DAILY NEWS
Brussels, 28 May 2025
Commission cuts red tape and maximises impact of foreign aid investment
The European Commission is increasing the efficiency and firepower of its External Action Guarantee (EAG), a key financial tool under the Global Gateway strategy that offers more affordable loans to unlock investments in partner countries around the world. In an increasingly complex geopolitical context, the EU is reaffirming its role as a global actor by strengthening its strategic and responsive capabilities.
The EAG supports initiatives such as financing green hydrogen production in Namibia, connecting Europe with Africa and Asia digitally through submarine cables, developing vaccine manufacturing facilities in Africa or fostering the absorption of carbon dioxide in Amazonian forests. With today's proposal, the Commission will strengthen this powerful financing tool—boosting the EU's capacity to deliver aid while better managing financial risks.
Today's proposal seeks a more dynamic use of EU resources, without requiring additional budget. This objective can be achieved by making targeted amendments to the current rules on EU's investments in partner countries. The new rules will enable the EU to redistribute fundings more easily between its financing instruments, so that it can maximise the efficiency of EU's foreign aid. Specifically, more flexible rules will allow transfers of extra funds between different guarantee funds. At the same time, the EU will leverage extra room for investment by lowering the risk coverage of some European Investment Bank (EIB) loans.
In addition, a series of simplification measures are underway to reduce lengthy procedures, so that access to investment under the EAG can take place more quickly. The new measures will allow the EU's implementing partners, such as the EIB, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and other European development financial institutions, work more efficiently by streamlining procedures. In doing so, the EU seeks to accelerate the delivery of Global Gateway impactful projects in partner countries, while also making it easier for European businesses to engage in international cooperation.
Some of the simplification measures include:
Background
The EU's Global Gateway strategy provides the framework for the EU's external action. It is the EU's positive offer to partner countries aiming to foster sustainable development and resilience through value-driven investments. Global Gateway supports the twin green and digital transitions outside the EU by mobilising public and private sector resources and strengthening strategic connectivity.
The Neighbourhood, Development and International Cooperation Instrument – Global Europe (NDICI – Global Europe) Regulation, the financial basis of the Global Gateway, provides a unified financial architecture to crowd in private sector investment outside the EU, based on three pillars: the European Fund for Sustainable Development + (EFSD+), the unified budgetary guarantee - the EAG, and financial assistance.
The EFSD+ is the largest financial instrument currently in place to support investments outside the EU, under the Global Gateway initiative.
Established in June 2021, EFSD+ offers EU partner countries better access to financing options such as grants and guarantees, aiming to mobilise additional financial resources for sustainable and inclusive economic development.
Financial guarantees under EFSD+ are legally binding agreements under which the EU agrees to pay the amount due in case of financial loss that lenders might face. This encourages more investment from financial institutions and the private sector.
Through EFSD+, the EU is channelling €39.8 billion in guarantees capacity for the period 2021-2027 globally.
For More Information
Proposal for increased efficiency of the External Action Guarantee
Commission staff working document accompanying the Proposal
Global Gateway
European Fund for Sustainable Development Plus
Neighbourhood, Development and International Cooperation Instrument – Global Europe
Quote(s)
As the world’s biggest donor, the EU needs to act faster and smarter when helping partner countries in a more competitive world. The changes adopted today will cut red tape and unlock additional resources for our external action. By doing this, we can get more done with less money and better support those who need it most, especially the most fragile countries.
Kaja Kallas, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the European Commission
Today’s proposal is vital for simplifying our investments in the world, while also optimising and unlocking existing resources. It should yield savings of €21.5m for our implementing partners - on top of the more than €8bn in broader simplification measures already identified this year. It will make our external action simpler, faster and more impactful on the ground - where it matters.
Valdis Dombrovskis, Commissioner for Economy and Productivity; Implementation and Simplification
Under the Global Gateway, we are working hard to strengthen our partnerships abroad and support the sustainable development of our partners, while also opening new opportunities for our companies. It is clear that the success of this effort depends on the financial firepower we are able to deploy. The measure we approved today will help us make our external financing tools more effective and simplify procedures for our implementing partners.
Jozef Síkela, Commissioner for International Partnerships
New EU strategy for secure, prosperous and resilient Black Sea region
Today the EU is putting forward a new strategy for a stable and secure Black Sea region. This Strategy aims to boost connections and growth, by linking Europe with the South Caucasus, Central Asia, and beyond. Amidst Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine, the strategy will also reinforce the EU's geopolitical role as a reliable actor in the Black Sea region.
The EU will forge closer cooperation with Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova, Georgia, Türkiye, Armenia and Azerbaijan and take forward regional cooperation on connectivity. A number of these countries have chosen to pursue the path towards EU accession or closer alignment with the EU. Today's strategy seeks to bring tangible benefits to Black Sea partners and the EU by investing in and deepening key mutually beneficial partnerships.
Three pillars for future EU-Black Sea cooperation
Future cooperation with the Black Sea region is structured under three pillars:
Together with its partners in the region, the EU will implement three flagship initiatives under each of these pillars to unlock the region's potential for growth, while also addressing the immediate challenges of conflict and security:
The strategy will bring all relevant EU instruments and policies together, mobilising investments in line with the Global Gateway Strategy and in a Team Europe spirit – that is, the EU institutions in cooperation with the Member States, as well as the European financial institutions. By addressing regional challenges, the EU aims to promote long-term security, shared prosperity, and resilience in the Black Sea region.
President Ursula von der Leyen stated: “An active role of the European Union is crucial in advancing security and peace in the Black Sea region especially with Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine. We will closely work with our neighbours to foster security and stability in the region. Together we can build a stronger and more prosperous future for all.”
A forward-looking policy framework
Building on its unique position as a bridge between Europe, the Southern Caucasus, Central Asia and Eastern Mediterranean, the Black Sea can serve as a cornerstone of stability, sustainable development, and connectivity through partnerships of shared interest.
The EU strategic approach seeks to unlock the region's potential based on peace efforts and respect of the international order, in respect of the rule of law and international law. Support to Ukraine's overall resilience and security and its reconstruction, when conditions allow, are at the heart of this policy.
Today's proposal will drive sustainable development and enhance economic prosperity with transport, energy, digital and trade corridors connecting the Black Sea Region to the Baltic, the Mediterranean, through the South Caucasus, the Caspian Sea and towards Central Asia.
In addition, given the Black Sea region is particularly vulnerable to natural and human-made disasters, climate change and environmental degradation, today's strategy foresees reinforcing preparedness and climate adaptation – critical for the integrity of natural ecosystems, as well as for people's wellbeing.
The EU will furthermore guide interested partners toward EU integration by strengthening the rule of law, accelerating reforms, aligning with the EU's Common Foreign and Security Policy, and gradually integrating them into the EU Single Market.
Ultimately, the new strategic approach is rooted in people's aspirations to live in a secure, safe, and more prosperous environment. The EU will implement the new strategic approach to the Black Sea in synergy with the enlargement process and the Eastern Partnership policy, which provides a well-established framework for cooperation.
Next steps
The European Commission and the High Representative propose a dedicated EU ministerial meeting with partner countries to advance cooperation under the EU strategic approach.
The Black Sea is a pivotal gateway linking Europe, the South Caucasus, Central Asia, and the Mediterranean. Its stability is crucial for international trade, food security, and broader geopolitical stability, as well as for energy security. The region's sustainable and inclusive development is vital not only for its immediate neighbours but also for the European Union as a whole and globally.
Russia's unprovoked and unjustifiable full-scale invasion of Ukraine has severely destabilised the region, exposing security interdependencies and calling for a coordinated response. The aggression has brought the level of regional and global security to its lowest point since the Cold War, reinforcing the urgency of the EU's role and support in the region.
The EU's role and responsibility in the Black Sea region is increasing, particularly with the opening of accession negotiations with Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova; and with Georgia, should the country revert to the EU path. The EU enlargement process is a strategic investment to enhance regional security and resilience. A coordinated approach with Türkiye, an EU partner of strategic importance and a candidate country is also crucial. Likewise, deepening relations with Armenia and Azerbaijan through cooperation in strategic areas is an important objective for the EU.
The EU strategic approach to the Black Sea region does not come as an isolated regional response to Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine. It is a part of a new package of EU policy initiatives tailored to the broader new geopolitical dynamics including the recently adopted European Union Preparedness Strategy, ProtectEU – a new European Internal Security Strategy, the White Paper on Defence, the new Action Plan to strengthen the security and resilience of Submarine Cables and upcoming - a European Oceans Pact, the European Ports Strategy, a European Democracy Shield, initiatives.
This reflects a streamlined and coordinated approach across the EU, with a focus on defence, resilience and preparedness, in the current global geopolitical context.
The EU strategic approach to the Black Sea region will also further the successful work strands developed under the Black Sea Synergy, the EU policy framework for the region in place since 2007, notably its flagship initiatives - the Common Maritime Agenda for the Black Sea and the Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda.
The strategy will be implemented in synergy with the enlargement process and with the Eastern Partnership, a strategic and ambitious policy framework based on common values, mutual interest and shared ownership. It will be instrumental in developing the Connectivity Agenda based on existing partnerships and governance mechanisms in trade, energy, transport and digital sectors.
In this context, the Global Gateway strategy will play a significant role. Global Gateway boosts smart, clean and secure connections in digital, energy and transport sectors and to strengthen health, education and research systems across the world. It is the EU's positive offer to partner countries aiming to foster sustainable development and resilience through value-driven investments. Global Gateway supports the twin green and digital transitions outside the EU by mobilising public and private sector resources and strengthening strategic connectivity.
Joint Communication
Q/A
Factsheet
ENEST website
Black Sea Synergy
Today we adopt a new Strategy for the Black Sea – a region of great strategic importance to the EU with many countries vying for EU membership. Against a backdrop of Russia breaching airspace, attacking ports and shipping routes, naval mines, front and centre of this work is improving security in the region. We propose a new Maritime Security Hub to strengthen our response, improvements to transport infrastructure to improve military mobility so troops and equipment can be where they are needed, when they are needed, and an intention to boost our work to counter hybrid threats, of which the Black Sea is a prime target.
With EU Member States and candidate countries bordering its shores, the Black Sea is at our doorstep. We want to develop new energy, transport and digital corridors in the region that will connect us to the Caucasus and Central Asia. Better regional connectivity will create new opportunities for trade and businesses. It will also help diversify energy supplies away from Russia. Both Europe and our partners in the region will be more secure and benefit economically. We are intensifying our engagement and building partnerships in the Black Sea region, investing in a common future anchored in security, prosperity, and resilience.
Marta Kos, Commissioner for Enlargement
Eurobarometer shows record high trust in the EU, and strong support for the euro and a common defence and security policy
The latest Eurobarometer survey released today reveals the highest level of trust in the European Union in 18 years and the highest-ever support for the euro. In the current geopolitical context, Europeans would also like to see a stronger and more assertive EU through a common defence and security policy, while peace remains the value that best represents the EU.
Trust in the EU is at its highest in 18 years
52% of Europeans trust the EU, the highest result since 2007. The level of trust is highest among young people aged 15-24 (59%). Setting another 18-year record, 52% of Europeans say they trust the European Commission, with scoring again particularly high among young citizens (57%). At the same time, 36% of Europeans say they trust their national government and 37% say they trust their national parliament.
Three quarters of respondents (75%) - the highest level in more than two decades - say they feel they are citizens of the EU.
In addition, more than six in ten EU citizens (62%) are also optimistic about the future of the EU.
Europeans strongly support the euro
The Eurobarometer survey registered the highest support ever for the common currency, both in the EU (74%) and in the euro area (83%). When it comes to the perception of the situation of the European economy, 44% of Europeans find it good while 48% find it bad. A majority of citizens (43%) still think the European economic situation will remain stable in the next 12 months.
Europeans want a stronger and more assertive EU
Almost seven in ten respondents (69%) agree that the European Union is a place of stability in a troubled world.
Nearly nine in ten Europeans (88%) agree that there should be more rules-based cooperation between countries and regions of the world. More than four in five EU citizens (86%) agree that increasing customs tariffs is harmful for the global economy. Nevertheless, if other countries increase their duties on imports from the EU, 80% of respondents agree that the EU should impose customs tariffs in response to defend its interests.
More than eight in ten (81%) support a common defence and security policy among Member States – the highest result since 2004. At the same time, 78% are concerned about the EU's defence and security in the next five years.
When it comes to priorities for the EU budget, European citizens would like the EU budget to be spent on defence and security (43%) employment, social affairs and public health (42%) and education, training, youth, culture and media (34%, stable). With 40%, security and defence is also the top area which citizens think should benefit from more increased EU funding, followed by energy transition/affordable energy (32%).
According to Europeans, the EU should take measures in the medium-term in the area of security and defence (39%), followed by the economy (29%), migration (24%) and climate and the environment (24%). At the same time, 44% of European citizens think that ensuring peace and stability will have the highest positive impact on their life in the short term, followed by securing food, health, and industry supplies in the EU (27%) and creating more job opportunities (26%).
Peace (41%, +2 pp) remains the value that best represents the EU, followed by democracy (33% - 2pp) and respect for rule of law, democracy and fundamental rights (28%, new item).
Continued and stable support for the EU's response to the war in Ukraine
In the face of the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine, 80% of European respondents agree with welcoming into the EU people fleeing the war, while over three quarters of Europeans (76%) support providing financial and humanitarian support to Ukraine. 72% of EU citizens back economic sanctions on the Russian government, companies, and individuals while six in ten (60%) approve of the EU granting candidate status to Ukraine and 59% agree with the EU financing the purchase and supply of military equipment to Ukraine.
Russia's invasion of Ukraine continues to be considered as the most important issue at EU level (27%) out of 15 items (followed by the international situation at 24% and security and defence at 20%. 77% of European respondents agree that Russia's invasion of Ukraine is a threat to the security of the EU.
The Standard Eurobarometer 103 (Spring 2025) was conducted between 26 March and 22 April 2025 across the 27 Member States. Overall, 26,368 EU citizens were interviewed face-to-face. Interviews were also conducted in nine candidate and potential candidate countries (all except Ukraine) and the United Kingdom.
Standard Eurobarometer 103
EU closing in on the 2030 climate and energy targets, according to national plans
EU Member States have significantly closed the gap to achieving the 2030 energy and climate targets, according to the European Commission's assessment of the National Energy and Climate Plans (NECPs). EU countries have substantially improved their plans following Commission recommendations in December 2023. As a result, the EU is closing in collectively on a 55% reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, as committed in the European Climate Law, and reaching a share of at least 42.5% of renewable energy.
The Commission's assessment shows that the EU is currently on course to reduce net GHG emissions by around 54% by 2030, compared to 1990 levels, if Member States implement fully existing and planned national measures and EU policies. In the current geopolitical context, this demonstrates that the EU is staying the course on its climate commitments, investing with determination in the clean energy transition and prioritising the EU's industrial competitiveness and the social dimension.
Strategic initiatives such as the Clean Industrial Deal and the Affordable Energy Action Plan will complement NECPs in mobilising investments in industrial decarbonisation and clean technology, making the best use of Europe's homegrown renewable potential and energy efficient solutions, helping to deliver lower and more stable energy prices over time.
Member States are demonstrating political resolve to reduce our dependence on imported fossil fuels, improve the resilience and security of energy supplies and infrastructure, accelerate the integration of the internal energy market and support those who need it the most with investments and skills development.
The Commission's assessment provides a solid foundation for discussions on the next steps in the EU's decarbonisation journey towards 2040 and reaching climate neutrality by 2050. The Commission will intensify work with Member States to close the remaining gaps and implement additional guidance, set out in today's assessment.
Next Steps
The next phase should focus on turning plans into action to ensure stability and predictability. This involves directing public funds to effectively support transformative investments, encouraging private investment, and coordinating efforts at both regional and European levels. The Commission will therefore continue to support Member States' efforts in implementation and in addressing the remaining gaps.
Member States that have not yet submitted their final plans – Belgium, Estonia and Poland – must do so without delay. While their overall targets have been included in the EU assessment, the European Commission will review each of their plans individually soon after their formal submission. Additionally, the Commission is working on the individual assessment of Slovakia's final NECP, which was submitted on 15 April 2025.
The Governance Regulation of the Energy Union and Climate Action requires the Member States to regularly submit NECPs, outlining how they intend to meet the 2030 climate and energy targets and Energy Union objectives. These are critical to deliver a fair, resilient, and climate-neutral Europe, and to steer the much-needed investments for the climate and energy transition. They were first finalised in 2020 but needed to be updated to take account of the agreed 2030 legislative package and targets, so called Fit for 55 package.
Draft updated NECPs were due by 30 June 2023. The Commission published an EU-wide assessment, accompanied by country-specific assessments and recommendations, in December 2023. Taking these recommendations into account, Member States were then required to submit their final NECPs by 30 June 2024.
The package published today includes an EU-wide assessment and a Staff Working Document, with the individual assessment of 23 national plans and guidance to facilitate implementation.
NECPs as a governance tool will be reviewed for the post-2030 period as part of the forthcoming revision of the Governance Regulation.
For more information
Communication: An EU-wide assessment of the final updated NECPs
Staff Working Document
Questions and answers
National energy and climate plans
European Climate Law
Europe is proving that reliable and predictable science-based targets and adequate regulation deliver. The updated National Energy and Climate Plans show that the green agenda is not just a target but a way to modernise our economies and to bet on industrial innovation and more opportunities for Europeans. Our task now is to deepen in our capacities and boost action with no delays. We can deliver 55% and we need to build the conditions to reach 90% by 2040. Competitiveness, security, wealth creation and inclusiveness depend on our capacities to move forward a consistent and comprehensive political action plan.
Teresa Ribera, Executive Vice-President for Clean, Just and Competitive Transition
The final National Energy and Climate Plans show the EU is well on track to achieve its 2030 emission target. Emissions are down 37% since 1990, while the economy has grown nearly 70% — proving climate action and growth go hand in hand. Now we must build on this momentum. Investing in clean technologies and innovation is essential for industrial competitiveness and opens new markets for EU companies. Our commitment to the clean transition gives investors clarity and strengthens Europe’s resilience and prosperity. This is a decisive moment — every sector in every Member State must contribute to delivery.
Wopke Hoekstra, Commissioner for Climate, Net Zero and Clean Growth
The updated National Energy and Climate Plans confirm Member States’s strong commitment to deliver on our 2030 targets and making Europe’s energy transition a reality. Renewable energy is becoming the leading source of electricity in the EU and we are reducing our final energy consumption. We will deliver decarbonisation, because it delivers not only clean energy, but also quality jobs, growth and energy security. But we must do more to fast track the benefits of the transition, cut energy demand, improve energy efficiency and ensure that these ambitions materialise while completing our Energy Union.
Dan Jørgensen, Commissioner for Energy and Housing
NOTE TO EDITORS Wednesday, 4 June, at 12:00EEST - fire season preparedness briefing
PRESS INVITATION:
The European Commission representation in Nicosia is organizing an on the record fire season preparedness briefing by a senior Commission Official, on Wednesday 04 June 2025 at 12:00 EEST (EU HOUSE - 2nd floor conference room)
To participate, please reply to this email by Friday 30 MAY at midday indicating the following: full name, email, GSM and which media you represent,
Duration 1hour including Q&A session.
The fire preparedness briefing will be followed by an off the record briefing on the Spring-PACK of the European Economic Semester.
The European Commission appoints a new Director-General at its Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development
The European Commission has decided today to appoint Elisabeth Werner as Director-General for the Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development (DG AGRI). This department supports and promotes a knowledge and evidence-based green and digital transition towards a sustainable, competitive, and resilient EU agriculture, rural areas and food systems, including food security. It is responsible for developing, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). The date of effect of this decision will be 1 June.
With over 25 years of experience within the European Commission, Ms Werner brings a strong combination of institutional knowledge, budgetary expertise, and coordination skills across a wide range of policy areas. Her background includes extensive work on numerous strategic files, including in the field of land transport, competitiveness, clean industry, and sustainability. She has successfully managed teams and coordinated complex files, often requiring close collaboration with other institutions and stakeholders. Her experience in shaping policies that intersect with sustainability, competitiveness, resilience and budgetary implementation make her particularly well-suited to work on the multifaceted challenges of the agricultural sector. Ms Werner's ability to work across sectors and align policy, funding, and implementation tools will be key to advancing an integrated approach to agriculture that supports farmers, strengthens rural communities, and delivers on the EU's ambitions.
Ms Werner, an Austrian national, is currently Deputy Secretary-General at the Secretariat-General of the European Commission. Prior to this, she was Director for Land Transport at the Directorate-General for Mobility and Transport (DG MOVE) where she was responsible for interinstitutional relations, communication and coordination. In earlier stages of her career, she was senior expert and then Head of Cabinet of Vice-President Georgieva (2014-2016) focusing on HR, budgetary matters and anti-fraud. She also took on several Head of Unit positions at DG MOVE and the Directorate-General for Budget (DG BUDG). Ms Werner joined the European Commission in 1996.
(For more information: Balazs Ujvari - Tel.: +32 2 295 45 78; Isabel Otero Barderas - Tel.: +32 2 296 69 25)