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EU AI Act, Article 50. 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:04.439 Hello and welcome to our lunchtime meeting today. 00:00:04.539 --> 00:00:10.012 And we have a few announcements for you before taking your questions. 00:00:10.086 --> 00:00:16.402 First of all, President von der Leyen's agenda for next week, since it's Friday. 00:00:16.460 --> 00:00:23.915 So, on Monday, the President will begin her mission in the Black Sea region, in 00:00:24.036 --> 00:00:29.949 Bucharest, where she will meet the Romanian President. 00:00:30.045 --> 00:00:38.659 Dan and Prime Minister Nicolescu. On Tuesday, she will be in Varna, in Bulgaria, 00:00:38.769 --> 00:00:44.457 where she will meet Prime Minister Radev and visit the Academy. 00:00:44.548 --> 00:00:51.102 She will visit the Nikola Vavtsarov Naval Academy. 00:00:51.182 --> 00:00:58.211 On Wednesday, President von der Leyen will attend the United Nations climate change 00:00:58.353 --> 00:01:09.058 conference, COP31, in Antalya, Turkey. And on Thursday, she will attend the meeting 00:01:09.112 --> 00:01:15.512 of the European Political Community, this time in Dublin, Ireland, and on Friday, 00:01:15.663 --> 00:01:23.335 also in Dublin, President von der Leyen will attend the informal meeting of members 00:01:23.445 --> 00:01:31.462 of the European Council. So that is the intense agenda of the President. 00:01:31.537 --> 00:01:40.268 And now, I would like to invite Thomas to join me in making an announcement 00:01:40.340 --> 00:01:42.600 regarding the Digital Services Act. 00:01:43.740 --> 00:01:50.090 Merci. Hola. So, today the Commission preliminarily found TikToks for YouFeed in 00:01:50.160 --> 00:01:55.890 breach of the Digital Services Act. Why? Because TikToks personalized feed shows 00:01:55.980 --> 00:02:00.622 content that causes harm if viewed in repetition. 00:02:00.720 --> 00:02:06.331 Self-harm videos, body image, weight loss, depressing content. 00:02:06.420 --> 00:02:12.484 The longer and more you engage with such content, the more TikTok will show it to 00:02:12.564 --> 00:02:17.006 you. This pulls users into harmful loops of content: 00:02:17.093 --> 00:02:23.316 the so-called rabbit holes. This has to stop because it has an impact on users. 00:02:23.460 --> 00:02:30.765 Anxiety, sadness, lower self-esteem, and mental health issues to name just a few. 00:02:30.840 --> 00:02:35.474 Even more, if this is shown to children or vulnerable adults. 00:02:35.580 --> 00:02:41.540 At this stage, we consider that TikTok must change the design of its for YouFeed in 00:02:41.631 --> 00:02:46.653 Europe. Disable watch time and views as indicators to recommend content. 00:02:46.740 --> 00:02:50.170 Rely on users explicit choices of content. 00:02:50.280 --> 00:02:55.289 And ensure the refresh feed button is permanent, not temporary. 00:02:55.380 --> 00:02:59.703 TikTok now has the full right to defend itself and to access our entire 00:02:59.760 --> 00:03:03.780 investigation file to effectively remedy the situation. 00:03:06.000 --> 00:03:11.880 Thank you, Thomas, for this very important piece of news. 00:03:12.000 --> 00:03:19.312 And. Now, to conclude our announcements, I would like to extend a very warm welcome 00:03:19.448 --> 00:03:26.028 to our visitors today, 60 of you, joining us here in the press room. 00:03:26.100 --> 00:03:33.575 And you are the members of the Secretariat-General in Portugal, linked to the 00:03:33.641 --> 00:03:41.995 government, and leading with media. And you are also students from the College of 00:03:42.093 --> 00:03:48.000 Europe and we also have some students from Panthéon-Sorbonne. 00:03:48.600 --> 00:03:50.100 So, welcome to all, 00:03:50.580 --> 00:03:51.780 welcome to all, 00:03:52.320 --> 00:03:53.220 it's a pleasure, 00:03:53.220 --> 00:03:54.180 it is a pleasure 00:03:54.180 --> 00:03:57.290 it is truly a pleasure to have you all here with us. 00:03:57.381 --> 00:04:01.993 And we hope that you will make the most of this day. 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 00:04:09.101 --> 00:04:10.680 take your questions. 00:04:12.540 --> 00:04:13.980 We'll start here in the very middle. 00:04:19.680 --> 00:04:20.880 Thank you very much. 00:04:21.000 --> 00:04:22.980 Vlainić Committee, Croatian Radio Television. 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 00:04:29.580 --> 00:04:34.358 sent to the European Commission regarding safeguards on electrical steel imports, 00:04:34.415 --> 00:04:40.311 which they argue are raising costs and weakening the competitiveness of European 00:04:40.423 --> 00:04:46.427 Union transformers manufacturers. So do you have a reaction on that? 00:04:46.500 --> 00:04:47.640 Thank you. 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 00:04:53.631 --> 00:04:55.680 on it, and Olof will tell us. 00:04:56.220 --> 00:05:00.489 Thank you for your question, Vibor. I can confirm that we have received the letter. 00:05:00.540 --> 00:05:04.800 I can confirm that we are assessing its contents, and I can confirm that we will 00:05:04.860 --> 00:05:08.640 issue a reply in due course, as Paolo already indicated on Tuesday. 00:05:10.320 --> 00:05:19.376 Good. Other questions for Olof? Today? Not the case. 00:05:19.500 --> 00:05:22.140 Yes, Vitali? Not for Olof? Okay, go ahead. 00:05:25.560 --> 00:05:31.553 Vitali Sizdov, Freedom TV channel. Do you have some updates about negotiations on 00:05:31.680 --> 00:05:38.276 prosperity of Ukraine which took place on Wednesday and Thursday? 00:05:38.340 --> 00:05:42.903 And the President of the United States, Donald Trump, he announced some big, 00:05:42.960 --> 00:05:50.729 beautiful deal on peace in Europe, and he said that all will be thrilled of this 00:05:50.802 --> 00:05:54.217 deal. Do you know something, some details? 00:05:54.300 --> 00:05:58.260 What's the main features of this deal? Thank you. 00:05:59.700 --> 00:06:07.406 Thank you, Vitali. So, to update you, and here some of it you already probably know, 00:06:07.500 --> 00:06:15.293 the Commission hosted talks this week on Wednesday here in the Parlement as part of 00:06:15.360 --> 00:06:23.365 the ongoing efforts to secure a sustainable peace for Ukraine. 00:06:23.520 --> 00:06:31.880 We had with us delegations from Ukraine, obviously, from Germany, France, the UK, 00:06:31.960 --> 00:06:39.886 the United States, as well as NATO and the World Bank, and said the EU represented 00:06:39.956 --> 00:06:47.483 and the Commission hosting. And we met to discuss Ukraine's post-war reconstruction 00:06:47.580 --> 00:06:53.446 and prosperity, something to which we very much look forward, meaning this can only 00:06:53.524 --> 00:07:00.036 happen obviously once we have peace finally in Ukraine. 00:07:00.180 --> 00:07:07.767 These talks follow early meetings, notably in Miami and build on the work that we 00:07:07.849 --> 00:07:15.240 had initiated quite a while ago and that on the prosperity framework that had been 00:07:15.300 --> 00:07:21.845 developed already earlier this year together with Ukraine and the United States. 00:07:21.960 --> 00:07:30.130 And as we go forward, we are refining the scenarios for Ukraine's post-war economic 00:07:30.221 --> 00:07:36.985 development and prosperities. This includes, identifying the instruments and tools 00:07:37.051 --> 00:07:44.720 that can support Ukraine's future development and Ukraine's own efforts. 00:07:45.000 --> 00:07:54.100 So. There in these talks, emphasis is also put on the reform agenda by Ukraine, 00:07:54.195 --> 00:08:02.609 which is a key driver for stability and is in turn also boosting the investor 00:08:02.700 --> 00:08:10.625 confidence and is playing a role in attracting the private capital that will be 00:08:10.688 --> 00:08:18.105 needed in order to reconstruct this country after this devastating war that has been 00:08:18.166 --> 00:08:24.984 going on for the past years. So these talks continue. 00:08:25.080 --> 00:08:33.418 We are advancing. It's good that these could be resumed after quite some time where 00:08:33.506 --> 00:08:40.906 discussions hadn't taken place. And so there is now full engagement. 00:08:41.040 --> 00:08:44.712 There was always full engagement from our side. 00:08:44.880 --> 00:08:55.095 Now, as to the. Statement. That you referred to from President Trump, we all wish 00:08:55.193 --> 00:09:02.806 that we will have a peace deal soon. We are all working in that regard. 00:09:02.880 --> 00:09:06.637 And we look forward to seeing it materialize. 00:09:06.780 --> 00:09:10.152 But there's a lot of work that needs to go into it. 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 00:09:16.397 --> 00:09:17.520 started 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, 00:09:24.720 --> 00:09:28.330 because we haven't seen much movement on that side. 00:09:28.620 --> 00:09:29.820 David. 00:09:32.760 --> 00:09:36.977 Yes, thank you, Paola. David Carretta, Radio Radicale. 00:09:37.080 --> 00:09:44.840 Was. The Commission. And Chief of Staff of the President invited and did he 00:09:44.914 --> 00:09:52.320 participate in the second meeting that took place yesterday organized by NATO? 00:09:52.620 --> 00:09:59.604 And since in those meetings, this meeting security guarantees and the security 00:09:59.700 --> 00:10:08.619 architecture of Europe was discussed, what was the position or what is the position 00:10:08.689 --> 00:10:12.600 of the Commission on that specific issue? Thank you. 00:10:14.580 --> 00:10:21.133 So David, I can confirm that he was represented also at the meeting hosted by NATO 00:10:21.240 --> 00:10:28.831 yesterday both by the European Commission and a team from the Council. 00:10:28.980 --> 00:10:34.162 And yes, these are topics that are being discussed. 00:10:34.260 --> 00:10:38.655 In terms of security guarantees, on the one hand we have the discussion on the 00:10:38.719 --> 00:10:45.088 security guarantees for Ukraine, and we have the discussion on a European security 00:10:45.162 --> 00:10:51.042 architecture. And there, if you will recall, we even have Council conclusions 00:10:51.120 --> 00:10:58.257 referring very clearly to the European security architecture as recently as from 00:10:58.380 --> 00:11:04.656 last month, October, where it is clearly stated in the European Council conclusions 00:11:04.700 --> 00:11:09.878 that the European Union will decide on matters of its competence or affecting its 00:11:09.989 --> 00:11:17.794 security. And obviously we very well know that Russia's war of aggression against 00:11:17.876 --> 00:11:25.508 Ukraine is a threat to Europe's security and challenges the international 00:11:25.605 --> 00:11:32.833 rules-based order itself and hence we are committed to address this. 00:11:32.940 --> 00:11:41.189 Topic which is of fundamental importance and obviously of direct concern for us. 00:11:41.340 --> 00:11:45.660 Yes, please. Wait. You're still on this topic. 00:11:50.880 --> 00:11:55.684 Hi, Max Laney, AFP. Just following up on this. 00:11:55.800 --> 00:12:00.562 I. Didn't fully understand. Can you just tell us, does the EU believe that 00:12:00.657 --> 00:12:06.645 re-examining the European security architecture to take into account Russia's 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 00:12:11.932 --> 00:12:15.251 done as part of a deal to end the fighting in Ukraine? 00:12:15.300 --> 00:12:17.460 Or do you think this isn't necessary? 00:12:19.440 --> 00:12:25.877 As. I mentioned and as I referred to, there's even a statement at EU, European 00:12:25.989 --> 00:12:34.264 Council level confirming. Reiterating that it's obviously up to the European Union, 00:12:34.320 --> 00:12:42.008 to decide on matters which affect its security and on matters which are of its 00:12:42.150 --> 00:12:44.520 competence. Yes, please. 00:12:48.480 --> 00:12:51.187 Also, on this topic, Tatyana Vysotska from Ukraine. 00:12:51.240 --> 00:12:56.751 Is the EU sending someone to participate on site in the meeting in Abu Dhabi? 00:12:56.820 --> 00:13:02.654 I know that at the table there will be no European representatives, but just on site 00:13:02.753 --> 00:13:04.500 will be anyone. Thank you. 00:13:05.280 --> 00:13:11.509 Thank you. On the next upcoming meetings and their format, I have no further 00:13:11.589 --> 00:13:15.737 information to share at this point in time. 00:13:15.840 --> 00:13:18.900 Other questions still on this topic? Yes, Gabriele. 00:13:22.500 --> 00:13:25.809 Thank you, Paola. Gabriele Rosano with Italian newspaper Avvenire. 00:13:25.860 --> 00:13:31.143 Apologies for the low voice. Yesterday there has been an exchange of letters on the 00:13:31.193 --> 00:13:34.792 other side of the street between the Italian Prime Minister and the President of the 00:13:34.828 --> 00:13:43.985 European Council. On the need to speak with one voice on negotiations for Ukraine. 00:13:44.160 --> 00:13:47.133 Since the President is a member of the European Council, I would like to know 00:13:47.180 --> 00:13:51.756 whether you were in the loop when it comes to these contacts and secondly, there is 00:13:51.804 --> 00:13:57.981 an interesting remark that President Costa writes in his answer saying that the 00:13:58.080 --> 00:14:02.638 European Union's interests need to be represented by its institutions in accordance 00:14:02.700 --> 00:14:06.825 with the treaties the fellow alumni from the College of Europe will correct me if 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 00:14:11.822 --> 00:14:16.500 the President of the European Council. Is that something that you would agree with? 00:14:16.560 --> 00:14:17.760 Thank you. 00:14:18.120 --> 00:14:24.031 Thank you, Gabriele. So first of all, yes, we are aware of the letter addressed by 00:14:24.120 --> 00:14:31.849 Prime Minister Meloni to the President of the European Council Costa and the leaders 00:14:32.040 --> 00:14:36.870 all the. Members of the European Council therefore also President von der Leyen 00:14:36.960 --> 00:14:45.935 received this letter. And first, we fully agree that we must be involved, that 00:14:46.020 --> 00:14:50.840 Europe must be involved in the talks aiming at a sustainable and lasting peace in 00:14:50.910 --> 00:14:57.682 Ukraine and that determine Ukraine's security as we also just covered. 00:14:57.840 --> 00:15:04.085 And we fully agree that we need to be united, coherent and determined in defending 00:15:04.140 --> 00:15:12.263 our interests in supporting Ukraine. And you quoted a particular part of the reply 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 00:15:20.064 --> 00:15:28.483 institutions in line with the treaties we are in agreement with that. 00:15:28.620 --> 00:15:33.720 Other questions on a different topic? Yes, Chris. 00:15:36.360 --> 00:15:38.776 Thanks, Paola. It's Chris Powers, Kyiv Independent. 00:15:38.820 --> 00:15:44.861 I think I have a question for Siobhan. About sanctions and yesterday's meetings. 00:15:44.940 --> 00:15:51.585 So I saw a LinkedIn post from Commissioner Albuquerque where she mentions a couple 00:15:51.660 --> 00:15:54.970 of cool things. One is the EU crypto sanctions task force. 00:15:55.020 --> 00:15:59.330 The other is a dedicated EU sanctions office. 00:15:59.460 --> 00:16:02.268 I'm wondering what you can tell us about it. 00:16:02.340 --> 00:16:05.100 It sounds super cool. I hope it is. Thanks. 00:16:06.600 --> 00:16:09.419 Well, we'd like it when our measures are cool. 00:16:09.480 --> 00:16:18.165 And super cool. Siobhan, tell us more about these measures posted by Commissioner 00:16:18.221 --> 00:16:19.380 Albuquerque. 00:16:19.380 --> 00:16:24.995 Good afternoon, everyone. And hi, Chris. Indeed, yesterday we had the meeting of the 00:16:25.050 --> 00:16:30.040 high-level meeting of sanctions coordinators from across the EU's member states. 00:16:30.120 --> 00:16:34.631 Along with the meeting of sanctions coordinators from our member states and the G7 00:16:34.726 --> 00:16:38.093 and several of our international partners. 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 00:16:43.272 --> 00:16:47.200 on Russia to end their illegal war in Ukraine. 00:16:47.280 --> 00:16:51.896 And that's something that obviously we have been consistent in doing across four 00:16:51.973 --> 00:16:58.336 years of war and 21 sanctions packages. And as most of you probably know, we are 00:16:58.401 --> 00:17:01.838 working on our 22nd sanctions package right now. 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 00:17:05.138 --> 00:17:09.470 context about yesterday's announcement related to the sanctions office, is that she 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 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 00:17:19.943 --> 00:17:23.909 strengthen our approach to sanctions enforcement. 00:17:24.000 --> 00:17:27.371 And in each and every sanctions package, of course, we're looking at ways we can 00:17:27.423 --> 00:17:32.505 close loopholes and tackle circumvention. So that's why yesterday we announced at 00:17:32.557 --> 00:17:36.438 the meeting, the high-level meeting of sanctions coordinators, the creation of this 00:17:36.480 --> 00:17:41.120 new sanctions office inside the Commission that will bring together the Commission's 00:17:41.165 --> 00:17:44.505 work on the entire economic sanctions lifecycle. 00:17:44.580 --> 00:17:50.928 So from policy design to outreach, implementation and of course circumvention. 00:17:51.000 --> 00:17:56.975 And the idea is to of course give member states quicker access to guidance, data 00:17:57.098 --> 00:18:02.700 sharing, economic and technical analysis and ensure that we are harmonizing the 00:18:02.760 --> 00:18:05.758 implementation and enforcement of our sanctions. 00:18:05.820 --> 00:18:11.234 So that we can continue to maximize their impact on Russia itself. 00:18:11.340 --> 00:18:17.298 Did I miss, did you ask another question about, sorry, the crypto task force. 00:18:17.340 --> 00:18:22.080 Sorry, I indeed. So one of the other measures that Commissioner Albuquerque 00:18:22.123 --> 00:18:26.726 announced yesterday at the meeting with the coordinators was the creation of a task 00:18:26.796 --> 00:18:29.040 force on crypto sanctions. 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 00:18:34.510 --> 00:18:37.509 that has been used to circumvent our sanctions. 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 00:18:42.206 --> 00:18:46.678 is to bring together expertise from across the Commission and from member states to 00:18:46.736 --> 00:18:52.568 look at how we can continue to design measures that close this as a tool of 00:18:52.615 --> 00:18:53.815 circumvention. 00:18:55.200 --> 00:18:58.908 Thank you. And you're right, Chris. Cool measures. 00:18:59.040 --> 00:19:04.987 Other questions to Siobhan? I don't see any. 00:19:05.100 --> 00:19:09.480 Thank you, Siobhan. Other topics? Razia. 00:19:12.960 --> 00:19:17.472 Thank you. Razia Akoch, AFP News Agency. I just have one question. 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 00:19:21.171 --> 00:19:25.230 Tomer can answer the first. First thing I wanted to ask is I believe that Madam 00:19:25.275 --> 00:19:27.994 President von der Leyen will be going to Miami. 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 00:19:33.073 --> 00:19:37.353 just wondered if she had any plans to do that. 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 00:19:40.524 --> 00:19:41.724 better. 00:19:42.060 --> 00:19:48.238 That's fine. That's also fine. Razia. So regarding the G20 Leaders Summit, later 00:19:48.325 --> 00:19:53.703 this year in December, in the US we don't have yet a finalized program. 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 00:20:01.406 --> 00:20:05.595 be participating beyond the summit itself. 00:20:05.700 --> 00:20:11.886 But we'll get back to that nearer to the event in December. 00:20:12.000 --> 00:20:14.700 And now you have another question for Tomer. 00:20:14.760 --> 00:20:15.960 Go ahead. 00:20:16.680 --> 00:20:24.067 Thank you. It's a question related to the announcement today on TikTok. 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 00:20:29.624 --> 00:20:32.700 addictive design to be changed. The European Commission did. 00:20:32.760 --> 00:20:40.256 And then now we have this demand for changes to tackle harmful rabbit holes effect. 00:20:40.320 --> 00:20:45.144 And we've also had previous issues about settings. 00:20:45.240 --> 00:20:47.766 I know this is a facetious question but allow me. 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 00:20:51.606 --> 00:20:59.450 European TikTok à la US and Trump? And considering your challenging the business 00:20:59.537 --> 00:21:04.740 model of a platform, do you think the European Commission is going too far? 00:21:04.800 --> 00:21:08.935 And are you prepared for what could be a very difficult fight? 00:21:09.000 --> 00:21:10.200 Thank you. 00:21:11.100 --> 00:21:16.753 Razia that you would be welcoming the news this morning that Tomer just shared. 00:21:16.800 --> 00:21:18.000 But Tomer, go ahead. 00:21:18.600 --> 00:21:20.546 Thanks, Razia. I would put it the other way around. 00:21:20.580 --> 00:21:22.463 I don't think that the Commission is going too far. 00:21:22.500 --> 00:21:26.040 We believe that TikTok is not going far enough to protect our citizens. 00:21:26.100 --> 00:21:29.632 It's the other way around. So what is currently at stake? 00:21:29.700 --> 00:21:33.308 Well, these are preliminary findings. Let me be extremely clear about this. 00:21:33.360 --> 00:21:36.231 We have a company on the other side that is cooperative. 00:21:36.300 --> 00:21:42.687 Let's recall this. TikTok is cooperative. But this these preliminary findings are 00:21:42.756 --> 00:21:46.035 not minor ones. The first ones indeed were an addictive designs. 00:21:46.080 --> 00:21:49.175 These are the addictive features the system. 00:21:49.260 --> 00:21:55.227 Here this one is more about content. That is not necessarily illegal. 00:21:55.320 --> 00:21:58.635 That doesn't have to be removed. It's not about content moderation. 00:21:58.680 --> 00:22:04.929 Absolutely not. It's about content that if shown in repetition to our citizens could 00:22:05.074 --> 00:22:10.974 lead to anxiety, to stress and to mental health issues. 00:22:11.040 --> 00:22:15.230 So of course we expect now that the platform changes and this is our preliminary 00:22:15.274 --> 00:22:17.700 view. Again, TikTok can now defend itself. 00:22:17.760 --> 00:22:21.809 But at the current stage of things, we believe that TikTok has to change its 00:22:21.860 --> 00:22:26.697 business model in Europe to be compliant and to effectively protect our citizens. 00:22:26.760 --> 00:22:31.830 Now do we want to have a European TikTok, an American TikTok, an Asian TikTok? 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 00:22:35.803 --> 00:22:39.654 compliance. Be it European, be it American, be it Asian, compliance and the 00:22:39.693 --> 00:22:41.160 obligations will be exactly the same. 00:22:42.720 --> 00:22:47.691 Thank you, Tomer. Other questions to Tomer? 00:22:47.820 --> 00:22:58.440 No? Tomer? No? No? Okay. Yes? Anouk here. 00:23:01.020 --> 00:23:02.837 Hi. Thank you. Anouk here from Rapid Toll. 00:23:02.880 --> 00:23:08.220 Just to follow up to understand how does the Commission see the business structure 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 00:23:13.834 --> 00:23:17.654 has had so far, how do you see the company structure of TikTok? 00:23:17.700 --> 00:23:18.900 Thank you. 00:23:20.400 --> 00:23:23.925 Thanks, Anouk. It's a bit premature because how would we go about it? 00:23:24.120 --> 00:23:27.237 First, let's give TikTok now the right to defend itself. 00:23:27.300 --> 00:23:32.035 They will have access to our entire investigation file all our documents and on that 00:23:32.100 --> 00:23:37.127 basis they will be able to defend themselves and hopefully to offer commitments. 00:23:37.200 --> 00:23:40.557 This is what we want because we want a change of behavior for our citizens. 00:23:40.620 --> 00:23:43.583 Now should this dialogue not be effective enough? 00:23:43.680 --> 00:23:46.872 And should this lead to a non-compliance decision? 00:23:46.980 --> 00:23:52.302 We would then establish a fine based on the gravity the duration and the nature of 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 00:23:57.445 --> 00:24:01.832 would be to check the corporate structure of the company to make sure that the fine 00:24:01.890 --> 00:24:07.735 would come up with does not exceed the 6% turnover global one of the provider. 00:24:07.800 --> 00:24:12.016 So that's premature. Let's now give time to TikTok to engage with us. 00:24:12.060 --> 00:24:17.247 We will definitely faithfully engage with TikTok to try to settle the case rather to 00:24:17.324 --> 00:24:22.215 reach a non-compliance decision from whom nobody would benefit and especially not 00:24:22.253 --> 00:24:23.453 our citizens. 00:24:24.000 --> 00:24:31.209 Thank you. Other questions to Tomer? Razia. 00:24:31.320 --> 00:24:34.080 Still for Tomer. Second one. Go ahead. 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 00:24:40.353 --> 00:24:43.340 Leyen will also be there. We'll discuss AI. 00:24:43.440 --> 00:24:47.606 So first I wanted to ask the Chinese envoy yesterday had said China is ready to 00:24:47.656 --> 00:24:50.581 expand exchanges and cooperation with the EU on AI. 00:24:50.640 --> 00:24:54.003 And jointly advance global AI governance. So that's one side. 00:24:54.060 --> 00:25:01.085 Then we now have the Congress where both the House and the Senate are Democrat. 00:25:01.140 --> 00:25:06.616 So I wondered from that summit is the European Commission's hope that there will be 00:25:06.667 --> 00:25:10.546 greater efforts for global governance? Because she spoke about it in a Sotheo 00:25:10.601 --> 00:25:16.880 speech. So what is there more of a hopeful feeling in the Commission after the 00:25:16.950 --> 00:25:18.360 Congress results? Thank you. 00:25:20.400 --> 00:25:27.660 Razia. And you're right to quote and right correctly so. 00:25:28.080 --> 00:25:36.266 The President when she calls for global efforts to address what is a clearly global 00:25:36.380 --> 00:25:43.147 issue both on the opportunities it offers and the risks it brings. 00:25:43.260 --> 00:25:50.072 So we will continue to call for global effort to approach AI. 00:25:50.160 --> 00:25:55.073 And in the meantime as you know we have also our own regulatory framework which is 00:25:55.162 --> 00:25:59.580 addressing the challenges within Europe. But Tomer. 00:25:59.880 --> 00:26:11.271 Nothing to add. Nothing to add. From the summit I mean I expectation from the summit 00:26:11.312 --> 00:26:13.337 let me not prejudge what will be discussed there. 00:26:13.380 --> 00:26:16.552 But definitely our position has always been the same. 00:26:16.620 --> 00:26:21.214 No matter with which partners and what administration is on the other side I mean we 00:26:21.261 --> 00:26:25.753 want to cooperate with our global partners as Paula has just said. 00:26:25.860 --> 00:26:28.988 These are shared challenges. We have seen many incidents recently. 00:26:29.040 --> 00:26:33.854 We have an appropriate legislative framework with the AI Act in place. 00:26:33.960 --> 00:26:38.040 So let us focus now on addressing these risks at global level. 00:26:39.540 --> 00:26:46.500 Thank you, Tomer. Behind David. Then I'll come to David. 00:26:51.240 --> 00:26:57.522 Yes. Victoria English from MedNows. Could you please bring us up to date on the 00:26:57.577 --> 00:27:02.516 situation with Google now that we've had the digital services act on the table 00:27:02.603 --> 00:27:03.803 today? 00:27:06.240 --> 00:27:10.690 Thank you. Our cooperation with Alphabet definitely continues. 00:27:10.740 --> 00:27:15.259 We had a non-compliance decision that was issued in July. 00:27:15.420 --> 00:27:21.399 Discussions are pretty much on their way when it comes to Alphabet here again to 00:27:21.482 --> 00:27:25.560 have an appropriate solution offered to our citizens and businesses. 00:27:28.080 --> 00:27:29.280 David. 00:27:32.160 --> 00:27:36.289 Thank you, Paula. It's a follow up on the summit. 00:27:36.360 --> 00:27:42.005 Next week informal European Council and artificial intelligence. 00:27:42.060 --> 00:27:51.092 Should we expect a report by the special envoy that is working on industrial 00:27:51.192 --> 00:27:57.060 application of AI next week before the summit or. 00:27:57.720 --> 00:28:01.980 Contribution for this meeting? Thank you. 00:28:02.340 --> 00:28:09.240 Thank you, David. You are right that the special envoy will come up with a report. 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 00:28:13.643 --> 00:28:19.446 advance of next week's informal council. But we should know very soon. 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 00:28:27.670 --> 00:28:33.566 other questions for Tomer. No? Then we can take the question there. 00:28:33.600 --> 00:28:34.800 In the back. 00:28:34.800 --> 00:28:37.934 Great. Thank you. Gina. Gina Smylick from The New York Times. 00:28:37.980 --> 00:28:43.429 I was just wondering if you had any updates on the hybrid attacks or whatever they 00:28:43.475 --> 00:28:48.045 were that we saw yesterday the bomb threats that grounded a lot of planes. 00:28:48.180 --> 00:28:51.726 And whether there's any further information whether the Commission or the European 00:28:51.781 --> 00:28:53.640 Union broadly are looking into that in any way. 00:28:55.560 --> 00:29:04.920 Gina. Yeah. We'll have Anna Kaiser sharing with us the latest. 00:29:07.860 --> 00:29:12.901 We take these threats very seriously. Any threats against civilians are absolutely 00:29:12.960 --> 00:29:19.482 unacceptable. And it is our top priority to secure and ensure the safety and 00:29:19.564 --> 00:29:27.397 security of our cities. So what we are doing in these situations where the main 00:29:27.496 --> 00:29:33.697 responsibility to investigate and look into these matters rests with the member 00:29:33.768 --> 00:29:40.053 states is that we are in touch for example with our European Aviation Safety Agency 00:29:40.126 --> 00:29:44.138 which looks into the safety aviation safety aspects. 00:29:44.220 --> 00:29:49.749 And whether these security threats might have any impact on aviation safety where 00:29:49.805 --> 00:29:56.958 they can take action. What we have been seeing so far concern aviation security. 00:29:57.060 --> 00:30:01.529 That means we are we are obvious as Commission where the regulator we have rules in 00:30:01.604 --> 00:30:07.838 place that concern aviation security. For example screening of passengers screening 00:30:07.935 --> 00:30:13.095 of cargo etc. And the implementation of all these rules and investigation of any 00:30:13.154 --> 00:30:21.770 security threats are with member states. So our job at this moment is to coordinate 00:30:21.900 --> 00:30:26.889 amongst member states to have a full visibility full picture of what is happening 00:30:26.944 --> 00:30:30.740 for this reason Commissioner yesterday Commissioner Tsitsikostas who is responsible 00:30:30.780 --> 00:30:39.425 for transport he was in touch with our aviation safety agency and we have activated 00:30:39.519 --> 00:30:42.540 the EU level information sharing mechanism. 00:30:42.600 --> 00:30:47.374 It is something that is chaired by the European Commission and they meet they have 00:30:47.431 --> 00:30:51.176 participants from member states and they exchange information. 00:30:51.240 --> 00:30:56.429 So this is what the Commission is doing at this moment in addition to being 00:30:56.493 --> 00:31:01.384 obviously in very close contact with national authorities in terms of getting 00:31:01.428 --> 00:31:02.760 information what is happening. 00:31:05.640 --> 00:31:06.840 Yes. Nicolas. 00:31:11.040 --> 00:31:13.331 Thank you so much. Nicholas Kummer for Rapporteur. 00:31:13.380 --> 00:31:17.455 I understand that there has been a group that claimed responsibility for these 00:31:17.522 --> 00:31:21.525 attacks or threats or whatever we want to call it. 00:31:21.600 --> 00:31:25.510 Can you share with us what the Commission's assessment is? 00:31:25.560 --> 00:31:30.060 Is that a genuine claim for being behind these threats? 00:31:32.040 --> 00:31:37.118 No. I cannot. It is not our responsibility to look into the threats or to 00:31:37.170 --> 00:31:43.133 investigate them. It is for national authorities and we keep our commenting to where 00:31:43.191 --> 00:31:50.443 we have competence and it is indeed not to go into any investigative role on this. 00:31:50.640 --> 00:31:57.180 Indeed. Thank you, Anna Kaiser. Any other questions to Anna Kaiser today? 00:31:57.300 --> 00:32:00.480 No? Yes please. Go ahead. 00:32:04.080 --> 00:32:08.938 My question is for Balasz. It's about financing Ukraine. 00:32:09.000 --> 00:32:16.510 Yesterday Ukraine received more than 3 billion euros of disbursement and more than 00:32:16.632 --> 00:32:21.223 20 billion is still not disbursed for this year. 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 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 00:32:34.491 --> 00:32:41.848 especially for defense which is almost 20 12 billion euros left will be not 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 00:32:48.898 --> 00:32:54.120 it will be considered at as the 2027. Thank you. 00:32:56.640 --> 00:33:00.928 Indeed. What is important is that the reform agenda is moving forward now and that's 00:33:00.973 --> 00:33:05.262 very important we we welcome that and it is important to keep up the pace and 00:33:05.323 --> 00:33:10.003 continue the momentum of of reforms. Now because of this yesterday as you say we 00:33:10.085 --> 00:33:15.707 were able to disburse about 4. 4 billion euro to Ukraine mainly for budget support 00:33:15.783 --> 00:33:20.533 purposes but also for defense. But there's more in the pipeline indeed. 00:33:20.580 --> 00:33:26.545 We have about 20 billion euro and 390 billion program which is still available this 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 00:33:30.900 --> 00:33:32.779 remaining funding which remains the objective. 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. 00:33:38.820 --> 00:33:43.355 Let me just add to that that we had another positive step forward last week. 00:33:43.440 --> 00:33:48.267 We at the Commission adopted what we call the financing strategy for next year for 00:33:48.360 --> 00:33:53.453 Ukraine. That sets out the structure of the funding for the upcoming upcoming year. 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 00:33:58.938 --> 00:34:03.027 32 billion euro for defense and the rest for budget budget support. 00:34:03.060 --> 00:34:05.220 That would be the way to go for next year. 00:34:06.960 --> 00:34:12.600 And a follow-up. Yes. Very small follow-up. 00:34:12.720 --> 00:34:16.648 Are you sure that you will disburse all the 20 billion this year? 00:34:16.740 --> 00:34:17.940 Thank you. 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 00:34:24.300 --> 00:34:27.527 billion. Of course a lot hinges on the on the reforms. 00:34:27.600 --> 00:34:30.436 We have been saying that for a long time. Now there is a positive momentum. 00:34:30.480 --> 00:34:33.748 There is good progress. The reform agenda is clearly moving forward and it is 00:34:33.790 --> 00:34:35.040 important to keep up the pace. 00:34:38.940 --> 00:34:44.246 Yes. No further questions to Balasz. Any other questions? 00:34:44.340 --> 00:34:45.540 Yes please. 00:34:48.780 --> 00:34:52.208 Hi Paula. Karina Müller TVR Moldova. I have a question on Moldova. 00:34:52.260 --> 00:34:57.965 I think it'll be for Christian. On Wednesday Vladimir Putin has personally awarded 00:34:58.029 --> 00:35:03.063 Russian state owner to Vadim Krasnoselsky who is so-called leader for Transnistrian 00:35:03.120 --> 00:35:09.409 region. Putin praised him for protecting the Russian language and defending and I'm 00:35:09.484 --> 00:35:14.748 quoting historical truth and so on. The ceremony comes just weeks before the 00:35:14.793 --> 00:35:18.936 elections in the region. Scheduled for 13 December. 00:35:19.020 --> 00:35:23.432 Meanwhile Moldova's Prime Minister has called the the visit a provocation and 00:35:23.503 --> 00:35:27.464 announced restrictions on Krasnoselsky's future travel. 00:35:27.540 --> 00:35:32.511 I understand that the Commission won't comment on internal domestical affairs but 00:35:32.580 --> 00:35:37.554 this was a public gesture from the from the Russian President. 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 00:35:42.797 --> 00:35:47.712 Kremlin especially its timing just weeks before the elections in the region and do 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 00:35:52.570 --> 00:35:55.020 forward in its accession path. Thank you very much. 00:35:58.380 --> 00:36:02.700 Yeah. Thank you for your question. What I can say in this context is that we 00:36:02.760 --> 00:36:08.936 reiterate our unwavering support for the independence, sovereignty, and territorial 00:36:08.991 --> 00:36:14.350 integrity of the Republic of Moldova. Within its internationally recognized borders 00:36:14.403 --> 00:36:19.395 and remain committed to peaceful, comprehensive, and lasting settlement of the 00:36:19.498 --> 00:36:25.708 Transnistrian conflict. Let us recall that Russia officially committed at the 1999 00:36:25.864 --> 00:36:32.897 OSCE Istanbul Summit to the withdrawal of its troops from the Transnistrian region. 00:36:33.000 --> 00:36:37.773 This. Decision by the Kremlin is part of Russia's playbook to perpetuate the 00:36:37.860 --> 00:36:42.794 division of Moldova and undermine any prospects of dialogue between Chisinau and 00:36:42.858 --> 00:36:44.058 Tiraspol. 00:36:46.560 --> 00:36:53.474 Good. Thank you. Christian. Are there questions on foreign affairs? 00:36:53.580 --> 00:36:57.048 Let me see. I still had a hand raised online. 00:36:57.120 --> 00:36:58.560 Oliver. Oliver Grimm. 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 00:37:04.480 --> 00:37:09.704 European Public Prosecutor's Office's announcement that it launched investigations 00:37:09.780 --> 00:37:16.203 into possible fraud of EU funds in Spain. Particularly on the maintenance of the 00:37:16.260 --> 00:37:22.020 railway connection that was so tragically now the place where where two two major 00:37:22.080 --> 00:37:26.810 train accidents happened this year. So I'd be interested in who in the Commission is 00:37:26.865 --> 00:37:31.167 is the Commission following this. Are you looking into this? 00:37:31.260 --> 00:37:36.844 Have you yourself looked into whether EU funds for Spanish Spain's rail system is 00:37:36.909 --> 00:37:43.415 properly used and more generally how much money did Spain actually get in recent 00:37:43.481 --> 00:37:48.955 years to to upgrade and to to renovate its high-speed rail system? 00:37:49.020 --> 00:37:50.220 Thank you. 00:37:51.360 --> 00:37:52.560 Thank you. Oliver. 00:37:52.800 --> 00:38:03.150 So there are several questions there. On the European Public Prosecutor's Office? 00:38:03.540 --> 00:38:06.300 And of course we don't respond for you. 00:38:06.360 --> 00:38:10.878 Oliver, thanks very much for the question but you know you know the EPO is an 00:38:10.953 --> 00:38:16.187 independent body and I can only ask you to address questions regarding their 00:38:16.244 --> 00:38:19.860 investigations and their activities at two this body. 00:38:22.260 --> 00:38:32.311 Correct. Okay. And. We don't have nothing else to add looking at the team. 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 00:38:40.310 --> 00:38:46.020 you for your participation for your questions wish you a very nice weekend.