European Commission Press Briefing - 16 April 2026

 

Summary

Today is the 16th of April 2026 and in the European Commission's midday press briefing, journalists focused on questions such as:

• Did Orbán's defeat clear the way for progress on Ukraine, or is Magyar more of the same?
• Did Russia threaten attacks on European drone factories?
• Is media freedom in the Czech Republic in danger?
• Does Greece hire migrants to push back other migrants at their border?
• Is the UK getting ready to rejoin the European Union?
• Does the Commission want access to Anthropic's latest AI model? (Answer: Yes).

Below, you will find my summary of an interesting Q&A session between EC spokespeople and journalists.

References and Links

• Daily News
• Video
• Abbreviations;
• EC = European Commission
• VdL = Von der Leyens.
• EUCO = European Council
• MS = Member State
• Country Code Glossary

Announcements

• Updates to EC President VdL's agenda:
• Today, EC President VdL will participate in the second meeting of the special panel on safety of children online in the Berlaymont, Brussels.
• EC President will participate in a video conference on digital adulthood with European partners, organised by FR President Macron.
• Welcome to 15 journalists from the Friedrich Ebert Foundation.

Q&A

WAR IN UKRAINE - Latest Russian strikes / Drones producers on EU territory

Comment on large RU  attack on Kiev and other UA cities last night? 

• These strikes, including on emergency infrastructure, show RU is not interested in peace. Our thoughts are with the wounded and their families. We will step up our efforts to support UA, through sanctions, financial aid and our defence.

RU Ministry of Defence published a list of drone manufacturers in the EU that they say supply UA. Do you consider this a threat?

• RU is an aggressive state with criminal behaviour. This is shown domestically, where Putin has massacred the opposition, in UA, and worldwide. Their playbook is repression, threats, killing and causing destruction.
• We will not dignify these comments with a detailed response.
• We are supporting UA and scaling up our own defence.
• RU should engage with peace talks seriously and attend to their own crippling economy instead of waging a war of terror. The RU budget deficit doubled in Q1 from the same quarter last year. The war squeezes its public finances. RU's war casualties are estimated at 1.2M.

WAR IN UKRAINE - US statement on sanctions against Russian oil / Upcoming Foreign Affairs Council

Reaction to announcement that the US won't renew the sanctions waiver on RU oil?

• The US measure was meant to be temporary and only cover cargo which had left with RU oil before the war commenced.
• We believe giving RU sanction relief now is unhelpful.
• RU benefits from the war in the Middle East.

Do you see a chance to unblock the 20th sanctions package following Orbán's defeat in HU?

• Our sanction package is still on the table. We hope to make progress. Aims to reduce the benefit to RU from this war on UA.

Main element of sanctions package is the full ban on maritime services for RU tankers. MS were keen to wait for a G7 agreement before moving on with this proposal. Does it make sense to wait?

• International support from the G7 increases the impact of our sanction packages. We always try to align our efforts with the G7. G7 support would be the ideal outcome. We will see how to proceed if it's not possible.

Possibility of sanction decisions at next week's Foreign Affairs Council? Does the EC expect a change to HU's position on sanctions against RU and IS? Orbán gov remains in power until May.

• Discussions on UA on top of agenda. Work should continue on sanctions as this is where the focus of the High Representative and the EC is now.
• No speculation on HU's position. We hope for the best. We have achieved unanimity with the 19 previous sanctions.

ENLARGEMENT - Serbia

Rumours that RS may lose financing from a growth plan. When may this procedure start, what are the next steps, and what could RS do to avoid suspensions on financing?

• The EC is always assessing whether the relevant conditions for support under the EU's different financial instrument are met. The growth plan is one such instrument.
• We have said we are very concerned by the recent adoption of the judicial legislation in RS. We are following the next steps closely.
• We continue to support RS on its EU path. At the same time, we expect the authorities to uphold and respect effective democratic mechanisms, rule of law and human rights. This includes the alignment of the judicial law with EU standards and through a swift implementation of the Venice Commission opinion recommendation expected in the coming weeks. We also expect the reversal of media freedom backsliding.

ENLARGEMENT / MEMBER STATES / WAR IN UKRAINE / ENERGY - Ukraine / Outcome of the Hungarian elections / Ukraine Support Loan / Druzhba pipeline

The EC Commissioner for Enlargement said the new gov of HU could accelerate UA's accession to the EU. What is the basis for this claim? Magyar said he doesn't support accelerated UA accession.

• First meeting of a delegation of EC colleagues going to Budapest tomorrow.
• Earlier this week, VdL announced we would start working  quickly with the new HU gov on various topics.
• There will be plenty of opportunities to discuss the positions of the new gov.

It is unusual the EC sends a delegation right after the elections to speak. These party officials are not yet gov officials. What is the scope and focus of the delegation? Will they focus on facilitating EU funds once the new gov is in power? Who are the members of the EC's delegation?

• The clock is ticking for a number of topics, such as the UA loan, NextGenEU funds etc.
• It is in the interest of HU and the EU that we make progress as soon as possible.
• Preliminary talks are taking place to ensure the new gov hits the ground running.

What topics will be discussed apart from frozen EU funds? Energy policy? Magyar has said he doesn't want to phase out RU energy immediately. Who is going?

• There is no exhaustive list of topics. There's a big menu to choose from.
• No details on the delegation now.
• More details available after the meeting: next Monday at the latest.

Magyar said he would unblock €90B loan for UA after UA restores the Druzhba pipeline. The EC previously opposed linking these issues. How will you deal with this now?

• Our position on the UA loan has not changed. There was an agreement at leader's level at the Dec EUCO to endorse this loan.
• Two days ago, UA Pres Zelensky announced Druzhba should be operational by the end of April.

EXTERNAL RELATIONS - Upcoming EU-UK Summit / Relations with Switzerland

UK has signalled interest in a new type of relationship with the EU. Is there appetite in Brussels for a reset? Or do we not want to re-open the Brexit debate? Is there an offer that could be negotiated with the British gov?

• Upcoming annual EU-UK summit. No date yet. Preparation ongoing.
• 2025 summit was a success. Launched negations on several areas, such as a common sanitary and phytosanitary area, linking our emission trading schemes and youth mobility. We also agreed to explore the possibility of an electricity agreement. The Council recently gave a green light to start discussing this with UK counterparts.
• Negotiation teams working hard. Dynamic alignment. We await proposals from the UK.

Is there sufficient mandate from MS for closer wider economic integration?

• This has been explored. Progress was made last year. We see the benefit of closer cooperation with the UK, especially with global developments. But the devil is in the details.

Agreement is about dynamic alignment, payment, cohesion, dispute resolution etc. Is it the same institutional elements as the agreement with CH?

• No details on individual elements of discussion, nor parallels with CH.

WAR IN UKRAINE / BUDGET - Ongoing visit of Commissioner Dombrovskis to the United States / Financial support to Ukraine

Can you confirm if Commissioner Dombrokvskis will urge partners in the US to speed up payments to UA under the ERA loans? Are these payment delayed? How much money is left in these funds?

• The ERA (G7) loan has capacity of €45B. G7 partners have dispersed over €38B to UA. The EC has dispersed its contribution of €18B. We are encouraging all G7 partners to follow suit.

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE / BANKING SECTOR - Anthropic

What happened at the meeting between the EC and Anthropic about Mythos?

• Not much. The meeting took place with Anthropic. No further details on ongoing discussions.
• Again, a new AI model is being released. It comes with a certain number of risks. We are reaching out to Anthropic for information about these risks. We received some information. There will be follow up meetings.

Does the EC seek access to Mythos?

• We do not have access. 40 unnamed organisations have access.

PRESIDENT'S AGENDA / DIGITAL POLICY - Upcoming participation of EC President VdL in a video conference on digital majority age with European partners, hosted by FR President Macron and in the second meeting of the Special Panel on child safety online, hosted by the EC / EL

Is the EC's participation at the virtual meeting organised by President Macron only about presenting the age verification app?

• The age verification app is a major contribution to the discussion. Several MS are discussing the possibility of banning social media for minors. This tool would facilitate that.

Today is the second meeting. The report is expected in summer. Are there plans to speed up?

• President VdL raised the importance of online safety for children last year in autumn at her State of the Union address. Work began quickly, including the gathering of a group of experts. We've been listening to parents, experts, and stakeholders. We don't want to precipitate things, but work has been fast.
• Another meeting in the summer aims to produce with concrete suggestions.
• Many MS have planned age restrictions. To avoid market fragmentation, we must have a European solution, i.e. the EU age verification app. 
• The app is privacy-preserving, easy-to-use and open-source.
• Further steps depend on the recommendations of the panel.

Has EL notified the EC their ban on social media for minors under 15?

• Not aware of any notification from EL. We received one from FR recently.

MEDIA FREEDOM ACT / MEMBER STATES - CZ proposal to change the financing of public service media / HU media (outcome of the elections) / Media pluralism

CZ gov proposed to change financing of public service media. This would abolish public service media fee and subject the media to the state budget, quickly slashing funds by approx 15%. Does the EC intend to assess whether it is complementary with the European Media Freedom Act (EMFA), which states finances for public service media should be adequate, predictable and stable?

• We are aware of the announcement. The proposal is still at draft stage. We will follow developments. No comment at this stage.
• Strengthening free and independent media, including the role of public service media, is crucial for our democracies. This is also part of the European Democracy Shield we presented recently.
• Public service media plays a special role in ensuring citizens have access to information.
• EMFA contains a number of safeguards to ensure media freedom and pluralism in the EU, including in relation to the independent functioning of public media.
• We are in close contact with all MS, including CZ, on the implementation of EMFA, which entered fully into force in summer 2025.
• We are also monitoring developments in the framework of our rule of law report.

In HU, Magyar is seeking to suspend news broadcasts of HU public service media until they become independent. What do you think of these tendencies in HU and CZ regarding media freedom?

• We cannot comment on specific comments and what may or may not be done.
• The EC values independent functioning of public service media. 
• An infringement procedure is ongoing against HU regarding the implementation of EMFA.

Why is the EC allocating grants to different media outlets, such as Euronews, in order to strengthen media pluralism in specific MS, such as HU and PL. Isn't that the responsibility of MS?

• Financing of independent media and supporting independent media structures is also addressed under the European Democracy Shield.
• Today we announced the opening of a call to support pan-European media actions in Europe with €16M on the table. All eligible entities can participate and apply. See: Daily News.

MIGRATION - Greece / Pushbacks

Reaction to BBC report on EL police using masked migrants to forcibly push back other migrants?

• We are aware of media reporting on this matter. MS are responsible for investigating allegations by establishing the facts and ensuring adequate follow up on any identified wrongdoings.
• MS have to manage and protect the external borders within the EU's legal framework. Their task is supported by Frontex and through our financial instruments. Efficient border management must be firmly rooted in the respect of fundamental rights.

Are pushbacks not in the EU legal framework?

• The principle of non-refoulement must be respected always.

Is the BBC's report an attack on the EL government, as some in the EL media claim?

• Cannot comment.

FOREIGN AFFAIRS - Situation in the Middle East / PS / IS / EU-Israel Association Agreement / Strait of Hormuz / Iran / Outcome of the meeting between EC President von der Leyen and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretary-General Albudaiwi

Is there some kind of movement for measures on IS? More than 350 former diplomats and EU civil servants have requested a suspension of the EU-Israel Association Agreement. Some NGOs in Europe request the same. The EC received the petition signed by more than 1M EU citizens to demand suspension.

• Measures announced by EC president at last meeting remain on the table. 
• Foreign Affairs Council next week. Agenda includes the situation in the Middle East in light of latest events in Iran and repercussions in the region. Ministers will be free to broach questions.
• Two important events next week in support of PS:
• 20th April: 9th ministerial meeting of the Global Alliance for the Implementation of a Two-State Solution in Brussels with the BE minister for foreign affairs.
• Ad hoc meeting, hosted by the High Representative, in Brussels alongside the NO minister to show support for PS and a two-state solution. 
• The Global Alliance is a political forum with more than 100 members sending out a strong signal of consensus for a two-state solution.
• The Ad Hoc Liaison Committee is a political coordination mechanism for development aid in favour of the Palestinian people. It meets twice a year: once in New York and once in Brussels.
• EUCO conclusions clearly stated the EU will continue to cooperate with all stakeholders to reconstruct Gaza in line with international law. This is in full support of the Palestinian Authority as part of its reforms as well.

Comment on developments in the Strait of Hormuz? Meeting with the Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) today.

• Restoring the freedom of navigation is of paramount importance to us. 
• The EC President posted about the meeting with the Secretary General of the GCC, extending our full solidarity with the council and its members as they face unprovoked attacks from Iran. This demonstrates that Iran should never have nuclear weapons. The EC Pres called for a closer partnership between Europe and the Gulf countries. The president has been in touch with Gulf countries since March after the beginning of the conflict. 
• The upcoming GCC summit offers an opportunity to strengthen relations.

Will the EU participate in the summit co-organised by FR and the UK on the Strait of Hormuz tomorrow? What could the EU contribute to that meeting?

• EUCO welcome this close cooperation between FR, UK and other MS.
• EU supports these efforts and await the outcomes with interest.
• Involvement of MS will feed into discussions in the Foreign Affairs Council and the informal leaders meeting next week.

Details on the Global Alliance meeting? Virtual or in-person? Composition of delegations?

• In person in Brussels. Further details available tomorrow.

Has the president's plan to attend the video conference on Hormuz tomorrow changed?

• We never confirmed the participation of the president.

Update on contact between the EU, CN and IN about opening the Strait of Hormuz?

• We remain in close touch and engagement with all our partners in the region and worldwide.

PRESIDENT'S AGENDA - Upcoming Informal meeting of heads of state or government (23-24/04)

Does the EC president intend to speak to HU PM Orbán about breaches of EU cooperation and his alleged contacts with Moscow? He will reportedly not attend the informal EUCO summit.

• Last week, the president mentioned she wanted to raise the issue with leaders, but she didn't specify PM Orbán explicitly. No further update.

PRESIDENT'S AGENDA - Upcoming meeting between EC President VdL and Mark Rutte, NATO Secretary-General

President to meet NATO Secretary-General today. Will RU threats on EU factories be discussed?

• There will be an opportunity to discuss topical issues. Cannot specify in advance.