Today, the European Commission proposed a targeted amendment to the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF) Regulation to make funding easier to access for fishers and aquaculture producers across the EU. The changes are designed to cut red tape, support the sector’s energy transition and strengthen the resilience of coastal communities.
The proposal would make it easier to modernise fishing vessels by introducing more flexible rules for engine replacement and modernisation, together with a simpler approval process and a clearer method for calculating emissions reductions.
The Commission also proposes to support generational renewal, with higher aid for young fishers and fewer obstacles to business transfers.
In addition, the targeted amendment would introduce two new funding schemes: one to help fishers cope with unexpected quota cuts, and another to support small-scale fisheries, especially vessels under 12 metres and operators using non-towed gear.
The amendment would also increase the maximum share of each Member State’s funding that can be used for fleet measures and permanent cessation. This would give national authorities more flexibility to deal with imbalances in fleet capacity.
At the same time, the objective of the Commission’s proposal is to reinforce environmental protection by incentivising support for marine protected areas, fishing-restricted areas and safety-at-sea technologies, in line with the EU’s 2050 climate-neutrality objective.
The proposal also ensures full alignment with the WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies. Operators or vessels involved in illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, or in high-seas activities outside the competence of Regional Fisheries Management Organisations, would not be eligible for EMFAF support.
Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans Costas Kadis said: ‘Today’s proposal puts the EU at the forefront of responsible fisheries policy. By simplifying the EMFAF rules and embedding the WTO’s new discipline on harmful subsidies, we protect our marine resources, support a green transition and, crucially, give young and small-scale fishers a more accessible pathway into the sector. These amendments will reduce unnecessary red tape, ensure that public money advances climate-neutral technologies, and safeguard the livelihoods of coastal communities.’
The amendment follows the EMFAF mid-term evaluation, input from Member States and stakeholder consultations. It will now be examined by the European Parliament and the Council under the ordinary legislative procedure.
More information is available online.
(For more information: Maciej Berestecki – Tel: +32 229-66483; Anna Wartberger – Tel.: +32 2 298 20 54)
College members kick off high-level meetings in New York
The EU begins a week of high-level meetings and events in New York in the margins of the UN General Assembly.
Yesterday, President Ursula von der Leyen, President Costa and High Representative/Vice-President Kallas met the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf and António Guterres, the Secretary-General of the United Nations. Together with the African Union and the United Nations, the EU is advancing African-led solutions for peace and security, sustainable development and food security. It is also its partner for the future, by leading on trade and investments, notably through its pound 150 billion Global Gateway package. This meeting was followed by the EU-UN Principals’ meeting. President von der Leyen, President Costa and HR/VP Kallas thanked Secretary-General Guterres for a close cooperation throughout his term, from Ukraine to the Middle East, on climate, as well as for driving the UN80 reforms forward. HR/VP Kallas co-hosted a Ministerial Dinner on the Middle East with the Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister of Qatar. Earlier in the day, Commissioner Jozef Síkela participated in the UN Private Sector Forum hosted by the UN Global Compact.
Today, President von der Leyen will deliver a speech at the Summit in Support of Multilateralism at 18:30 EDT (00:30h CEST), live on EBS. Executive Vice-President Teresa Ribera will give opening remarks at the High-Level Leaders Dialogue at the Global Renewables Summit on delivering ‘Electrify Now’.
Executive Vice-President Roxana Mînzatu will participate in Digital Cooperation Day on ‘AI and the Future of Work: Skills, Education and Capacity Building for an Inclusive AI Economy’, as well as in Foreign Policy’s Her Power Summit.
High Representative/Vice-President Kallas and Commissioner Hadja Lahbib will co-host and deliver opening remarks at the Ministerial-Level Side Event on ‘Humanitarian Diplomacy that Safeguards International Humanitarian Law’, together with Ireland, Jordan, Canada, Brazil and the African Union. In the afternoon, HR/VP Kallas will chair the annual informal meeting of EU Foreign Ministers, joined by Australia, India, Japan, Republic of Korea. The Commission will be represented by Commissioners Síkela. You can follow the press conference by the High Representative live on EBS at 23:00 EDT (17:30 CEST). In the evening, HR/VP Kallas will participate in a meeting of G7 Foreign Ministers.
Commissioner Síkela will participate in the Generation Unlimited Global Leadership Council, the Principals’ meeting of the Transatlantic Resilient Infrastructure Alliance, and the launch of the EU’s Global Green Bond Initiative. The Commissioner will also represent the European Commission at the meeting of European Development Ministers on the future of development cooperation, organised by the Irish Presidency.
Commissioner Lahbib will deliver in the afternoon a keynote address at the event ’87 Million Lives: Delivering on the Promise’, on the OCHA hyper-prioritised aid plan to reach the 87 million people facing the most severe and life-threatening humanitarian needs, before participating in the EU-EIB-UNDP signature event, launching a joint mechanism on addressing fragility. Commissioner Lahbib will also take part in a Ministerial event on Sudan.
Commissioner Wopke Hoekstra will attend the High Ambition Coalition dinner this evening.
(For more information: Paula Pinho – Tel.: +32 2 292 08 15; Anouar EL Anouni – Tel.: +32 2 291 35 80)
EU-Funded Solar Power Plant Connected to Nicosia’s Bicommunal Wastewater Infrastructure
An EU-funded solar power plant at the New Nicosia Wastewater Treatment Plant (NNWWTP) in Mia Millia/Haspolat has been connected to the electricity system, marking a major milestone in efforts to improve the energy sustainability of one of Nicosia’s key bicommunal infrastructure facilities.
Funded by the European Union through the EU Aid Programme for the Turkish Cypriot community and implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) under the Local Infrastructure Facility (LIF), the photovoltaic system was connected to the electricity network in August 2026, following approximately 10 months of construction.
With a capacity of 840 kW (AC) / 1,018 kWp, the new installation comprises approximately 1,860 solar panels and is expected to generate around 1.6 million kWh of renewable electricity annually. This corresponds to approximately 15-18% of the wastewater treatment plant’s annual electricity consumption, reducing its reliance on electricity from the grid and lowering operating costs.
The New Nicosia Wastewater Treatment Plant treats wastewater from most of Nicosia, making it an important example of bicommunal infrastructure serving communities across the city.
Wastewater treatment is an energy-intensive process. Approximately 30% of the plant’s energy requirements are already met through biogas generated onsite. Together with the new photovoltaic system, renewable energy will now meet a significant share of the plant’s electricity needs, reducing dependence on the grid and contributing to more sustainable wastewater management.
The new solar installation is also expected to help reduce operating costs, particularly the share borne by the Turkish Cypriot local community of Nicosia, while reducing carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 830 tonnes annually.
The EUR 1.6 million project, financed by the European Union, covers the design, construction and supervision of the photovoltaic installation.
Final adjustments to the system are currently under way. The installation will subsequently be inspected ahead of the final acceptance of the works and the start of the defect notification period. As the project enters its operational phase, regular operation and maintenance will be essential to ensure reliable and efficient performance over time.
The New Nicosia Wastewater Treatment Plant is itself the result of long-standing bicommunal cooperation, treating wastewater from both sides of Nicosia through shared infrastructure. The addition of the new solar power plant builds on this cooperation, demonstrating how joint approaches to essential services can deliver practical environmental and economic benefits for both communities and contribute to a more sustainable future for Nicosia.
For further information and media enquiries please contact UNDP at: registry.cy@undp.org
European Union
The Aid Programme for the Turkish Cypriot community, based on Council Regulation 389/2006, aims at facilitating the reunification of Cyprus by encouraging the economic development of the Turkish Cypriot community, with particular emphasis on the economic integration of the island, on improving contacts between the two communities and with the EU, and on preparation for the EU body of laws (also referred to as acquis communautaire).
For more information please visit:
Support to the Turkish Cypriot community – European Commission
EU Infopoint on Facebook – http://www.abbilgi.eu/en – http://www.abbilgi.eu/tr/
United Nations Development Programme
UNDP aims to contribute and support the peace-building process in Cyprus and to enhance cooperation between the Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots by implementing a range of confidence building measures.
Get in touch: UNDP Cyprus (@UNDPCY) / Twitter | on Facebook | on Instagram|
More resources: https://www.undp.org/cyprus
Commission enhances energy efficiency and sustainability of data centres in the EU
The European Commission proposed today a common rating scheme for data centres aimed at increasing transparency on their energy use and supporting their sustainable integration into Europe’s energy system.
Data centres are essential to Europe’s digital future. Increasing computing capacity in Europe is important for strengthening Europe’s technological independence and digital sovereignty. This is why the EU wants to triple its data centre capacity over the next five to seven years. Still, this growth brings challenges which need to be addressed. In addition to using more energy, an increase of data centres could put extra pressure on electricity grids and the use of natural resources, such as water, and contribute to increase carbon emissions. To limit these impacts, it is essential that data centres are highly energy- and water-efficient and sustainably integrated in the energy system.
With the common rating scheme proposed today, the Commission will help ensure that there is transparent information about the actual use of resources (energy, water) by data centres. The rating scheme will cover individual data centres with a capacity above 500 kW. It will also cover data centres’ contribution to the grid, such as the reuse of waste heat, the addition of clean energy generation capacities as well as flexibility. A striking example: reusing around half of all waste heat from European data centres is the equivalent of the total heating demand of 4 million households in Europe. Sustainable, flexible and well-designed data centres that can adjust their electricity use to the grids conditions, can help lower the overall cost of the electricity system, improve grid stability, and integrate more renewable energy.
To create lead markets for sustainable digital assets and services across Europe and further support the integration of sustainable data centres in the energy system, the Commission has launched a call for evidence and public consultation on minimum performance standards for data centres operating in Europe.
Next steps
The Delegated Regulation establishing the common rating scheme is now subject to 2-month scrutiny period by the European Parliament and the Council before entering into force. The co-legislators have the right to object to the delegated act adopted by the Commission (e.g. question the delegated power or the process), yet they cannot propose changes to the text.
The first sustainability labels for individual data centres are expected to be displayed in 2027. A first review of the scheme is foreseen by end-2028 to assess its effectiveness and possible improvements, if necessary. Further work is also ongoing for the sustainable integration of data centres in the energy system. The Commission is following up to the Declaration of intent signed in June 2026 working with data centres operators, grid operators, energy providers and public authorities towards a tripartite agreement on data centres in the second half of the year.
The consultation on the minimum energy performance standards for data centres closes on 14 December 2026. The Commission will continue to consult with Member States, industry and civil society to ensure a robust and inclusive policy framework.
Background
Data centres are one of the world’s fastest growing sectors, consuming around 68 TWh of the EU’s electricity in 2024 alone. Driven by artificial intelligence, this is expected to virtually double to 114 TWh by 2030 – reaching more than 3% of overall electricity demand in the EU, according to the International Energy Agency.
The EU’s digital strategy underlines the need for highly energy-efficient and sustainable data centres and calls for more transparency about their environmental footprint. The Commission is therefore acting to improve transparency, promote more efficient facilities and encourage better use of energy and other resources, building on the Energy Efficiency Directive and the 2024 reporting scheme for data centres.
This package delivers on the Strategic Roadmap on digitalisation and AI in the energy sector and the recently adopted Electrification Action Plan.
For more information
Report on the energy efficiency of data centres in the EU – Energy
Commission Delegated Regulation establishing a common Union rating scheme for data centres and annexes – Energy
Energy Efficiency of Data Centres Report
Questions and answers on the data centre energy efficiency package
Energy performance of data centres – Energy – European Commission
Energy Efficiency Directive
Reporting scheme for data centres
Minimum performance standards for EU data centres
Digitalisation of the energy systems
Key Questions on Energy and AI – Analysis – IEA
Quote(s)
Tripling our data centre capacity cannot mean tripling the pressure on our grids, our water and our energy bills. That starts with transparency, rating large data centres depending on their impact on our energy system. Efficient, flexible, powered by additional clean energy and reusing waste heat, this is how data centres become an asset for EU’s energy transition.
Teresa Ribera, Executive Vice-President for Clean, Just and Competitive Transition
To ensure that the digital transformation truly works for our society, we must address the growing energy demand of data centres. Understanding their energy and resource consumption is the essential first step towards integrating them sustainably into our energy system. Digital sovereignty must go hand in hand with energy responsibility.
Dan Jørgensen, Commissioner for Energy and Housing
(For more information: Anna-Kaisa Itkonen – Tel.: +32 2 295 75 01; Cristiana Marchitelli – Tel: +32 2 298 94 07)
EU Customs Reform marks a new era for customs in Europe
The EU Customs Reform has entered into force, marking the start of a better, smarter and simpler customs system across the EU. Following formal adoption by the Council of the European Union and European Parliament, the reform was published in the Official Journal last Saturday and will be gradually implemented as from today.
The Reform will modernise the EU customs system, by making it more digital, data-driven and responsive to the growing challenges of international trade. This will support EU customs to address, evolving geopolitical risks, the rapid expansion of e-commerce, and the increasing demand for consumer protection. At the core of the reform lies a modernised Union Customs Code (UCC) and the establishment of the EU Customs Authority (EUCA).
A new Union Customs Code
The new UCC regulation, published on 19 September, provides the legal basis for the EU Customs Reform. It recasts the legal architecture governing customs operations across the EU, creating a more integrated system, and helping the Customs Union to operate as one. The new Code will modernise customs procedures, harmonise processes, reduce administrative burden and strengthen risk management. This means that ultimately, there will be a single customs entry point for all customs operations across the EU instead of multiple national systems.
Customs today is a strategic pillar for the EU’s competitiveness and economic security. It helps protect the Single Market, enforce European standards, and facilitate legitimate trade. The reform will strengthen customs authorities’ role in collecting customs duties, as well as upholding non-fiscal EU rules like product safety, environmental rules and intellectual property rights. Customs procedures and requirements will become simpler and more predictable for legitimate businesses. There will also be clearer responsibilities for importers and streamlined reporting through a single EU data interface. Trusted traders will benefit from significantly simplified procedures.
A new data-driven customs architecture
The EUCA, based in Lille, was legally established as of 20 September. The new Authority will strengthen cooperation between Member States’ customs authorities by enabling EU-wide risk management and supporting a more consistent response to common threats at our borders. A key task of the EUCA will be to develop the EU Customs Data Hub, which will transform the currently fragmented customs IT systems. The new business-centred approach will bring to life a single EU trade interface for imports to and exports from the EU, as well as for all exchange of information and formalities with customs authorities. The Data Hub will gradually replace existing national customs IT systems, generating savings of close to pound 2.3 billion per year in operating costs for Member States and pound 2.58 billion per year in administrative costs for economic operators.
The EU Customs Data Hub will be operational for e-commerce already as of July 2028. For the rest of trade, the Data Hub will be operational as of 2031 at the latest.
Together, the UCC regulation, the Data Hub and the EUCA will support better cooperation between European and national authorities, notably taxation and market surveillance authorities, and provide a mechanism for tackling emergency situations at the border.
New rules for e-commerce
The reform is already delivering where it is more urgently needed, by responding decisively to the influx of low-value e-commerce imports. In December 2025, the EU decided to abolish the outdated pound 150 customs duty exemption threshold for low-value consignments and to apply instead a temporary pound 3 customs duty from 1 July 2026 until July 2028, following which normal customs duties will be levied. The new UCC regulation also established an EU-wide handling fee for small parcels to cover the increasing costs customs authorities face when processing these low-value goods. The EU will start to apply it from November 2026 with a fixed amount, to be established in a delegated act by the Commission.
Next steps
With the new UCC publication in the Official Journal, the legislative process is complete. Implementation will now take place progressively, with Member States having 12 months to implement the new rules in full. The EU Customs Authority is expected to start operations in 2027, while the EU Customs Data Hub will become mandatory for e-commerce consignments as of 1 July 2028. The new handling fee is expected to start applying as of November this year.
Background
The EU Customs Union, founded in 1968, was a milestone for EU integration, providing the foundations for the Single Market, and ensuring the free circulation of goods within the EU.
In today’s landscape, customs authorities control billions of consignments annually, with e-commerce fuelling an unprecedented surge in low-value imports. The EU Customs Union needed a major reform to address modern challenges, such as new trade models and growing trade volumes, technological developments, the green transition, the new geopolitical context and security risks.
On 17 May 2023, the Commission put forward proposals for a comprehensive reform, aiming to tackle these challenges by developing a more cohesive, data-driven, and risk-based customs system. This system is also designed to effectively protect its financial and regulatory interests.
For more information
Official Journal of the European Union
Commission welcomes historic agreement to reform EU Customs Union
Questions and answers on the EU Customs Reform
Factsheet EU Customs Reform
EU Customs Reform
Quote(s)
In an increasing complex geopolitical environment, Europe needs a Customs Union fit for today’s world. The Customs Reform is therefore not simply a technical update – it is a strategic imperative to safeguard our Single Market, strengthen Europe’s competitiveness and economic security, and better protect our citizens. Building on a single entry point for all customs operations and powered by an EU risk management capacity, we ensure that the Customs Union finally assesses and acts as one at the border.
Maroš Šefcovic, Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security; Interinstitutional Relations and Transparency
(For more information: Olof Gill – Tel.: +32 2 296 59 66; Paula Ritter-Moschutz – Tel.: +32 2 296 40 83)
EU continues efforts to promote the respect of International Humanitarian Law across the globe, report shows
The European Commission and the High Representative have published the 9th annual report on International Humanitarian Law. The report shows that, with over 130 ongoing armed conflicts, the proper implementation of International Humanitarian Law, including to new forms of warfare and new technologies, is crucial. Civilians continue to be targeted by parties to conflicts. Access to aid is purposely obstructed. Humanitarian workers, those who risk everything to save others, are increasingly in the crosshairs.
The report provides a concise, coherent, transparent and factual overview of the most relevant action taken by the EU in 2025. This included diplomatic engagement with parties to conflicts, support for humanitarian organisations and accountability efforts, funding to monitor violations, and training on international humanitarian law. It covers the period from 1 January 2025 to 31 December 2025.
The need for humanitarian protection and assistance has never been greater.
When the basic principles of humanity are being contested, the EU stands firm in its commitment to protect international humanitarian law, humanitarian principles, humanitarian personnel and, first and foremost, affected people.
The full report is available online.
(For more information: Eva Hrncirova – Tel.: +32 2 298 84 33; Quentin Cortes – Tel: +32 2 291 32 83)
Commission approves new geographical indication from Hungary
The European Commission has approved the registration of Nivegy-völgyi from Hungary as a Protected geographical indication (PGI).
Nivegy-völgyi wines come from the Nivegy valley, situated in the central part of the northern area of Lake Balaton. The unique topography of the area provides warmer and cooler air flows, providing stable conditions to grow the relevant grapes. Nivegy-völgyi wines have a discreet nose with no harshness, and are characterised by a richness of bouquet and flavours. Another key feature is their predominant minerality, which is present due to the calcareous soil. Their flavours also contain chalky notes, which stem from the limestone in the bedrock, as well as an almondy aftertaste.
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: Louise Bogey – Tel.: +32 229-69776; Paula Clara Ritter-Moschtz – Tel.: +32 2 296 40 83)
Executive Vice-President Fitto in Hungary to discuss cohesion policy and regional development
Executive Vice-President for Cohesion and Reforms Raffaele Fitto is in Hungary until tomorrow for a series of high-level meetings and field visits focusing on cohesion policy, reforms, regional development and the future EU Strategy on the Right to Stay.
During the two-day visit, the Executive Vice-President will meet Minister for Regional and Rural Development, Viktória Lorincz, to discuss current and future cohesion policy. He is also scheduled to meet the Minister of Finance, András Kármán.
In Budapest, Executive Vice-President Fitto will meet the Mayor of Budapest, Gergely Karácsony, to discuss the urban development challenges facing a major metropolitan area. They will jointly visit an EU-funded tram project in Budapest, highlighting the role of EU investment in supporting local development, competitiveness, and citizens’ quality of life.
A central part of the visit will be discussions on the forthcoming Right to Stay Strategy, including a visit to the town of Dombóvár, an area facing persistent development gaps. There, the Executive Vice-President will engage directly with local residents and community representatives to hear about the challenges they face in their daily lives, notably the obstacles to stay and build their future in the place they call home.
On the occasion, he will also meet Dombóvár’s Mayor Szilárd Pintér and Member of the Parliament for the region, Gábor Szijjartó.
(For more information: Maciej Berestecki – Tel: +32 229-66483; Anna Wartberger – Tel.: +32 2 298 20 54)
Commission hosts Youth Policy Dialogue on the protection of minors online and cyberbullying
Executive Vice-President for Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy, Henna Virkkunen, and Commissioner for Intergenerational Fairness, Youth, Culture and Sport, Glenn Micallef, will jointly host a Youth Policy Dialogue tomorrow in Brussels under the umbrella of the Cyberbullying Campaign organised by the European Commission and European Schoolnet.
Young participants will share their experiences, concerns, and ideas on the protection of minors online and the creation of a safer digital environment and cyberbullying. They will outline the main challenges young people encounter online and talk about possible solutions. The discussion will also explore EU initiatives to address these issues, including the EU Cyberbullying Action Plan, the Digital Services Act, the Better Internet for Kids strategy, and the proposed EU KIDS Act. The Dialogue will explore how young people can feel safer and more confident online, focusing on safeguards, digital literacy, measures to prevent and address cyberbullying, and the skills needed to navigate digital spaces safely and responsibly.
Executive Vice-President Virkkunen said: ‘Protecting children and young people in the digital world is a shared responsibility. Today’s dialogue is an opportunity to listen to their voices, understand their concerns, and work together to create a safer online environment. The European Commission remains committed to ensuring that our digital spaces are secure, inclusive, and empowering for all young Europeans.’
Commissioner Micallef said: ‘Being online is part of growing up today. Being bullied should not be. Tomorrow, we will listen directly to young people about what makes them feel unsafe online, what actually helps and what needs to change.’
The session will be livestreamed online.
Youth Policy Dialogues are part of the Commission’s commitment to mainstream the voice of young people in EU policymaking, as set out in President von der Leyen’s Political Guidelines for 2024-2029.
(For more information: Eva Hrncírová – Tel.: +32 2 298 84 33; Eirini Zarkadoula – Tel.: +32 2 295 70 65)
Commissioner Várhelyi hosts Youth Policy Dialogue on cardiovascular health in Slovenia, participates in health forum, and meets national authorities
Tomorrow, Commissioner for Health and Animal Welfare, Olivér Várhelyi, will host a Youth Policy Dialogue in Portorož, Slovenia, to discuss cardiovascular health and disease prevention, in the context of the EU Safe Hearts Plan.
Taking place in the margins of the Portorož Youth Health Forum 2026, the Dialogue will bring young people directly into the conversation on how to prevent cardiovascular disease earlier in life, through healthier everyday choices and action on key risk factors such as tobacco and nicotine use and obesity. The Commissioner will also use the occasion to highlight the EU-wide prevention momentum next week around Know Your Numbers and EU Screening Week, encouraging citizens to take simple checks, act early, and seek advice from health professionals where needed.
Commissioner Várhelyi will also deliver a keynote speech to the Youth Health Forum, which brings together youth workers, youth health advocates, health professionals, and stakeholders from across Europe to explore the role of young people in shaping healthier societies.
While in Slovenia, the Commissioner will also meet the Slovenian Minister of Health Tadej Ostrc to discuss prevention and innovation in healthcare, including the Safe Hearts Plan and other files under the broader health package, proposed at the end of 2025. He will also meet with the Minister of Agriculture, Janez Cigler Kralj, to discuss fighting animal and plant diseases, modernising animal welfare rules and maintaining strict food safety controls.
(For more information: Eva Hrncírová – Tel.: +32 2 298 84 33; Quentin Cortes – Tel: +32 2 291 32 83; Eirini Zarkadoula – Tel.: +32 2 295 70 65)
As climate risks in the Arctic grow, Greenland and European partners seek to strengthen emergency response
A team of European civil protection experts is heading to Greenland to support efforts to strengthen emergency preparedness and response in the Arctic. On request from Greenland and Denmark through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, the European Commission has launched this mission to explore how cooperation on civil preparedness can be further strengthened, in the face of growing climate risks in the region.
Wildfire, landslides, tsunamis, avalanches and flooding from ice melt are among natural hazards in Greenland, which are expected to become more frequent as a consequence of global warming.
In this context, experts from Denmark, Finland, Iceland, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland and Sweden, together with two liaison officers from the Commission’s Emergency Response Coordination Centre, will work with Greenlandic and Danish authorities and local responders and carry out field visits. They will review emergency planning and coordination, search and rescue, emergency medical response, natural hazards, information management, and arrangements for receiving and coordinating international assistance if needed.
Following the deployment, experts will provide recommendations on possible further steps to deepen cooperation and strengthen our collective emergency management and preparedness.
Commissioner for Preparedness and Crisis Management, Hadja Lahbib, said: ‘In the Arctic, distance and extreme conditions can turn an emergency into a crisis very quickly. This mission is about building on Greenlandic resilience, bringing together our expertise, and learning together how preparedness can be better supported. We cannot choose when the next crisis comes. We can choose how ready we are.’
The mission also comes as the EU and Greenland deepen their cooperation in the Arctic. During President von der Leyen’s visit to Nuuk on 7 September, the EU, Greenland and Denmark signed a new Joint Declaration deepening cooperation, including on civil protection, disaster resilience, and crisis preparedness.
(For more information: Eva Hrncirova – Tel.: +32 2 298 84 33; Quentin Cortes – Tel: +32 2 291 32 83)
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