DAILY NEWS
Brussels, 28 November 2025
Working for Europe's independence – first year in office of the second von der Leyen Commission
Next Monday 1 December, the second von der Leyen Commission will mark its first year in office.
Over the past 12 months, it has been working on delivering for European citizens and businesses, with an urgency mindset. It focused on helping industries navigate the changing global environment, improving affordability and quality of life for citizens, boosting the clean energy transition and seizing the opportunities of the digital transformation.
It worked for increasing social resilience and strengthening our democracies, as well as diversifying and expanding partnerships globally.
It worked with the Member States for Europe to assume greater responsibility for defence and security, while sustaining our unwavering solidarity with Ukraine.
Looking ahead, the Commission will continue sticking to its commitment: to make Europe more independent, more competitive and more secure.
You can find a factsheet and a webpage summarising the key milestones and initiatives throughout this first year of the mandate.
(For more information: Paula Pinho - Tel.: +32 2 292 08 15)
EU and Southern Mediterranean partners launch the Pact for the Mediterranean in Barcelona
Today, Ministers from EU Member States and Southern Mediterranean partner countries gathered in Barcelona to jointly launch the Pact for the Mediterranean: an historic moment for the EU's deeper cooperation with Mediterranean countries. The launch took place on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the Barcelona Process, a partnership that promotes cooperation and stability between the EU and Mediterranean countries, through shared initiatives. This is another major step toward a more stable, secure and prosperous Common Mediterranean Space.
High Representative/Vice President Kaja Kallas and Commissioner for the Mediterranean Dubravka Šuica co-chaired the launch event, which was attended by Ministers from across Europe and the Mediterranean, showing the importance of this enhanced partnership.
Thirty years after the signature of the Barcelona Declaration, the EU and Southern Mediterranean partners have embarked on a new chapter of collective engagement. In over three decades, the region has changed profoundly – with new challenges and geopolitical dynamics, but also with new opportunities for cooperation. In times of geopolitical uncertainty, the Mediterranean is at the heart of EU's action more than ever.
The Pact for the Mediterranean, presented in October, sets an ambitious and practical framework for the years ahead. It is built on co-ownership, co-creation, and shared responsibility, and it is based on more than 100 concrete initiatives and a strong governance.
The 10th Union for the Mediterranean Regional Forum (UfM) followed the event and offered a unique moment to address the region's most pressing challenges, including the situation in the Middle East. As the meeting marked the 30th anniversary of the Barcelona Process, the Ministers endorsed the UfM's new strategic vision of the Euro-Mediterranean Partnership. With its convening power and experience in building regional networks and flagship projects, UfM will be an important partner in the roll-out of the Pact.
Next steps
Following the launch event in Barcelona and upon endorsement by partners countries, EU leaders are expected to welcome the Pact in the December European Council meeting.
The preparation of a dedicated Action Plan will then follow. This dedicated action plan, to be presented in early 2026, will specify the participating countries and stakeholders for each initiative.
Background
Put forward by the European Commission and the High Representative on 16 October 2025, and welcomed by EU Member States at the Foreign Affairs Council of 20 November, the Pact confirms the Mediterranean region as a strategic priority for the EU.
Born out of a collaborative and inclusive approach, the Pact is the result of an extensive consultation process that brought together the 10 Southern Mediterranean partners, EU Member States and institutions, neighbouring countries, UN agencies, regional organisations, and civil society.
The Pact seeks to drive meaningful change and unlock new opportunities for growth, stability, and cooperation across the Mediterranean region. This will be done by building on and scaling up existing programmes.
For more information
Questions and answers
Press release Pact for the Mediterranean
Factsheet
Quote(s)
The geopolitical importance of the Mediterranean is clearer than ever. Today it is at the top of the EU’s foreign policy agenda, from our support to the Syrian people after the fall of the Assad regime to our quest for stability in Gaza. We are all reaching for the same goals: peace, better lives for our people, and a chance at progress. We can only achieve these objectives through stronger partnerships. That is what our Pact for the Mediterranean is about. Billions more in European investments for over 100 projects will bring it to life.
Kaja Kallas, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the European Commission
Today’s launch of the Pact for the Mediterranean renews a promise for our shared region. By bringing all partners around the same table, we are building a practical and forward-looking framework rooted in co-ownership, joint responsibility and real opportunities for citizens of all shores of the Mediterranean Sea. The Pact has the potential to unlock new engines of human development, sustainability and stability across our Common Mediterranean Space, and today we take another decisive step in this direction together.
Dubravka Šuica, Commissioner for the Mediterranean
EU and the Republic of Korea reinforce tech and digital cooperation at the third Digital Partnership Council
Today, the European Union and the Republic of Korea (ROK) reaffirmed the central role of their partnership in advancing cooperation on emerging digital technologies to unlock mutual benefits for their economies. During the third Digital Partnership Council held in Seoul, the EU also underlined its commitment to strengthening cooperation with digital partners across the world to boost competitiveness, innovation and resilience.
Through the Digital Partnership, the EU and the ROK will continue joint work on research and innovation on emerging technologies, such as semiconductors, 6G, artificial intelligence (AI) and quantum technologies. This cooperation is designed to boost future competitiveness and technological leadership while building stronger economic security through greater resilience in critical technologies, including cybersecurity.
The meeting was co-chaired by Henna Virkkunen, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission for Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy, and Bae Kyung-hoon, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Science and ICT of the Republic of Korea.
Third Digital Partnership Council commitments
The EU and the ROK have reinforced their cooperation across multiple areas. They will continue to work on collaborative research projects related to semiconductors, contributing to more efficient and versatile chips for AI and automated driving applications. Efforts on 6G will also progress, paving the way for seamless connectivity. Both the EU and ROK commended the recent call for collaborative research projects on quantum technologies under the Horizon Europe programme, focusing on advancing these technologies through shared development, expertise exchange and stronger long-term collaboration.
The partners will maintain close regulatory cooperation on AI. They are committed to exploring mutual recognition of conformity assessment results in line with the AI Act. Additionally, they will cooperate on standardisation, engage in joint research and innovation and focus on evaluating AI safety and trustworthiness.
Information exchange on data spaces will be enhanced by exploring joint research initiatives and discussing standards. The partners are also considering establishing a joint working group to support the interoperability of data spaces.
The EU and the ROK will reinforce a number of areas in their bilateral Cyber Dialogue, including the sharing of cyber threat information, cooperation on software supply chain security and Internet of Things product security certifications. They will also focus on cybersecurity skills and exploring potential joint research.
In addition, cooperation on standardisation will be reinforced in international standardisation forums, such as the International Telecommunications Union.
The next Digital Partnership Council will be held in Brussels in 2026.
Since the launch of the Digital Partnership in 2022, the EU and the ROK have advanced their collaboration in many digital and tech areas. This includes collaborative research, regulatory dialogue, and fostering common positions in international fora. This partnership aligns with the EU's strategy for Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific, strengthening ties with countries in the region, and advancing the International Digital Strategy.
For More Information
Joint EU-ROK statement
Today’s meeting has reaffirmed the commitment of the EU and the Republic of Korea to continue to work together to boost our innovation and competitiveness, to ensure our economic security and to build a digital environment that reflects our shared values. I look forward to continuing our digital partnership.
Henna Virkkunen, Executive Vice-President for Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy
EU launches plan to strengthen preparedness for cross-border health crises
Today, the European Union is boosting its health preparedness architecture through the new Union prevention, preparedness and response plan for health crises. It will provide policymakers, crisis managers, and stakeholders with practical tools, such as exchanging information, expertise and technical assistance when a crisis occurs, for coordinated action in times of health crises to protect the health and well-being of people across the EU.
The Union plan addresses all potential health hazards and crises, whether natural, accidental, or intentional, caused by various threats. It outlines the EU's health crisis governance framework, which ranges from available capacities and resources, to support mechanisms and surveillance, across all phases of the crisis management cycle. For example, the Union plan will help Member States by outlining the EU's health crisis toolkit, comprised of:
Building on lessons from COVID-19, the Union plan highlights the importance of the development of national plans for health crises and helps Member States to develop them in coherence with EU frameworks. The Union plan is a living document and will be updated regularly as lessons are learned from real-life crises and new challenges emerge. It will be also regularly tested through simulation exercises, the first scheduled for 2026 and with the involvement of Member States, EU agencies and stakeholders, to ensure the plan remains effective and adaptable to new threats.
The plan strengthens the EU's collective ability to protect people across the EU and maintain continuity of essential services by providing a comprehensive framework for preventing, preparing for, responding to, and recovering from health crises. Implemented through coordinated action among the Commission, EU institutions and agencies and Member States, together we are building a stronger, more resilient, and inclusive European Health Union, ensuring that everyone is protected in the face of cross-border threats to health.
The plan supports the implementation of the EU Preparedness Union Strategy. It is based on a whole-of-government and society approach. This will be guided by the principle of One Health, which pursues to improve the interdependent health of humans, animals and the environment. The plan also promotes cooperation with international partners such as the World Health Organisation in alignment with the EU's global health priorities.
The Niinistö Report on Preparedness and Readiness of the EU concluded that strengthening Europe's preparedness and readiness to address today's growing security challenges, of which health was a key priority and matter of urgency. The report also recognised that preparedness is not only a national responsibility but a shared European endeavour requiring stronger role for the Union in coordinating and supporting Member States in this area. The Union plan is a key action of the EU Preparedness Union Strategy in the health sector, based on Regulation (EU) 2022/2371 on serious cross-border threats to health. This Regulation is the cornerstone of the EU Health Security Framework, helping countries to work together, prepare for and respond to health threats effectively.
More information:
Commission Communication introducing the Union prevention, preparedness and response plan for health crises
Factsheet – Union prevention, preparedness and response plan for health crises
Website – Prevention, preparedness and response planning
The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of anticipating threats and being ready to react quickly and effectively when crises strike. By linking national and EU efforts better, today’s Union Plan gives us a solid set of tools to prepare for, prevent and respond to health crisis more robustly. This will help to manage impacts, protect people and support recovery.
Olivér Várhelyi, Commissioner for Health and Animal Welfare
EU agri-food trade strengthens in September as surplus rises
The latest agri-food trade report published today by the European Commission shows that the EU agri-food trade surplus experienced strong month-on-month growth, reaching €5.4 billion in September 2025, which is 45% higher than in August.
EU agri-food exports reached €20.1 billion in September 2025, up 13% from August and 4% above September 2024. The UK remained the largest destination for EU exports between January and September, accounting for 23% of the total (€41.5 billion), up by €1.8 billion (+5%), supported by higher value of cocoa products, chocolate and dairy. The US remained the second-largest destination, while Switzerland ranked third. Exports to Ukraine also rose by €540 million (+21%).
EU agri-food imports reached €14.7 billion in September 2025, 5% higher than August. Imports from Côte d'Ivoire saw the largest increase between January and September (€2.3 billion, +48%, driven by high cocoa prices), followed by Canada (+€1.5 billion, +88%, mainly in rapeseed, wheat and maize). Imports from Russia fell by 68% (−€585 million), partly because of lower oilseed imports, continuing the longer term downwards trend.
More insights as well as detailed tables are available in the latest edition of the monthly EU agri-food trade report.
(For more information: Maciej Berestecki – Tel.: +32 2 296 64 83; Emma Marechal - Tel.: +32 2 299 48 18)
EU and Türkiye deepen cooperation in industrial decarbonisation and innovation policy
Ekaterina Zaharieva, Commissioner for Startups, Research, and Innovation, and Mehmet Fatih Kacır, Minister of Industry and Technology of the Republic of Türkiye, met in Brussels for the third EU-Türkiye High-Level Dialogue on science, research, technology, and innovation.
The meeting focused on the EU's and Türkiye's science, technology, and innovation policies and programmes and on the potential for research and innovation to deliver on the green transformation of Türkiye's industrial sector. Smart Specialisation Strategies were noted among the instruments that could help guide this process. Türkiye presented the Türkiye Industrial Decarbonisation Investment Platform launched by the Ministry of Industry and Technology in collaboration with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development and the World Bank Group. Discussions also touched on the role of innovation in driving economic development and on technologies in support of the green industrial transformation.
The EU and Türkiye continue to advance high-level engagement on many issues of joint interest. Eight High-Level Dialogues have taken place since the start of 2024, covering topics such as migration and security, health, climate, and science, research, technology and innovation.
More information about the outcomes of the dialogue is available online.
(For more information: Thomas Regnier — Tel. + 32 2 299 10 99; Nika Blazevic — Tel. + 32 2 299 27 17)
Commission approves €70 million Latvian State aid scheme to support investments in holdings linked to primary agricultural production
The European Commission has approved, under EU State aid rules, a Latvian scheme of around €70 million to foster investments in agricultural companies active in primary agricultural production.
The goal of the scheme is to make agricultural companies more sustainable and resilient. The scheme will support investments to build new installations, promote the development and financing of viable business projects and new equipment, as well as innovation, R&D and new technologies.
Under the scheme, the aid will take the form of loans with a capital discount (direct grants provided to write off part of the principal amount of a loan). The scheme will run until 31 December 2026.
The Commission assessed the scheme under EU State aid rules, in particular Article 107(3)(c) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU, which allows Member States to support the development of certain economic activities under certain conditions, and the Guidelines for State aid in the agricultural and forestry sectors and in rural areas. The Commission found that the scheme is necessary and appropriate to encourage the relevant investments linked to primary agricultural production. Furthermore, the Commission found that the scheme is proportionate as it is limited to the minimum necessary and will have a limited impact on competition and trade between Member States. On this basis, the Commission approved the Latvian scheme under EU State aid rules.
The non-confidential version of the decision will be made available under the case number SA.119558 in the State aid register on the Commission's competition website once any confidentiality issues have been resolved.
(For more information: Arianna Podestà – Tel.: +32 2 298 70 24; Luuk de Klein – Tel.: +32 229 94774)
Commission approves new methodology for Latvian guarantee premiums in line with EU State aid rules
The European Commission has approved Latvia's methodology for calculating guarantee premiums on new loans to large enterprises, including small mid-cap and mid-cap companies, in light of EU State aid rules. This new methodology aims to establish fair and market-oriented premiums for public guarantees backing loans. Latvia plans to use the methodology to calculate the Gross Grant Equivalent under the de minimis regulation and the General Block Exemption Regulation (GBER). The framework will be implemented by ALTUM, Latvia's state-owned development finance institution, and will remain in effect until end of 2030.
Latvia's methodology includes detailed provisions for calculating risk-based premiums, effective interest rate (EIR) premiums (relating the guarantee premiums to the interest rate charged by the lenders on the partially guaranteed loans), and credit default swap (CDS) premiums. The latter are used as a benchmark for credit risk of large companies. ALTUM will determine the guarantee premiums using the highest amount from these three calculations, thus ensuring alignment with market conditions. These premiums will cover administrative costs, capital remuneration, and expected losses. Additionally, the EIR method provides a safeguard against potential aid to the lenders.
The methodology is applicable to all economic sectors, except for companies in financial difficulties. It also requires enterprises to be registered in Latvia. Guarantees will back loans of up to €25 million with a maturity period not exceeding 20 years. The methodology excludes guarantees on export credit and ensures compliance with EU State aid rules. The total national budget for guarantees over the period of validity of the methodology is EUR 380 million.
The Commission concluded that Latvia's scheme meets all requirements of the Guarantee Notice and can be used to calculate guarantee premiums that are aligned with market prices. This approval underscores Latvia's commitment to fostering economic growth while adhering to stringent regulatory standards.
The non-confidential version of the decision will be made available under the number SA.119003 in the State aid register on the Commission's competition website once any confidentiality issues have been resolved.
Commissioner Serafin to visit Hungary and Slovakia for his ‘Tour d'Europe'
As part of the ‘Tour d'Europe' to consult Member States on the European long-term budget, Commissioner Serafin will travel to Hungary and Slovakia next week. These visits will focus on the impact of EU funds in the regions, through meetings with public authorities and beneficiaries of EU funding. He will also take part in discussions on strengthening the EU's anti-fraud framework and underline the important role of civil society in promoting transparency and accountability in the management of the EU budget.
On Monday, the Commissioner will start the Tour in Hungary, in Budapest, where he will give the welcome speech at the Converging Roads of Integrity 2025 conference. Following this, he will meet with the President of the Integrity Authority, Ferenc Pál Biró. In the afternoon, Commissioner Serafin will meet with János Bóka, Minister for European Union Affairs, to discuss the ongoing negotiations on the Multiannual Financial Framework.
The next day, Commissioner Serafin will travel to Slovakia. In Bratislava, he will meet Robert Fico, Prime Minister of the Slovak Republic. Following this, he will visit the Ekocentrum Čunovo, an EU-funded centre for environmental education and raising public awareness regarding nature conservation. To this visit he will be accompanied by Juraj Droba, Chairman of the Bratislava Self-governing region.
More information on Commissioner Serafin's Tour d'Europe is available in its dedicated website.
(For more information: Maciej Berestecki – Tel.: +32 2 296 64 83; Isabel Otero Barderas – Tel.: +32 2 296 69 25)