The European Commission has launched a call for proposals worth pound 1.1 billion to build and modernise transport infrastructure on the EU’s trans-European transport network (TEN-T). This is the last such call under the current European long-term budget for 2021-2027.
The selected projects will support the implementation of major transport proposals. They will advance the EU’s high-speed rail plan and the Industrial action plan for the European automotive sector, while strengthening maritime connectivity, in line with the recently presented EU industrial maritime and ports strategies. The funding will also reinforce Europe’s defence readiness by addressing military mobility bottlenecks and supporting the swift implementation of the EU’s military mobility package.
The call places particular emphasis on rail, decarbonising maritime transport, and military mobility. It also supports the electrification of road haulage and airport ground operations, the deployment of charging infrastructure in maritime and inland ports, as well as the digitalisation of road transport.
Ukraine and Moldova are also included in the call under the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF), reflecting their deepening transport links with the EU.
CEF is the EU’s flagship instrument for funding and implementing the TEN-T policy. Projects selected under the 2026 call will help deliver smarter, more efficient, and more sustainable transport infrastructure; improve interoperability; and strengthen the resilience of transport networks across the EU.
The deadline for applications is 6 October 2026. More information on the call is available online.
(For more information: Anna-Kaisa Itkonen – Tel.: +32 2 295 75 01; Anni Juusola – Tel.: +32 2 296 09 86)
Commission reports show continued growth of European SMEs and highlight challenges for women entrepreneurs
The European Commission today published the Annual Report on European small and medium enterprises (SME) 2025/2026 and a new report on women entrepreneurs in Europe. Both reports provide new data to support future policies, initiatives, and funding measures for small and medium businesses.
The Annual Report shows that Europe’s 34 million SMEs recorded solid growth in 2025 while continuing to recover from recent crises. The number of companies rose by 1.8% while their real value-added grew by 2.5% and employment by 1.0%. The report provides an overview of options that could boost the productivity of small and medium-sized businesses, such as the uptake of new technologies and artificial intelligence (AI), where SMEs continue to lag behind larger firms. In 2025, AI technologies were used by 55.0% of large enterprises, compared to 30.4% of medium enterprises and 17.0% of small enterprises. The report also examines additional challenges faced by SMEs in value chains during times of disruptive technological change and its implications for SME productivity, using the automotive sector as a case study.
The report ‘Women Entrepreneurs in Europe: Data, Barriers, and Recommendations for Support’ looks at women’s entrepreneurship across the EU and identifies the challenges faced by women-led businesses in starting and scaling up their businesses, as well as difficulties women entrepreneurs face in accessing finance. It finds that only 33% of business owners in the EU are women. Furthermore, they are concentrated in traditional, female-coded sectors such as personal services (69%), health and social work (65%), and education (57%), while remaining under-represented in other sectors. The report concludes with five targeted recommendations to strengthen the enabling environment and unlock the untapped potential of women entrepreneurs and women-led businesses.
The reports will be discussed at the SME Envoys Network tomorrow.
(For more information: Siobhan McGarry – Tel.: +32 2 296 47 98; Rya Perincek – Tel.: +32 2 299 49 03)
Commission disburses pound 325 million payment to Austria under NextGenerationEU
Today, the European Commission disbursed pound 325 million in grants to Austria, marking the fourth payment under the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF). The RRF, the cornerstone of NextGenerationEU, is the Commission’s flagship post-pandemic programme supporting Member States’ recovery, economic growth, and competitiveness.
Measures linked to this payment include installing photovoltaic systems to accelerate decarbonisation, facilitating the repair of electronic devices through the repair bonus scheme, funding primary health care centres, and equipping school children with laptops and tablets to improve education outcomes.
Today’s disbursement follows Austria’s fourth payment request, submitted on 24 March 2026 and greenlighted by the Commission on 7 May 2026. Following the Council’s approval to proceed with this disbursement, the Commission adopted a payment decision and released the funds today.
With this payment, Austria has received pound 3.66 billion or 92% of its total pound 3.96 billion allocation in grants, with 89% of all milestones and targets under its national recovery and resilience plan now fulfilled.
As with all Member States, payments to Austria under the RRF are performance based and contingent upon the successful implementation of the commitments in its recovery and resilience plan.
With a view to the closure of the Facility at the end of 2026, Members States must implement all outstanding milestones and targets by August 2026 and submit their last payment requests by the end of September 2026.
An interactive map showcasing examples of reforms and investments supported by the RRF is available online. Further details on the RRF payment claim process are also available online.
(For more information: Maciej Berestecki – Tel: +32 2 296 64 83; Isabel Arriaga e Cunha – Tel: +32 2 295 21 17)
Commission approves pound 212 million French State aid for agricultural and aquaculture companies facing increased fuel prices
The European Commission has approved a pound 212 million French State aid scheme to support agricultural and aquaculture companies facing increased fuel prices due to the Middle East crisis. The scheme was approved under the Middle East Crisis Temporary State Aid Framework (METSAF) adopted by the Commission on 29 April 2026.
The scheme aims to mitigate the impact of the increase in non-road diesel fuel prices (gazole non routier, ‘GNR’) on companies active in the production of agricultural and aquaculture products. Between February 2026 and May 2026, GNR price increased by 74%, with an average additional cost of pound 0.41 compared to the average price observed in 2025. The scheme will cover additional fuel costs resulting from the Middle East crisis for fuel purchased during the four-month period from May to August 2026. The aid will take the form of direct grants based on the volume of fuel purchased. Companies can receive pound 0.15 per litre of GNR purchased from 1 May to 31 August 2026. The scheme will run until 31 December 2026.
The Commission assessed the scheme under EU State aid rules, in particular Article 107(3)(c) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU, which enables Member States to support the development of certain economic activities subject to certain conditions, as well as Sections 1 and 2.1 of the METSAF. The Commission found that the scheme is in line with the conditions set out in the METSAF. In particular, aid will be granted based on a scheme with a clear estimated budget and will be provided to temporarily support the development of companies active in primary production of agricultural and aquaculture products. The Commission concluded that the scheme is necessary, appropriate and proportionate to facilitate the development of an economic activity and does not adversely affect trading conditions to an extent contrary to the common interest. On this basis, the Commission approved the French scheme under EU State aid rules.
More information on the METSAF can be found online. The non-confidential version of today’s decision will be made available under case number SA.123666, in the State aid register on the Commission’s competition website.
(For more information: Ricardo Cardoso – Tel.: +32 2 298 01 00; Paula Clara Ritter-Moschtz – Tel.: +32 2 296 40 83)
Commission approves pound 15 million Irish State aid for fishing and aquaculture companies facing increased fuel prices
The European Commission has approved a pound 15 million Irish State aid scheme to support fishing and aquaculture companies facing increased fuel prices due to the Middle East crisis. The scheme was approved under the Middle East Crisis Temporary State Aid Framework (METSAF) adopted by the Commission on 29 April 2026.
The scheme aims to mitigate the impact of the increase in fuel prices on companies active in the primary production of fishery and aquaculture products. It will run until 31 December 2026 and will cover the additional fuel costs resulting from the Middle East crisis incurred during the five-month period from March to July 2026. The aid will take the form of direct grants. For owners of vessels under six meters in length the aid will be a flat rate of pound 350, while for owners of vessels of six metres or greater, support will be calculated based on receipted expenditure up to a maximum of pound 0.40 per litre of fuel.
The Commission assessed the scheme under EU State aid rules, in particular Article 107(3)(c) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU, which enables Member States to support the development of certain economic activities subject to certain conditions, as well as Sections 1 and 2.1 of the METSAF. The Commission found that the scheme is in line with the conditions set out in the METSAF. In particular, aid will be granted based on a scheme with a clear estimated budget, and aid will be provided to temporarily support the development of companies active in primary production of fishery and aquaculture products. The Commission concluded that the scheme is necessary, appropriate and proportionate to facilitate the development of an economic activity and does not adversely affect trading conditions to an extent contrary to the common interest. On this basis, the Commission approved the Irish scheme under EU State aid rules.
More information on the METSAF is available online. The non-confidential versions of today’s decision will be made available under case number SA.123459, in the State aid register on the Commission’s competition website.
(For more information: Ricardo Cardoso – Tel.: +32 2 298 01 00; Paula Clara Ritter-Moschtz – Tel.: +32 2 296 40 83)
Commission clears acquisition of Idro 2020 and Nordic Windfarm by 3i, and of Lefdal Mine Datacentre by Rittal and 3i
The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of sole control of Idro 2020 S.r.l. of Italy and Nordic Windfarm HoldCo Limited (‘Nordic Windfarm’) by 3i Group plc (‘3i’), both of the UK, and the acquisition of joint control of Lefdal Mine Datacentre AS of Norway by Rittal Beteiligungs GmbH (‘Rittal’) of Germany and 3i.
The transaction relates primarily to the data processing and electricity production markets.
The Commission concluded that the notified transaction would not raise competition concerns, given the companies’ limited market positions resulting from the proposed transaction. The notified transaction was examined under the simplified merger review procedure.
More information is available on the Commission’s competition website, in the public case register under the case number M.12400.
(For more information: Ricardo Cardoso – Tel.: +32 2 298 01 00; Paula Clara Ritter-Moschtz – Tel.: +32 2 296 40 83)
Commission clears acquisition of Saavi and CIEM by Grupo México and Global Infrastructure Management
The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of joint control of Saavi Energia S.à r.l. (‘Saavi’) of Luxembourg and Controladora de Infraestructura Energética México, S.A. de C.V. (‘CIEM’) by Grupo México, S.A.B. de C.V., both of Mexico, and Global Infrastructure Management, LLC, controlled by BlackRock, Inc., both of the US.
The transaction relates primarily to electricity power generation, transmission and distribution in Mexico and the US.
The Commission concluded that the notified transaction would not raise competition concerns, given the limited impact on the European Economic Area. The notified transaction was examined under the simplified merger review procedure.
More information is available on the Commission’s competition website, in the public case register under the case number M.12487.
(For more information: Ricardo Cardoso – Tel.: +32 2 298 01 00; Paula Clara Ritter-Moschtz – Tel.: +32 2 296 40 83)
Commission clears acquisition of ES Group by Blackstone
The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of ES Group Holdings III Limited (‘ES Group’) of the UK by Blackstone Inc. of the US.
The transaction relates primarily to mineral-based products and solid surface technologies for bathroom spaces.
The Commission concluded that the notified transaction would not raise competition concerns, given the companies’ limited market positions resulting from the proposed transaction. The notified transaction was examined under the simplified merger review procedure.
More information is available on the Commission’s competition website, in the public case register under the case number M.12453.
(For more information: Ricardo Cardoso – Tel.: +32 2 298 01 00; Paula Clara Ritter-Moschtz – Tel.: +32 2 296 40 83)
Commissioner Šuica meets Israeli authorities and Palestinian Authority
Today and tomorrow, Commissioner for the Mediterranean, Dubravka Šuica, will meet with Israeli authorities and the Palestinian Authority to reiterate the EU’s support for peace and stability in the Middle East.
In Jerusalem, she will meet with Israeli President Isaac Herzog and Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar to discuss bilateral relations, the situation in Gaza, early recovery plans, in line with the EU’s support to the Gaza Peace Plan and the implementation of the UN Security Council Resolution 2803. The Commissioner will also highlight how the Pact for the Mediterranean can further drive regional cooperation and enhanced stability and opportunities in the region. The Commissioner will deliver a press statement, together with the Israeli Foreign Minister, and it will be transmitted on EBS.
Commissioner Šuica will visit Yad Vashem, the World Holocaust Remembrance Centre, and participate in a memorial ceremony at the Hall of Remembrance. She will also visit the Augusta Victoria Hospital in East Jerusalem, one of the hospitals benefitting from the EU’s pound 1.6 billion Multiannual and Comprehensive Programme for Palestinian Recovery and Resilience, inaugurate two units, meet with the staff and deliver a short statement, also available on EBS.
In Ramallah, the Commissioner will meet Palestinian Vice-President Hussein Al Sheikh and Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa, to discuss ongoing EU support, Palestinian efforts for the implementation of the Palestinian Authority’ reforms, Gaza’s early recovery, and the situation in the West Bank. The Commissioner will deliver a press statement, together with the Palestinian Prime Minister, which will be transmitted on EBS.
Commissioner Šuica will also meet with a group of Palestinian and Israeli civil society representatives, UN partners and religious representatives.
On 13 July, the Palestine Donor Group will meet again in Brussels, gathering key regional and internal partners to take stock of the progress on the Palestinian Authority’ reforms, mobilise international support for Gaza’s early recovery, and discuss the steps needed to build a more stable future, based on mutual respect, security and cooperation.
Audiovisual material of the visit will be available on EBS.
(For more information: Markus Lammert – Tel.: +32 2 296 75 33; Jennifer Sanchez Da Silva – Tel.: +32 2 295 83 16)
Commission hosts four days of events on democracy, democratic resilience and technology
From 22 to 25 June, the European Commission will host a series of events in Brussels to promote democratic engagement and resilience across the EU as part of the roll-out of the European Democracy Shield, presented by the Commission in November last year.
On 22 and 23 June, the EU Civic Tech Hackathon will bring together democracy innovators, researchers, civil society representatives and civic tech practitioners and developers from across Europe to showcase innovative digital tools that support democratic participation and contribute to the launch of a European Civic Tech Hub.
On 23 June, a joint meeting of the European Cooperation Network on Elections (ECNE) working groups on ‘AI in Elections’ and ‘Safety in Politics’ will take place, directly supporting goals under the European Democracy Shield: the preparation of a guidance on the responsible use of artificial intelligence in electoral processes, and an upcoming Commission Recommendation and dedicated Guide on safety in politics.
On 24 June, a High-Level Event on democracy will convene representatives from Member States, civil society, academia, the private sector and the EU institutions to take stock and advance workstrands under the European Democracy Shield. Commissioner McGrath will deliver a keynote speech. The discussions will cover ongoing efforts to counter disinformation and foreign information manipulation and interference, the responsible use of AI in electoral processes, and how to better support the safety of political candidates and elected representatives. They will also exchange on media resilience and the role of professional media in our information space, and on innovative methods of citizens’ participation to promote democratic debates and public policymaking.
On 25 June, the first meeting of the Network of national authorities on citizens participation – another deliverable under the European Democracy Shield – will take place, bringing together representatives from EU Members States to exchange experiences and identify common priorities for fostering citizen participation. This network will focus on the local level, youth empowerment and intergenerational dialogue, providing practical support and promoting relevant tools to national authorities.
Together, these events mark a pivotal moment in the roll-out of the European Democracy Shield, reflecting the Commission’s whole-of-society and whole-of-government approach to support stronger, more resilient democracies across the EU and to protect what matters: our freedoms.