How to watch the European Commission

European Commission President Ursula von der LEYEN in Antalya, Türkiye for the COP31 19 hr ago

Fossil fuel dependence, lobbying, and slow global action

He argues the economic and security case for fossil fuels is collapsing for import-dependent countries, denounces fossil fuel lobbying tactics that delay science-based policy, and warns that current national plans will not deliver the necessary annual emissions cuts, risking overshooting 1.5°C and triggering tipping points.

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European Commission President Ursula von der LEYEN in Antalya, Türkiye for the COP31 19 hr ago

Lessons from the past decade and clean energy progress

He introduces three lessons for the next decade, highlighting that exponential change is possible, citing rapid global growth of solar and electric vehicles and noting that clean energy is now the cheapest new power source even amid political resistance.

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European Commission President Ursula von der LEYEN in Antalya, Türkiye for the COP31 19 hr ago

Opening thanks and stark climate reality

The UN Secretary-General thanks President Erdoğan and frames the session by stressing that the climate crisis is outrunning current efforts, with record emissions, unprecedented heat, and mounting climate disasters undermining global stability and development.

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European Commissioner Dan JØRGENSEN in Antalya, Türkiye for the COP31 19 hr ago

Antalya’s diplomatic role and COP31 agenda

The speaker outlines Antalya’s evolution from historic trading hub to global tourism and diplomacy center, details COP31’s scale and participation, explains the joint Türkiye–Australia presidency with a Pacific focus, and presents the implementation‑oriented action agenda with 2030–2035 climate and education goals before inviting UN Secretary‑General António Guterres to the stage.

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European Commissioner Dan JØRGENSEN in Antalya, Türkiye for the COP31 19 hr ago

Hosts introduce Antalya and Anatolian heritage

The co‑hosts present themselves, highlight Antalya as a leading Turkish city hosting COP31, and describe Anatolia’s historical role at the crossroads of continents, where diverse cultures coexist and express themselves through regional dances and traditions.

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European Commissioner Dan JØRGENSEN in Antalya, Türkiye for the COP31 19 hr ago

Master of ceremonies: welcome to COP31 Leaders Summit

The master of ceremonies thanks the performers, introduces himself and extends an official welcome to dignitaries and participants at the COP31 Leaders Summit in Antalya.

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European Commissioner Dan JØRGENSEN in Antalya, Türkiye for the COP31 20 hr ago

Family photo – participants positioned for official picture

An organiser instructs participants to look forward as the official family photo is taken with the President, giving brief cues to photographers and concluding the short photo opportunity.

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European Commissioner Dan JØRGENSEN in Antalya, Türkiye for the COP31 20 hr ago

Opening cultural performance: Fire of Anatolia

Protocol introduction invites dignitaries to witness the Fire of Anatolia performance, using Anatolian dance to set a cultural and ceremonial opening to the COP31 Leaders Summit in Antalya.

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European Commissioner Dan JØRGENSEN in Antalya, Türkiye for the COP31 20 hr ago

Pre-ceremony seating and logistical announcements

Repeated logistical announcements invite distinguished guests to be seated in the main auditorium, indicating that the opening session will begin very shortly as participants continue arriving.

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European Commissioner Dan JØRGENSEN in Antalya, Türkiye for the COP31 20 hr ago

Opening of COP31 Leaders’ Summit

Master of ceremonies announces the imminent start of the COP31 Leaders’ Summit and the entry of heads of state and government, asking participants to take their seats.

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European Commissioner Dan JØRGENSEN in Antalya, Türkiye for the COP31

Introduction, COP context and renewables progress

The host briefly introduces European Commissioner Dan Jørgensen and his role, after which he reflects on his history with COPs, the turbulent global context, and current climate shortfalls while highlighting record global and EU renewable deployment and accelerating electrification as reasons for cautious optimism.

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European Commissioner Andrius KUBILIUS at the UARM Hub Launch: From Frontline Innovation to European Defence Readiness

Keynote: UARM Hub’s role in EU–Ukraine defence innovation

The Commissioner welcomes the launch of the UARM Hub in Brussels, arguing that it should evolve from a representation platform for Ukrainian drone companies into a broader centre of “battle-tested” industrial expertise, helping Europe learn Ukraine’s frontline drone ecosystem model and drive a more dynamic European drone defence ecosystem. He calls for the Hub to engage in pan-European defence projects of common interest (including Eastern Flank Watch, Drone Defence Initiative, Air and Missile Defence, and Ukrainian-led anti-ballistic projects like Freya and Blixem), to support implementation of the EU–Ukraine drone deal and the Pact on Strategic Defence Industrial Partnership, and to become the nucleus of a Ukrainian defence innovation centre in Brussels complementing the EU Defence Innovation Office in Kyiv.

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European Commissioner Dan JØRGENSEN in Antalya, Türkiye for the COP31

Electrify Now finance coalition and partners

He announces the Electrify Now finance coalition with Türkiye, Australia, the UK, Ethiopia, Norway and the Netherlands, explaining its role in de‑risking projects, addressing regulatory barriers and mobilising practical capital, welcomes key financial and development partners, previews the Electrify Cities launch at the EU Pavilion, and invites governments, financiers, businesses and cities to join and bring concrete priorities and solutions.

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European Commissioner Dan JØRGENSEN in Antalya, Türkiye for the COP31

Emerging economies: ASEAN opportunities and financing needs

The Commissioner points to ASEAN’s growing demand, the potential of electric mobility, efficient cooling and industrial electrification, and regional power grids, then stresses that realizing these opportunities depends on affordable finance for clean power, grids and end‑use equipment, introducing Electrify Now as a response.

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European Commissioner Dan JØRGENSEN in Antalya, Türkiye for the COP31

Electrification priority: IEA ‘age of electricity’ and global scope

He frames electrification as indispensable for climate, competitiveness and security, describes Europe’s ambition to become an “electro-continent,” and emphasizes that emerging markets and developing economies need reliable, clean power for clinics, farmers and small businesses, highlighting the transformative impact of universal access.

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European Commissioner Dan JØRGENSEN in Antalya, Türkiye for the COP31

Opening: energy crises and fossil fuel dependence

The Commissioner links current disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz and the war in Ukraine to higher energy and food costs and underlines how dependence on imported fossil fuels undermines energy security, climate goals and competitiveness, stressing the need to secure current supplies while reducing exposure to future shocks.

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EC Midday press briefing of 10/11/2026

Sectoral EU policies: Ukraine SAFE funding, agriculture, Russia sanctions and DSA enforcement

The Commission describes potential use of remaining SAFE programme funds for Ukraine, promises to follow up on a specific Italian olive oil sterol‑content issue, clarifies member state responsibilities and new EU support structures for enforcing Russia sanctions including a case on alleged vodka re‑exports, and confirms Reddit’s designation as a very large online platform under the Digital Services Act with forthcoming compliance obligations.

In this chapter

1. SAFE programme – potential use for Ukraine support
2. Agriculture – Italian olive oil from Puglia and EU sterol rules
3. Sanctions against Russia – enforcement and new EU Sanctions Office

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EC Midday press briefing of 10/11/2026

Commission response: Section 301 and EU trade stance

Commission spokesperson for trade recalls the US Section 301 investigation on Germany’s pharma pricing, stresses the importance of tariff‑free, barrier‑free EU‑US trade in pharmaceuticals under the August joint statement, urges the US not to impose additional tariffs linked to pharma pricing, and notes the EU will continue engaging with Washington while having no further details to share before the press room moves on to other questions.

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EC Midday press briefing of 10/11/2026

Journalist question: US probe into EU drug pricing

Danish TV journalist asks about the US Section 301 investigation into European (notably German) pharmaceutical pricing, the planned visit of US officials to Germany, reports of an EU task force response, and Belgian calls to consider using the EU anti-coercion instrument to protect consumers from potential drug price hikes.

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EC Midday press briefing of 10/11/2026

Transatlantic economic relations and China-related tech concerns

Journalists query the US Section 301 investigation into EU/German drug pricing and possible use of the EU anti‑coercion instrument, to which the Commission reiterates its opposition to new trade barriers and its ongoing engagement with Washington, before declining substantive comment on an investigation involving Nvidia’s CEO and alleged links to a Chinese spy, framing it as a private matter.

In this chapter

1. Trade/pharma – US Section 301 on EU drug pricing
2. Foreign affairs/China – Nvidia CEO investigation

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EC Midday press briefing of 10/11/2026

Q: Swiss News Agency: pooling aid with third countries

A Swiss journalist asks whether EU support for Ukraine is pooled with non‑EU countries like Switzerland or handled bilaterally. The Commission explains that Civil Protection Mechanism resources come from 27 EU countries plus 10 participating states (excluding Switzerland) and from EU strategic reserves (rescEU), highlighting that Ukraine has received generators and transformers from both channels to keep heating and electricity running.

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EC Midday press briefing of 10/11/2026

Civil Protection Mechanism for Ukraine: follow‑up

Journalist asks what concrete steps have been taken after the Zelenskyy–von der Leyen decision to increase support to Ukrainians lacking electricity, water and heating, prompting the Commission to outline context of the leaders’ call and the ongoing winter aid plan. The Commission details humanitarian allocations (around €1.5 billion to date and ~€200 million for 2026), use of the EU Civil Protection Mechanism for generators and energy equipment, dismantling of a power plant for parts, and current needs‑assessment talks with Ukrainian counterparts to target energy, transport and logistics infrastructure support.

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EC Midday press briefing of 10/11/2026

Migration and civil protection: Türkiye camps and Ukraine winter support

Questions focus on alleged abuses in EU‑funded deportation camps in Türkiye, which the Commission pledges to examine, followed by detailed explanations of humanitarian aid and Civil Protection Mechanism tools mobilised to support Ukraine’s energy‑related winter needs and the role of participating states in pooling assistance.

In this chapter

1. Migration – Türkiye: alleged abuses in EU-funded camps
2. Civil Protection Mechanism – Ukraine winter support
3. Q: Swiss agency: pooling Ukraine aid with third countries

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EC Midday press briefing of 10/11/2026

Follow‑up on diplomatic summons: confidentiality line

Pierre asks whether the EU has had any feedback from the meetings with European diplomats following the Algerian-Niger issue. Anouar reiterates that diplomatic exchanges remain confidential and are not commented on publicly, before the briefing chair checks for remaining foreign affairs questions and prepares to move to other topics such as Turkey and migrants.

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EC Midday press briefing of 10/11/2026

Algerian troops in Niger: EU position

A journalist asks Anouar about EU clarifications following controversy over alleged Algerian troop deployment to Niger, Niamey’s summons of the EU chargé d’affaires, and Niger’s assertion it needs no permissions from Brussels. Anouar outlines that such summons are standard under the Vienna Convention, stresses the EU’s full respect for Algerian and Nigerien sovereignty, non-interference in their bilateral decision on troop deployment, and its aim to maintain good relations to support security and stability in the Sahel.

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EC Midday press briefing of 10/11/2026

Commission response: EU solidarity, tools and Iran sanctions

The Commission expresses full solidarity with France, notes France’s attribution of the attacks to Iran, underlines readiness for a swift and united EU response using the cyber diplomacy toolbox and instruments like NIS2 and the Cyber Resilience Act, recalls existing sanctions including IRGC designation and March 2026 cyber measures against Emennet Pasargad, and signals work on further cyber sanctions.

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EC Midday press briefing of 10/11/2026

Journalist question: France blaming Iran for cyber attacks

A journalist from The Guardian asks whether the Commission shares France’s attribution of recent cyber attacks on French supermarket refrigeration systems to Iran and whether EU sanctions are being considered ahead of the upcoming Foreign Affairs Council.

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EC Midday press briefing of 10/11/2026

Foreign affairs: Iran-linked cyberattacks and Algerian troops in Niger

EU spokespeople address France’s attribution of cyberattacks to Iran, recalling existing sanctions and the cyber diplomacy toolbox, then explain the EU’s stance on Algerian troop deployment in Niger, emphasising respect for both states’ sovereignty and the confidentiality of recent diplomatic démarches.

In this chapter

1. Foreign Affairs – Iran-attributed cyberattacks and EU cyber tools
2. Foreign Affairs – Algerian troops in Niger and diplomatic reactions

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