Commission greenlights final payment requests from Estonia and Luxembourg under NextGenerationEU for pound 190.6 million and pound 59 million respectively
Today, the European Commission greenlighted the final payment requests from Estonia and Luxembourg under the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF), the centrepiece of NextGenerationEU.
Once the payment requests are approved by the Economic and Financial Committee of the Council, Estonia and Luxembourg will receive 100% of their funding under the RRF.
For Estonia, this fifth and final payment request, amounting to pound 190.6 million, represents the completion of all the reforms and investments included in its recovery and resilience plan of pound 953 million in total.
The Commission found that Estonia has satisfactorily completed the 8 milestones and 19 targets set out in the Council Implementing Decision for this payment request. These correspond to reforms and investments in the areas of skills, energy, health and digitalisation, including a reform to develop citizens’ life event services online and a skills reform for the digital transformation of businesses.
For Luxembourg, the fourth and final payment request amounts to pound 59 million. Luxembourg has completed all the reforms and investments included in its recovery and resilience plan, corresponding to a total allocation of pound 241 million.
This marks an important milestone in the implementation of the RRF and reflects Luxembourg’s commitment to delivering reforms and investments under its national recovery and resilience plan.
The Commission found that Luxembourg has satisfactorily completed the three milestones and four targets set out in the Council Implementing Decision. They correspond to reforms and investments in the areas of renewable energy, energy efficiency, clean transport, digitalisation of public administration, healthcare and the fight against money laundering.
As a next step, the Commission has transmitted its positive preliminary assessments to the Economic and Financial Committee, which has four weeks to deliver its opinion. Following a positive opinion, the Commission will adopt a payment decision, allowing the disbursement of the funds.
Commission explores implementation challenges for EU research security
Today, Commissioner for Startups, Research and Innovation Ekaterina Zaharieva chaired an implementation dialogue on research security with the European research and innovation community.
The meeting, which took place in Brussels, underscored a clear objective of ensuring that Europe remains open to global cooperation while better protecting its research and innovation in an increasingly complex geopolitical environment. It allowed participants to discuss operational challenges linked to research security, reflect on emerging good practices, and highlight areas where additional support could help their organisations address risks more effectively. The exchanges confirmed that international cooperation remains essential for research and innovation, including for access to knowledge, talent and research infrastructure. Participants underlined the growing need to address risks linked to unwanted technology transfer, malign influence and the misuse of research results.
Commissioner Zaharieva said: “In today’s geopolitical reality, protecting Europe’s research means protecting our security and competitiveness. We will work with researchers, universities and innovators to ensure they can cooperate internationally with confidence, while standing firm against unwanted technology transfer, foreign interference and the misuse of European knowledge.’
Updated Action Plan brings a total of 30 actions in one year under the Pact for the Mediterranean
One year after its launch, the Pact for the Mediterranean is delivering concrete benefits and new opportunities for citizens, businesses and communities on all shores of our shared sea.
Today, the European Commission and the European External Action Service presented to representatives of EU Member States and Southern Mediterranean partners the updated Action Plan, which highlights the progress made under the Pact’s first set of actions under the Action Plan, alongside nine new key initiatives.
These bring the total to 30 initiatives under the Pact, advancing the EU and its partners’ shared ambition to build a connected, prosperous, resilient and secure Common Mediterranean Space.
Amid an increasingly volatile geopolitical landscape, the EU remains committed to strengthening partnerships across the Mediterranean. The Action Plan is a flexible and dynamic document that will be regularly updated and adapted to the changing context through continuous consultations with stakeholders and partners, ensuring its relevance and effectiveness.
Statement on today’s meeting in Abu Dhabi between the EU, France, Germany, Italy, United Kingdom, Ukraine, United States and NATO
Ahead of the upcoming trilateral discussions with Russia, representatives of the European partners, Ukraine and the United States met to continue their close coordination on efforts to end the war in Ukraine and establish the conditions for a durable peace, including support for robust security guarantees as part of any settlement.
Discussions took place collaboratively between the European partners, Ukraine and the United States, reflecting their shared objectives, ongoing consultations, and commitment to Euro-Atlantic security. Participants emphasised that any future arrangements must respect sovereignty, territorial integrity, independent decision-making, and provide credible security guarantees for Ukraine.
The shared objective is to develop a practical and mutually reinforcing security framework that strengthens Ukraine’s long-term security and builds the confidence necessary to reach a negotiated settlement.
Alongside a central focus on a lasting peace, the discussion covered how to build upon existing European security institutions and agreements following the conclusion of the war in Ukraine. Participants further recognised that addressing post-war security concerns and reducing the risk of conflict are essential. They discussed how to ensure strong mechanisms for managing risk and avoiding dangerous escalation. The participants reaffirmed their shared commitment to a strong post-war European security architecture and arrangements, and were clear that a strong NATO will remain central to Euro-Atlantic collective defence.
The European partners, Ukraine and the United States will continue working in close partnership throughout the negotiating process, with the shared objective of moving toward broader multilateral discussions involving European partners and achieving a comprehensive and lasting peace.
Commission welcomes Council agreement on removing the pound 150 threshold for the VAT Import One-Stop Shop
The European Commission welcomes yesterday’s general approach by EU Member States removing the pound 150 threshold for the VAT Import One-Stop Shop (IOSS). The IOSS is a system that allows online sellers and marketplaces to collect VAT from customers at the point of sale and declare and pay it through a single EU registration. Online sellers and marketplaces will be able to declare and pay VAT on all goods sold online from outside the EU through a single registration, regardless of their value. This aligns VAT rules with the new customs framework for e-commerce and simplifies the VAT system for businesses, while including strong safeguards to limit the risk of VAT fraud.
This decision by the co-legislator completes the package of legislative changes for the removal of the pound 150 customs duty exemption for e-commerce packages worth less than pound 150. It follows the 2021 VAT e-commerce reform and last year’s decision to abolish the customs duty exemption and introduce a temporary pound 3 customs duty. After this adoption, the relevant definitions are aligned across the new Union Customs Code and the VAT legislative framework.
Commission and UEFA reaffirm support for the European Sport Model and EU values through football
At a meeting with the President of the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA), Aleksander Ceferin, in Nyon, Switzerland, yesterday, Commissioner for Intergenerational Fairness, Youth, Culture and Sport Glenn Micallef signed the Commission’s fourth Arrangement of Cooperation with UEFA.
The aim of the Arrangement is to further strengthen the shared efforts to promote and protect the European Sport Model based on values such as solidarity, inclusion, fair play and equality. It also emphasises the importance of maintaining connections between grassroots development and elite football, a healthy balance between national team and club competitions, and European and domestic matches being played in their home territory.
Yesterday’s signature follows the announcement of the Arrangement’s renewal in January 2026, after previous iterations which were signed in 2014, 2018, and 2022.
Commissioner Glenn Micallef said: ‘Football is part of Europe’s identity. Its strength lies in the connection between grassroots clubs and the biggest competitions, and in the opportunities it creates for players and communities. Our cooperation with UEFA is about protecting what makes European football special: solidarity, fair competition and a game that remains open to everyone.’
EU-Ukraine Drone Alliance Board is meeting to accelerate development and production of drone and counter-drone systems
Today, the European Commission is hosting the second Board Meeting of the EU-Ukraine Drone Alliance in Brussels. Launched during the third EU-Ukraine Defence Industry Forum in Kyiv, the Alliance is an industry-led initiative which will strengthen Europe’s and Ukraine’s security.
The Alliance brings together 18 founding members, including manufacturers, innovators, start-ups and scale-ups from EU Member States, EEA-EFTA countries and Ukraine, working in coordination with armed forces. The members are working together to accelerate the development and production of next-generation drone and counter-drone systems and fostering partnerships in this fast-changing world. They will discuss governance and priorities linked with industrial collaboration, regulatory aspects, new battlefield doctrines, supply chain resilience, innovation, integration of drone defence systems, and connecting them with EDPCIs.
The EU-Ukraine Drone Alliance is a first step implementing the EU-Ukraine Drone Deal announced in July. It will contribute to the EU-Ukraine Defence Industrial Pact to ensure that Ukraine and EU Member States will work together to have the industrial capabilities we need today, while at the same time strengthening Europe’s defence readiness. The Board held its first meeting in September.
Further information on how to join the Alliance as general members or public partners will be published after the meeting on the Commission’s website. The third meeting of the Board is scheduled for early 2027. The Alliance will grow and other companies will be able join as general members of the alliance.
High-Level Platform meets in Moldova to strengthen digital connectivity between the EU, the Black Sea region, South-Caucasus and Central Asia
Yesterday and today, the first High-Level Connectivity Platform Meeting on Digital takes place in Chi?inau, Moldova, jointly hosted by the European Commission and the Moldovan Ministry of Economic Development and Digitalisation. The meeting sets the groundwork for stronger digital connectivity between Europe and Centra Asia, via the Black Sea region, the South Caucasus and Trkiye, in the form of an Integrated EU Secure Connectivity Offer.
The Platform brings together European technology, expertise, standards and financing to strengthen secure, trusted and resilient digital connectivity. It contributes to the EU’s plans to develop the Middle Corridor, which will connect Central Asia across the Caspian Sea to the South Caucasus and directly to the European market, via Trkiye and the Black Sea. The aim is to diversify routes, triple trade flows and slash freight transit times by 2030.
Yesterday’s meeting brought together Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos and Prime Minister of Moldova Vasile Tofan, with ministers responsible for digital transformation and senior representatives from EU Member States, the Black Sea region, Trkiye, South Caucasus and Central Asia, international financial institutions and the private sector.
The Integrated EU Secure Connectivity Offer is a regional application of the EU Tech Business Offer as outlined in the EU International Digital Strategy, and in line with EU secure connectivity initiatives such as IRIS and policies such as the EU toolbox for 5G security.
Under the Connectivity Agenda Platform, the Offer will facilitate strategic investment projects in trusted digital infrastructure with partner countries by bringing together European industry expertise, EU public financing instruments and security standard along the Middle Corridor. This will make the region safer, better connected and more resilient, benefiting both citizens and the economy.
Commission invites views on draft revised election guidelines under Digital Services Act
The European Commission launched a consultation to update its election guidelines under the Digital Services Act (DSA), addressing the rapid evolution of technologies, particularly generative Artificial Intelligence (AI), and the growing sophistication of manipulation risks.
The election guidelines, published in 2024, offer guidance to Very Large Online Platforms (VLOPs) and Very Large Online Search Engines (VLOSEs) on assessing and mitigating systemic risks for electoral processes.
Article 35 of the DSA requires platforms to assess and mitigate systemic risks to election integrity while safeguarding fundamental rights, including freedom of expression and information.
The proposed update builds on two years of experience gathered under the DSA and the Code of Conduct on Disinformation. As part of the update, the Commission proposes measures for VLOPs and VLOSEs to better deter information manipulation risks, make recommender systems safer, and adapt to the evolving AI landscape. The updated guidelines also aim to enhance protections for political candidates.
Commission approves pound 2 billion Belgian State aid to support offshore wind energy
The European Commission has approved a pound 2.04 billion Belgian scheme to support offshore wind energy 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 aid will take the form of a monthly variable premium under a two-way contract for difference (‘CfD’). The compensation will be calculated by comparing the bid price to a reference market price, weighted by the monthly capability of the offshore wind farm. The beneficiaries will receive payments when the reference price is below this bid price. When the reference price is above the bid price, the beneficiaries will have to pay the Belgian authorities.
The Commission found that the Belgian scheme meets the conditions of the CISAF (sections 3 and 4.1.2).
The Commission concluded that the Belgian scheme is necessary, appropriate and proportionate to accelerate the transition towards a net-zero economy and facilitate the development of certain economic activities that are important for the implementation of the Clean Industrial Deal. This is in line with Article 107(3)(c) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU and the conditions set out in the CISAF.
On this basis, the Commission approved the Belgian measure under EU State aid rules.
Executive Vice-President for a Clean, Just and Competitive Transition, Teresa Ribera, said: ‘The energy we produce at home is energy we don’t need to import. Belgium’s pound 2.04 billion scheme in the Princess Elisabeth offshore wind farm will deliver up to 2.6 TWh of clean electricity a year, strengthening our energy independence while making progress towards a more competitive, decarbonised European economy.’
Commission clears acquisition of Europcar by Volkswagen
The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of sole control of Europcar Mobility Group S.A. (‘Europcar’) of France by Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft of Germany.
The transaction relates primarily to the car rental sector.
The Commission concluded that the notified transaction would not raise competition concerns, given the limited impact on the market structure. 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.12258.
Commissioner Hansen hosts implementation dialogue on geographical indications policy for agricultural products.
Today, Commissioner for Agriculture and Food, Christophe Hansen, holds an implementation dialogue on the Geographical Indications (GI) policy for agricultural products in Brussels. The event brings together GI producers, civil society organisations, regional and public authorities, and other stakeholders to discuss the implementation of the legislative framework on GIs and possible ways to strengthen their competitiveness.
The policy on geographical indications for agricultural products underwent updates two years ago. Today’s dialogue will give participants an opportunity to take stock of progress made since then and to exchange views on the practical issues that have emerged during implementation. In line with the Commission’s commitment to strengthening the EU’s competitiveness, participants will also discuss ways to enhance the visibility and market recognition of geographical indications.
Commissioner Hansen said: ‘Geographical indications are essential in helping consumers recognise and value high-quality food, while enabling producers to better promote their products. They play an important role in protecting traditional products that are closely linked to their geographical origin. I look forward to hearing from stakeholders today about how the GI policy reform has worked for them in practice over the past two years, and to discussing how we can help address remaining practical challenges.’
Implementation dialogues are high-level consultations launched by the Commission to improve how EU policies are implemented on the ground, in close cooperation with Member States and stakeholders. These dialogues are part of the Commission’s commitment to seek feedback from society for the implementation and simplification of EU policies. As outlined in the Commission’s Communication on Implementation and Simplification for the 2024-2029 mandate, all Members of the College of Commissioners must host such dialogues annually.
R and I Days 2026 put Europe’s research and innovation priorities on centre stage
The European Research and Innovation Days 2026 will take place in Brussels on 10 and 11 November, bringing together policymakers, researchers, innovators, businesses and citizens to discuss how science and technology can boost Europe’s competitiveness, resilience and global partnerships.
Over two days, participants will explore how to strengthen Europe’s research capacity, help startups and scaleups grow, make EU funding easier to access, and turn scientific excellence into practical results. The event will also highlight the importance of academic freedom, cooperation with trusted international partners, and the right conditions for research and innovation to flourish across Europe. The event will be opened today by Commissioner for Startups, Research and Innovation, Ekaterina Zaharieva, who will also close it tomorrow.
Commissioner Zaharieva said: ‘Europe has the talent and ideas to lead. Our task is to give them the freedom, support and opportunities to turn that potential into progress. The R and I Days are a chance to hear directly from them and shape our next steps together.’
As part of the European Commission’s annual engagement with the research and innovation community, the event will help inform the policy and investment decisions that shape Europe’s future in science, technology and innovation.