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Commissioner's remarks at General Affairs Council on the MFF

EU Commissioner Serafin delivered opening remarks at the General Affairs Council in Brussels, noting this is his fourth MFF negotiation. He cited four differences: Council calls to cut an already modernised budget proposal focused more on competitiveness, defence and security; stabilisation of national contributions based on 2027 figures; the need for a serious package of new own resources, with the October European Council set to clarify an updated basket; and the exceptional times in which EU sovereignty is at stake.

Eurobarometer: Europeans are doing more physical activity

Ahead of the 2026 European Week of Sport, the European Commission published the sixth Eurobarometer on sport and physical activity. Compared with 2022, those exercising several times a week rose to 38% (up 6 points), almost daily to 9% (up 3 points), and those who never exercise fell from 45% to 39%. Main motivations are improving or maintaining physical health (44%) and relaxing (39%), with 26% citing mental health. Parks and outdoor spaces remain most popular (47%), fitness facilities rose from 33% to 39%, and active commuting rose from 24% to 37%, the largest increase.

EU and Philippines Reach Substantial Agreement on Free Trade Deal

European Commissioner Šefčovič announced a substantial breakthrough in the EU-Philippines free trade agreement talks. Both sides agreed to liberalise over 94% of tariff lines, covering more than 97% of goods. The EU already exports over EUR 8 billion a year to the Philippines in machinery, transport equipment, medicines and agricultural goods; bilateral goods trade is nearly EUR 18 billion and services trade over EUR 10 billion. Negotiating teams are tasked with formally concluding the agreement in the coming months.

EU and UNESCO Hold High-Level Side Event on Information Integrity

EU Commissioner Šuica delivered opening remarks at the UNESCO-EU high-level side event held during the UN General Assembly in New York, themed on strengthening information integrity and freedom of expression in the Mediterranean. She said information integrity and freedom of expression are at the core of a peaceful, stable, and inclusive society, and that false narratives can delay solutions to urgent issues such as climate change and can lead people to trust smugglers and fuel radicalisation and violence. Under the Pact for the Mediterranean, the EU supports actions on media and information literacy, fact-checking, journalists—especially young journalists—and cross-border cooperation.

EU Adopts 26th Annual Report on Macao, Citing National Security Focus and Erosion of Freedoms

The European Commission and the High Representative adopted the 26th annual report on Macao, covering developments in 2025. The report says fundamental freedoms and rights were further eroded. Former pro-democracy lawmaker Au Kam San was arrested on 30 July under Macao's national security law, the first arrest under that law; independent outlet All About Macau announced closure in October after deregistration. The eighth Legislative Assembly election was held in September, with 14 directly elected, 12 indirectly elected and seven appointed seats, after 12 candidates were disqualified. Economically, the EU was Macao's second-largest goods trading partner in 2025 at €887 million, 25.3% of Mac…

EU Adopts 28th Annual Report on Hong Kong, Citing Continued Erosion of Autonomy and Freedoms

The European Commission and the High Representative adopted the 28th annual report on Hong Kong, covering developments in 2025. The report highlights continued erosion of Hong Kong's autonomy and fundamental freedoms, with national security remaining the government's focus in the fifth year of the National Security Law. Trials and new prosecutions of pro-democracy figures continued, including the conviction of media entrepreneur Jimmy Lai and new charges against Joshua Wong, plus the first prosecution of a relative of a wanted activist. Arrest warrants with bounties were issued against 15 more overseas activists. The report notes Hong Kong remained the world's third-largest financial centre…

Von der Leyen Meets Norwegian PM Støre in New York

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen met Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre in New York on the margins of the UN General Assembly. They discussed longstanding Norway-EU cooperation based on common values and interests, and Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine, reaffirming support for the Ukrainian people with political, military, financial and humanitarian assistance. Von der Leyen highlighted the importance of the EEA Agreement and its full implementation, and welcomed Norway's September 18 measures to accelerate incorporation of the backlog of EU acts.

Von der Leyen Summit Speech: EU Backs Multilateralism With 80 Trade Agreements

European Commission President von der Leyen spoke at the Summit in Support of Multilateralism in New York, stressing the importance of partnerships in a fractured world and noting the EU is expanding its network of trade agreements, now numbering 80, including India, Australia, Mercosur and Indonesia. She said these partnerships bring prosperity and economic security and serve as a platform for shared standards, shared rules and support for the WTO and its reform. She also called the UN indispensable, citing the Black Sea Grain Initiative, and said the EU supports the UN80 initiative for a simpler, more efficient United Nations.

EU-Australia Joint Statement: FTA Talks Concluded, Cooperation Deepened

European Commission President von der Leyen, European Council President Costa and Australian Prime Minister Albanese met on the margins of the UN General Assembly to review progress in EU-Australia relations since von der Leyen's March 2026 visit to Australia. The three leaders welcomed the conclusion of negotiations on a comprehensive, ambitious, balanced and commercially meaningful Free Trade Agreement and looked forward to its signature as soon as possible; welcomed progress toward Australia's association to the Horizon Europe Programme for 2027; reflected on implementation of the EU-Australia Security and Defence Partnership covering hybrid and cyber threats, foreign information manipul…

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…

European Commission: Euro Area Economic Outlook and Competitiveness Agenda

European Commissioner Dombrovskis, speaking at the Eurogroup press conference in Dublin, said energy-related disruptions and this summer's extreme weather events are expected to weigh on Europe's economy. The euro area economy performed somewhat better than expected in the first half of the year, but the Commission's latest assessment expects growth to slow next year. He highlighted three priority areas: safeguarding fiscal sustainability, strengthening the euro's international role and ensuring digital euro legislative negotiations cross the finish line by year-end, and enhancing competitiveness through full implementation of the EU competitiveness agenda.

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…

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.