The European Union has allocated EUR 466,400 to support the sustainable maintenance of cultural heritage sites in the city of Famagusta, reaffirming its long-standing commitment to the protection of Cyprus’s shared cultural heritage. Through the direct implementation of a European Commission supply contract, specialised vehicles, machinery, and equipment were delivered to the local community between October 2025 and January 2026. This targeted investment addresses a key gap in heritage preservation: the limited capacity for routine maintenance following restoration works.
The intervention builds on more than a decade of EU-funded restoration activities carried out by the Technical Committee on Cultural Heritage (TCCH) in Famagusta. Since 2015, the TCCH has restored major landmarks, including the Othello Tower, sections of the city walls, several bastions and gates, churches and mosques within the historic centre, as well as important archaeological sites such as Salamina, Kampanopetra, and Agios Epiphanios. The assets provided will significantly strengthen local capacity for regular and preventive maintenance, like vegetation removal or emergency interventions, supporting a more sustainable approach to heritage management.
This initiative reflects the EU’s integrated approach to cultural heritage preservation, linking restoration with long-term maintenance and reinforcing local ownership of historic sites. The EU has spent EUR 32.5 million since 2012 for the preservation of cultural heritage under the EU Aid Programme for the Turkish Cypriot community.
The European Commission has published the list of members for the third mandate of the Platform on Sustainable Finance. The Platform will advise the Commission on topics related to the EU Taxonomy and the EU sustainable finance framework at large.
Following a call for applications in July 2025, the Commission appointed 28 members and 16 observers from both the private and public sectors. The selection was based on applicants’ environmental and sustainable finance expertise, as well as their professional experience and technical knowledge on the sectors covered by the EU Taxonomy. The Commission also took into consideration geographical and gender balance. The members are key stakeholders in the private sector, civil society, academia, and experts in their personal capacity.
Furthermore, the Commission has re-appointed Helena Viñes Fiestas as Chair of the Platform. Ms Viñes Fiestas is Commissioner of the Spanish Financial Markets Authority and a co-Chair of the UN Taskforce on Net Zero Policy.
Maria Luís Albuquerque, Commissioner for Financial Services, said: ‘With this new mandate, the Platform on Sustainable Finance will help us make the EU Taxonomy and the wider sustainable finance framework simpler, clearer and more usable – without lowering our level of ambition. Our goal is clear: to ensure that sustainable finance works for the real economy and effectively supports Europe’s transition, investment and competitiveness.’
The Platform’s mandate will run from February 2026 until the end of 2027. It will provide input on the Commission’s simplification efforts in sustainable finance, including on the revision of existing Taxonomy criteria and the development of criteria for new activities. Stakeholder feedback, provided through the Stakeholder Request Mechanism, will continue to play a central role.
The European Commission has announced its initial pound 1.9 billion humanitarian aid budget for 2026, at a time when 239 million people need assistance and major donors are cutting funding. Commissioner for equality, preparedness and crisis management, Hadja Lahbib, brings this commitment to Davos today, seeking to mobilise private sector finance and innovative solutions that can complement public funding and reach people in need.
Funding humanitarian response worldwide
The EU’s humanitarian aid delivers life-saving assistance where it matters most: emergency food and shelter, critical healthcare, protection for the most vulnerable, and support for children’s education in crisis zones. As other donors retreat and humanitarian law faces unprecedented strain, the EU maintains its commitment: principled aid that reaches people in need, wherever they are.
The initial pound 1.9 billion allocation includes:
pound 557 million to West and Central Africa, the Sahel, the Lake Chad basin, North-West Nigeria, Central Africa, Southern Africa, the Great Lakes region and the Greater Horn of Africa;
pound 448 million to the Middle East, particularly Gaza, further to last year’s fragile ceasefire, as well as Iraq, Yemen, Syria, and Lebanon;
pound 145 million to humanitarian needs in Ukraine, as Russia’s invasion enters its fourth year, and an additional pound 8 million for humanitarian projects in Moldova;
pound 126 million is allocated to address humanitarian needs in Afghanistan, Pakistan and Iran;
pound 95 million to Central and South America and the Caribbean, a region facing complex humanitarian crises driven by armed conflicts, widespread violence, political instability, acute inequalities and environmental challenges;
pound 73 million will be allocated to support Southeast Asia and the Pacific, in particular for the Myanmar crisis and its impact in Bangladesh;
pound 14.6 million will be allocated to North Africa, a region that remains exposed to complex political, economic and social challenges.
Additionally, more than pound 415 million is reserved for responding to sudden-onset emergencies worldwide, and maintaining a strategic supply chain.
Mobilising private sector support in Davos
Closing the gap between record humanitarian needs and available resources requires new approaches. Commissioner Lahbib is in Davos this week to discuss with business leaders and investors how the private sector can bring innovation, scale, and new financing models to humanitarian responses.
Together with the World Economic Forum, she will co-host an event on ‘New Alliances in Aid and Development’ on 22 January. Her full Davos agenda, including bilateral meetings, is available on her calendar.
Background
The EU and its Member States are the leading global humanitarian aid donor. The Commission has been providing humanitarian aid since 1992 in over 110 countries, delivered through humanitarian non-governmental organisations, international organisations (including UN agencies), and specialised agencies in the Member States.
The European Emergency Response Coordination Centre (ERCC) can help any country inside or outside the EU affected by a major disaster upon request from the national authorities or a United Nations body. Operating 24/7, the ERCC ensures rapid deployment of emergency support and acts as a coordination hub between all EU Member States, 10 additional participating states, the affected country, and civil protection and humanitarian aid experts.
Quote(s)
The humanitarian system is under unprecedented strain, and public funding alone will not meet the scale of the crisis. Europe is taking action, committing an initial pound 1.9 billion for 2026. As the largest humanitarian donor, we are taking our political responsibility and leading the global response. That’s why I’m in Davos: to mobilise the private sector to think bigger, move faster, and act together. This is a test of solidarity, and Europe is rising to the challenge.
Hadja Lahbib, Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management
The European Commission has opened an in-depth investigation to assess whether an arbitration award, in which Bulgaria is ordered to pay compensation to ACF Renewable Energy Limited for changes to a renewable electricity support measure, is in line with EU State aid rules.
In 2012, ACF invested in Bulgaria’s renewable energy sector by purchasing a solar photovoltaic power plant that benefitted from a renewable energy support scheme that Bulgaria implemented in 2011. Following modifications introduced by Bulgaria in 2013 and 2014, ACF continued to receive support under the modified scheme and initiated arbitration proceedings. The company claimed compensation for the support it would have received on the basis of the scheme, had it not been modified.
An arbitral award of 5 January 2024 found that Bulgaria infringed the Energy Charter Treaty and ordered Bulgaria to compensate ACF for losses allegedly suffered due to the modifications of the Bulgarian support scheme. The compensation amounts to pound 61.04 million, plus interest. Bulgaria notified this award to the Commission under State aid rules, but until today has not paid any compensation.
At this stage, the Commission’s preliminary view is that the arbitration award and its implementation would constitute State aid within the meaning of Article 107(1) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU, which is incompatible with the internal market. The Commission will investigate further the measure and its compatibility with the internal market, and in particular a possible breach of the EU Treaties by the aid measure.
The opening of an in-depth investigation gives Bulgaria and interested third parties the opportunity to submit comments. It does not prejudice in any way the outcome of the investigation.
A press release is available online.
The European Commission has approved, under EU State aid rules, an pound 18.2 million Italian measure to support an investment project in the dairy sector.
The beneficiary of the measure is Centro Latte Bressanone Societa’ Agricola Cooperativa, a dairy farmers’ cooperative in Alto Adige (South Tyrol). The goal of the investment project is to expand the cooperative’s existing production lines for mozzarella and ricotta, introduce new products such as burrata, and optimise the production cycle while maintaining high quality and environmental sustainability standards. The investment will have a two-fold positive effect. On the one hand, it will strengthen the dairy sector in Alto Adige by increasing demand for milk from local farmers. On the other hand, it will enhance the use of the by-product whey, thereby contributing to the circular economy and sustainable production. The aid will take the form of a direct grant.
The Commission assessed the measure under EU State Aid rules, in particular under Article 107(3)(c) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU, which allows Member States to support the development of certain economic activities under certain conditions, and the 2023 Guidelines for State aid in the agricultural and forestry sectors and in rural areas. The Commission found that the measure is necessary and appropriate to achieve the objective pursued, while supporting the objectives of the Common Agricultural Policy. Furthermore, the Commission concluded that the measure is proportionate, as it is limited to the minimum necessary, and will have a limited impact on competition and trade in the EU. On this basis, the Commission approved the Italian measure under EU State aid rules.
The non-confidential version of the decision will be made available under the case number SA.119750 in the State aid register on the Commission’s competition website once any confidentiality issues have been resolved.
Yesterday, Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management, Hadja Lahbib released the following statement:
‘I condemn the Israeli decision to forcibly enter and demolish the United Nations Sheikh Jarrah compound held by United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) located in East Jerusalem. I urge the Israeli authorities to halt such action, which is in violation of Israel’s obligations resulting from the Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the UN, according to which United Nations Member States must protect and respect the inviolability of UN premises.
I further recall that in line with ICJ’s advisory opinion of 22 October 2025, Israel is under an obligation not to impede the operation of United Nations entities and to co-operate in good faith with the United Nations to ensure respect for the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination.
The EU is a firm supporter of the United Nations and the multilateral and rules-based international order of which UNRWA is a part. UN agencies uphold and implement both the letter and the spirit of the UN Charter, and play a crucial role in maintaining global security.
The EU is committed to continuing its political and financial support to UNRWA. UNRWA’s functioning contributes to maintaining conditions conducive to peace and security, and any disruption of its work has significant humanitarian, political, and socio-economic repercussions.’
The statement is also available online.
The European Commission proposed the Digital Networks Act (DNA) to modernise, simplify and harmonise EU rules on connectivity networks. The current rules must be updated to create the conditions for operators to invest into rolling out advanced fibre and mobile networks. High-capacity networks enable innovative tech, like Artificial Intelligence and Cloud. The widespread availability of advanced connectivity for people and businesses across the EU is the foundation of Europe’s competitiveness.
Strengthening the single market for connectivity
The proposal aims at creating an effective EU single market by harmonising rules and facilitating cross-border business to incentivise operators to scale up, grow and innovate. To enable this, the Digital Networks Act proposal aims to:
facilitate companies to provide services across the EU while having to register in only one Member State;
incentivise the creation of pan-European satellite communication services by establishing an EU-level, as opposed to national level, spectrum authorisation framework;
increase regulatory consistency in national spectrum authorisation, by giving operators longer spectrum licences and by making licences renewable by default to increase predictability;
ensure that all available spectrum is being used by making spectrum sharing among operators more common (‘use it or share it’); and
introduce a voluntary cooperation mechanism between connectivity providers and other players, such as content application and cloud providers.
Transition to advanced connectivity networks
Legacy copper networks do not fit the ambition of making innovative technologies widely available across the EU. The DNA introduces mandatory national transition plans to ensure the phase out of copper networks and the transition to advanced networks between 2030 and 2035. Member States must present their national plans in 2029. The process is accompanied by safeguards to protect all consumers, such as providing clear and timely information about switch-offs and ensuring service continuity.
Simplification and investment
The Digital Networks Act modernises the regulatory framework, reducing administrative burden and reporting obligations, so companies can focus their resources on investment and innovation. The DNA also allows more flexibility for business-to-business relations, while keeping a high level of consumer protection.
Secure and resilient connectivity
The DNA enhances network security and resilience by limiting dependencies in the connectivity ecosystem and promoting EU-level cooperation. The proposal introduces an EU-level Preparedness plan to tackle the rising risks of crises including natural disasters and foreign interference in networks. In addition, the common mechanism for selecting pan-EU satellite communications will incorporate criteria focused on security and resilience.
Protecting net neutrality in innovative services
The DNA fully keeps the principles of net neutrality. It introduces a mechanism to clarify Open Internet rules for innovative services to increase legal certainty and a voluntary ecosystem cooperation mechanism on IP interconnection, traffic efficiency, and other emerging areas.
Next steps
The proposal will be presented to the European Parliament and the Council for approval.
Background
The DNA proposal will replace the 2018 EU Electronic Communications Code.
In February 2024, the Commission’s White Paper “How to master Europe’s digital infrastructure needs?” aimed to explore scenarios and gather insights to shape policy actions for the Union’s digital infrastructure sector.
In her 2025 State of the Union Address, President von der Leyen stressed advancing the Single Market for connectivity by 2028 and encouraged investment in transformative technologies.
European innovation starts with a truly connected Europe. High-performance resilient digital infrastructure is essential in strengthening Europe’s leadership in innovation, competitiveness and digital sovereignty. Advanced and accessible connectivity will allow start-ups to harness the potential of AI, enable doctors to care for patients remotely, quickly and safely. Our goal is a digital environment where new technologies are readily available, affordable, and grounded in fair trustworthy rules that benefit people.
Thank you, Madam President, dear Roberta,
President Costa, dear António,
Honourable Members,
Let me start by conveying my deepest condolences to the families and friends of the train accident in Spain. Our thoughts are with them.
Since I last stood here in this Plenary, we have witnessed events that have shaken the world. From the nationwide protests – and repression – across Iran to the seizing of shadow fleet tankers in the North Atlantic. From the volatile situation around the Arctic and Greenland to the relentless bombing against Ukrainian civilians and infrastructure. From the tensions in the Middle East to the Indo-Pacific. All of this reflects a number of realities for Europe.
The first is a confirmation that the shift in the international order is not only seismic – but it is permanent. And the sheer speed of change far outstrips anything we have seen in decades. We now live in a world defined by raw power – whether economic or military, technological or geopolitical. And while many of us may not like it, we must deal with the world as it is now.
Which brings me to the second reality – and imperative – for Europe. And that is to speed up our push for independence. Whether on our economy or our security, whether on technology or democracy. We have to be in strong shape ourselves if we want to shape the world around us. In this increasingly lawless world Europe needs its own levers of power. We know them: A strong economy, a thriving Single Market and industrial base – one that can do business in different markets and can compete all around the world -, a strong innovation and technology capacity, united societies – with high levels of education, talent and health systems -, and above a real capacity to defend ourselves. This is what European independence is about. It is not about anyone else, and it is not driven by recent events. It is about a need and an opportunity to build a stronger Union. We were already moving in this direction, but the speed of change requires a new approach from Europe. We will need a departure from Europe’s traditional caution – just like we did on energy or on recovering from the pandemic with NextGenerationEU. Or like we are doing now on defence – with SAFE, or on supporting Ukraine. The world is changing faster than our mindset. So our institutions, governments and societies – all of us – must transform the ways in which we think and act. And allow me to touch on a number of points which I believe are critical.
Starting with security, and in particular the situation in the Arctic. Greenland is not just a territory in a key region of the world map, a land rich in critical raw materials, a strategic outpost on emerging global sea routes. It is all of those things. But above all, Greenland is home to a free and sovereign people. It is a nation with its sovereignty and its right to territorial integrity. And the future of Greenland is only for Greenlanders to decide.
Honourable Members,
We do agree with our American friends on the need to ensure the security of the Arctic region. On this we are not only aligned, but we are working together – notably within the context of NATO. Finland, for example, is working with the US on icebreakers – a key piece of equipment in the context of operations in the High North. Or take the recent Danish-led Arctic Light exercise a few months ago in the context of NATO. This was key to strengthening Allied readiness in the Arctic. We are aligned. We are working together. We share the same strategic assessment on Arctic Security. And this is why the threat of additional tariffs for security reasons is simply wrong. If we are now plunging into a dangerous downward spiral between allies, this would only embolden the very adversaries we are both so committed to keeping out of our strategic landscape.
Later this week, leaders will meet to discuss our response. We are at a crossroads. Europe prefers dialogue and solutions – but we are fully prepared to act, if necessary, with unity, urgency, and determination.
But beyond this, we need our own strategic approach. This is why we are working on a package to support Arctic Security. A first pillar will be a massive European investment surge in Greenland. In particular, to further support the local economy and infrastructure. This will build on what we have already done. Two years ago, before all of this happened, I was in Nuuk to open our first office there. And in the next European budget, we have already proposed to double our financial support. But we must do more and do it faster.
Second, we will work with the US and all partners on wider arctic security. In particular, I believe we should use our defence spending surge on Artic-ready equipment. And strengthen our security arrangements with partners such as the UK, Canada, Norway, Iceland and others.
Finally, I believe Europe itself needs to reassess its wider security strategy. This should look at what is needed to adjust to today’s new realities. Many of you have worked on various national or European security strategies, some of them in the recent past. But the world has changed so fast, and Europe now has to change with it.
Honourable Members,
When it comes to security, it is more important than ever that we keep focusing on Ukraine. Because our European security – and our European independence – hinges on what happens next. It is now almost four years since Russians rolled into Ukraine. Peace talks are now ongoing, and we recognise the efforts of the US in this regard. But while these efforts intensify, so do Russia’s attacks. So Europe will continue to support Ukraine in every way. And this is why it was so important that, in the last European Council, we agreed to jointly raise EUR 90 billion for Ukraine. Europe has taken clear responsibility for Ukraine’s needs – both civilian and military. And these EUR 90 billion show our unfaltering commitment and solidarity, and we will stand with Ukraine until there is a just and lasting peace.
Honourable Members,
Allow me to briefly turn to our economy – and our need to reduce our dependencies here too. Because this is intrinsically linked. Trade inside our Single Market accounts for 55% of our GDP. Trade with the rest of the world is worth roughly 45% of our GDP. Our supply chains and derisking goals depend on it. So, trade matters more than ever. I just came back from Paraguay, where we signed a historic deal with Mercosur. Next week we will be in India, for another groundbreaking agreement. And negotiations are advancing with many others who want to do business with us. These deals will open massive opportunities for our businesses; they will create jobs here in Europe and they give us resilience and security of supply. Because, the more trading partners we have world-wide, the more independent we are. And that is exactly what we need now. If we take Mercosur, which I know is hotly debated within this House, the deal secures our access to the raw materials our industry needs, and the benefits for European companies will be huge. Take the automotive sector – European exports to Mercosur can rise by EUR 20 billion, or 200%. We could look at chemicals, or machinery. The deal with Mercosur will deliver huge gains for producers of dairy, wine, spirits, oil – and much more. At the same time, we have listened carefully to your concerns and to our farmers, and we have secured strong safeguards for our sensitive agri-food sectors. I believe this is a deal that will bring benefits across our economy, across every Member State.
To conclude, this moment of global change is fraught with dangers and Europe must be ready to change even faster to become more independent for its own future. This will not be easy, it will require difficult decisions, and it will require to frame all of our work in the bigger picture. But, together, we can achieve it.