EC Briefing — Tuesday, 7 April 2026

Key Points

• An attack on one EU member state is considered an attack on the EU as a whole.
• The EU is monitoring threats to member states and emphasizes collective defense initiatives.
• The EU's four flagship projects aim to enhance protection and resilience of member states.
• The EU maintains exclusive competence over its digital regulations and enforcement cases.
• A digital dialogue with the US aims to clarify misunderstandings without compromising EU legislative autonomy.
• There are no ongoing negotiations linking the digital dialogue to broader trade talks with the US.

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 welcome to the midday briefing of the European Commission. It is Tuesday 7th of April I hope everybody could enjoy some time off During the Easter break.

I do not have any announcements to make to kick off today's midday briefing So we will move directly to your questions after the five-day break in the press room. I'm sure you have many who wants to start Go ahead Thank you, Vitaly Tsezov, Freedom TV channel.

Q (Freedom TV channel): Russia blames some Baltic states that Ukraine use their airspace to to attack with drones the territory of Russia and they Threat the state some reaction and some measures do you know something about this threat and how you are going to react to this and What they promise to do with this state, thank you

Spokesperson: Hi, Ana Caizer, thanks a lot Vitaly. So first we have seen the media reports So we are of course aware of this. We have also seen reactions from Some of the concerned member states now I think we have been very clear from this podium that an attack on one of our member states is an attack on the European Union as a whole and we have also made in our four flagships Of course the protection of our member states a top priority and the protection of the EU as a whole I mean, let me recall that we have the drone defense initiative and the air shield just to name a few that could be relevant In this case, but for now, of course, I mean we're following closely what is happening There's

Q: Did they punctuate what exactly they are going to do with this Baltic state What's what kind of threat they use Russia because they said that we send the signal to these countries Maybe they were sent the signal to you to Brussels.

Spokesperson: I Mean I guess that's more question for Russia than for us. That's point number one point number two again We have been very clear an attack on one of our member states is an attack on the EU as a whole Is that a follow-up go ahead

Q: Yes, Stéphanie Staeble you said this interesting sentence twice when an attack on one is an attack on all so You refer obviously to the article 42 7 So did you made it operational over the weekend or did we miss something? I mean, what what would it mean it concretely? Thank you.

Spokesperson: I Didn't refer to that article I refer to the flagships and this is precisely the reason why we have these four flagships that were offered in The roadmap to work hand in hand with our member states to be able to protect our European Union as a whole We have seen many drone incursions airspace violations over the last month now And we have made clear that of course in that context an airspace Violation of one of our member states is an attack on the EU as a whole We have been very clear in this but I was making a reference to the flagships Do we have yes, go ahead

Q: Sorry, I didn't get this because I if I'm not mistaken the flagships is a project Which is in preparation, so it's not operational What would it mean exactly your sentence an attack on one is an attack on all what would be the consequences? Thank you

Spokesperson: This highlights the need to advance on the four flagships We need our member states, of course to advance on the four flagships that we have proposed We strongly believe that there are a key importance to protect our European Union as a whole we said it our Frontline member states are pretty much exposed We need this is also why we have one of the other four flagships is the eastern flank watch We need all our member states on board to be able to defend our European Union Do we have other questions for Toma today? Yes, okay. Let's start with David and then on the other side of room

Q (Radio Radical): Sorry, it's a follow-up. David Carretta, Radio Radicale I mean I don't get it. Sorry not An expert enough or intelligent enough. I don't know but if you are saying that an attack on one member states It's an attack on all member states You should respond to this attack in and if the Article of the treaty is not It's impossible to to to implement it because Basically there is no operational rules inside the European Union. How can you? Defend the member states that are attacked One thing is Flagship project and so on the need to reinforce and so on and so on. But basically If there is an attack tomorrow on the Baltic states what the EU can do. Thank you

Spokesperson: Thank you, David Let's me frame it in a more general way to try to be a bit more explicit if I can so We have seen media reports of alleged threats. That's point number one We haven't seen an attack or I'm not aware of an attack We have seen media reports with threats on our member states in this context I said that we are aware of this we have seen reactions from our member states Let's not forget that they have the first competence and we have seen it in the many Airspace violations that we have seen over the last weeks and month that our member states we have always said it here from this podium our member states have the first responsibility, of course to identify the threats and To name it which was done in most of the cases now What can we do as a European Union beyond that should the threats materialize at some point? This is precisely the reason why in the defense Area, we have been extremely active last year since the beginning of the mandate with many projects programs roadmaps and Funding programs put on the table to support our member states precisely because we need to strengthen our collective Resilience, but for now, these are threats. This is why from this podium today. I will not go further than that It's their follow-up to this or are we there you go?

Q: Thank you again Mucha Shanko, confirm Commissioner Kubilius is meeting with In shape with a NATO commander. Yeah, is this issue on the table of their discussions today? Thank you.

Spokesperson: I Can confirm the meeting obviously, I don't know what they will discuss exactly at this point in time But I'm pretty sure that Commissioner Kobilius will communicate after that and we'll probably give a readout if that's the case I will make sure you get it This closes this chapter, but you had a question to Toma go ahead Jasper Jolly, Bloomberg News

Q (Bloomberg news): I would like to ask Thomas a bit more about the supports dialogue between the EU and the US that is set up It's set to take place about digital regulations. What kind of Dialogue is it? What kind of say will the US have when it comes to the use digital lows? Will Washington have a say on how they are written enforced? What can you tell us?

Spokesperson: Thanks, John there is a bit of yes, and there is a bit of no so indeed we confirm that we're discussing with the US for the possibility to set up a digital dialogue on Cooperation with the US on digital technologies generally speaking and on digital markets. Now, what is the objective of this? This is to allow us to clarify Misunderstandings and to promote Cooperation in the digital sector more generally speaking now we have been always extremely clear from this podium for more than a year now that We have and our member states will keep the right to legislate This is not up for negotiation and when it comes to enforcement cases because you were referring to them via DSA DMA antitrust we have full autonomy and exclusive competence to Implement these tech cases there will be no negotiation on this

Q: Has this dialogue been proposed as part of the ongoing trade negotiations because that's what I understood Or at least that's how a US representative last week put it That's how he described it as part of the negotiation this kind of dialogue or some kind of renegotiation of laws Were supposed to be started. So is this linked at all to trade? talks

Spokesperson: So as far as I know, there are no Negotiations were in in an implementation phase of a joint statement that was agreed with the US What we have in this joint statement when it comes to digital We have the removal and you have a couple of reference in the joint statement the removal of some digital trade barriers in very specific Sectors where for example the usage network fee we have reference to chips, for example, but that's it So we of course implement the joint statement now having a dialogue generally speaking with the US on Digital is something that we have always been open to we have always said from this podium that we're Open to clarify misunderstandings with the US now what formula will take dialogue not the dialogue. I mean, this is Still discussions internally and with the US, but we definitely want to engage with the US on digital more generally speaking. Yes, I Have two hands raised online

Q: Thomas Speckmann is your question to Toma or something else Lower your hand if not for Toma Hand is still up. So it's for Toma. Go ahead Thomas

Spokesperson: Oh There we are We can't hear you Now yes, no You still can't hear you we can see you but you need to switch on the audio know the volume me calm No, all right. Okay. We'll maybe try it later Okay, what else can we help you with?

Q: Hello Donald Trump has threatened to quote blow up every bridge and every power plant in Iran If the country does not meet his deadline to reopen the Strait of Hormuz Trump also said that very little is of limits and that he's not at all concerned about the potential of committing war crimes Do you endorse this strategy from the United States and do you think the end justifies these means to reopen Hormuz? Thank you. I Will call Anita for this part

Spokesperson: Thank You Jorge we have always said that that Diplomacy is the answer and from our side. We reject any threats also to attacks regarding Critical civilian infrastructure such attacks risk Impacting million of people across the Middle East and beyond and also may lead to further dangerous escalation the EU calls for a maximum restraint the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure and full respect of international law and international humanitarian law by all parties Now that we opened the foreign affairs chapter do we have other questions to Anita Go ahead and then and then Marxist you had a question as well for interface. Yeah. Okay. Let's start there. Okay. Thank you. Ana Caizer. What do you have it from? how to know more time

Q: As we know some ships have been able to cross the Strait of Hormuz from Chinese from Iraq, etc but also a Maasai based owned by French ship owner Rodolf Sade of Lebanese origin and Do you think that you could try to cooperate with? such companies and From from one of the member states stay in France in in this case, but also perhaps other other possibility from other member states In addition to the do the regular diplomatic channel. Do you think they could those business people? Ship owners could help in the in this direction. Thank you.

Spokesperson: I Do not have a comment to make from from my point of view Anita on the foreign affairs side. No No Moving on to who was next there was Moza and then Mars and I Second I can't say I'm Moosa Abu Samra, Asharq Times.

Q: Can I come back to your question about Trump's announcement? Also yesterday's during his press conference And his said deadline will expire as we know. I mean by midnight this night, I mean and unless We survive unlikely there will be a last-minute let's say agreement on a temporary ceasefire That's and it's clear that I suppose that The war will escalate not only they say around the Gulf passing Gulf region but also in the war against Iran against the civilian infrastructure, but also in southern Lebanon and I haven't seen any statements by higher up Stefano Sannino on this very dangerous situation and besides I mean posed by Council president Costa. So my question now is that What is a really doing now? I mean In this diplomatic, let's say outreach in order to prevent Such escalation which could happen by midnight. Thank you

Spokesperson: Thank you We have been already vocal about this. The HR VP is also engaged also with the partners in the region now We have also reiterated that all actors should ensure the maximum of restraint when it comes to Lebanon the humanitarian situation is already dramatic and The EU welcomes the recent decisions and actions of the Lebanese government acknowledging also the challenges faced by Lebanon at a particular fragile moment and This is what we have for now Go ahead Sorry, but is it on foreign affairs? Go ahead. Do we have further questions? Okay, you had something on Iran. Okay. There you go off you go

Q: Yes going back to hormones because last week we had this video conference with 40-plus countries and I know that the HR the high representative Participated in this call and she said that the EU will support the establishment of a humanitarian Corridor in the straight to get food and fertilizers out the EU has tools to track and facilitate Transfer transit that could help with that. She said What are the next steps in this initiative? I mean can we have a something more specific after this call from Thursday because it was very abstract The messages that came out and obviously it's extremely urgent to reopen hormones So, how is the EU contributing to this mission? Thank you

Spokesperson: Thank you you have quoted indeed The HR VP's tweet and engagement participation that call what is happening right now The HR VP is continuously engaging with the partners in the region and when we have further more concrete points I will inform you There's a good question at the back Yeah

Q: As you said the HR VP is Continuously engaging at the same time when we look at the actual efforts to broker a ceasefire deal There's been Pakistan Egypt Turkey, there's no you member state or do you itself and at the same time even the the action from the UK Like the the thing that Carter was mentioning before Came from the UK. So is you just as you just given up on having any Word on what's happening in the Middle East?

Spokesperson: Thank you, the discussion was also put on the agenda of the FAC where the HR VP has been also in touch with All her counterparts also from the Gulf region and the region throughout we will communicate soon about Her mission schedule also in the region and she's engaged at all diplomatic levels with her counterparts to ensure that the further escalation of This conflict is not happening Anything else on Middle East or we close this chapter and move to other foreign affairs Still a Middle East. No. Yes. No, no, then it's you. Go ahead

Q: Thank You Magnus Lernestål, Euroactiv We've talked in this room before about the inspection team you inspection team going to Ukraine to Inspect the truce by pipeline. I just wanted to get an update on that inspection team We understand that they have indeed arrived in Ukraine. Are they still in Ukraine? And is it still the commission's intention to have this team? Inspect the pipeline and then so when is that due to happen? Thank you

Spokesperson: to recap on on where we are there was a letter sent by President von der Leyen and President Kosta to Zelensky a few weeks ago suggesting that the EU is ready to put in place to have such a Fact-finding mission and We have communicated that that we have had the availability of a of a small team present in in Ukraine as to Developments. I do not have updates to offer since since that exchange of letters We will we will keep you informed once there is once there is an update for the time being I do not have any update to make us to the mission Follow-up

Q: Sorry for being is that a insistent insisting here, but Where are they? Are they still in Ukraine or have they left? Thank you.

Spokesperson: I Do not have itinerary of of the this team but they were present in in Ukraine at the time of at the time of the or the letter sent to President Zelensky that we would be willing and ready to to put in place such a fact-finding But I do not have I do not have information of their of their whereabouts Where they might be Is it still on this energy Okay, let's start from here and then move to To the left and but for for Anita, we've exhausted the foreign affairs side of things. Yes. All right, go ahead Well, it was a public broadcast of Ukraine

Q: The other day Hungarian ministers. He also stated that Brussels is preparing the Russian oil ban strategy on April 15. I just want to clarify whether it's really been prepared for April 15 because as far as I understand there is going to be the college meeting on that day So, can you confirm his information things

Spokesperson: What I can confirm is that we are committed To phasing out any Russian energy from the European market We have already taken steps to this end. We have already in place legislation as regards Russian gas and LNG We are committed to also extend these phase-out rules to oil and and nuclear I do not have a date to give you when when these proposals notably are talking about the oil Phase out. I do not yet have a date when this is coming. The work isn't going There is a political commitment in this Commission to deliver on this and it will happen and we will we will keep you posted When when we will be presenting this legislation Nico

Q: Thank You Nicolas Camut, Euroactiv last week The Commissioner mentioned that you would some propose a toolbox to deal with the energy crisis Do you have a date for us when that will land and maybe additional? Information on what measures will be in there? there's been a push over the Easter weekend, for example to revive the windfall taxes on energy companies and secondly, there's a lot of People in Europe the German minister comes to mind saying that at least in April and a supply crisis might be imminent With regards to potentially diesel and jet fuel does this mesh with what the Commission is expecting?

Spokesperson: So to to start with your latter question on the on the fuel supplies and the discussion about that We are constantly monitoring the situation also very very closely with our member states This week there will be a gas coordination group Now I have to check with my notes. There's a there's an oil coordination group and gas coordination this week one is Tomorrow and the other one is on Thursday, but now it's gave me which one is which but these issues are being discussed Very in very very close cooperation with our member states in these meetings. These are the forums where any Shortages possible shortages, etc. And as well as the measures what we will be doing will be addressed as to Yeah, now I have it the oil coordination group meets tomorrow and the gas coordination is on the 9th Which is which is Thursday and then you had a question on what was what was exactly there? The first one it was an energy as well, but remind me again. What was your angle exactly? It's about the toolbox when and what will be in it Okay, so on the toolbox is Under preparation. I do not I Do we have a soundtrack here? I do not have a date to give you we will keep you updated when and communicate as as usual and what the The measures that we will be looking into the four aspects with Which the president also mentioned and which the commissioner mentioned in the past weekend, which is grid charges electricity Electricity prices as well as the pricing of CO2 emissions, so we will take a very global look overall now in the current situation

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