EC Briefing — Monday, 30 March 2026

Key Points

• The European Commission approved a €1.5 billion work programme for the European Defence Industry Programme (EDIP).
• €700 million will support the production of counter-drone systems, missiles, and ammunition under EDIP.
• The Commission will collaborate with Norway and Ukraine on industrial projects worth €325 million.
• An Agri-Fish Council meeting will discuss agriculture and food vision, trade, and energy transition in fisheries.
• The EU emphasizes that Russia is the primary culprit behind drone incursions into member states' airspace.
• The Informal Foreign Affairs Council will take place in Ukraine to reaffirm support for Ukraine's security and defense.

Full Transcript

Opening Statement

Good afternoon and welcome to our midday briefing. Today is Monday the 30th of March 2026. Before we start taking your questions, a few announcements. First of all, we're very happy to welcome a group of visitors. I understand you're a group of students from Tumba Gymnasium in Sweden. And I would also like to welcome to the press room my father, Professor Peter Gill. Now, let me, our next announcement will come from Tomas who has some news for us on the defence front. Tomas.

Thanks, Olaf. Good afternoon. Today, the European Commission has just approved the work programme of the European Defence Industry Programme worth 1.5 billion euro. EDIP tackles pressing challenges in European defence and security by boosting industrial production capacities. This, of course, also includes reinforcing cooperation with Ukraine. Some key takeaways, around 700 million euro will support the production of counter-drone systems, missiles, and ammunition. 325 million euro will support the launch and implementation of ambitious, collaborative industrial projects together with Norway and Ukraine. And the first projects will already be launched tomorrow. And they will be available in the funding and tenders portal. You will find more information in the press release that we have just published. And we have also foreseen a technical briefing for you in the press room at three o'clock today.

Thank you very much, indeed, Tomas. Please also note that today, an Agri-Fish Council is taking place in Brussels. And the Commission will be represented by Commissioners Hanson and Cadiz. Ministers will have a discussion on the vision for agriculture and food a year after its publication. They'll be talking about recent developments linked to trade and the energy transition in the fisheries and aquaculture sector. And they'll also be discussing the fisheries and aquaculture sector. Commissioner Hanson will give a press conference around 6.15 p.m. after the end of the meeting. And as always, we would like to ask you to save your questions on that subject for the press conference on the Council. So that's it by way of announcements. Do you have any questions?

Q (David): Hi. I know last week that you replied to questions on the recording of a certain journalist and a member of Von der Leyen's cabinet. It wasn't conclusive, the replies. And so my question is, again, because it is a serious issue for journalists. It's also a news issue. Is one on the Belgian law, I think it's Article 314 of the Belgian Penal Code. That is an offense. It is clearly illegal. So my question is, has the Commission had contact with Belgian authorities for this breach of the Penal Code? And what other issues have come up since then? Because we understand the Hungarian journalist involved, the investigative Hungarian journalist is being investigated by Orbán's security services. Thanks.

A: Thank you for your question, David. But I must disagree with your assessment. We have been very comprehensive in our answer, and we have nothing more to say on this matter. I therefore consider it closed and open the floor for other questions. Go ahead, Jarno.

Q (Jarno Hartikainen, Helsingin Sanomat): Thank you, Jarno Hartikainen, Helsingin Sanomat. This is on foreign policy. So it's about the latest drone incidents in Finland yesterday, when two drones, of which at least one was identified as Ukrainian, flew into the Finnish airspace. I mean, there were no casualties. The drones, apparently, I mean, it remains unclear at the moment whether these drones carried any explosives, but nevertheless, it was quite concerning incident in Finland. So my question is, if there is a diplomatic response from the Commission, from the EU side, on these incidents, namely that the drones seem to be of Ukrainian origin. Thank you. Thanks very much, dear Jarno. Tomas will come to the stage to answer your question.

A (Tomas): Hello, Jarno. So indeed, we are very well aware of what happened, and we are following very closely. Let me recall that this is first a member state's competence to tackle these drone incursions, not the first ones. We're, of course, very concerned by these drone incursions. This is also why, at European level, we have taken several steps to also increase the capabilities of our member states. I mean, let me echo first one of the very important European flagships that we have put on the table, the Drone Defence Initiative. The Commission, together with the High Representative, had presented that. And then also, I mean, today in EDIP, I mentioned quite a lot of money for counter-drone systems. So, of course, this is an issue that we have on our radar, and we're, of course, ready to support our member states. Thank you, Tomas.

Q (Jarno Hartikainen, Helsingin Sanomat): Follow-up. Yes, please. So, I do understand that strengthening the drone defense is a priority, but I was asking more on the kind of diplomatic response, and maybe if the EU Commission and EU has a message to Ukraine. I mean, Zelensky – I mean, Reuters just very recently reported that Zelensky had told that allies had asked Ukraine to reduce attacks on the Russian energy infrastructure. Of course, I mean, not all the facts are established yet, so we don't know if – looks likely that these incidents, these incursions were linked to the attacks on the Russian oil terminals on the Baltic Sea. So, I'm curious if the EU has a response or a message to Ukraine. Has the EU, for instance, asked Ukraine to be more cautious with these attacks to prevent further incursions into EU airspace? Thank you.

A: Thanks for your follow-up, Jarno. If Anouar wants to come to the stage, she's welcome to, but my understanding of the situation is that there's no security threat perceived here, and therefore I don't think there's a whole pile more to say. Tomas, given our position on what we're doing in general in the defence space, and I don't think we would add anything particular unless you want to jump in, Anouar. I think we're okay on that. Yes, from the diplomatic angle, our message is clear, and the High Representative has been always adamant to reinforce the message that even when we have drones flying over EU member states as such, the primary culprit here is Russia. Without Russia, this would not happen, so this is number one. Number two, we will have also the Foreign Affairs, the Informal Foreign Affairs Council, which will take place now in Ukraine tomorrow, on the 31st of March, and this will be also once more used not only to commemorate all the horrific tragedies at Bucha, but also to rally up again the support towards Ukraine. And we are committed to support Ukraine when it comes both to its security and defence, and its need to protect itself throughout. Thank you very much, Anouar, for that very clear answer. Folks, what we're going to do is let Tomas answer any other questions on his file. Anouar, stay close by, and we'll come back to Foreign Affairs immediately afterwards. So, do you have any questions on defence, tech, or the other areas that Tomas covers?

Q (Valeria Pashko, Public Broadcaster of Ukraine): Go ahead. Valeria Pashko, Public Broadcaster of Ukraine. Just a clarification, do you have any confirmation that these Ukrainian drones are in contact with the Ukrainian authority on this matter? I don't know which of you is supposed to answer, but if you could join me, that'd be great.

A (Tomas): The pleasure of sharing files. This is a matter for the Finnish authorities, for the national authorities, for the member states, like in previous drone incursions, to identify from where they were coming exactly. So, of course, we're ready to support our member states, but the identification is a work for them to do. Thank you, Tomas. Other questions for Tomas? Please.

Q (Sam Clark, Politico): Hi, it's Sam Clark from Politico. I've got a few questions about the cyber attack against the Commission that was announced on Friday. There are multiple reports stating that the attack affected the Commission's Amazon Web Services infrastructure. I wondered if you could confirm that. There are also reports stating that there was a hacking group called Shiny Hunters, which has claimed responsibility, and they have said that they have taken more than 350 gigabytes of data, including mail servers, databases, confidential documents, contracts, and more. Can you say if that's accurate? And could you also say if any personal data was affected in the attack? Thank you.

A (Tomas): Thanks, Sam. The first question, yes, the Commission has responded to a cyber attack on our Europa platform hosted in the Amazon environment. So that replies to your first question. I can confirm that. What have we done since then? Our defense mechanisms have immediately detected the malicious activities, and our teams have launched an immediate investigation. This allowed us to contain the incident. Risk mitigation measures were implemented by our services to protect our services and our data without disrupting the availability of our Europa websites. Now, the investigation is ongoing. Early indications indeed point into the direction that some data was taken, but I will not go further than that at this stage because the investigation is precisely ongoing. Thank you, Tomas. Other questions for Tomas? Jan.

Q (Jan Popeszali, Bloomberg News): Jan Popeszali, Bloomberg News. On this, Tomas, Amazon says that the problem with the breach is that your account's credentials have been affected, meaning that there's been some kind of leaking of credentials, someone maybe was phished. Is there a problem with awareness of cyber security within the Commission?

A (Tomas): There is absolutely no problem with that. There is absolutely no problem of awareness of cyber security within the Commission. We take this extremely seriously. We have strong cyber security policies in place. We have strong guidelines also addressed to our staff who knows how to handle all of this. Of course, malicious activities happen more and more frequently, not only on the Commission, but on all sorts of public organizations, public institutions, and private entities also. So, of course, this is a risk that we face on a daily basis. Sometimes it goes a little bit further here. We have immediately detected it. We have immediately taken action, and the investigation is still ongoing.

Q (Jan Popeszali, Bloomberg News): Follow-up? Yeah. Is there any additional security measure you're going to implement in response to this specific incident and maybe past incidents?

A (Tomas): We will first let our colleagues do the investigation, and then we will assess if potential additional measures are needed. But let me recall and re-emphasize here, we already have strong policies and strong mitigation measures in place. Otherwise, we wouldn't have detected it so quickly and reacted so promptly. Thank you. Tomas, Razie.

Q (Razie Akoc, AFP News Agency): Thank you. Razie Akoc, AFP News Agency. Maybe I'm just really slow because it's Monday, but you said data was taken, but you refused to say what data. And I assume, considering it appears slightly flippant, it's not like citizens' data that has been taken, and therefore they don't need to worry. And I have another question for Tomas on another subject, but I'll do a follow-up maybe.

A (Tomas): On this here, I would slightly tone your question, or rather my reply, down. When I say data was taken, these are early indications that data was taken. Now, the Europa.eu are public websites. The Commission's internal infrastructure has absolutely not been affected. So we're here talking about data that is potentially already in the public domain. So that's already quite reassuring to reply to your question. But here again, I mean, an investigation is ongoing, so I'll not go into further details than this. Do we have other questions on this topic before I come back to Razie? Mose.

Q (Mose): Thank you, Olaf. It's a related question, data question. We talked last week about foreign interference in elections and the roundtables organized by the Commission together with member states, for example, recently also in Slovenia. But if I'm not wrong, I mean, when you apply the DSA, that only applies, I suppose, to large, very large online platforms. Maybe not to smaller ones, where in this case, Slovenia, these covered recordings were uploaded. So how are we supposed to deal with that? I mean, the member state, when this happened in Slovenia.

A (Tomas): I can be very reassuring on that one, Mose. The DSA applies to all online platforms, not only the biggest. Now, you're tackling one, indeed, very important point. We, the Commission, we enforce the DSA towards the very large online platforms, the ones that reach more than 45 million users in the European Union. Now, for smaller platforms, of course, the same risks can occur from smaller platforms operating at national level. This is why we have a strong DSA architecture in place where national authorities are playing a crucial role also to implement the DSA at national level. So this is a holistic approach involving all actors at European level. Thank you very much. Sam, another question.

Q (Sam Clark, Politico): Thanks. It's just a specific follow-up on the cyber attack. Can you say if you have contacted or notified the European Data Protection Supervisor? Thank you.

A (Tomas): No, I cannot confirm that for now. I can confirm that we have been in touch with Amazon, for example, but not with EDPS. Thank you very much.

Q (Razie Akoc, AFP News Agency): Okay, Razie, your other topic. It might actually not even be for Tomas. I have a question related to the Italian Competition and Market Authority's investigation into the Benefit Cosmetics brand and Sephora. Is that for Tomas? No. It is. We don't know for whom it is. First the question. Okay, ask the question first, Razie. I just wanted to confirm. Razie, just let me double-check first. Are there other questions that we know for sure are for the great man beside me? I don't see any in the room. I don't see any online. Okay. Go ahead, Razie. What I wanted to ask is because I really know how much the European Commission cares about children with all the investigations that they've been opening, but not closing. On Friday, the Italian regulators said that they were investigating Sephora and Benefit over claims their marketing allegedly fuelled cosmeticorexia. What I'd like to know is has there been any contacts between the European Commission? I don't know if it's like a DSA issue, but I just thought I'd ask anyway because this is online. There's a social media link to it. And if there isn't a direct link with this investigation and the European Commission, is this an issue that the European Commission is worried about in terms of the fact that skincare is being marketed to children that really have no need for it? Thank you.

A (Tomas): Thank you. So first a matter for the national authorities. This is a joint thing here, also with consumer protection. So I'm pretty sure that here with the consumer protection authorities, something may or may not be in the pipeline. I guess Guillaume will get back to you on that one. I mean, obviously, the protection of children online is a strong priority for us. You're mentioning yourself the many cases that we're opening and that we will be closing. Yes, we follow this very closely. We're also following what our member states are doing very closely to protect our children. We'll get back to you if we have additional information on that one. Thank you very much. Do we have any other last questions for Tomas before we change topics? Let's change topics. Vitaly.

Q (Vitaly Sezov, Freedom TV): Thank you, Vitaly Sezov, Freedom TV. I have general questions. Do you worry about the last statements of the United States President about inefficiency of NATO? Are you still relying on support of the United States as a guarantor of security in Europe? And could you consider that this statement could encourage Russia to do something bad with the European country, as a lot of international media publish some reports that Russia could attack the EU country? Thank you.

A: Thanks for your questions. Look, as a general point, as you know, we don't comment on comments. If Anouar wants to give any generalities about the work we do, you're welcome to, but I think we're just not going to go there today. With your kind understanding, you can have a follow-up. No? Okay. Go ahead with your other topic then.

Q (Vitaly Sezov, Freedom TV): And about loan for Ukraine, is it still there is no, like, bridge solution? Maybe you think about it, and could it be, like, help from third countries, as it was in 2023 year from Japan, maybe Gulf country or country of Middle East, where President Zelensky now visits? Thank you.

A: Thanks for your question. I understand the reason you're asking it, but we don't have any updates to provide at this particular time. Other topics for us today?

Q: Here, I can't see you. Go ahead. My question is for Guillaume, I guess. Is he here or not? Okay. There is some information circulating in Russian and Ukrainian speaking media that potential accession of Iceland and Norway to the EU, if they decide to apply, can kind of, and I quote, push aside the Ukraine on its way to the EU. Can you say something about it? And do you link these two issues, accession of Norway and Iceland to the EU and accession of Ukraine?

A: Thanks for your question, but we're not going to comment on such comments. We have been very clear as the European Commission on behalf of the European Union, our commitment to all the countries you have mentioned in their various phases of accession, or in the case of Iceland, looking to restore its accession process. And we have nothing more to add to that at this time. I can certainly say that the two are not tied and we categorically reject any such suggestion. Other questions for us today? Jorge.

Q (Jorge): Hello, Olaf. I have a question on the G7 last week in the Strait of Hormuz, because we've been hearing for the past days, you know, comments from Donald Trump asking Europeans to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. But on Friday, Marco Rubio clarified that this operation should only take place the day after the war, not during the war, as Donald Trump was implying. Do you think the debate is now closed? And have you received any assurances from the United States that you will not be asked to reopen Hormuz while the war is going on? Thank you. I'll ask Anouar to come to the stage on this one. It is also important to recall that there are separate G7 energy and finance ministers and central bank governors meetings taking place today. So we'll be keeping an eye on that as well. And we encourage you to do the same. Anouar, go ahead.

A (Anouar): Yes, indeed. I will refer you to the statement that the G7 foreign ministers agreed on on Iran, where they reiterated the absolute necessity to permanently restore safe and toll-free freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, and this in line with the UN Security Council Resolution 2817 and the Law of the Sea. Now, when it comes to the latest at our level, I will refer to the European Council, the latest one, where we recall the need again to safeguard regional airspace and ensure maritime security and respect for freedom of navigation, together with a condemnation of any acts that threaten navigation or prevent vessels from entering and exiting the Strait of Hormuz. When it comes to initiatives, you will also recall that some member states have launched initiatives to see what can be done to ensure freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. But caveat is once the conditions are met. So up until then, I will be refraining from commenting any further. Thank you, Anouar.

Q (Jorge): Follow-up. Yes, thank you. We've seen this joint statement by several European countries and other countries around the world. I think it's over 30 signatories now say more or less what you just said, Anouar, about their willingness to reopen Hormuz once the conditions are met. How are the EU institutions contributing to this effort, to this possible coalition in the future to securing free passage through the Strait? Thank you.

A (Anouar): Thank you. On the speculative angle of your question, I will not be commenting because, again, we don't do speculation. I would like to recall here that we had also discussions at the last Foreign Affairs Council on the matter, right? And the European Council reinforced what the outcome of these discussions were and what the High Rep had also presented at the outcome of the Foreign Affairs Council, calling for the reinforcement of our operations, maritime defensive operations, with more assets in line with their respective mandates. So this is it in terms of EU action that you are referring to. Again, without prejudging at this stage in terms of any further action that could take shape on the ground once the conditions are met again. Thanks, Anouar. Magnus.

Q (Magnus, Euractiv): Thank you, Magnus, with Euractiv. It's on the same subject. Now that the Houthis are involved, is there a chance of a spillover effect that might, well, bring in the ASPIDES mission that already has a mandate to defend merchant ships in the Red Sea? And do you know, as a second question, will this be something that will be discussed by foreign ministers tomorrow in Kyiv? And yeah, and maybe thirdly, like, what are the steps forward from here, given that leaders were already at EUCO saying that we're willing to increase capabilities of ASPIDES? Thank you.

A (Anouar): Risk of escalation for sure. We strongly condemn Houthi threats and attacks in the Red Sea and beyond. Why? Because they risk dragging Yemen into the regional war and increase not only conflict but also instability in the region, as well as impact on global trade and freedom of navigation. We join the UN Special Envoy Hans Grundberg's call to exercise restraint, stop military actions, respect international law and international humanitarian law in order to protect civilians and prevent further escalation in the Middle East. And at the same time, we as EU remain committed to support the people of Yemen and to promote stability in this region. Thank you, Anouar. A question here. Thank you. Alexandra Bogdouri with Kathimerini.

Q (Alexandra Bogdouri, Kathimerini): Thank you, Olaf. Anouar, you have not replied to my colleague's question. Is there any possibility for the mandate of the naval mission ASPIDES to change, and under which circumstances? Because yesterday there was an announcement by the naval mission of ASPIDES saying that operations of Houthis could resume any time soon. So are you already considering changing the mandate? Thank you.

A (Anouar): With all due respect, I think that I did answer the question. We don't do speculation, so it's not for me to say now whether we will be extending a mandate, yes or no, and if so, under what scope. And I will stick to what I have said in terms of the latest remarks that we have been delivering, the G7 statement, and let's leave it there for the time being. Thank you very much. Do we have other questions for Anouar? Mose.

Q (Mose): Thank you. I would also like to ask a question about this G7 statement last Friday of the foreign ministers, including High Representative Kallas, because this was quite seen by – and it didn't mention anything about reports about possible diplomatic solution of the United States. I mean, they presented some kind of proposal, including 15 points, which have not been public, but it seems that Iran has rejected them. Still, I mean, there seems to be a chance of talks to take place, perhaps in Pakistan, any day. But as I said, I mean, the statement didn't refer anything to that at all. It didn't go much further than what you have said before. So my question is, do you think that – are we closer to a possible diplomatic solution? And has, for example, High Representative Kallas tried to reach out again to those leaders in Iran which seem to be involved – who could be involved in those talks? Thank you.

A (Anouar): First on the High Rep's efforts, rest assured that she is continuously engaged with all partners in the region, and this to contribute to de-escalation and regional stability. That's one. Then, in terms of the diplomatic track, we have always been in favor of and always welcomed diplomatic efforts and diplomatic solutions, and we do stand ready to contribute to all diplomatic efforts, including those that you are mentioning, to reduce tensions and to bring about a lasting solution to end the hostilities, to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon, and to put an end to its ballistic missile program. Thank you, Anouar. Do we have other questions for Anouar here at the back?

Q (Laila Mossadegh, Brussels Morning): Thank you. Laila Mossadegh from Brussels Morning. During the weekend, Iran foreign minister has criticized European countries for remaining silent and alleged violence by the United States and Israel against the civilian. So the question is how does the European Union respond to this criticism and also – and what steps is it taking to remain neutral and – neutrality and credibility on the ground? Thank you.

A (Anouar): Well, as you know, per established practice, we do not dignify comments with comments, but let me assert here loud and clear our position. The European Union calls for de-escalation and maximum restraint, protection of civilians and civil infrastructure, and full respect of international law by all the parties to actually answer the angle that you have put forward. And I think it's crystal clear as it is. Crystal clear, Anouar. Many thanks. Razie.

Q (Razie): Thanks. Very quickly, I just wondered if the European Commission had a response to Netanyahu on Sunday ordering the Israeli military to, in quotation marks, further expand a security zone in Lebanon. Thank you.

A (Anouar): Thank you, Razie. Short answer, Israel should stop its military operations in Lebanon. And we have already been quite clear in terms of our longstanding position on the situation in south Lebanon. We have called on, and we do call on Israel to respect Lebanon's sovereignty and territorial integrity, calling also all parties to implement the terms of the ceasefire agreement of the 27th of November 2024 and full implementation of the UN Security Council Resolution 1701, together with refraining from any actions resulting in further displacements, because again, the situation on the ground, including from a humanitarian perspective, is serious. Many thanks, Anouar. I don't see any other hands in the room or online, so we will change topics.

Q (Nacho): Go ahead. Hi. It's Nacho. It's on competition. Nacho, I come from the Spanish newspaper El Confidencial. I have a question on the operation of CMN Logistics by Toyota. The National Competition Authority opened the case on the acquisition back on the 6th of March, if I understand correctly. They had 15 working days to refer the case to the Commission if they wanted to do it. So I wanted to know if you have any information on whether the Spanish National Authority has referred the case to the Commission, and then also if there is any other national authority that opened a case, if they also have another 15 days.

A: Thank you for your question. I'm informed we'll have to double-check this and come back to you in the course of the afternoon. Thanks for your patience. Other questions for us today? Don't see hands in the room. I don't see hands online. Have a good Monday.

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