Commission endorses Lithuania’s pound 884 million Social Climate Plan to support vulnerable households and small enterprises in the clean transition
The European Commission has approved Lithuania’s Social Climate Plan – the second national plan approved under the new Social Climate Fund, which uses revenues from carbon pricing to ensure a fair and inclusive clean transition for vulnerable communities and businesses.
The Lithuanian Social Climate Plan will mobilise pound 884 million until 2032 to help vulnerable households, particularly those in houses that consume too much energy, remote areas or regions with limited public services. It will also support micro-enterprises to cope with rising energy costs. The Lithuanian plan will make homes more energy-efficient and heating more affordable. It will cover 50-85% of renovation costs for over 40,000 vulnerable households and increase the availability of social housing by building or renovating highly energy-efficient homes for this purpose. It will also set up Energy Advisory Hubs in all regions to provide households with personalised advice on how to cut their energy costs.
More information is available to the press release.
(For more information: Eva Hrncirova – Tel.: +32 2 298 84 33; Eirini Zarkadoula-Tel.: +32 2 295 70 65; Anna-Kaisa Itkonen-Tel.:+32 2 295 75 01; Ana Crespo Parrondo- Tel.:+32 2 298 13 25)
European Prize for Women Innovators 2026 celebrates visionary women
The European Commission revealed yesterday the winners of the 12th edition of the European Prize for Women Innovators at the European Innovation Council (EIC) Summit in Brussels. The award honours the groundbreaking contributions of women entrepreneurs whose innovations are driving progress and strengthening Europe’s competitive edge in the global economy.
From pioneering advancements in healthcare and sustainability to revolutionising space technology and digital traceability, this year’s finalists exemplify the transformative power of women-led innovation.
The prize showcases the remarkable achievements of winners and runners-up across three categories: 1) ‘EIC Women Innovators’, for exceptional women founders and co-founders from EU Member States and Associated Countries of Europe’s multi-billion-euro programme Horizon Europe; the ‘EIC Rising Innovators’, for promising young women innovators under 35; and the ‘EIT Women Leadership’, for exceptional members of the European Institute of Innovation and Technology – EIT Community.
More information in the press release.
(For further information: Maciej Berestecki – Tel.: +32 2 296 64 83; Anna Wartberger – Tel.: +32 2 28 20 54)
Commission approves pound 100 million Austrian State aid scheme to support cleantech manufacturing capacity
The European Commission has approved a pound 100 million Austrian scheme to support clean technology (‘cleantech’) manufacturing capacity, in line with the objectives of the Clean Industrial Deal. This measure will contribute to the transition towards a net-zero economy. The scheme was approved under the Clean Industrial Deal State Aid Framework (CISAF) adopted by the Commission on 25 June 2025.
The scheme will complement another Austrian scheme, approved by the Commission in December 2025, that already unlocked pound 100 million for cleantech manufacturing capacity.
Under the scheme, the aid will take the form of subsidised loans. The scheme will be open to small and medium-sized enterprises and large enterprises carrying out investments in strategic sectors such as batteries, solar panels or windmills in Austria. Aid may be granted until 31 December 2026.
The Commission concluded that the Austrian scheme is necessary, appropriate and proportionate to accelerate the transition towards a net-zero economy and facilitate the development of certain economic activities, which are of importance for the implementation of the Clean Industrial Deal.
Executive Vice-President for a Clean, Just and Competitive Transition, Teresa Ribera, said: ‘Today’s decision, which complements earlier support already approved under the Clean Industrial Deal State Aid Framework, will help expand clean technology manufacturing in Austria. Investing in batteries, solar panels and wind energy means investing in Europe’s competitiveness, resilience and energy security. Clean technologies are essential for decarbonisation and for Europe’s industrial future.’
A press release is available online.
(For more information: Ricardo Cardoso – Tel.: +32 2 298 01 00; Paula Clara Ritter-Moschtz – Tel.: +32 2 296 40 83)
Commission modifies commitments of Transgaz to allow diversified supply of gas to Ukraine
The European Commission has approved the modification of the commitments made in March 2020 by Societatea Na?ionala de Transport Gaze Naturale Transgaz S.A. (‘Transgaz’), the Romanian natural gas transmission system operator, in the context of an antitrust case. According to the original commitments, Transgaz has been making capacities for natural gas exports from Romania available to neighbouring EU Member States. Under the modified commitments, Transgaz will also offer the possibility of export capacities to Ukraine, contributing to the development of a regional gas market and diversified gas supply to Ukraine.
In May 2026, Transgaz requested a modification of the commitments to allow it to offer competing export capacities at two interconnection points: one between Romania and Bulgaria, and another one between Romania and Ukraine on the same gas pipeline. Competing capacities are gas network capacities that cannot be allocated at one point without fully or partly reducing the capacity offered at another point. These capacities are made available to the market via auctions and then allocated based on demand. This allows the overall network capacity to be allocated fairly and efficiently, in situations where not all demands from network users can be met.
The Commission assessed Transgaz’s request pursuant to the review clause contained in the March 2020 commitments, and concluded that Transgaz has shown good cause for modifying the commitments in a manner consistent with their objectives. The commitments will remain in effect until 31 December 2026. Additional information about case AT.40335 can be found in the Commission’s public case register.
(For more information: Ricardo Cardoso – Tel.: +32 2 298 01 00; Paula Clara Ritter-Moschtz – Tel.: +32 2 296 40 83)
Commissioner Dombrovskis participates in annual meeting of European Bank for Reconstruction and Development
Valdis Dombrovskis, Commissioner for Economy and Productivity; Implementation and Simplification, as well as in his capacity as EU Governor to the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is in Riga today and tomorrow to participate in the 35th Annual Meeting of the EBRD, which is focused on how economies can adapt and innovate in an increasingly volatile and uncertain geopolitical environment, while advancing market economies, democracy and the rule of law. There, the Commissioner will engage with political leaders, international partners and business representatives specifically on Moldova’s future EU integration and on support for Ukraine and its reconstruction.
Today, Commissioner Dombrovskis will attend the opening session and deliver an opening speech in his capacity as Chair of the EBRD Board of Governors, in presence of Her Majesty Queen Máxima of the Netherlands. Earlier this morning, he held a meeting with EBRD President Odile Renaud-Basso, as well as attended the European Affairs Committee of the Latvian Parliament. In addition, the Commission and the EBRD signed a letter of intent on a significant pound 478 million top-up of the Bank’s allocation under InvestEU. The Commissioner also witnessed the extension of a pound 26 million EBRD loan to support the development of a nascent biomethane market in Latvia and the Baltic region.
On Saturday, the Commissioner will participate in a breakfast hosted by Maris Kucinskis, Latvian Minister of Finance and EBRD Governor, before attending and will chair the plenary session of the EBRD Board of Governors. The Commissioner will then deliver a keynote speech at a session titled ‘Moldova: a strategic gateway to European and emerging markets’, highlighting Moldova’s progress on its path towards EU integration and the EU’s continued support, including through the pound 1.9 billion Growth Plan, to strengthen the country’s resilience, economic development and democracy. It can be followed online on EBS at 12:30 CEST.
Later in the day, Commissioner Dombrovskis will participate in the high-level panel ‘Charting a path to Ukraine’s reconstruction’, alongside EBRD President Odile Renaud-Basso. It can be followed online on EBS at 14:00 CEST. Discussions will focus on Ukraine’s reconstruction, economic recovery and EU integration, as well as the EU’s continued support for the country through financial assistance, investment and reforms. The Commissioner will also meet with Serhiy Marchenko, Ukrainian Minister of Finance and Rachel Reeves, Chancellor of the Exchequer of the United Kingdom, where support to Ukraine will be at the top of the agenda. In addition, he will meet Yassine Jaber, Lebanese Minister of Finance.
The visit will conclude with the signature of a Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation for the expansion of pan-Baltic capital markets, marking an important step towards deepening regional capital markets and supporting economic growth in the Baltic region.
(For more information: Balazs Ujvari – Tel.: +32 2 295 45 78; Francisca Marçal Santos – Tel.: +32 2 299 72 36)
Commissioner Zaharieva meets young innovators in Sofia to shape Europe’s startup future
Today in Sofia, Bulgaria, Commissioner for Startups, Research and Innovation, Ekaterina Zaharieva, met with students, researchers, and early-stage entrepreneurs aged 16 to 30 to discuss the future of Europe’s startup and scaleup ecosystem. The dialogue offered a direct platform for young European innovators and talents to share first-hand experiences and outline the concrete support needed to successfully scale businesses across the European Union.
The discussion was framed around four priority pillars: simplifying access to early-stage funding, expanding access to advanced technological infrastructures, bridging the gap between university research and commercial markets, and closing the gender gap within the tech ecosystem. As part of a broader effort to drive balanced innovation growth across the Union, the dialogue emphasises the EU’s strategic focus on unlocking the immense entrepreneurial talent and scaling potential within Central and Eastern Europe.
The insights and recommendations gathered during the exchange will be compiled into a dedicated report to directly strengthen key EU initiatives – including the upcoming implementation of the EU Startup and Scaleup Strategy, flagship initiatives like Lab to Unicorn and the Blue Carpet – as well as Horizon Europe and the European Competitiveness Fund.
Ekaterina Zaharieva, European Commissioner for Startups, Research and Innovation, said: “Europe’s position as a global innovation leader relies directly on the vision and ambition of our young people. This dialogue was a valuable opportunity to shape our upcoming policies in close partnership with the next generation of researchers and founders. By aligning their insights with concrete EU support, we are building a more competitive and accessible ecosystem where startups can successfully scale from university labs to global markets.”
Youth Policy Dialogues are part of the Commission’s broader effort to integrate the views of young people in the EU’s political agenda, as set out in President Ursula von der Leyen’s Political Guidelines for 2024-2029.
More information on Youth Policy Dialogues can be found on the dedicated webpage.
(For further information: Maciej Berestecki – Tel.: +32 2 296 64 83; Anna Wartberger – Tel.: +32 2 28 20 54)
Six finalists nominated for ETF Green Skills Award 2026
Outstanding initiatives from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Cyprus, Jordan, Nepal, Peru and Uzbekistan have been shortlisted for the ETF Green Skills Award 2026. The projects were selected from 369 applications from 94 countries, highlighting innovative approaches to green skills development and sustainability.
Turin, 3 June 2026 – Today, the European Training Foundation (ETF) announced the six finalists of the 2026 ETF Green Skills Award, which celebrates inspiring initiatives that contribute to the green transition, and the move towards more environmentally sustainable, inclusive and resilient societies. The chosen projects demonstrate how skills development can drive real change, from protecting fragile ecosystems and promoting circular economies to empowering young people and communities.
This year’s finalists reflect a wide range of approaches, combining local knowledge, technical innovation and social inclusion to address global environmental challenges. They illustrate green skills’ capacity to drive job creation, strengthen communities and support the shift to climate-neutral economies.
Pilvi Torsti, Director of the ETF, commented: ‘Across continents and contexts, these six initiatives demonstrate that the green transition is no longer an abstract ambition: it is already well underway, driven by communities, educators and innovators. The 369 applications received from 94 countries underscore the central role of skills in climate action, enabling people to adapt, innovate and lead change in ways that are inclusive, practical and sustainable.’
The ETF Green Skills Award reflects the European Union’s broader commitment to sustainable development, namely within the framework of the Union of Skills and Clean Industrial Deal. These flagship EU initiatives aim to strengthen competitiveness and equip people with skills needed for the green and digital transitions, supporting quality jobs, innovation and environmental sustainability.
Finalists of the 2026 ETF Green Skills Award
Bosnia and Herzegovina: Sugar on Top – Building a circular fashion ecosystem through upcycling, zero-waste production and artisanal skills.
Cyprus: Tiganokinisi (The Frying Pan Movement), AKTI Project and Research Centre – Turning used cooking oil into biodiesel funding for school sustainability projects, engaging over 100,000 students annually.
Jordan: German Energy Academy (GEA) – Training a new generation of renewable energy professionals through hands-on, inclusive programmes reaching women and refugees.
Nepal: Doko Recyclers Repair Revolution Workshop and Training (RRWT) – Transforming e-waste into skills and jobs by promoting repair culture and circular economy practices.
Peru: Young Glacier Ambassadors, Young Peruvian Leaders – Training youth from mountain communities in citizen science and environmental leadership to protect glaciers.
Uzbekistan: Sustainable Future Society (SFS) – A student-led environmental education programme scaling practical sustainability action across 25 schools and 25,000 people.
An international jury of ETF experts selected the finalists based on the novelty of their approach, impact and potential for replication. The final ranking (first, second and third place) will be decided via a public vote, which remains open until 30 June 2026 (13:00 CEST). The winners will be invited to the official award ceremony.
A special winner of a #ForOurPlanet category – awarded by the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Environment and the European External Action Service – will be announced tomorrow during the EU Green Week.
About the ETF Green Skills Award
Launched in 2021, the ETF Green Skills Award is a global initiative recognising individuals and organisations that promote innovative approaches to green skills development. It highlights practical solutions that support circular, carbon-neutral, inclusive economies, while inspiring others through good practice.
About the European Training Foundation
The European Training Foundation (ETF) is the European Union agency that supports EU neighbouring countries in reforming education, training and labour market systems. The ETF works with nearly 30 countries – from Ukraine to the Western Balkans, from the Southern Mediterranean to Central Asia and the African Union- to strengthen the security and prosperity of Europe and its neighbours. In line with EU priorities, the ETF promotes skills for sustainable, circular and climate-neutral economies. The ETF Governing Board, chaired by Mario Nava, European Commission’s Director-General for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion, brings together representatives from all 27 EU Member States. The ETF is based in Italy.