DAILY NEWS
Brussels, 21 October 2026
Commission to investigate how Booking.com combats scams and fraud under the Digital Services Act
Today, the European Commission has opened formal proceedings to assess whether Booking.com may have breached the Digital Services Act (DSA) by not having diligently assessed or effectively mitigated risks related to fraudulent listings and phishing scams. The platform may also have breached the DSA when it comes to transparency because it did not clearly label as ads those listings whose providers paid for a higher ranking in search results shown to users.
The investigation will focus on the following areas:
1. Fraudulent and non-compliant listings on Booking.com
The Commission will examine whether the provider of Booking.com has properly identified and assessed the systemic risks linked to the dissemination of illegal content. Fake listings, such as for non-existent properties, impersonation fraud, and non-compliant accommodation offers may have negative effects on consumer protection.
The investigation will also assess whether the platform has put in place effective measures to mitigate these risks, including by removing fraudulent and non-compliant listings.
2. Phishing scams exploiting Booking.com's reservation and guest data
The Commission will also investigate whether the provider of Booking.com has diligently assessed and addressed the risks that phishing scams pose to consumers.
In particular, the investigation will focus on risks related to the way reservation and guest data is shared with accommodation providers, and the design and functioning of Booking.com's messaging service.
The Commission will also examine whether the company has put in place sufficient safeguards to prevent data from being misused to carry out phishing and solicit fraudulent payments.
3. Paid-for boosted listings not clearly identifiable as advertisements
The Commission will finally investigate whether Booking.com complies with the DSA's advertising transparency obligations.
Accommodation providers can make their listings more visible in Booking.com's search results by paying a higher commission. Users should be able to clearly recognise that these ‘boosted listings' are in fact advertisements. The Commission will also examine whether, for each advertisement shown on Booking.com, users can easily see who is behind, who paid for it, why they are seeing it and how they can change the settings that determine which ads they see.
Under the DSA, users are entitled to understand when, and on whose behalf, an ad is shown to them. Without this, they cannot tell whether a listing appears prominently because it matches their search or because the accommodation provider paid for that visibility.
If proven, these failures would constitute infringements of Articles 34 and 35 of the DSA, which oblige Very Large Online Platforms and Search Engines to identify, analyse, assess, and mitigate systemic risks; and of Article 26(1), which requires providers of online platforms to ensure that users can clearly identify advertisements and the information about them.
Next steps
The Commission will carry out an in-depth investigation as a matter of priority, continuing to gather evidence, for example by sending additional requests for information, conducting interviews or inspections.
The opening of formal proceedings also empowers the Commission to take further enforcement steps, such as interim measures and non-compliance decisions. The Commission is also empowered to accept commitments offered by Booking.com to remedy the matters subject to the proceedings.
Opening formal proceedings does not prejudge any final outcome or decision, nor does it impact enforcement actions undertaken by other authorities under other regulatory frameworks.
The opening of formal proceedings relieves Digital Services Coordinators, or any other competent authority of EU Member States of their powers to supervise and enforce the DSA in relation to the suspected infringement of Article 26(1) as regards the conduct covered by the proceedings.
Background
The Commission's decision follows a preliminary investigation, which included an analysis of the risk assessment reports submitted by Booking.com in 2026 and the preceding three years, information published in its transparency reports, and the company's replies to the Commission's formal requests for information sent on 23 September 2025 and 26 May 2026. The Commission cooperates with the Dutch Authority for Consumers and Markets, the Digital Services Coordinator of the Member State where Booking.com is established, in the supervision of Booking.com under the Digital Services Act.
Booking.com was designated as Very Large Online Platform under the EU's Digital Services Act on 25 April 2023.
For more information
Digital Services Act
Quote(s)
Europeans should be able to book their holidays without fear of being scammed. The Digital Services Act sets clear responsibilities on platforms to address these risks, and we must ensure that the leading booking platform in Europe takes those responsibilities seriously.
Henna Virkkunen, Executive Vice-President for Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy
(For more information: Thomas Regnier - Tel.: +32 2 299 10 99; Patricia Poropat — Tel. + 32 2 299 27 17)
Commission greenlights Germany's final payment request for €6 billion under NextGenerationEU
Today, the Commission positively assessed Germany's fourth and final payment request worth €6 billion under the Recovery and Resilience Facility, the centrepiece of NextGenerationEU.
With this fourth and final payment request, Germany has implemented all the reforms and investments included in its RRF plan – corresponding to a total of €30.3 billion. The Commission found that Germany has satisfactorily completed the 8 milestones and 19 targets set out in the Council Implementing Decision.
They correspond to reforms and investments in the areas of the green transition of transport and energy infrastructure, energy efficiency of housing, as well as the digitalisation of healthcare and public administration.
Germany submitted its payment request on 25 September 2026. This payment will bring the total funds disbursed to Germany under the RRF to €30.3 billion, including €2.5 billion in pre-financing. This means that 100% of the funding allocated to Germany under its recovery and resilience plan will be delivered once the Council has also greenlighted the payment request, with all 127 milestones and targets successfully fulfilled.
More information is available in the press release online.
(For further information: Maciej Berestecki – Tel.: +32 2 296 64 83; Anna Wartberger – Tel.: +32 2 28 20 54)
Commission makes €20.5 million available to support journalism, media pluralism and literacy across Europe
The European Commission has published three calls for proposals under the Creative Europe programme to support professional journalism and media pluralism, strengthen media resilience and promote media literacy.
The first call for proposals will fund journalism partnerships, promoting media collaborations and the work of local and public interest media, with a total amount of €14 million. The call includes two topics: the first, dedicated to 'pluralism', is aimed at organisations that can set up and distribute funds to news media entities in sectors of particular relevance to democracy, such as local and public interest media. The second topic 'collaboration' aims to support cross-border, collaborative proposals between news media organisations focusing on innovative business models and journalistic projects across Europe.
Under an additional call, €3.5 million will be dedicated to cross-border media literacy projects to help enhance citizens' media literacy skills, allowing them to navigate the information space safely and confidently, and contributing to societal resilience against disinformation and foreign information manipulation and interference (FIMI).
Another call for proposals worth €3 million will boost an independent Europe-wide rapid response mechanism to monitor violations of press and media freedom in the EU, as well as in candidate countries. The monitoring will help generate better data and insights into threats to media pluralism and the safety of journalists and inform the annual Rule of Law reporting.
The European Democracy Shield provides reinforced financial support for independent and local journalism under the Media Resilience Programme, bridging current support to media with funding programmes proposed in the new Multiannual Financial Framework. The Commission proposed increased funding for the news media sector under the AgoraEU programme.
All three calls will open for applications on 22 October and are part of wider EU support for the news media sector.
Commission welcomes political agreement on the future organic rulebook
The European Commission welcomes today's agreement between the European Parliament and the Council to amend certain production, labelling and certification rules, as well as rules on trade with non-EU countries, in the organic sector. These revised rules will help consumers make more informed choices about imported organic products. Today's agreement also introduces targeted changes to production and certification rules, simplifying and improving the framework for organic operators. These changes will support investments, create employment opportunities in the organic sector, and further develop farming practices with high environmental standards.
Building on the input collected during consultations with stakeholders, the Commission's proposal aimed to ensure informed consumer choice, enhanced consumer confidence, and fair competition in the organic market. Recognition of equivalent third-country systems would be extended until 31 December 2036, avoiding potential trade disruptions. The proposal also made targeted adjustments to production and certification rules, simplifying and improving the framework for organic operators.
Commissioner for Agriculture and Food, Christophe Hansen, said: “Today, we delivered a swift and simplified agreement in the interest of both producers and consumers. This agreement will provide the clarity the organic sector needs to continue growing. Our producers need predictable rules and a level playing field. By adapting our regulatory framework, we are supporting the competitiveness of European organic production while maintaining its high standards. And we are strengthening consumers' trust in the EU organic label, regardless of the origin of the product they buy.”
(For more information: Louise Bogey – Tel.: +32 229-69776; Paula Clara Ritter-Moschütz – Tel.: +32 2 296 40 83)
Commission approves €500,000 Slovenian State aid for agriculture, fishery and marine aquaculture companies facing increased fuel prices
The European Commission has approved a €500,0000 Slovenian State aid scheme for agriculture, fishery and marine aquaculture companies facing increased fuel prices due to the Middle East crisis. The scheme was approved under the Middle East Crisis Temporary State Aid Framework (METSAF) adopted by the Commission on 29 April 2026.
Slovenia notified to the Commission a €500,000 scheme to support companies active in the agriculture, fishery and marine aquaculture sectors. The scheme, which will run until 31 March 2027, aims to mitigate the impact of the increase in agricultural and marine fuel prices. The aid will take the form of direct grants. The scheme concerns the grant of a limited amount of aid covering up to 70% of the additional costs arising from market developments directly affected by the Middle East crisis and incurred during the eligible period.
The Commission assessed the scheme under EU State aid rules, in particular Article 107(3)(c) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU, which enables Member States to support the development of certain economic activities subject to certain conditions, as well as Sections 1 and 2.1 of the METSAF. The Commission found that the scheme is in line with the conditions set out in the METSAF. In particular, the aid will be granted based on a scheme with a clear estimated budget and will be provided to temporarily support the development of companies active in the primary production of agricultural, fishery and marine aquaculture products. The Commission concluded that the scheme is necessary, appropriate and proportionate to facilitate the development of an economic activity and does not adversely affect trading conditions to an extent contrary to the common interest. On this basis, the Commission approved the Slovenian scheme under EU State aid rules.
More information on the METSAF is available online. The non-confidential versions of today's decision will be made available under case number SA.124890, in the State aid register on the Commission's competition website.
(For more information: Ricardo Cardoso – Tel.: +32 2 298 01 00; Luuk de Klein – Tel.: +32 2 299 47 74)
Commission approves two new geographical indications from Indonesia
The European Commission has approved the registration of two new Protected Geographical Indications: Flores Bajawa and Kopi Arabika Flores Manggarai, both from Indonesia.
Flores Bajawa are green coffee beans produced from Arabica coffee plants grown in the Ngada Regency. They are characterised by their distinctive floral aroma. The specific soil conditions found in the region contribute largely to its signature floral aroma.
Kopi Arabika Flores Manggarai is a coffee product produced from green coffee beans. It is produced from Arabica coffee plants grown in the Manggarai highlands. The product has a dry aroma of caramel that can be smelled during the grinding process. People in the Manggarai area have found a way of fermentation and drying that has been passed from generation to generation, uniquely influencing the product.
Names of products registered are protected against imitation and misuse within the EU, and in non-EU countries where a specific protection agreement has been signed. Non-European product names can also register if their country of origin has an agreement with the EU which includes the mutual protection of such names. 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.
Executive Vice-President Fitto in Croatia to discuss cohesion policy and upcoming 'Right to Stay' Strategy
Tomorrow, Executive Vice-President for Cohesion and Reforms Raffaele Fitto will travel to Croatia to discuss the implementation of cohesion policy with national, regional and local representatives, and to see first-hand how EU funding is supporting local development.
In Šibenik, he will meet Croatia's Minister of Regional Development and EU-Funds, Nataša Mikuš Žigman, as well as local and regional representatives and interested partners to discuss preparations for cohesion policy's 2028-2034 programming period. He will also visit the Centre for New Technologies and Entrepreneurship Trokut, an EU-funded innovation hub, business incubator and co-working space. In addition, he will visit Tvrđava sv. Ivana, the 17th-century Fortress of St. John, which has been renovated with EU support and transformed into a modern cultural and technological networking centre.
Executive Vice-President Fitto will also deliver the keynote speech at the 10th Regional Development and EU Funds Conference in Šibenik.
He will then travel to the municipalities of Unešić and Vrlika to meet local residents and hear directly about the opportunities and challenges facing people in rural areas. Discussions will focus on how EU policies and funding can help create jobs, strengthen communities and improve quality of life, so that people have a genuine choice to stay where they live.
Drawing on insights from this and other field visits across Europe, the Commission will present its 'Right to Stay' Strategy in early 2027. Its aim is to help ensure that everyone in the EU can build their future in the place they call home.
(For more information: Maciej Berestecki - Tel: +32 229-66483; Isabel Arriaga e Cunha – Tel: +32 229-52117)
Commissioner Dombrovskis in Berlin to discuss competitiveness, simplification and investment
Valdis Dombrovskis, Commissioner for Economy and Productivity, Implementation and Simplification, is in Berlin today and tomorrow to discuss European competitiveness, economic resilience and simplification with government and business representatives.
Today, Commissioner Dombrovskis will partake in the Berlin Global Dialogue (BGD) Summit 2026. In this context, he will participate in a roundtable with the topic ‘From Reform to Reality: Delivering a More Competitive Europe', with company chiefs. Also as part of the BGD, the Commissioner will take part in a leaders' panel titled ‘The price of resilience, who bears the cost of de-risking?', alongside Francisca Tatchouop Belobe, African Union Commissioner for Economic Development, Trade, Tourism, Industry and Minerals, and representatives of the banking and telecommunications sectors. The panel will be broadcast on EBS at 19:00 CEST.
On Thursday, Commissioner Dombrovskis will visit a project supported by the Recovery and Resilience Facility involving large heat pumps in district heating networks. The visit will include an exchange on the project's objectives, importance and achievements. Video footage will be available on EBS at 13:30 CEST. The Commissioner will then meet Germany's Minister for Economic Affairs and Energy, Katharina Reiche, to discuss EU competitiveness, simplification and the reduction of administrative burdens. They will also discuss economic aspects of the energy and climate transition. Commissioner Dombrovskis will also meet Sabine Kuhlmann, Deputy Chair of Germany's National Regulatory Council, alongside other representatives of the Council and RegWatch Europe, for an exchange on better law-making and simplification at EU and national level.
(For more information: Balazs Ujvari – Tel.: +32 2 295 45 78; Francisca Marçal Santos – Tel.: +32 2 299 72 36)
Commissioner Lahbib visits Czechia to discuss preparedness, resilience and equality
Tomorrow and Friday, Commissioner for Equality; Preparedness and Crisis Management, Hadja Lahbib, is visiting Czechia. She will meet with Prime Minister Andrej Babiš and exchange with government officials on the EU Preparedness Union Strategy, including the importance of a whole-of-society approach to anticipate, prevent, and respond to crises, involving public authorities, businesses, civil society and citizens.
Building on Czechia's experience with recent emergencies, including wildfires in recent years and devastating floods in 2024, discussions will also address European cooperation and solidarity in crisis preparedness and response.
On Thursday, the Commissioner will visit the Roma Holocaust Memorial in Lety, where she will reaffirm the EU's commitment to never let such atrocities happen again, and the need to address the continued inequalities and discrimination faced by many Roma across Europe. She will then deliver a keynote speech and doorstep address at the Resilient Europe 2026 conference in Prague, and discuss the importance of strengthening Europe's preparedness and resilience in the face of evolving risks and crises. Her participation will be broadcast on EBS. Following the conference, she will meet with Interior Minister Lubomír Metnar, Foreign Affairs Minister Petr Macinka, and members of the European Affairs Committee of the Parliament.
Ensuring that no one is left behind when building a more resilient society will also be a key focus of the visit. The Commissioner will take part in a roundtable with civil society organisations to discuss key equality priorities, including Roma inclusion, the rights of persons with disabilities, gender equality and LGBTIQ+ rights.
On Friday, she will meet with Prime Minister Babiš and visit a firefighting station.
(For more information: Eva Hrnčířová — Tel.: +32 2 298 84 33; Quentin Cortes - Tel: +32 2 291 32 83; Anna Gray Tel.: +32 2 298 08 73)
Commissioner Jørgensen in Hungary to address high energy prices, energy security and housing
Tomorrow, Commissioner for Energy and Housing Dan Jørgensen will be in Budapest, Hungary, to meet with national authorities, energy operators and other stakeholders and discuss how to effectively address together two major challenges affecting Europeans across the Union: high energy prices and the affordability and availability of housing.
Building on the positive exchanges that took place earlier this week in Bratislava with all Energy Ministers of the Visegrád Group, the Commissioner will discuss the pressing issue of high energy prices, energy security and the implementation of REPowerEU with the Minister of Economy and Energy, István Kapitány. He will also visit a grids development project by MAVIR, the Hungarian Transmission System Operator. Efforts to modernise the network, reinforce cross-border interconnections and expand grid capacity are central pillars of the proposed European Grids Package and are key enablers to structurally lower energy prices across Europe.
He will also hold discussions with the Committees on European Affairs, Social Affairs, and Energy of the Hungary National Assembly, with a particular focus on measures to address the current energy crisis.
As part of his Affordable Housing Tour, Commissioner Jørgensen will visit the Diákváros project together with the Minister of Transport and Investment, Dávid Vitézy, and other Hungarian representatives. Planned as a major brownfield regeneration project in southern Budapest, this affordable housing development is intended to provide affordable accommodation for around 12,000 students.
The Commissioner will also discuss the EU's efforts and priorities in housing policy with Minister Vitézy in a bilateral meeting.
Audiovisual coverage of the country visit will be available on EBS.
(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
Speech by President von der Leyen at the European Parliament plenary debate on the conclusions of the European Council meeting of 15-16 October 2026
"Checked against delivery"
President Metsola, dear Roberta,
President Costa, dear António,
Honourable Members,
We have had a long and dense European Council. Let me touch on two of the main topics, starting with European competitiveness. Here our work starts at home. Since the start of this mandate, we have made ‘completing our Single Market' a central priority. We have proposed EU Inc – to make it easier for businesses to start and grow across our Union. And a new Public Procurement Act to make procurement procedures simpler and faster. We have put forward twelve Omnibus packages. So far three are in place. As well as other simplification measures. Together, these could save over €22 billion every year. We are building simplicity by design into every new Commission proposal. But this ambition must also be matched in every Member State. That is why we are proposing a pact against gold-plating. The Pact would rest on one central commitment: A rule agreed at European level cannot become more complex when transposed or implemented nationally. Finally, we are working on radically reducing reporting obligations. And this is why we will introduce the principle ‘Only Once', to report data only once – and with the help of AI the administration will ensure efficient use. The debate also centred on Europe's high energy costs. Not only are we too dependent on foreign fossil fuels, on gas setting the price, but we are also squandering opportunities by not having an Energy Union. This is why the Commission will develop a plan to a true European Energy Union. From grids and interconnector to aggregated Market Power in purchasing. We need to make much better use of our potential.
Finally let me be crystal clear on our sanctions on Russia – in particular on energy. We have placed energy sanctions on Russia due to its war of aggression against Ukraine. These sanctions will stay until Russia stops the war. Moreover, it was Russia that cut Europe's supply of gas. Russia is not a trusted supplier of energy. Because it would rather weaponized energy dependencies – to blackmail others. That is a lesson that Europe will never forget.
Competitiveness starts at home. But it also depends on our companies being able to compete on fair terms globally. Let me take China as an example. In 2025, our trade deficit with China reached €1 billion a day. This is not sustainable. Industrial overcapacity and unfair market practices are distorting competition. Chinese companies receive up to eight times more in subsidies than comparable firms in OECD countries. And European industries are paying the price. Factories are under pressure. We see jobs lost in our industrial heartlands. So last week, we agreed a clear approach: dialogue where it delivers, action where needed, and stronger tools to defend our interests.
First, dialogue. Here we see real progress. China has agreed to cut tariffs on EU products – worth almost €4 billion. We secured greater predictability on export controls for rare earths and magnets. And the removal of certain EU companies from Chinese control lists. But the clearest example was in the automotive sector. Where did we come from? Chinese hybrids exports to the EU had gone up from 2.5 billion US Dollars to 7.5 billion. A threefold increase in just twelve months. This surge put a huge pressure on our industry. Here, too the dialog delivered. We agreed an annual quota of 350,000 hybrid vehicles from China. Reducing exports by around 45%. This will be implemented through a safeguard, so we keep control. For the first time, China has agreed to export moderation in a major industrial sector. Proof that dialogue can and does deliver.
This is an important first step. But one agreement in one sector cannot fix a structural imbalance. That leads me to my second point. Europe must be ready to act when dialogue does not produce results. If necessary, we must be ready to use our trade defence instruments. This includes safeguards to respond quickly when import surges threaten our industries. Last week, leaders gave clear support to this approach. And we are already working closely with our chemicals and machinery sectors, which face growing pressure.
Third, we must reduce our economic dependencies. Last year, new trade restrictions affected almost 3 trillion dollars of global trade. More than three times as much as the year before. We see critical raw materials restricted. Essential technologies used as geopolitical leverage. Europe must be ready to withstand this pressure. So, we will act on three fronts. First, reducing our vulnerabilities. In December, we will present the DiversifyEU package. It will be country-agnostic, and help European companies diversify their supply chains. The principle is simple – no critical dependence on a single supplier. Second, deterrence. Here, we will propose a new instrument. So, we can act faster and limit access to our Single Market, when our interests are threatened. Because deterrence works when others know we are ready to respond.
Third, solidarity. Economic threats are designed to divide us. To target one industry or one Member State. That is why we will propose a solidarity package, so no Member State is left to face pressure alone. In a world where economic power is increasingly used as a weapon, Europe must use its economic strength to defend its interests together.
Honourable members,
Another central issue in last week's discussions was migration. Here too, Europe has made real progress. After years of hard work, our Pact on Migration is now fully applicable. We have mandatory screening and border procedures. The same rules – fair and firm – apply in all Member States. We have our Return Regulation, so that those who have no right to stay can be returned quickly. And we have deeper partnerships along key migration routes. The results are clear. Illegal border crossings are down 56% over the past two years. And another 34% so far this year. Asylum applications are down 19%. And our return rate has almost doubled in five years, to over 30%. These are significant achievements. They show our common European approach is working. But this summer showed again how quickly new threats can emerge at our borders. So, we must build on this progress. Let me focus on three priorities.
First, full implementation of the Pact. We have agreed common rules. Now they must be applied consistently. Responsibility and solidarity must go hand in hand. Every Member State must take responsibility for the asylum seekers it is responsible for. And every Member State must be able to count on European solidarity when under pressure. We must also reduce incentives for illegal migration and safeguard Schengen. Because freedom of movement is one of Europe's greatest achievements. And we must protect it.
Second, stronger external borders. We will propose to reinforce Frontex. So, it can support Member States whenever and wherever needed. Including on returns. That means giving it the mandate and capabilities that this new reality demands.
Third, preparing Europe for new challenges. This summer, we witnessed the tragic scenes in Ceuta. And we have seen how Russia and Belarus have weaponised migration. State and non-state actors are deliberately engineering mass movements of people. To overwhelm authorities, spread fear, and divide us. They will not succeed. We will not allow anyone to exploit our values to put pressure on our Union. That is why we will propose a European Emergency Response Framework. To give Member States the tools to respond quickly to extraordinary threats at our external borders. And to protect our internal security. We will present this proposals by the end of the year.
Europe has come a long way on migration. But there is more work ahead. We will always be a place that protects those fleeing war or persecution. And to do that, citizens need to trust that our system is fair and functioning. That rules are enforced. That borders are secured. And above all, that it is Europeans who decide who enters our Union, and under what circumstances- not our adversaries. This is how we uphold our values. And protect the freedom and security of our citizens.
Thank you.
Remarks by High Representative Kallas and Commissioner Síkela on Europe's Northern Neighbourhood: A New Strategy for the Arctic
"Check against delivery"
High Representative Kallas
Good afternoon everyone,
Today the College adopted a Joint Communication entitled the European Northern Neighbourhood: A New Strategy for the Arctic. Of course, we will go into detail with Commissioner Síkela in a few moments.
But we also adopted a Communication entitled Vision 2040 for Fisheries and Aquaculture, which Executive Vice President Fitto and Commissioner Kadis will present to you shortly after this press conference.
That is the readout of the College meeting. We can go to the main topic of today – the EU's updated Arctic Strategy.
The Arctic plays an important role in trade, communication, and defence. Since our previous Arctic Strategy in 2021, we face a much harsher security environment.
The Arctic is no longer insulated from the world's geopolitical tensions. Our updated Arctic Strategy reflects this new reality by putting security firmly at its core.
The list of challenges is long, but a few stand out: Russia is expanding its military footprint in the High North. Moscow has reopened Soviet-era bases and is testing new weapons in the region. Drone incursions, GPS jamming and the sabotage of undersea cables undermine Arctic security. The increased traffic of Russia's shadow fleet puts shipping and the environment at risk.
China's strategic ambitions in the High North are also growing. Beijing's investments in ports, minerals and critical infrastructure need careful scrutiny.
The bottom line is that the Arctic has become the frontline of global power competition.
All this comes because the Arctic is warming three to four times faster than the global average. Retreating ice is opening access to resources and shipping routes - and heating up competition over who controls them.
The Arctic is Europe's Northern Neighbourhood. It is close, connected and critical to our future.
Three EU Member States – Denmark, Finland and Sweden – are Arctic nations. More than half a million EU citizens live there.
All this makes Arctic security European security. To defend our interests, we plan to step up investments in surveillance, infrastructure, military mobility, and capabilities. We will work closely with Member States and partners, while fully respecting their sovereignty.
Let me give some concrete examples:
The EU will strengthen surveillance and satellite monitoring by extending the EU's satellite systems - Copernicus and Galileo - to better detect Arctic threats.
An Arctic Cable Hub can allow us to better monitor, protect and repair critical undersea infrastructure. This could be a first step towards a broader Maritime Security Hub to track suspicious vessels, illegal fishing, and pollution.
We will explore joint procurement and pooling to expand Europe's icebreaker capacity. Because in the Arctic, icebreakers are the measure of power.
We also intend to improve military mobility through Arctic ports, airports and transport corridors, so forces and equipment can get where they are needed, faster.
Through the European Defence Fund, we are investing €260 million in new technologies, including aircraft that can withstand severe environments, textiles for extreme weather and over-the-horizon sensors.
The Arctic is under NATO's watch, and all of these efforts are complementary to the Alliance's role in collective defence.
Our second priority is building even closer regional ties in our Northern Neighbourhood. Europe is strongest when it works with its partner for a peaceful, secure and prosperous Arctic.
Closer cooperation with Norway, Iceland, Canada, the United Kingdom, the United States and other like-minded partners – in full respect of their sovereignty – is essential to achieving it.
We had a good European Arctic Summit in Rovaniemi in September. It could serve as a model for regular high-level joint summits with our Member States and partners to discuss shared challenges and how to address them together.
In Greenland, we are investing 200 million in renewable energy, raw materials, as well as connectivity, housing, and infrastructure. We are also planning a secure submarine cable linking Greenland to Europe.
Third, economic security and sustainable development. The Arctic's critical raw materials, clean energy and emerging trade routes matter for European competitiveness.
We will strengthen our supply chains with trusted partners, invest in renewable energy, and improve transport and digital connectivity.
This includes speeding up the implementation of the Rail Nordica project and advancing the long-term ambition to build a Pan-Arctic data cable. Commissioner Síkela can speak more about the economic aspects in a moment.
Fourth, protecting the Arctic's environment and its people.
Economic opportunity must not come at the expense of the environment and of the people who live there. Our investments must be sustainable, respect Indigenous Peoples' rights and deliver real benefits for Arctic communities.
Europe has interests to defend, partners to work with and responsibilities to meet. Europe will not be a bystander in the Arctic.
***
Commissioner Síkela
Thank you, Kaja. Good afternoon.
The Arctic is part of our neighbourhood, and what happens there affects directly the whole of Europe.
But the region is changing extremely fast. Climate change, geopolitical tensions, and strategic competition are reshaping the Arctic dramatically.
Europe must keep pace. That is why I am very glad that today we have adopted Europe's new Arctic Strategy for this new Arctic reality.
Over the past months, I have travelled extensively across the Arctic and met political leaders, businesses, representatives of Indigenous communities, and young people.
I wanted to listen to their concerns, understand their ambitions, and learn what matters most to them.
Their message was to work together and ensure that the future of the Arctic is shaped by the people who live there.
That is why our response goes beyond security. We focus on stronger economic ties with the Arctic and placing the people who call it home at the centre of our approach.
After all, they are the ones most directly affected by the changes under way.
I would like to start with what we are going to do to help build a prosperous Arctic.
With the changes we are seeing, we must invest in an Arctic that is better connected, more resilient and more prosperous.
This means stronger cooperation across all key sectors: transport, digital and space connectivity, renewable energy, critical raw materials, sustainable fisheries, tourism, research and innovation.
A key principle of our approach is to invest in dual-use and multipurpose assets. This will strengthen the resilience of local communities and create new opportunities but also reinforce Europe's security and preparedness.
Let me give you three concrete examples of how we will deliver on these ambitions.
First, transport connectivity.
We want to bring the European Arctic closer together by strengthening connections between Finland, Sweden and Norway. Through initiatives such as Rail Nordica or the Trans-European Transport Network, we will improve transport links and make it easier for people and goods to move across the region. This will also enhance military mobility.
Second, digital connectivity.
When distances are vast, reliable digital connections are essential. For communities, for businesses, for education, and for access to public services.
With Greenland, we are already investing in subsea cable infrastructure through the Pan-Arctic Cable Vision. But we want to go further and explore the potential to extend the link towards Asia.
Third, research and innovation.
As the Arctic changes, we need a better understanding of what this means for its environment, its economy and its people.
This is why we will establish the EU Polar Research Hub. It will bring scientific research, observation and policymaking closer together and turn scientific knowledge into more effective action.
The Arctic is home to communities, cultures and traditions and to people with their own ambitions for the future.
And for our investments to deliver, we must place the local communities at the centre of our action.
Having travelled across the Arctic, I could not help but admire the resilience with which local communities are meeting these challenges and building their future in demanding conditions.
What sets the EU's partnership apart is our commitment to work with these communities, listen to their priorities and respect their choices.
This has guided our approach throughout the preparation of the Strategy. We have engaged extensively with Arctic partners.
What we heard has helped shape this new Strategy. Let me give you again three examples of how we will put this into practice.
First, we will invest in education and opportunities for young people through educational exchanges and stronger cooperation between institutions. Part of this will be to expand Erasmus+ opportunities for people from across the Arctic.
Second, to strengthen democratic resilience, we will further support cooperation among local governments across the Arctic. We will also work with Arctic partners to counter disinformation and foreign interference.
And third, to give young people a stronger voice in our partnership, we will establish a Youth Sounding Board attached to the EU Office in Nuuk. This will create a dedicated platform for young people to share their ideas, raise their concerns and contribute to shaping our partnership.
It builds on the dialogue we have already established through the Indigenous Peoples Dialogue, the Arctic Youth Dialogue at the EU-Arctic Forum, and our wider exchanges with young people across the Arctic.
Ladies and gentlemen,
The Arctic is warming nearly - as already mentioned - four times faster than the global average.
This is the defining force behind the changes we are seeing and the challenges that come with them.
We must do more. And every action we take in the Arctic must be taken with the climate in mind.
The best way to face the challenges in the Arctic is to face them together. That is why Europe's new Arctic Strategy is, above all, about partnership.
A partnership that will help us build a secure Arctic, a sustainable Arctic, and a prosperous Arctic. And an Arctic that works for its people.
So let me now thank all the partners with whom we have worked on this Strategy: President von der Leyen, High Representative/Vice-President Kallas, Commissioner Kadis, our Arctic Member States, and our friends from Greenland, Canada, Norway and Iceland.
Let me also thank my team and our Special Adviser, Jyrki Katainen.
But adopting the Strategy is only the beginning. My responsibility now is to ensure that these commitments are fully implemented.
Thank you for your attention.
Press remarks by Executive Vice-President Fitto and Commissioner Kadis on Vision 2040 for a thriving fisheries and aquaculture sector
Executive Vice-President Fitto
Today, the Commission approved the Vision 2040 for Fisheries and Aquaculture, including the EU Strategy for Fisheries External Action and the Energy Transition Roadmap.
First of all, I would like to thank Commissioner Kadis for the excellent work we have done together in preparing this important initiative.
The Vision sets out a long-term perspective, with concrete actions to support modernisation, innovation, generational renewal and the competitiveness of this sector.
Commissioner Kadis will present the package in greater detail.
I would like to focus on its broader strategic significance, particularly its territorial and geopolitical dimensions.
Fisheries and aquaculture are not only economic activities. They are essential to the identity, prosperity and the future of many European territories.
For our islands, coastal communities and outermost regions, this sector represents an important source of employment, economic and social cohesion.
Yet, this sector is facing particular difficulties such as falling stocks, high fuel prices, old fleet, generational renewal and uncertainty about the future of the profession.
These are even more acute for small-scale fishers.
Our objective is to create the conditions for people, especially young people, to build their future in these territories.
This means investment, better working conditions, new skills, innovation and economic opportunities.
It means ensuring that people can enjoy their Right to Stay, working and living where they feel at home.
Aquaculture and fisheries, face their own difficulties, but also share broader challenges: demographic change, climate pressures, technological transformation and global competition.
We need to address these common challenges while recognising territorial differences.
This is why the Vision recognises the important role of Member States, regional authorities and local communities in translating European priorities into concrete actions.
The second dimension I want to underline is the geopolitical importance of this initiative, which goes far beyond trade.
It concerns access to our and global resources, the sustainable management of shared fish stocks, international partnerships and global ocean governance.
Supporting our islands, coastal communities and outermost regions means strengthening Europe's competitiveness, security and strategic position in the world.
The Vision 2040 is part of a wider effort by this Commission to connect our sectoral policies with our territorial and strategic priorities.
Commissioner Kadis
Good afternoon,
Following up on what Executive Vice-President Fitto has just said, let me take you to the real added value of this Vision 2040 for our fisheries and aquaculture sectors.
We are dealing with two critical sectors that put locally produced food on our tables. They are very critical and important for our food security.
They sustain coastal and rural economies and define the identity of hundreds of European communities.
However, these sector face increasing challenges. Climate change, volatile energy costs, competition for maritime space and geopolitical pressures are testing its resilience. Declining stocks, low profitability, ageing fleets and workforces, and limited aquaculture growth, demand action.
This has been made clear through my discussions with fishers and aquaculture producers across the European Union. But also with Member States and the European Parliament. They all expect from us concrete action to address these very concrete problems and give hope for the future.
Today's package brings together three elements:
The Vision rests on three interconnected pillars: supply, demand and the conditions for success.
On supply, we aim to strengthen business viability through healthy stocks, modernisation, innovation, and opportunities to diversify income.
On demand, we aim to promote a wider range of sustainable products, improve consumer information and transparency, and strengthen the value of EU production.
We have also identified five conditions for success:
The first one is about generation renewal. Nowadays the workforce in the fisheries sector is aging and there is limited interest from young people to enter the profession. Generational renewal requires profitable businesses, good working conditions, modern workplaces and the right skills. And the vision addresses these elements. In 2027, the Commission will present a Blue Generational Renewal Strategy to help attract and retain a new generation across the blue economy.
Second, is access to finance.
The transition will require significant investment.
Public funding will continue to have a strategic role, including under the next Multiannual Financial Framework. But public resources alone will not be enough.
We need to mobilise also private financing, including through de-risking instruments.
The Third, is the regulatory framework, the third condition for success is the regulatory framework. We need smart rules.
Following the evaluation of the Common Fisheries Policy Regulation, we are exploring ways to address the weaknesses revealed. These are weaknesses communicated to me through my contacts with all key stakeholders.
As regards fisheries, the weaknesses identified include, in particular, the ineffectiveness of the landing obligation, the need for modernization and decarbonisation of the aging fishing fleet, the need for providing fair treatment and further support to small scale fishers, and the need to secure a level playing field and protect our sectors from unfair competition.
The Vision identifies the issues at stake and announces our intention to act. It proposes ways to address each of the key issues.
We have also listened to the calls to take action on aquaculture. The Commission will work on a legislative proposal to ensure a coherent and simplified regulatory legislative framework for aquaculture across the EU to unlock its full potential.
The Fourth condition for success is access to space.
We know that Maritime space is becoming increasingly crowded, with growing competition among the various activities in limited maritime space.
The Ocean Act, which is the legislative component of the European Ocean Pact, will built on the revision of the Maritime Spatial Planning Directive, and provide a clearer framework for maritime spatial planning and support a more coherent approach to the use of our seas.
The Fifth condition for success is research and innovation
The future of this sector will increasingly depend on its ability to understand change, innovate and adapt.
The upcoming Water and Ocean Research and innovation strategy will contribute to this direction.
Moreover, through our recently announced ocean observation initiative, OceanEye, through better ocean data and through stock monitoring we can support informed decisions.
Now a few words about the EU Strategy for fisheries external action.
We know that EU fisheries are deeply connected to the rest of the world: we fish outside the EU, and we depend on trade to meet our consumer's demand.
We need stronger EU external action that supports sustainability and level playing field.
First, by promoting sustainable global fisheries management, through multilateral cooperation in international and regional fora, anchored in the law of the sea (UNCLOS);
Second, by addressing overcapacity and unfair competition. We will focus on regulating harmful subsidies in the World Trade Organisation. And third, by upholding social responsibility. International labour standards in fisheries must be ratified and implemented by all nations, and we will support non-EU countries to match these standards.
Finally, as far as the energy transition roadmap is concerned, the transition will take place in two phases:
In the first phase, the focus will be on energy efficiency, research and innovation, and pilot projects and demonstrators.
The second phase will focus on scaling up proven low-emission technologies, alongside the necessary infrastructure, financing, and skills.
Dear friends, our destination is 2040.
But the decisions that will determine whether we get there start today.
Our objective is clear: healthy ecosystems, viable businesses, attractive careers and thriving coastal and rural communities.
This is the future we want for European fisheries and aquaculture. And this Vision provides the direction to build it.