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18 updates.
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The European Commission adopted Guidelines on the application of Article 102 TFEU to exclusionary abuses, replacing the 2008 Guidance. The Guidelines are based on EU Courts' case law and provide a modern and economically sound framework, covering predatory pricing, margin squeeze, exclusive dealing, and refusal to supply, aiming to enhance legal certainty and increase enforcement consistency.
European Commission President von der Leyen met NATO Secretary-General to discuss Russia's attempted attack on cargo planes at Leipzig/Halle Airport. The German government identified Russia as behind it, using military-grade material, which could have caused enormous damage.
EU Commissioner Lahbib told the European Parliament that the 2026 wildfire season is exceptional, with nearly 700,000 hectares burned, fires moving north and threatening major cities. The EU mobilized nearly 800 firefighters and 40 aircraft, emphasizing the need for stronger prevention and preparedness.
The European Commission has launched a public consultation on the evaluation of the Balanced Approach Regulation, which sets procedures for introducing noise-related operating restrictions at major EU airports. It ensures Member States consider a range of measures and consult stakeholders before imposing restrictions. Contributions are due by 19 November 2026, aiming to balance community and aviation interests.
European Commission President von der Leyen outlined six challenges for European competitiveness: regulation, financing, single market, energy, AI, and trade. She proposed reducing administrative burden by 25% (35% for SMEs), creating a savings and investment union, introducing 'EU Inc.', lowering energy costs, and investing in AI, while emphasizing a 'de-risking' approach to China.
The European Commission adopted Greece's Social Climate Plan, mobilizing €4.77 billion until 2032, with €3.57 billion (75%) from the EU and €1.2 billion (25%) from national funds. The plan supports vulnerable households, transport users, and micro-enterprises in the clean transition, aiming for annual emissions reductions of 811,000 tons CO2 equivalent by 2032.
The European Commission has adopted Greece's Social Climate Plan, totaling €4.77 billion, with €3.57 billion from the EU and €1.2 billion from national funds. The plan aims to support vulnerable households, transport users, and micro-enterprises in the clean transition, including building renovations, heat pump installations, public transport improvements, and electric vehicle leasing. It is expected to reduce emissions by 811,000 tons of CO2 equivalent annually by 2032.
At a high-level roundtable in Stockholm, the EU Environment Commissioner stressed that water resilience is a strategic business imperative. Extreme weather has caused enormous economic losses in Europe, with flood losses reaching €226 billion and agriculture potentially losing 15% of output. The EU is driving action through the Water Resilience Strategy, funding instruments, and a Digital Action Plan, calling for business leadership.
The European Commission released July 2026 figures for the Solidarity Lanes. Since May 2022, the lanes have enabled Ukraine to export about 230 million tonnes of goods and import about 111 million tonnes. In July 2026, around 90% of Ukrainian imports and 95% of non-agricultural exports moved via the lanes. Total trade value is estimated at EUR 304 billion.
The European Commission has published an implementation strategy to support Member States in applying new EU directives on driving licences and driving disqualifications. Measures include an EU-wide accompanied driving scheme for 17-year-olds, a probationary period for novice drivers, more systematic fitness-to-drive checks, and revised training and testing requirements emphasizing vulnerable road user safety. The strategy also outlines steps for mobile driving licences and EU-wide recognition of driving disqualifications.
High-level representatives from Ukraine, Romania, Moldova, and the European Commission met to discuss security threats to commercial navigation in the Black Sea and the Danube, following intensified attacks on civilian ships by Russian forces. The Quad reaffirmed commitment to supporting Ukraine's access to world markets through enhanced cooperation along the Danube corridor and stands ready to implement alternative routes. Solidarity Lanes have helped Ukraine export around 226 million tonnes of goods and import around 108 million tonnes of essential merchandise.
The European Commission released latest figures for the Solidarity Lanes in June 2026. Since May 2022, the lanes have facilitated exports of about 226 million tonnes and imports of about 108 million tonnes, with total trade value estimated at EUR 296 billion. In June, around 70% of imports and 80% of non-agricultural exports moved via the lanes, while only 10% of grain exports did, with the majority still via the Black Sea.
The European Commission published a report on EU transport and tourism, covering sustainability, resilience, connectivity, safety, and social aspects. It shows around 1.4 million transport companies employing 10.4 million people. In 2025, EU tourism accommodation overnight stays exceeded 3 billion, a record. The report includes country factsheets on transport networks and alternative fuel uptake.
The European Digital Identity (EUDI) Wallet is set to be provided to citizens by the end of 2026, but Phocuswright research shows only 15%-18% of travelers in the UK, France, and Germany are familiar with it. At Phocuswright Europe 2026, experts discussed that adoption will increase once the European Commission shares more information.
The European Commission has proposed the 'Passenger Package' comprising three proposals: rail ticketing, multimodal booking, and passenger protection for single tickets. The rail proposals would oblige railway operators with a national market share over 50% (currently only state-run operators) to open their online ticketing services to any requesting operator. Ticketing platforms must display offers neutrally, including sorting by greenhouse gas emissions where feasible. Passengers who miss connections during multi-operator journeys would receive full passenger rights protection, including assistance, rerouting, reimbursement, and compensation. The proposals are now under consideration by t…
Ground transport platforms like BlaBlaCar, Rome2Rio, Travelier, and Flix are competing for the A-to-B journey through expansion, acquisitions, and AI. Fragmentation creates opportunities, and new EU regulations will boost multimodal digital booking. AI agents may reshape competition, but trust and data accuracy become crucial.
SAP Concur blog post discusses VAT recovery on corporate travel expenses. It cites GBTA data that over 480 million business trips are taken annually and notes a €137 billion VAT gap in the EU. The article recommends using automation and digitalization to improve VAT compliance and recovery efficiency, citing examples of Electrolux and Citrix Systems achieving significant VAT recovery increases through automation.
Taxback International, the first technology partner to integrate with SAP Concur to automate the entire VAT reclaim process, continues to innovate for efficiency, visibility, and regulatory compliance. The article highlights the U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act limits on meals and entertainment deductions, post-Brexit uncertainty for UK VAT reclaim, and the EU's 2021 e-commerce VAT rules. Taxback International's cloud software adapts to changing rules, helping companies manage compliance risk and optimize reclaim.