EU Vice-President Teresa Ribera deflects Zapatero gift probe, backs EU digital tax

EU executive vice‑president Teresa Ribera avoided commenting on the legal case against former Spanish prime minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero during a speaking engagement in Madrid, saying she has never received jewelry – “I have been given beautiful statues and books; never jewelry”.

She stressed she does not weigh in on national politics, called for higher public morality, and suggested convening an extraordinary session with former presidents to discuss remuneration for public office. Ribera also addressed the rise of the far‑right, stating that social democracy bears no responsibility for its growth, and praised Spain’s strong economic indicators and renewable‑energy expansion while noting housing‑price pressures.

Reacting to a threat by U.S. President Donald Trump to impose a 100 % tariff on countries that adopt a digital services tax, Ribera defended the EU measure as a matter of regulatory sovereignty, urging the EU to strengthen its technological capabilities to compete globally. She highlighted the importance of increased European funding for housing in Spain.