All published updates

EU launches Water Resilience Stakeholder Platform

The European Commission officially launched the Water Resilience Stakeholder Platform in Brussels as a five-year support mechanism for implementing the Water Resilience Strategy. Established with the Committee of the Regions and the European Economic and Social Committee, the platform has over 50 members spanning policymakers, NGOs, academia, research organisations, regional bodies, youth actors, financial institutions and industry. Commissioner Roswall cited this summer's extreme heatwaves, wildfires and severe drought as evidence of Europe's water vulnerability, stressed the "Water Efficiency First" principle, and noted that over EUR 3 billion in EU cohesion policy funding has been mobili…

European Commission Proposes Common Rating Scheme for Data Centres

The European Commission proposed a common rating scheme for data centres on 21 September 2026, aimed at increasing transparency on their energy and water use and supporting their sustainable integration into Europe's energy system. The EU wants to triple its data centre capacity over the next five to seven years, but this growth could put extra pressure on electricity grids, water use and carbon emissions. The rating scheme will ensure transparent information about data centres' actual resource use.

European Commission Launches Alliance for the Reduction of Bureaucratic Burden

European Commissioner Dombrovskis delivered a keynote speech in Brussels launching the Alliance for the Reduction of Bureaucratic Burden. The Commission has tabled twelve major Omnibus simplification proposals with the potential to save at least €17 billion in annual administrative costs for European businesses and national administrations. The Commission targets cutting administrative burdens by at least 25% for all companies and at least 35% for SMEs, with plans to deliver simplification proposals in banking, housing, transport and digital sectors in 2027.

ICAO Council President to Open IATA Wings of Change Europe

IATA announced that ICAO Council President Toshiyuki Onuma will open Wings of Change Europe (WOCE) on 15 October in Brussels. The aeropolitical conference will address the geopolitical landscape, competitiveness, the EU policy agenda, passenger rights, airport legislation and safety, with confirmed speakers from the European Commission's DG MOVE and airline and airport CEOs. IATA said European aviation faces onerous regulation and high costs, and that global standards and industry-government cooperation are needed to improve competitiveness.

EU Calls for Humanitarian Access and Ceasefire in Sudan at UNGA

EU Commissioner Lahbib told a ministerial-level side event on Sudan at the UN General Assembly that 33 million people need help to survive, up to 150,000 have been killed since the war began, and Sudan tops nearly every ranking as the largest humanitarian and displacement crisis. She cited sexual violence against women and girls, detained humanitarian workers, and drone strikes on hospitals and markets, with Darfur, the Kordofans and Blue Nile State especially alarming. The EU has provided over €276 million in humanitarian support linked to the Sudan crisis this year, including €162 million for Sudan itself, and called for respect for international humanitarian law and unhindered cross-bord…

Impact and considerations

The ongoing Sudan conflict continues to block humanitarian access, damage infrastructure and create high personal-safety risks, posing direct operational and security challenges for organizations with personnel, supply chains or humanitarian programs in the region. Access conditions and the security situation warrant…

European Commission proposes common EU rating scheme for data centres

The European Commission has proposed a common rating scheme for data centres to increase transparency on their energy and water use and support their sustainable integration into Europe's energy system. The scheme covers individual data centres with capacity above 500 kW and also their contribution to the grid, such as waste-heat reuse, added clean-energy generation capacity and flexibility. The Commission also launched a call for evidence and public consultation on minimum performance standards for data centres, closing on 14 December 2026. The Delegated Regulation now faces a two-month scrutiny period by the European Parliament and Council, with first sustainability labels expected in 202…

EU Opens Consultation on Non-OECD Countries Authorised to Receive EU Waste After May 2027

The European Commission has launched a public consultation on a draft list of non-OECD countries that could be authorised to import non-hazardous waste from the EU after May 2027 under the Waste Shipment Regulation. Adopted in 2024, the regulation introduces stricter rules: from 21 May 2027, the EU will export waste to non-OECD countries only if they explicitly request to continue receiving it and demonstrate sustainable management. The Commission must assess 32 requests received and has published an initial assessment report alongside the draft list. The consultation is open until 16 October 2026, with the first authorised list to be established after it closes and updated at least every t…

European Commission Disburses €3.3 Billion in Defence Funding to Ukraine

The European Commission disbursed €3.3 billion to Ukraine for defence procurement under the €90 billion Ukraine Support Loan, covering drones and missiles. It is the fourth payment under the loan's defence window and brings the Commission's payments to Ukraine this year to nearly €15 billion. The Ukraine Support Loan includes €30 billion for budgetary aid and €60 billion for defence across 2026-2027. The Commission also said it is ready to use remaining funds from the Security Action for Europe instrument to launch a new joint EU-Ukraine programme to develop a European air and missile defence system.

European Commission President's Read-out After Call With Zelenskyy

European Commission President von der Leyen issued a read-out after a call with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy, stating that Russia is relentlessly targeting Kyiv and that the EU will disburse another €3.3 billion to Ukraine the next day to procure missiles and drones. Last week the EU approved funding for Patriot systems through its Ukraine Support Loan, and she announced readiness to use remaining SAFE funds to launch a new programme for joint EU-Ukraine defence projects, including a joint European air and missile defence system.

EU Handed Out €430 Million in SAF Permits Last Year to 130 Airlines

The European Commission approved free EU Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) carbon allowances for 130 airlines to encourage sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) adoption, totaling €430 million ($494 million) last year — four times the roughly €100 million granted in 2024. Airlines claimed over 530,000 tonnes of SAF, cutting about 1.7 million tons of CO2. The support is part of a €1.5 billion pot earmarked for SAF adoption, which the Commission has proposed expanding further under its ETS reform. SAF costs three to 10 times more than traditional fossil-based kerosene.

European Commission: 2025 SAF supply significantly exceeded the 2% target, with 18 member states ho…

The European Commission's DG MOVE reported on 17 September 2026 on EASA's annual report on ReFuelEU Aviation implementation. In 2025, the first compliance year, EU SAF supply significantly exceeded the 2% minimum: fuel suppliers reported 39.3 million tonnes of aviation fuel at Union airports, of which SAF accounted for 1.1 million tonnes (2.8%). SAF supply rose almost six-fold from 193,000 tonnes in 2024 to 1.1 million tonnes in 2025. 84% of SAF supplied was produced within the EU; SAF reached 121 airports across all 27 member states, up from 33 airports in 2024. The number of member states with operational or announced SAF production facilities rose to 18 in 2025. EU capacity is projected…

EASA: EU SAF supply reached 1.1 million tonnes in 2025, exceeding the 2% mandate

EASA published its 2026 ReFuelEU Aviation Annual Technical Report on 17 September 2026. Aviation fuel suppliers reported 39.3 million tonnes of fuel at Union airports in 2025, of which 1.1 million tonnes (2.8%) was SAF, exceeding the 2% mandatory minimum applicable in 2025. SAF supply rose from 193,000 tonnes in 2024 to 1.1 million tonnes in 2025, nearly six times the previous volume. SAF was supplied at 121 Union airports across all 27 EU Member States, or 79% of Union airports, up from 33 airports in 2024. Using SAF instead of conventional jet fuel cut GHG emissions at Union airports by 3.33 million tonnes in 2025. EU SAF production capacity is projected to stay on track for the 6% blendi…

EU proposes €489 million to help Portugal, Spain, Italy and Malta recover from severe storms

The European Commission has proposed mobilising €489 million from the EU Solidarity Fund (EUSF) to help Portugal, Spain, Italy and Malta recover from severe storms and flooding in January and February 2026. The funding will support rebuilding transport infrastructure, restoring essential services, clean-up operations, temporary accommodation and rescue services. Portugal would receive €261 million, Spain €149 million, Italy €74.8 million and Malta €3.72 million. The proposal requires approval by the European Parliament and Council; after advance payments, €385.6 million would remain to be paid.

Impact and considerations

Storm damage to transport, power and telecommunications directly affects business travel and supply chains in Southern Europe. EU funding will accelerate infrastructure repair, but the approval process means recovery will take time.

EU and South Korea Sign MoU on IRIS² Secure Satellite Communications

The European Commission signed an administrative arrangement with the Republic of Korea on IRIS², a multi-orbit constellation for secure communication. The EU decided last month to accelerate the system by expanding it to more than 350 satellites, adding capacity for defence, security and emergency services, with first satellites launching from 2029. Agreements were already signed with Norway and Iceland, and one with Ukraine will follow.

European Commission Daily News: SAF supply, supply chain risks and satellite cooperation

The European Commission's Daily News for 17 September 2026 covers multiple topics: EASA's report shows EU SAF supply reached 1.1 million tonnes in 2025, accounting for 2.8% of aviation fuel and exceeding the 2% mandate, with SAF available at 121 EU airports (up from 33); a joint Commission-EIB report finds tariffs and regulatory compliance are now the main barriers to EU firms' international trade, with over half expecting higher tariffs long-term; the EU and South Korea signed an administrative arrangement to strengthen secure satellite connectivity cooperation and explore integration with IRIS²; other items include cross-border renewable energy investment, a citizens' panel on democratic…

EU Unveils KIDS Act: No Social Media Under 13

European Commission Executive Vice-President Virkkunen presented the EU KIDS Act, which bars social media use under 13, allows 13-15 year-olds access only through guardian accounts, and imposes safety-by-design obligations for users under 18. Platforms must prevent stranger messaging, personalised ads and addictive features, and a framework for age verification and parental tools is established. The Digital Services Act had already led to investigations into TikTok and Meta.

EU KIDS Act Approved: No Social Media Under 13

European Commission President von der Leyen announced the EU KIDS Act has been approved by the College. It bans social media under 13 and personal accounts under 15; ages 13-15 may use only mini accounts set up and supervised by parents or guardians, limited to one hour a day. For ages 15-18, safety-by-design is obligatory. Platforms must submit child safety plans in advance, and age verification uses EU-certified tools.

Commissioner Dombrovskis at Eurofi on Digital Euro and Financial Competitiveness

EU Commissioner Dombrovskis, speaking at the Eurofi forum in Dublin, outlined three themes: the digital euro project, strengthening the euro's international role, and a simplification agenda to boost banking competitiveness. He noted nearly two-thirds of card transactions in the euro area run through non-European providers, while 13 euro area member states rely entirely on international schemes. The digital euro's first issuance is targeted for 2029, with the Commission supporting the Irish Presidency's aim to conclude trilogue negotiations by year-end. He also said outstanding EU bonds have reached around €800 billion and that the Commission will push for their inclusion in sovereign bond…

European Commission Adopts EU KIDS Act to Restrict Social Media Access for Children

On September 17, the European Commission adopted the EU KIDS Act proposal, prohibiting social media platforms from accessing children under 13 and setting an EU-wide minimum age of 15 for minors to open their own accounts. The Act is structured around four pillars: social media delay, safety-by-design, privacy-preserving age assurance, and effective enforcement. Platforms must prove their services are age-appropriate and safe by design, and submit compliance plans. The proposal has been submitted to the European Parliament and Council for examination.

European Commission pushes Member States to stop gold-plating

European Commissioner Dombrovskis addressed the European Parliament plenary on gold-plating, warning that when Member States add stricter or broader requirements while transposing EU law, it distorts competition, raises compliance costs especially for SMEs, and discourages cross-border activity. The Commission will work with Member States on better detection, follow-up and prevention, prepare a best-practice toolkit, and has circulated questionnaires to Member States and stakeholders.

European Commission issues €11bn in EU-Bonds in 2026

The European Commission raised €11 billion of EU-Bonds in its eighth syndicated transaction of 2026, comprising a €6 billion new 3-year EU-Bond maturing 12 March 2030 and a €5 billion new 30-year EU-Bond maturing 12 October 2056. Both tranches were priced against reference points in the EU-Bond curve, reflecting the curve's growing liquidity. The transaction forms part of the Commission's €80 billion funding target for the second half of 2026.

European Commission President Delivers 2026 State of the Union Address

European Commission President von der Leyen delivered the 2026 State of the Union address in Strasbourg on 16 September 2026, outlining EU policy directions on security, economy, climate, technology and migration. She announced new initiatives including a European security strategy, a European Instrument for Strategic Enablers, a European Corporation on Critical Raw Materials, a Climate Insurance Alliance, a European Heatwave Plan, a European Water initiative, the EU KIDS Act and the Digital Fairness Act, while emphasising faster Single Market reform, administrative simplification, clean energy and AI development.

European Commission Sends Statement of Objections Over MMG's Acquisition of Anglo American's Nickel…

The European Commission has sent a Statement of Objections to MMG Limited over its proposed acquisition of Anglo American's nickel business, preliminarily finding the deal may restrict competition in the low-carbon ferronickel market. The Commission is concerned MMG could divert low-carbon ferronickel supply away from European markets toward its affiliated stainless steel producers, raising costs for European stainless steel production. MMG is controlled by China Minmetals Corporation, which is controlled by SASAC, which also controls several stainless steel producers. The Commission must decide by Nov. 30, 2026.

European Commission Daily News: Energy Regulation Academy, SMR Investment and Sentinel-3C Launch

The European Commission issued a series of updates on 15 September: launching the Energy Regulation Academy (EnRA) with the European University Institute to train national public officials over three years on implementing EU electricity market reforms; backing an EIB investment of up to €40 million in Finnish SMR developer Steady Energy via InvestEU; successfully launching the Copernicus Sentinel-3C satellite for ocean, land, atmosphere and climate monitoring and disaster response; committing over €57.8 million through Team Europe to South African green hydrogen and critical raw materials projects; and clearing Iberdrola's acquisition of Finland's Caruna.

EU Defence Readiness Omnibus Advances with Permitting Deadlines and Transfer Rules

European Commissioner Kubilius told the European Parliament plenary on 15 September 2026 that a provisional agreement with the Council has been reached on the Defence Readiness Omnibus. Measures include a maximum 42-working-day permitting deadline for new factories (102 days in complex cases) with tacit approval, exemptions and greater legal clarity for using critical chemicals for defence, simplified European Defence Fund procedures with testing allowed in Ukraine, higher procurement thresholds and joint procurement options, and reduced barriers plus new general transfer licences for intra-EU defence product transfers. The Commission will present a defence market package before the end of…