EU and Korea sign landmark digital trade agreement at Summit
Today, the EU and the Republic of Korea signed a landmark Digital Trade Agreement (DTA) during the EU-Republic of Korea Summit held in Brussels. This DTA demonstrates the shared commitment to promote open, transparent, and rules-based trade. It is also in line with the EU’s broader commitment to establishing future-oriented digital trade rules with trusted, like-minded partners in a time of increasing global tensions and economic fragmentation.
The DTA complements the EU-Republic of Korea Free Trade Agreement – in place since 2011 – with binding high-standard digital trade rules. These include, for instance, recognising the legal validity and enforceability of electronic contracts and enabling the use of electronic signature. The Agreement will bring new opportunities for consumers and businesses, notably for micro, small and medium enterprises.
The Agreement will also enhance consumer safety and confidence in the digital economy, through robust online consumer protection rules. A trusted digital environment is essential for digital trade to function and, importantly, prosper.
In addition, the agreement facilitates cross-border data flows and prohibits the mandatory transfer of source code. At the same time, both the EU and Republic of Korea will maintain their respective high levels of protection for personal data and privacy, as well as the regulatory space for pursuing legitimate policy objectives.
Next steps
Following signature of the DTA by EU Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security Maros Šefcovic and Korean Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo, the EU and Republic of Korea will follow their respective procedures for the ratification of the agreement. On the EU’s side, the ratification will require the consent of the European Parliament. The agreement will subsequently be formally concluded by the Council.
The text of the DTA is publicly available.
Background
Republic of Korea is a key partner of the EU in the Indo-Pacific region. In 2023 more than one third of the total trade in services between the EU and Korea was digitally delivered (pound 11 billion).
The Digital Trade Agreement is an important complement to the EU-Republic of Korea Free Trade Agreement, which has ensured, since its entry into force in 2011, long-established and sturdy economic ties between the European Union and Republic of Korea. It is the second stand-alone Digital Trade Agreement that the EU has signed so far and complements the EU-Republic of Korea Digital Partnership, launched in November 2022. The first standalone bilateral digital trade agreement was signed between the EU and Singapore.
The DTA sets high standards for digital trade rules in the Indo-Pacific region, and beyond. It reflects the EU’s approach for digital and data policies that puts people and their rights at the centre. It supports the development and implementation of policies required to address new challenges posed by the digital economy. Over 60% of global GDP is now considered linked to digital transactions. Businesses and consumers are increasingly buying goods and services online.
For more information
Link to negotiated text
EU trade and investment relations with Republic of Korea
Digital Trade Agreements
More on EU Digital Trade
EU-Republic of Korea Digital Partnership
Quote(s)
Today we mark another important step in our relations with Republic of Korea as we sign our Digital Trade Agreement. Goods and services are nowadays traded electronically at an unprecedented rate. Building strong and trustworthy ties with like-minded partners like Republic of Korea is therefore of paramount importance. With this agreement we will unlock new markets, contribute to legal certainty for businesses and safer online environment for consumers.
Maroš Šefcovic, Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security; Interinstitutional Relations and Transparency
Stable funding for established priorities in the Annual Budget for 2027
The European Commission has proposed today to set the 2027 annual EU budget at pound 200 billion (in commitments).
The Draft Budget also reflects the outcome of the mid-term review of the 2021-2027 Cohesion policy. Member States are incentivised to use these resources towards the Union’s new priorities in the areas of competitiveness, defence, affordable housing, water resilience, and energy transition, by providing the opportunity for one-off pre-financing and higher EU co-financing for these priorities.
The Draft Budget for 2027 comes after a series of critical developments over the past years, including a global pandemic, an energy crisis and rising inflation, the return of war on the European continent, as well as growing geopolitical tensions. Again, over the last months, the crisis in the Middle East has affected a wide range of economic sectors, due to increased energy prices which have led to a more volatile outlook for economic growth and inflation in Europe.
Next year’s budget will continue to provide crucial funding for established EU political priorities, including major support for Ukraine through the Ukraine Facility and the new Ukraine Support Loan.
Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine has underlined the need for major investments in security and defence in the Member States to build a more secure future for Europe. Next year’s budget reflects the Union’s growing role in strengthening Europe’s security and defence preparedness, as well as supporting investments in defence research, industrial capacity, military mobility, and strategic resilience. It contributes to the implementation of the ReArm Europe Plan/Readiness 2030 and is complemented by the Security Action for Europe (SAFE) instrument, which supports joint defence procurement and investment by Member States.
Economic security, and a strong and competitive economy, are at the core of the Union’s priorities. Therefore, the Draft Budget 2027 includes increased funding for flagship programmes – such as Erasmus+, the Connecting Europe Facility, and the Single Market Programme- while continuing to provide support to agriculture, not only to safeguard the Union’s food security but also to promote economic stability and the development of rural areas.
Additional funding will be made available to the Member States in the first full year of implementation of the Pact on Migration and Asylum, through top-ups from the MFF mid-term revision (+ pound 1,2 billion in 2027) for the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund (AMIF), and the Border Management and Visa Instrument.
The Commission proposes allocating the following amounts in commitments to the different EU priorities:
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Policy Area
Amounts committed (in EUR million)
1. Single Market, Innovation and Digital
21 901,5
2. Cohesion, Resilience and Values
75 761,2
-Economic, social and territorial cohesion
58 483,4
– Resilience and Values
17 277,8
3. Natural Resources and Environment
57 235,5
-Of which Market related expenditure and direct payments
40 555,3
4. Migration and Border Management
5 789,3
5. Security and Defence
3 066,4
6. Neighbourhood and the World
15 467,7
7. European Public Administration
13 659,3
Ukraine Support Loan
1 150,0
Thematic special instruments
5 874,1
Total appropriations
199 905,0
The full overview of the Commission proposal for the Draft Annual Budget can be found in the ‘Questions and answers’ document.
Next steps
The annual budget for 2027 will have to be formally adopted by the European Parliament and the Council before the end of 2026.
Background
The Draft EU budget for 2027 includes the expenditure covered by the appropriations under the long-term budget ceilings, financed from own resources. Two amounts for each programme are proposed in the Draft Budget – commitments and payments. “Commitments” refer to the funding that can be agreed in contracts in a given year, and “payments” to the money actually paid out. All amounts are in current prices.
The Draft EU Budget for 2027 is the last one under the current Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF). It will ensure financing for important EU programmes, in the run-up to the next long-term budget adoption, the MFF 2028-2034.
For more information
Questions and answers about the Draft Annual Budget 2027
All EU annual budget documents
Annual budget procedure
2021-2027 long-term EU budget and NextGenerationEU
Commission 2024-2029 Priorities
A modernised Cohesion policy: The mid-term review
Quote(s)
‘While Europe is facing real pressures, from security concerns to a challenging economic environment, this budget ensures that Europe stays focused on its core priorities: making Europe safer, stronger, and more competitive. It is a responsible and forward-looking budget that protects key priorities and delivers results for people across the Union.’ Piotr Serafin, Commissioner for Budget, Anti-Fraud and Public Administration
Commission presents first-ever EU strategies for islands and coastal communities
Today, the European Commission adopted two dedicated strategies, one for EU islands and one for EU coastal communities, setting out for the first time a coordinated European approach to support both types of territories and unlock their long-term potential.
The two initiatives introduce a targeted approach, dedicated to the specific needs and unique challenges of:
17 million people living on more than 4,000 islands across 16 EU Member States;
95 million people living along the 70,000 km of EU coastlines and in coastal areas across 22 EU Member States.
To that end, the Commission proposes a coherent, holistic approach addressing economy, connectivity, energy, environment, demography and security in an integrated way, aiming to transform the challenges faced by these territories into opportunities and lasting strengths. This includes ensuring that their specific needs are fully reflected in future proposals and aligned with broader EU priorities.
Most EU islands share common challenges impacting their economic sustainability and quality of life, such as geographical isolation, limited connectivity, high transport costs and travel times, small and fragmented markets, overdependence on tourism, excessive reliance on fossil fuels, climate vulnerability, demographic decline, water scarcity, reduced access to essential services, and other added costs of insularity.
At the crossroads between land and sea, Europe’s coastal communities are a vital asset. They combine rich environmental, cultural and maritime heritage with strong potential to drive a sustainable blue economy. At the same time, Europe’s coastal communities are at the frontline of climate change, marine and coastal biodiversity loss, and marine pollution, which impact their long-term resilience and economic growth. Some also face additional pressures, including imbalanced tourism, shortage of affordable housing, seasonality of economic activity and limited job opportunities, leading to youth outmigration and economic instability.
This is why a tailored approach is essential. The two strategies work in tandem, reinforcing each other to address shared pressures while responding to the unique realities of islands and coastal communities alike.
Recognising these interconnected pressures, the EU has developed the two complementary strategies to build a cohesive framework within existing policies and funding, with a view to strengthening economic opportunity, quality of life, and resilience.
A future-proof strategy for Europe’s islands
The strategy aims to integrate the needs of islands and reflect the challenges they face into broader EU policies adapted to their specific needs. It is structured around four key pillars:
Economic development, connectivity, competitiveness and innovation: boosting entrepreneurship, diversified local economies, sustainable tourism, and digitalisation, while tackling the connectivity gaps that constrain island economic activity and life.
Energy security, environmental protection and climate resilience: accelerating decarbonisation, renewable energy, climate adaptation, and biodiversity protection.
Communities and demography: strengthening public services, healthcare, housing, education and social inclusion to reverse depopulation and retain young people.
Security and crisis preparedness: reinforcing resilience against natural disasters linked to climate crisis, maritime risks and other emerging threats.
The strategy promotes the establishment of a regular dialogue between EU institutions and stakeholders representing the interests of islands, as well as various technical support measures, including capacity building and exchange of good practices. Member States are invited to include targeted measures for the development of islands in their future National and Regional Partnership Plans, including those linked to insularity in areas such as connectivity, services and infrastructure. Member States are also invited to come up with territorial investment tools to promote integrated strategies for islands and facilitate better cooperation.
A strategy for prosperous coastal communities
The strategy on coastal communities focuses on three priorities:
To drive prosperity, it promotes a dynamic, competitive, and diversified blue economy, fostering innovation, new business models-such as pescatourism, the bioeconomy, and offshore renewable energy-and creating high-quality job opportunities.
To strengthen resilience, it enhances adaptability to climate change and broader environmental, economic, social, and security challenges, notably through the implementation of the recently presented OceanEye initiative.
To enhance liveability, it promotes vibrant, inclusive, and attractive places where people of all ages can thrive-working, living, and enjoying their surroundings-while safeguarding maritime culture, heritage, and local identity.
The strategy emphasises tailored, locally led solutions, recognising the diverse needs of coastal communities-from remote fishing villages to major port cities.
Key measures include:
Empowering coastal communities in maritime spatial planning through the upcoming Ocean Act, promoting the sustainable use of the ocean’s natural capital, fostering climate adaptation and unlocking opportunities for sustainable growth.
Supporting blue bioeconomy clusters and supply chains in coastal areas through local community-led projects, as part of the future EU Blue Bioeconomy Innovation Initiative.
Developing a certification system for blue carbon credits to create new opportunities for blue economy services and income for coastal communities.
Advancing climate resilience through increased risk assessments, investment mapping and capacity building support for coastal adaptation, involving the European Investment Bank and the EU Missions on Adaptation to Climate Change and Restore Our Ocean and Waters.
Background
The EU is home to over 4,000 inhabited islands across 16 Member States-including the three island nations of Cyprus, Ireland, and Malta-where some 17 million people live. These islands are a vital part of the EU’s identity, economy, history and cultural heritage. The EU Islands Strategy builds on extensive public consultation, including stakeholder contributions to a Call for Evidence, as well as input from the European Parliament, the Committee of the Regions, the European Economic and Social Committee, and island communities, who had long advocated for a dedicated policy framework.
Meanwhile, 95 million people-21% of the EU’s population-reside along the 70,000 km of EU coastline or within coastal areas across 22 Member States. The EU Coastal Communities Strategy was similarly informed by a public Call for Evidence, ensuring that local voices shaped its development.
Both strategies align with the European Ocean Pact (launched in 2025) and complement broader EU policies on climate action, cohesion, and sustainable development. EU Outermost Regions, however, are not covered by these proposals, as they are addressed under a separate dedicated strategy-recognising their unique status under Article 349 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union. That strategy will be presented later this year.
For more information
Communication EU islands
Communication EU coastal communities
Factsheet on EU islands strategy
Factsheet on EU coastal communities strategy
European Ocean Pact
Quote(s)
‘For the first time, the European Union has dedicated strategies for its islands and coastal communities recognising their unique challenges and high potential. By improving transport, boosting green energy, strengthening local economies, and addressing demographic challenges, we’ll turn obstacles into opportunities, making these territories key to a sustainable, competitive Europe.’ Raffaele Fitto, Executive Vice-President for Cohesion and Reforms
‘Europe’s coasts-home to 95 million people-are where our economy and the ocean meet. Yet climate change, from rising seas to biodiversity loss, puts them at risk. Our Coastal Strategy secures their future: strengthening the blue economy, climate-proofing infrastructure, and protecting heritage. From Baltic wind farms to Portuguese pescatourism, we’re turning threats into opportunities.’ Costas Kadis, Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans
EU concludes modernised Economic Partnership Agreement with Sub-Saharan Africa partners
Today, the EU and four Eastern and Southern Africa (ESA) States (Comoros, Madagascar, Mauritius, and Seychelles) concluded negotiations on an enhanced Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA). Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security, Maros Šefcovic, participated via videoconference in the conclusion ceremony that took place today in Mauritius. The EPA represents the first of its kind signed between the EU and partners in Sub-Saharan Africa, and sets an important benchmark for future EU-Africa economic relations. It will remain open for accession by other ESA countries.
The EPA will provide a strong framework to bring the EU and ESA States closer together, based on clear, predictable rules. It aims to promote economic opportunity and diversification for both sides, while supporting deeper regional and continental economic integration, and sustainable development in the ESA States.
This enhanced EPA will open up new opportunities for consumers and businesses on both continents. It provides a framework for a more predictable, competitive, and sustainable economic environment, focussing on areas central to modern economies based on services and digitalisation. It will also allow both sides to work together on upholding the rules-based international order.
A first for EU trade with Sub-Saharan Africa
This Agreement will set a new standard for EU-Africa economic relations by providing clear rules and opportunities on:
Services and investment: the enhanced EPA improves legal certainty and conditions for companies supplying services in each other’s market. It also provides greater predictability for investors and ensures fair and non-discriminatory treatment.
Public procurement: businesses will have access to clear and transparent information on public procurement opportunities. This will make it easier for businesses on both sides to take part in public tendering and will support ESA States’ expected economic growth and modernization plans.
Intellectual property: the enhanced EPA establishes a modern and predictable framework covering all major categories of intellectual property and strengthens enforcement tools to support innovative and creative industries in ESA States. It will also protect 135 EU Geographical Indications (GIs) in Madagascar, Mauritius, and Seychelles, after a transition period.
Digital trade: the deal will make it easier to carry out digital transactions and trade using electronic means without applying customs duties on electronic transmissions. It will enhance online consumer protection and reduce unnecessary red tape. This allows the EU and the ESA States to promote and support digital trade more widely.
Sustainability: the deal contains binding and enforceable commitments, as well as cooperation provisions, in a dedicated Trade and Sustainable Development chapter. This covers a broad range of issues such as labour rights, environmental and climate protection – with the Paris Climate Agreement being considered as an essential element-, gender equality, and responsible business conduct. These commitments will support the advancement of social and environmental objectives in the four African countries.
In addition, the enhanced EPA will further strengthen cooperation in agriculture by establishing an agricultural partnership for an enhanced dialogue to support more sustainable agri-food value chains.
The Agreement’s implementation will be supported by economic and development cooperation to strengthen trade and investment frameworks in the four ESA countries, helping to drive structural transformation, enhance economic governance, and support regional and continental integration. The scope of cooperation is broad and covers key areas needed to ensure that trade and investment effectively contribute to sustainable development.
Next steps
On the EU side, the negotiated draft texts will be published shortly. The texts will go through the necessary internal procedures before the Commission will put forward its proposal to the Council for the signature and conclusion of the Agreement. Once adopted by the Council, the EU and the ESA States can sign the Agreement. Following the signature, the Agreement requires the European Parliament’s consent, and the Council’s decision on conclusion for it to enter into force. Once the ESA States also ratify the Agreement, it can enter into force. In the meantime, the parties may decide to provisionally apply the Agreement. The enhanced EPA will remain open for accession by other ESA states, with negotiations still ongoing with Zimbabwe.
Background
In 2019, the ESA States initiated negotiations to enhance the currently implemented interim EPA, with the objective of moving beyond an agreement focused primarily on trade in goods and development cooperation. The aim was to create a more comprehensive framework to better support structural economic transformation, promote local value addition, and address persistent challenges such as non-tariff barriers, regulatory fragmentation, and competitiveness gaps.
The EU is ESA4’s largest trading partner, accounting for 24% of its total trade in goods and for 33% of its total trade in services.
In 2024, total trade in goods and services between the EU and the ESA4 States reached pound 9.7 billion, comprising pound 5.2 billion in EU imports and pound 4.5 billion in EU exports. The economic relevance for EU services providers and investors cannot be underestimated, especially given the commitments on mining, manufacturing, as well as on renewable energy, key for a successful green transition both in the European and African continent.
For more information
Joint Statement on the EU-ESA4 EPA deepening negociations
Questions and answers
MEMO
EU and Southern Africa trade relations
Economic Partnership Agreements
Factsheet
Quote(s)
Our Economic Partnership Agreement with Comoros, Madagascar, Mauritius and Seychelles is the EU’s first modern, comprehensive Free Trade Agreement with Sub-Saharan African partners – and today’s agreement to enhance and modernize it marks a historic milestone in EU-Africa relations. With nearly pound 10 billion in trade and pound 20 billion in foreign direct investment in 2024 alone, this agreement is already delivering tangible results – creating jobs, attracting business and helping our ESA4 partners diversify into higher-value sectors. The conclusion is just the beginning. Implementation is what turns ambition into real opportunity. Therefore, we look forward to launching our first joint EU-ESA Business Forum soon to connect our business communities and unlock the full potential of this partnership.
Maroš Šefcovic, Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security; Interinstitutional Relations and Transparency
Joint Statement on the conclusion of the negotiations to deepen the EU-Eastern and Southern Africa Economic Partnership Agreement
On 10 June 2026, the European Union (EU) and four States of Eastern and Southern Africa (ESA4) – the Union of the Comoros, the Republic of Madagascar, the Republic of Mauritius and the Republic of Seychelles – announced the conclusion of the negotiations to deepen the existing EU-ESA Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) into a modern and comprehensive free trade agreement (FTA).
The announcement was made jointly by the Minister of Economy, Industry, Investments, in charge of Economic Integration of the Union of the Comoros, Hon. Moustoifa Hassani Mohamed, Minister of Trade and Consumer Affairs of the Republic of Madagascar, Hon. Haingotiana Michela Angèle Andriamadison, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade of the Republic of Mauritius, Hon. Dhananjay Ramful, Minister for Transport, Ports and Civil Aviation, Hon. Veronique Laporte of the Republic of Seychelles, and the Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security; Interinstitutional Relations and Transparency of the European Commission, Mr Maroš Šefcovic.
Both sides welcomed the conclusion of the negotiations as a significant milestone in the EU-ESA partnership. They underlined that the Agreement is comprehensive, forward-looking and mutually beneficial, and will strengthen trade relations, enhance supply chain resilience, and support sustainable development.
As a modern and comprehensive FTA, the first of its kind in Sub-Saharan Africa, it covers not only trade in goods but also services, investment, digital trade, and sectoral cooperation, while supporting local processing, industrial transformation and value addition in the ESA States.
Both sides underlined their shared objective of taking the necessary steps towards signature and entry into force of the Agreement as soon as possible, in line with their respective procedures. They also recalled that the Agreement will remain open to accession by other ESA States when they are ready to join.
EU and partners agree to strengthen Europe’s role in the orbital economy
The European Commission is advancing plans for a new pilot mission to perform tasks in orbit. Together with Greece, Italy, the Netherlands, Sweden, and Norway, the EU signed a joint declaration in support of the In-Space Operations and Services (ISOS) pilot mission, a step towards a European in-orbit service infrastructure. The signing took place today at the International Airshow in Berlin.
Andrius Kubilius, Commissioner for Defence and Space said: ‘Europe maintains its leadership role for action in space by taking the first step towards building a new capacity for in-space operations and services, creating new business opportunities for European talents in the thriving orbital economy.’
ISOS is intended to revolutionise Europe’s actions in space, with capacities for in-orbit tasks such as capturing and repositioning satellites, satellite inspection and repairs, in-space logistics, in-space manufacturing and debris removal. It will help Europe operate, service, repair, manage and extend the lifecycle of space systems once in orbit, lowering replacement costs and ensuring the protection and long-term use of European space assets.
Germany, France, Luxembourg, Portugal, and Spain had already signed the declaration last year. The declaration is open to further signatures. The European Commission and the European Space Agency also signed the same declaration, sealing their long-standing in-space cooperation.
More information is available online here.
(For more information: Thomas Regnier – Tel: +32 2 299 10 99; Marine Strauss – Tel: +32 2 298 91 03)
Celebrating a decade of the EU-SADC Economic Partnership Agreement
Today, the EU celebrates the 10-year anniversary of signing its Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) – with the Southern African Development Community (SADC). Since its signing in Kasane exactly a decade ago, this trade and development agreement has been connecting people and businesses of Botswana, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, Eswatini and South Africa with EU Member States, delivering clear benefits for all sides. Overall trade between the EU27 and the six SADC partners has steadily increased, growing by 26% in the past ten years, with EU’s imports from SADC States increasing by 38% in the same period. On top of that, the EU’s investment in SADC reached EUR 50.4 billion in 2024, representing a 23% increase since 2016. As a result of these success stories delivered through the EPA, the EU is today the main economic partner of the six SADC EPA States. In this time of geoeconomic instability, this partnership is a clear example of how deep and diversified economic ties are the best insurance against unpredictable global markets.
(For more information: Olof Gill – Tel.: +32 2 296 59 66; Marta Perez-Cejuela Romero – Tel.: +32 2 296 37 70)
Commission publishes Code of Practice on marking and labelling AI-generated content
Today, the European Commission published the final Code of Practice on marking and labelling of AI-generated content. The Code is voluntary and sets out practical steps to help providers and deployers of generative artificial intelligence (AI) systems meet the AI Act transparency obligations that will apply from 2 August 2026.
From that date, the AI Act will require clear labelling in key cases. Deepfakes and AI-generated or AI-manipulated text published on matters of public interest must be clearly labelled. Users must also be informed when they are interacting with an interactive AI system, such as a chatbot. These transparency requirements help people recognise when content has been generated or altered by AI, reducing the risk of deception and manipulation.
The Code was drafted by six independent experts, with input from over 180 stakeholders. Contributors included providers and deployers of interactive and generative AI systems and models, associations representing deployers, small and medium-sized enterprises, academia, the public sector and civil society organisations.
You can find more information in our press release online.
(For more information: Thomas Regnier – Tel. + 32 2 299 10 99; Nika Blazevic – Tel. + 32 2 299 27 17)
Commission and EIB Group increase financial support for the EU economy and speed up key transformative investments under InvestEU
In a significant move to bolster Europe’s economic future, the European Commission and the European Investment Bank (EIB) Group today have signed an agreement, adding pound 22 billion in strategic financing under the InvestEU programme. The amendment also reflects the adoption of the “Omnibus II” regulation in December 2025, which reinforced the Union’s flagship investment initiative, which up to now hasalready mobilised pound 400 billion in public and private capital across key priority sectors.
Since its financing is always complementary with other financial resources, the EIB Group expects the total financial impact of the projects supported through this amendment to be around pound 70 billion until the end of the current Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), allowing to exceed the pound 55 billion minimum target of the Omnibus II package.
The expansion of the InvestEU programme is set to deliver tangible benefits for more than 130,000 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), providing them with enhanced access to financing. Moreover, in alignment with the Commission’s commitment to reducing administrative burden, all SMEs supported under InvestEU will benefit from streamlined processes thereby ensuring faster, easier access to funding, along with reduced reporting requirements.
These improvements will make InvestEU more efficient, accessible and responsive to evolving market needs and policy priorities. The amendment also lays the important groundwork for the future InvestEU instrument under the next Multiannual Financial Framework, as part of the forthcoming European Competitiveness Fund.
A joint press release is available online.
(For more information: Siobhan McGarry – Tel.: +32 2 296 47 98; Rya Perincek – Tel.: +32 2 299 49 03)
Commission greenlights Slovenia’s sixth payment request for pound 41 million under NextGenerationEU
Yesterday, the European Commission positively assessed Slovenia’s sixth payment request for pound 41 million under the Recovery and Resilience Facility, the centrepiece of NextGenerationEU.
This is an important step in the delivery of the reforms and investments tied to this payment request, which aims to support Slovenia’s labour market, education, renewable energy, while advancing the green transition through upgraded wastewater and drinking water infrastructure. Additionally, this funding helps companies and public services transition to an increasingly circular and digital economy through an e-Legislation platform, expanded telemedicine options, and enhanced applications within the police cloud system.
The Commission found that Slovenia has satisfactorily completed the six milestones and nine targets set out in the Council Implementing Decision.
Slovenia’s recovery and resilience plan has a strong focus on the green transition and is comprehensive, with a good balance between investments and reforms. Key reforms are promotion of renewable energy sources, long-term care, healthcare, pension reform, and deployment of alternative fuels. Key investments are renewable energy and energy efficiency, rail transport, flood prevention, healthcare, and digitalisation of public administration.
A press release is available online.
(For more information: Maciej Berestecki – Tel.: +32 2 296 64 83; Isabel Arriaga E Cunha – Tel.: +32 2 295 21 17)
Commission issues pound 8 billion in its sixth syndicated transaction of 2026
The European Commission is empowered by the EU Treaties to borrow from the international capital markets on behalf of the European Union to finance selected EU policy programmes. The European Commission has raised pound 8 billion of EU-Bonds in its 6th syndicated transaction for 2026. The dual-tranche transaction concerned a pound 3 billion tap 5-year EU-Bond, maturing on 14 October 2030 and a pound 5 billion tap of the 15-year EU-Bond, maturing on 12 December 2040.
The transaction is part of the Commission’s pound 100 billion funding target for the first half of 2026 (with pound 91.8 billion issued since January 2026). The next transaction in the EU’s indicative issuance calendar is an EU-Bill auction on 17 June 2026. In line with the EU funding plan, the Commission will finalise its EU-Bond issuances for this semester with an up to pound 7 billion auction on 22 June 2026 and a related subsequent non-competitive offer.
These funds will be used to support the European Union’s political priorities, including support for a stronger, more competitive and resilient Europe, support to Ukraine and crucial investments in European defence.
A full overview of all EU transactions executed to date is available online. For more information on this, see the dedicated press release.
(For more information: Balazs Ujvari – Tel.: +32 2 295 45 78; Isabel Otero Barderas – Tel.: +32 2 296 69 25)
Commission discusses Rectors of European Universities alliances’ contribution to innovation and competitiveness
Executive Vice-President for Social Rights and Skills, Quality Jobs and Preparedness, Roxana Mînzatu, hosts today a meeting with the Rectors of the European Universities alliances in Brussels.
As the European Commission places education at the forefront of its agenda, discussions will focus on the future strategy for University alliances, the crucial role of European Universities alliances in boosting Europe’s competitiveness, and international collaboration in higher education, including the deployment of the European Degree Label. This is an initiative aimed at enhancing the quality and recognition of joint degree programs across Europe.
Around 150 Rectors and Presidents representing 65 European Universities alliances and eight Seal of Excellence alliances will take part in the discussions.
The European Universities initiative creates alliances between higher institutions for the benefit of their students, staff and society. The alliances allow higher education institutions to deepen their cooperation, share resources and offer their students and staff to study and work across different European countries, sectors and academic disciplines.
Launched in 2019, there are now 73 European Universities alliances, most of them funded by the Erasmus+ programme, involving almost 650 higher education institutions in 35 countries across Europe.
More information about the European Universities initiative can be found on the European Education Area website.
(For more information: Eva Hrncírová – Tel.: +32 229-88433; Eirini Zarkadoula – Tel.: +32 460-765713)
Commissioner McGrath in Croatia for high-level talks on rule of law, democracy and competitiveness
Tomorrow, Commissioner McGrath will travel to Zagreb to discuss issues related to the rule of law, democracy, competitiveness including EU Inc., and consumer protection, including the upcoming Digital Fairness Act.
Commissioner McGrath will meet the Croatian Prime Minister, Andrej Plenkovic; the Minister of Justice, Damir Habijan; and the State Secretary for Europe, Andrea Metelko Zgombic; as well as with judges of the Croatian Supreme Court. The discussions will focus on rule of law developments in Croatia, in light of the ongoing preparations for the 2026 Rule of Law Report. Additionally, they will exchange views on judicial cooperation in the context of the planned revision of Eurojust Regulation and the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO). Finally, discussions will also touch on the implementation of the European Democracy Shield, and on ways to further promote competitiveness, including through the Commission’s proposal on EU Inc. and the upcoming Digital Fairness Act.
Commissioner McGrath will also meet with members of the Croatian Parliament to exchange views on the rule of law situation in Croatia, and the state of democracy. During the visit, the Commissioner will also participate in several roundtables with key stakeholders working in the area of upholding the rule of law, including the Ombudsperson, the Commission for the Resolution of Conflicts of Interests, civil society and journalists’ organisations. The Commissioner will also engage with business, innovation and startup representatives on the EU’s overall competitiveness agenda, and specifically the EU Inc. proposal.