EU Commission Full Briefing 16/01/2026 - Mercosur, Ukraine, Greenland, Iran, China Hybrids

The European Commission’s Midday Press Briefing from 16 January 2026, featuring Q&A with journalists and spokesperson responses on EU policy and current files.

The briefing includes an exchange on the European Security Strategy announced by President von der Leyen, including how it relates to recent defence initiatives (White Paper on defence, Readiness measures and related instruments) and the Commission’s expected work timeline over the coming months.

Spokespersons also address questions on SAFE (including the approval of an initial batch of national plans, safeguards and reporting), as well as whether and how information on these plans may become public as the process moves through Council consideration.

On digital policy, the Commission comments on TikTok’s announced rollout of age-detection measures in Europe and sets out the Commission’s parallel work on an EU age-verification solution, including pilot testing in Member States and how platforms may be able to rely on it.

Other topics covered in this briefing include:

EU messaging around unity at the International Maritime Organization and the global pathway towards net-zero shipping by 2050

EU support for Ukraine, including humanitarian assistance and energy-related support measures discussed in the briefing

Updates on contacts with Germany regarding a power plant strategy / capacity mechanism, including the distinction between pre-notification discussions and formal state-aid assessment procedures

The EU response following a major fire in Switzerland and the use of the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, alongside a note on when the Commission can participate in national legal proceedings

Questions on Greenland and the EU’s mutual assistance / solidarity clause discussion raised during the briefing

A Commission reaction to reports of Russian charges targeting Kaja Kallas

Discussion of the situation in Iran, including the EU position on regime change, concerns raised in the briefing, and how EU sanctions policy is framed

Trade questions on whether the Commission is considering duties on Chinese hybrid vehicle exports (and what is and is not currently under investigation)

Questions on speculation about a “simplified” Ukraine accession route, with the Commission reiterating the established accession process

The upcoming European Parliament debate on a motion of censure linked to Mercosur, and why Maroš Šefčovič is set to represent the Commission

A question on the dispute involving Slovakia/Hungary and post-WWII Beneš decrees-related issues, with the Commission confirming receipt of a letter and that it is examining the points raised

Chapters are included below to help you jump to each topic.

Chapters

0:00 European Security Strategy
2:13 Strategic autonomy, NATO/US context
2:50 SAFE plans and safeguards (incl. Hungary)
5:12 SAFE transparency and publication questions
6:57 TikTok age checks and EU age-verification work
8:28 IMO net-zero shipping and EU unity
10:19 Ukraine support and energy assistance
13:00 Germany power plants and capacity mechanism
19:01 Switzerland fire and EU civil protection
21:10 Greenland and Article 42.7 discussion
23:43 Russia charges targeting Kaja Kallas
24:59 Iran: EU position and sanctions framing
32:30 Trade: Chinese hybrid vehicles and duties
35:56 Ukraine EU accession process
38:05 Motion of censure and Mercosur debate
40:21 Beneš decrees dispute: letter received

European Digital Policy Initiative
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Uploaded by James Tamim, EU Digital Policy analyst.

© European Union, 2026