DAILY NEWS
Brussels, 10 December 2025
Commission hosts Second International Conference of the Global Alliance to Counter Migrant Smuggling
The European Commission is hosting the Second International Conference of the Global Alliance to Counter Migrant Smuggling in Brussels today. The Conference brings together more than 80 delegations, many at ministerial level, from EU Member States and international partners, along with high representatives from international organisations, committed to strengthening global cooperation against migrant smuggling. President Ursula von der Leyen opened the event with a keynote speech.
The smuggling of migrants remains a grave concern, with criminal networks having links to other serious criminal offences, such as money laundering, corruption and trafficking in drugs. The Global Alliance is a key element of the Commission's approach to countering migrant smuggling worldwide, as underlined in the 2024-2029 political guidelines and in President Ursula von der Leyen's 2025 State of the Union address.
President Ursula von der Leyen said: “It must be Europe that decides who comes to us and in what circumstances, not the people-smugglers and traffickers. Today, we join forces with our partners and take the Global Alliance to the next level. To prevent illegal journeys in the first place, to break the smugglers business and also to better inform and warn those targeted by the smugglers.”
Launch of a Joint Declaration on the Global Alliance to Counter Migrant Smuggling
More than 50 Partners have today endorsed a Joint Declaration reaffirming their commitment to strengthen international cooperation against migrant smuggling. The Declaration sets out a joint way forward with three main pillars to:
Since its establishment in 2023, the Global Alliance to Counter Migrant Smuggling has achieved significant results in disrupting smuggling operations and strengthening international cooperation. This year, irregular border crossings at the EU's external borders have fallen by 26% compared to last year, reflecting the impact of close collaboration with countries of origin and transit.
Moreover, important steps are taken at EU level including the agreement by co-legislators in September 2025 to reinforce Europol's role in combating migrant smuggling and human trafficking, measures in June 2023 to prevent the use of air transport to facilitate irregular migration and the Commission's proposal in November 2023 for a Directive to establish minimum rules to prevent and counter the facilitation of unauthorised entry, transit and stay in the Union.
As a follow up to President von der Leyen's State of the Union address 2025 the Commission took forward the work on establishing a new sanctions regime against smugglers and traffickers to freeze their assets, restrict their freedom of movement and deprive them of their profits. The Commission, together with the European External Action Service, are now consulting the Council on the key parameters for such a sanction regime before putting forward proposals.
The Commission is also supporting law enforcement and judicial authorities in Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean through operational partnerships and capacity-building projects that bring EU Member States and partners together. In parallel, work is ongoing to step up alternatives to illegal migration and work closely with partners to address its root causes.
Next steps
The Global Alliance and its Joint Declaration will remain open for endorsement by additional partners and international organisations committed to strengthening collective efforts to counter migrant smuggling worldwide.
To better prevent migrant smuggling, the Commission, together with its partners will intensify efforts to curb the use of digital means and commercial transport to facilitate migrant smuggling and strengthen efforts to counter smugglers' misinformation. It will also increase support to law enforcement and judicial cooperation with international partners, allocating €128.9 million for actions across the Western Balkans, Africa, Asia and Latin America by end-2026.
The Commission will also advance alternatives to illegal migration, developing the EU Talent Pool platform, promoting Talent Partnerships and launching the first pilot European Legal Gateway Office in India. Additional funding will reinforce voluntary return and reintegration in the Western Balkans, Sub-Saharan Africa and Asia by 2026 (€308 million) and programmes directed to offer better opportunities to the youth in West Africa (€100 million).
In parallel, the Commission will continue to support co-legislators in the negotiation of the proposal for a Directive to establish minimum rules to prevent and counter the facilitation of unauthorised entry, transit and stay in the Union.
For more information
Proposal for a Directive laying down minimum rules to prevent and counter the facilitation of unauthorised entry, transit and stay in the Union
Regulation on enhancing policy cooperation in relation to the prevention, detection and investigation of migrant smuggling and trafficking in human beings and on enhancing Europol's support to preventing and combating such crimes
2025 International Conference on a Global Alliance to Counter Smuggling of Migrants
2023 International Conference on a Global Alliance to Counter Smuggling of Migrants
DG HOME website on Migrant Smuggling
2023 Call to Action // Global Alliance
Joint Declaration
Factsheet
Quote(s)
It must be Europe that decides who comes to us and in what circumstances, not the people-smugglers and traffickers. Today, we join forces with our partners and take the Global Alliance to the next level. To prevent illegal journeys in the first place, to break the smugglers business and also to better inform and warn those targeted by the smugglers.
Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission
To fight smuggling we need to be ambitious in our goals and bold in our actions. Today’s Global Alliance on Anti-Smuggling is a clear commitment to that. Working at global level with our partners in a ‘whole of society’ approach to prevent, respond, and operate a paradigm shift: moving away from illegal migration while providing safe and legal pathways in the interest of all. In the digital age, we must also go digital to beat digital - by boosting investigations, stepping up cooperation with platforms and deploying advanced technology to disrupt criminal networks and protect vulnerable people.
Henna Virkkunen, Executive Vice-President for Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy
Countering migrant smuggling is a global challenge that must also be addressed globally. It is in the interest of all countries affected by the consequences of this criminal business to work together. We welcome the strong willingness of the participating partners to jointly and in a coordinated manner confront these criminal structures. With the conference, we are sending a strong signal: we are fighting smuggling networks, further reducing illegal migration, and creating legal pathways for mobility. For us in the EU, it is clear: if we want to stop smugglers, we need to work together at a global level.
Magnus Brunner, Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration
Commission proposes upgrade of the EU's energy infrastructure to lower bills and boost independence
The backbone of European energy system, the grids infrastructure, will be modernised and expanded to unleash its full potential. The Commission's European Grids Package and the Energy Highways initiative, proposed today, will enable energy to flow efficiently across all Member States, integrating cheaper clean energy and accelerating electrification. This will help lower energy prices and support affordable living for all Europeans. It will ensure secure and reliable supply as Europe moves away from Russian energy imports to achieve energy independence.
The Grids Package marks a new approach to energy infrastructure by bringing a truly European perspective on infrastructure planning, while accelerating permitting procedures and ensuring a fairer division of costs regarding cross-border projects. The new approach will allow the best use of our existing energy infrastructure and, in parallel, accelerate the development of grids and other physical energy infrastructure across the EU.
To future-proof the grid infrastructure, the Commission is proposing additional ways of financing. Cost-sharing and bundling are such examples: increasingly integrated cross-border energy infrastructure deliver benefits beyond the territories where they are built. This makes fair and transparent cost-sharing essential to avoid disproportionate burdens on local consumers. To tackle this, the European Grids Package aims to provide more transparency and fairness in the way costs and benefits are assessed. Bundling infrastructure projects can also make financing easier, for example through the establishment of special purpose vehicles, thereby attracting additional investment.
Announced by President Ursula von der Leyen in her State of the Union 2025, the 8 Energy Highways address the most urgent infrastructure needs that require additional short-term support and commitment for implementation. They were selected based on their strategic importance to complete the Energy Union and on the level of political support from the EU needed for their successful implementation.
The Commission is committed to immediately fast-tracking the Energy Highways through enhanced political coordination, drawing on the Regional High-Level Groups, mobilising support of European coordinators and working closely with the Energy Union Task Force, extending outreach beyond EU Member States where necessary. Each project will be prioritised at EU level, and the Commission will support Member States in giving them the same priority nationally.
The legislative proposals will now pass to the European Parliament and the Council under the ordinary legislative procedure. In parallel, the Commission will continue collaborating closely with Member States and all relevant stakeholders to implement key cross-border energy infrastructure projects - as recently published under the second Union list on Projects of Common Interest and Projects of Mutual Interest. Such collaboration will be pivotal in view of delivering swiftly on the Energy Highways initiative, as well as on the acceleration of permitting for renewable energy projects, storage projects and recharging stations.
Background
Despite the progress achieved within the current EU legal framework, the EU has not reached the level of interconnectivity among Member States that would enable a genuine Energy Union, as several Member States are not on track to meet the 15% interconnection target by 2030. The cost of inaction is staggering: in 2022, fossil fuels had the largest share of gross available energy use (70%) in the EU, with 98% of all oil and gas used in Member States being imported. This exposes the EU to price volatility and geopolitical risks.
In 2024, industrial electricity prices in the EU reached €0.199 per kWh, compared to €0.082 in China and €0.075 in the US. In the first half of 2025, the average electricity price for EU consumers varied from €0.3835 per kWh in Germany to €0.1040 per kWh in Hungary, while non-household electricity prices ranged from €0.2726 per kWh in Ireland to €0.0804 per kWh in Finland. A key reason for this disparity is the insufficient level of investment in and integration of our infrastructure.
Scaling up financial support is hence key. As part of the 2028-2034 Multi-annual Financial Framework, the Commission proposed a five-fold increase of the CEF Energy budget from €5.84 billion to €29.91 billion. Public funding will be complemented by actions to leverage private investments in the upcoming Clean Energy Investment Strategy.
Questions and answers
Communication on European Grids Package - Energy - European Commission
Proposal for revised Trans-European Network for Energy (TEN-E) Regulation - Energy
Proposal for revised Directive to accelerate permit-granting procedures of infrastructure projects - Energy
Guidance on efficient grid connections - Energy - European Commission
Guidance on Contracts for difference - Energy - European Commission
European grids - European Commission
PCI interactive map
The European Grids Package is more than just a policy. It’s our commitment for an inclusive future, where every part of Europe reaps the benefits of the energy revolution: cheaper clean energy, reduced dependence on imported fossil fuels, secure supply and protection against price shocks. It symbolises our determination to overcoming challenges through unity, delivering a true EU response to a challenge of EU importance.
Teresa Ribera, Executive Vice-President for Clean, Just and Competitive Transition
A truly interconnected and integrated energy system is the foundation of a strong and independent Europe. To achieve it, we need an energy infrastructure network of cables, pipes and grids that is up to date, fully interconnected, and that enables clean, affordable, homegrown energy to flow freely and securely to every corner of our Union. This is exactly what we are proposing today: a common European energy project that supports affordable living, economic competitiveness, security and decarbonisation.
Dan Jørgensen, Commissioner for Energy and Housing
Promoting sustainable growth with simpler and smarter environmental legislation
Today, the European Commission presented a package of measures to simplify environmental legislation in the areas of industrial emissions, circular economy, environmental assessments and geospatial data. The changes will contribute to reducing the administrative burden for businesses, while keeping the EU's ambitious objectives to protect the environment and human health. It will accelerate and streamline permitting processes for all projects, in particular in strategic sectors, such as strategic digital projects, critical raw materials projects and affordable housing, facilitating the transition to a clean and digital economy in the EU. Simplifying regulations and reducing administrative burdens is indeed essential to meet these environmental objectives and strengthen the EU's competitiveness.
With this proposal, businesses are expected to save approximately €1 billion per year, bringing the annual administrative savings stemming from the omnibuses and other simplification initiatives the Commission has already presented to almost €11 billion per year. It thus brings us closer to the overall target of €37.5 billion in annual administrative cost savings by the end of this Commission's mandate in 2029.
This initiative is part of a broader effort aligned with the EU's Competitiveness Compass. It will contribute to cutting red tape and support the EU's competitiveness and resilience, while fostering green growth.
Today's simplification package is composed of six legislative proposals. The simplifications proposed today include targeted legislative changes, and reflect the contributions from stakeholders following a call for evidence announced on 22 July 2025. The call gathered more than 190,000 responses.
The European Commission will continue to work towards simplification of existing legislation beyond today's package of measures, building on the suggestions received during the call for evidence.
Key elements of the proposal
Project developers will benefit from simplified and accelerated procedures, including single points of contact, digitalisation and faster procedures. These measures will speed up key projects necessary for the EU economy. In addition, the proposal includes a toolbox with additional accelerating measures for strategic sectors and projects that contribute to decarbonisation or resource efficiency, including affordable housing.
Companies will have more flexibility under the Industrial Emissions Directive (IED) in implementing environmental management systems (EMS).
For instance, the requirement to include transformation plans will be removed. More time will be given to operators for the preparation of Environmental Management Systems (EMS). There will be no need for independent audits for EMS.
Farmers and aquaculture operators will be exempted from certain reporting obligations, therefore alleviating administrative burden. Moreover, the scope of farming activities will be simplified and duplications for organic farms reduced.
The cost of the Substances of Concern in Products (SCIP) database on hazardous substances in products was disproportionately high, and its functions will be replaced with more effective digital solutions such as the Digital Product Passport and implementation of the One Substance One Assessment package. This is why the Commission proposes to amend the Waste Framework Directive to repeal the SCIP database.
Currently legislation for batteries, packaging, electronic equipment, single-use plastic and waste requires EU-based companies to appoint an authorised representative to fulfil obligations related to their extended producer responsibility. Companies must set up this system in every Member State where they are not established and sell products. This obligation will be suspended for European producers while further streamlining of the EPR schemes under the Circular Economy Act is pending. This will reduce costs to do business in the EU.
The current technical requirements for geospatial data under the INSPIRE Directive will be fully aligned with the horizontal legislation governing public sector high value geospatial data. This simplification will lower compliance costs for public authorities and facilitate access to high value geospatial data sets for all public and private users.
Future simplification
The Commission is committed to continuing to exploit the full potential for simplification, stress testing EU legislation and working on effective implementation. The simplification process will continue throughout the next years, focusing on stress-testing, guidance and improving existing legislation.
For example, to ensure a smooth and timely transition of the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation, the Commission is due to publish guidance soon to provide further clarity and harmonised implementation on issues raised in the call for evidence.
Also the Water Framework Directive will be reviewed and revised in 2026 – as already announced in the RESourceEU Action Plan. With the upcoming revision of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive, the Commission will also aim to improve coherence with the EU freshwater acquis. And as part of the Water Resilience Strategy, there will be a series of Structures Water Dialogues that could identify additional issues and lead to further improvements.
Additionally, the Circular Economy Act, scheduled for 2026, will deliver simpler, harmonised rules and lower costs for cross-border circular activities.
The legislative proposal will now be submitted to the European Parliament and the Council for adoption.
The Environmental Omnibus package marks the eighth omnibus proposal. The Commission set a course to simplify EU rules to make the EU economy more competitive and more prosperous, with a clear target to deliver an unprecedented simplification effort by achieving at least 25% reduction in administrative burdens, and at least 35% for SMEs until the end of 2029.
In 2024, a Flash Eurobarometer survey (No 549) of SMEs indicated that intentions to green their operations through resource efficiency, renewable energy and other measures were affected by the complexity of legislation.
Complex administrative or legal procedures and complex environmental reporting were cited by companies of all sizes. Engagement with stakeholders in recent months provided the feedback on practical difficulties and bottlenecks they encounter when ensuring compliance with the laws and where the administrative and reporting burden could be reduced without jeopardising the objective of the laws.
Stakeholders have also underlined the need to accelerate and streamline permitting processes.
Questions and answers on the environmental simplification package
Environmental simplification package
An EU Compass to regain competitiveness and secure sustainable prosperity
Commission proposes to cut red tape and simplify business environment
Simplification of administrative burdens in environmental legislation
This legislative simplification provides a careful balance, facilitating businesses to operate more efficiently while preserving our core environmental and health goals.
Today’s omnibus proposal shows what simplification is all about: reducing administrative burden for businesses, while at the same time maintaining our high standards. We are listening to our businesses’ call and taking another step in the right direction. By cutting red tape we are fostering a more competitive business environment, reducing costs, and ensuring that EU companies can focus on innovation and growth.
Valdis Dombrovskis, Commissioner for Economy and Productivity; Implementation and Simplification
There is no contradiction between high environmental standards and competitiveness, these are two sides of the same coin. Today’s package upholds our environmental standards, reduces administrative burden and eases implementation. This will help us deliver on our ambitious environmental goals and future proof our resilience.
Jessika Roswall, Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy
EU becomes major Green Bond issuer
The EU has become one of the largest issuers of green bonds in the world, according to the 2025 edition of the NextGenerationEU (NGEU) Green Bonds Annual Allocation and Impact Report, published yesterday. It shows that, a total of €78.5 billion worth of NextGenerationEU Green Bonds have been issued to date, which will avoid an estimated 14 million tons of CO₂ per year being released.
At least 37% of spending in Member States' Recovery and Resilience Plans (RRPs) is set to be used for sustainable investments and reforms in areas such as green infrastructure and renewable energy. NextGenerationEU Green Bonds reflect the Commission's commitment to supporting green investments and reforms, while allowing investors and markets to be part of the solution. The bonds finance projects all across the European Union, offering support in areas such as clean and efficient energy, biodiversity, and clean transport.
The full implementation of climate-related projects under the Recovery and Resilience Facility (worth €262.8 billion on 1 August 2025) has the potential to reduce the EU's greenhouse gas emissions by 53.4 million tons of CO₂ per year. This would be equivalent to 1.5% of the aggregate 2022 EU greenhouse gas emissions.
The Commission will continue to report on the pool of expenditure that can be financed with funds raised from NextGenerationEU Green Bonds through its regularly updated online Dashboard and its annual reports.
NextGenerationEU Green Bond issuances are underpinned by the NGEU Green Bond framework. The framework, adopted in September 2021, is aligned with the Green Bond principles of the International Capital Market Association, ensuring alignment with market standards on the use, management and reporting of proceeds.
The annual NGEU Green Bonds Impact and Allocation report is the primary means for communicating with investors and stakeholders on the use of proceeds and the climate impacts of NGEU Green Bond financed investments.
The 2025 edition of the report builds on previous NGEU Green Bonds Allocation and Impact Reports. The information included in the report is based on a cut-off date of 1 August 2025.
For More Information
NGEU Green Bond Impact and Allocation report
Questions and answers for the NextGenerationEU Green Bonds Annual Allocation and Impact Report
EU as a borrower website
Next Generation EU Green Bonds
NextGenerationEU Green Bond Dashboard
NextGenerationEU - The road to 2026
European Research Council invests €728 million in 349 top researchers through Consolidator Grants
The European Research Council (ERC) has selected 349 mid-career researchers for this year's Consolidator Grants. Funded by the EU's Horizon Europe programme, these grants will let researchers pursue ground-breaking ideas across disciplines.
The grants will support cutting-edge research at universities and research centres in 25 EU Member States and associated countries. Projects that will receive funding include constructing powered protein motors, using quantum sensing to detect early sepsis and designing nanoparticles that target tumour cells.
Ekaterina Zaharieva, European Commissioner for Startups, Research and Innovation, said: “Congratulations to all the researchers on winning the ERC grants. The record budget of €728 million shows the EU is serious about making the continent attractive for excellent researchers.”
The ERC received 3,121 applications for this call - a 35% increase compared with the previous round last year.
(For more information: Thomas Regnier — Tel. + 32 2 299 10 99; Nika Blazevic — Tel. + 32 2 299 27 17)
Commission approves new geographical indication from Croatia and Slovenia
Today, the Commission has added ‘Istarski ovčji sir / Istrski ovčji sir' from Croatia and Slovenia to its list of Protected Geographical Indications (PGI).
‘Istarski ovčji sir / Istrski ovčji sir' is a hard, full-fat cheese obtained through the coagulation of raw or pasteurised sheep's milk using rennet, with the separation of the whey. The taste is salty and spicy, with a pronounced fragrant note of sheep's milk and the plant species on which the sheep feed. The long-aged cheeses melt in the mouth when consumed, and the flavours become stronger. With longer ageing, the cheese takes on a typically spicy, and flavour.
It may be placed on the market after at least 60 days of ripening, but no later than after 12 months of ripening.
The preferred timing of consumption lies in the first 12 months of the cheese being placed on the market.
The specific characteristics and quality of ‘Istarski ovčji sir / Istrski ovčji sir' are the result of the semi-extensive way in which the sheep are reared, the composition of the milk of the native Istriana (Istarska ovca/Istrska pramenka) breed of sheep, and the long tradition and skill of making sheep's cheese.
Istarski ovčji sir, or Istrski ovčji sir, is produced in the Istrian region, which spans both Croatia and Slovenia. This cheese reflects the area's unique cultural and environmental influences. In Croatia, the cheese benefits from the mild sub-Mediterranean climate along the coast, while Slovenia contributes its mountainous terrains, affecting the grazing conditions for the native Istriana sheep. The blend of Croatia's coastal fields and Slovenia's diverse terrains gives the sheep milk rich flavors, leading to a cheese that's aromatic and lasts a long time.
These regional differences, along with traditional cheesemaking techniques passed down through generations, make Istarski ovčji sir a celebrated delicacy with unique flavors from each side of the border.
This new designation joins the more than 3,692 protected names already listed in the eAmbrosia database. For more information, see the Quality Policy pages.
(For more information: Balazs Ujvari - Tel.: +32 2 295 45 78; Constanze Ulrich - Tel.: +32 2 299 38 44)
Commissioner Šuica travels to the United Arab Emirates
Tomorrow, Commissioner for the Mediterranean Dubravka Šuica will be in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE), to strengthen EU-UAE relations and launch the negotiations for the EU-UAE Strategic Partnership Agreement (SPA).
The discussions will notably focus on EU-UAE bilateral co-operation, the launch of negotiations for an SPA, the situation in the wider Middle East region, and the involvement of the UAE in the implementation of the Pact for the Mediterranean.
During her visit, Commissioner Šuica will meet with the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and with the State Minister for Political Affairs, and Envoy of the Foreign Minister to the EU, Lana Nusseibeh.
Commissioner Šuica will also deliver a keynote speech at the EU-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Green Finance and Investment Forum. The forum will provide the opportunity to discuss ways to accelerate the green transition in the Gulf and the wider Mediterranean region.
Audiovisual coverage will be available on EBS.
(For more information: Guillaume Mercier – Tel. +32 2 298 05 64; Luca Dilda – Tel. +32 2 295 21 53)
Commissioner Kos in Ukraine to advance EU accession process
Today and tomorrow, Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos is in Ukraine to discuss the country's EU accession with Member States at an informal meeting of EU Ministers. Discussions will also focus on Ukraine's reform agenda, in particular rule-of-law developments, and ongoing EU-supported reconstruction efforts.
This morning, Commissioner Marta Kos visited a thermal power plant with Deputy Minister of Energy for EU Integration Olga Yukhymchuk. The plant has been repeatedly targeted by Russia and is being restored with support from the Ukraine Energy Support Fund. This restoration of the plant exemplifies the EU's efforts in strengthening Ukraine's energy resilience - from repairing critical infrastructure to expanding district heating, renewables and energy-efficient buildings - ensuring essential services remain heated this winter.
This afternoon, Commissioner Kos, together with Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration Taras Kachka and Deputy Speaker of the Ukrainian Parliament Oleksandr Korniyenko will meet Ukrainian civil society to discuss EU's enlargement policy and the role of civic actors in sustaining reform efforts. The Commissioner will then hold a meeting with Deputy Prime Minister Kachka focused on the reform needs for Ukraine's EU accession.
Tomorrow, Commissioner Kos will attend the memorial ceremony for fallen defenders before giving a doorstep at +/- 10:00 EET. She will then join the informal General Affairs Council in Lviv. Together with Deputy Prime Minister Kachka and Danish European Affairs Minister Marie Bjerre, representing the Council Presidency, she will take part in discussions on the state of play of accession negotiations. A joint press conference with Deputy Prime Minister Kachka and Minister Bjerre will take place at +/- 13:00 CET.
(For more information: Guillaume Mercier – Tel. +32 2 298 05 64; Yuliya Matsyk – Tel. +32 2 296 27 16)
Commissioner Brunner hosts implementation dialogue on talent attraction and retention
Tomorrow, Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration, Magnus Brunner, will host the implementation dialogue on talent attraction and retention in Brussels. The dialogue will gather public and private stakeholders to discuss challenges and exchange ideas to better attract and retain talent from outside the EU.
EU companies, especially small and medium enterprises, are facing labour shortages that hinder their competitiveness and the one of the EU. EU businesses continue to face challenges in recruiting the talent they need, such as long processing times, lengthy and complex administrative procedures. This dialogue will provide an opportunity to discuss these challenges and share best practices and ideas to strengthen the EU's ability to attract international talent. Insights from the dialogue will feed into the Commission's future initiatives, including the upcoming EU Strategies on Visa Policy and on Migration and Asylum, planned for early 2026.
Implementation dialogues are high-level consultations launched by the Commission to improve how EU policies are implemented on the ground, in close cooperation with Member States and stakeholders. Implementation Dialogues are part of the Commission's commitment to seek feedback from stakeholders for the implementation and simplification of EU policies. As outlined in the Commission's Communication on Implementation and Simplification for the 2024-2029 mandate, all Members of the College of Commissioners must host such Dialogues annually.
More information on this dialogue will be available online
(For more information: Markus Lammert – Tel. +32 2 296 75 33; Cristina Dumitrescu – Tel.: + 32 2 296 60 91)
Commissioner Roswall at the United Nations Environment Assembly to strengthen multilateral environmental action
Tomorrow and Thursday, 11 and 12 December, Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy, Jessika Roswall, will be in Nairobi, Kenya, to represent the EU at the seventh United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA). During the Assembly, parties are discussing and negotiating to find sustainable solutions for a resilient planet.
On 11 December, Commissioner Roswall will address the Assembly during the Opening Plenary session of the high-level discussions. She will also take part in events related to the circular economy and building greater resilience. This will also be the occasion for Commissioner Roswall to meet and exchange with environment ministers and stakeholders.
On 12 December, in the margins of the Assembly, the Commissioner will host a ministerial meeting together with the Danish Presidency to revive discussions and rally political support for the conclusion of a Global Treaty on Plastics. The event will be a key opportunity to refocus on priorities and identify effective collective solutions to end plastic pollution. With the Single-Use Plastics Directive, the EU already took decisive steps to fight plastic pollution in Europe.
During the Assembly, Commissioner Roswall will put forward solutions to foster circular economy, water resilience, halt biodiversity loss, and reduce pollution, in line with EU's international environmental goals.
Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy Jessika Roswall said: "No nation can tackle climate change, biodiversity loss or pollution alone. Global challenges require global solutions. Meeting Environment Ministers from around the globe at UNEA in the coming days, I will work with them on finding joint responses to issues ranging from the plastics pollution that we all see, to sustainable extraction and use of critical raw materials as demand for them grows. Our planet needs our action."
You can find more information on the seventh United Nations Environment Assembly online.
(For more information: Maciej Berestecki – Tel.: +32 2 296 64 83; Maëlys Dreux – Tel.: +32 2 295 46 73)
Commissioner Micallef meets sport community at the annual Erasmus+ Sport Info Day
Tomorrow, Commissioner for Intergenerational Fairness, Youth, Culture and Sport, Glenn Micallef, will address sport stakeholders at the annual Erasmus+ Sport Info Day in Brussels. At this event that will gather around 600 participants, Commissioner Micallef will participate in an opening panel discussion which seeks, among others, to provide insights into the European Commission's proposal for the new Erasmus+ programme 2028-2034.
The focus of the event will be on the new 2026 Erasmus+ call of proposals in the field of sport. With an overall budget of more than €89 million for 2026, the sport strand of Erasmus+ helps promote participation in sport and physical activity for people from all walks of life, tackle threats to integrity of sport, foster social inclusion, fight discrimination and promote equality. During a dedicated session participants will also gain deeper perspective on the Commission's upcoming Strategic Vision for Sport in Europe.
The event can be followed online, more information on the agenda and how to watch is available on the Commission's EU Sport website.
(For more information: Eva Hrncirova - Tel.: +32 2 29 88433; Eirini Zarkadoula-Tel.: +32 2 29 57065)
EU agrees on a 2040 Climate target that sets a clear path towards a decarbonised and competitive economy
The EU is setting a legally binding climate target of 90% reduction in net greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions for 2040. The Commission welcomes last night's provisional political agreement between the European Parliament and EU Member States on this headline target and the amendment of the EU Climate Law. The deal also includes the possibility to use high-quality international credits to reach the 90% GHG emissions cut by 2040, compared to 1990 levels, with an adequate contribution of up to 5%.
The agreed climate target secures a clear and steady trajectory towards a decarbonised European economy by 2050. It provides certainty to investors and businesses to drive forward the EU's clean transition, industrial competitiveness, energy security and independence.
At international level, the EU is showing its firm commitment to achieving the Paris Agreement and its leadership as a front-runner and reliable partner on global climate action.
President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, said: “Today, the EU is showing our strong commitment to climate action and the Paris Agreement. One month after COP30, we have turned our words into action - with a legally binding target of 90% emissions reduction by 2040. We have a clear direction of travel towards climate neutrality. And a pragmatic and flexible plan to make the clean transition more competitive.”
A pragmatic and flexible way to 2040
This provisional agreement sets out a pragmatic and flexible pathway to 2040 that reflects today's economic and geopolitical realities. It provides the enabling conditions to deliver the 90% agreed target, including full implementation of the Clean Industrial Deal.
It sets out some flexibilities and key elements for the 2040 target and for the post-2030 climate framework that will steer the Commission's upcoming legislative proposals:
The provisional agreement also highlights elements to be reflected in the post-2030 framework. These elements include giving an enhanced focus on the competitiveness of European industry and economy; a fair, pragmatic, cost-effective and socially balanced transition for all; innovative and clean technologies based on technology neutrality; and renewable energy solutions.
The co-legislators have introduced a biennial assessment on the implementation of the intermediate targets to take into account the latest scientific evidence, technological developments and the EU's global competitiveness. The review provision has also been strengthened, so that the Commission in a future review will take stock of impacts to EU industries' competitiveness, the evolution of energy prices, the status of net removals at EU level, and the flexibility for Member States to use high-quality international credits to fulfil their post-2030 targets and efforts.
The deal also postpones the application of the EU Emissions trading system for buildings, road transport as well as small industries (ETS2) by one year, from 2027 to 2028. The postponement does not affect the monitoring, reporting and verification requirements under ETS2, which have started as planned in 2025.
Following this provisional agreement, the European Parliament and the Council of the EU will have to formally adopt the text. Thereafter, the amendment of the European Climate Law will be published in the Official Journal of the EU and enter into force.
By staying the course on decarbonisation, the EU will drive investment in innovation, create more jobs, growth, increase our resilience to impacts of climate change and become more energy independent.
The European Climate Law, in force since July 2021, legally anchors the EU's commitment to climate neutrality by 2050 and to reducing net GHG emissions by at least 55% by 2030, compared to 1990 levels. The EU has adopted a 2030 legislative package known as ‘Fit for 55' and its implementation by EU Member States is underway. The Commission's assessment of national energy and climate plans confirmed that the EU remains on track to collectively meet its 2030 goals, reinforcing the credibility of its long-term trajectory.
The Climate Law legally requires an intermediate 2040 climate target to set the pace towards climate neutrality. The Commission tabled its proposal for an amendment on 2 July 2025 and this has formed the basis for the new EU Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) under the Paris Agreement submitted for COP30.
European Climate Law
Proposal for a 2040 EU climate target
Today, the EU is showing our strong commitment to climate action and the Paris Agreement. One month after COP30, we have turned our words into action - with a legally binding target of 90% emissions reduction by 2040. We have a clear direction of travel towards climate neutrality. And a pragmatic and flexible plan to make the clean transition more competitive.
Climate action in the next ten years will be critical to avoid irreversible tipping points in the Earth’s climate system. The EU 2040 climate target responds to the urgency and scale of the challenge and provides protection to people, business and ecosystems from worsening climate impacts. It is the essential legally binding framework to give long-term certainty to unlock investment and for governments, regions, local authorities, companies, households and innovators to continue deep just decarbonisation of our economy. The agreed target proves our firm commitment to pursue the full implementation of the Paris Agreement.
This agreement is pragmatic and ambitious, delivering speed, predictability, and flexibility. Above all, it shows that climate, competitiveness and independence go hand in hand and sends a powerful message to our global partners. Our industry, citizens, and Member States now have a clear direction to guide their investments to achieve a climate neutral EU by 2050.
Wopke Hoekstra, Commissioner for Climate, Net Zero and Clean Growth
Commission announces reinforcement of controls on products imported into the EU
Today, the European Commission announced a reinforcement of controls on food, animal and plant products entering the EU. At the conclusion of an Implementation Dialogue on import controls with stakeholders, Commissioner for Health and Animal Welfare, Olivér Várhelyi, set out various measures to strengthen controls at EU borders and in third countries. These measures will ensure that EU citizens continue to benefit from the highest levels of food safety, while EU producers have a level playing field vis-à-vis their global competitors.
The measures announced today, responding to our clear commitment in the Vision for Agriculture and Food to significantly increase and strengthen our controls, are:
One of the EU's key priorities is the health of its citizens. This includes ensuring safe food, whether it is produced in the EU or abroad. The EU has some of the strictest food safety, animal health and plant health rules in the world, protecting European citizens, our agriculture and environment. With these, we stop harmful pests and diseases at our borders that could otherwise threaten production, food security and consumer confidence.
Any live animals, food and feed, plants and plant products entering the Union territory must comply with EU's Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) requirements, as well as with certain animal welfare requirements. These requirements are not negotiable and apply to all our trade partners. To verify that imports comply with the EU standards, a robust system of official controls of the agri-food chain exists. Member States carry out checks at the borders on animals, goods of animal origin (including food of animal origin, animal by-products and germinal products), plants, plant products, certain food and feed of non-animal origin, and certain food contact materials. The Commission carries out audits on third countries, to ensure that their official supervision of production and control standards are in line with those required by the EU.
Protecting the safety of food consumed in the EU is one of my core responsibilities. This applies not only to products made within our Union but also to those we import. As the world’s leading trader of food, the EU must ensure that any animal, plant or food product arriving from other countries meets our strict health and safety standards. Today’s measures will further reinforce and modernise our already robust system of official controls, to the benefit of EU citizens, farmers and companies.
Olivér Várhelyi, Commissioner for Health and Animal Welfare
European Commission appoints a new Principal Adviser for the Secretariat-General
The European Commission today appointed Charmaine Hili as Principal Adviser for rule of law at the Secretariat-General (SG). The Secretariat-General is responsible for the overall coherence of the Commission's work – both in shaping new policies, and in steering them through the other EU institutions. It supports the whole Commission. The date of effect will be determined later.
With over 20 years of professional experience, Ms Hili has built extensive expertise on justice and home affairs matters. Over the years, Ms Hili has demonstrated strong resilience and leadership in steering complex priority initiatives, such as those on the Annual Rule of Law Reports and the New Pact on Migration and Asylum. She has been a central part of the team advising the President of the European Commission in crisis situations. Ms Hili also brings extensive experience in engaging with internal and external stakeholders on a wide range of issues, notably in the fields of migration, security, justice, democracy and the rule of law. Her experience, knowledge and deep understanding of the Commission's political priorities make her well placed to bring valuable insight to the Secretariat-General.
Charmaine Hili, a Maltese national, is currently Senior Legal and Internal Affairs Adviser to President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen. She previously served as Migration and Home Affairs Adviser within the same Cabinet. Prior to this, Ms Hili was Legal Adviser to the former President of the European Commission, Jean-Claude Juncker, providing advice on migration, security, justice, rule of law, infringements and other legal matters. She also served as Policy Officer on border management and Team leader for Asylum within the Directorate-General for Migration and Home Affairs (DG HOME). Prior to joining the Commission in 2010, she gained valuable experience working for the European Court of Justice.
(For more information: Balazs Ujvari - Tel.: +32 2 295 45 78; Isabel Otero Barderas – Tel.: +32 2 296 69 25)
European Commission appoints a new Director for its Secretariat-General
The European Commission today appointed Nacira Boulehouat as Director for Democracy, Security and Technological Innovation at the Secretariat-General (SG). The Secretariat-General is responsible for the overall coherence of the Commission's work – both in shaping new policies, and in steering them through the other EU institutions. It supports the whole Commission. The date of effect will be determined later.
Drawing on nearly three decades of professional experience, Ms Boulehouat has built broad and in-depth expertise across multiple policy domains, ranging from risk management and migration-management coordination to conflict resolution and the oversight of external action. She has a solid track record of effective coordination with external counterparts, particularly in the context of the EU's response to Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine, such as steering the Solidarity Platform for Ukraine and monitoring the implementation of temporary protection for persons displaced by the war. Ms Boulehouat has also played a pivotal role in shaping and implementing the EU's drugs policy and in efforts to combat organised crime. Taken together with her strong managerial experience, these qualifications equip her with the profile required to lead the Directorate for Democracy, Security and Technological Innovation within the Commission`s Secretariat-General.
Nacira Boulehouat, a French national, is currently Head of the Migration Management Coordination Unit in the Directorate-General for Migration and Home Affairs (DG HOME). She previously served as Head of the Migration Management Response Unit in the same Directorate-General. She has also held the post of Head of Unit for Prevention and Disaster Risk Management in the Directorate-General for European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (DG ECHO), and earlier served as Deputy Head of Unit for Organised Crime and Drugs Policy at DG HOME. Before joining the Commission in 1998, she worked in various public and private sector roles.