DAILY NEWS
Brussels, 14 October 2026
Commission disburses close to €1 billion in RRF payments to Sweden and the Netherlands
Today, the European Commission disbursed nearly €1 billion to Sweden and the Netherlands under the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF). The Facility is the centrepiece of NextGenerationEU – the Commission's post-pandemic programme to support Member States' recovery, economic growth, and competitiveness.
Sweden received €333 million, marking its third and final payment under the RRF. The payment supports reforms and investments linked to the green transition and improvements in labour and housing markets. These include measures to strengthen the development and deployment of innovative industrial technologies with zero, low or negative greenhouse gas emissions; expand enrolment in higher education; and increase the supply of new energy-efficient rental housing.
Sweden submitted its final payment request on 2 July 2026, which the Commission greenlighted on 31 August 2026. Following a favourable opinion from the Council's Economic and Financial Committee and the Commission's payment decision, the funds have now been disbursed. With this final instalment, Sweden has received its full allocation of €3.45 billion, having fulfilled all milestones and targets in its national recovery and resilience plan.
The Netherlands received €661 million, marking its fourth RRF payment. The measures linked to this disbursement include reforms such as the transition to a new pension system, as well as investments in offshore wind environmental protection, energy-saving home upgrades, green hydrogen research and demonstration projects, digital education solutions, and up- and reskilling for unemployed people.
The Dutch authorities submitted their fourth payment request on 2 July 2026, which the Commission approved on 7 September 2026. The funds were released after a favourable opinion from the Council's Economic and Financial Committee and the Commission's payment decision. Overall, the Netherlands' plan is financed by €5.44 billion in grants. With today's payment, total disbursements to the country reach 68.6% of its allocation, while 81.1% of the plan's milestones and targets have been completed.
As with all Member States, RRF payments are performance-based and depend on the successful delivery of agreed reforms and investments. With the Facility due to close at the end of 2026, Member States had to complete all outstanding milestones and targets by August 2026 and submit final payment requests by the end of September.
An interactive map showcasing examples of reforms and investments supported by the RRF is available online. Further details on the RRF payment claim process are also available online.
(For further information: Maciej Berestecki – Tel.: +32 2 296 64 83; Anna Wartberger – Tel.: +32 2 28 20 54)
Commission allocates €168.2 million to boost Europe's defence production under the European Defence Industry Programme
The European Commission has allocated €168.2 million to support the first eight projects under the Industrial Reinforcement Action (IRA) pillar of the European Defence Industry Programme (EDIP). The projects will leverage €1.26 billion in industrial investment to accelerate and expand production for energetic components used in missiles, drones and ammunition. From 2027, the projects are expected to reduce manufacturing times by up to 90% and enable annual production of more than 20,000 tons of energetic materials, 3,500 drone and missile propulsion systems, 200,000 loitering munitions warheads and 60 million ammunitions. The investment will support production across 17 sites in 14 EU Member States and Norway, and help protect these facilities against growing physical and cyber threats.
Published in June 2026, this first IRA call dedicated to energetic components (IRA-EC) attracted strong interest, with 83 proposals submitted by companies from 23 EU Member States and Norway.
IRA-EC builds on the Act in Support of Ammunition Production (ASAP), an emergency instrument addressing immediate production bottlenecks and aiming to increase ammunition manufacturing capacity following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
With a total budget of €1.5 billion, EDIP is the EU programme dedicated to strengthening Europe's defence industry. More than €700 million allocated to the IRA pillar aim to expand defence production in Member States, Norway and Ukraine.
(For more information: Thomas Regnier – Tel: +32 2 299 10 99; Kateřina Horáková - Tel.: +32 2 299 93 10)
EU boosts security cooperation with new information alert in the Schengen Information System
From tomorrow, the Schengen Information System (SIS) will have enhanced capabilities to fight terrorism and serious organised crime. A new information alert will make information shared by third countries and international organisations on suspected terrorists and serious criminals available across the EU in real time.
Executive Vice-President for Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy, Henna Virkkunen, said: “Terrorists and serious criminals do not stop at our borders, and neither should the information needed to stop them. With this upgrade to the Schengen Information System, the EU closes an important information-sharing gap and delivers on our Internal Security Strategy, ProtectEU.”
Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration, Magnus Brunner said: “Europe's security is only as strong as the information behind it. Alerts on suspected terrorists and organised criminals, now shared by our international partners, mean border guards and police officers, from our external borders to the streets of our cities, can act on a threat before it causes damage. This is another reason to step up our security partnerships further."
Member States will now be able to enter trusted information received from external partners into the SIS, with support from Europol. This includes information on foreign terrorist fighters, suspects in serious crime investigations and individuals suspected of terrorist activities. On this basis, Member States can issue an information alert.
This upgrade will help border guards and police officers across the EU detect more criminals and terrorists and facilitate cooperation between law enforcement authorities.
Member States can also continue to make use of the other alert categories already available in the SIS, such as arrest warrant alerts or alerts for refusals of entry or stay.
(For more information: Markus Lammert – Tel.: +32 2 296 75 33; Elettra Di Massa – Tel.: +32 2 298 21 61)
EU and Türkiye hold third High-Level Dialogue
Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security, Interinstitutional Relations and Transparency Maroš Šefčovič and the Minister of Trade of Türkiye Ömer Bolat held the 3rd EU-Türkiye High-Level Dialogue on Trade in Brussels yesterday.
The EU and Türkiye are major trade partners with bilateral trade flows reaching EUR 217.6 billion in 2025. Türkiye - the EU's 5th largest trade partner - is a candidate country and a key partner for the EU in many areas of mutual interest.
The high-level meeting provided an opportunity to review progress in bilateral trade relations, including key market access and customs issues; as well as discussing areas for enhanced cooperation in the wider EU-Türkiye economic partnership. The meeting was preceded by a Business Roundtable with stakeholders from both sides.
In the area of customs cooperation, the two sides discussed progress on the EU customs reform, in particular on e-commerce as well as other initiatives that will improve cooperation under the EU-Türkiye Customs Union, such as agreement on mutual recognition of authorised economic operators. The two sides also discussed Türkiye's alignment with relevant EU legislation to ensure smooth circulation of goods across the Customs Union.
The dialogue also took stock of progress in reducing trade barriers, and featured an important announcement on the removal of the barrier on import controls under the TAREKS system (a risk-based foreign trade system for importers into Türkiye). This outcome represents a concrete step to facilitate trade, responding to longstanding concerns raised by economic operators.
The meeting also took stock of cooperation on preventing the circumvention of EU sanctions.
More information is available in our joint statement online.
(For more information: Olof Gill – Tel.: +32 2 296 59 66; Marta Perez-Cejuela Romero - Tel.: +32 2 296 37 70)
EU strengthens support for Thailand's climate resilience and water management
Today, the European Commission announced financial support for the improvement of the irrigation system in the Lower East Chao Phraya river basin. The support includes a €12 million grant from the Commission which will be blended with a loan of over €53 million from the French Development Agency (AFD) and co-financed with the Asian Development Bank.
This is aligned with Team Europe's work under the EU's Global Gateway strategy to strengthen Thailand's climate resilience and improve water management. Global Gateway is the EU's strategy to boost smart, clean and secure links in digital, energy and transport, and to strengthen health, education and research systems worldwide. It delivers high-quality investments that meet the highest environmental, social and governance standards, ensuring sustainability and transparency for partners, people and the planet.
Commissioner for International Partnerships Jozef Síkela said: “First of all, let me express my solidarity with people affected by the recent floods. Events like this are a reminder that climate change and extreme weather have very real consequences for people, communities, farmers, businesses and public services. Through Global Gateway and Team Europe, the EU is bringing together European financing, expertise and technology to support Thailand in strengthening water management, reducing flood risks and building resilience for the long term”.
The €12 million grant will finance crucial elements of the project which will provide the institutional and digital backbone for improved water management across the Lower East Chao Phraya basin. This will include a Decision Support System, flood forecasting and hydrometeorological monitoring. Together, these tools will help shift flood management from fragmented and largely manual approaches towards a more integrated, real-time and basin-wide system.
The community-based systems will be connected to local authorities and linked to information generated through the Decision Support System. This will help ensure that critical information reaches communities most at risk, enabling people to prepare and act earlier to flooding or other climate-related hazards.
More information can be found online.
(For more information: Guillaume Mercier – Tel.: +32 2 298 05 64; Bridget Moylan – Tel.: +32 2 298 28 44)
Commission launches pledge on intergenerational fairness
Commissioner for Intergenerational Fairness, Youth, Culture and Sport, Glenn Micallef, has launched a pledge on intergenerational fairness, together with the president of the European Committee of the Regions, Kata Tüttö, and Intergenerational Fairness rapporteur, Tine Radinja, during the 2026 European Week of Regions and Cities.
Through this pledge, the EU extends its commitment to shape current decisions with long-term impacts in view, guaranteeing a just balance of benefits and burdens for every generation.
The pledge is the latest step in the implementation of the Commission's Strategy on Intergenerational Fairness. It encourages its signatories to create more favourable conditions for all generations, for example by expanding access to sport infrastructure and activities to support active lifestyles or advocate for inclusive mobility. In support of efforts to deliver on the Pledge's commitments, the Commission has also developed a new Intergenerational Fairness Index.
Speaking at the margins of the plenary, Commissioner Micallef said: “The pledge turns intergenerational fairness into a shared commitment at local and regional level. Our diversity of regions and localities gives us a unique opportunity to learn from one another and turn local experience into European solutions. The Pledge reaffirms our commitment to building a fairer EU for future generations, and for all citizens regardless of where they live.”
The pledge translates the commitments of the UN Pact for the Future and the Strategy on Intergenerational Fairness into avenues for action in sustainable development, age-inclusive employment, accessible public services, adapted housing, youth participation in democracy, and solidarity. It translates policy on intergenerational fairness into concrete opportunities for younger, older and future generations.
(For more information: Eva Hrncirova - Tel.: +32 2 298 84 33; Eirini Zarkadoula - Tel.: +32 2 295 70 65)
EU local leaders and authorities gather to discuss affordable energy, housing and climate resilience
Tomorrow, hundreds of mayors, local and regional leaders and representatives from across Europe will come together in Brussels to participate in the EU Covenant of Mayors Ceremony 2026.
Following the European Week of Regions and Cities also held this week, the EU Covenant event will be an opportunity to discuss with Commission representatives and fellow mayors the decisive role of cities and regions in responding to today's pressing challenges - from energy price volatility and geopolitical uncertainty to increasing climate risks. Executive Vice President for a Clean, Just and Competitive Transition, Teresa Ribera, Executive Vice President for Cohesion and Reforms, Raffaele Fitto, Commissioner for Climate, Net Zero and Clean Growth, Wopke Hoekstra, and Commissioner for Energy and Housing, Dan Jørgensen will participate and deliver keynote speeches.
During the day, exchanges will focus on the crucial role cities and regions play in delivering affordable clean homegrown energy and housing for citizens and better preparing for climate-related events, and how to efficiently address climate disinformation and build trust. Mayors, local communities and regional leaders are instrumental in implementing clean and just transition and advancing climate action on the ground, through local projects, investments and citizen engagement. Since its launch in 2008, the EU Covenant of Mayors has mobilised almost 11,000 cities and towns of all sizes to commit to the EU's goals for a resilient and climate-neutral future.
Following the Ceremony, a policy event organised by the Energy Poverty Advisory Hub will bring together a group of local and regional authorities, policymakers and experts to discuss how local authorities are shaping the EU's response to energy poverty.
You can read more information and follow the EU Covenant of Mayors Ceremony 2026 online.
(For more information: Anna-Kaisa Itkonen – Tel.: +32 2 295 75 01; Ana Crespo Parrondo – Tel.: +32 2 298 13 25; Cristiana Marchitelli – Tel: +32 2 298 94 07)
Commissioner Hoekstra to convene Implementation Dialogue on the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism
Tomorrow, Commissioner Hoekstra will host an Implementation Dialogue on the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), a key EU climate policy tool to reduce the risk of carbon leakage, ensure a level playing field for EU stakeholders and encourage global decarbonisation.
The dialogue will bring together international stakeholders, including representatives of the iron and steel, aluminium, cement and fertilisers sectors, large downstream consumers and energy utilities, third-party auditing and verification bodies, and NGOs. Discussions will focus on the practical aspects of implementing CBAM and on exchanging first experiences from the definitive period, which began on 1 January 2026.
Commissioner Hoekstra highlights CBAM's importance and the timeliness of the exchange: “CBAM is a cornerstone of the EU's climate ambition, ensuring a level playing field for European industry and sending a strong global signal that the transition to a low-carbon economy must be shared by all. With the definitive period now underway and important obligations ahead in 2027, this is a crucial moment to engage with stakeholders on how the system is working in practice. CBAM's success depends on it being robust, predictable and workable for businesses, third-country partners and public authorities.”
Feedback from the dialogue will feed into the operational implementation of CBAM by taking stock of progress, best practices and challenges. A comprehensive review of CBAM will be conducted in 2027, drawing on the experience gained, lessons learned and feedback received during the first two years of its definitive application.
More information and a summary of the conclusions will be available on the dedicated webpage.
(For more information: Louise Bogey – Tel.: +32 229-69776; Thérèse Lerebours – Tel.: +32 460 76 33 03)
Commissioner Várhelyi in Mexico to strengthen cooperation on health and discuss food safety
Today and tomorrow, Commissioner for Health and Animal Welfare, Olivér Várhelyi, will be in Mexico City to advance EU–Mexico cooperation on health and discuss shared priorities. The mission will provide an opportunity to foster practical cooperation on health and support stronger health systems, innovation and more resilient pharmaceutical supply chains.
Commissioner Várhelyi will today co-chair the first meeting of the inaugural EU–Mexico High-Level Dialogue on Health with Mexico's Secretary of Health, David Kershenobich. Announced at the EU–Mexico Summit in May 2026, the Dialogue will focus on shared priorities including tackling non-communicable diseases and improving the health of citizens, pandemic prevention, preparedness and response, the need for secure supply chains and innovation for medicines and medical devices, research and innovation, as well as digital health.
The Commissioner will also meet Mexico's Secretary of Agriculture and Rural Development, Columba Jazmín López Gutiérrez, and Director-General of the National Service for Agrifood Health, Safety and Quality, Javier Calderón Elizalde, to discuss cooperation on sanitary and phytosanitary issues. Such engagement is essential to ensure the EU's high food safety standards are maintained in cooperation with our partners. He will later meet representatives of European pharmaceutical companies and visit Centro Kalan, Mexico's National Centre for Health and Wellness Cultures.
Tomorrow, Commissioner Várhelyi will deliver a keynote speech at Innovation Week, organised by the Mexican Association of Pharmaceutical Research Industries (AMIIF). He will also visit Mexico's National Reference Laboratory.
(For more information: Eva Hrnčířová – Tel.: +32 2 298 84 33; Anna Gray – Tel.: +32 2 298 08 73)
Commissioner Kadis in Greenland to deepen EU cooperation on oceans, fisheries and the blue economy
Commissioner Costas Kadis will travel to Greenland on 15–16 October, building on the renewed political momentum created by President Ursula von der Leyen's and Executive Vice-President Henna Virkkunen's visits to Greenland in September, resulting in the EU–Greenland–Denmark Joint Declaration.
The Joint Declaration identifies ocean governance and the blue economy among the key areas for enhanced cooperation. It sets out a shared ambition to promote the sustainable use, management and conservation of the marine environment and its resources, including fisheries, while also advancing cooperation on connectivity, renewable energy, critical raw materials, sustainable tourism and investment.
During the two-day visit, Commissioner Kadis will visit Royal Greenland A/S, the Greenland Fisheries and Hunting Control Authority and the Border Inspection Post in Nuuk. He is also expected to meet Greenlandic representatives responsible for foreign affairs and Arctic cooperation.
On 16 October, the Commissioner will visit the University of Greenland and the Greenland Institute of Natural Resources, where discussions will focus on marine science, fisheries stock assessments and scientific advice. He will also hold a bilateral meeting with Minister Peter Borg, responsible for fisheries, hunting, agriculture and self-sufficiency.
The visit will offer a concrete opportunity to advance cooperation in line with Greenland's priorities, while fully respecting its autonomy, ownership of natural resources and local needs.
The visit also comes in the context of the EU's €200 million Global Gateway Partnership Package for 2026–2027, which supports projects in connectivity, renewable energy, critical raw materials, sustainable tourism, housing and small and medium-sized enterprises.
(For more information: Maciej Berestecki – Tel.: +32 229-66483; Anna Wartberger – Tel.: +32 2 298 20 54)
Commissioner Zaharieva in Dublin to highlight Europe's AI ambition
Commissioner for Start-ups, Research and Innovation Ekaterina Zaharieva is in Dublin for a high-level visit centred on research, innovation, entrepreneurship and artificial intelligence (AI), underlining both Europe's determination to lead in AI and Ireland's growing role as an innovation powerhouse.
The visit comes as Ireland holds the Presidency of the Council of the EU under the overarching priorities of competitiveness, values and security, and with innovation and entrepreneurship high on its agenda. Against this backdrop, Commissioner Zaharieva's visit sends a clear message: Europe has the talent, the ideas and the values to succeed in the global AI race.
Today, the Commissioner will take part in the International AI Summit in Dublin, along with Executive Vice-President Virkkunen, where she will deliver a keynote speech on ‘European Ambition & Innovation & Research Ecosystem'. Commissioner Zaharieva will stress that with world-class researchers, fast-growing tech talent and a vibrant start-up scene, Europe has all the ingredients needed to turn AI excellence into global leadership. Europe already hosts almost 7,000 AI start-ups, has three times as many AI professionals per capita as China, and its pool of tech talent is growing faster than in the United States.
During her visit, the Commissioner will also hold bilateral meetings with representatives from DeepL, Nuritas, Google DeepMind and Analog Devices, engaging directly with key players shaping the future of AI, deep tech and innovation in Europe.
Yesterday, Commissioner Zaharieva visited the Trinity Innovation Hub at Trinity College Dublin, where she met students, entrepreneurs and innovators at the forefront of Ireland's dynamic research and start-up landscape. She also took part in a roundtable discussion at Europe House on Ireland's research ecosystem and its potential for further growth.
Ireland is a front-runner in the EU start-up ecosystem, ranking seventh among Member States in the 2025 European Startup and Scaleup Scoreboard.
(For more information: Maciej Berestecki – Tel.: +32 229-66483; Isabel Arriaga e Cunha – Tel.: +32 229-52117)
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 disburses €2.86 billion to Ukraine for drones, missiles and urgent battlefield needs
Today, the European Commission disbursed €2.86 billion to Ukraine under the defence component of the €90 billion Ukraine Support Loan. The funding will go towards drones, air defence systems, missiles, radars, electronic warfare systems and ammunitions.
Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, said: “As Russia stalls on the frontlines, it continues to escalate its aerial attacks - cruelly targeting Ukrainian civilians and infrastructure. Europe's steadfast support matters more than ever to help Ukraine protect its skies and save lives. With today's €2.86 billion disbursement, we keep addressing Ukraine's most urgent operational needs, including drones and missiles vital to its defence.”
The Ukraine Support Loan includes funding with an indicative split of €60 billion for defence and €30 billion for budgetary assistance over 2026–2027. In 2026 alone, €28.3 billion is planned for disbursement to support Ukraine's defence industrial capacity. Further disbursements under the 2026 defence leg of the instrument will continue in the coming weeks.
As Ukraine prepares for its fourth winter since Russia's full-scale invasion, the urgent delivery of defence equipment ensures that Ukraine's armed forces can protect their civilians and cities from Russian attacks.
All funding decisions respond to Ukraine's evolving needs and are subject to agreed conditions and monitoring. Since 2022, the EU and its Member States have provided €231.5 billion in overall support to Ukraine, including €3.8 billion from the proceeds of immobilised Russian assets.
For the rest of 2026, Ukraine still has €29.64 billion available in financial support. That includes €25.24 billion for disbursement under the Ukraine Support Loan, consisting of €12.54 billion to support Ukraine's defence industrial capacity and €12.7 billion in budget support. In addition, €4.4 billion in budget support is still available under the initial Ukraine Facility for this year. More than €17 billion in budget support is therefore available for the remaining months of 2026, subject to the fulfilment of the relevant conditions outlined in the Ukraine Plan and the Memorandum of Understanding.
Background
In February 2026, the European Parliament and the Council adopted Regulation (EU) 2026/467, establishing the Ukraine Support Loan. The Regulation provides for up to €90 billion in support to Ukraine. The support is structured around two complementary components: assistance to strengthen Ukraine's defence capabilities and defence industrial capacities; and support to ensure the continued functioning of the state, maintain essential public services and strengthen economic resilience.
Following Ukraine's submission of its Financing Strategy in March 2026, the Council adopted, on 23 April 2026, an Implementing Decision determining the assistance to be made available to Ukraine in 2026.
The defence component focuses on reconstructing and modernising Ukraine's defence technological and industrial base, while supporting its gradual integration into the European defence technological and industrial base.
For more information
Ukraine Support Loan
Regulation (EU) 2026/467 implementing enhanced cooperation on the establishment of the Ukraine Support Loan for 2026 and 2027
Commission takes preparatory steps on financial support for Ukraine and boosting drone production
Commission Implementing Decision validating the use of derogations for drones in Ukraine
Macro-Financial Assistance
Macro-Financial Assistance to Ukraine
Ukraine Facility
Factsheet - EU solidarity with Ukraine
Quote(s)
As Russia stalls on the frontlines, it continues to escalate its aerial attacks - cruelly targeting Ukrainian civilians and infrastructure. Europe’s steadfast support matters more than ever to help Ukraine protect its skies and save lives. With today’s €2.86 billion disbursement, we keep addressing Ukraine’s most urgent operational needs, including drones and missiles vital to its defence.
Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission
As Russia’s war continues, Europe must act with determination and speed. This €2.86 billion funding is proof of our commitment to help Ukraine to defend itself from the looming Russia’s war of aggression.
Henna Virkkunen, Executive Vice-President for Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy
One more disbursement of €2.86 billion for the defence of Ukraine from the Ukraine Support Loan. Ukraine Support Loan proves to be effective mechanism to strengthen the country's defence. The formula 'Peace through strength' will be implemented by ramping up strength on Ukraine’s side.
Andrius Kubilius, Commissioner for Defence and Space
Eurobarometer survey highlights growing use of AI in European companies
European businesses rely increasingly on artificial intelligence (AI). That is what the results of the latest Eurobarometer survey showed, published today.
The publication coincides with the European AI Innovation Month that brings together policymakers, industry, public sector, and research to discuss and showcase how AI is being developed and applied across EU industry sectors.
Algorithmic management (AM) or automated systems refer to digital systems that help managers organise the workforce and/or support their decisions about tasks, schedules, performance or staffing. These systems can be powered by AI or not, and include both tools that automate decision-making and tools that make recommendations, while the final decision is taken by people.
According to the survey, 42% of the European small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) and mid-cap companies consulted already use (AI and AM, most of them in a limited and experimental way. An additional 21% plan to do so in the future. Besides their use in customer service and client relations (47%), AI and AM are also being used by 36% of the interviewed enterprises for monitoring performance and productivity. Logistics, planning and staff scheduling (30%) are also common uses. Furthermore, a clear majority of these European companies (61%) say that the use of AI helps them to take decisions. 75% of surveyed companies believe that AI and AM will improve job quality. Most of them (90%) say that people take the decisions, while only 2% are fully automated.
High investment costs (50%), legal uncertainty (49%), and lack of expertise (48%) remain key barriers to wider uptake, according to the survey. Almost half (49%) of companies do not trust artificial intelligence or automated systems for decisions related to workforce or staff matters. Some of these obstacles are addressed by existing EU rules. They include the General Data Protection Regulation and the AI Act, which ensure safety, fundamental rights and human-centric AI, while supporting uptake, investment and innovation in AI across the EU.
The upcoming Quality Jobs Act will increase clarity for companies and better protect workers' rights in relation to algorithmic management. In the second-stage consultation for the Quality Jobs Act, EU social partners expressed their views on EU action needed in this field.
Eurobarometer is the polling instrument used by the European Commission, the European Parliament and other EU institutions and agencies to monitor regularly the state of public opinion in Europe on issues related to the European Union as well as attitudes on subjects of political or social nature. It provides quality and relevant data for experts in public opinion, researchers, media and the public.
In February 2025, a survey on Artificial Intelligence took place. According to this survey, most people in Europe believe that digital technologies, including artificial intelligence, have a positive impact on their jobs, the economy, society, and on quality of life. 62% of Europeans view robots and AI positively at work and 70% believe it improves productivity. While a majority supports using robots and AI to make decisions at work, 84% of Europeans think that AI requires careful management to protect privacy and ensure transparency in the workplace.
The annual Digital Decade report tracks progress towards the 2030 targets, one of which is that at least 75% of EU businesses take-up AI, cloud or big data. Statistics on the use of AI by European enterprises are available from Eurostat.
Flash Eurobarometer on AI and algorithmic management in European SMEs and mid-caps
European AI Innovation Month
AI is changing how people work and how companies manage their staff. Three in four companies surveyed expect it to improve job quality. Turning that optimism into better working lives requires investment in people’s skills, protection of workers’ rights and human oversight of decisions that affect them. With the upcoming Quality Jobs Act, we want to give businesses clearer rules and workers confidence that AI will make their work safer, fairer and more rewarding.
Roxana Mînzatu, Executive Vice-President for Social Rights and Skills, Quality Jobs and Preparedness
In Europe, AI caters to people and businesses. We have laid strong foundations shaping AI to European standards: the AI Act is about ensuring safe, human-centric and trustworthy AI. European companies can safely integrate Artificial intelligence to increase their productivity and the quality of their services. This will ultimately define who truly wins the AI race.
Commission accepts commitments by Sanofi to address possible anticompetitive disparagement of competing flu vaccine for vulnerable patients
The European Commission has made commitments offered by Sanofi legally binding under EU antitrust rules. The commitments relate to the Commission's preliminary competition concerns relating to Sanofi's alleged disparagement campaigns in Germany and France against Fluad, the only enhanced flu vaccine for vulnerable patients that competes with Sanofi's Efluelda.
To address the Commission's preliminary concerns, Sanofi offered to engage in proactive communication to rectify and undo the possible effects of the potentially misleading messages shared regarding Fluad, as well as to refrain from any communication portraying Fluad negatively or casting doubt about its performance.
The Commission's preliminary concerns
Sanofi, headquartered in France, is active in the research, development, and manufacturing of innovative prescription medicines, vaccines, and healthcare solutions. One of the vaccines offered by Sanofi is an enhanced flu vaccine, which is specifically designed to provide greater protection against flu for people over 60.
In the EU, this vaccine is marketed under the brand name ‘Efluelda' and competes with the only other enhanced flu vaccine currently marketed in the EU, by the company CSL Seqirus under the brand name ‘Fluad'.
The Commission preliminarily found that Sanofi may be dominant in the market for enhanced flu vaccines in Germany and France. The Commission is concerned that, from 2024 until at least autumn 2025, Sanofi may have pursued a misleading communication campaign targeted at healthcare professionals (HCPs). This communication campaign was conducted in Germany and, with a lower degree of intensity, in France and consisted of:
By doing so, Sanofi may have restricted competition on the markets for enhanced flu vaccines in Germany and France, in breach of Article 102 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU (TFEU), which prohibits the abuse of a dominant position that may affect trade and prevent or restrict competition within the Single Market.
The commitments
To address the Commission's preliminary concerns, Sanofi offered commitments.
For one part, Sanofi will, until March 2030:
In addition, to correct and remedy the potential effects of its past messages that may have been disparaging, Sanofi will:
Between July and August 2026, the Commission market-tested those commitments. In light of the outcome of this market test, Sanofi adjusted the initial proposal, notably by extending its proactive outreach to also cover KOLs in Germany who had been previously targeted by Sanofi's alleged disparagement campaign against Fluad.
The Commission concluded that the commitments proposed by Sanofi will address its competition concerns related to the potential disparagement of Fluad. It has therefore decided to make them legally binding on Sanofi.
The implementation of the commitments will be monitored by a monitoring trustee who will report regularly to the Commission.
On 26 June 2026, the Commission opened a formal antitrust investigation to assess whether Sanofi's alleged disparagement campaign against Fluad violates EU competition rules. On the same date, the Commission adopted a Preliminary Assessment summarising the main facts of the case and identifying its preliminary competition concerns.
On 8 July 2026, the Commission launched a market test on the commitments offered by Sanofi, which ran until 21 August 2026.
Article 102 TFEU prohibits the abuse of a dominant position that may affect trade and prevent or restrict competition within the Single Market. The implementation of Article Article 102 TFEU is defined in Regulation 1/2003.
Article 9(1) of Regulation 1/2003 enables companies investigated by the Commission to offer commitments in order to address the Commission's concerns and empowers the Commission to make such commitments binding on the companies. Article 27(4) of Regulation 1/2003 requires that, before adopting such decision, the Commission shall provide interested third parties with an opportunity to comment on the offered commitments (“the market test”).
If the market test indicates that the commitments are a satisfactory way of addressing the Commission's competition concerns, the Commission may adopt a decision making them legally binding on the company concerned. Such a decision would not conclude that there is an infringement of EU antitrust rules, but would legally bind that company to respect the commitments it has offered.
If the company does not honour such commitments, the Commission may impose a fine of up to 10% of its worldwide annual turnover, without having to find an infringement of EU antitrust rules, or a periodic penalty payment of 5% per day of its daily turnover for every day of non-compliance.
More information, including the full text of the commitments, will be available on the Commission's competition website, in the public case register under the case number AT.40998.
At the start of the autumn, millions of patients and healthcare professionals in the EU are getting ready for the flu vaccinations season. Today’s decision ensures that they can choose their vaccine based on an impartial assessment of scientific evidence. When dominant pharma companies spread false or misleading information about vaccines competing with their own, they distort competition and undermine doctors’ and patients’ choice.
Teresa Ribera, Executive Vice-President for Clean, Just and Competitive Transition
Commission proposes flexibility to methane importers to help save costs
Europe is preparing for a challenging winter with high energy prices. The strain on global energy markets linked to the conflict in the Middle East is putting pressure on energy markets in Europe. This is driving up energy prices and may cause reduced availability of gas and oil, hampering the EU's competitiveness and security of supply.
The European Commission has therefore adopted a proposal to postpone by one year the implementation of specific provisions of the EU Methane Regulation related to importers to alleviate the pressure on European industry and national administrations. The proposed targeted amendment concerns the monitoring, reporting and verification obligations for natural gas, oil and coal importers. It also concerns the provisions related to the reporting on methane-intensity requirements for both importers and Union producers.
This one-year postponement of the import-related provisions is designed to help avoid additional pressures on the security of supply of imported fossil fuels in the current geopolitical context.
The proposed amendment does not affect the ambition, integrity and scope of the Regulation, reaffirming the European Union's commitment to reduce methane emissions.
Crucially, the proposed one-year delay will allow extra time for importers to ensure full compliance with requirements of the Regulation in the very challenging current context of global energy markets.
Next steps
The proposed targeted amendment will now be submitted to the European Parliament and Council for adoption. The Commission will constructively engage with both co-legislators to ensure that the legislative process for the present proposal is fully preserved. A timely agreement is essential to maintain regulatory certainty.
The Commission will continue to work hand in hand with the Member States and the sector on the full implementation of the Regulation, including on recognising compliance solutions in line with our Recommendation on Compliance solutions and on penalties, adopted in July. It will also continue to closely engage with stakeholders to monitor any specific signs on security of supply impacts linked to the implementation of the rules.
Methane is the second largest source of greenhouse gas emissions after CO2. Abating methane is therefore one of the fastest and most effective ways to reduce global warming and has great energy savings benefits. The EU Methane Regulation, adopted in 2024, is the world's first comprehensive legislation that also regulates methane emissions related to imports of oil, gas and coal and introduces progressive requirements to increase transparency. It covers domestic production, transportation, and processing as well as imports, and it makes the EU a frontrunner reducing emissions.
In July 2026, the Commission issued two Recommendations to provide legally sound solutions to industry concerns, on compliance solutions and on penalties. On 12 October, the Commission launched a call for feedback concerning the adoption of an Implementing Act with reporting templates for EU reporting of oil, gas and coal methane emissions.
Targeted amendment
Questions and Answers
Methane emissions - European Commission
Call for feedback on reporting templates
Europe’s ambition in the fight against climate change remains unflinching. But as we approach a difficult winter in terms of energy prices, we need to be flexible and pragmatic in the implementation of our rules. The priority now is to shield European citizens from the price volatility we are facing, and avoid any potential additional risk to energy supplies at a time of global constraints.
Dan Jørgensen, Commissioner for Energy and Housing
Press remarks by Commissioner Šefčovič on the EU-Türkiye High-Level Dialogue on Trade
"Check against delivery"
Good evening.
I am pleased to welcome Minister Bolat to Brussels, as we co-chair our High-Level Dialogue on Trade. We meet often at fora like the OECD and the G20 most recently but today is different – a focused meeting on the work we do together.
Türkiye is a key partner for the European Union and our trade keeps growing. Thanks to the EU-Türkiye Customs Union, it reached a record of nearly 218 billion euros in goods in 2025, while in services our trade surpassed some 40 billion euros.
Türkiye is now the EU's 5th largest trade partner, accounting for over 4 percent of all EU trade in goods. On both sides, motor vehicles, machinery and electrical equipment lead the way.
On investment, the EU is by far Türkiye's largest investor, supplying more than half of all foreign direct investment.
Strong numbers, but we both know there is more to unlock. The interest is mutual and that is why today's talks matter – and I appreciate how productive they have been.
We began with a roundtable of EU and Turkish business representatives. Their message was clear:
They want us to go further and they strongly back modernising the Customs Union.
As part of these efforts, they seek closer cooperation on the green and digital transformations.
We hear them.
Türkiye is the only major economy with which the EU has a Customs Union. Therefore, no surprise that our businesses are so closely linked, with supply chains intertwined across many sectors.
We keep addressing the remaining trade barriers that businesses perceive as obstacles. We must – and I believe will – keep this momentum.
In this context, I am genuinely pleased to announce that we have been able to remove one important barrier related to Türkiye's import control system, TAREKS. Türkiye has implemented several transparency measures that should make the system easier for EU exporters to use.
We look forward to continuing our constructive cooperation with our Turkish partners to find solutions to the remaining technical challenges.
Another good example is the outcome for trusted traders, which also reflects the EU's and Türkiye's shared interest in safety and security.
We have agreed a Mutual Recognition Agreement on our Authorised Economic Operator programmes, which is being published in our official journal today.
Put simply, each side now recognises the other's trusted traders. Considered safe by both, the goods cross borders faster.
This is a real step forward for smooth trade flows and customs cooperation within the current Customs Union framework. I thank everyone whose hard work made it happen.
Once again, a warm welcome to Minister Bolat and his team. I am looking forward to continuing our discussion tonight.
Thank you.
Joint Statement on the third EU-Türkiye High-Level Dialogue on Trade
The European Union and Türkiye held the 3rd EU-Türkiye High Level Dialogue on Trade on 13 October 2026 in Brussels. The meeting was co-chaired by the Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security, Interinstitutional Relations and Transparency Maroš Šefčovič and Minister of Trade of Türkiye Ömer Bolat. The EU and Türkiye, a candidate country and major trade partner, have bilateral trade flows that have grown constantly over the years reaching €217.6 billion in 2025.
The Dialogue provided an opportunity to review progress in bilateral trade relations, address key market access and customs issues, and discuss areas for enhanced cooperation with a view to strengthening the EU-Türkiye economic partnership.
The EU and Türkiye underlined the strategic importance of their trade relationship and reaffirmed their shared interest in promoting growth, competitiveness and resilient value chains. They recalled the important role of the EU-Türkiye Customs Union and discussed concrete steps to improve the business environment for companies and economic operators on both sides. The Dialogue was preceded by a Business Roundtable with representatives of the business community from EU and Türkiye.
In the area of customs cooperation, the EU and Türkiye welcomed progress on customs reform, including on e-commerce, and confirmed their intention to advance work on the implementation of their agreement on the Mutual Recognition Agreement on Authorised Economic Operators. The parties recognized the importance of Türkiye's alignment with relevant EU legislation and welcomed the completion of alignment to the new EU Machinery Regulation, as an important step in ensuring free movement of goods across the Customs Union without technical barriers.
On the reduction of trade barriers, the EU and Türkiye took stock of progress achieved on priority issues and are pleased to announce the removal of the barrier on import controls under the Turkish TAREKS system, a risk-based foreign trade system for importers into Türkiye, with the understanding that constructive cooperation will continue in this field to address the practıcal ıssues raısed by EU operators. These outcomes constitute concrete steps to facilitate trade and respond to longstanding concerns raised by economic operators.
The EU and Türkiye also reviewed progress on other market access issues, including export taxes on hides, skins and wet-blue leather, the import surveillance regime, the surveillance by registration of imports of textiles and materials used in the manufacturing of textiles, and alcoholic beverages. They agreed to continue technical engagement on these matters with a view to achieving further tangible results.
The parties also noted progress on Türkiye's access to EU's energy labelling registry (EPREL) and encouraged continued work in this area. They also agreed to engage in technical discussions on Türkiye's access to CPNP. The partıes also undertook to hold technıcal discussions on the issue of batch releases for pharmaceutıcal products.
The Dialogue also covered a broad range of forward-looking cooperation areas, including alignment of technical legislation, public procurement, circular economy, business mobility, digital trade, trade defence and cooperation in the WTO framework. The EU and Türkiye also took stock of cooperation on anti-circumvention of EU sanctions.
On digital trade, the parties agreed to engage in technical work on the issue of mutual recognition of the e-signatures.
The EU and Türkiye agreed to maintain close engagement in the period ahead and to continue working towards practical solutions that support a more predictable, transparent and mutually beneficial trade relationship. They underlined the value of the High-Level Dialogue on Trade as a platform for sustaining momentum and identifying further areas of cooperation.
Commission issues €10 billion in its 9th syndicated transaction of 2026
The European Commission has raised €10 billion of EU-Bonds in its 9th syndicated transaction for 2026.
The dual-tranche transaction concerned a €5 billion tap of the 7-year EU-Bond maturing on 12 October 2033 and a €5 billion new 15-year EU-Bond maturing on 12 December 2041.
Building on the pricing of recent syndications against the EU Bond curve, both maturities were priced against reference points in the EU Bond curve. The approach reflects the growing liquidity of the EU-Bond curve, which can be used more frequently as a reliable reference point for pricing of syndicated issuances when deemed desirable.
The transaction is part of the Commission's €80 billion funding target for the second half of 2026.
Funds raised from EU issuances are used to support the European Union's political priorities, including support for a stronger, more competitive and resilient Europe, support to Ukraine and crucial investments in European defence.
The EU's total outstanding debt now stands at about €856.65 billion, of which €47.98 billion in the form of EU-Bills and €86.24 billion in the form of NextGenerationEU Green Bonds.
EU-Bond transactions (syndications and auctions) executed to date in H2 2026 [EUR billion]
Today's bond syndication
7-year Bond tap
A €5 billion tap of the EU-Bond due on 12 October 2033: this bond carries a coupon of 3.125 % and came at a re-offer yield of 3.775%, equivalent to a price of 96.076%. The spread to the EU-Bond maturing on 13 December 2032 is 9 bps, which is an equivalent spread to mid-swap of 28.6 bps, and 45.2 bps over the Bund due 15 August 2033 and 70.7 bps below the OAT due 25 November 2033.
The final order book was over €73 billion, with oversubscription rate of approximately 14.6-times.
15-year new Bond
A €5 billion new EU-Bond due on 12 December 2041: this EU-Bond carries a coupon of 4.25 % and came at a re-offer yield of 4.353 %, equivalent to a price of 98.886%. The spread to the EU-Bond maturing on 12 December 2040 is 7 bps, which is an equivalent spread to mid-swap of 74.8 bps, and 64.9 bps over the Bund due 15 May 2041 and 81.6 bps below the OAT due 25 May 20412.
The final order book was over €87 billion with an oversubscription rate of approximately 17.4 times.
Information on the allocation on the investors in this transaction is available in the transactions section of the EU as a borrower website.
The joint lead managers of this transaction were Bank of America, Goldman Sachs, LBBW, Morgan Stanley and Santander.
The Commission is empowered by the EU Treaties to borrow from the international capital markets on behalf of the European Union to finance selected EU policy programmes. This includes the NextGenerationEU recovery instrument, financial support programmes to Ukraine and other neighbourhood countries as well as the EU's Security Action for Europe – SAFE – instrument, helping EU Member States carry out urgent defence investments through common procurement.
Use of proceeds from EU borrowing operations under different programmes [EUR billion]
EUR outstanding amounts per programme, as of 29 September 2026.
Disclaimer: under the Commission's unified funding approach outstanding disbursements may be different to the amount of outstanding EU-Bonds at a specific point of time)
The Commission uses EU-Bonds and EU-Bills as the main funding instruments to raise funds on capital markets. All issuances executed by the Commission are denominated exclusively in euro. Since January 2023, the EU funds its different policy programmes by issuing single-branded EU-Bonds rather than bonds for individual programmes. The Commission also issues green bonds (under the NextGenerationEU Green Bond label), to finance the green component of the Recovery and Resilience Facility of the NextGenerationEU programme.
The European Commission raises funds using both auctions and syndicated transactions as part of its funding strategy. Auctions allocate EU-Bills and EU-Bonds through a competitive bidding process among Primary Dealers, ensuring transparency and cost efficiency. In contrast, syndicated transactions involve a group of Primary Dealers placing bonds directly with investors, allowing for broader investor reach and optimized execution, particularly for large or inaugural deals. The two methods are used in a complementary way to support market access and funding flexibility.
EU borrowing is guaranteed by the EU budget, with contributions to the EU budget an unconditional legal obligation of all Member States under the EU Treaties.
For regular updates on the EU's borrowing and lending activities you can subscribe here to the quarterly investor newsletter.
H2 Funding Plan Update - Commission to issue €80 billion in EU-Bonds in the second half of 2026
Latest EU funding plan
EU as a borrower website
EU debt securities data
Factsheet on Budgetary safeguards protecting investor in EU-Bonds and EU-Bills