DAILY NEWS
Brussels, 04 March 2025
Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform mobilises over €15 billion to boost investments in Europe in its first year.
Today, the Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform (STEP) celebrates its first year in action for the development and manufacturing of critical technologies in Europe. Over the past year, STEP has pooled the investment firepower of 11 EU programmes, mobilising over €15 billion to support Europe's competitiveness in three strategic sectors: digital technologies and deep-tech innovation, clean and resource-efficient technologies, and biotechnologies.
So far, €9.1 billion of EU funds have been mobilised towards STEP across five programmes managed by the Commission directly, namely the Digital Europe programme, the European Defence Fund, the EU4Health programme, Horizon Europe, and the Innovation Fund. Additional €6.1 billion of EU funds are being mobilised towards STEP thanks to reprogramming of cohesion policy funds by 11 pioneer EU Member States.
The Commission's STEP Taskforce works, hand in hand, with the 27 EU Member States. The STEP Taskforce regularly engages with project promoters, managing authorities and relevant associations to improve the set-up and understand their investment needs. Extensive outreach and a dedicated survey answered by some 500 research and industry organisations confirmed the strong demand for simplification of access to EU funding.
Building on the success of STEP, President von der Leyen suggested, in her letter to EU Leaders ahead of the special European Council on 6 March, that STEP could be further leveraged by enlarging its scope to all technologies relevant for the defence sector.
Improved and streamlined access to funding opportunities
The STEP Portal provides a one-stop, user-centric platform for project promoters to access all STEP funding opportunities across EU programmes and Member States. About 60 calls for proposals at EU and national levels have been published so far and about 40 of them remain open for submission.
Promoting high-potential EU projects for better access to funding
The STEP Portal currently showcases the first 142 high potential projects that have been awarded the STEP Seal by the Commission. The project promoters are informed about funding opportunities as well as advisory services while their projects are made visible to private and public investors, including implementing partners like the European Investment Bank (EIB) Group or National Promotional Banks.
Some prominent examples of STEP Seals awarded by the Commission in 23 Member States by the Commission include:
STEP seeks to leverage and de-risk private investment for EU high-potential projects. The STEP Taskforce is reaching out to private investors to promote STEP Seals projects, increasing their visibility and identifying investments paths.
Next steps in 2025
STEP's positive momentum is expected to strengthen in 2025 with the support of Member States for the success of innovative projects and the reduction of dependencies in strategic technologies. Member States are encouraged to leverage STEP opportunities under NextGenerationEU/ Recovery and Resilience Fund. They can reallocate resources to STEP-labeled projects and transfer up to 6% of their RRF envelope to their national compartment in InvestEU to fund these projects.
Background
STEP was established by the EU Regulation in March 2024, as part of the mid-term review of the MFF.
As part of the work on the interim evaluation of STEP, the Commission will gather evidence and feedback through a call for evidence that will be launched on Have your Say in the coming days and will stay open for contributions for four weeks.
STEP will be promoted at several events in the coming months. To stay updated, you can subscribe to the STEP Newsletter and check the press and media section of the STEP Portal.
More information
STEP Factsheet
Quote(s)
In only one year, STEP has demonstrated that the EU budget can be more agile. Project holders can benefit from more streamlined support and access to EU funding, focussing on the strategic technologies the EU needs to develop. The experience with STEP can be useful for the preparation of our next EU budget.
Piotr Serafin, Commissioner for Budget, Anti-Fraud and Public Administration
Commission welcomes ICAO agreement on new aircraft standards for fuel efficiency and noise levels driving sustainability in aviation
The European Commission welcomes the landmark decision reached last Friday at the International Civil Aviation Organization’s (ICAO) Committee for Aviation Environmental Protection (CAEP). The agreement establishes a comprehensive set of new binding standards for aircraft fuel efficiency, to take effect on 31 December 2031, and noise levels for new aircraft, set to come into force as of 1 January 2029. Formal adoption is expected at an upcoming ICAO Council session.
Commercial aircraft seeking certification after these dates will be subject to new global CO2 standards, demanding a significant improvement in fuel efficiency and noise levels.
Compared to models produced under current standards, aircraft in the next decade will need to achieve significant fuel efficiency gains, with a minimum 10% reduction in fuel consumption at certification point.
This new generation of aircraft will be around 35% more efficient compared to 2000 models, reflecting the governments’ commitment to reaching net-zero CO2 emissions by 2050.
In addition, as of 2029, future aircraft will need to be at least 6dB quieter. This represents a significant improvement in noise reduction, with noise levels expected to decrease by over 30%, compared to current models.
While achieving simultaneous progress on both fuel efficiency and noise reduction is technologically challenging, this new dual ICAO standard encourages further innovation to meet both objectives, striking a crucial balance between environmental sustainability and community well-being.
Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism, Apostolos Tzitzikostas, said: “This agreement is a big step forward for the aviation sector to reach the long-term climate targets. It will also improve the quality of life for people living near airports. By focusing on innovation and efficiency, we can keep safety standards high, ensure strong connectivity, and promote a fair global playing field.”
Other important decisions taken by the global aviation community at the CAEP/13 meeting include the agreement on the methodology for monitoring and reporting progress towards the long-term net-zero CO2 goal by 2050, and the full recognition and integration of aviation fuels based on electricity input in the global framework, with the potential to deliver significant emissions reductions. The future CAEP programme (2025-2028) will be looking to accelerate key work on reducing the climate impact from aviation non-CO2 emissions, updating the aircraft engine NOx emissions standard and completing the alignment between the CORSIA framework and the offset units accepted as means of compliance by the UNFCCC.
The leadership of the European Union and its Member States has been instrumental in ensuring these outcomes.
EU and Brazil sign international agreement to fight organised crime and terrorism
Tomorrow, Commissioner for Home Affairs and Migration, Magnus Brunner and the Minister of Justice and Public Security of Brazil, Ricardo Lewandowski will sign an agreement on the exchange of personal data between Europol and the Brazilian Federal Police. This will strengthen cooperation between the EU and Brazil on the fight against organised crime and terrorism and builds on a strategic cooperation agreement between the EU and Brazil in place since 2017, already facilitating the exchange of non-personal data. The agreement will guarantee a high level of protection of fundamental rights, including through strong data protection safeguards. Brazil is the first country in the Latin American region to reach this kind of agreement with the EU – and the second country in the world, alongside New Zealand. It is now for the European Parliament to give its consent for the conclusion of the agreement.
Magnus Brunner, Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration, said: “International cooperation is a cornerstone of our work to strengthen the EU's and our partners' internal security. This agreement will provide us with the opportunity to enhance information exchange with a key partner, Brazil, and in turn increase Europol's support to Member States' cross-border criminal investigations.”
The Commission has made the EU's internal security a key priority. As a central part of these efforts, the Commission is working on a new Internal Security Strategy to be presented in spring. This includes even stronger cooperation with international partners.
(For more information: Markus Lammert — Tel.: +32 2 296 75 33; Elettra Di Massa - Tel.: +32 2 298 21 61)
European Citizens' Initiative ‘Cohesion policy for the equality of the regions and sustainability of the regional cultures' to be examined by the European Commission
The European Citizens' Initiative ‘Cohesion policy for the equality of the regions and sustainability of the regional cultures' was submitted to the European Commission on 4 March 2025 after obtaining 1,269,351 validated statements of support from EU citizens, and reaching thresholds in 8 countries. It is the 11th successful such initiative to be examined by the Commission.
The initiative calls for special attention from the EU's cohesion policy for regions that are different from those of the surrounding regions. The organisers consider that such regions must have equal opportunity to access various EU funds. In addition, the preservation of their characteristics and their proper economic development must be guaranteed, so that the EU's development can be sustained, and its cultural diversity maintained. The Commission registered this initiative as it calls for legislative proposals to strengthen the economic, social and territorial cohesion of the Union.
The Commission now has until 4 September 2025 to present its official reply, outlining the actions it intends to take, if any. The Commission will meet the organisers to discuss the initiative in detail in the coming weeks. A public hearing will then be organised by the European Parliament.
(For more information: Olof Gill – Tel.: +32 2 296 59 66; Ana Apse-Paese – Tel.: +32 2 298 73 48)
Applications open for European Capital of Smart Tourism and European Green Pioneer of Smart Tourism 2026
Tomorrow, the European Commission launches the 2026 edition: the European Capital of Smart Tourism and the European Green Pioneer of Smart Tourism competitions. The Commission invites tourism destinations across Europe to submit their innovative practices of smart and sustainable tourism to become leading examples in the sector. The European Capital of Smart Tourism recognizes European cities with outstanding tourism destinations achievements in four categories: sustainability, accessibility, digitalisation and cultural heritage and creativity. This competition is open to cities with a population of over 100,000. Meanwhile the European Green Pioneer of Smart Tourism competition recognises emerging sustainable tourism destinations across Europe. It aims to reward smaller destinations with a population between 25,000 and 100,000, that have successfully implemented green transition practices to promote sustainable tourism.
European Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism Apostolos Tzitzikostas said: " By recognizing cities that have successfully embraced smart, sustainable and forward-thinking tourism, we inspire others to follow their lead. These winners set a powerful example, showing that tourism can thrive while respecting local communities and preserving each city's unique identity. We look forward to receiving your applications.”
As of tomorrow, cities can submit their applications online to demonstrate their innovative tourism practices. The application period closes on May 30, 2025, at 17:00 CET.
You can find more information on the competitions and the prizes here.
(For more information: Anna-Kaisa Itkonen – Tel.: +32 2 295 75 01; Anna Wartberger – Tel.: +32 2 298 25 04)
Executive Vice-President Teresa Ribera hosts Youth Policy Dialogue in Brussels on empowering young talent and improving gender balance
Today, Executive Vice-President Teresa Ribera, responsible for a Clean, Just, and Competitive Transition, will host her first Youth Policy Dialogue in Brussels. Fourteen young participants from across Europe will lead the dialogue, titled Empowering Young Talent and Improving Gender Balance in the EU
The event is designed as an open and frank discussion on how the Commission's policies for a clean, just and competitive transition can help young people — especially young women — and the next generations of Europeans.
The Youth Policy Dialogues are part of the European Commission's commitment to empowering young voices and engaging them in EU policymaking, as outlined in the Political Guidelines for the European Commission 2024-2029. They provide young Europeans with a platform to discuss key EU policy initiatives and integrate youth views in the EU's political agenda.
More information on the Youth Policy Dialogue is available online.
(For more information : Lea Zuber – Tel.: +32 2 295 62 98; Sara Simonini - Tel.: +32 2 298 33 67)
Executive Vice-President Mînzatu attends 2025 European Employment and Social Rights Forum and hosts Youth Policy Dialogue
Tomorrow, Executive Vice-President for Social Rights and Skills, Quality Jobs and Preparedness, Roxana Mînzatu, will participate in the third edition of the European Employment and Social Rights Forum, Europe's largest event on employment and social affairs. This year's Forum is taking place in Brussels on 5 and 6 March, and will focus on skills for competitiveness, seeking to highlight how Europeans can develop the skills they need in the changing world.
On Thursday, the Executive Vice-President will participate in her second Youth Policy Dialogue to discuss with young people how to ensure equal access to quality jobs and skills for everyone. Participants will have the opportunity to share their experiences and ideas on how to create quality jobs that meet their needs while also address skills mismatches in their transition from education and training to the job market. The Youth Policy Dialogue can be followed online here, and is part of the Commission's commitment to empowering young voices and engaging them in EU policymaking.
Journalists can register to attend the Forum. Further details on the Commission's work on Employment and Social Rights can be found here.
(For more information: Eva Hrnčířová — Tel.: +32 2 298 84 33; Anna Gray — Tel.: +32 2 298 08 73)
Press statement by President von der Leyen on the defence package
We are living in the most momentous and dangerous of times. I do not need to describe the grave nature of the threats that we face. Or the devastating consequences that we will have to endure if those threats would come to pass. Because the question is no longer whether Europe's security is threatened in a very real way. Or whether Europe should shoulder more of the responsibility for its own security. In truth, we have long known the answers to those questions. The real question in front of us is whether Europe is prepared to act as decisively as the situation dictates. And whether Europe is ready and able to act with the speed and the ambition that is needed. In the various meetings in the last few weeks – most recently two days ago in London – the answer from European capitals has been as resounding as it is clear. We are in an era of rearmament. And Europe is ready to massively boost its defence spending. Both, to respond to the short-term urgency to act and to support Ukraine but also to address the long-term need to take on much more responsibility for our own European security.
This is why today I have written a letter to Leaders ahead of Thursday's European Council. This is why we are here together today. And I have outlined in this letter to the leaders the ReArm Europe Plan. This set of proposals focuses on how to use all of the financial levers at our disposal – in order to help Member States to quickly and significantly increase expenditures in defence capabilities. Urgently now but also over a longer time over this decade. There are five parts to this.
The first part of this ReArm Europe plan is to unleash the use of public funding in defence at national level. Member States are ready to invest more in their own security if they have the fiscal space. And we must enable them to do so. This is why we will shortly propose to activate the national escape clause of the Stability and Growth Pact. It will allow Member States to increase significantly their defence expenditures without triggering the Excessive Deficit Procedure. For example: If Member States would increase their defence spending by 1,5% of GDP on average this could create fiscal space of close to EUR 650 billion over a period of four years.
The second proposal will be a new instrument. It will provide EUR 150 billion of loans to Member States for defence investment. This is basically about spending better – and spending together. We are talking about pan-European capability domains. For example: air and missile defence, artillery systems, missiles and ammunition drones and anti-drone systems; but also to address other needs from cyber to military mobility for example. It will help Member States to pool demand and to buy together. Of course, with this equipment, Member States can massively step up their support to Ukraine. So, immediate military equipment for Ukraine. This approach of joint procurement will also reduce costs, reduce fragmentation increase interoperability and strengthen our defence industrial base. And it can be to the benefit of Ukraine, as I have just described. So this is Europe's moment, and we must live up to it.
Third point is using the power of the EU budget. There is a lot that we can do in this domain in the short term to direct more funds towards defence-related investments. This is why I can announce that we will propose additional possibilities and incentives for Member States that they will decide, if they want to use cohesion policy programmes, to increase defence spending.
The last two areas of action aim at mobilising private capital by accelerating the Savings and Investment Union and through the European Investment Bank.
To conclude: Europe is ready to assume its responsibilities. ReArm Europe could mobilise close to EUR 800 billion for a safe and resilient Europe. We will continue working closely with our partners in NATO. This is a moment for Europe. And we are ready to step up.
CALENDAR
Calendrier du lundi 03 mars au dimanche 09 mars
Monday 03 March 2025
Mr Costas Kadis hosts a Youth Policy Dialogue at the European Ocean Days; participates in Politico Live's event ‘Walking the talk on the European Oceans Pact'; receives representatives from Copa-Cogeca; holds a videoconference call with Ms Sari Essayah Minister of Agriculture and Forestry of Finland.
Tuesday 04 March 2025
Mr Costas Kadis delivers the opening remarks at the European Ocean Days, Mission Restore our Ocean and Waters Forum; receives members of the European Institute of Innovation and Technology; delivers an opening address via pre recorded video message to the ‘Water Info Day Event', organised by the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT).
Thursday 06 March 2025
Mr Costas Kadis delivers a keynote address at the European Ocean Days, BlueInvest Day Event.
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