Today, the Commission has issued a fine of pound 120 million to X for breaching its transparency obligations under the Digital Services Act (DSA). The breaches include the deceptive design of its ‘blue checkmark’, the lack of transparency of its advertising repository, and the failure to provide access to public data for researchers.
The fine issued today was calculated taking into account the nature of these infringements, their gravity in terms of affected EU users, and their duration.
This is the first non-compliance decision under the DSA.
Executive Vice-President for Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy, Henna Virkkunen, said: ‘Deceiving users with blue checkmarks, obscuring information on ads and shutting out researchers have no place online in the EU. The DSA protects users. The DSA gives researchers the way to uncover potential threats. The DSA restores trust in the online environment. With the DSA’s first non-compliance decision, we are holding X responsible for undermining users’ rights and evading accountability.’
Find more information in our press release.
(For more information: Thomas Regnier – Tel.: +32 2 299 10 99; Patricia Poropat – Tel.: +32 2 298 04 85)
Commission accepts TikTok’s commitments on advertising transparency under the Digital Services Act
Today, the European Commission secured TikTok’s commitment to provide advertising repositories that ensure full transparency around ads on its services, as required by the Digital Services Act (DSA).
After extensive engagement with the Commission, TikTok has submitted binding commitments that address all the concerns raised by the Commission in its investigation and preliminary findings from May 2025.
Executive Vice-President for Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy, Henna Virkkunen, said: ‘Transparent ad practices can build trust in the online environment. Transparency is essential in uncovering scams, ensuring the integrity of information and keeping young users and children safe from lurking harm. The message is clear: our aim is compliance. When platforms engage constructively with the Commission, we are ready to accept solid commitments.’
Find more information in our press release.
(For more information: Thomas Regnier – Tel.: +32 2 299 10 99; Patricia Poropat – Tel.: +32 2 298 04 85)
Eurobarometer survey shows continued strong public support for the euro and the Recovery and Resilience Facility
Public support for the euro remains very strong, according to the European Commission’s latest Eurobarometer survey. The survey finds that 79% of respondents believe that having the euro is good for the EU, which is consistent with the findings from the 2024 survey. A large majority (70%) of respondents also believe it is good for their own country.
The survey found that the majority of euro-area respondents believe the euro has made travelling easier and less expensive. Around eight in ten respondents say that the euro has made it easier to compare prices when shopping across different euro area countries, including online.
In addition, the results show a high level of support for the Recovery and Resilience Facility, the instrument at the heart of NextGenerationEU – the Commission’s post-pandemic programme to support Member States’ recovery, economic growth and make their societies more sustainable, resilient, and prepare them for the green and digital transition. This approach has gained strong public approval, with 67% of respondents supporting the idea of a recovery plan supporting all Member States, on condition that they make green, digital and social investments and reforms.
The survey also sought citizens’ views on certain questions related to euro coins and banknotes. It found that 61% of respondents are in favour of abolishing 1- and 2-euro cent coins, reflecting a high and stable level of support for this initiative.
The Eurobarometer survey was conducted through interviews with over 18,600 respondents from all 20 euro area Member States, between 15 and 23 September 2025. The full results are available online.
(For more information: Balazs Ujvari – Tel.: +32 2 295 45 78; Francisca Marcal Santos – Tel.: +32 2 299 72 36)
Europe faces worst wildfire year on record as fire seasons grow longer and more destructive
The 2024 forest fires report from the Commission’s Joint Research Centre confirms a longer and more intense fire season. Major fires have increased every year since 2017, and the 2024 data confirm the upward trend. The 2024 fire season ended with a total burnt area of 383,317 hectares. While this is lower than the 500,000 hectares burnt in 2023 due in part to intermittent rainfall across the Mediterranean during spring and summer, it is still above the 17-year average of 354,185 hectares.
In 2024, 8,343 fires were reported in total. This is more than four times the 17-year average. Bulgaria, Greece, Italy, Portugal and Spain were among the worst-affected EU countries, with a combined burnt area of 334,940 hectares. Among the non-EU countries participating in the EU Civil Protection Mechanism (EUCPM), Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia, Trkiye and Ukraine suffered the heaviest losses. Ukraine accounted for half of the total burnt area within UCPM countries, with most wildfires seen across the combat frontlines.
European Forest Fire Information Service (EFFIS) data suggest that Europe’s wildfire reality is changing. The data gathered so far for the 2025 fire season further confirm this growing trend: 2025 will be the worst year since EFFIS records began in 2006.
The high frequency and intensity of wildfires during prolonged fire seasons pose new challenges to firefighting services across Europe and globally. In response these challenges, the EU has recently strengthened its collective readiness by doubling the rescEU aerial fleet and pooling resources from 27 Member States and 10 UCPM participating countries, reinforced by a further 4 aircraft, 26 ground forest fire fighting teams and one firefighting assessment team from the European Civil Protection Pool, as well as spontaneous offers from Member States.
While strong firefighting capabilities are essential, proactive measures such as developing integrated wildfire risk management, promoting nature-based solutions, and landscape management to reduce the vulnerability to wildfire will be crucial to face this growing challenge.
More insights can be found in the report published online.
(For more information: Thomas Regnier – Tel. + 32 2 299 10 99; Nika Blazevic – Tel. + 32 2 299 27 17)
Commission seeks views on the Skills Portability Initiative
Today, the European Commission has launched a public consultation on the upcoming Skills Portability Initiative to enable skilled workers to move more easily and have their skills and experience recognised across Europe. The initiative will explore ways to digitalise learning credentials, improve the transparency of skills and qualifications, modernise the recognition processes for regulated professions, and simplify procedures for recognising the qualifications and skills of non-EU nationals. It will also help unlock the Single Market’s full potential by allowing people and skills to circulate more freely.
The Skills Portability Initiative was announced in the Union of Skills in March 2025 and will be presented as part of the Fair Mobility Package in 2026.
Executive Vice-President for Social Rights and Skills, Quality Jobs and Preparedness, Roxana Mînzatu, said: ‘The Skills Portability Initiative will ensure that people’s qualifications and skills are better understood and recognised across the EU, no matter where and how they are acquired. When skills are transparent, trusted and digitally portable across Europe, we open doors for workers to access good jobs and for businesses to find the talent they need. I encourage workers, employers and other stakeholders across Europe, to have their say and help us shape an initiative that makes mobility fair, practical and empowering for everyone.’
The Commission invites workers, employers and others to share their views and experiences on the barriers they face in having their skills recognised when working and hiring across borders. Both a questionnaire and a call for evidence will remain open for 12 weeks, until 27 February 2026.
(For more information: Eva Hrncirova – Tel.: +32 2 29 88433; Eirini Zarkadoula-Tel.: +32 2 29 57065)
25 years of the Charter of Fundamental Rights – safeguarding our freedoms and values
The Charter of Fundamental Rights stands at the heart of the European Union, setting out the fundamental rights enjoyed by everyone in our Union. Ahead of its 25th anniversary, the European Commission has published the 2025 Annual Report on the Application of the Charter in the EU, looking back at all that has been done so far to reinforce and strengthen its application since 2020.
Henna Virkkunen, Executive Vice-President for Tech Sovereignty, Security, and Democracy, said: “The Charter of Fundamental Rights is the cornerstone of our Union-our shared commitment to dignity, freedom, democracy, equality and the rule of law. In a moment where these values are increasingly under pressure, we must stand firmer than ever.”
Michael McGrath, Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, the Rule of Law, and Consumer Protection, said: ‘The Charter of Fundamental Rights is the beating heart of fairness and justice in our Union. It transforms our core values – dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law – into real freedoms people experience every day. Fundamental rights are the bedrock of democracy, and our task is clear: to defend these rights, support those who uphold them, and ensure every person in the EU can fully enjoy them.’
The report sets out measures at EU and national level to further support the application of the Charter from 2026 to 2030 and beyond.
A press release is also available.
(For more information: Markus Lammert – Tel.: +32 2 296 75 33; Cristina Torres Castillo – Tel.: + 32 2 299 06 79)
Zaragoza wins 2026 Access City Award for leading the way in accessibility for persons with disabilities
Zaragoza (Spain) won the 2026 Access City Award, for its outstanding efforts to making the city accessible for persons with disabilities. The city takes a rights-based approach, grounded in the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Its accessibility infrastructure is composed of comprehensive municipal accessibility rules, a clear strategic plan with targets, timelines, and budget, and strong governance through a dedicated Accessibility Office and a formal Accessibility Board.
Zaragoza is also leading on ensuring full participation of persons with disabilities in society, with accessible public transport, public spaces, and digital services. For example, it has a fully accessible tram network, extensive step-free pedestrian routes, inclusive banking and shopping initiatives, and certified accessible websites and apps have significantly contributed to making Zaragoza more accessible and inclusive for persons with disabilities. Housing is a particular strength, with initiatives such as the Flumen project providing inclusive, accessible homes that promote independent living and social inclusion.
Valencia (Spain) received the second prize for its city-wide, data-driven approach to accessibility. The city achieved exemplary transport and urban access, reporting 96% urban accessibility and a fully accessible bus and metro network. Persons with disabilities are employed as accessibility validators, and organisations systematically test solutions before launch.
The city of Rennes (France) won the third prize for significant progress made on accessibility thanks to close coordination among municipality services. Metro and buses are fully accessible, supported by door-to-door vehicles and apps for step-free travel. Streets have been upgraded with wider pavements, safer crossings, tactile strips, benches, and accessible toilets, while cultural venues such as the Jeu de Paume and the city arts school now feature ramps, lifts, adapted toilets, and high-contrast stair nosing. 68% of municipal sites are accessible, and a Scheduled Accessibility Agenda will bring all public reception buildings into compliance by 2027.
More than 90 million people in the EU have a disability, according to Eurostat. Accessible spaces, both physical and digital, are a crucial first step towards achieving equality. Since 2010, the Access City Award celebrates cities that make accessibility their priority. The Award Ceremony is celebrated as part of the European Day of Persons with Disabilities, a landmark event uniting policymakers, organisations, and persons with disabilities to advance disability inclusion and equality across Europe. The Award is also part of the Strategy for the rights of persons with disabilities 2021-2030 that aims to build a Europe without barriers.
More information is available in our press release online.
(For more information: Eva Hrncirova-Tel.: +32 2 298 84 33; Anna Gray – Tel.: +32 2 298 08 73)
Commission hosts Global Alliance to Counter Migrant Smuggling
On Wednesday 10 December, the European Commission will host the Second International Conference of the Global Alliance to Counter Migrant Smuggling in Brussels. President Ursula von der Leyen will deliver a keynote speech, opening the event. The Conference will bring together more than 75 delegations and more than 35 ministers from EU Member States and partners, along with high-level representatives from international organisations. They will discuss and agree on new measures to strengthen global coooperation in breaking the criminal business model of migrant smuggling, which exploits vulnerable people and puts lives at risk. The aim is to dismantle smuggling networks and reduce illegal migration.
Executive-Vice President of the European Commission for Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy, Henna Virkkunen, Commissioner for International Partnerships, Jozef Síkela, Commissioner for Financial Services and the Savings and Investments Union, Maria Luís Albuquerque will participate. Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration, Magnus Brunner, will deliver both the opening remarks and will conclude the Conference jointly with Executive-Vice President Virkkunen.
At the occasion of the Conference a Joint Declaration will be endorsed by partners setting up a foundation for strengthened future cooperation within the Global Alliance to Counter Migrant Smuggling. Participants will exchange on measures to prevent smugglers from exploiting digital tools, such as online advertising, illicit payment transfers, and how to improve coordination and investigations to cut off their profits. They will also discuss how public-private partnerships, skills development, and mobility schemes can create opportunities for legal mobility.
The fight against migrant smuggling is a priority for the Commission, as President von der Leyen made clear in her 2025 State of the Union address. The second Global Alliance Conference will be an opportunity to assess achievements made so far and further structure ongoing cooperation with partners along the migratory routes. The keynote address of President von der Leyen and the welcoming remarks from Commissioner Brunner will be transmitted live on EBS.
A dedicated workspace for journalists will be available throughout the event, offering Wi-Fi, desk space, and power outlets. A designated press corner will be open for conducting interviews. Members of the press are invited to register via the participants’ registration page.
(For more information: Markus Lammert – Tel.: +32 2 296 75 33; Cristina Dumitrescu – Tel.: +32 2 296 60 91)
Executive Vice-President Ribera and Commissioner Roswall participate in Water Resilience Forum
On Monday, 8 December, Executive Vice-President for a Clean, Just and Competitive Transition, Teresa Ribera, and Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy Jessika Roswall, will deliver opening remarks at the first Water Resilience Forum taking place in Brussels.
In response to Europe’s water resources facing increasing pressure, the Commission adopted in June 2025 the European Water Resilience Strategy and the Recommendation on Water Efficiency First, to enhance water security for people, economy and environment. The Water Resilience Forum will focus on translating this strategy into action, with discussions centred on removing obstacles to and accelerating implementation of the Water Resilience Strategy across the EU.
Hosted jointly with the European Committee of the Regions and the European Economic and Social Committee, the Forum will gather public authorities, scientists, industry and civil society representatives dedicated to accelerating solutions for Europe’s growing water challenges. This illustrates how all actors – Member States, regions, cities, citizens, and businesses – play a central role in delivering water resilience. The Forum is a concrete example of the EU’s commitment to ensuring long-term water security for all Europeans.
Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy Jessika Roswall said: “Water is under increasing pressure. That is why we need a joint European effort to solve water challenges, and Europe is already leading the way with innovative solutions. Today’s forum brings together expert stakeholders to speed up efforts to fix the water cycle, build a water-smart economy, eliminate barriers, and ensure universal access to clean water and sanitation.”
You can find more information on the Water Resilience Forum online. Commissioner Roswall will be available to speak to media at the Forum.