This transcript was automatically generated and may contain errors.

Good afternoon. Welcome to our midday briefing.

Before moving to your questions,

let us start with an important reminder for us all today.

Today we mark the International Day of Democracy.

Democracy, human rights and the rule of law are the backbone of the European Union,

but, and we know it now for sure, it cannot be taken for granted.

Democracy is under attack from disinformation, from foreign interference, polarization and violent conflict,

and autocrats are exploiting these divisions to weaken free societies.

The EU stands firm, we defend democracy, supporting free media,

fair elections, freedom of speech and citizens' access to reliable information.

Safeguarding democracy is not just about values,

it's about our security, it's about our future.

On this International Day of Democracy,

we call on governments, on organizations and citizens everywhere.

Stand with us in protecting inclusive, stable and free society where democracy strives, and we have published a joint statement by High Representative Kallas,

Executive Vice President Virkkunen and Commissioner McGrath, which I invite you to read online.

This was our only but important announcement today, and we can now take your questions. I start here in the middle. Thank you Paula. Igor you reach Slovenian television.

I have a very specific question, specific, topic for Thomas.

Last week, the Commission announced that it started its opening an in

depth investigation into alleged Slovenian state aid measures granted to Jaikarne Pharmacy.

So I have a couple of questions over here.

So my first would be wise Commission opening in depth investigation, how long will it take,

and was your first investigation not good enough,

because you already started kind of investigation some years ago. Thank you.

Good afternoon, Igor So we indeed already looked at this case and the concerns

of alleged aid given by the municipality of Ljublja to that Learna Ljublja public pharmacy.

Now our investigation concluded in 2020 that there was no state aid.

Now that decision was then appealed by the courts, while they upheld most of our decisions.

The Court of Justice of the European Union last year instructed the Commission to take a closer look at the transfers of certain assets from the municipality to that pharmacy,

hence the fact that we last week opened a new investigation to look into this with more detail.

Now I cannot prejudge the next steps, nor the timeline,

but here on the process at least we will now have a closer look again. Good, thank you to mom. Yes, you have a follow up. Yeah, just a short follow up.

How long will take this in-depth investigation?

Can you say a little bit more?

There is no specific timeline foreseen in the regulations, so we will really take the time we need to look at it,

and once we are certain that we can reach a conclusion, we will then adopt the decision. Thank you. Yes, since we have Thomas on.

On the floor, José Pastor, yeah, please go ahead.

Paula, can I in that case, ask you if this new investigation is prompted that you will become aware of new facts which you perhaps didn't know about last time,

such as, as you said, the transfer of certain assets from the

municipality to this company is that which have prompted the new investigation. No, it's really the court's judgment.

I mean, we respect, of course, all the legal procedures that are in place.

Commission decisions can be appealed, which was the case here.

The court is then of course, fully independent.

We value the judgment we have received from the Court of Justice, and as we value it and as we give great importance to their work,

we will of course do our part of the job and of course have a closer look at this case.

So this is really what initiated this new investigation that we opened last week.

Any more questions for Thomas and his different hats?

Does not seem to be the case, then we can move on, please. Yeah. Paula, for giving me the floor. Stepan, Radio Free Europe.

I have a question concerning the US President's new demands to the European Union, so as we see from the latest updates,

from the latest statements that Donald Trump is expecting the

European Union to refuse from buying Russian gas and Russian oil. What is your response to that?

We understand that you are on the track of proceeding with the 19th sanctions package,

but it seems that this demand is quite different from that which is discussing for the moment. Thanks.

Well, phasing out of Russian fossil fuels is something that we have been doing.

And are doing actively for a number of years since the beginning of the war, with a very clear roadmap, with now even a clear legislative proposal

in order to phase out the remaining gas still entering the EU,

and with a number of sanctions which actually have already banned,

notably coal, a full ban. And other energy commodities.

So this is something on which the EU has been very actively and we have a very,

very clear roadmap on how to go about it.

And I'd like to add anything in this regard?

No, so, something that is ongoing, already for a while and with a clear,

with a clear road map and with a clear deadline, yes.

Mr President of Ukraine, I've got a follow up about the 19th package of sanctions because on Friday,

the French Foreign Minister, he announced that on Monday,

on 15 September, this package will be ready.

And I'm just wondering if it is ready, if it is already sent to the Council for consideration,

and maybe we will have some press events

concerning that what's happening with the 19 sanctions package.

To my knowledge, we haven't yet put it on the table.

It is being prepared, Anita, any other information in terms of timing, that's what we can tell you for the moment. Still on this subject.

Valeria public broadcaster of Ukraine is follow up to my colleague about the tariffs.

So normally, the EU, doesn't put the tariffs into the sanction packages, but after this, like warnings or this statement by Donald Trump,

do you consider that,

the EU could impose tariffs on China as Donald Trump,

suggests now thanks. Thanks for your question.

Just to Go back to first principles here and to recall the work we're doing. So.

Paula has mentioned the work we are doing on sanctions.

Paul has mentioned that we intend to come forward soon with the 19th sanctions package.

When it comes to our work around sanctions, since our first package, and this is the 19th,

what we do is to make it function as well as it

should and to make those sanctions as effective as they can possibly be.

We engage with all our partners around the world, all relevant partners, I should say,

to make sure that the sanctions do what they're supposed to do

and to make sure that we stay on top of any sanctions circumvention.

So it's appropriate, I think, to recall what President von der Leyen said in her State of the Union address last week.

She said, and I quote, We need more pressure on Russia to come to the negotiating table.

We need more sanctions, so we are now working on the 19 package in coordination with partners.

We are particularly looking at phasing out Russian fossil fuels faster, the shadow fleet and third countries.

Any new measures to be announced in so that's the end of the quote by the President.

So any new measures that we announce in the next sanctions package will be fully in line with all our EU rules and procedures,

and I should also recall that in recent packages,

we added new sanctions tools that allow us to target circumvention through third countries.

When it comes to coordinating with other countries, notably the US,

of course that is vital for these sanctions to be as effective as possible.

So we coordinate closely with all our partners, particularly in the context of the G7,

and yes, of course, in this respect, the US is a crucially important partner.

So last week, a team of EU experts led by our EU sanctions envoy,

David O'Sullivan was in Washington DC to discuss these issues with their US counterparts.

That engagement will inform the work we do from here on in.

To get back to your original question, we're not going to comment on what might or might not be in the 19 package,

but I want you to understand this context for what we do and what we don't do. Still on this subject. Yes, Jorge.

Hello Paula, I understand that you don't want to use tariffs against China in this particular moment, but the reality is that for the

past 2 years you had at your disposal the anti-circumvention tool that you have never once activated against any country,

not even China, despite.

Calling China repeatedly the key enabler of Russia's war and the supplier of 80% of dual use goods,

so how can you justify that this tool has never been activated once

in the past two years to tackle this problem, this big problem with China? Thank you.

As you mentioned, we have a number of tools in our

toolbox and we look at the situations at stake and decide on.

Whether it is appropriate, whether it is timely to make use of the different tools.

This is a judgment that takes place at any given circumstance, and if so far it hasn't been used,

it's certainly for good reasons, it's there,

it can be used when we consider that it is appropriate to do so.

Stefan I mean what President Trump asks for is not phasing out in 1 or 2 years,

but putting tariffs on Russian energy, and then he would do the same on his side.

So could we have an answer on this, whether this is an option that he was considering,

and would this be in in a sanction package or is it a

separate procedure which would be more is more trade related with other other procedures. Thank you. Thank you for your question.

We're not going to comment on social media posts by the US President, we're going to comment on the work that we are doing,

and, as I have just explained, we don't give details about packages before we come forward with them.

We're working on the 19 package, it's coming soon. So please bear with us. Good. Yes. Angela Lo from TVP World.

According to Reuters, Trump said yesterday that the sanctions that the EU is putting or applying on to Russia are not tough enough,

and I'm willing to do sanctions, but the EU has to toughen up their sanctions compared to what I'm doing.

Do you share this assessment with US President Donald Trump that the EU sanctions that it's applying on to Russia are not tough enough? Thank you. Thank you for your question, Ange.

Our assessment is that the successive sanctions packages we have brought forward, which includes new initiatives,

plus additional initiatives to make the previous ones stronger, if that makes sense, our assessment is that those sanctions are working.

The economic evidence shows that they are having an impact on

the Russian economy and That is precisely what they're intended to do.

However, as our president said last week, we can and must do more, which is why we will be coming forward with another package

soon that will include even stronger measures to hit the Russian economy where it hurts, and that's all we're going to say on that.

We are satisfied that we're doing what we can do from.

On side, and we are working with our global partners, including the US, to try and coordinate as effectively as possible.

We will continue that work and we hope that they will join us in exerting maximum pressure on the Russian economy,

the better to bring an end to Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine. Good. Yes, David. Thank you, thank you, Mário David radical.

You said that you, you have chose not to,

to use the anti, anti, Circumvention instruments,

sorry, apologies, for good reasons. I would like to ask you.

What are the good reasons not to use it against China? Thank you.

Yes, it was considered that it's not yet the appropriate instrument,

that there are other tools in the box that can be used and that can be used effectively.

Hence the tool is there, and when it's considered by the assessment that this is

the moment to also make use of that one, then we will make proper use.

If I may just add to what Paula said, I remind you that sanctions decisions require unanimity by Union member states,

and I also remind you that we have listed on Annex 4 several entities registered in third countries,

so you know it's not as though we are idle on these issues.

We have taken action and we consistently look at possibilities for stronger action,

and we will continue to do that, including in the context of the 19th package. Yeah, I still see, yes, please.

So you mentioned the call of the 7 financial ministers on Friday. Commissioner Dombrovskis took part in it.

Could you please, tell us more about the outcome?

Were they there are some calls from the US part to.

Change the sanctions approach or maybe something else and about the using of Russian frozen assets, I,

I read that there were some discussion, discussions, so could you please tell us more about that? Thanks.

Thanks for the follow ups, but we really can't say more.

I understand that Commissioner Dombrovskis issued a readout which I will. Transmit to you now.

So Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis represented the EU at the G7 finance minister's call to

discuss options to increase economic pressure on Russia to end its war against Ukraine.

The call took place against Russia's increasingly aggressive stance,

including daily and increasing bombings in Ukraine and recent violation of the Union's airspace by Russian drones.

The G7 ministers showed strong resolve and unity to use a wide range of tools and measures in the areas of sanctions,

trade measures and further use of immobilized Russian sovereign assets to fund Ukraine,

as announced by President Ursula von der Leyen in the State of the Union address last week.

The principles tasked their senior officials to take this work forward immediately,

and that's all we have to say. Thank you. Antoine.

Thank you Paulo Antonio for Japanese TV NHK.

Back on the circumvention sanctions, question, could you maybe provide us with some examples of why it has been decided,

circumvention sanctions against China are not appropriate now. Thank you.

Thanks for your question, but if I may, we're starting to get into the technical weeds here now.

We've already gave a very clear explanation for why we have

chosen the measures we've chosen and why we haven't chosen other measures.

We are not going to go beyond that today.

If you have technical questions about how sanctions packages work, about the decisions we've made,

first of all, it's all available online in microscopic detail. Please read it there first.

If you then have follow on questions, go ahead, but we're not going to say anything more about this right now.

Just to recall, the 18th package does include anti-circumvention measures and,

and it's worth also recalling that in this context.

Yes It's not about the 19th package,

it's about the 18th package.

So the new price cap, that's that's the 3rd of September, right?

And then for old contracts signed before the 20th of July,

that date comes in October.

I was just wondering, when are you going to issue this guidance that you promised at the time before the end of the year? Is there clarity on the date?

Because I mean, you know, obviously there's a lot of money involved, traders are a bit worried on this. And then it's a related issue.

It might be Anna Kaiser, but maybe she doesn't want to come up to the podium, but on nuclear.

I mean, so some of those materials are materials that, Russian, you know, imports of Russian fuels and so on, that could,

logically fall under a tariffs scheme that we've seen with fertilizers,

that we've seen with certain agricultural products coming from Russia.

Is that an idea that the Commission is following in terms of reducing phasing out Russian fossil fuels? Thanks.

OK, So David, if I understand you correctly, you're asking about the guidance on the

application of the 18th package of sanctions and whether we have a deadline to adopt those. Yeah, Olaf. Thank you, Paula. Thanks, Stafford.

So my clever colleagues tell me that they think the guidance is out.

So let me just double check that to be clear. Either it is or it isn't.

If it is, we'll tell you about it.

If it isn't, we'll tell you why.

Yeah And on the other one, we have a legal proposal, but indeed,

I'll ask Anna Kaiser after making sure that we have addressed all questions to all of,

to elaborate on this. Yes, Vitaly. Freedom. It's about another sanction.

United States, they lift some part of sanction against Bill Avia company last week.

I just want to clarify, was it coordinate with the EU in some way because as I know,

the EU still have sanctions against Bill A. Thank you. Thanks for your question, Vitali.

I must admit I'm not up to speed on this one, so I'll have to double check and come back to you. With me too indeed. Michael. Good afternoon.

Do you confirm that the commission will adopt, on Wednesday an EU India, strategy,

and we on this strategy,

touch the issue of circumvention and, purchases of, Russian oil.

So, as you know, today is Monday, so typically the heads of cabinet of the Commissioners meet this afternoon to discuss,

notably the agenda that will go into the College on Wednesday,

and that's when we will be able to confirm exactly what will be the points on the agenda. Yes, please.

Again on the EU India,

but was the issue of secondary sanctions on oil

supplies raised during the meetings on Thursday and Friday?

In India and all of, I think you had already the occasion to address this one, but you may recall. Yeah, thanks.

You're referring to the visit to India by Commissioners Stefanovich and Hansen.

OK, so to the best of my knowledge, it was not, but I will.

Check with their people and come back to you.

In terms of what they sent to me, it wasn't mentioned, so I'll have to,

I'll have to double check to be sure, but I can tell you what they did talk about if you like. Sure there is interest.

Let me see that first because I have some questions online.

It's possibly still to all of Milda. Billy. Yes, hello, do you see me?

And yeah, I see that you hear me.

So a bit follow up on United States president's statement, we all remember that he said that he will impose sanctions on Russia in 2 weeks,

then also in 2 weeks, then 50 days, 2 weeks, etc. Etc.

And now we hear a little bit different statement.

So can we say that Trump's statement can be seen as a retreat from plans to

put pressure on Russia and because it looks

like that everything is being shifted onto Europe's responsibility. Thank you.

I think this question you will need to address

to my counterpart in the press service of President Trump.

Other questions on to all of David.

Yes, it's in fact it's on India, Russia, if I can put the question, so I don't know exactly,

but a contingent of the Indian military is participating in the Zapad exercise in in Russia.

I'm wondering if you have a comment on this, which is quite, Important fact in the context of the war of Ukraine and the,

the fact that those Zappa exercises are basically seen as a threat by several member states. Thank you. Thank you, David.

I'd have Directly no comment, but Anita,

anything to, to say about this? Participation in the Zapat exercise. Thank you David.

Indeed, we're closely monitoring this joint strategic military exercise

that is taking place on the territory of Belarus.

We continue to call on Russia and Belarus to fully comply with the OSCE 2011 Vienna document,

which requires prior notification for military activities,

and we remain actively engaged in preparing for any potential security threats surrounding ZAA 2025. OK.

Let's just make sure we exhausted the questions to OLAF.

Seems to be the case,

then we can benefit from the presence already

on the podium of Anita and I'll go here.

Hello, thank you very much, Luca Mattia, Georgian TV channel Formula.

So let me, ask you about, recent attacks on the,

EU ambassador and other diplomats in Georgia.

Gallia the Secretary General of the Georgian Dream Party, stated just some minutes ago that, Pawel Herczynski. Is a radical.

Also 2 or 3 days ago, he stated,

we might see the EU and German ambassadors attending a protest against the Georgian government.

They are the ones leading the agent network.

The radical groups are operating in Georgia have their sponsors in the form of these ambassadors.

So what is your response to these attacks and also

beyond rhetoric if the Commission considering any diplomatic steps in response. Thank you.

I'll start by saying that the EU ambassador has our

full trust and his words reflect the EU Georgia realities.

So our message to the authorities is to stop attacking our ambassador for doing its job.

And what we have seen unfortunately from the Georgian side is a massive attempt to spread disinformation and

This attack shows once more that this is a

distortion from what is actually happening on the ground.

Repression and violence against innocent protesters and civil society and politicians.

So that's why our actions are matching the actions of

the Georgian authorities and we have gone through this last time.

As well, but it starts with the absolute downgrading the political level of all our contacts

and drastic reduce of financial support for the authorities while maintaining the support for civil society. You have a follow up? Just one more question about Georgia.

There was a pro-EU huge demonstration in Georgia with the message not to suspend the visa-free regime.

What is your response to these demonstrators and how do you react to the Georgian

during propaganda campaign which is already blaming Brussels in case the visa-free regime is suspended? Thank you.

Mr Two points on this The people of Georgia have our full support.

We stand with the people of Georgia, and second, we're not into blaming games.

We want to see actions and engagement into a real dialogue first with the civil society in Georgia,

and then we'll discuss what options are on the table in terms of improving or not this relationship. Any more questions to Anita? Yes, Angie. Angie's here from TPP.

Going back to Belarus, on Friday, you announced that the day before on Thursday you summoned the charge d'ffairs for Belarus and Russia,

and on Friday you told the press that you communicated the position of the EU during this meeting.

It was to stand by Poland during this incursion over its airspace via those drones,

but it wasn't clear what The Belarus and Russian position was during these talks.

What did they say during this meeting, and do you have other contact planned with them in the future? Thank you. Thank you.

I have nothing further to add than what we have said last week in terms of summoning the reiterating our position on this,

and it is also not our role to amplify

from this stage whatever the Belarusians and Russians are saying. Thank you. Any other question to Anita?

No, then we move on, different topic. Yes, please. Thanks Paula.

It's actually it is foreign affairs, but it's for yourself, Jérome Huet here, and it goes back to the State of the

Union address last week with President von der Leyen talking about

the plight of the Palestinians and measures in response to that.

There are many who say that she should have acted much, much sooner,

so what was the tipping point for President von der Leyen?

Well, President von der Leyen said it herself in her speech that for some what she proposed would not be sufficient for others,

it would be too much, but she said that very,

very clearly we need to stop this man-made famine.

That it cannot be a weapon of war.

And that we continue to call for a two-state solution.

So this was the point where President von der Leyen

considered that it is the time to put forward further measures.

Now whether they will eventually materialize, we need to see.

That's where she also called upon the three institutions to each play its share.

Because if there are things that the Commission can do on its own, there are others that will need the support and the validation,

the endorsement of the Member States, so on what we can do on its own.

The President announced that we will put our bilateral support to Israel on hold,

that we will stop all payments in these areas without

affecting the work with Israel civil society or Yad Vashem.

And that on issues where it would require the validation, the endorsement of the Council, we will propose sanctions on the extremist ministers and on violent settlers, and we will also propose a partial suspension of the Association Agreement on trade related matters,

and we are currently working on those, and it was estimated by the President that indeed,

in light of the increasing Deterioration of the situation in Gaza,

that this was the moment to put forward these measures. Yes.

Thank you very much and just a brief follow up.

It's being reported in Ireland that the Tanaiste, that the Deputy Prime Minister in Ireland, Simon Harris,

has been in contact with or is trying to basically speed

up the process in terms of measures from President von der Leyen.

Can you tell me anything about that?

Or is that going to be acknowledged or if you received a letter or anything of that nature? I cannot comment on that.

The president is, of course, in touch with all the leaders.

When she comes up with this proposal, she listens to what they have to say, how they see it,

also to see whether there will be support or not,

and this applies to all leaders across the. Yes, please.

Hi, it's Nachi from the Spanish we better confidential, in matter of time, of timing, when,

when can we expect the proposal of this, of the partial suspension of, of the, of the, agreement?

It is a matter of, for example, a couple of weeks or, or,

there's any need of technical work around it if you could explain a little with us.

I'm not in a position to confirm the exact date when the Commission will be putting forward these proposals,

but I can tell you that it will be sooner rather than later. Yes.

It is on a different topic, but it is for you. Razak, AFP news agency.

Mr President, tomorrow we have the high level conference on competitiveness with Mr Draghi and Ms von der Leyen, and it's not going to be open to the press,

and I'm kind of disappointed because for the past year I've been thinking about Draghi,

so much so that even during my holiday last week, Draghi came up a lot.

So you can imagine my disappointment that I won't be able to pose this question,

but so I'm going to pose it to you because I'm sure you can give me just as good an answer as they can.

It's one year on, and I know that this has already come up, but I'd like to hear again what the European Commission thinks one year on, whether it is fully implementing the recommendations that Mr Draghi made,

and if so, could you elaborate on how you will allow me to disagree with you,

I'm sure that President von der Leyen will be able to reply to your question in much better terms tomorrow.

Then if I tell you today about how she thinks about this question, you will be able, and everybody will be able to follow President von der Leyen's keynote speech as well as Professor Draghi's,

and I'm confident that in her keynote speech this very

same question that you just asked will also be addressed. Otherwise, we're back on Wednesday, indeed.

College readout if not at any other point. Good, yes, Maria.

Myria Vassiliadou, Greece, two questions on migration and one on safe.

So I'll start with migration because the migrant flow flows to Greece and,

more precisely to Crete have decreased lately again coming from, Libya.

So what I would like to ask what is the state

of play regarding the discussions both on technical level and on.

And a higher level with the authorities in Libya on this issue.

And secondly, in view of the EU Egypt meeting that is coming later soon actually whether there are any initiatives in the pipeline regarding the issue of stemming,

you know, of curbing migrant flows from Egypt as well and from Libya

because there is a cooperation there there among the smugglers from Egypt and Libya. Thanks. Can you address this? Questions from Maria, please.

Thank you very much on your question on Libya.

As the President has put forward in her letter to the European Council earlier this year, the political and security situation in Libya is critical,

so political engagement by the EU and Member States is crucial, considering the geopolitical consequences for the EU.

Given the situation and observing signs of a possible use of migration for political ends,

we need to engage with the various actors on the ground.

And the second question, if you may, could you please repeat?

Yeah, well, first to follow up on what you said, yeah, we know that there was a visit by the commissioner to Libya some time ago,

which was not so successful, and I'm wondering what is happening since

then because you had said at the time that there were discussions.

That you were engaging with discussions with the authorities on all levels,

so I'm wondering whether you have any outcomes concerning these discussions since that visit.

And the second question that is that in view of the EU Egypt meeting that is coming, in a few weeks,

whether there are any initiatives and what is, you know,

what are you discussing with the Egyptian authorities on this issue? Thank you.

I just take the second part of your question, Maria.

So on Egypt and indeed you're right, there's an upcoming summit.

So for the moment we're not in a position to tell you more about what will be discussed, what will be on the agenda. On the first question.

Yes, I can confirm that we are in touch with all relevant actors on all sides.

This is what I have at the moment. Other questions to Marcus. Yes, was that a hand, Philippe? Yes.

In English then, I have a question. I have a question about visas.

The Schengen area which are given to Russians.

I've read that the Commission was working on a recommendation to make it harder to access these visas for Russians,

and I just wanted to know if there's anything in the pipeline. Thank you for your question. We've seen the media reports.

As far as issuance of visas to Russian citizens is concerned, since the Ukraine invasion,

we have taken unprecedented measures to make sure that Russia stops this unjust and unprovoked attack.

In 2022 we already suspended our agreement on visa issuance with Russia.

That's the visa facilitation agreement that was suspended, and furthermore, since 2022 we've also adopted various clear guidelines to

help member states not to give priority visas to Russians

and to highlight the importance of security and border controls.

Regarding the guidelines now, the Commission is closely following the implementation of these guidelines and is working with the Member states to promote their consistent implementation,

and this is something that was drawn to the attention

of the ministers at the JHA Council in March this year.

Regarding the strategy which we will present towards the end of this year,

a new visa strategy is indeed being prepared and regarding the follow up,

well, you just have to stay tuned.

OK, so that's given us a bit of Marcus's French.

I'm sure he was missing speaking French. Any more questions for Marcus? No, wait.

David I will also ask my question in French.

Marcus, any idea of how many Russians have

come in with Schengen visas this year so far?

Or last year in 2024, and has there been an increase? Compared to 2023 and 2022.

Yes, I don't have the exact figures for this year,

but I do have the figures For 1 2019.

OK, we got there in the end.

So for 2019, it was 4 million,

and it's gone down since then in 2023. 541,000. No, sorry, that was in 2024. From 517,000 in 2023.

It's a little bit a small increase in 2024 to 541,000, but overall decrease,

massive decrease from 2019 to 2024 from 4 million to roughly 500,000. OK. 517,000. OK See Further questions to Marcus. Yes, please. Hi Denis Polisi from Deutsche Welle.

I have a, I have a question on the same issue since, we're already going into details.

So there is a proposal by the Commission,

or there will be a proposal by the Commission to restrict access to Schengen visas for Russian nationals.

But there's also a proposal by Germany to include this measure in

the next sanctions package which is according to media reports is being discussed.

So what would be the difference between these two measures and yeah, how do you see like that, are these two separate, policies or is it the same policy,

so how do you see, the, the division between the two,

or would they just flow into the same measure at the end?

So I think OLAF has been pretty clear on the 19 sanction package,

no further comment on what might come or what not.

This is the 11 strand and the other strand I've just described, replying to Philippe.

There is a revision that's been planned.

What is the content of this revision? I cannot talk about this now.

Please stay tuned on this, and I've already outlined where we are when it comes to what measures we've taken and how we are monitoring their implementation. And the questions to Marcus. Nope. Other topics, Christian. Thanks Jaya Krishna with Europe.

The Danish presidency decided on Friday to not table amendments to the climate law to set the 2040 target at the upcoming Environment Council this week,

effectively blocking a rapid adoption of the 2040 target alongside the NDC.

So I was wondering, do you have any comment on that, and do you regret the decision by the council to separate the 2040 target from the NDC? Thank you.

We continue to work very closely with the Presidency, and now negotiations both under 240, which is climate law, as well as the NDC, which is a nationally determined contribution, continue in the Council,

and our role in all of this is to work closely with the Presidency to ensure that

we will be able to present the NDC in time for COP 30, which is in November.

Mr Are there sort of dates,

I wouldn't say deadlines that that will pass.

I mean, I think in terms of the NDC, isn't there a synthesis report and when does that have to be sent in September? Was that the 23rd of September.

There's talk of the UN General Assembly.

When would something have, you know, an EU NDC have to be sent there?

So I'm not really asking about the EU's decision making process, but just, you know, those dates indicative or,

or fast dates set by the by the UN and then what I've got the

microphone on is is following up from our colleague who asked about tomorrow's high level conference.

I was wondering, I haven't seen in the SPP WhatsApp group or or here an explanation of why journalists aren't allowed in.

I mean, it's, it's in the Charlemagne, there's a massive amount of space there, so why, why can't colleagues attend? Thanks. Yeah, yeah, yeah. Go ahead.

OK, so on, on the NDC, so We are now in the in the process you said that you're not going to ask me about the EU decision making process,

but this is, this is what I'm here to talk about and not on the UNFCCC dates, etc.

So we are now in the process where the co-legislators have the,

the climate law and then the NDC is related to

that and my understanding is that COREPE will tomorrow meet.

Again, and there's a Council meeting on Thursday this week, so we will be able to hopefully know a bit more,

but at the moment our role as the Commission is to work closely

with them to make sure that we can advance the work on the NDC.

And yeah, follow up on this, that particular question that it's, yeah.

Obviously the EU decision making process is not taking place in a in a vacuum.

Yeah, there are other things outside of it.

That's why I mentioned the 23rd of September.

I don't know if that's a hard and fast date for missing that synthesis report. And then the UN.

I was just wondering if you can explain that part, that element in the EU decision making process,

which is more international UN level, but affects how the EU decides. So that's that's my question.

This is something that is currently with the Council and with the Member States,

so we will hopefully have more clarity on exactly how they want to advance and at what pace still this week.

And then did you have a question on nuclear as well earlier? You're still interested in that? Can I interest you in nuclear?

Yeah, or, or no, for the sake of the recording,

if David can briefly repeat the question on the nuclear phase out.

I'm a bit stuck, a bit lost with the dates, but I, I thought I heard several times that nuclear,

you know, that was postponed before the summer, now after the summer, and then, summer I think meant September, right?

But I don't want to be fixated on, on certain dates and deadlines.

No, I don't think anyone should be very fixated now on this date.

We have said that we are in the preparation of this proposal, which is an important one because it complements the repower proposals to phase out any Russian energy from EU markets,

so it will be presented as soon as possible,

but I do not have any date to offer exactly when.

And do you want to go back to your question on the nuclear?

That was the nuclear I think but he was on the on the Charlemagne,

and we do acknowledge that there seems to be a lot of interest in that in that conference.

Now for that reason, we are broadcasting the two keynote.

Speeches from President von der Leyen and from Professor Draghi, and the intention is then to circulate

a short report on the main outcomes of the conference,

so that will be also accessible afterwards. Yes. Filter Anna Kaiser. Yes, it's for her.

This is Fabio Napoli for the Italian news agency Public Policy on 2040 target proposal.

I was wondering how the commission judged the postponing of the approval by the council of the EU. Thank you.

When we give a proposal that goes in the co-decision, then it's for the co-legislators led by the work led by the presidency, notably in the council,

so we are not going to make a kind of value judgment of the

decisions that the member states have decided to take, as I was saying, it's it's.

These are important proposals and it's very clear why we need to have them in place and

therefore my understanding is also that the work is now intensifying a little bit from the presidency side.

There's a corporate meeting tomorrow and there's a council this week,

so really the work is now in their court

and we do everything we can we can as Commission.

To ensure and and facilitate as much as we can and as much as it is within our competence and

in our role as the the institution that presents this legislation that we can have an outcome as soon as possible. You have a follow up, Fabio.

Yes, I asked that because the last car repair who took who took place on last Friday,

the ambassadors decide to not,

proceed with the approval of the proposal.

In the Environment Council who's going to take place this Thursday and since the commission was there in the CORE,

I would like to know the commission position that was expressed in Correber last Friday. Thank you.

We do not usually run a commentary on what is discussed in CORE. These are closed meetings.

There's a readout that is provided by the Presidency as well, but again, just to remind of who is now in the driving seat of taking the decision and determining the pace,

how these proposals are being dealt with, it is now with the Presidency, it is the Presidency and the Member States.

And we are there as someone who has made the proposal and we are involved in the codecision process,

but it is we are not the driving seat.

We're in the driving seat when we are preparing the legislation when we're presenting it.

Good I see a question online,

not sure it is for Anna Kaiser, Jean-Victor. Is it for Anna Kaiser? Yes, hi, can you hear me? Yeah.

Hi, Jack from Politico, thanks so much for your time.

I have two quick questions if you don't mind.

So the first, over the weekend, obviously we had Donald Trump adding to his voice,

also following Chris Smith and putting more pressure on the EU for a faster phase out of Russian oil and gas.

So is the commission open to proposing amendments to its Russian gas ban that would

either create a faster exit or also include oil as a result of these statements.

And my second question is today Germany has published

an outline of its energy policy over the coming mandate.

And one of the key top lines and messages was that essentially Germany

is going to miss its onshore and offshore wind targets and its hydrogen targets.

Do you have any message to Germany in response to that? Thanks. I'll start with your first question.

Just to, to remind again, we have, spent quite some time, reminding,

of, of the, the decision making process in the European Union.

We made the proposal on phasing out Russian, Russian gas and, and oil in, in June and.

We are very committed to the timeline that was in the proposal, and you know yourself very well as

well as everybody else here in the room you have read the proposal, you know the timelines in there.

We have understanding of the co-legislators, they have the same willingness to move fast on this fundamental decision, but again,

now the proposal is with the co-legislators and just to

to add that what Paula also said already in the beginning.

This is not the first step of phasing out Russian energy from from from the European Union. This work already started in 202.

And one very good example, which also explains a little bit how we work in practice when when we are taking these kind of big decisions that have fundamental impact

on our Member states was the phase out of of or the ending of the

contract between Russia and Ukraine that Russian Russian gas was still translated to Europe via Ukraine.

It was a very well managed process which resulted in no price spikes, in no security of supply issues to Member States that were concerned,

so the timeline that we have proposed in the repower legislation to

phase out gas and oil is it follows a very thorough assessment.

On how we can reach these objectives without upsetting the upsetting the markets and to

ensure a very orderly phase out without unnecessary consequences,

negative consequences to our Member States.

So we made this proposal in June and we have commitment of the vast

majority of our member states to to make this reality as soon as possible.

But it is not to be seen as isolation to the

policy that we have already been doing for several years successfully.

So to answer your question, are we doing something something differently?

We have made a commitment and as Paula was saying, we are very happy to see that we are aligning with the United States on this.

It is very, very important, it's fundamental to phase out Russian energy from the European market for our security,

for our energy independence, and for the affordability of energy for Europeans. Question.

You had a question on the German report, we will study it now and get back.

Still to Anna Kaiser in the back. Yes, please.

Nathan can ask for DW quick reaction to what you said regarding the phase out of oil and gas, a Russian gas.

Do you see since this translator, a shift from the Hungarian and Slovakian position?

What what we have again,

these negotiations are taking place as co-legislators in the council and in the member states,

and our commitment. It is the same as always.

We are very, very committed to working very closely with all our Member States, especially those who are most concerned and most impacted by this policy,

and we are doing everything we can to make sure that they have good diversification plans, and this work continues.

As to their positions, you will have to ask them.

And we'll take a final question online from Tommaso Gallavotti, not sure it's for Anna Kaiser. Let's see. Hi, good afternoon. No, it's not for Anna Kaiser.

It's a follow up actually on the, on the questions asked by my colleagues on the Charlemagne High Level Conference of tomorrow.

I understand that you are broadcasting the speeches to EBS, but I mean,

the point is, why did you decide to leave the press outside the conference?

Maybe it's because, neither President von der Leyen nor Draghi.

Enjoy very much being asked questions or is there any other reason? Thank you so much.

Not at all, and, I can't speak for Professor Draghi, but,

President von der Leyen actually does enjoy taking questions from the press. Now on this conference in particular.

And there was a lot of interest also from stakeholders, as you know, so the decision was not to, not to take press,

but because at some point the interest was so big that

it filled the room and there was therefore not possibility to also. Have the possibility of press joining.

In order to compensate for this, there is the broadcasting of the two keynote speeches, and as I said before,

we will then also distribute a summary of the key outcome of the discussion. With this, we conclude our midday.

Thank you very much and wish you a very nice afternoon.