- DAILY NEWS
DAILY NEWS
Brussels, 25 March 2026
€34.6 billion in cohesion policy funds reallocated to address EU's strategic priorities
Member States have successfully reprogrammed €34.6 billion in their 2021-2027 cohesion policy funds towards the EU's most urgent strategic priorities. These include boosting competitiveness, enhancing defence and civil preparedness, promoting affordable and sustainable housing, improving water resilience, and advancing energy connectivity.
This shift in EU funding will reinforce Europe's competitive edge, bolster its security and preparedness, secure energy supply, make daily life of citizens more affordable, and increase Europe's technological independence. Reprogrammed funds will also support skills development in civil preparedness, defence and cybersecurity, as well as in support of the decarbonisation process.
Evolving strategic priorities
Cohesion policy's in-built flexibility allows Member States to adjust their investment priorities during the 2021-2027 implementation period, particularly in the framework of the regulatory mid-term review scheduled for 2025. However, in response to the rapidly changing geopolitical landscape since the launch of the 2021-2027 cohesion programmes, the Commission proposed in April 2025 to encourage Member States and regions to re-direct investments towards the new strategic priorities. By offering financial incentives, simplifying policy rules, and extending the implementation period of amended programmes, Member States and regions were encouraged to adjust their investment plans for the final years of the implementation period to better address evolving needs and priorities. This exercise covers the European Regional Development Fund, the Cohesion Fund, the Just Transition Fund, and the European Social Fund Plus.
Since the adoption of the proposal by the co-legislators, in September 2025, the Commission has approved amendments to 186 national and regional cohesion programmes in 25 Member States, aligning national, regional and local investments with EU priorities. These reallocated funds represent almost 10% of cohesion policy's €367 billion 2021-2027 budget covered by the mid-term review.
Reallocated funding for strategic priorities
€15.2 billion to boost competitiveness through critical technologies, innovation and the development of skills.
€11.9 billion to strengthen defence industrial capabilities, military mobility and civil preparedness and skills development.
€3.3 billion for affordable and sustainable housing, supporting social inclusion.
€3.1 billion for water resilience, strengthening sustainable resource management.
€1.2 billion to enhance energy security and industrial decarbonisation, supporting quality jobs in the green transition.
Member States and regions that reprogrammed funds towards the new EU strategic priorities benefit from enhanced pre-financing to kickstart projects, and a higher EU co-financing rate of regional development projects to ease the pressure on national budgets.
An even more favourable treatment was offered to regions bordering Russia, Belarus, and Ukraine, which have faced significant challenges since the beginning of Russia's full-scale war of aggression in 2022.
The mid-term review has demonstrated cohesion policy's ability to swiftly adapt to new circumstances. With programme amendments now adopted, the emphasis will shift to the implementation by Member States and regions. The Commission will work closely with the managing authorities to ensure effective delivery of strategic priorities.
For more information
Questions and answers
Mid-term review of cohesion policy
EU strategy for regions bordering Russia, Belarus and Ukraine
Quote(s)
The mid-term review shows that Cohesion Policy can adapt to Europe’s evolving challenges – and do so in record time. The reallocation of €34.6 billion in cohesion funds is a major achievement. These are real resources, concrete and immediately available to support our priorities. This result was made possible thanks to constant dialogue with the European Parliament, the Committee of the Regions, Member States and regions. Voluntariness, flexibility and simplification were the key elements of a successful method that allowed us to reach such an important outcome. We can now build on this experience to continue modernising cohesion policy, ensuring it remains a strong tool to support Europe’s competitiveness and territorial cohesion.
Raffaele Fitto, Executive Vice-President for Cohesion and Reforms
Under the strategic coordination of my colleague, Executive Vice-President Rafaelle Fitto, the mid-term review has delivered a modernised cohesion policy, better aligned with strategic priorities. Through the European Social Fund Plus, we have mobilised investments in key areas such as skills for civil preparedness, defence, cybersecurity, and decarbonisation, while strengthening support to reduce poverty, combat child poverty, and expand community-based and long-term care. We have shown that our European Social Fund Plus, as part of cohesion policy, is both flexible and firmly anchored in its core social mission: ensuring that everyone in need, from any region in Europe, is supported.
Roxana Mînzatu, Executive Vice-President for Social Rights and Skills, Quality Jobs and Preparedness
Commission launches new strategy to tackle rising wildfire threat
As wildfires are getting larger, more frequent, and more destructive, the European Commission is presenting a new integrated approach to wildfire risk management. The strategy covers prevention, preparedness, response and recovery. This holistic approach will enhance Europe's resilience against the growing threat of wildfires and ensure stronger protection for Europeans and the environment, as well as its infrastructure and cultural heritage.
In line with the Preparedness Union Strategy, today's communication provides guidance on how to better prevent, prepare for, respond and recover from wildfires, with examples and recommendations on how national and regional authorities and other stakeholders can implement this framework.
The size and intensity of wildfires is expected to worsen across the continent. In 2025, Europe experienced its worst wildfire season since records began, with over one million hectares scorched. This is due to intensifying climate change and other drivers. Restoring Europe's nature is therefore key, as healthy ecosystems are more resilient to wildfires.
This is why the Commission puts a strong focus on prevention. It proposes strengthening its support for ecosystem-based wildfire prevention measures. The aim is to build fire-resilient landscapes and to mitigate the risk and impact of wildfires through nature protection and nature restoration. To that end, the Commission today adopted a guidance document on Natura 2000 and climate change, which provides advice for a structured approach to climate adaptation for Natura 2000 sites. The guidance also shows how to promote resilient landscape planning and measures to reduce the risk of wildfires, in compatibility with the sites' conservation objectives. In addition, it clarifies flexibilities for Member States in managing Natura 2000 sites in case of emergency situations, such as wildfires, when quick responses are vital to rescue people and protect biodiversity.
To assist long-term planning the Commission will provide updated risk assessment guidelines that Member States may integrate into their national reporting.
Citizens across Europe are worried about the growing wildfire threat. According to a recent survey from the European Environment Agency, half of the citizens surveyed are concerned about this natural phenomenon. The Commission wants people to be more aware of its risks and to involve citizens in wildfires preparedness in line with the Preparedness Union Strategy. It will continue the work to include preparedness in the training of educational staff, promote preparedness in EU youth programmes in this area, and promote exchange and volunteering opportunities on wildfires preparedness. The Commission has organised a dedicated European Citizens Panel to this end.
As part of boosting preparedness, the Commission will continue to pre-position firefighters in risk areas and promote the exchange of firefighting experts. The exchange of experiences and further cooperation will also be promoted with wildfire-prone regions across the globe. Member States and stakeholders will be informed about dedicated funding opportunities. The Commission will further develop the European Forest Fire Information System supported by satellite Copernicus, improving its early warning and fire monitoring tools. New capabilities for standardised risk modelling at a pan-European scale will be developed to help identify best practices for reducing fire risks and increase landscape resilience. The Commission also continues developing AI-assisted wildfire modelling tools to support decision-making.
On top of that, the rescEU firefighting fleet will be expanded with the procurement of 12 firefighting planes, as well as five helicopters. The first helicopter of the rescEU fleet, delivered to Romania in January 2026, will be ready for the 2026 wildfires season.
The Commission is working on establishing a European firefighting hub in Cyprus, serving as a regional centre for training, exercises, and seasonal readiness. It will have a dual role: operational, to respond to wildfire emergencies, and capacity building.
The Commission also proposes to collect data to better understand and reduce the long-term health risks firefighters face, link to their exposure to dangerous conditions and toxic substances. Finally, the Commission will promote exchange about best practices for post-fire recovery methods, and support post-disaster restoration towards more climate-resilient ecosystems.
To anchor these efforts, the Commission will present a proposal for a Council Recommendation on integrated wildfire risk management.
Background
Wildfires pose a growing threat to Europe, with climate change increasing their intensity and frequency.
The EU's Civil Protection Mechanism and the EU's strategic reserve, rescEU, have already proven vital in supporting Member States, with enhanced aerial firefighting capacities and cross-border assistance. These new measures build on existing efforts to create a more resilient, prepared, and coordinated Europe in the face of wildfire risks. Today's measures build on the Preparedness Union Strategy adopted exactly one year ago, on 26 March 2025.
The Commission will work closely with Member States, regions, the civil protection community, land managers and other stakeholders to implement these measures, ensuring a whole-of-society and whole-of-government approach. Progress will be regularly reviewed and reported to the European Parliament, Council, Economic and Social Committee, and Committee of the Regions.
Healthy and well-managed ecosystems can better adapt to climate change and reduce the risk and impacts of extreme events such as floods, droughts and wildfires while delivering co-benefits for biodiversity, local communities and economic resilience.
Communication on integrated wildfire risk management
Question and answers on integrated wildfire risk management
Factsheet - Integrated wildfire risk management
Wildfires - European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations
EU Preparedness Union Strategy to prevent and react to emerging threats and crises
European Forest Fire Information System
Overheated and underprepared: Europeans' experience of living with climate change
Natura 2000 news item
The number and intensity of wildfires across the continent is worryingly increasing, destroying ecosystems and infrastructures, impacting on people and the economy. Strengthening our prevention and resilience capacities and investing in healthy ecosystems will help us to reduce the most dangerous risks and lower the costs and damages.
Teresa Ribera, Executive Vice-President for Clean, Just and Competitive Transition
Europe must be ready before the first fire starts. That means building a real culture of preparedness: equipping people with the right skills, supporting firefighters and first responders, and helping communities understand the risks they face. Today’s strategy shows that prevention, preparedness and solidarity must go hand in hand if we want to save lives and strengthen Europe’s resilience against worsening wildfire threats.
Wildfires know no borders, and neither should our response. Today’s measures demonstrate Europe’s unwavering commitment to standing together in the face of climate-driven crises. By strengthening prevention, sharing resources, and investing in resilience, we are protecting lives, livelihoods, and the future of our continent.
Hadja Lahbib, Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management
Wildfires are becoming more ferocious and more destructive across Europe, with catastrophic consequences for our lives, environment and economies. It shows how our economic resilience is directly linked to the health of our ecosystems, and how protecting one, protects the other. By investing in prevention, restoring nature and creating fire-resilient landscapes, we can avoid economic damage worth billions of euros.
Jessika Roswall, Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy
Commission presents €115 million Programme for agile and rapid defence innovation (AGILE)
The European Commission is presenting a new €115 million funding tool, AGILE, to bring disruptive defence technology from the lab to the field at record speed. This pilot instrument is set to accelerate the development and testing of disruptive defence innovations and their market uptake, such as artificial intelligence, quantum or drones, focusing on supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), including start-ups and scale-ups.
Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine has shown that success on the battlefield now depends on short innovation cycles; the ability to develop, test, and deploy new technologies and cost-efficient solutions in weeks or months rather than years. With modern warfare going through a rapid digital and technological transformation, AGILE is designed for the ‘New Defence' players, the startups and tech innovators who move at high speed.
To support them, the programme will provide faster, more flexible funding for individual companies, and allow innovations to be deployed as quickly as possible. AGILE will aim to operate with an unprecedented time-to-grant of just four months and for technologies to reach defence forces between 1-3 years.
AGILE will support between 20 and 30 projects, providing up to 100% funding for all eligible costs. It will also include a retroactive clause for companies to claim expenses incurred up to three months prior to the closing of the call for applications, to facilitate quick innovation.
The work programme will cover two main types of activities: mission-driven development of disruptive defence products and technologies, and market delivery by helping defence solutions reach the actual markets.
It will be fully aligned with the most pressing needs of EU Member States, and will ensure that European defence is not just innovative, but ready to respond to any threat at a moment's notice.
Next steps
The Commission will present a proposal for a new Regulation establishing AGILE to the European Parliament and the Council for adoption under the ordinary legislative procedure.
The instrument is expected to be operational from early 2027 to ensure the fast deployment of new technologies to European armed forces.
In recent years, the European Union has stepped up efforts to strengthen defence research and development, notably through the European Defence Fund (EDF), which promotes cooperative, cross-border projects. Within this framework, the EU Defence Innovation Scheme (EUDIS) supports start-ups and SMEs, while the Hub for EU Defence Innovation (HEDI), launched by the European Defence Agency, strengthens cooperation among Member States and stakeholders. Together, these instruments provide a solid basis for collaborative defence innovation in Europe.
At the same time, additional efforts are needed to complement existing tools with more agile mechanisms. Recent initiatives, including the Preserving Peace – Readiness Roadmap 2030 and the White Paper for the Future of European Defence – Readiness 2030, stress the need to accelerate innovation and uptake of new technologies.
In this context, the EU Defence Industry Transformation Roadmap calls for a more speed, agility and risk-taking across the European defence ecosystem, and highlights the need for new, more responsive support instruments, paving the way for the AGILE programme.
Proposal for a Regulation on establishing AGILE
Factsheet on AGILE
White Paper for European Defence – Readiness 2030
Defence Readiness Roadmap 2030
EU Defence Industry Transformation Roadmap
European Defence Fund Framework
European Defence Innovation Scheme Framework
With AGILE, we are breaking down the barriers that have kept our most creative tech companies out of defence. We want to create a culture of rapid doing, making sure that Europe´s SME´s and start-ups can foster European deterrence and safety by delivering innovative solutions.
Henna Virkkunen, Executive Vice-President for Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy
These changes are reshaping battlefield dynamics, where the added value of small players is clear. They can bring innovation, flexibility, and cost-efficient solutions, along with new operational ideas. It is therefore key that we rapidly test, validate, and integrate these technologies into our defence capabilities, ensuring that Europe's defence industry can keep pace with the rapidly changing nature of modern warfare.
Andrius Kubilius, Commissioner for Defence and Space
Commission registers European Citizens' Initiative on accessible and sustainable transport
oday, the European Commission registered a European Citizens' Initiative (ECI) entitled 'Fast, convenient, affordable, and above all climate-friendly transportation for all Europeans'.
The initiative invites the Commission to 'make travel by train a true alternative to aviation by creating a strong continental network and organization and removing imbalances in the market'. Specifically, the organisers propose an 'introduction of an EU-wide aviation fuel tax', a 'removal of VAT exemptions and the introduction of fair pricing' and the 'allocation of revenues to a strong European rail organisation with far-reaching authority'.
As this initiative fulfils the formal conditions established in the relevant legislation, the Commission considers it legally admissible under the European Citizens' Initiative Regulation. The Commission has not analysed the substance of the proposals at this stage. The registration does not influence the Commission's final decision on its merits, or any potential action it may take. The Commission will take a decision on the initiative only if it collects at least one million signatures from EU citizens.
Following today's registration, the organisers have six months to open the 12-month period of signature collection. If an ECI receives at least one million statements of support during that time, with minimum numbers reached in at least seven Member States, the Commission is required to react, and decide what, if any, action it will take in response to the initiative, justifying its decision.
The ECI was introduced with the Lisbon Treaty as an agenda-setting tool for citizens. It was officially launched in April 2012. Once formally registered, a European Citizens' Initiative allows one million citizens from at least seven EU Member States to invite the European Commission to propose legal acts in areas where it has the power to act. The conditions for admissibility are: (1) the proposed action does not manifestly fall outside the framework of the Commission's powers to submit a legal proposal, (2) it is not manifestly abusive, frivolous or vexatious and (3) it is not manifestly contrary to the values of the Union.
Since the launch of the European Citizens' Initiative, the Commission has registered 129 initiatives.
The content of the initiatives only expresses the views of the organisers and can in no way be taken to reflect the views of the Commission.
‘Fast, convenient, affordable, and above all climate-friendly transportation for all Europeans'
ECI statistics
ECIs currently collecting signatures
European Citizens' Initiative Forum
#EUTakeTheInitiative campaign
(For more information: Maciej Berestecki Tel.: +32 2 296 64 83; Antoine Lomba – Tel: +32 2 299 32 33)
Commission launches process for the EU to become founding member of the Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine
The Commission has adopted a proposal initiating the process for the European Union to become a founding member of the Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine.
Once Member States approve this proposal, the Commission will be able to notify the EU's intention to join the Tribunal as a founding member. The EU will then play a central role in the Tribunal's operations, including as a member of the Management Committee that will govern the Special Tribunal.
The Special Tribunal will have the mandate to prosecute senior political and military leaders for the crime of aggression against Ukraine. It is being set up within the framework of the Council of Europe, following the signature on 25 June 2025 of an agreement between Ukraine and the Council of Europe on the establishment of the Special Tribunal.
Kaja Kallas, High Representative/Vice President, said: “Justice for the victims of aggression is the best route to lasting peace. The pursuit of justice is equally a deterrent for would-be aggressors. At a time when international law is under historical pressure, the right response is more accountability, not less. Setting up the legal process - as we are now doing for Ukraine - takes time, effort and the widest possible international support, but it is worth it.”
Michael McGrath, Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, the Rule of Law and Consumer Protection, said: “Four years ago, the world awoke to the atrocities committed in Bucha, a quiet suburb of Kyiv, before Russia's war of aggression. We reaffirm that there can be no just peace without accountability. This is a decisive step towards establishing the Special Tribunal and ensuring that those responsible for Russia's crime of aggression are held to account. The European Union continues to stand firmly with Ukraine in the pursuit of justice.”
The EU has played a leading role in drafting the founding legal texts of the Special Tribunal, which were politically endorsed by an international coalition of States and international organisations on 9 May 2025. The Commission also supports accountability for the crime of aggression through the International Centre for the Prosecution of the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine and a €10 million contribution to the Special Tribunal Advance Team to prepare its operational set-up.
(For more information: Guillaume Mercier - Tel.: +32 2 298 05 64; Antoine Lomba – Tel: +32 2 299 32 33)
Commission awards €617.18 million to doctoral programmes, strengthening Europe's research talent pipeline
The European Commission has announced the results of the 2025 call for the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Doctoral Networks, with a total budget of €617.18 million. The funding will support 141 doctoral programmes, training around 2,115 doctoral candidates and equipping them with the skills needed for successful careers both within and beyond academia. The call attracted strong interest from the research community, with 1,616 applications submitted from organisations across Europe and beyond.
As part of the Commission's commitment to fostering the link between academia and industry, incentives have also been introduced to promote two specific types of doctorates. Among the selected projects, five industrial doctorates will enable researchers to develop their skills outside academia, notably in industry, businesses and the public sector. In addition, eight Joint Doctorates will offer integrated training programmes leading to joint or multiple doctoral degrees.
The funded projects cover all scientific disciplines, with research ranging from fundamental science to applications addressing key societal challenges in areas such as climate change, health, digital transformation, energy, sustainable development, and social science innovation.
The next call for MSCA Doctoral Networks is planned to open on 28 May 2026. More information is available on the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions website.
This year also marks 30 years of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions. Since 1996, the programme has supported over 150,000 researchers.
(For more information: Eva Hrnčířová – Tel.: +32 2 298 84 33; Eirini Zarkadoula – Tel.: +32 460 76 57 13)
Commission approves €50 million Spanish State aid scheme to support decarbonisation of industrial process heat
The European Commission has approved, under EU State aid rules, a €50 million Spanish scheme to boost the decarbonisation of industrial process heat. This will be done through the “Auctions-as-a-Service” (AaaS) tool from the Innovation Fund 2025 Heat Auction. The Spanish scheme will support projects that decarbonise industrial process heat through innovative technologies, including electricity-based and renewable heat solutions. It is the first AaaS project outside of the hydrogen sector.
Under the scheme, the aid will take the form of a fixed premium per ton of CO2 avoided granted through competitive bidding. The aid will cover the additional costs of moving from a fossil-fired heat production to electrified or direct renewable heat production. The scheme includes different mechanisms to reward flexible consumption of electricity and will be financed from the Recovery and Resilience Fund. The aid can be granted until 31 December 2026. The support will be linked to verified decarbonised heat production and paid every six months for a maximum of five years.
The Commission assessed the scheme under EU State aid rules, in particular under Article 107(3)(c) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, which enables Member States to support the development of certain economic activities under certain conditions, and the 2022 Guidelines on State aid for climate, environmental protection and energy. In particular, the Commission found that the scheme is necessary and appropriate to achieve the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and the acceleration of the green transition. Furthermore, the scheme is proportionate, as it is limited to the minimum necessary and has a limited impact on competition and trade between Member States. On this basis, the Commission approved the Spanish scheme under EU State aid rules.
The non-confidential version of the decision will be made available under the number SA.121923 in the in the State aid register on the Commission's competition website once any confidentiality issues have been resolved.
(For more information: Ricardo Cardoso – Tel.: +32 2 298 01 00; Luuk de Klein – Tel.: +32 229 94774)
Commission clears creation of joint venture by EPH and TotalEnergies
The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the creation of a joint venture by Energetický a průmyslový holding, a.s. (‘EPH') of Czechia and TotalEnergies SE of France.
The transaction relates primarily to the energy sector, notably to the flexible power generation market in Italy, the Netherlands, Ireland, the UK and France.
The Commission concluded that the notified transaction would not raise competition concerns, given the companies' limited market positions resulting from the proposed transaction and the limited impact on the market structure. The notified transaction was examined under the simplified merger review procedure.
More information is available on the Commission's competition website, in the public case register under the case number M.12302.
(For more information: Ricardo Cardoso – Tel.: +32 2 298 01 00; Paula Clara Ritter-Moschütz – Tel.: +32 2 296 40 83)
Executive Vice-President Virkkunen hosts Implementation Dialogue on EU Chips Act
Tomorrow, Executive Vice-President for Technological Sovereignty, Security and Democracy Henna Virkkunen will host a dialogue in Brussels to discuss the implementation of the Chips Act.
The meeting will bring together stakeholders from across the semiconductor industry to exchange views on how the Chips Act is being implemented and to discuss recommendations for its upcoming revision. During the dialogue, industry representatives will present a report to the Executive Vice-President with their reflections and suggestions for future policy actions.
The European Chips Act Regulation aligns with the European Commission's ambitions of increasing sovereignty and competitiveness. It strengthens the Union's semiconductor ecosystem, ensures supply chain resilience and lowers external dependencies, marking a pivotal step towards EU technological sovereignty.
The dialogue follows a public consultation and call for evidence organised in autumn 2025. The upcoming revision of the Chips Act will form a part of a broader Technological Sovereignty package which will strengthen the capacity of the Union's digital industries. The results of all consultation activities will be published upon adoption of the proposal.
More information on the implementation dialogues is available online.
(For more information: Thomas Regnier — Tel. + 32 2 299 10 99; Nika Blazevic — Tel. + 32 2 299 27 17)
Executive Vice-President Fitto in Malta to discuss implementation of cohesion policy
Executive Vice-President for Cohesion and Reforms, Raffaele Fitto, will be in Malta on 26 and 27 March to engage in discussions on cohesion policy with the government and see firsthand the implementation of key EU-funded projects.
The Executive Vice-President will meet with Prime Minister Robert Abela and engage in talks with key ministers: Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi, Minister for EU Funds and Implementation of the Electoral Programme; Clint Camilleri, Minister for Gozo and Planning; and Miriam Dalli, Minister for the Environment, Energy and Public Cleanliness. Discussions will focus on the implementation of the current cohesion policy and on the future cohesion policy, as well as the forthcoming EU Strategy for Islands.
Executive Vice-President Fitto will also visit the site for the second energy interconnector between Malta and Sicily, which is set to double the country's existing electricity capacity. He will also tour the reverse osmosis plant at Ħondoq in Gozo, a facility responsible for making the island self-sufficient in water supply, as well as the restored Citadel of Gozo, a historical landmark renovated with the support of the EU's cohesion policy.
(For more information: Maciej Berestecki - Tel: +32 2 296 64 83; Isabel Arriaga e Cunha – Tel: +32 229-52117)
Commissioners Hoekstra and Roswall to discuss future of EU cement industry
This afternoon, starting at 16.00 CET, Commissioner for Climate, Net Zero and Clean Growth Wopke Hoekstra and Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy Jessika Roswall will co-host a sectoral policy dialogue on the future of the cement industry in Europe.
The Dialogue provides a platform to discuss the sector's challenges and opportunities in the transition towards the EU's climate neutral economy, and complements the Commission's sectoral engagement with other energy-intensive industries, notably chemicals and steel.
Building on the Clean Industrial Deal and the recent Industrial Accelerator Act proposal, enabling Europe's cement producers to lead in low-carbon innovation, secure long-term investment, and avoid reliance on high-emission imports will be key to the EU' climate objectives, competitiveness and independence.
High-level roundtable discussions with industry representatives will touch upon topics such as developing lead markets for low-carbon and circular products, ensuring effective carbon pricing and scaling up funding for decarbonisation.
The exchanges during the dialogue will help shape policies to encourage greater investment in Europe and accelerate the sector's progress towards achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. You will find more information on the sectoral policy dialogue on the future of the cement industry online.
(For more information: Anna-Kaisa Itkonen – Tel.: +32 2 295 75 01; Cristiana Marchitelli – Tel: +32 2 298 94 07; Maëlys Dreux – Tel.: +32 2 295 46 73)
Commissioner Kos visits Montenegro to show support for the country's EU accession path
Tomorrow and on Friday, Commissioner for Enlargement, Marta Kos, will be in Montenegro to reaffirm the EU's continued support for the country's accession process. To this day, Montenegro has opened all accession negotiating chapters and already closed 14, out of which six were closed last year and two additional ones already this year. The country is steadily and consistently advancing in its accession negotiations. Efforts must be sustained and supported to respect its ambitious negotiation calendar.
Tomorrow in Podgorica, Commissioner Kos will hold meetings with Prime Minister Milojko Spajić, Deputy Prime Minister for International Relations and Foreign Affairs Ervin Ibrahimović, and Minister of European Affairs Maida Gorčević. The discussions will focus on the reform progress made by Montenegro on its EU path, as well as under the EU's Growth Plan for the Western Balkans, which foresees up to €383.5 million for Montenegro, upon the successful delivery of reforms. A joint press conference with Prime Minister Spajić will follow and will be available on EBS. Commissioner Kos is also set to meet with the Speaker of the Montenegrin Parliament, Andrija Mandić, as well as with local authorities and members of opposition parties to discuss the importance of maintaining political will and unity for the country's EU agenda. Commissioner Kos will then participate in a public discussion with youth on the opportunities that EU membership can bring to their daily lives. The Commissioner will also visit the Western Balkans Cyber Capacity Centre, a regional hub working towards strengthening digital resilience across the Western Balkans.
On Friday, Commissioner Kos will visit Nikšić, the European Capital of Culture 2030, meet the Mayor of Nikšić, Marko Kovačević, and visit the Tehnopolis Innovation and Entrepreneurship Centre. She will also meet with the beneficiaries of the Youth Guarantee - an EU-funded initiative helping young people in Montenegro enter the job market following their studies.
(For more information: Guillaume Mercier — Tel.: +32 2 298 05 64; Yuliya Matsyk – Tel: +32 2 296 27 16)
Commissioner Várhelyi to address patients' rights at cross-border healthcare conference
Patients' cross-border healthcare rights, cooperation in border regions and collaboration for rare diseases will be in the spotlight on 26 March during a high-level conference in Brussels. Olivér Várhelyi, Commissioner for Health and Animal Welfare, will open the conference entitled ‘Patients' rights on cross-border healthcare and the European Reference Networks' alongside Anastasia Christodoulidou, representing the Cypriot Presidency, and Vlad Vasile-Voiculescu, Member of the European Parliament.
For almost 15 years, EU citizens have enjoyed the right to access safe and high-quality healthcare in any EU country and to be reimbursed by their home country. However, this right is not always known or fully understood. Building on twelve national workshops, this conference will bring together National Contact Points on cross-border healthcare, representatives from the 24 European Reference Networks and numerous European experts as they discuss ways to raise awareness, overcome barriers and deliver on the right to cross-border healthcare.
“In Europe, citizens can count on safe, high-quality healthcare, whether at home or abroad. Thanks to cross-border healthcare, we can quickly receive diagnostics, prescriptions, treatment or access to specialists, whenever and wherever we need them. This is something everyone should know about”, said Commissioner Várhelyi.
The conference will be webstreamed live with full details on the event webpage.
(For more information: Eva Hrnčířová – Tel.: +32 2 298 84 33; Anna Gray – Tel.: +32 2 298 08 73)
The European Commission appoints a new Director at its Directorate-General for Human Resources and Security
The European Commission has decided today to appoint Ewelina Jelenkowska-Luca as Director for Careers & Staff Development within the Directorate-General for Human Resources and Security (DG HR). This department is responsible of promoting a modern, flexible and values-driven organisation, striving to attract the best talent and create the right conditions to support staff in delivering outstanding results for people across the EU. The date of effect will be determined later.
Ms Jelenkowska-Luca brings over 20 years of experience in digital and competition policy areas, with skills in communication, policy strategy, and legal analysis. Her expertise in managing teams, projects, and budgets underscores her leadership and resource optimisation capabilities, crucial for effective staff development. She is adept in team leadership under pressure, and excels in representing the European Commission, ensuring impactful messaging. Her legal analysis background reinforces her ability to navigate complex regulatory landscapes, demonstrating her attention to detail and critical thinking. Through strategic outreach and HR management, Ms. Jelenkowska-Luca takes a forward-thinking approach to staff development, anticipating institutional needs and driving HR innovation. This extensive skill set equips her with the insight required to effectively lead the Directorate for Careers and Staff Development while promoting transparent communication, strategic planning, and impactful staff development initiatives throughout the organisation.
Ms Jelenkowska-Luca, a Polish national, is currently a Head of Unit for Communication in the Directorate-General for Communications Networks, Content and Technology (DG CNECT). She previously served as Head of Press and Media in the Commission Representation in Italy. Before this, she worked as Deputy Head of Representation and Head of Political Affairs and Protocol in the Commission Representation in Poland. Before joining the Commission in 2008, she worked in other European Institutions and European legal firms.
(For more information: Maciej Berestecki – Tel. : +32 2 296 64 83; Isabel Otero Barderas - Tel.: +32 2 296 69 25)
The European Commission transfers in the interest of the service a new Director at its Directorate-General for International Partnerships
The European Commission has decided today to transfer, in the interest of the service, Tuure Taneli Lahti as Director for Sustainable Finance, Investment and Jobs; Economy that works for the People at the Directorate-General for International Partnerships (DG INTPA). This department contributes, in the context of the European Union's external relations, to sustainable development, the eradication of poverty, peace and the protection of human rights through international partnerships that uphold and promote European values and interests. This decision takes effect on 1 May 2026.
With over 30 years of experience in Foreign and European affairs, Mr Lahti brings a strong track record in steering policy development, strategic coordination, and high-level decision-making. He has demonstrated exceptional skills in shaping complex policies, negotiating across institutions, and aligning diverse interests to deliver concrete results. Mr Lahti has played a key role in advancing major EU initiatives, contributing to the design and implementation of flagship programmes such as Global Gateway, and driving forward joint efforts under Team Europe. His ability to steer cross-cutting strategies and ensure political coherence has been central to his career development. His broad policy exposure has equipped him with a deep understanding of EU governance, particularly in areas such as economic policy, development cooperation, and long-term budgetary planning.
Mr Lahti, a Finnish national, is currently Deputy Managing Director for Global Issues at the European External Action Service (EEAS). Before this, he was Principal Adviser for Sustainable Growth and the European Semester at the Directorate-General for Economic and Financial Affairs (DG ECFIN). He previously served as Head of Cabinet to the former Commissioner for International Partnerships, Jutta Urpilainen. During the Juncker Commission, he led the Cabinet of Vice-President Dombrovskis for the Euro and Social Dialogue, and briefly that of Vice-President Katainen for Economic and Monetary Affairs and the Euro. Earlier in his career, he served as Member of Cabinet to Commissioner Olli Rehn in both the Enlargement and Economic portfolios, and as Head of the Political Section at the Commission Office in Russia. Before joining the Commission in 2004, he held various positions in Finland's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
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