EUROPEAN COMMISSION
DAILY NEWSBrussels, 13 February 2026
Joint Statement by Commissioners Šefčovič and Hansen and Minister for Trade and Tourism of Australia Don Farrell following the EU-Australia Ministerial meeting
On 12-13 February 2026, European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security Maroš Šefčovič and Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Christophe Hansen met in Brussels with Minister for Trade and Tourism of Australia Don Farrell to drive further progress on the EU-Australia Free Trade Agreement negotiations. Commissioner Šefčovič and Minister Farrell also discussed other trade-related issues of common interest, notably WTO reform.
President von der Leyen and Prime Minister Albanese confirmed in November last year their shared interest in further strengthening ties between the two like-minded democracies, notably by concluding an ambitious, balanced, mutually beneficial trade deal, while respecting each sides' sensitivities.
The EU and Australia already trade over €87.5 billion – or well over A$100 billion – worth of goods and services each year. A high quality and balanced agreement would reinforce our shared commitment to rules-based trade, grounded in high standards and focused on creating prosperity and competitiveness for businesses and stakeholders across all sectors on both sides.
The Ministerial level engagement was constructive and positive and allowed the two sides to converge positions on a range of issues. Good progress was achieved in narrowing gaps on a small number of outstanding matters. The principals will now report back to their Leaders.
Statement by President von der Leyen at the Transatlantic Forum with Bavarian Minister-President Söder, NATO Secretary-General Rutte and German Foreign Minister Wadephul
Dear Minister-President, dear Markus,
I would like to thank you very much for this invitation. It is nice to be here again.
I am very pleased to see that the Secretary General of NATO, my friend Mark Rutte, is here too.
And, of course, it is a particularly great pleasure to be standing here next to the German foreign minister, dear Johann Wadephul.
Thank you for also having invited me to be here today. The Munich Security Conference would be unthinkable without the CSU Transatlantic Forum. It is my 11th time here. And I must say that it is a tradition that I have come to treasure. I couldn't imagine going to the MSC without attending the CSU Transatlantic Forum, since it is not just a warm-up event but also, year after year, a very strong affirmation of the transatlantic friendship. I am very pleased to see that we have been invited together with the NATO Secretary General, Mark Rutte, this time. Mark Rutte is an old friend of mine from EU times, who is very well known as Prime Minister of the Netherlands but who is now NATO Secretary General. I think that that symbolises very nicely the very close and strong cooperation between the European Union and NATO. I am very pleased to see that our American friends will also be present here at the Transatlantic Forum again, as I too am a committed Atlanticist. For me, this alliance is very important.
For years there has been a cross-party consensus among us within the alliance – but also from elsewhere – that Europe must do more on defence. And that is right. Europe must become more independent and do more for its defence. A strong Europe also means a strong NATO. And that is the mindset that I have brought into the European Union. We have done more for defence in Europe over the past year than in the 10 years before. Looking at the last budget over seven years, EUR 8 billion was allocated to defence. In the last year we have mobilised EUR 800 billion for European defence to allow us to close the gaps that we have. Of that 800 billion, one programme is very important to me: joint procurement, SAFE – joint projects between Member States. SAFE has EUR 100 billion allocated to those joint projects to close the gaps and strengthen our defence capability. A second element is important here: it is a very clear condition of that EUR 100 billion that is available that 65%, or two-thirds, of products must come from Europe – from Ukraine or Europe – and must not be procured from outside it. With good reason. Because the billions upon billions spent on defence are to create jobs and promote innovation and development. And so this must also flow into our European defence industry, including here in Bavaria. Because that is the return on investment that we all need.
The second point: we have launched a EUR 90 billion loan for Ukraine. That loan will have to be repaid by Ukraine only if Russia pays reparations. Two-thirds of the loan, or EUR 60 billion, is available to be spent on defence. Here too, the cascade principle applies. Firstly, everything must be procured from Ukraine or the European Union. Only if that is not possible or cannot be done in time will procurement from outside be allowed. That sends out a strong signal: we intend to – and have to – strengthen the base of the defence industry in Europe. And that is why I am in exactly the right place here, an exceptional site – as Mr Söder has just described it – to make sure that these investments, these European funds, also flow into good jobs, innovation and development.
EU-funded Works Completed at the Agios Dhometios/Metehan Crossing
EU-funded works at the Agios Dhometios/Metehan crossing point have been successfully completed, improving safety, functionality, and traffic flow at the busiest crossing point on the island.
The expansion of this heavily used crossing aims to ensure smoother traffic circulation and deliver tangible benefits for the thousands of people who cross the Green Line in Nicosia on a daily basis, as well as for the surrounding neighbourhoods that have long been affected by the extremely heavy traffic. The project reflects the European Commission’s steadfast support and commitment to improve Cypriots’ daily lives and to encourage crossings over the Green Line, in view of a fair and lasting solution to the Cyprus issue for the benefit of all Cypriots and the island as a whole.
The upgrade increases the crossing’s capacity by adding one additional traffic lane in each direction, expanding from two to three lanes, and includes the construction of a new pedestrian footpath. These improvements are expected to facilitate more efficient crossings over the Green Line, reduce congestion, and enhance safety for both vehicles and pedestrians.
Funded by the European Union and implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Cyprus, the project was designed to respond to increasing demand at this key crossing point by expanding its capacity and improving traffic management, in close cooperation with the bicommunal Technical Committee on Crossings. The construction works were carried out by two contractors, one Greek Cypriot and one Turkish Cypriot, working in coordination to ensure the timely and efficient delivery of the project.
The European Union remains fully committed to supporting confidence-building measures and practical projects that promote contact, cooperation, and mutual understanding between the two communities, in line with its long-standing objectives in Cyprus and its steadfast support for a comprehensive and lasting settlement of the Cyprus issue.
Statement by President von der Leyen with President Costa following the informal EU leaders' retreat
One Europe, One Market. This was indeed the headline of the discussion, and this is our ambition. One Europe, One Market. We want to be there at the end of 2027. We had an excellent discussion with the leaders today on the broader topic of competitiveness we have agreed that next European Council, in March, I will present a One Europe, One Market Roadmap and Action Plan that shows very detailed what are we going to do with timelines, with targets, and with a clear limit of time also to deliver. And the ambition is that we will have this document committed and agreed by not only the Commission, but also the two co-legislators, that is the European Council and the Parliament. We have more or less five building blocks for this One Market Pact.
The first is to reduce administrative burden. So, this has different layers, and it has of course the European level but also the national level. First of all, it was important to acknowledge 10 omnibuses are on their way. Three have arrived at their destination, but seven are still on their way. So, we need now the co-legislators really to speed up to bring them over the finish line, because this means EUR 15 billion of cutting red tape for our companies, for our economy, every year.
Second, we will, after having done the Omnibuses, and more will come, do a deep house cleaning on the acquis, present on this one a plan with first proposals. I said we will look at all levels. We have to crack down on gold-plating. Gold-plating are these extra layers of legislation, European legislation, but done individually by Member States so that as an effect you have European legislation, but 27 different realities in the Member States. We want to crack down on this gold-plating. This means less directives and more regulations because a regulation sets one clear goal for all 27 Member States. And my ask is and was to the co-legislators to propose and accept only strictly technical delegated acts or implementing acts. We have too many delegated acts and implementing acts, and these should only be technical definitions. We will introduce “sunset clauses” for laws so that we also have a certain time after which there is a “sunset clause” on a law, and the legislators can decide on whether to continue or change completely the law. And finally, once a year there will be a Report to the European Council on the Simplification progress and on the Cost Reduction. That is a simplification.
The second building block is building one market. Indeed, when companies want to scale up in our market, they face difficulties because of the fragmentation that our market of 27 has. And therefore, we will propose the 28th regime, EU Inc we call it, before the March European Council. This is the principle that wherever you are in the European Union you can digitally, within 48 hours, have an EU Inc. You can operate it completely digitally, and it is one single and simple rule across the whole European Union, therefore the 28th regime.
We also agreed that to build one market you don't only need the 28th regime but also the Savings and Investment Union, one deep and liquid capital market. And here we agreed that we want to be done with phase one of the Savings and Investment Union, that includes the market integration, the supervision and the securitization, by June. If there is not sufficient progress by then, we will consider introducing enhanced cooperation. That is that at least nine Member States, if they want, move forward faster and decide to be more ambitious. The enhanced cooperation theoretically is also very interesting for the 28th regime because you can make it more ambitious. And if not all 27 immediately want to move on the 28th regime, we could go into the enhanced cooperation. Don't get me wrong, I prefer it by 27, but these two enormously important building blocks, they really have to advance now and therefore there is as a fallback option potentially the enhanced cooperation.
We need European champions. That is why we are revising the merger guidelines. A draft will be presented in April, followed by consultations with the Member States. Our objective is clear: merger guidelines that reflect the realities of the global market, not just the European one, and that enable the emergence of true European champions.
And finally, we will present the Industrial Accelerator Act, including a European preference before the next European Council for strategic sectors based on solid economic analysis.
The third pillar is building one energy market. Here, on one hand, we have to strengthen the infrastructure, mainly also the grid and the cross-border energy. The Grids Package is on the table of the Council and Parliament. There, too, in our Roadmap for One market, we will have a timeline set for the Grids Package to be done and to be agreed. We will implement European energy highways. The first energy highway has just been agreed. That is the Bornholm Island with the Baltic offshore wind now connected to Denmark and to Germany. A huge improvement of offshore wind that was initially only national but now can be used as European resource of energy. So, infrastructure is one part.
The other part is the market design. Here we had an intense discussion about the effect that, on average, if you look at renewables last year, they cost EUR 34 per megawatt hour. Nuclear costs EUR 50 to 60 EUR per megawatt hour, and gas costs 100 EUR per megawatt hour. And the discussion is intense why our merit order system in the very end takes the most expensive resource, and this is the price-setting mechanism then. We did not come to a conclusion. I want to be very clear on this one. But to the next European Council, I will bring different options and findings on whether it is time to move forward on the market design or whether we are still good on this market design. And we will come as planned and as it is in the law with an ETS review.
The fourth pillar is digital. We agreed again here on the Digital Networks Act. You mentioned the telecom merger possibility that is in this DNA, the Digital Networks Act. It is on the table. We will have timelines in the roadmap so that it moves forward rapidly. The same goes for the European business wallet that will make it possible that you have a unique digital identity and a single channel of correspondence as a company with governments and with all 27 governments in the European Union, an enormous step forward on digital simplification. Here, too, there will be, as of March, a timeline to proceed.
And finally, looking forward, there will be the proposal for tech sovereignty package. This includes a Chips Act 2.0, a Cloud and AI Development Act. Last point on the digital, we also looked at the infrastructure that we need for high computing power. You know we have the AI factories. We will upgrade them to ecosystems of AI gigafactories. And here, too, we discussed the enormous response that we got Europe-wide for our proposals, and this we will launch in June.
Last but not least, an important pillar – this is not within the one market, but it is trade, which is, of course of upmost importance for our market. Here, the leaders were very supportive on swift implementation of the newly agreed trade agreements. It is Indonesia, it is Mercosur, India, and Switzerland. And of course, very encouraging to continue the work with future agreements, be it ASEAN, Gulf states, or Australia, for example.
Thank you.
Europeans perceive growing threat to their security and trust EU to do more in this field, according to latest Eurobarometer
A new Eurobarometer survey released today, ahead of the Munich Security Conference, shows Europeans' growing perception of threat for their countries in the current international situation. The majority of them would also entrust EU with strengthening defence. Investment in this field is also seen as important. EU space programmes are perceived as essential instruments for addressing defence and security, environment and climate and competitiveness.
Perception of threat
The most notable result is that more than two thirds of Europeans (68%) believe their country is under threat. Member States with the highest threat perception are France (80%), followed by Netherlands and Denmark (77%), and Cyprus and Germany (75%). At the same time, 42% of citizens believe their personal safety is at risk.
Trust in Europe's capacity
The majority of Europeans trust the EU to strengthen security and defence (52%), especially in countries like Luxembourg (76%), Portugal (74%), Cyprus (73%) and Lithuania (71%).
Investment in defence
Amid the roll-out of several related initiatives over the past year, nearly three-quarters of respondents (74%) approve of the EU's current level of defence investment or believe that spending should be increased. Support is particularly high in countries such as Lithuania (80%), Portugal (89%), Finland (83%), Spain (80%) and Denmark (78%).
Space is essential for defence and security
Security and defence is also considered as a key priority for EU space policy, by 53% of Europeans, followed by environment and climate (36%), and competitiveness and growth of European industry (31%). Moreover, EU space programmes' positive economic impact is widely recognised by youngest respondents (55%).
Background
This Flash Eurobarometer launched at the beginning of January 2026 aimed to gauge EU citizens' sense of security, their trust in the EU as a defence actor, and their support for increased investment in collective defence. It also assessed awareness of EU space programmes and identified priority areas for future space policy. The results will guide the Commission and support evidence-based policymaking. It included 27,292 interviews across the EU-27.
For more information
Standard Eurobarometer 104
Factsheet: European Defence - Protect What Matters
EU launches new toolbox to strengthen ICT supply chain security
The EU introduced a new ICT Supply Chain Security Toolbox, providing an EU approach to identify, assess, and mitigate cybersecurity risks across ICT supply chains. The toolbox outlines risk scenarios and recommends mitigation measures, including the assessment of critical suppliers, the importance of multi-vendor strategies and approaches to overcome dependencies on high-risk suppliers. It empowers Member States to strengthen ICT supply chain security.
The NIS2 Cooperation Group, which involves EU Member States, the European Commission and the EU Agency for cybersecurity (ENISA), developed the toolbox and will review its progress in one year.
Underlining the importance of ensuring security of our ICT supply chains, in the revised Cybersecurity Act presented on 20 January 2026, the Commission has also proposed a trusted ICT supply chain framework focusing on addressing non-technical risks such as foreign interference, which will allow for a harmonised approach in the most critical supply chains. The release also includes two risks assessments focusing on connected and automated vehicles, as well as detection equipment used at borders and customs. These reports provide a comprehensive analysis of cybersecurity risks, their potential consequences, and the necessary mitigation measures. Henna Virkkunen, Executive Vice-President for Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy, said: “Cyber-attacks on ICT supply chains are increasingly sophisticated and can impact our security and economy. With the adoption of the ICT Supply Chain Security Toolbox, we intensify our efforts to protect them by increasing our common understanding on risks and how we can mitigate them." More information on the toolbox and risks assessments can be found online.
(For more information: Thomas Regnier — Tel. + 32 2 299 10 99; Nika Blazevic — Tel. + 32 2 299 27 17)
Commission approves UMG's acquisition of Downtown, subject to conditions
The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the proposed acquisition by Universal Music Group N.V. (‘UMG') of Downtown Music Holdings LLC (‘Downtown'). The approval is conditional upon full compliance with the commitments offered by the companies, which entail the full divestment of Downtown's royalty accounting platform Curve Royalty Systems, Ltd (‘Curve').
Following its market investigation, the Commission concluded that the proposed transaction would not lead to a significant impediment of effective competition in the markets where UMG and Downtown's activities overlap, namely in recorded music, A&L services and music publishing.
At the same time, the Commission concluded that Curve processes information regarding the commercial relationship between an artist and its label. The Commission found that the transaction, as initially notified, would have harmed competition, as UMG could have gained access to commercially sensitive data of rival record labels, which is stored on Curve.
To address the Commission's competition concerns, UMG and Downtown offered a remedy package consisting of the full divestment of Curve.
On this basis, the Commission concluded that the transaction, as modified by the commitments, would no longer raise competition concerns.
The Commission will approve a suitable purchaser for Curve in a separate procedure.
Commissioner for Economy and Productivity; Implementation and Simplification, Valdis Dombrovskis, said: “The music industry plays an important role in bringing artists' creations to audiences, and it is essential to uphold the availability of diverse service providers for consumers. Our in-depth investigation confirmed that a large number of companies will continue to offer their distribution services to European music labels and artists. By requiring the divestment of Curve, we are taking a decisive step to protect sensitive data and prevent it from being controlled by a large competitor. Today's decision reflects the Commission's dedication to promoting fair competition and supporting a thriving and diverse music landscape in Europe.”
A press release is available online.
(For more information: Ricardo Cardoso – Tel.: +32 2 298 01 00; Paula Clara Ritter-Moschütz – Tel.: +32 2 296 40 83)
Commission approves €1.04 billion Danish State aid scheme to support landowner climate projects
The European Commission has approved, under EU State aid rules, a €1.04 billion (DKK 7.8 billion) Danish scheme to support landowners committing to voluntarily remove agricultural or forestry land from production to reduce agricultural emissions. The measure will contribute to achieving the objectives of the EU's Common Agricultural Policy by strengthening environmental protection and contributing to climate change mitigation and adaptation.
The scheme will run until 31 December 2030 and is part of a Danish initiative to finance a significant transformation of land, with the aim to create the basis for a good aquatic environment, to reduce climate pressure while providing more space for nature and better conditions for biodiversity, and to protect drinking water.
Under the scheme, the aid will take the form of direct grants or benefits in kind.
The Commission assessed the scheme under EU State aid rules, in particular Article 107(3)(c) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, which allows Member States to support the development of certain economic activities under certain conditions, and under the 2022 Guidelines for State aid in the agricultural and forestry sectors and in rural areas.
The Commission found that the measure facilitates development of an economic activity. It has an incentive effect, is necessary and appropriate and brings about positive effects that outweigh any possible negative effects.
On this basis, the Commission approved the Danish scheme under EU State aid rules.
The non-confidential version of the decision will be made available under the case number SA.119017 in the State aid register on the Commission's competition website once any confidentiality issues have been resolved. New publications of State aid decisions on the internet and in the Official Journal are listed in the Competition Weekly e-News.
A press release is available online
(For more information: Ricardo Cardoso – Tel.: +32 2 298 01 00; Luuk de Klein – Tel.: +32 229 94774)
Commission opens in-depth State aid investigation into Danish and Swedish capital injection into PostNord Logistics
The European Commission has opened an in-depth investigation to assess whether a capital injection of approximately €15.4 million (DKK 115 million) from the PostNord Group AB into its subsidiary PostNord Logistics A/S (‘PNL') is in line with EU State aid rules. PostNord Group AB's parent PostNord AB is owned by Sweden (60%) and Denmark (40%).
Today's opening follows the 2023 partial annulment by the General Court of a 2020 decision in which the Commission rejected a complaint alleging that PNL had received State aid measures through PostNord. In 2020, the Commission concluded that the capital injection did not constitute aid. The Court found that the Commission's examination of the capital injection was incomplete and insufficient when it came to whether it was made by the Danish and Swedish States.
The Commission has therefore opened an in-depth investigation to assess, first, whether the capital injection is imputable to the Danish and Swedish States and, second, whether the capital injection is market-conform, meaning that it complies with the market economy operator principle. If the measure constitutes State aid, the Commission will assess whether it is compatible with the internal market.
The opening of an in-depth investigation gives Denmark, Sweden and interested third parties, including PNL, the opportunity to submit comments. It does not prejudge the outcome of the investigation.
The non-confidential version of the decision will be made available under the case numbers SA.52489 and SA.52658 in the State aid register on the Commission's competition website once any confidentiality issues have been resolved.
Commissioner Kubilius in Lithuania to discuss strengthening defence readiness
Commissioner for Defence and Space Andrius Kubilius will be in Lithuania on Monday and Tuesday for a series of engagements focused on national heritage and European security. On Monday, the Commissioner will participate in the Solemn Ceremony to commemorate the 108th anniversary of the Restoration of Lithuania's Independence, honouring the historic declaration of 1918.
On Tuesday, the focus will shift to the future of European security as the Commissioner will meet with Prime Minister Inga Ruginienė. Their meeting will focus on the implementation flagship initiatives in defence (in particular Eastern Flank Watch and European Drone Defence Initiative) through regional cooperation and the use of SAFE loans to build defence readiness. Another theme of the discussions will be the continued and unwavering support for and cooperation with Ukraine, including the latest developments regarding the Ukraine loan and long-term industrial cooperation.
Following the bilateral meeting, Commissioner Kubilius will deliver a keynote speech and participate in the panel discussion ‘Decision Time: How to Ensure Readiness' at the Forum on Military Mobility and Resilience. He will address the critical need to improve military mobility across the continent, ensuring that infrastructure and regulations allow for the rapid movement of troops and equipment—a vital component of the Eastern Flank's security and Europe's broader defence readiness.
(For more information: Thomas Regnier – Tel: +32 2 299 10 99; Marine Strauss – Tel: +32 2 298 91 03)
Tentative agendas for forthcoming Commission meetings
Note that these items can be subject to changes.
Upcoming events of the European Commission
Eurostat press releases
Calendar items of the President and Commissioners
Individual calendars of the President and Commissioners