DAILY NEWS
Brussels, 30 January 2026
January infringements package: key decisions
FULL TEXT HERE : https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/inf_26_115
In its regular package of infringement decisions, the European Commission takes legal action against Member States that fail to comply with their obligations under EU law. These decisions, covering various EU policy areas, aim to ensure the proper application of EU law for the benefit of citizens and businesses. The key decisions taken by the Commission are presented below and grouped by policy area. The Commission is also closing 72 cases where the issues with the Member States concerned have been solved. In these cases, the Commission does not have to pursue the infringement procedure further.
At the same time the Commission is also taking action against several EU Member States that have failed to notify measures they have adopted to transpose EU directives into their national laws. The deadline to transpose these ten directives has expired recently. The Commission is sending a letter of formal notice to these Member States, giving them two months to reply and complete the transposition of the directives. If they fail to do so, the Commission may pass to a next step and issue a reasoned opinion. The Commission is urging them to take immediate action to bring their laws in line with EU requirements.
The Commission's enforcement activities and Member States' compliance with EU law can be followed through interactive maps and customisable graphs. For more details on the history of a case or to access the full database of infringement decisions, the infringement decisions' register is open for consultation. And more information on the EU infringement procedure can be found in the following Q&A.
Commission calls on Member States to notify national measures transposing the Directive aligning the rules on information exchanges related to terrorist offences with EU data protection rules
The European Commission decided to open infringement procedures by sending a letter of formal notice to 8 Member States for failing to notify national measures transposing the Directive (EU) 2023/2123 amending Council Decision 2005/671/JHA to ensure its alignment with Union rules on the protection of personal data. The Directive ensures that Member States can exchange information on terrorist offences effectively and securely, while guaranteeing strong safeguards for personal data and fundamental rights. Member States had to transpose the Directive (EU) 2023/2123 by 1 November 2025. Council Decision 2005/671/JHA lays down specific rules on the exchange of information and cooperation concerning terrorist offences. The Directive reviews and updates its provisions to align with Directive (EU) 2016/680, which sets EU-wide rules for the protection of personal data used for law-enforcement purposes, including the prevention, investigation, detection or prosecution of criminal offences or the execution of criminal penalties. Bulgaria, Estonia, Greece, Spain, Cyprus, the Netherlands, Portugal and Slovenia, failed to communicate complete transposition of the Directive to the Commission. The Commission is therefore sending letters of formal notice to the concerned Member States, which now have two months to respond, complete their transposition and notify their measures to the Commission. In the absence of a satisfactory response, the Commission may decide to issue a reasoned opinion.
Commission calls on Member States to fully transpose the Directive on financial services contracts concluded at a distance
The European Commission decided to open infringement procedures by sending a letter of formal notice to 21 Member States (Belgium, Bulgaria, Czechia, Germany, Estonia, Greece, Spain, Croatia, Ireland, Cyprus, Latvia, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Austria, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Finland and Sweden) for failing to communicate complete transposition of the Directive on financial services contracts concluded at a distance (Directive (EU) 2023/2673). The Directive establishes rules enhancing the level of consumer protection for financial services sold at a distance, such as over the phone or online, notably by introducing a ‘withdrawal button' that allows consumers to withdraw from a contract with a single click. Member States had until 19 December 2025 to transpose the Directive into their national law. To date, the 21 Member States mentioned failed to communicate complete transposition of the Directive to the Commission. The Commission is therefore sending letters of formal notice to the 21 Member States concerned, which now have two months to respond and notify their complete transposition measures to the Commission. In the absence of a satisfactory response, the Commission may decide to issue a reasoned opinion.
Commission calls on Member States to fully transpose the Directive on credit agreements for consumers
The European Commission decided to open infringement procedures by sending a letter of formal notice to 23 Member States (Belgium, Bulgaria, Czechia, Germany, Estonia, Greece, Spain, France, Croatia, Ireland, Cyprus, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Latvia, Malta, the Netherlands, Austria, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Finland, and Sweden) for failing to communicate complete transposition of the Directive on credit agreements for consumers (Directive (EU) 2023/2225). The Directive aims to enhance consumer protection in the credit market, ensuring transparency and fairness in credit transactions across Member States. Member States had until 20 November 2025 to transpose the Directive into their national law. To date, the 23 Member States mentioned failed to communicate complete transposition of the Directive to the Commission. The Commission is therefore sending letters of formal notice to the Member States concerned that now have two months to respond and notify their complete transposition measures to the Commission. In the absence of a satisfactory response, the Commission may decide to issue a reasoned opinion.
Commission calls on Belgium, Czechia, France, Cyprus, Latvia, the Netherlands, Slovenia, Finland and Sweden to comply with accessibility requirements for products and services.
Today, the European Commission decided to send reasoned opinions to Belgium (INFR(2022)0287), Czechia(INFR(2022)0293), France (INFR(2022)0305),Latvia (INFR(2022)0313) and Finland (INFR(2022)0303), for incomplete transposition of the European Accessibility Act (Directive(EU) 2019/882) on accessibility requirements for products and services across the EU. Moreover, the European Commission has also decided to send additional reasoned opinions to Cyprus (INFR(2022)0291), the Netherlands (INFR(2022)0315), Slovenia (INFR(2022)0324) and Sweden (INFR(2022)0322). Adopted in 2019, the European Accessibility Act requires that when key products and services are placed on the market, they are accessible for persons with disabilities. This includes phones, computers, e-books, banking services and electronic communications. The aim of the Act is to increase active participation in society, including in education and in employment, and increase autonomy and mobility opportunities of persons with disabilities, representing more than 100 million persons in the EU. The deadline for Member States to transpose the Directive was 28 June 2022 and economic operators had to ensure that they comply with the set of common EU accessibility requirements laid down in the Act by 28 June 2025. The Commission had previously issued letters of formal notice to these Member States in 2022 for failing to communicate complete transposition measures. Although the Member States have since communicated more transposition measures and made some progress, the Commission considers that there are still some transposition gaps. These gaps are significant and vary by country. Some recurring gaps relate to provisions on accessibility requirements for answering emergency communications, as well as the scope, definitions and enforcement provisions. Therefore, the Commission has decided to issue a reasoned opinion to countries that received a letter of formal notice, and an additional reasoned opinion to those that had already received one previously. These countries now have two months to respond and take the necessary measures. Otherwise, the Commission may decide to refer the cases to the Court of Justice of the European Union with a request to impose financial sanctions.
Commission calls on Member States to withdraw from the Energy Charter Treaty
Today, the European Commission decided to send letters of formal notice to 16 Member States that remain contracting parties to the Energy Charter Treaty after the European Union and Euratom withdrew from that Treaty on 28 June 2025. The Member States concerned are: Belgium (INFR(2026)2222), Bulgaria (INFR(2026)2223), Czechia (INFR(2025)2225), Estonia (INFR(2025)2226), Ireland (INFR(2025)2231), Greece (INFR(2025)2227), Croatia (INFR(2025)2229), Cyprus (INFR(2025)2224), Latvia (INFR(2025)2232), Hungary (INFR(2025)2230), Malta (INFR(2025)2233), Austria (INFR(2025)2221), Romania (INFR(2025)2234), Slovakia (INFR(2025)2236), Finland (INFR(2025)2228) and Sweden (INFR(2025)2235). The Energy Charter Treaty organises trade and investment relations in the energy sector between its contracting parties. In accordance with the Treaties, trade and investment fall within the exclusive competence of the European Union, and Member States may exercise this competence only if the Union empowers them to do so. Following the withdrawal of the Union and Euratom from the Energy Charter Treaty, the Member States concerned have not received such empowerment, nor have they taken any steps to withdraw from the Treaty. The Commission now calls on the Member States concerned to withdraw from the Treaty without undue delay. These Member States have now two months to respond to the letters of formal notice. In the absence of a satisfactory response, the Commission may decide to issue a reasoned opinion.
Commission calls on Member States to fully implement the new tax transparency and information exchange rules on crypto-assets
The European Commission decided to open infringement procedures by sending a letter of formal notice to 12 Member States - Belgium, Bulgaria, Czechia, Estonia, Greece, Spain, Cyprus, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Poland and Portugal for failing to fully transpose Directive (EU) 2023/2226. This Directive amends the Directive on administrative cooperation in the field of taxation (Directive 2011/16/EU) to enable tax transparency and information exchange regarding crypto-assets and to enhance the information exchanges regarding financial accounts. The timely and full implementation of the rules of the Directive by all Member States is key to achieving greater tax transparency and combating tax avoidance and evasion in investment income. The Commission is therefore sending a letter of formal notice to Belgium, Bulgaria, Czechia, Estonia, Greece, Spain, Cyprus, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Poland and Portugal which now have two months to respond, complete their transposition and notify the Commission. In the absence of a satisfactory response, the Commission may decide to issue a reasoned opinion.
Commission calls on Member States to fully implement the new information exchange rules on administrative cooperation in the field of taxation
The European Commission decided to open infringement procedures by sending a letter of formal notice to 10 Member States - Belgium, Bulgaria, Czechia, Greece, Cyprus, Malta, the Netherlands, Portugal, Romania and Sweden for failing to fully transpose Directive (EU) 2025/872, which amends the Directive on administrative cooperation in the field of taxation (Directive 2011/16/EU). The Directive requires the Member States to fully implement the new information exchange rules on administrative cooperation in the field of taxation. The Commission is therefore sending a letter of formal notice to Belgium, Bulgaria, Czechia, Greece, Cyprus, Malta, the Netherlands, Portugal, Romania and Sweden which now have two months to respond, complete their transposition and notify the Commission. In the absence of a satisfactory response, the Commission may decide to issue a reasoned opinion.
Commission calls on Member States to transpose the amended Directive on intelligent transport systems
The European Commission decided to open infringement procedures by sending letters of formal notice to Belgium, Czechia, Germany, Estonia, Ireland, Greece, Spain, France, Croatia, Italy, Cyprus, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Austria, Poland, Portugal, Slovenia and Finland for failing to fully transpose into national law Directive (EU) 2023/2661, amending Directive (EU) 2010/40/EU on intelligent transport systems (ITS). The amended Directive aims to respond to the emergence of new road mobility options, mobility apps, and connected and automated mobility. Several new requirements were introduced on cooperative ITS (C-ITS) security, interim measures in case of emergency situations, mandatory cooperation between Member States and stakeholders, the availability of data and deployment of services, and the simplification of reporting for both the Directive and its delegated acts, including the definition of a common template and common key performance indicators. Two annexes were added, defining lists of datasets and services considered crucial for the deployment of ITS. The role of national access points in making data accessible was also acknowledged. To date, the 20 Member States mentioned above failed to notify the complete transposition of the amended ITS-Directive by the legal deadline of 21 December 2025. The Commission is therefore sending them letters of formal notice. The Member States will now have two months to respond, complete their transposition and notify the Commission. In the absence of a satisfactory response, the Commission may decide to issue a reasoned opinion.
Commission calls on Member States to fully transpose new rules improving protection of workers from asbestos
The European Commission decided to open infringement procedures by sending letters of formal notice to 10 Member States for failing to notify their measures fully transposing into national law Directive (EU) 2023/2668 on the protection of workers from asbestos. The transposition deadline was 21 December 2025. The Directive amends Directive 2009/148/EC by introducing lower occupational exposure limits and additional measures to reduce workers' risks from asbestos, a highly dangerous, cancer-causing substance. It is part of the Commission's comprehensive approach to better protect people and the environment from asbestos and ensure an asbestos-free future. Until now, Cyprus, Estonia, Greece, Spain, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Austria, Poland, Portugal, and Slovakia failed to communicate to the Commission the respective measures fully transposing the new rules into national law. The Commission is therefore sending letters of formal notice to these Member States, which now have two months to respond, complete the transposition of the Directive at national level and notify their measures to the Commission. In the absence of a satisfactory response, the Commission may decide to issue a reasoned opinion.
Commission calls on Member States to fully transpose requirements for budgetary frameworks of the Member States
The European Commission decided to open infringement procedures by sending a letter of formal notice to Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Finland, France, Ireland, Latvia, Luxembourg, Malta, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia for failing to fully transpose Directive (EU) 2024/1265. This Directive amended the Directive on requirements for budgetary frameworks of the Member States (Directive (EU) 2011/85/EU) to ensure compliance with obligations under the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union in the area of budgetary policy, notably as regards the avoidance of excessive government deficits. Building on the evidence of the implementation of Directive 2011/85, the amending Directive covers transparency, statistics, forecasts and medium-term budgeting to address weaknesses identified during the previous implementation. The Directive requires Member States to implement public accounting systems that generate accrual data needed for the European System of National and Regional accounts. It also requires them to make all relevant fiscal data public, establish independent fiscal institutions and consider the macrofiscal impacts of climate change in annual and multiannual budget plans, as far as possible. Full implementation contributes to stronger national fiscal frameworks, increased transparency and national ownership. Member States were required to transpose Directive (EU) 2024/1265 into national law by 31 December 2025. The Commission is therefore sending letters of formal notice to the 15 Member States, which now have two months to respond, complete their transposition and notify the Commission. In the absence of a satisfactory response, the Commission may decide to issue a reasoned opinion.
Commission calls on Member States to fully update rules on the composition, labelling and naming of honey, fruit juices, fruit jams and dehydrated milk
The European Commission decided to open infringement procedures by sending a letter of formal notice to 11 Member States - Belgium, Czechia, Ireland, France, Cyprus, Luxembourg, Malta, Austria, Poland, Slovenia and Slovakia for failing to fully transpose Directive 2024/1438. This Directive amended the so-called ‘Breakfast directives' which set out common rules on the composition, sales names, labelling and presentation of honey (Directive 2001/110/EC), fruit juices (Directive 2001/112/EC), jams, jellies, marmalades and sweetened chestnut purée (Directive 2001/113/EC), and dehydrated milk (Directive 2001/114/EC). These rules aim to ensure their free movement within the internal market and help consumers make informed choices. This directive requires Member States, among other things, to change the rules on mandatory origin labelling for honey to introduce additional categories of fruit juices (reduced-sugar fruit juices) and to allow the label to state that ‘fruit juices contain only naturally occurring sugars. They also foresee the possibility to increase the mandatory fruit content in jams, to allow the term ‘marmalade' as a synonym of ‘jam', and to modernise the labelling of dehydrated milk. The full implementation of the rules on composition and labelling for some breakfast foods ensures their free movement within the internal market and help consumers make informed choices. Member States had to transpose Directive (EU) 2024/1438 into national law by 14 December 2025. While Czechia, Ireland and Poland have stated that their legislation only partially transposes the Directive, the other Member States mentioned have not notified any transposition measures. The Commission is therefore sending letters of formal notice to those Member States who have either not fully, or only partially transposed the Directive. They will have two months to respond, complete their transposition and notify the Commission. In the absence of a satisfactory response, the Commission may decide to issue a reasoned opinion.
Commission welcomes new sanctions against Iran
The European Commission welcomes today's Council decision to adopt further restrictive measures against Iran. An additional 15 individuals and six entities have been sanctioned in response to the regime's continued and brutal repression of protesters.
The restrictive measures consist of an asset freeze, travel bans to the EU, and a prohibition to make funds or economic resources available to those listed. The European Union is closely following the situation in the country and remains prepared to impose additional sanctions.
The Council also extended the prohibition on the export, sale, transfer or supply from the Union to Iran of further components and technologies used in the development and production of drones and missiles. Iran has been providing these to Russia, facilitating its targeting of Ukrainian civilians and infrastructure.
In addition, the Council has sanctioned four persons and six entities due to their involvement in Iran's drones and missiles programme. They are now subject to restrictive measures, including travel bans on individuals and asset freezes for individuals and entities.
The measures will enter into force on the day of their publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.
High Representative/Vice-President, Kaja Kallas, said: “Our latest EU sanctions are a message to the regime: Iran's suppression of freedom will not go unanswered. Those responsible for the deadly crackdown on protesters, including the Minister of Interior, face international consequences. And we are ready to do more should the situation deteriorate further. In parallel, the Iranian regime continues to support a fellow dictatorship in Russia that kills innocent civilians in Ukraine every day. New sanctions will also apply on those supporting this illegal war. A regime that kills thousands of its own people and supports aggression against others beyond its borders is only working toward its own demise."
Commissioner for Financial Services and the Savings and Investments Union, Maria Luís Albuquerque said: “I strongly welcome the Council's decision to adopt additional restrictive measures against Iran. These further measures demonstrate European Union's unequivocal condemnation of the Iranian regime's violent and disproportionate response to legitimate and peaceful protests, which constitutes a grave violation of fundamental rights and human dignity. At the same time, these measures also reinforce our support for Ukraine by directly targeting Iran's military assistance to Russia's war of aggression. By restricting Iran's capacity to provide military equipment and related technologies, the EU is acting to protect Ukrainian civilians and infrastructure which are intertwined with our own security interests.”
(For more information: Siobhan McGarry - Tel.: +32 2 296 47 98; Anouar El Anouni - Tel.: +32 2 584 21 06; Marta Perez-Cejuela Romero - Tel.: +32 2 296 37 70; Luca Dilda - Tel.: +32 2 295 21 53)
Commission annual report on Single Market and competitiveness calls for joint action in light of unprecedented challenges
Today, the European Commission adopted the 2026 Annual Single Market and Competitiveness Report, the sixth in an annual series, assessing the functioning of the Single Market and the conditions for businesses to innovate, grow, and compete globally while delivering sustainable prosperity for European citizens.
Drawing on 29 key performance indicators, the report shows that six indicators have decreased, six have improved, 15 remain broadly unchanged, and two are new. Improvements are observed in the recognition of professional skills and qualifications, EU market surveillance, the use of artificial intelligence, cloud computing and data analytics, InvestEU support for the industrial transition, and renewable energy generation. Areas of decline include intra-EU trade, transposition of Single Market directives, time to establish industrial standards, labour shortages, PISA scores, and private investment. New indicators track simplification efforts and the digitalisation of administrative procedures, projecting savings of around €15 billion.
The report also sets out the Commission's focus for 2026 on tackling barriers and supporting key areas of the Single Market.
More information is available in the press release online.
(For more information: Siobhan McGarry - Tel.: +32 2 296 47 98; Rüya Perincek - Tel.: +32 2 299 49 03)
Commissioners Lahbib and Roswall exchange with stakeholders on wildfire risk management
This morning, Commissioner for Preparedness and Crisis Management, Hadja Lahbib, and Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy, Jessika Roswall, co-chaired a high-level roundtable on wildfire risk management.
They discussed how the EU can build a more integrated and holistic approach to wildfires risk management, the key changes that are required in the next five years, as well as the main obstacle that prevents sectors from collaborating. The group of stakeholders included a broad spectrum of experts from firefighters to academia, landowners, environmental experts as well as representatives from Member States, the European Parliament, the European Economic and Social Committee and the European Committee of the Regions. The exchange will feed into the preparatory work on the upcoming Communication on an integrated approach to wildfires risk management, planned to be adopted before summer.
Wildfires – which are polluting air, damaging nature and biodiversity – are more and more frequent in Europe and have direct consequences for people and the economy. They occur in forests, open land and also in cities. They last longer and are more severe due to climate change. The record-breaking 2025 wildfires season, where over 1 million hectares have burnt, was another reminder that the cost of doing nothing is bigger than a preventive approach. This is why it is important for preparedness and environmental prevention to go hand in hand, as landscape management choices influence how ecosystems respond to fire.
While national, regional and local authorities manage wildfire prevention, preparedness and response, the EU coordinates and co-finances additional support where needed. In addition to urgent response coordinated through the Emergency Response Coordination Centre, the EU supports, complements and coordinates also the national prevention and preparedness measures where a joint European approach has proven relevant.
(For more information Anna-Kaisa Itkonen – Tel.: +32 2 295 75 01; Eva Hrnčířová – Tel.: +32 2 298 84 33; Maëlys Dreux – Tel.: +32 2 295 46 73; Quentin Cortès – Tel.: +32 2 296 47 35)
Over 100 national and regional initiatives aim to attract global research talent under Choose Europe for Science
National and regional initiatives to reinforce Europe's position as a top destination for global research talent have just reached the impressive number of 101, complementing Choose Europe for Science - an initiative launched by European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen in May 2025. This represents a jump of more than 50% between May 2025 and now, showing Europe's commitment to attracting outstanding minds from around the world and offering them the best possible conditions to develop their careers in the EU.
Representing an amount of around €1 billion in funding opportunities, these initiatives reinforce EU-level efforts under Choose Europe for Science, which aims to foster a dynamic and values-driven research environment, backed by nearly €900 million in EU funding, offered through calls targeting global researchers wishing to continue or move their careers to Europe.
From competitive grants to long-term positions and fellowships, national and regional initiatives offer support to researchers at all career stages. At the European level, applications for the European Research Council (ERC) grants from non-EU researchers have nearly quadrupled. Applications for Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions postdoctoral fellowships also rose by 65% over the past year. Furthermore, the EU Visa Strategy and the Recommendation on attracting talent for innovation, adopted yesterday by the Commission, aim to simplify administrative processes, hence boosting accessibility for researchers. This reflects the EU's strategic drive to create a single, thriving market for research and innovation.
Ekaterina Zaharieva, Commissioner for Startups, Research and Innovation, said: “We are working as ‘Team Europe' to attract research talent from around the world and to support researchers already working here. Thanks to the growing number of funding opportunities at both EU and national level, respect for freedom of scientific research and a high quality of life, we are seeing a record interest in research opportunities in Europe.”
Launched in May 2025, the Choose Europe initiative has steadily expanded its resources and impact, featuring new calls under Horizon Europe. The European Research Area Policy Agenda 2025–27 further supports this growth by enhancing working conditions, career development, and skills recognition.
(For more information: Maciej Berestecki - Tel: +32 229-66483; Isabel Arriaga e Cunha – Tel: +32 229-52117)
Commission approves a new geographical indication from Spain
The European Commission has approved the addition of ‘Miel de Málaga' from Spain to its register of Protected Designation of Origin (PDO).
‘Miel de Málaga' is the food made by honeybees from flower nectar or from processed secretions from the living parts of plants located within the province of Málaga. The honey must be classified by botanical origin, either floral or plant origin, or honeydew honey.
Málaga's diverse terrain and climate results in eight different varieties (one multifloral and seven single-flower) distinguished by unique fruity and floral aromas and flavours including, in particular, bitter, astringent, acidic and savoury notes that contrast with the common sweetness of the honey. Warm temperatures in the area accelerate the loss of moisture in the comb, accelerating maturation and then expediting the harvest of ‘Miel de Málaga'. In addition, the long hours of sunshine in this province allow the hives to be active for a longer period of time, meaning that beekeepers can extract honey several times a year.
This new designation joins the more than 3,900 protected names already listed in the eAmbrosia database. More information is available on the Quality Policy pages.
(For more information: Balazs Ujvari - Tel.: +32 2 295 45 78; Kateřina Horáková - Tel.: +32 2 299 93 10)
EU and Viet Nam upgrade ties to comprehensive strategic partnership
Yesterday, the European Union and Viet Nam have agreed to upgrade their relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, strengthening ties in areas such as trade, energy, climate and security. This marks an important step forward after 35 years of working together.
The EU and Viet Nam will cooperate more closely across a wide range of areas, including trade and investment, sustainable development, climate and energy, digital transformation, research and innovation, security-related issues, and cooperation in multilateral fora. The new strategic partnership will also provide an opportunity to deepen dialogue and cooperation on human rights and fundamental freedoms.
This decision reflects how much ties between the EU and Viet Nam have grown over the past three decades. It also shows a shared interest in working more closely in an evolving international environment, particularly in support of international law, multilateralism, and free and open trade.
This step builds on years of close cooperation. Agreements like the EU–Viet Nam Free Trade Agreement have boosted trade, investment, and exchanges over the past decade, bringing real benefits to businesses and people on both sides. Cooperation has also grown in areas such as sustainable development and the clean energy transition, climate action, environmental protection, judicial reform, education, security and regional stability.
A press release is available online.
(For more information: Anitta Hipper – Tel.: +32 2 298 56 91)
EU-China Water Policy Dialogue to define joint actions for more water resilience
On 2 February 2026, Commissioner Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy, Jessika Roswall, will co-chair the third EU-China Water Policy Dialogue together with the Chinese Minister of Water Resources, Li Guoying. As water scarcity is rising, this Dialogue demonstrates how increased cooperation can strengthen global water governance.
During the Dialogue, the parties will exchange views on how to jointly address global water challenges. They will take stock and look ahead at how best to build resilient, climate-proof water systems and societies, and how to safeguard them for future generations. They will also discuss priorities and objectives for the upcoming 2026 UN Water Conference and align positions on key issues, such as the establishment of a regular inter-governmental process on water.
Commissioner Roswall will also present the EU Water Resilience Strategy, put forward by the Commission in June 2025. The Strategy highlights that strong European global leadership on water resilience is an opportunity to build strategic alliances with international partners. Following this Dialogue, Commissioner Roswall will host the China-Europe Water Platform (CEWP) High-Level Conference. Complementary to the Dialogue, this Conference will discuss progress of the CEWP work on the basin governance under climate change and on innovative water financing.
Commissioner Roswall, said: “Global water demand is projected to exceed available resources by 40% by 2030. This is one of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time. Droughts and floods are becoming more frequent and intense, due to climate change. The good news is that solutions are available, as our EU Water Resilience Strategy demonstrates. I am happy that together with China we share a common understanding of the water pressures and a joint resolve to that we must work together to act on them globally.”
You can find more information on EU-China Water Policy Dialogue online.
(For more information: Anna-Kaisa Itkonen – Tel.: +32 2 295 75 01; Maëlys Dreux – Tel.: +32 2 295 46 73)
EU allocates €63 million in response to the crisis in Myanmar and its impact on neighbouring countries
The European Commission has allocated €63 million in humanitarian aid to help populations affected by the ongoing armed conflict in Myanmar, as well as to support Rohingya refugees living in neighbouring countries, in particular in Bangladesh. This funding, announced as the conflict triggered by the military coup in Myanmar reaches its fifth year, is part of the initial 2026 allocation of the EU for South and Southeast Asia.
In the case of Myanmar, over €38.6 million will be used for:
The €23.4 million earmarked for Bangladesh will support the almost 1.2 million Rohingya refugees living in the country, mostly in the city of Cox's Bazar, as well as the host communities. Funding will be used for life-saving assistance, including:
Given the regional dimension of Myanmar's crisis, an additional allocation of €1 million will provide life-saving aid to refugees and host communities in India, Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand.
All EU humanitarian funding is channelled via partner organisations such as international NGOs and UN agencies.
Background
In Myanmar, humanitarian needs have risen dramatically since the military takeover five years ago, with the situation worsened by the strong earthquake that hit the country in 2025. Following global funding cuts and a subsequent prioritisation exercise conducted by the UN, the number of people prioritised for assistance due to the Myanmar crisis has been narrowed to just over 16 million, with over 3.6 million forcibly displaced. Fighting affects most of the country, with the conflict rated as the second deadliest in the world.
As the conflict in Myanmar continues unabated, a safe return to the country remains impossible for the almost 1.2 million Rohingya refugees that live in Bangladesh. More than 8 years since their massive exodus from Myanmar, and with more people fleeing the ongoing conflict to Bangladesh, living conditions in the camps remain dire. Scarce livelihood opportunities and increased insecurity are pushing more and more refugees to risk dangerous journeys to reach Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand and India.
For more information
EU humanitarian aid in Bangladesh
EU humanitarian aid in Myanmar
Quote(s)
As we mark half a decade since the dramatic escalation of conflict in Myanmar, the EU remains committed to helping the most vulnerable communities in the country, as well as those that have been forced to flee abroad. With this new funding, humanitarian partners will continue providing life-saving aid, from food and shelter to emergency healthcare and education for children. Once more, I call all parties to respect International Humanitarian Law and to ensure that civilians are protected and can access essential services.
Hadja Lahbib, Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management
European Commission welcomes IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva to College of Commissioners seminar on competitiveness
European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen, has invited the Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Kristalina Georgieva, to attend the upcoming seminar of the College of Commissioners, dedicated to Europe's competitiveness agenda. Advancing Europe's competitiveness agenda is a key priority of the European Commission, as reinforcing economic growth is essential to secure Europe's independence.
The seminar will take place on 4th February 2026 and will provide an opportunity for an in-depth strategic discussion on strengthening the European Union's competitive position in a rapidly evolving global context. The exchanges among the College of Commissioners will contribute to the preparations for the informal retreat of EU leaders of 12th February 2026 on strengthening the EU single market in a new geoeconomic context, to which President von der Leyen will participate.
In line with the recommendations of the Draghi report, the Commission has placed competitiveness and decarbonisation at the heart of the policy initiatives presented in the first year of the College mandate. Among other initiatives, the Commission has put forward the Clean Industrial Deal and a strong simplification agenda, with 10 omnibus packages proposed, which maintain our standards high, while bringing along possible savings of 12 billion euro every year for European companies. The Commission has also presented a startup and scale-up strategy, a competitiveness fund, and has doubled down on investments in innovation, proposing to double the budget of Horizon Europe and launching the Choose Europe program.
Going forward, the Commission will continue its work on financial services, with the launch of the Savings and Investment Union, and on reducing the remaining barriers in the single market, also by proposing a 28th regime, EU Inc. At the same time, the trade agenda of the Commission, building strong ties with a network of trade agreements with 78 countries - the largest in the world - allows for diversification and ultimately for a more independent Europe.