:32:04,080 --> 00:32:08,938 My question is for Balasz. It's about financing Ukraine. 361 00:32:09,000 --> 00:32:16,510 Yesterday Ukraine received more than 3 billion euros of disbursement and more than 362 00:32:16,632 --> 00:32:21,223 20 billion is still not disbursed for this year. 363 00:32:21,300 --> 00:32:27,528 And I'm wondering do you have any plans how it will be disbursed because it's not a 364 00:32:27,600 --> 00:32:34,425 lot of time left until the end of the year and if some of this amount of money 365 00:32:34,491 --> 00:32:41,848 especially for defense which is almost 20 12 billion euros left will be not 366 00:32:41,933 --> 00:32:48,819 disbursed this year next year will it be considered at the as the help for 2026 or 367 00:32:48,898 --> 00:32:54,120 it will be considered at as the 2027. Thank you. 368 00:32:56,640 --> 00:33:00,928 Indeed. What is important is that the reform agenda is moving forward now and that's 369 00:33:00,973 --> 00:33:05,262 very important we we welcome that and it is important to keep up the pace and 370 00:33:05,323 --> 00:33:10,003 continue the momentum of of reforms. Now because of this yesterday as you say we 371 00:33:10,085 --> 00:33:15,707 were able to disburse about 4. 4 billion euro to Ukraine mainly for budget support 372 00:33:15,783 --> 00:33:20,533 purposes but also for defense. But there's more in the pipeline indeed. 373 00:33:20,580 --> 00:33:26,545 We have about 20 billion euro and 390 billion program which is still available this 374 00:33:26,606 --> 00:33:30,849 year and it's important to carry on with the reforms so that we can unlock the 375 00:33:30,900 --> 00:33:32,779 remaining funding which remains the objective. 376 00:33:32,820 --> 00:33:38,726 We want to get to 45 billion euro by the end of this year under under the loan. 377 00:33:38,820 --> 00:33:43,355 Let me just add to that that we had another positive step forward last week. 378 00:33:43,440 --> 00:33:48,267 We at the Commission adopted what we call the financing strategy for next year for 379 00:33:48,360 --> 00:33:53,453 Ukraine. That sets out the structure of the funding for the upcoming upcoming year. 380 00:33:53,520 --> 00:33:58,855 It is now with the Council and according to that we can calculate with about 30 30 381 00:33:58,938 --> 00:34:03,027 32 billion euro for defense and the rest for budget budget support. 382 00:34:03,060 --> 00:34:05,220 That would be the way to go for next year. 383 00:34:06,960 --> 00:34:12,600 And a follow-up. Yes. Very small follow-up. 384 00:34:12,720 --> 00:34:16,648 Are you sure that you will disburse all the 20 billion this year? 385 00:34:16,740 --> 00:34:17,940 Thank you. 386 00:34:19,080 --> 00:34:24,225 We are. We are certain of of our determination to get to the target which is 45 387 00:34:24,300 --> 00:34:27,527 billion. Of course a lot hinges on the on the reforms. 388 00:34:27,600 --> 00:34:30,436 We have been saying that for a long time. Now there is a positive momentum. 389 00:34:30,480 --> 00:34:33,748 There is good progress. The reform agenda is clearly moving forward and it is 390 00:34:33,790 --> 00:34:35,040 important to keep up the pace. 391 00:34:38,940 --> 00:34:44,246 Yes. No further questions to Balasz. Any other questions? 392 00:34:44,340 --> 00:34:45,540 Yes please. 393 00:34:48,780 --> 00:34:52,208 Hi Paula. Karina Müller TVR Moldova. I have a question on Moldova. 394 00:34:52,260 --> 00:34:57,965 I think it'll be for Christian. On Wednesday Vladimir Putin has personally awarded 395 00:34:58,029 --> 00:35:03,063 Russian state owner to Vadim Krasnoselsky who is so-called leader for Transnistrian 396 00:35:03,120 --> 00:35:09,409 region. Putin praised him for protecting the Russian language and defending and I'm 397 00:35:09,484 --> 00:35:14,748 quoting historical truth and so on. The ceremony comes just weeks before the 398 00:35:14,793 --> 00:35:18,936 elections in the region. Scheduled for 13 December. 399 00:35:19,020 --> 00:35:23,432 Meanwhile Moldova's Prime Minister has called the the visit a provocation and 400 00:35:23,503 --> 00:35:27,464 announced restrictions on Krasnoselsky's future travel. 401 00:35:27,540 --> 00:35:32,511 I understand that the Commission won't comment on internal domestical affairs but 402 00:35:32,580 --> 00:35:37,554 this was a public gesture from the from the Russian President. 403 00:35:37,620 --> 00:35:42,726 How do you how do you see or how do you assess the move by the this move by the 404 00:35:42,797 --> 00:35:47,712 Kremlin especially its timing just weeks before the elections in the region and do 405 00:35:47,764 --> 00:35:52,514 you see it as a political message for Moscow as a time on Moldova it's moving 406 00:35:52,570 --> 00:35:55,020 forward in its accession path. Thank you very much. 407 00:35:58,380 --> 00:36:02,700 Yeah. Thank you for your question. What I can say in this context is that we 408 00:36:02,760 --> 00:36:08,936 reiterate our unwavering support for the independence, sovereignty, and territorial 409 00:36:08,991 --> 00:36:14,350 integrity of the Republic of Moldova. Within its internationally recognized borders 410 00:36:14,403 --> 00:36:19,395 and remain committed to peaceful, comprehensive, and lasting settlement of the 411 00:36:19,498 --> 00:36:25,708 Transnistrian conflict. Let us recall that Russia officially committed at the 1999 412 00:36:25,864 --> 00:36:32,897 OSCE Istanbul Summit to the withdrawal of its troops from the Transnistrian region. 413 00:36:33,000 --> 00:36:37,773 This. Decision by the Kremlin is part of Russia's playbook to perpetuate the 414 00:36:37,860 --> 00:36:42,794 division of Moldova and undermine any prospects of dialogue between Chisinau and 415 00:36:42,858 --> 00:36:44,058 Tiraspol. 416 00:36:46,560 --> 00:36:53,474 Good. Thank you. Christian. Are there questions on foreign affairs? 417 00:36:53,580 --> 00:36:57,048 Let me see. I still had a hand raised online. 418 00:36:57,120 --> 00:36:58,560 Oliver. Oliver Grimm. 419 00:37:00,600 --> 00:37:04,415 Yeah. Hi. Actually it's not foreign affairs but I'd like to know something about the 420 00:37:04,480 --> 00:37:09,704 European Public Prosecutor's Office's announcement that it launched investigations 421 00:37:09,780 --> 00:37:16,203 into possible fraud of EU funds in Spain. Particularly on the maintenance of the 422 00:37:16,260 --> 00:37:22,020 railway connection that was so tragically now the place where where two two major 423 00:37:22,080 --> 00:37:26,810 train accidents happened this year. So I'd be interested in who in the Commission is 424 00:37:26,865 --> 00:37:31,167 is the Commission following this. Are you looking into this? 425 00:37:31,260 --> 00:37:36,844 Have you yourself looked into whether EU funds for Spanish Spain's rail system is 426 00:37:36,909 --> 00:37:43,415 properly used and more generally how much money did Spain actually get in recent 427 00:37:43,481 --> 00:37:48,955 years to to upgrade and to to renovate its high-speed rail system? 428 00:37:49,020 --> 00:37:50,220 Thank you. 429 00:37:51,360 --> 00:37:52,560 Thank you. Oliver. 430 00:37:52,800 --> 00:38:03,150 So there are several questions there. On the European Public Prosecutor's Office? 431 00:38:03,540 --> 00:38:06,300 And of course we don't respond for you. 432 00:38:06,360 --> 00:38:10,878 Oliver, thanks very much for the question but you know you know the EPO is an 433 00:38:10,953 --> 00:38:16,187 independent body and I can only ask you to address questions regarding their 434 00:38:16,244 --> 00:38:19,860 investigations and their activities at two this body. 435 00:38:22,260 --> 00:38:32,311 Correct. Okay. And. We don't have nothing else to add looking at the team. 436 00:38:32,460 --> 00:38:40,234 Okay. I don't see any other questions for us today and it's late on a Friday thank 437 00:38:40,310 --> 00:38:46,020 you for your participation for your questions wish you a very nice weekend.