DAILY NEWS
Brussels, 09 June 2026
EU to mobilise up to €25 billion for renewable energy and clean technology by 2035 through Pact for the Mediterranean initiative
Today, the European Union launches the Trans-Mediterranean Renewable Energy and Clean Tech Cooperation (T-MED) – a flagship initiative under the Pact for the Mediterranean. T-MED aims to accelerate the development of renewable energy, hydrogen, clean technology manufacturing and modern electricity networks across the Mediterranean region, supporting a more integrated, sustainable and interconnected Mediterranean energy market.
Unveiled during the European Sustainable Energy Week by Commissioner for the Mediterranean, Dubravka Šuica and Commissioner for Energy and Housing, Dan Jørgensen, T-MED aims to mobilise up to €25 billion in expected investments by 2035. The European Commission has made available more than €5 billion in guarantee capacity under the European Fund for Sustainable Development Plus. This guarantee capacity will help unlock public and private investment in sectors covered by T-MED.
At its core, T-MED seeks to strengthen energy cooperation across the Mediterranean. By 2035, the initiative is expected to contribute to the development of 15 gigawatts of new renewable energy capacity, support regulatory reforms in partner countries, and help generate more than 100,000 jobs in clean energy sectors.
By bringing together governments, financial institutions, private actors and local stakeholders, T-MED will promote cross-border cooperation and strategic energy partnerships. By supporting the diversification of energy systems and supply chains, the initiative will enhance energy security, reinforce competitiveness, support decarbonisation and contribute to the region's long-term prosperity and stability for both the EU and its partner countries in the southern Mediterranean.
Five pillars to boost investments, cooperation, skills and renewable energy trading and clean tech
T-MED will be implemented through five coordinated actions:
Next steps
The Commission has launched a Call for Expressions of Interest for Private Investors (such as commercial banks, asset managers and impact funds) open until 15 June and a Call for Expression of Interest for Project Promoters (such as companies that develop projects) open from today until 15 August. By October 2026, the European Commission will chair the first operational meeting of the T-MED Investment Platform.
By 2027, the first EU-Mediterranean clean tech industrial collaborations will take shape, bringing together companies from both sides of the Mediterranean.
Background
Launched on 28 November 2025 in Barcelona, the Pact for the Mediterranean strengthens EU cooperation and partnership with the countries in the Middle East and North Africa. Organised around three pillars - including “Stronger, more sustainable and integrated economies” - it positions T-MED as one of the major initiatives.
For more information
Factsheet
T-MED note
Trans-Mediterranean Renewable Energy and Clean-Tech Cooperation Initiative (T-MED) - Middle East, North Africa and the Gulf
Quote(s)
The Mediterranean region holds vast untapped renewable potential – 2,300 GW, representing over twice the EU's current capacity – with solar and wind costs 30-40% lower than in Europe. Yet many Mediterranean countries remain heavily dependent on fossil fuels, leaving them exposed to price shocks, geopolitical tensions, and lagging climate goals. The region has the potential to become one of the world's leading hubs for renewable energy and clean technologies. At a time of geopolitical uncertainty, growing energy demand and increasing climate pressures, unlocking this potential is in the shared interest of both the EU and its southern Mediterranean partners.
Dubravka Šuica, Commissioner for the Mediterranean
The current energy crisis underscores how energy security cannot only rely on diversifying fossil fuel imports. We must move towards electrified energy systems based on clean energy, strong interconnections and efficient networks. This initiative will be key to unlock the untapped clean energy potential of the Southern Mediterranean region and foster investments in clean tech. It will serve both Europe’s and the region’s interest in lowering exposure to fossil fuel price shocks.
Dan Jørgensen, Commissioner for Energy and Housing
Statement by President von der Leyen on the 21st sanctions package against Russia
Almost every day now, we wake up to the same kind of news. Another major Russian strike on Ukrainian cities, targeting civilians blindly. We also wake up to the news of drones violating European airspace. Over the Baltics, and along our Eastern borders. Two weeks ago, a drone crashed into an apartment building in Romania. Another one exploded in the port of Constanța just last week. Some call it Russian escalation. I see it differently. It is plain and simple: failure. Four years after the start of its full-scale invasion, Russia has clearly failed to subjugate Ukraine. The price Russia pays is heavier by the day. And it is paid primarily by the people of Russia. They are mourning sons, brothers and husbands. And at the same time, they face declining living standards at home. Inflation is close to 6%. Interest rates stand at 14.5%. Taxes are rising. This is the real cost of Putin's war for Russian citizens. And on top of this, our sanctions keep biting hard and cutting deep. They are weakening the economic foundations of Russia's war effort.
Sanctions have effectively cut Russia off from global capital markets. Russia's economy is slowing sharply. Growth is sluggish, at best. The budget is under growing pressure. More than two-thirds of the liquid assets of its sovereign wealth fund are gone. Energy revenues fell by around 40% in early 2026. Hundreds of vessels from Russia's shadow fleet have been targeted by our sanctions. Export controls are depriving Russia's defence industry of critical technologies and components. So our consistency with the sanctions packages is paying off.
Today, we are putting forward the 21st sanctions package. We focus on the sectors with the highest impact: energy, financial services and crypto, trade – including fisheries, for the first time – and we are banning the entry of former Russian combatants into the European Union.
First, on energy. The conflict in the Middle East and disruptions to global energy supply chains have eased some pressure on Russia. So, the objective of our package could not be clearer. We want to maintain the full intensity of our sanctions. And the way to do this is to ensure that Russia's profits from oil sales remain contained. Our oil price cap has a built-in adjustment mechanism to follow the market. It was not made for market shocks like the one caused by the closure of the Strait in Hormuz. So we propose to simply pause the adjustment until January next year. This will give oil markets time to stabilise while preserving pressure on Russia's revenues. At the same time, we will continue targeting the shadow fleet. Today, we propose listing 30 more vessels on top of the 632 already sanctioned. For the first time, we are also targeting vessels that assist the shadow fleet – providing bunkering and other services for example. And we propose targeting critical infrastructure, such as ports, airports, refineries trading or processing Russian oil. Finally, we propose restricting the sale of LNG tankers to Russia, just as we already did for oil tankers.
Second, on financial and crypto restrictions. We are expanding our transaction bans to 31 more Russian banks. And to 20 banks, crypto firms or platforms and oil traders in third countries, ones that have been servicing sanctioned Russian entities and individuals or circumventing our measures. For the first time, we will introduce the possibility of a full third-country ban for crypto-asset services. It will act as a strong deterrent for the countries hosting platforms that help Russia evade our sanctions.
Third, on trade. We are putting forward new export restrictions on items and technologies used by Russia's military industry. For example, we are targeting more metals and alloys used in the aerospace and defence sectors. For drones, we propose new export bans on ground support equipment, and jamming and launch systems, among others. We also propose new import bans on a number of goods worth EUR 60 million. For example, it covers certain metals, metal ores or car parts. Because we want to lock in Europe's diversification away from Russian imports. And finally, we are addressing one of the last major unsanctioned sectors: fisheries. We propose substantial restrictions on imports on some fish products, and a complete ban on others, including cod. And we will be aligning trade restrictions for Belarus. So it cannot serve as a backdoor for Russian trade.
I also want to mention one key point of this new aspect. For the first time, we propose to ban from entry into the EU anyone who has served in the Russian Armed Forces since the beginning of the war. So, Europe stays off limits for anyone who has participated in the invasion of Ukraine. As simple as that.
And finally, at the same time, we provide relentless support to our brave neighbour, partner and future member of the European Union, Ukraine. Yesterday, we delivered almost EUR 3 billion from the Ukraine Facility. And still this month, we will issue the first disbursement under our EUR 90 billion loan to Ukraine. So by the end of the month, we will provide Ukraine with EUR 6 billion for drones and more than EUR 3 billion worth of macro-financial assistance. And of course, more disbursements will follow soon.
And to conclude: One thing I admire most about our Ukrainian friends is their unbreakable determination to belong to our European Union. That is impressive. They are delivering reform after reform while their cities are under attack. While the sky above them is filled with smoke. While air raid sirens echo across the country. Despite all this, they are making extraordinary progress. Clearly, Ukraine has delivered. So it is now high time for us to deliver as well. And we now have the historic opportunity to do so. In the next days, we will open the first cluster with Ukraine and Moldova. This basically opens the door to the next phase of the accession process: The formal start of accession negotiations. And I do not need to tell you that the Commission stands fully ready to support Ukraine on its path to our European Union where it belongs.
Thank you very much for your attention.
European Union and Australia successfully conclude Horizon Europe negotiations
Today, the European Commission and Australia have successfully concluded negotiations on Australia's association to Horizon Europe, the EU's flagship €93.5 billion research and innovation funding programme. Australia will associate to Pillar II of Horizon Europe, which addresses societal challenges in the digital, industry and space; climate, energy and mobility; and food, bioeconomy and agriculture fields.
Ekaterina Zaharieva, European Commissioner for Startups, Research, and Innovation said: "We can tackle the challenges of tomorrow only together. That is why the future of science and technology depends on strong international partnerships, like the one between the EU and Australia. Together, we've already delivered breakthroughs such as the Square Kilometre Array, one of the world's most advanced radio telescopes. By combining our strengths in industry, space, climate action, and the bioeconomy, we will drive the next generation of transformative innovations."
This milestone formalises an already thriving scientific partnership. To date under Horizon Europe, Australian organisations have participated in 239 projects. Highlighting the world-class calibre and exceptional quality of its research ecosystem, nearly one in four individual applications from Australia is selected for participation in the programme - resulting in an impressive 24.39% success rate.
From January 2027, under a transitional arrangement, Australian entities will transition from third-country rules - where they typically had to self-fund or rely on narrow exceptions for funding - to being treated as 'eligible entities' from an associated country. This will grant them direct, routine access to EU funding under Pillar II on equal terms with EU Member States, such as allowing them to lead project consortia.
(For more information: Maciej Berestecki - Tel.: +32 2 296 64 83; Isabel Arriaga E Cunha - Tel.: +32 2 295 21 17)
EU increases support to contain Ebola outbreak
Commissioner for crisis management Hadja Lahbib has announced €16.5 million in additional EU support to stop the Ebola outbreak, after visiting frontline responders in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and engaging with the African Union and the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Ethiopia.
This includes €6.5 million to strengthen the Africa Pathogen Genomics Initiative, to help equip frontline teams train healthcare workers and improve surveillance through diagnostics; €5 million to the World Health Organization to strengthen surveillance and access to supplies (e.g. PPE); and in kind contribution of €5 million worth of testing equipment, including rapid diagnostic devices and lab test kits, to be deployed quickly where they are most needed. This additional support is subject to the approval of the budgetary authority.
In Bunia, DRC, Commissioner Lahbib met frontline health workers and humanitarian partners working on Ebola treatment, infection prevention and control, community engagement, and logistics. In Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, she held meetings with the African Union and Africa CDC to strengthen coordination and accelerate action across borders.
Commissioner Hadja Lahbib said: “Health security is a shared responsibility: viruses do not stop at borders; they do not care about politics. Europe will continue to stand with Africa CDC, with WHO, and with the communities on the front line of this outbreak. This is about more than containing a virus. It is about proving that when lives are at stake, the world can still come together and act.”
In May, the European Commission had already allocated €15 million in emergency humanitarian assistance for the Ebola response in the DRC and Uganda. In 2026, over €115 million in total has been allocated for emergency humanitarian support in the Great Lakes Region and Uganda. An EU Humanitarian Air Bridge, together with UNICEF, has delivered nearly 100 tonnes of supplies to eastern DRC — including medicines, protective equipment, infection-control materials and tents — and the EU is organising five more flights to the DRC.
(For more information: Eva Hrnčířová – Tel.: +32 2 298 84 33; Quentin Cortès – Tel.: +32 2 296 47 35)
Commission updates EU Air Safety List: Air Express Algeria added, air carriers from Kyrgyzstan removed
The Commission published its 48th update of the EU Air Safety List yesterday. First released in 2006, the EU Air Safety List informs passengers of airlines that are subject to an operating ban or operational restrictions within the European Union because they do not meet international safety standards.
All air carriers certified in Kyrgyzstan have now been removed from the List, in recognition of the country's progress in strengthening its aviation safety oversight over the past 20 years.
At the same time, Air Express Algeria has been included in the List and can no longer operate in the EU. This decision is based on serious safety concerns identified during assessments conducted by EU aviation safety experts, which revealed shortcomings in the airlines' compliance with international safety standards.
The update of the EU Air Safety List coincides with its 20th anniversary this year, underlining the importance of continued cooperation between the European Commission, European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), Member States and international partners in ensuring safer skies worldwide.
Eurobarometer shows strong citizen trust in EU Air Safety List
A new Eurobarometer survey published today shows strong passenger trust in the EU Air Safety List.
The survey finds that seven in ten Europeans consider the EU Air Safety List an effective tool in protecting passengers from unsafe airlines. A large majority (75%) trust the EU to update the List based on safety criteria, without political or economic influence.
The survey also reveals that air safety-related information reaches a majority of EU travellers (66%), although direct consultation of the List remains limited, with only 12% checking it prior to flying. However, half of Europeans (50%) report being aware of the list.
The EU Air Safety List has a clear impact on behaviour – when an airline is listed, only 8% of Europeans say they would proceed with booking a flight with it. These results are consistent across the EU.
The update to the EU Air Safety List is based on the unanimous opinion of Member State aviation safety experts, who met in Brussels from 19 to 21 May 2026 under the EU Air Safety Committee. This Committee is chaired by the Commission with support from EASA and the European Parliament's Transport Committee. Decisions under the EU Air Safety List are based on international safety standards, and notably the standards decreed by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
Following the update, 154 airlines are banned from EU skies:
Two additional airlines are subject to operational restrictions and can only fly to the EU with specific aircraft types: Iran Air (Iran) and Air Koryo (Democratic People's Republic of Korea).
The Eurobarometer survey was conducted between 24 February and 1 March 2026. Its purpose is to explore EU citizens' perceptions of the EU Air Safety List, including public awareness, trust, perceived usefulness as well as behaviour among air travellers.
Eurobarometer results webpage
Questions & answers on the EU Air Safety List
List of airlines banned within the EU
[1] Afghanistan, Angola (with the exception of 2 airlines), Armenia, Congo (Brazzaville), Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Liberia, Libya, Nepal, São Tomé and Príncipe, Sierra Leone,Sudan, Suriname, and Tanzania.
More information is available in a press release and questions and answers online.
(For more information: Anna-Kaisa Itkonen – Tel.: +32 2 295 75 01; Anni Juusola - Tel.: +32 2 296 09 86)
EU advances zero-emission truck corridors and autonomous vehicle testbeds
The European Commission and Member States are stepping up efforts to strengthen Europe's competitiveness in clean and digital transport. At yesterday's Transport Council in Luxembourg, the EU launched new initiatives to accelerate the rollout of innovative, zero-emission and automated transport solutions, supporting Europe's industrial leadership and climate objectives.
EU ministers from 9 Member States, together with Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism, Apostolos Tzitzikostas, endorsed the first two roadmaps under the Clean Transport Corridor Initiative. These roadmaps aim to accelerate the deployment of charging infrastructure for zero-emission trucks along the Scandinavian–Mediterranean and North Sea–Baltic corridors. By identifying key infrastructure gaps and investment needs, the roadmaps contribute to reaching zero-emission freight operations by 2030.
Furthermore, 18 Member States and the Commissioner signed a Joint Declaration of Intent on cross-border testbeds for autonomous vehicles, advancing coordinated deployment and commercial testing across Europe. The autonomous vehicle testbeds will also strengthen cooperation on interoperability, regulation, and cross-border roll-out.
As highlighted in the European Automotive Industrial Action Plan, the Commission is committed to presenting concrete actions that will ensure a robust and sustainable automotive sector and help unleash its innovative power. Both new initiatives will contribute to this goal.
Commission publishes first Joint Clinical Assessment on innovative medicine
The European Commission has published the first joint clinical assessment (JCA) report under the Health Technology Assessment (HTA) Regulation, marking a major milestone in strengthening cooperation on the assessment of innovative medicines across the EU.
Joint clinical assessments allow EU Member States to work together to evaluate the clinical benefits of new medicines and certain medical devices by reducing duplication, saving time and resources, and giving companies a clearer and more predictable process. By supporting more consistent, evidence-based healthcare decisions throughout the EU, patients gain faster access to innovative treatments.
The report published today was endorsed by all Member States, showcasing the effectiveness of the new EU HTA framework. It assesses the relative effectiveness and relative safety of Ojemda (tovorafenib), an orphan medicine to treat paediatric low-grade glioma – the most common type of brain tumour in children. The Commission granted a one-year conditional marketing authorisation for Ojemda, a product of Ipsen Pharma, on 20 April 2026, based on the scientific assessment of the European Medicine's Agency.
Olivér Várhelyi, Commissioner for Health and Animal Welfare said: "This first Joint Clinical Assessment report marks a turning point for patients, healthcare systems and innovation in Europe. With the EU Health Technology Assessment framework, we are ensuring that high-quality scientific assessments are available to all Member States. This will help national authorities take timely and informed decisions on which new treatments to make available to patients. The robust, high-quality and uniform data contained in Joint Clinical Assessments will also support Member States in accelerating their decision-making on pricing and reimbursement. It is now up to Member States to effectively put these assessments to use – without adding additional requirements, so that innovation can reach patients faster.”
Since the start of the application of the HTA Regulation in January 2025, 18 JCAs have been initiated for new cancer medicines and advanced therapy medicinal products. Further joint clinical assessment reports will be completed in the coming months and published by the Commission.
(For more information: Eva Hrnčířová – Tel.: +32 2 298 84 33; Anna Gray – Tel.: +32 2 298 08 73)
Commission approves €10 million Austrian State aid scheme to support cleantech manufacturing capacity
The European Commission has approved, under EU State aid rules, a €10 million Austrian scheme to support clean technology (cleantech) manufacturing capacity, in line with the Clean Industrial Deal objectives. This scheme 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 be open to all companies that carry out investments which add manufacturing capacity for the production of net-zero technologies, as well as the production of the main specific components of these technologies, listed in Annex II of the CISAF, with the exclusion of nuclear technologies. It also includes aid to produce new or recovered related critical raw materials necessary for the final products or main specific components. Under the scheme, the aid will take the form of direct grants, financed by the Austrian national budget. The aid may be granted until 31 January 2027.
The Commission found that the scheme is in line with the conditions set out in the CISAF. In particular, the aid will incentivise the production of clean technologies, as well as their main specific components and related critical raw materials. The Commission concluded that the scheme is necessary and appropriate 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. Finally, the Commission found that the scheme is proportionate, as the aid is limited to the minimum necessary and has a limited impact on competition and trade between Member States. On this basis, the Commission approved the scheme under EU State aid rules.
More information on the CISAF can be found online. The non-confidential version of today's decision will be made available under the case number SA.122597 in the State aid register on the Commission's competition website once any confidentiality issues have been resolved.
(For more information: Ricardo Cardoso – Tel.: +32 2 298 01 00; Luuk de Klein – Tel.: +32 2 299 47 74)
EU to host 11th EU-Republic of Korea Summit in Brussels
On 10 June, the 11th EU–Republic of Korea Summit will take place in Brussels.
The Summit will bring together Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, and António Costa, President of the European Council, representing the EU, alongside the President of the Republic of Korea, Lee Jae-Mung. EU High Representative/Vice-President Kaja Kallas and Republic of Korea Foreign Minister Cho Hyun will also participate, as well as Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security, Maros Šefčovič, and Korean Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo.
At the Summit, the EU and the Republic of Korea will reaffirm their shared commitment to multilateralism and the rules-based international order.
The leaders will focus on bilateral cooperation under the EU-Republic of Korea Strategic Partnership as well as on global and regional issues, such as the clean transition, energy security and accelerating the implementation of the Paris Agreement.
On competitiveness, the leaders will discuss ways to deepen economic ties, including through the EU–Republic of Korea Free Trade Agreement.
Recognising the deep interconnection between Europe and the Indo-Pacific, the leaders will also exchange views on regional security dynamics and opportunities to enhance cooperation in the Indo-Pacific and under the EU-Republic of Korea Security and Defence Partnership.
President von der Leyen and President Costa, together with President Lee, will deliver joint press remarks following the Summit. The event will be broadcast live on EBS.
The EU-Republic of Korea partnership is underpinned by the Framework Agreement and the Free Trade Agreement. The EU and the Republic of Korea have also concluded a Green Partnership, a Digital Partnership as well as a Security and Defence Partnership.
(For more information: Olof Gill – Tel.: +32 2 296 59 66; Anitta Hipper – Tel.: +32 2 298 56 91; Xavier Cifre Quatresols – Tel.: +32 2 297 35 82; Sophie Lai – Tel.: +32 2 296 92 82)
‘Life. Spaces. Buildings.', the New European Bauhaus Festival kicks off
Today, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, European Council President António Costa, and Chair of the Committee on Culture and Education at European Parliament Nela Riehl will open the third edition of the New European Bauhaus (NEB) Festival. The event takes place at 18:00 CEST and will be broadcast live on EBS.
Executive Vice-President Raffaele Fitto, Commissioners Jessika Roswall, Dan Jørgensen and Ekaterina Zaharieva will also take part in the Festival. Industry leaders and members of civil society from the fields of architecture, art, design, sustainability, innovation and more will participate in the event.
Under the theme ‘Life. Spaces. Buildings.', this edition focuses on democratic engagement and affordable housing, echoing the actions proposed under the first-ever European Affordable Housing Action Plan. It explores how fostering innovation, sustainability and circularity when building homes and public spaces can support Europe's resilience and competitiveness, and highlights the central role of citizens in this transformation.
The main activities will take place in Parc du Cinquantenaire/Jubelpark and the Art & History Museum in Brussels from 9 to 13 June 2026. The Festival offers visitors a diverse programme with four types of activities: the Forum discussing New European Bauhaus topics, the Fair showcasing projects and solutions, the Fest offering cultural performances and activities, and satellite events organised independently in Brussels, across Europe and beyond.
Launched in 2021 following President von der Leyen's 2020 State of the Union address, the NEB has grown into a vibrant community of over 2,000 members across Europe and beyond, and over 700 NEB projects supported to date. With the NEB Council Recommendation and Commission Communication, the initiative is moving from vision to implementation – supporting tangible change on the ground and contributing to better living environments for people across Europe. The Festival will provide an opportunity to discuss the future development of this initiative and its contribution to Europe's clean and fair transition. The programme also features discussions on the next phase of the NEB Academy, the New European Bauhaus core infrastructure boosting skills, knowledge and innovation across Europe.
For the first time, the programme includes guided visits across Brussels to discover innovative neighbourhoods and local initiatives, film screenings organised in partnership with BOZAR, networking events for start-ups and innovators, as well as activities for families and children. Visitors will also be invited to vote for the best design as part of the NEB Trophy, with the winning design to be announced during the Festival on Friday 12 June.
You can find the Festival's detailed programme and a press pack on the NEB website.
(For more information: Anna-Kaisa Itkonen – Tel.: +32 2 295 75 01; Maëlys Dreux – Tel.: +32 2 295 46 73)
Executive Vice-President Mînzatu in Geneva for International Labour Conference and G7 Labour and Employment Ministerial meeting
Executive Vice-President for Social Rights and Skills, Quality Jobs and Preparedness Roxana Mînzatu will represent the EU at the 114th International Labour Conference (ILC) today in Geneva, Switzerland. She will also participate in the G7 Labour and Employment Ministers' Meeting.
At the ILC, the decision-making body of the International Labour Organization (ILO), Executive Vice-President Mînzatu will deliver a keynote speech focusing on the EU's human-centred approach to artificial intelligence in the world of work, ensuring technological progress benefits workers while protecting their rights. She will meet with ILO Director-General Gilbert Houngbo to discuss ILO reform and EU-ILO cooperation in promoting decent work worldwide.
At the G7 meeting, she will join discussions on promoting quality jobs, strengthening decent work and upholding a level playing field. She will also meet with the Canadian Minister of Jobs and Families Patty Hajdu, the Japanese Deputy Minister of Health, Labour and Welfare Yasumasa Nagasaka and the Minister of Employment and Labour of the Republic of Korea Kim Young-Hoon to strengthen cooperation on skills development and decent work.
The Executive Vice-President said:"The future of work must be fair, inclusive and sustainable. The EU is leading by example with strong labour protections, investments in skills, and policies that leave no one behind in the digital transition. At the ILC and G7, we will push for global action to ensure decent work remains the foundation of social justice and economic resilience."
(For more information: Eva Hrnčířová — Tel.: +32 229-88433; Eirini Zarkadoula – Tel.: +32 460-765713)
Commissioner Várhelyi to host Implementation Dialogue on the European Health Data Space
Tomorrow, Commissioner for Health and Animal Welfare, Olivér Várhelyi, will host an Implementation Dialogue on the European Health Data Space (EHDS) Regulation in Brussels.
The meeting will bring together key representatives from the health industry, such as medical professionals, researchers and pharmaceutical companies, to discuss practical steps for delivering the EHDS and to take stock of the digital health landscape across the Union. Scheduled at a critical moment in the regulation's rollout, this Dialogue reflects the European Commission's commitment to an inclusive and evidence-based approach to implementation and to supporting our partners in this process.
The EHDS is one of the EU's most ambitious health initiatives, enabling citizens to access their health data quickly and easily, wherever they are in the EU. This will mean better access to care for patients and a significant reduction of paperwork for health professionals. In addition, the EHDS will give access to valuable datasets to drive innovation and research and support better policy making, while ensuring the highest level of data protection and security.
During the Dialogue, participants will discuss the progress, benefits and challenges encountered in the implementation of the EHDS. Participants will also have the opportunity to share best practices and flag emerging needs ahead of the regulation's key implementation milestones. This event is part of the Commission's continuous dialogue with the healthcare industry, which is recognised as a sector of strategic importance for Europe.
Implementation Dialogues are a consultation tool to gather feedback from stakeholders on EU policies. They underscore the Commission's efforts to create a patient-centred framework for electronic health data, support innovation and promote the EU's competitiveness by directly engaging stakeholders in policy implementation. Insights from tomorrow's discussions will shape the effective rollout of the EHDS. Further information is available online.
Commission hosts 20th edition of the European Sustainable Energy Week
This week, the European Commission is hosting the 20th edition of the European Sustainable Energy Week (EUSEW) .
Since its launch in 2006, EUSEW has become Europe's biggest annual event on the clean energy transition, attracting around 10,000 participants each year. Taking place both onsite and online, this year's anniversary edition has the theme ‘A clean, secure and competitive Energy Union'.
Commissioner for Energy and Housing, Dan Jørgensen, opened the EUSEW with a keynote speech this morning. He participated in a special panel discussion, which featured all former EU Energy Commissioners since 2007 - notably, Andris Piebalgs, Günther Oettinger, Miguel Arias Cañete and Kadri Simson. Together, they discussed on the evolution of Europe's energy priorities and future challenges in a shifting geopolitical and economic landscape.
Later this afternoon, Commissioner for the Mediterranean Dubravka Šuica, together with Commissioner Jørgensen , will launch the T-MED initiative, a project under the Pact for the Mediterranean aimed at accelerating renewable energy and clean tech cooperation between the EU and its Southern Mediterranean partners. The Commissioners will present this initiative in a joint press point which you can follow live on EBS at 15:00 CEST.
(For more information: Anna-Kaisa Itkonen – Tel.: +32 2 295 75 01; Cristiana Marchitelli – Tel: +32 2 298 94 07)
Tentative agendas for forthcoming Commission meetings
Note that these items can be subject to changes.
Upcoming events of the European Commission
Eurostat press releases
Calendar items of the President and Commissioners
Individual calendars of the President and Commissioners
Commission and EU Drugs Agency present the 2026 European Drug Report
Today, Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration, Magnus Brunner and the European Union Drugs Agency (EUDA) are presenting the 2026 European Drug Report 2026, with the latest evidence on the state of the drugs situation in Europe.
Based on data from 29 countries (EU-27, Norway and Türkiye), the report shows that drugs have an increasingly negative impact on European health and security as they have become more available, more diverse, and more potent – while organised crime groups resort to violence more frequently.
The report highlights that opioids, usually in combination with other substances, remain the leading cause of drug-induced deaths in Europe. The EUDA estimates that there were at least 7,600 overdose fatalities in the EU in 2024, mostly involving multiple substances. These drugs pose serious health dangers, especially novel substances with limited scientific and public understanding of the risks.
Illicit drugs, including cocaine and synthetic drugs as well as new psychoactive substances are widely available. New cannabis products continue to appear, while the variety of opioids and stimulants sold is on the rise.
At the same time, drug trafficking constitutes a major threat to the security in Europe. Organised crime networks are diversifying their trafficking routes and methods to evade detections, following intensified policing operations at major European ports. They exploit smaller ports, and are developing more sophisticated concealment methods.
The report highlights that the volume of cocaine intercepted in Europe decreased by more than 20% in 2024, down from 419 tonnes in 2023. However, the number of seizures rose to 97,000 (from 95,000 in 2023), suggesting that traffickers may be moving towards smaller, more fragmented shipments.
Drug-related intimidation and violence also remain a concern, including the exploitation and recruitment of vulnerable young people by criminal groups.
The Commission has stepped up its support Member States to respond to these challenges with a new EU Drugs Strategy and Action Plan against drug trafficking and new rules for monitoring and controlling drug precursors (2025). The Commission is also working with Member States, European Ports, industry associations and EU Agencies to counter drug trafficking in ports, in the context of the European Ports Alliance, and continues to work closely with partner countries to tackle drug production at its source and prevent trafficking routes from reaching the EU.
The European Drug Report provides an evidence base to the Commission's approach of prevention, treatment and security.
The EU Drugs Strategy and Action Plan against drug trafficking presented by the Commission in December 2025 set out a comprehensive EU response to the security, health, social and environmental challenges linked to the trafficking and use of illicit drugs. The Strategy sets out a comprehensive approach to support Member States in protecting public health and preventing drug related harm, strengthening prevention, treatment and reintegration, as well as security and crime prevention measures. The Action Plan complements the Strategy, with 19 priority actions focused on strengthening security, disrupting routes and business models of drug smugglers. They have been endorsed by the Council, in March and June 2026, respectively.
The EU Drugs Agency with its new, stronger mandate, plays a key role in supporting Member States by identifying new psychoactive substances, issuing rapid alerts, and assessing the risks posed by highly potent synthetic opioids. It also supports Member States with their prevention efforts and awareness-raising activities on the impact of drug use and drug trafficking.
For More Information
EU Drugs Strategy
EU Action Plan against drug trafficking
EUDA press release
https://www.euda.europa.eu/news/2026/new-health-risks-europeans-fast-moving-drug-market_en
The 2026 European Drug Report highlights the threats drugs pose to the health and security of the EU, with new and often-high potency drugs available, and organised crime networks constantly adapting to avoid detection by law enforcement. These networks exploit digital platforms and global supply chains, putting our youth and communities in danger. With the EU Drugs Strategy, the EU stepped up its support to Member States, with better intelligence-sharing, enforcement, and prevention to disrupt criminal operations and protect those most at risk. The findings in this report gives us the data we need to focus our efforts where they matter most.
Henna Virkkunen, Executive Vice-President for Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy
The European Drug Report reveals the human cost of drug use, with the latest annual figures showing at least 7,600 overdose deaths. We must pull out all the stops to prevent dangerous new products from flooding the market and use the full force of the law to strip illegal traffickers of their business model. With the EU Early Warning System, we are identifying new trends early. Through our Action Plan against drug trafficking, we have given European authorities a clear playbook — and by stepping up international cooperation, we are building a global front to tackle this criminal trade.
Magnus Brunner, Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration