EC Briefing — Thursday, 9 April 2026

Key Points

• President von der Leyen will hold a college meeting on April 13 to address the Middle East situation.
• The strategic debate on China has been postponed, with a new date to be announced soon.
• The Commission emphasizes the importance of national competition authorities' independence, particularly in Hungary.
• International law mandates freedom of navigation, opposing Iran's toll for vessels in the Strait of Hormuz.
• The Commission calls for respect for international law regarding navigation fees imposed by Iran.

Full Transcript

Transcribed automatically from EbS (Europe by Satellite) · English audio track · AI-generated · May contain errors · Verify before quoting

Opening Statement

Good afternoon and good to see you all again.

In light of the current geopolitical situation in the Middle East, a short announcement to share with you that earlier this week, President von der Leyen decided to devote the college meeting of next Monday, 13th of April, to discuss the situation in the Middle East and its broader impact on Europe. It will be an occasion for the college to jointly take stock of all the activities that the Commission is carrying out to address the current situation, from energy to transport, from migration to internal security and all the policy areas that are impacted by this conflict. Now, you know that we had planned originally to have a strategic orientation debate on China next Monday, so this is now postponed and we'll come back to it soon with another date we'll share with you as soon as it is fixed. So this is the only announcement today that we wanted to share with you, and with it we can now open the floor to your questions. Finbar.

Q: Thanks, Paolo. Could you just clarify if this was to be the first strategic debate on China since the second Commission of Ursula von der Leyen started? Is there any concern that basically with the postponement of this, you know, we hear a lot about the challenge of the China shock, industrial challenge posed by China. Is there concern that by postponing this and kicking it down the road that the EU is ill-equipped to deal with these challenges? Thank you.

Spokesperson: Thank you, Finbar. Yes, from my memory it is the first orientation debate in this format in the College to discuss China, but obviously China comes up regularly also in College discussions. This would be a structural discussion. Now, by slightly postponing, we are in no way putting it into question. So as said, we'll soon find a date, a new date for this important discussion. So no worries on that front. Other questions?

Q: Yes, Andy. On the same topic, obviously the China policy currently dates to 2019, where we have the triptych of competitive partner rival. Is the idea that as part of this process, you will come up with a new China strategy with perhaps a new tagline, a new sort of priority? Thanks.

Spokesperson: Thank you, Andy. Well, even though there hasn't been a structured discussion at College level on China, as I said, China is obviously a part of the discussions regularly as it expresses itself in various policy areas. And also, obviously, the President has also been very clear on our stance on China on a number of occasions. So independently of having a dedicated discussion. And as you also will remember, from the President's point of view, there is an opportunity to build a more meaningful partnership with China. But to move our relationship forward, we need to make real progress on a number of areas, find fair solutions where we have been deadlocked for a long time. So it's in that sense and in that context that we will have this discussion and then we will take it from there, whether there will be any type of concrete measures to be taken based on that structured discussion with the College and within the College. Other questions, please? Yes, go ahead.

Q (MLEX): Yes, Anna Ferrari from MLEX. My question is about the Hungarian Competition Authority. So the Chief Economist at the Hungarian Authority recently told a local newspaper that the authority's work was biased in favor of companies close to the government. Do you have any comment on this? And are you seeking information regarding guarantees on the independence of the authority in line with the European Competition Networks Directive? Thank you.

Spokesperson: Good afternoon. Hello, Anna. For the Commission, the independence of national competition authorities and in particular of their leadership is of paramount importance for the effective application of EU competition rules across Europe. The ECN Plus Directive from 2019, which you've pointed out, strengthened the independence of national competition authorities, in particular by enshrining guarantees relating to both independence of the national competition authority and to it having sufficient resources to carry out its tasks. And it is the role of the Commission within that to ensure that the ECN Plus Directive is properly transposed and also observed by all member states. Thank you, Ricardo. Benefiting from Ricardo's presence on the podium, other questions? You have a follow-up?

Q: It's very quick, but do you have like a specific comment on this situation? Like have you been in touch with the Hungarian Authority specifically? Thank you.

Spokesperson: On this, I have no comment and I couldn't possibly prejudge any steps that the Commission could take. Thank you, Ricardo. Other questions to Ricardo? No. Then we move on, Jorge.

Q: Hello, Paula. I have a question on the Strait of Hormuz. We've seen the reports that Iran has introduced a new system to make vessels pay $1 per oil barrel to pass through the Strait of Hormuz. The payment can be done in either Chinese yuan or cryptocurrency. And on top of that, Donald Trump has floated the idea of establishing a so-called joint venture with Iran to charge ships that want to pass through the Strait of Hormuz. So do you think any of this is acceptable to you? And what are you going to do to restore free navigation and protect your commercial interests? Thank you.

Spokesperson: Thank you, Jorge. And with this, we open the foreign affairs chapter in the Middle East. Anwar. International law is clear and the law of the sea. Freedom of navigation must be ensured at all times. And this is crystal clear. Yes, and it reflects our position on the matter indeed. Other foreign affairs questions, Middle East questions. Jorge, do you have a follow-up?

Q: Yes, I know obviously that we all want to restore international law but right now the vessels that are trapped in the Persian Gulf face two options. Either they remain trapped in the Gulf or they attempt to pass through Hormuz paying this system or subjecting themselves to this system that Iran has imposed. So what is your advice as European Commission to these vessels? Should they remain in the Persian Gulf while we wait for a solution or should they attempt to cross and pay Iran one dollar per oil barrel? Thank you.

Spokesperson: Jorge, as I said we are here to actually pronounce what the law actually says and international law provides for the freedom of navigation. Which means what? It means basically no payment or at all whatsoever. Again, the Strait of Hormuz like any other maritime lane is a public good for all humanity. Which means what? Which means that the navigation must be free. Again, freedom of navigation must be ensured. We can turn it in any way that you would appreciate but again the law is clear. Freedom of navigation is a public good and needs to be ensured. Yes, Philip.

Q (Norwegian media): Hi, Philip with the Norwegian media. I understand that this is a matter of principle for the Commission. At the same time there's a very clear trade-off in this particular matter between the oil and gas remaining trapped and the oil specifically remaining trapped in the straight of Hormuz and this leading to extraordinary revenues to Russia which will fund a war in Ukraine. And the other option is to pay this toll, the cost of which will be far less than the revenues that would be generated for Russia. So what does the European Commission and what should European states choose in this trade-off?

Spokesperson: As Anwar said, we're calling for the respect of international law and if you look at international law there would not be such tolls or fees to be paid. So we're calling for the respect of international law in this instance. Now it is of course up to the concerned companies and ship owners to see whether despite this they would still want to pay this fee. And this is indeed then a decision that would be taken by the companies themselves where they may be also weighing the various interests. Other questions to Anwar? Thank you, Paula.

Q: Yes, I would like to ask another question we discussed yesterday following, I mean, the announcement of the ceasefire between the United States and Iran and this discussion about Hormuz. But another outstanding issue is, let's say, the war which continues in Lebanon. We talked about just yesterday and Anwar you said that on the one hand of course Hezbollah must be disarmed but Israel should also stop its attacks against Lebanon which has displaced more than one million people there. And we know that if the war continues there, I mean, it could derail, I mean, also the ceasefire with Iran because it is threatened to resume launching of their missiles if there's no ceasefire also in Lebanon. So I would like to ask what can be done in this situation to show that there is a political way to achieve both goals, I mean, the disarmament of Hezbollah and the political solution between Lebanon and Israel. I suppose that Lebanon's government has been too weak in order to, let's say, implement the ceasefire from last year and fully disarm Hezbollah. Maybe it was also misinformed by the Lebanese army. We know that France planned to organize a conference, I think, in the beginning of March to discuss these issues about the political way to solve the crisis there in Lebanon, but that was cancelled because of the war. So my question is now whether High Representative Callas and the AO will try to revive such a conference to discuss this and to prevent the continuation of the war between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon. Thank you.

Spokesperson: On that and before giving the floor to Anwar, you may have seen yesterday early afternoon President von der Leyen issued a statement, a joint statement, along with other leaders on the situation in the Middle East, and in that statement there was a call, an explicit call, on all sides to implement the ceasefire agreed in the previous night, including in Lebanon. So important to refer to that statement in the context of your question and for the other more specific aspects of it, Anwar.

Spokesperson: Yes, indeed. In line with what Paola also referred to at the level of the Presidents, the High Representative has been also quite clear calling for the ceasefire to also cover Lebanon. Now, in terms of the latest developments, what we have seen in the past few hours, because the situation is very serious, we as European Union, we firmly condemn the recent attacks launched by Israel against Lebanon, which have caused a large number of casualties among the civil population and extensive destruction of civilian infrastructure. Such actions represent a very serious escalation and an unacceptable threat to civilian lives and regional stability. This is why we reiterate the need for full respect of international law and humanitarian law, which require the protection of civilians, and this at all times. On this day of mourning, allow me as well to express our deepest solidarity on behalf of the European Union with the people of Lebanon. Our thoughts are with the victims, their families, and those affected by the severe level of violence, as well as the internally displaced people suffering across the country. As to us, the EU, in terms of action, we will continue to engage with our partners to support the escalation and a sustainable cessation of hostilities. On the specific point of disarmament that you raised, Mose, Hezbollah must disarm, this is very clear, and we as EU, we support Lebanon's efforts to disarm Hezbollah. When we speak of supporting these efforts, what do we mean? We mean a political support, obviously, together with an effective support in terms of strengthening the Lebanese state and the army on so many different angles, support to education, social services, institution building, digitalization to fight corruption, justice reform to strengthen independence, as well as support to the army to make its deployment across the country possible. So our commitment to Lebanon remains unwavering and we stand by Lebanon and the Lebanese people. Thank you, Anwar. Other foreign affairs questions, Odile?

Q: Following your response, Anwar, we've heard a lot of reactions from people and the EU should, perhaps, be more severe with Israel. So, perhaps, also, temporarily suspend the association agreement, because all of this is just empty words to a certain extent, and in the meantime, the drama, the catastrophe in Lebanon is happening yesterday and still ongoing, and we are hearing, well, you're not being firm enough with Israel in Europe. What do you think about that?

Spokesperson: With all respect, I would object to what you're saying, because we have been and we are being firm by activating the levers we have as the EU. Diplomacy, of course, is made up of levers which we have activated. Recently, in fact, during the last State of the Union, when President Van der Leyen herself presented measures in this case and with regard to Israel, including with regard to the association agreement, at the moment, the current state of play is that the measures are still on the table and there are levers in terms of diplomatic activity which are what are being used, and that is why I object to your premise, dear Odile. Yes, seconded, Anwar, of course. Let's carry on then. Any other questions on foreign affairs? Yes.

Q: I'm not sure it's for ANWAR because it's about enlargement, but I don't see Guillaume. We will come to enlargement then. Still any foreign affairs questions? Yes, please. It's foreign affairs, but on Russia, not on Middle East, if that's okay.

Q (public broadcaster of Ukraine): Valeria Pashko, public broadcaster of Ukraine. So, there was new leaked phone calls between Hungarian minister and Russian ministers Jarto and Lavrov. So, it turns out that Hungarians coordinated with the Russians their action to block Ukraine's efforts towards European integration. Do you have any reaction to that? Is HRBP going to have a call with Jarto again? And are you going to take any measures in this regard? Thanks.

Spokesperson: Thank you, Lara. Yes, indeed, we do have a reaction. The alleged revelations in that additional piece of investigative journalism that you are referring to highlight the alarming possibility of a member state's government coordinating with Russia, thus actively working against the security and the interests of the EU and all its citizens. This is therefore extremely concerning, and it is for the member state's government in question to explain itself as a matter of urgency. And the president will also raise the issue at leader's level. Other questions on foreign affairs? No, we can change topic. I'll go there to the back.

Q (Serbian television): Hello, Dusan Gajic, Serbian television. My question is on the entry-exit system. The full rollout of the system is scheduled for tomorrow. So the question is, are you confident that the full rollout will indeed take place tomorrow, as of tomorrow, throughout all member states and without major disruptions for travelers? And additionally, will there still be flexibility to suspend temporarily the system in case of major delays at border crossings? Thank you. And building on the versatility of our team, we have Arianna covering for both Marcos and Jom today. Arianna.

Spokesperson: Thanks. Where was the question? Just to know. Ah, there you are. Okay, thanks. So, indeed, tomorrow the entry-exit system will be fully deployed. The rollout phase has so far progressed well, and it's already playing an important role in increasing the security of the European Union. The security of Europeans is, of course, our first and biggest priority, and the entry-exit system is part of how we ensure the security. With the entry-exit system, we are building the most modern IT border system in the world, and we already see the results. In the past five months, more than 45 million entries and exits have been registered. There have been more than 24,000 refusals of entries, of which over 600 persons were identified as posing a security threat to our Union. So it really shows that it is working for the objective for which it was adopted in first place. What I can say on the rollout is that when the system is operating well, on average, it currently takes only about 70 seconds to register an entry or an exit. All member states, of course, had declared their readiness to implement the entry-exit system ahead of its progressive launch. This was actually a legal precondition to launch the system. We are well aware that despite the agreed timeline, a few member states are still encountering technical difficulties in these months of the rollout. We have been in close contact with these member states, for example, also by sharing best practices from those member states where the system is working very well. We can indeed confirm that the system foresees flexibilities to ensure border fluidity, in particular in view of the summer where we can expect a bit of increased movements. There are also fallback solutions that member states can rely on in case of need. You were asking specifically about the flexibilities that will be available for the member states when the system is fully deployed as of tomorrow. For example, the rules allow member states to suspend the registration of geometric data, so somehow a partial suspension of the EES operation in case of excessive waiting times. This possibility exists until September, so covering the summer period where the increased workflows can be expected. Thank you, Arianna. And we have another question for Arianna there on enlargement.

Q: Yes, the enlargement question. Yesterday, Commissioner Marta Kos welcomed positive progress made by Ukrainian Parliament in adopting European integration laws and laws connected to mechanism Ukraine facility. And she said that this progress permits to unlock more than 2 billion euros for Ukraine in Ukraine facility mechanism, as I understand. Could you tell how much money will be unlocked and when? Maybe in April or in May, because Ukraine needs this money. And the second question also concerning enlargement. On 9th of 2025, Marta Kos signed a document with Ukrainian Vice Prime Minister Kachka. It was Euro integration plan for Ukraine, 10 points plan for 2026. And could you estimate the progress made since that time, because first quarter is already finished? So maybe in percentage or... Thank you so much.

Spokesperson: Thanks. On the first question, we can indeed welcome the adoption by the Verkhovna Rada of several draft laws that support the EU's accession path of Ukraine. I believe it's five laws to be precise. These reform indeed support the accession path and are part of the Ukraine plan. I believe three laws out of the five are part of the plan. It keeps reforms moving forward and helps Ukraine align with the EU a key. Therefore, it's a very welcome step. It also allows to benefit from financial support under the Ukraine facility, bringing concrete results for the Ukraine citizens. Also, let me welcome in particular the progress made on legislation related to the IMF, notably the approval draft law on extending the military levy for three years after the war and the first reading of the

Spokesperson: draft law on taxation of digital platforms, which were both conditions under the IMF program. For what concerns your specific questions on the payment timings, as I was saying, three of the laws adopted yesterday were steps under the Ukraine plan and they had been flagged by Commissioner Kos in a letter to the Speaker of the Rada. Once the laws enter into force, Ukraine can then include them in the next payment request, which I believe is the seventh under the Ukraine plan, which will unblock funds currently suspended under the Ukraine plan. So basically how this works is once they have been adopted, or actually they have entered into force, apologies, then Ukraine will need to submit their payment request for the next installment, providing evidence of the entry into force of these laws, among other conditions. This will then allow the Commission to assess the request and submit a proposal to the Council in the form of a Council implementing a decision, and then the Council will need to approve it. At that time, the Commission will be able to take a decision on the disbursement. So I cannot provide a specific timeline since it depends on the entry into force, which is in the hands of the Ukrainian government, of course. Thank you. Yes, on the second question, what we can say is that we have opened accession negotiations with Ukraine in June 2024. Ukraine has been making substantial progress in this. We are very much welcoming their efforts. Together with the Ukrainian government, indeed the Commission, and in particular Commissioner Kos, has agreed on an action plan of ten reform priorities. They focus on, for example, strengthening rule of law, fighting corruption, building a strong, accountable, democratic institution in Ukraine. to pick up speed and intensity. I would not have an overall assessment of the progress made, but it's clear that the reforms are at the centre of this process and that it's an important contribution that Ukraine can give autonomously to the accession path, which depends fully only on Ukraine. So it has a fundamental importance in the context. Thank you, Arianna, for that very comprehensive reply. And in a nutshell, a country which is in war for more than four years has been doing remarkable progress in its accession path. So really to be noted, because we are speaking of a country which is fighting a war daily. Let me see if there are other questions to Arianna in her double-hatted position today. Mosin.

Q: Thanks again. I am – Paolo, I wanted to follow up on this question on Ukraine's accession path. I didn't know that – I haven't followed it so carefully lately, but that Commission, of course, has issued – announced a new plan of ten points and so on. We know that negotiation has started. What about the opening of the fundamentals chapter, the first chapter? I thought that was depending on whether Ukraine had met, I mean, the original – I mean, it was six or seven steps of conditions. But I think that Hungary blocked the opening of those talks, starting talks on the fundamentals cluster. So where do we stand on that? I mean, is the Commission of the opinion that, if you could inform us about that, if Ukraine had met all those original conditions to start negotiations on the fundamentals cluster?

Spokesperson: So on this, let me just remind something that we have said time and time again. The President herself, enlargement should remain a merit-based process. This is the principle by which we always stand. We consider that both Ukraine and Moldova have met the conditions to open all clusters, starting indeed with the fundamentals, as you were mentioning. It is now for the Council to take a decision on the Commission side. We have sent last year already to the Council all remaining documents to put it in a position to open all clusters. As of then, Ukraine has started to implement some of the reforms in the rule of law roadmap. This is indeed a positive sign, demonstrating once again Ukraine's commitment to front-load some of the work and advance as quickly as possible with the reform process, while waiting for the agreement by the Council and therefore the formal opening.

Spokesperson: Additionally, Ukraine Additionally, Ukraine has also been implementing the reforms in line with the requirements of the Ukraine plan, and this is the question we have just answered with these first five reforms adopted yesterday, three of which are under the plan. They relate to judiciary, anti-corruption and anti-money laundering. At the same time, work is also ongoing to advance reforms on gradual integration in the framework of the Association Agreement, which will also bring concrete benefits to Ukraine and its citizens already now, so we are front-loading some of the benefits of accession in that sense.

Spokesperson: That said, a formal opening of Cluster 1, in our opinion, would strengthen the momentum for reforms and demonstrate the readiness of the European Union to provide a realistic perspective of integration to Ukraine. Therefore, as we have already done, of course, we encourage Council to make progress in these regards.

Spokesperson: Thank you, Arianna. So, the ball is on the Council's side now. Any other questions to Arianna? No. Then we can change subject.

Q: Yes, please. I have questions regarding digital and tech. The first one is following the non-agreement from the Council to give a negotiation mandate to the Commission on joining the Pax Silica Initiative. I'm wondering if you have a new deadline and if you can specify why the Commission thinks it's a good idea to join this American initiative. My second question would be on the 2 GHz recommendation that the Commission has given to Inmarsat and Solaris in 2009 and needs to renew before next year. We've been waiting for a decision already in the first quarter of this year, so being in April, we're a bit late. I wondered if you had a new deadline, something you could tell me about how you're going to choose the assignee. Thank you. Thank you. Thomas.

Spokesperson: Thank you, Paola. Thank you to your fans. So, on the first question, not a lot to say. We work hand-in-hand, obviously, with our member states. No decision has been taken whatsoever when it relates to Pax Silica. Of course, we're always open to discuss with our American counterparts, but no decision taken on our side.

Spokesperson: Now, on your second question, very technical question, apologies in advance to the interpreters. So, indeed, I mean, the current authorizations to use the 2 GHz mobile satellite systems in Europe expire in May 2027. This is the reason why, for these 2 GHz, we have a ban. We have, indeed, gathered feedback in June 2025, to which we have received 64 proposals from EU and non-EU providers. No decision has been taken at this stage. We're assessing. The only echo and parallel I can draw is to the Digital Networks Act that I can do for now, although the 2 GHz ban is the only one regulated at EU-wide level. For the rest, it's regulated in the 27 member states in different ways. This is why we have proposed the Digital Networks Act, precisely to create a harmonizing effect and to create one single set of rules for our providers.

Spokesperson: But, in short, no decision taken yet. Thank you, Thomas. And I will just share with you that we expect that in two minutes the alarm will go off. It's a test, don't worry. Usually, we would have stopped before midday, but we're well aware that we started later today. So, we will just let the alarm sound its melody and then resume with our questions and answers. But let's take already the next question to Thomas, please.

Q (Emlex): Thanks, Sarah Brandstatter from Emlex. I have a question on the Greek social media ban that was officially announced yesterday. And besides this official announcement, there was also a letter sent from the Greek Prime Minister to the Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen, saying action on an EU level is needed as well. And I know you have the expert panel ongoing at the moment, but I would also like to know how you see the interaction of these national laws with the DSA, especially in terms of enforcement. How is the EU planning to check compliance of these national social media bans? Thanks.

Spokesperson: Thank you. Quickly, before the alarm, I think I have 30 seconds. So, we have received the letter. That's point number one. Point number two, we have always been clear that, I mean, we, of course, support our member states when they try to protect kids and set social media ages targeted to their citizens. Now, we need to be careful on the fact that these obligations or additional obligations cannot be put on online platforms because this is already regulated and this is very important by the harmonizing effect of the Digital Services Act. Now, we have indeed a panel that is gathering, that will gather next week for its second meeting. What is the objective? To find a harmonized approach at EU wide level. This is very important, precisely to avoid the fragmentation of the market. So, let's see how we can, of course, concile both.

Spokesperson: Now, final point on this, we have the age verification app. This is how we will assess compliance from very large online platforms. This will be the benchmark. We have a very solid app. You rely on it. It's very good. You don't rely on it. Be careful. Your solution has to be at least as efficient. Otherwise, you would face sanctions.

Spokesperson: I'm very surprised that the alarm didn't go off. Well, we will just proceed and if it comes, we are warned. You have a follow-up question.

Q: Yeah, just a quick follow-up on the expert panel because you just said the objective is to find a harmonized approach. So, the goal of the panel is to find an EU wide solution for this because as far as I understood until now.

Spokesperson: Thank you. Our preparedness measures in action. So let's go back to your question that you can reformulate it so that we're all on the same page. So I was wondering about the expert panel and the fact that you just said the objective is to find a harmonized approach. Because I understood it's quite open what the objective or the outcome of this is.

Spokesperson: So indeed, the objective is to have a holistic approach where we gather feedback from all involved parties. This is the objective of the panel and this is why we have very different type of experts sitting in this panel. They will provide recommendation on the best way forward to the Commission. And based on that, we will decide how to take additional steps and how to take it forward. Because objective number one, protecting kids, we're fully aligned with our member states. Objective two, how to avoid the fragmentation of the internal market and make sure that this is easily enforceable towards platforms. And also fully aligned to the objectives of our member states. So to be seen.

Spokesperson: Thank you, Thomas. Other questions to Thomas? No. Other questions? No. Very good. So we are then in a position to conclude our midday today. Wish you a good afternoon and see you tomorrow. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

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