DAILY NEWS
Brussels, 27 March 2026
Commission takes action to ensure complete and timely transposition of EU directive
The European Commission is taking action against several EU Member States that have failed to notify the Commission of measures they have adopted to transpose EU directives into their national laws. The deadline to transpose these directives has expired recently. The Commission is sending a letter of formal notice to these Member States, giving them two months to reply and complete the transposition of the directives. If they fail to do so, the Commission may pass to a next step and issue a reasoned opinion. The Member States in question have failed to fully transpose EU directives. The Commission is urging them to take immediate action to bring their laws in line with EU requirements.
Commission calls on Member States to fully transpose the European Single Access Point (ESAP) Omnibus Directive to ensure investors' access to corporate public information
The European Commission decided to open infringement procedures by sending a letter of formal notice to Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Greece, Spain, France, Italy, Latvia, Luxembourg, Lithuania, Malta, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia and Sweden for failing to fully transpose the European Single Access Point (ESAP) Omnibus Directive (Directive EU 2023/2864) in relation to the changes introduced in 15 Directives calling for disclosures to be sent to ESAP in a specific format with accompanying metadata. The deadline for the transposition of these changes was 10 January 2026. The ESAP Omnibus Directive is part of the broader ESAP legislative package aimed at providing investors and stakeholders with a centralised mechanism offering easily accessible, comparable and usable public information. This enhances company visibility to investors, potentially increasing sources of financing, benefitting small companies in small capital markets, who may attract more attention from both EU and international investors. The legislative package foresees three phases for ESAP development, building of the ESAP platform, and gradually adding more disclosures, contributing to the integration of EU capital markets, in line with the Savings and Investments Union objectives. It should facilitate the financing of EU companies, drive growth and boost job creation in the EU. ESAP has three stages of implementation. For the first phase, Member States had to transpose the changes introduced in the Transparency Directive by 10 July 2025. For phases two and three, involving the aforementioned 15 Directives, the deadline was 10 January 2026. The first phase begins in July 2026, with companies under the Transparency Directive, Prospectus Regulation and Short Selling Regulation starting to send their disclosures to ESAP. In the following phases, more public disclosures will be added to ESAP, eventually totalling approximately 200 datasets from 50 legal acts. The Commission is therefore sending letters of formal notice to Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Greece, Spain, France, Italy, Latvia, Luxembourg, Lithuania, Malta, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia and Sweden, which now have two months to complete their transposition and notify their measures to the Commission. In the absence of a satisfactory response, the Commission may decide to issue a reasoned opinion. The 15 directives include : Directive 2002/87/EC, Directive 2004/25/EC, Directive 2006/43/EC, Directive 2007/36/EC, Directive 2009/65/EC, Directive 2009/138/EC, Directive 2011/61/EU, Directive 2013/34/EU, Directive 2013/36/EU, Directive 2014/59/EU, Directive 2014/65/EU, Directive (EU) 2016/97, Directive (EU) 2016/2341, Directive (EU) 2019/2034, Directive (EU) 2019/2162.
Commission calls on Member States to fully transpose the Sixth Capital Requirements Directive as regards supervisory powers, sanctions, third-country branches and environmental, social and governance risks
The European Commission decided to open infringement procedures by sending a letter of formal notice to Belgium, Bulgaria, Germany, Estonia, Ireland, Greece, Spain, France, Croatia, Cyprus, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Austria, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Finland and Sweden for failing to fully transpose the amending Sixth Capital Requirements Directive (Directive (EU) 2024/1619 – CRD6). CRD6 is an important update of the EU prudential banking framework that aims to harmonise the rules for the provision of banking services by third-country undertakings in the EU, by subjecting them to a set of minimum requirements and minimum harmonised rules for the provision of services. It also seeks to harmonise supervisory powers and tools in a number of areas, such as prudentially relevant transactions, periodic penalty payments, fit-and-proper assessments and independence of supervisors; and to further strengthen the provisions on environmental, social and governance risks by better integrating their management into the prudential framework. It benefits EU citizens by providing financial stability, ensuring that banks can provide loans and services to citizens in every economic circumstances The deadline to transpose the Directive into national law was 10 January 2026. To date, 22 Member States failed to communicate full transposition of the Directive to the Commission. The Commission is therefore sending letters of formal notice to the Member States concerned, which now have two months to respond, complete their transposition and notify their measures to the Commission. In the absence of a satisfactory response, the Commission may decide to issue a reasoned opinion.
Commission calls on Member States to fully transpose the e-Evidence Directive
The European Commission decided to open infringement procedures by sending a letter of formal notice to Belgium, Bulgaria, Czechia, Estonia, Ireland, Greece, Spain, France, Cyprus, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Hungary, Malta, the Netherlands, Austria, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Finland, and Sweden for failing to communicate full transposition of the e-evidence Directive (Directive (EU) 2023/1544). The Directive provides national authorities with a reliable channel to obtain e-evidence from service providers in the EU even if their headquarters are in a third-country. By supporting the work of judicial and law enforcement authorities, it contributes to make EU citizens safer. Under the Directive, all service providers offering services in the Union must designate a legal representative or a designated establishment to receive, comply with and enforce requests to gather electronic evidence from law enforcement authorities. For example, public prosecutors or judges in the EU can quickly obtain data relevant to criminal investigations or proceedings from a company based outside the EU by contacting its EU legal representative. Member States had until 18 February 2026 to transpose the Directive into their national law. To date, these Member States failed to communicate full transposition of the Directive. The Commission is therefore sending letters of formal notice to the Member States concerned, which now have two months to respond, complete their transposition and notify their measures to the Commission. In the absence of a satisfactory response, the Commission may decide to issue a reasoned opinion.
(For more information: Arianna Podestà – Tel.: +32 2 298 70 24; Kristyna Eeckels – Tel.: +32 2 295 10 65)
Commission approves €144 million French State aid to support HyforSeeds in the production of hydrogen
The European Commission has approved, under EU State aid rules, a €144 million French measure to support HyforSeeds to produce renewable and low-carbon hydrogen for the fertiliser sector. The measure will contribute to achieving the targets of the EU Hydrogen Strategy and the Renewable Energy Directive for the use of hydrogen in industry.
The project is expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 70% compared to traditional fossil-based hydrogen production methods, which will avoid the release of over 46,000 tonnes of CO2 per year. The aid will take the form of a direct grant and will cover part of the investment costs related to the project, including the construction of the electrolyser and other necessary infrastructure.
The Commission found that the measure will promote the development of a strategic economic activity, namely the production of renewable and low-carbon hydrogen, and has an ‘incentive effect'. The Commission also concluded the aid has a limited impact on competition and trade within the EU, is necessary, appropriate, proportionate, and limited to the minimum necessary.
Executive Vice-President for a Clean, Just and Competitive Transition, Teresa Ribera, said: "This measure will support the development of an ambitious electrolyser project, which will help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and contribute to the EU's climate objectives. The project will also promote the use of renewable and low-carbon hydrogen in the production of ammonia and fertilisers, which is an important step towards a more sustainable and environmentally friendly industry".
A press release is available online.
(For more information: Ricardo Cardoso – Tel.: +32 2 298 01 00; Paula Clara Ritter-Moschütz – Tel.: +32 2 296 40 83)
Commission approves €500 million Luxembourgish cleantech manufacturing capacity State aid scheme
The European Commission has approved a €500 million Luxembourgish scheme to support strategic investments that add clean technology (cleantech) manufacturing capacity, in line with the objectives of the Clean Industrial Deal. This measure will contribute to the transition towards a net-zero economy. The scheme was approved under the Clean Industrial Deal State Aid Framework (CISAF) adopted by the Commission on 25 June 2025.
The purpose of the scheme is to grant aid for investments that add manufacturing capacity for the production, including with secondary raw materials, of the final products and the main specific components like solar technologies, wind technologies, heat pumps or battery technologies. The scheme will also grant aid for the production of new or recovered related critical raw materials necessary for the production of those final products or main specific components. Under the scheme, the aid will take the form of direct grants. The measure will be open to companies in the whole territory of Luxembourg and aid may be granted until 31 December 2030.
The Commission concluded that the Luxembourgish scheme is necessary, appropriate and proportionate to accelerate the transition towards a net-zero economy and facilitate the development of certain economic activities, which are of importance for the implementation of the Clean Industrial Deal.
Executive Vice-President for a Clean, Just and Competitive Transition, Teresa Ribera, said: “This is the first CISAF scheme approved for a small Member State. A budget of €500 million is available for additional cleantech manufacturing capacity in Luxembourg. The direct grants under this scheme will help companies make key investments in the coming years”.
Commission approves new geographical indications from Italy and Türkiye
This week, the European Commission has approved the addition of ‘Erbazzone Reggiano' from Italy and ‘Kayseri Pastırması' from Türkiye as Protected Geographical Indications (PGI).
‘Erbazzone Reggiano' is a herb-filled pie from the northern Italian region of Emilia-Romagna. It consists of two layers of dough and a filling of spinach, chard, breadcrumbs, and Parmigiano Reggiano PDO, which aged for at least 24 months. The pie's upper crust is sprinkled with crispy lardons. Whether round or rectangular, cooked or frozen, ‘Erbazzone Reggiano' embodies the culinary heritage of a region renowned for its gastronomic excellence. Its reputation is deeply rooted in local tradition, with widespread recognition in Italian media, cookbooks, and food festivals.
‘Kayseri Pastırması' is a spiced and air-dried beef pastrami from the Kayseri province in central Türkiye. This flat, marbled meat product is renowned for its dominant cumin and fenugreek flavour, achieved through curing and drying in the unique autumn winds of Mount Erciyes, locally known as the ‘Pastırma Summer'. The meat, sourced from specific cuts of mature cattle, is coated in a spiced fenugreek paste, giving it a brown exterior and reddish interior. Sliced or whole, ‘Kayseri Pastırması' has been celebrated since the 17th century and remains a cornerstone of Turkish culinary identity.
These new designation join the more than 3,900 protected names already listed in the eAmbrosia database. More information is available on the Quality Policy pages.
(For more information: Louise Bogey – Tel.: +32 2 296 97 76; Kateřina Horáková - Tel.: +32 2 299 93 10)
Commissioner Hoekstra in Rome to discuss EU's clean transition and competitiveness
Next Monday and Tuesday, 30 and 31 March, Commissioner for Climate, Net-Zero and Clean Growth, Wopke Hoekstra, will be in Rome, Italy, to discuss the EU's clean transition and competitiveness with government representatives.
On Monday, the Commissioner will meet with Italian Vice-President of the Council of Ministers and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Antonio Tajani. In the afternoon, he will hold bilateral meetings with the Minister of Environment and Energy Security, Gilberto Pichetto Fratin, and the Minister of Economy and Finance, Giancarlo Giorgetti.
On Tuesday, Commissioner Hoekstra will start the day with an exchange with Minister of Defence, Guido Crosetto, with a focus on the nexus between climate policies and security. He will later attend parliamentary hearings of EU affairs, environment and industrial committees from both the Italian Senate and the Chamber of Deputies. The afternoon will be dedicated to meeting students of the LUISS Guido Carli University, where the Commissioner will deliver a keynote speech and participate in a Q&A session. He will then meet representatives of the Energy Dome project, a first-of-a-kind large scale and long duration energy storage facility using an innovative CO2 Battery technology.
More information about the visit is available in the Commissioner's calendar.
(For more information: Anna-Kaisa Itkonen – Tel.: +32 2 295 75 01; Ana Crespo Parrondo – Tel.: +32 2 298 13 25)
Tentative agendas for forthcoming Commission meetings
Note that these items can be subject to changes.
Upcoming events of the European Commission
Eurostat press releases
Calendar items of the President and Commissioners
Individual calendars of the President and Commissioners
Commission welcomes historic agreement to reform EU Customs Union
The Commission welcomes today's agreement between the European Parliament and the Council, delivering a landmark reform of the EU Customs Union. The most ambitious reform of EU customs rules since 1968 introduces new measures for e-commerce and launches a modern, data-driven customs architecture that simplifies procedures and enhances efficiency. With these vital upgrades in place, European customs will be equipped to adapt to the fast-changing landscape of international trade.
Customs authorities today face a multitude of challenges, including a surge in low-value e-commerce imports, increased risk of unsafe products and fraud, shifting geopolitical trade dynamics, and the threats of organised crime and smuggling. Customs play a vital role in maintaining the safety of the Single Market and its citizens.
To respond to these challenges, the Commission put forward a comprehensive customs reform package in May 2023, to update and integrate customs operations across the EU. This reform is built on three pillars: smarter risk management and customs controls, a modern framework for e-commerce, and a stronger partnership with businesses. Supported by a new EU Customs Authority ('EUCA'), it will digitalise and simplify procedures, reduce costs and red tape, promote a more uniform approach at the external border, increase the accountability of online platforms, and better protect the Single Market through stronger, data-driven risk management and enforcement.
A data-driven customs approach
At the heart of the customs reform lies the establishment of a new EU agency, the EU Customs Authority, to be located in Lille, France. It will coordinate and modernise customs operations across all 27 Member States. The EUCA will facilitate information-sharing and provide risk management at EU-level, thereby enhancing the harmonised implementation of EU customs legislation, as well as the detection and prevention of customs fraud across the Union.
As the engine of the reform, the EU Customs Authority will manage the EU Customs Data Hub, a single digital interface for all customs operations in the EU. The data hub will allow businesses to submit data only once, eliminating the need for traders to navigate through multiple national systems. For customs authorities across the EU, this integration of data means access to real-time, first-hand information and an overarching, EU-level overview. This is expected to save Member States over €2 billion yearly in operational costs.
To facilitate legitimate trade, the reform also strengthens the framework for trusted traders. Businesses with strong compliance records will be rewarded, benefiting from simplified procedures and fewer controls, allowing customs authorities to focus their resources on high-risk consignments.
A turning point for e-commerce
In 2025, an estimated 5.9 billion low-value items entered the EU in parcels directly shipped to consumers, with over 90% originating from China. The growing volume of trade and complex compliance requirements have made the monitoring of these parcels even more challenging. This large influx of packages is accompanied by an increase in risks. Many products purchased online from outside the EU do not meet EU standards, raising safety and security concerns for consumers.
The reform introduces several targeted measures to address the rapid growth in e-commerce.
The Commission and Member States agreed in November 2025, to remove the duty exemption that had been in place so far for parcels valued below €150. As a temporary solution, they decided to introduce a €3 duty on these parcels, starting 1st July 2026. The removal of the threshold aims to level the playing field between e-commerce sales and traditional retail, restoring fairness while maintaining choice for consumers. Once the Data Hub is fully operational, normal customs duties will apply.
Today's agreement also introduces a handling fee on goods imported into the EU, to compensate for the increasing costs for customs authorities. The amount of the fee will be determined in a delegated act and be based on the minimum costs customs authorities face when processing goods. The costs arise from the IT and labour resources mobilised to release those goods for free circulation, including checking the data provided, carrying out risk analysis, and performing regular documentary and physical controls when needed. The fee will be introduced no later than 1 November 2026.
In the future, e-commerce operators will bear more responsibility. Online platforms and sellers will inform customs through the EU Customs Data Hub about their sales immediately after they happen. This will allow customs to react even before the goods arrive at the border. These operators will also be liable to ensure compliance with EU legislation applicable to their products, including fiscal and non-fiscal rules. Specific penalties may apply in case of systematic non-compliance. This is a major improvement from the current customs system, which assigns this responsibility to individual consumers.
Next Steps
This Regulation will enter into force twenty days after its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.
Today's agreement is a significant step towards a new, resilient and adaptable EU Customs Union. The reform now launches a mix of immediate and long-term measures.
Measures tackling the urgent e-commerce challenges have been expedited to start earlier than originally foreseen, given the need for an urgent solution.
The EU Customs Authority will be established in close cooperation with the Member States, with some activities commencing in 2027 and with the launch of the EU Customs Data Hub, the central data platform, for e-commerce in 2028. The Data Hub will open for all other businesses in 2031, leading to immediate benefits, simplifications, and savings for companies. In 2034, the Data Hub will expand to all traders and become the single mandatory EU Customs entry point.
Background
The EU Customs Union, founded in 1968, was a milestone for EU integration, providing the foundations for the Single Market, and ensuring the free circulation of goods within the EU.
In today's landscape, customs authorities control billions of consignments annually, with e-commerce fuelling an unprecedented surge in low-value imports. The EU Customs Union needed a major reform to address modern challenges, such as new trade models and growing trade volumes, technological developments, the green transition, the new geopolitical context and security risks.
On 17 May 2023, the Commission put forward proposals for a comprehensive reform, aiming to tackle these challenges by developing a more cohesive, data-driven, and risk-based customs system. This system is also designed to effectively protect its financial and regulatory interests.
For more information
Questions and answers
Factsheet
EU Customs Union: facts and figures
EU Customs Reform
Wise Persons Group on Challenges Facing the Customs Union
Commission welcomes selection of Lille as seat for EU Customs Authority
Quote(s)
Today’s agreement marks a pivotal moment, opening a new chapter for our Customs Union. Breathing fresh life into a historic policy, this reform is a transformative step towards a more unified and modern customs system in the EU, where the EU customs union acts as one. By creating a central data management platform and enabling greater coordination among Member States, we are equipping customs with the tools and governance needed to safeguard our Single Market, boost Europe’s competitiveness and strengthen our economic security. As we kick-start this change, businesses and consumers can benefit from streamlined procedures and efficient protection against unsafe products and uneven level-playing field. Customs will more than ever be the frontline of our prosperity and our security at the single border of our single market.
Maroš Šefčovič, Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security; Interinstitutional Relations and Transparency