In their second review of the joint declaration and roadmap, designed to boost economic growth, the EU institutions reaffirmed their commitment to timely delivery.
In this review of the One Europe, One Market roadmap and the joint declaration on the EU legislative priorities for 2026, the Presidents of the European Parliament, Council and Commission took stock of progress made six months after the signature of the roadmap and reaffirmed their strong commitment to delivering tangible results for European citizens and businesses, especially in this unstable world.
The three institutions remain focused on delivering the key initiatives needed to strengthen Europe’s competitiveness, remove barriers in the Single Market and provide clean and affordable energy, while boosting the social dimension of the European project to promote social justice and a fairer, more inclusive Europe.
Further information
Progress Review October 2026
Legislative Programming and monitoring annual cycle
One Europe, One Market roadmap webpage
Quote(s)
Our Single Market of 450 million consumers is one of Europe’s greatest assets. But it can only reach its full potential if we complete it. This is why we have the ‘One Europe, One Market’ roadmap. We want to achieve a historic overhaul of our Single Market by the end of 2027. A Europe where energy, capital, innovation and ideas flow freely across borders. Where businesses can grow and compete without barriers. Our commitment is stronger than ever, and we will deliver the ambition Europe needs.
Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission
With this roadmap we set out to make our Union stronger, fairer, and more competitive, and we are making good progress. We are cutting red tape, removing barriers, and deepening integration across all sectors. Because we know that for Europe to succeed our businesses must thrive. Parliament is committed to keeping up the momentum and working with the Council and Commission to deliver real results for people and businesses across Europe.
Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament
We are all agreed that urgent action is needed to enhance Europe’s competitiveness and productivity. Our ‘One Europe, One Market’ roadmap has set out the highest level of political ambition for delivery. It provides Ireland’s Presidency programme with a very strong strategic focus. I am delighted to report that we have made strong progress in the Council under the Irish Presidency in delivering key initiatives to enhance European competitiveness. We need to maintain momentum and focus on ensuring we can create a more competitive Europe for our citizens and businesses.
Micheál Martin, Taoiseach of Ireland
Tripartite Social Summit takes place in Brussels
EU leaders and social partners met in Brussels for the Tripartite Social Summit, a twice-yearly forum for dialogue that brings together the leaders of the EU institutions and the European social partners. Yesterday’s discussion focused on ‘Driving Europe Forward’.
In particular, the following topics were addressed: A new Multiannual Financial Framework reinforcing a competitive business location supporting quality jobs; A Single Market which delivers for workers and enterprises.
The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, said: “Europe’s competitiveness goes hand in hand with social fairness. It means good jobs, decent livelihoods and thriving businesses. To get there, our priorities are clear: affordable energy, a strong Single Market that protects workers’ rights, quality jobs fit for the future, and a long-term EU budget that preserves Europe’s social DNA. And of course, dialogue with social partners is essential to deliver.”
The main messages of the summit are available online
EU leaders and social partners met in Brussels for the Tripartite Social Summit, a twice-yearly forum for dialogue that brings together the leaders of the EU institutions and the European social partners. Yesterday’s discussion focused on ‘Driving Europe Forward’.
In particular, the following topics were addressed:
A new Multiannual Financial Framework reinforcing a competitive business location supporting quality jobs
A Single Market which delivers for workers and enterprises
The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, said: “Europe’s competitiveness goes hand in hand with social fairness. It means good jobs, decent livelihoods and thriving businesses. To get there, our priorities are clear: affordable energy, a strong Single Market that protects workers’ rights, quality jobs fit for the future, and a long-term EU budget that preserves Europe’s social DNA. And of course, dialogue with social partners is essential to deliver.”
The President of the European Council, António Costa, said: “Competitiveness is not an end in itself. Our ultimate goal is to improve the lives and well-being of European citizens, by creating quality jobs, building strong and successful European companies, and ensuring lasting prosperity and resilience. To achieve this, we must continue delivering on our ‘One Europe, One Market’ agenda and completing the single market. Social partners have a vital role to play in ensuring that economic progress translates into tangible benefits for people, workers and businesses alike. A strong economy and a fair society must go hand in hand. This has been one of our Union’s founding ambitions, and our next long-term budget must help turn it into reality.”
On behalf of the rotating presidency of the Council of the EU, the Taoiseach of Ireland, Micheál Martin, said:
“Europe is at its strongest when it is united and pulling in the same direction on the important issues. At today’s meeting we discussed how we can work together to build a more competitive Europe, with quality jobs and high skills, underpinned by a budget that can support our ambition for what we want to achieve together. These are topics of great importance for our citizens and, as Presidency of the Council, Ireland is working to make progress on them. We are advancing work on the ‘One Europe, One Market’ roadmap – the set of urgent actions the EU’s institutions have agreed to make Europe more competitive and more economically resilient. We have made our compromise proposal for the Union’s future budget – the MFF – and we will work closely with partners to secure agreement in the negotiations by the end of the year. We know that social and economic progress is a team effort. Ireland has long understood the value of social dialogue as a way of maximising common understanding and engagement between all sectors of society. It is vital to progress, and it is an essential part of the European social model. At a time of increasing geopolitical uncertainty and accelerating technological change it remains more important than ever.”
The President of BusinessEurope, Maciej Witucki, representing employers, (BusinessEurope, SGI Europe, SMEunited), said: “Translating Europe’s economic ambitions into tangible improvements is more urgent than ever. It is clear that regulation is weighing too heavy on enterprises and authorities. Europe now needs to improve investment conditions so that quality jobs can flourish. We call on European leaders to intensify their efforts to simplify regulation, deepen the Single Market, and preserve competitiveness-enhancing expenditure, including investment in skills and essential infrastructure, in the next Multiannual Financial Framework.”
General Secretary of the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC), Esther Lynch said: “There is real anger on the streets. Working people are suffering from wages that don’t keep up with sky-high housing, energy and food costs. Europe needs a policy that workers can feel in their pocket. But the discussions on the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) seem to be going in the wrong direction, with less and less for investment for tackling the growing jobs crisis. We reject proposed cuts to the MFF. Europe needs to have the courage to raise own resources, including through a European digital tax. The next EU budget must keep a strong, separate European Social Fund with more money. Every euro of public money must come with binding conditions that create quality jobs and respect collective agreements. Europe must play its part in tackling the cost-of-living crisis and driving more quality jobs for all. The Quality Jobs Act must bring in binding rules to end precarious work and exploitation.”
The views cited in this text are those of the individual / organisation concerned and do not collectively constitute the point of view of the European Commission.
Visit the meeting page
(For more information: Louise Bogey – Tel.: +322296776; Eirini Zarkadoula – Tel.: +32 2 295 70 65)
Commission awards six projects making lasting contributions for Europe’s cohesion at REGIOSTARS ceremony
Six outstanding EU-funded projects, and the people behind them, were honored last night in Brussels at the 2026 REGIOSTARS Awards, held as part of the 24th European Week of Regions and Cities.
Presented by representatives of the European institutions and the Member States, the awards recognised excellence in projects supported by EU cohesion policy, the EU’s main investment policy for regions, cities and communities. From innovation and research to environmental restoration and social inclusion, this year’s winners show how cohesion policy delivers concrete results where people live.
The 2026 REGIOSTARS Award Winners are:
Category 1 – A Competitive and Smart Europe: AI Holopresence from Slovakia won the prize in this category.
The project is a generative artificial intelligence (AI) solution for photorealistic 3D human reconstruction, enabling people to meet in Immersive Extended Reality as their real selves rather than as avatars or flat video tiles. Developed in eastern Slovakia by MATSUKO, a company, together with Pavol Jozef Šafárik University and supported with pound 612,405 from the European Regional and Development Fund (ERDF), the project led to three patent applications and a market-ready product now used in industrial training, education, remote collaboration and the research EU 6GXR project, which also concerns extended reality.
Category 2 – A Green Europe: The prize in this category was awarded to eLiRec – Greener Battery Recycling from Germany.
As demand for batteries continues to grow, the Commission supported the eLiRec – Greener Battery Recycling project with around pound 329,000 from the ERDF to tackle one of the green transition’s key challenges: how to recover valuable raw materials in a cleaner and more efficient way. The project develops innovative recycling solutions that reduce environmental impact and support the circular economy, while also contributing to Europe’s strategic autonomy in critical materials. It is a strong example of how green innovation can advance both sustainability and industrial competitiveness.
Category 3 – A Connected Europe: The project Alexandroupolis Independent Natural Gas System from Greece was awarded the prize in this category.
The Alexandroupolis Independent Natural Gas System has been developed with more than pound 178 million funding from the ERDF. It strengthens energy connectivity and security of supply in south-eastern Europe through the development of a new floating liquefied natural gas terminal near Alexandroupolis, in Northern Greece. The project enables the import, storage and regasification of natural gas, improving diversification of energy sources and reducing dependence on single suppliers. By enhancing interconnection with regional gas networks, it supports a more resilient and integrated European energy market.
Category 4 – A Social and Inclusive Europe: The project BROTHERS from Germany received the prize in this category.
BROTHERS is a project aiming to prevent violence against women, in particular for young men, school classes and professionals. Supported with more than pound 193,000 from the European Social Fund (ESF), it creates spaces for discussion on women’s rights and respect, using a peer-to-peer approach in which participants help design and lead workshops to promote gender equality.
Category 5 – A Europe closer to the citizens: The prize in this category went to Together in Ždár from Czechia.
Ždár nad Sázavou, a town of 20,000 inhabitants in the Czech inland periphery, used EU funding of almost pound 813,000 to renovate its public library and transform it into the town’s civic heart. The library now hosts more than 900 events every year for all generations, from early literacy programmes for toddlers, to AI courses for seniors. It also serves as a platform where NGOs, volunteers and community groups organise their own activities. The library received Czechia’s City Library of the Year 2025 award and supports 106 smaller libraries across the country.
As happens every year, the public were invited to vote for their favourite project amongst the shortlisted finalists.
The People’s Choice Award winner this year was Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center (Porto.CCC – TeamUp4Cancer (TU4C)) from Portugal.
The project transformed northern Portugal into a precision oncology hub supported with almost pound 15 million from the ERDF. By bringing together IPO Porto and i3S, two of the biggest oncological and health research institutes in the country, it created Portugal’s first Precision Oncology Programme, giving more than 1,500 patients access to cutting-edge diagnostics and enabling hundreds to participate in clinical trials, including early-phase studies, while strengthening regional competitiveness. With 53 publications and five international patents, TU4C shows how cohesion policy can help transform emerging regions into European research leaders.
Background
Organised by the European Commission since 2008, REGIOSTARS Awards recognise outstanding projects supported by EU cohesion policy. They showcase the impact and inclusiveness of regional development with solutions to common challenges across EU regions. The awards are a powerful reminder that cohesion policy is not an abstract funding instrument, but a driving force for positive change in Europe’s regions, helping turn local ambition into lasting impact.
Cohesion policy delivers visible improvements to people’s daily lives by reducing regional disparities and unlocking local potential. The REGIOSTARS Awards have become Europe’s label of excellence for EU-funded initiatives that best reflect the impact and inclusiveness of regional development.
A jury consisting of experts from all over Europe selected 25 finalists across five key areas, each representing a priority for the EU’s cohesion policy. There was a total of 274 applications from across the EU. Those shortlisted presented their final pitch before a jury during the 2026 European Week of Regions and Cities, which took place in Brussels from 12 to 14 October.
Though different in focus, the projects share a common goal of building stronger, more resilient and more inclusive communities across Europe.
For more information
2026 Regiostars Awards
24th European Week of Regions and Cities
Photos of the winners
* Updated on 15/10/2026 at 10:00
(For more information: Maciej Berestecki – Tel.: +32 229-66483; Isabel Arriaga e Cunha – Tel.: +32 229-52117)
10th call for media proposals launched as Commission announces winners of the 2026 Megalizzi-Niedzielski prize for aspiring journalists
On Wednesday evening, the European Commission announced the three winners of the 2026 Megalizzi-Niedzielski prize for aspiring journalists in a dedicated event in Brussels.
Yoana Kaloyanova from Bulgaria received the prize for her compelling audio report on a children’s education centre in Plovdiv. Žan Tone Urbanija from Slovenia was recognised for his empathetic article on multigenerational centres in the country. Marie Hartmann from Germany won with her video report on climate change adaptation measures, which was praised for making complex issues accessible to a wider audience.
The Megalizzi-Niedzielski prize commemorates young journalists Antonio Megalizzi and Bartek Orent-Niedzielski, who were killed in the 2018 Strasbourg terrorist attack. It rewards outstanding young journalists who show strong professional integrity and a deep commitment to EU values.
Meanwhile, the Commission launched its tenth call for media proposals on cohesion policy. With a budget of pound 3.5 million, the call invites media outlets, universities, and other entities to create independent content on cohesion policy. Applications are open until 12 January 2027, 17:00 CET, via the funding portal.
(For more information: Maciej Berestecki – Tel: +32 229-66483; Isabel Arriaga e Cunha – Tel: +32 229-52117)
Commissioners Kubilius and Lahbib strengthen global disaster risk management through space technologies
On the occasion of the International Day for Disaster Risk Management, the European Commission is convening the very first cross-regional dialogue ‘From Space to Grassroots: Strengthening Community Resilience to Natural Hazards through Space Technologies’. The dialogue marked the start of a process to further strengthen international cooperation to anticipate, prepare for and respond to disasters using space technologies.
The dialogue identified opportunities for closer cooperation with partners worldwide, from improving early warning systems and sharing satellite data and expertise to strengthening national and local response capacities. The aim is to make better use of space technologies across all levels of action, to protect lives and livelihoods, particularly in vulnerable communities.
Space services support all phases of the disaster management cycle, from preparedness and prevention with forecasts and early warnings to mapping in support of emergency response and recovery assessments after the disasters. Satellite data also feeds into information systems to facilitate the work of competent authorities in Europe and worldwide.
The outcome of the discussions of Hadja Lahbib, Commissioner for Preparedness and Crisis Management, and Andrius Kubilius, Commissioner for Defence and Space resulted into a ‘Compass on Space and Disaster Risk Management’. This document emphasizes the need to translate data into actionable information. As disasters expand, so should our capacity to anticipate and mitigate their impact, beyond borders and in partnership with local, national and international bodies.
Kamal Kishore, UN Special Representative for Disaster Risk Reduction, and Thomas Byrne, the Irish Minister of State for European Affairs and Defence, also participated in this event, alongside representatives of disaster risk management organisations from Latin America and the Caribbean, Asia and Africa.
Background
European space services stem from Copernicus, the EU Earth observation system, Galileo, the EU’s Global Navigation Satellite System, GOVSATCOM and the upcoming IRIS² , the EU system for secure satellite communications.
Furthermore, the EU has a variety of early warning and information systems and tools helping anticipate threats, detect emerging disasters and coordinate faster, more effective responses, ultimately helping to save lives disaster. Indicatively, these include the European Forest Fire Information System, the European Flood Awareness System, and the Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System.
For more information
Early warning and information systems for disaster management
Quote(s)
Space is a strategic asset for Europe, with a direct impact on the security and lives of our citizens. Through Copernicus, Europe’s eyes on Earth, we provide critical and timely information to help authorities anticipate disasters, assess their impact and respond when every minute counts. The EU is further reinforcing its space services with Galileo, GOVSATCOM and IRIS². This is the real-life example of EU’s action in space.
Andrius Kubilius, Commissioner for Defence and Space
When a river is about to flood, families don’t need a hazard map. They need a clear warning, from someone they trust, in time to get to safety. And first responders need to know when to open shelters and help people evacuate. That is why we are working with our partners to turn satellite data into action on the ground. Acting earlier, working together, protecting people. We have extraordinary technology orbiting above our heads. But the real power of space technology is not what we can see from above, but the lives we can protect below.
Hadja Lahbib, Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management
(For more information: Eva Hrncirova – Tel.: +32 2 298 84 33; Thomas Regnier – Tel: +32 2 299 10 99; Quentin Cortes – Tel: +32 2 291 32 83; Katerina Horáková – Tel.: +32 2 299 93 10)
Commission approves four new geographical indications from Italy, Croatia, France and Guatemala
The European Commission has approved the registration of four new Protected Geographical Indications (PGIs): Capocollo di Martina Franca from Italy, Cepinski kupus from Croatia, Miel des Landes from France, and Café Antigua from Guatemala.
Capocollo di Martina Franca is a prepared meat product obtained from the upper part of the pig’s neck originating from Puglia, Italy. It is characterised by its smoky aroma and flavour, with a hint of the acidity and aroma of cooked wine, typical of Martina Franca popular tradition. Its distinctive qualities are linked to a long-standing artisanal method of production, where all stages are carried out by hand.
Cepinski kupus is a vegetable crop originating from Osijek-Baranja County in Croatia. Derived from the Croatian variety of white cabbage, Cepinski, it has a compact head, a well-developed, short and rounded stem, and a very pronounced fresh cabbage flavour. The entire production process is carried out by hand, based on know-how passed down from generation to generation.
Miel des Landes is a natural honey originating from the Landes plateau in France. It can be both monofloral or polyfloral. Its particularity lies in the production of a broad range of honeys resulting from a succession of nectar flows that make the most of the area’s uncultivated floral resources. Beekeepers’ expertise is reflected in their management of colonies adapted to the area and in their control of the honey’s water content.
Café Antigua is coffee originating from the Sacatepéquez Department region in Guatemala, produced from Coffea arabica and Coffea canephora. It can refer to either green or roasted coffee, in beans or ground form. Café Antigua is fine and balanced in taste, with aromatic notes of honey, caramel, apple and roasted walnut, a very full body, and persistent acidity without being sharp or bitter. The region has a strong coffee-growing tradition dating back centuries.
These new designations join the more than 3,900 protected names already listed in the eAmbrosia database. More information is available on the Quality Policy pages.
(For more information: Louise Bogey – Tel.: +32 229-69776; Marta Perez-Cejuela Romero – Tel.: +32 2 296 37 70)
Commission clears creation of joint venture by Crédit Agricole Transitions and Energies and Primeo Energie
The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the creation of a joint venture by Crédit Agricole Transitions and Energies SA of France and Primeo Energie Schweiz AG (‘Primeo Energie’) of Switzerland.
The transaction relates primarily to the retail and supply of electricity in France.
The Commission concluded that the notified transaction would not raise competition concerns, given the companies’ limited combined market position resulting from the proposed transaction. The notified transaction was examined under the simplified merger review procedure.
More information is available on the Commission’s competition website, in the public case register under the case number M.12583.
(For more information: Ricardo Cardoso – Tel.: +32 2 298 01 00; Sara Simonini – Tel.: +32 2 298 33 67)
Commission clears acquisition of Bode and Ventura by Waterland
The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of sole control of Bode Die Tr GmbH (‘Bode’) of Germany and Ventura Systems B.V. (‘Ventura’) by Waterland Private Equity Investments B.V. (‘Waterland’), both of the Netherlands.
The transaction relates primarily to rail and bus door systems.
The Commission concluded that the notified transaction would not raise competition concerns, given that the companies are not active in the same or vertically related markets. The notified transaction was examined under the simplified merger review procedure.
More information is available on the Commission’s competition website, in the public case register under the case number M.12480.
(For more information: Ricardo Cardoso – Tel.: +32 2 298 01 00; Sara Simonini – Tel.: +32 2 298 33 67)
EU and Mexico hold first High-Level Dialogue on Health
Yesterday, Commissioner for Health and Animal Welfare, Olivér Várhelyi, and Mexico’s Secretary of Health, David Kershenobich, co-chaired the first EU-Mexico High-Level Dialogue on Health.
The kick-off meeting focussed on non-communicable diseases, pandemic prevention, preparedness and response, regulatory cooperation, medicines and medical devices, research and innovation, and digital health.
The Dialogue aims to turn shared health priorities into tangible results for patients, stronger health systems and more resilient supply chains. As reliable and trusted partners, the EU and Mexico recognise the strategic importance of innovative health systems, secure and diversified supply chains, and preparedness for cross-border health threats.
Commissioner Várhelyi said: ‘Today’s first EU-Mexico High-Level Dialogue on Health opens a new chapter in our partnership. Together, we will build on our strengths to improve access to quality care for our citizens, tackle non-communicable diseases, drive innovation for medicines and medical devices, as well as strengthen and diversify supply chains. We are making health a strategic pillar of EU-Mexico relations, advancing stability and prosperity for our societies and strengthening global health security.’
The Dialogue was launched at the 8th EU-Mexico Summit on 22 May 2026, where the Modernised Global Agreement and the Interim Trade Agreement were signed.
Further information is available online.
(For more information: Eva Hrncírová – Tel.: +32 2 298 84 33; Anna Gray – Tel.: +32 2 298 08 73)
EU hosts first international conference on protecting aid workers
The European Commission and the Irish Presidency of the Council are hosting the first International Conference on the Protection of Humanitarian Aid Workers on 15-16 October. It follows a record year of violence: in 2025, 1,187 aid workers were killed, injured, kidnapped or detained worldwide.
The EU has mobilised pound 3.5 million in funding in 2026 for the safety of humanitarian workers through the Protect Aid Workers initiative. It provides protection measures, post-incident assistance and legal support to humanitarian staff exposed to threats and violence.
The event brings together governments, frontline responders, humanitarian organisations, and survivors of attacks. Commissioner for Crisis Management, Hadja Lahbib, will deliver a keynote speech, broadcast live.
The conference intends to boost the momentum of the Australian initiative and the Global Initiative on International Humanitarian Law, reaffirms the EU’s commitment to humanitarian diplomacy, and addresses accountability for attacks against humanitarian personnel. It provides a platform to share initiatives, strengthen practical protection measures and build a broader international community committed to safeguarding those who deliver life-saving assistance.
Commissioner Hadja Lahbib said: ‘Traveling from crisis to crisis around the globe, I have met aid workers. I know what their everyday life looks like. They wake up each morning asking one question: how can I help? They risk their lives in some of the deadliest places to save others. I cannot think of a more noble calling. Yet even the skies above them are growing more dangerous, with drones increasingly killing the very people delivering bread and vaccines to those in desperate need. We owe them more than a minute of silence. That is why we are bringing together partners, mobilising resources, and fighting to end impunity. Their safety must be our top priority. Humanitarian workers are not the collateral damage of war. No one should pay with their life for trying to save someone else’s.’