DAILY NEWS

 

Brussels, 09 January 2025

 

EU opens new chapter in its relations with Syria

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and President of the European Council Antonio Costa visited Damascus today to discuss the renewed bilateral relations with Syria. They met with Syrian President Ahmed al-Shaara to discuss this new chapter in bilateral relations, focused around three pillars:

  • A new political partnership supporting a peaceful and inclusive transition and reconciliation within Syria, and the country's regional re-integration;
  • Enhanced trade and economic cooperation, including through Syria's involvement in initiatives under the Pact for the Mediterranean, backed by a substantial financial package for 2026 and 2027 to enable socio-economic recovery, reconstruction and facilitation of private investment;
  • Financial support package of around €620 million for 2026 and 2027, which includes humanitarian aid, early recovery support and bilateral support.

President von der Leyen said: “Over one year ago, decades of fear, silence, and state violence finally began to give way to hope, opportunity, and the possibility of renewal. We know that the path to reconciliation and recovery is challenging. Because healing, rebuilding lives and creating trust in institutions takes time. We are here today to work for Syria and for all Syrians. To deliver on the goal of a new peaceful, inclusive, and safe Syria.”

The President acknowledged the significant steps taken by the interim authorities in spite of the remaining challenges. The path to sustainable reconciliation and reconstruction needs to be underpinned by effective reforms, which the EU will continue to support.

Stepping up related efforts and Syria's involvement in initiatives under the Pact for the Mediterranean is a key element for a successful inclusive transition and its future integration into the regional and global economy.

Background

The fall of the Assad regime in December 2024 opened the doors for a new Syria and for renewed bilateral relations. The EU reaffirmed its commitment to stand with the Syrian people and to support a peaceful and inclusive, Syrian-led and Syrian-owned transition to help build a better future for all Syrians.

Since 2011, EU support has been reliable and unwavering, providing both political and financial assistance amounting to over €38 billion. In March 2025, the transitional authorities attended for the first time the Ninth Brussels Conference, where the pledges raised amounted to €5.8 billion for Syria and its neighbours. The EU pledged €2.5 billion for 2025 and 2026.

In 2025, the EU lifted all economic sanctions on Syria and successfully co-organised with the authorities the Day of Dialogue in Damascus, gathering over 300 representatives from Syria's civil society. The event served to build trust, enhance dialogue and reinforce the foundations for an inclusive future for all Syrians.

The EU has also mobilised more than €424 million for Syria, including a €175 million package to support Syria's socio-economic recovery and institution-building, as well as to promote transitional justice, accountability and human rights.

Beyond needs inside Syria, the Commission continues supporting and addressing the needs of refugees from Syria and their host communities in the region.

For More Information

Factsheet

Pact for the Mediterranean

EU pledges €2.5 billion to support Syria and the region

President von der Leyen remarks

Quote(s)

 

 Over one year ago, decades of fear, silence, and state violence finally began to give way to hope, opportunity, and the possibility of renewal. We know that the path to reconciliation and recovery is challenging. Because healing, rebuilding lives and creating trust in institutions takes time. We are here today to work for Syria and for all Syrians. To deliver on the goal of a new peaceful, inclusive, and safe Syria. 

Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission

 

 

Commission publishes Foreign Subsidies Regulation Guidelines

The European Commission has published Guidelines under the Foreign Subsidies Regulation (FSR) to bring further predictability and ensure transparency for companies. They clarify several concepts, such as how the Commission concludes whether there is a distortion of competition caused by a foreign subsidy, how distortive effects are balanced against any positive effects of a foreign subsidy, and the Commission's power to request prior notification of below-threshold cases.

Main elements of the Guidelines

The Guidelines clarify several aspects of the FSR:

  • The assessment of distortions (Article 4(1) FSR). The Guidelines clarify that once the Commission has found that a company pursuing an economic activity within the internal market has benefitted from a foreign subsidy, it will assess whether there is a distortion through two steps. First, the Commission will examine if the foreign subsidy strengthens the company's competitive position in the EU. For subsidies not targeted at economic activities in the EU a more detailed analysis will be conducted to assess the risk that they are used to cross-subsidise economic activities in the EU. Second, the Commission will consider the impact on competition by analysing whether the subsidy is liable to alter the company's competitive behaviour and market dynamics to the detriment of other operators. The Guidelines provide a non-exhaustive list of examples of subsidies that may be considered distortive.
  • The assessment of distortions specifically in public procurement procedures (Article 27 FSR). If an economic operator participates in a public procurement procedure in the internal market and the Commission has information that a foreign subsidy may have affected the terms of the tender, it will assess whether there has been a distortion. First, the Commission will assess whether the economic operator may have used the foreign subsidy in designing the terms of its bid. If so, the Commission will assess whether the submitted bid is unduly advantageous by comparing it with the other submitted bids in the procedure and the contracting authority's estimates. If the bid is unduly advantageous, the Commission will assess whether the advantage stems to an appreciable extent from the foreign subsidy or from other justifiable factors.
  • The balancing test (Article 6 FSR). The Guidelines explain the Commission's process of weighing the negative effects of a distortive foreign subsidy against any possible positive effects. The Commission will only take into consideration positive effects that are specific to the foreign subsidy under assessment. The balancing will take into account the severity of the distortion and whether the positive effects can be achieved without the distortion. If the positive effects outweigh the negative ones, the Commission will not object. If not, the Commission may accept commitments or impose redressive measures. The Guidelines provide examples of the relevant evidence that can be submitted and illustrate how the Commission would carry out the balancing test.
  • Use of call-in mechanism for concentrations and public procurement procedures (Articles 21(5) and 29(8) FSR). The Commission can request the prior notification of non-notifiable concentrations, as well as foreign financial contributions in public procurement procedures when certain conditions are met, in particular where it suspects that foreign subsidies have been granted to relevant undertakings in the last three years. The Commission evaluates whether an ex-ante review is warranted based on factors such as the competitive impact of the concentration or public procurement procedure, whether it concerns a strategic economic activity, and the possibility of a distortion. The Guidelines include new safe harbours: low-value public procurement procedures, subsidies below €4 million, and subsidies addressing certain extraordinary circumstances are exempt from a call-in. In any event, the Commission must act before the concentrations have been fully implemented or contracts awarded.

Background

Before adopting the Guidelines, the Commission held several consultations to ensure the views of all stakeholders were taken into account. A call for evidence was launched in March 2025 on the scope of the Guidelines. In parallel, the Commission held targeted consultations with Member States and selected stakeholders from business; legal and economic professionals; academia; and consumers. Between July and September 2025, the Commission conducted a public consultation on the draft Guidelines, during which it received feedback from interested stakeholders.

The Foreign Subsidies Regulation entered into force on 13 July 2023. The FSR enables the Commission to address distortions caused by foreign subsidies in the internal market. It allows the EU to ensure a level playing field for all companies, while remaining open to trade and investment. Foreign subsidies can reach the internal market through participation in any economic activity and in any sector. This includes acquisitions of control, participation in public procurement and other forms of direct investments.

Pursuant to Article 46 of the FSR, the Commission is required to publish the Guidelines by 13 January 2026. The FSR also requires the Commission to present a report to the European Parliament and the Council with a review of its practice of implementing and enforcing the Regulation, by 14 July 2026. That report may be accompanied, if appropriate, by relevant legislative proposals.

For more information

More information will be available on the Commission's competition website and on the website of DG GROW.

Quote(s)

 

 With the release of the Foreign Subsidies Regulation Guidelines, we are giving organisations a clear and practical way to turn good intentions into action. The Guidelines set out shared expectations for responsible decision-making, so investments can move forward in a way people can trust. 

Teresa Ribera, Executive Vice-President for Clean, Just and Competitive Transition

 

 Our goal is to ensure that European companies compete on a level playing field. With these new Guidelines, we are providing clarity on how we address the distortive effects of foreign subsidies in public tenders. By aligning EU procurement procedures with the principles of merit and fair play, we are protecting the Single Market and ensuring that public investment continues to support industrial leadership and competitiveness across Europe. 

Stéphane Séjourné, Executive Vice-President for Prosperity and Industrial Strategy

 

Commissioner Kubilius to discuss Europe's security challenges with Nordic leaders in Sweden

Commissioner for Defence and Space Andrius Kubilius will participate in Sweden's leading forum on security and defence policy, the Folk och Försvar Annual National Conference 2026, on Sunday and Monday, 11 and 12 January.

Commissioner Kubilius will deliver a keynote speech on ‘Europe's Resolve in an Age of Uncertainty' in the panel of the Conference Europe under Pressure, setting out his latest views on European defence readiness. He will underline that while Europe is increasing defence production and spending, material capabilities alone are not enough. According to the Commissioner, Europe's ability to deter and defend depends on stronger institutional defence readiness, a coherent European defence architecture, and progress towards a true ‘European Defence Union'.

During the visit, Commissioner Kubilius will also hold meetings with Swedish leaders, including Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, Minister for Defence Pål Jonson, and Minister for Civil Defence Carl-Oskar Bohlin, as well as Sweden's Chief of Defence, General Michael Claesson.

The Folk och Försvar Annual National Conference brings together senior political leaders, military officials and experts to discuss Sweden's and Europe's security challenges in a changing geopolitical environment.

(For more information: Thomas Regnier +32 2 299 10 99, Marine Strauss +32 298 91 03)

 

Commissioner Lahbib joins national commemoration in Switzerland for victims of Crans Montana fire

Commissioner for Crisis Management Hadja Lahbib is participating today in the official national commemoration honouring the victims of the Crans Montana fire and expressing solidarity with the injured, their families and the communities affected. The ceremony, held in Martigny on the national day of mourning, will bring together the Swiss federal and cantonal authorities, international partners and representatives of the countries touched by the tragedy.

Commissioner Lahbib expressed that “today is a moment of remembrance and solidarity. We honour those who lost their lives, and our hearts are with the injured and with the families whose lives were changed forever. In the face of such loss, words are never enough. What matters is presence: honouring the victims, showing respect, and standing together in quiet solidarity.”

On this occasion, the Commissioner's presence reflects the European Union's solidarity with Switzerland in a moment of collective remembrance. The commemoration will include a minute of silence observed nationwide and addresses of solidarity.

The European Union provided operational support following Switzerland's request for assistance. In close cooperation with the Swiss authorities, the EU's Emergency Response Coordination Centre (ERCC) supported the medical evacuation of 38 patients to Belgium, France, Germany and Italy, with transport ensured by France, Italy, Luxembourg, Romania and Switzerland. Specialised medical teams from France and Italy, deployed through the ERCC, supported Swiss hospitals by carrying out clinical assessments and contributing to decisions on treatment and transfers. Two ERCC liaison officers are deployed on the ground too, helping to coordinate the operation. In addition, the EU offered in-kind assistance in the form of specialised medical blades, provided by Germany and Austria.

The Commission remains in full solidarity with Switzerland as it honours the victims and continues to support those affected by the tragedy.

(For more information: Eva Hrnčířová – Tel.: +32 2 298 84 33; Quentin Cortès – Tel.: +32 2 296 47 35)

 

Commissioner Brunner hosts Youth Policy Dialogue to discuss the future of the EU, migration and internal security priorities

Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration, Magnus Brunner, hosted a Youth Policy Dialogue focused on the future of the EU, migration and internal security in Vienna, Austria.

The dialogue brought together more than 100 pupils from the AHS Heustadelgasse to discuss migration, internal security and the fight against crime, as outlined in the European Internal Security Strategy, ProtectEU. The exchange also highlighted Erasmus+ and opportunities for young people, such as the DiscoverEU travels passes, which were awarded to more than 40 000 young people on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of Schengen.

Youth dialogues are part of the European Commission's commitment to mainstream the voice of young people in EU policy-making, as set out in President von der Leyen's Political Guidelines for 2024-2029. These dialogues are important to ensure that the voice of young people is heard and helps shape the work of the Commission.

More information is available online.

(For more information: Markus Lammert – Tel. +32 2 296 75 33; Cristina Dumitrescu – Tel.: + 32 2 296 60 91)

 

Commission proposes to support over 3,400 dismissed workers in the car industry in Belgium with €7.5 million

The European Commission has proposed to mobilise €7.5 million from the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund for Displaced Workers (EGF) to help 3,414 workers dismissed after the closure of carmaker Audi's plant in Brussels.

In February 2025, Audi stopped producing the Q8 e-tron car model in Brussels and closed its  plant.  As a consequence, several suppliers of Audi also dismissed workers.

The EGF-funded measures will help 2,580 former Audi workers and 834 workers from Audi's suppliers learn new skills and rejoin the labour market. The funding will finance measures such as career counselling and guidance, or training in new professional and horizontal skills, and support dismissed workers to launch their own businesses.

The total estimated cost of these measures is €8.8 million, with 85% (€7.5 million) covered by the European Commission and 15% (€1.3 million) by the Belgian Regional Public Employment Services.

The Belgian authorities began providing support from the EGF to workers in February 2025, shortly before the first layoffs and after support services for workers, provided by Audi, ended. The EGF can retroactively cover these costs.

Next Steps 

The Commission proposal now requires approval by the European Parliament and the Council. It needs a simple majority in the European Parliament and a qualified majority in the Council.  

Background 

Since 2007, the EGF has helped more than 181,000 people in 20 Member States, intervening in 186 cases with €727 million disbursed. These funds from the European Commission complement national active labour market measures. 

According to the latest biennial EGF activity report, more than eight in ten (81%) dismissed workers have found a new job within 18 months of receiving EGF support.

The EGF contributes directly to the creation of a more dynamic and competitive European economy by improving the skills and employability of dismissed people and facilitating the general upskilling in European companies, leading towards better quality jobs. 

Helping European workers learn and improve their skills for the demands of a quickly evolving job market is a priority for the European Commission. In November 2025, the Commission launched a Skills Guarantee pilot to support workers in transition so they can learn new skills. The flagship initiative under the Union of Skills will reinforce strategic sectors in line with the future European Competitiveness Fund.

For More Information 

Commission proposal for EGF support to dismissed Audi workers 

Website of the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund  

EGF regulation 2021-2027