European Commission - Daily News Daily News 29 / 01 / 2026 Brussels, 29 January 2026 Commission registers European Citizens' Initiative on phasing out EU imports from Russia and Belarus Today, the European Commission has registered a European Citizens' Initiative (ECI), entitled ‘ Stop Funding Russia's War: Phase Out Harmful and Useless Russian Imports into the EU' . The initiative invites the Commission “ to propose...
European Commission - Daily News Daily News 29 / 01 / 2026 Brussels, 29 January 2026 Commission registers European Citizens' Initiative on phasing out EU imports from Russia and Belarus Today, the European Commission has registered a European Citizens' Initiative (ECI), entitled ‘ Stop Funding Russia's War: Phase Out Harmful and Useless Russian Imports into the EU' . The initiative invites the Commission “ to propose firm, immediate measures to end the EU's remaining import dependencies on Russia and Belarus by introducing sectoral bans or decisive phase-outs ”. To this end, the organisers indicate that the “ objective is to stop the flow of EU funds to the Russian state, eliminate structural vulnerabilities in critical supply chains and reinforce a coherent, values- based trade policy ”. As this initiative fulfils the formal conditions established in the relevant legislation, the Commission considers it legally admissible under the European Citizens' Initiative Regulation . The Commission has not analysed the substance of the proposals at this stage. The registration does not influence the Commission's final decision on its merits, or any potential action it may take. The Commission will take a decision on the initiative only if it collects at least one million signatures from EU citizens. More information can be found in the press release . (For more information: Balazs Ujvari - Tel.: +32 2 295 45 78; Antoine Lomba – Tel: +32 2 299 32 33 ) EU announces €153 million in humanitarian aid in Ukraine and Moldova The European Commission is announcing €153 million in emergency aid to Ukraine and refugee- hosting Moldova, as millions of Ukrainians face freezing temperatures without power under sustained Russian bombardment of energy infrastructure. Responding to the urgent needs, the EU is allocating an initial €145 million in humanitarian aid for Ukraine as well as €8 million for humanitarian programmes in Moldova to support the hosting of Ukrainian refugees who have fled the war. Bringing together all the key humanitarian actors and donors, but also local organisations and civil society, the Sixth Humanitarian Senior Officials Meeting held today in Brussels was opened by Commissioner Lahbib , and Iryna Vereshchuk, the Deputy Head of Office of the President of Ukraine. “As Russia's full-scale invasion enters its fifth year, millions of Ukrainians are facing temperatures below freezing without power, without heat; cut off from the basic means of survival ” says Commissioner for Crisis Management, Preparedness and Equality, Hadja Lahbib , “ With €153 million in new humanitarian aid and an additional 947 generators deployed this month, we want people to have shelter, warmth and hope when they need it most. Our solidarity with Ukraine is not a slogan, it is reliable, sustained humanitarian action driven strictly by needs on the ground ”. Since Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022, the European Commission has allocated over €1.4 billion for humanitarian aid programmes in Ukraine and Moldova. In addition to humanitarian aid, at least €3 billion has been provided to Ukraine for energy security. In total, EU support to Ukraine since the beginning of the invasion amounts to €193.3 billion. A press release is available online. (For more information: Eva Hrnčířová – Tel.: +32 2 298 84 33; Quentin Cortès – Tel.: +32 2 296 47 35) EU mobilises additional €50 million for Ukraine's urgent winter energy needs The European Commission, together with the European Investment Bank, has today provided an additional €50 million to Ukraine's state-owned energy company, Naftogaz. It will support the country's energy system amidst the harshest winter conditions since the start of the war. In the face of ongoing Russian attacks targeting Ukraine's energy infrastructure and sharply dropping temperatures, this funding will help ensure heating and energy supply for households, critical services and businesses across the country. Commissioner for Enlargement, Marta Kos , said: “ The news coming from Ukraine every morning is horrific. What Russia is doing is state terror. This is beyond war. People are freezing to death. Many are fleeing Kyiv and other cities. The EU has worked closely with Ukraine to stabilise the energy system, but the scale of Russian attacks is such that Ukraine urgently needs more. This €50 million emergency loans is one of many additional measures. We are looking into all possible options to help Ukrainians.” This additional loan provided through the Ukraine Facility reinforces Europe's response to Ukraine's most pressing energy needs. It brings the EU's total support for emergency gas purchases for winter 2025-2026 to €977 million. In parallel, Naftogaz is pledging to reinvest an amount equivalent to this financing into renewable energy and decarbonisation projects, ensuring that immediate energy security goes hand in hand with our shared long-term green transition objectives. (For more information: Guillaume Mercier – Tel.: +32 2 298 05 64; Yuliya Matsyk – Tel.: +32 2 296 27 16) Commission takes stock of EU action towards zero pollution and of the societal cost of forever chemicals pollution Today, the European Commission published its mid-term review of the EU's Zero Pollution Action Plan , taking stock of its implementation. The report concludes that, while much of the legislation foreseen under the Zero Pollution Action Plan is in place, Member States must act swiftly and decisively if the EU is to reach its pollution reduction targets by 2030. Also today, the Commission published a study on the societal costs of PFAS (Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, so-called ‘forever chemicals') pollution . The report on the Zero Pollution Action Plan shows that pollution prevention is not only an environmental priority but also a crucial public health policy. Taking measures to reduce pollution also provides economic and social benefits for businesses, cities and regions. The report highlights that, since 2021, the EU has strengthened all its key laws to reduce pollution, including the Water Framework Directive , the Industrial Emissions Directive or the Ambient Air Quality Directive . In addition, with the Water Resilience Strategy , the European Ocean Pact , the Vision for Agriculture and Food , the Chemicals Industry Action Plan and the Bioeconomy Strategy , the Commission announced further actions to help achieve zero pollution. However, the report stresses that legislation alone is not enough. Member States must ensure an effective enforcement and implementation of EU law on pollution, and continue to invest in innovation, digitalisation, and skills. In parallel, providing a minimum estimate of the actual costs of existing PFAS pollution, the study on the societal costs of PFAS pollution shows that, if the current levels in Europe continue until 2050 without regulatory action, the cost will reach approximately €440 billion during that period. It also highlights that reducing PFAS releases at the source is by far the most cost-effective solution. Tackling such PFAS releases at the source by 2040 would save €110 billion, whereas treating polluted water alone would cost more than €1 trillion. The findings of the study will feed into the EU discussions on PFAS-related topics. The EU already took significant steps to control the risks from exposure to PFAS. The most harmful PFAS substances have already been banned. More recently, under the recast Drinking Water Directive , all Member States must monitor PFAS levels in drinking water to ensure compliance with the new EU limit values. The Chemicals Industry Action Plan focuses on moving towards sustainable and innovative solutions. And the European Chemicals Agency is currently assessing a separate universal PFAS restriction proposal. You can find more information on the mid-term review of the Zero Pollution Action Plan and the study on the societal cost of PFAS pollution online. (For more information: Anna-Kaisa Itkonen – Tel.: +32 2 295 75 01; Maëlys Dreux – Tel.: +32 2 295 46 73) Silandro , Caldas da Rainha and Barcelona named 2026 European capitals of small retail Today, Silandro/Schlanders in Italy, Caldas da Rainha, in Portugal, and Barcelona, in Spain, have been named as the 2026 European Capitals of Small Retail . The awards recognise small, medium, and large-sized cities that excel in supporting small retailers and vibrant city centres in four key areas: sustainability, entrepreneurship/community engagement, digitalisation, and urban vitality. This important recognition will elevate the role of small retailers as a vital source of local income and community life. It is reinforced by targeted financial support that promotes cities' best practices in creating environments where small retailers can not only survive, but grow and thrive. The winners were chosen from among 28 cities across 13 countries that applied for the award. They impressed the European jury with their ambitious programmes for 2026 and strong potential to serve as role models in creating a vibrant and supportive environment for small retailers. Nine other cities chosen as finalists will participate in an exchange programme that will connect local authorities, businesses, and small retailers to stimulate innovation and collaboration. Stéphane Séjourné , Executive Vice-President of the Commission, said: “Small retail is central to the economic and social fabric of our cities. The winning cities show how small retailers can serve as the anchor for creating v ibrant neighbourhoods, preserving cultural identity, and building economic resilience.” The initiative was proposed by the European Parliament, following a citizens' petition. More information is available online . (For more information: Siobhan McGarry - Tel.: +32 2 296 47 98; Rüya Perincek - Tel.: +32 2 299 49 03) Commission clears acquisition of Vitanas by Domidep The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of sole control of Vitanas AcquiCo GmbH (‘Vitanas') of Germany by Domidep SAS of France. The transaction relates primarily to the provision of living and care services, including nursing homes, in Germany. The Commission concluded that the notified transaction would not raise competition concerns, given the companies' limited combined market position resulting from the proposed transaction. The notified transaction was examined under the simplified merger review procedure. More information is available on the Commission's competition website , in the public case register under the case number M.12216 . (For more information: Ricardo Cardoso – Tel.: +32 2 298 01 00; Paula Clara Ritter-Moschütz – Tel.: +32 2 296 40 83) ANNOUNCEMENTS Commission hosts high-level conference on sustainability, growth and competition policy Today, the European Commission is hosting a high-level conference entitled ‘Clean, Just and Competitive - A Blueprint for Europe's Economies and Societies'. The conference started this morning with an opening video message from President von der Leyen , and sees the participation of Executive Vice-President for Clean, Just and Competitive Transition, Teresa Ribera, who will be delivering the closing remarks. The conference will be an opportunity to discuss between top experts, policymakers and opinion leaders, a path towards achieving the Commission's priorities on the green transition, competitiveness, prosperity and a sustainable future for the next generations. Participants include Dean of the IE School of Politics, Economics, and Global Affairs of the IE University, Enrico Letta, President of the European Investment Bank, Nadia Calviño , and Executive Director of the International Energy Agency, Fatih Birol. Participants will share their views and vision for Europe through debates on better and more equal business conditions, a clean, sustainable and resilient Europe, competition policy for our economies and societies, and fairness and standards in the EU and in global markets. Executive Vice President Teresa Ribera said: “I call it the Blueprint Conference because I want to encourage all speakers not only to help us identify today's challenges but also to lay down a blueprint for how the EU responds. At this decisive moment, Europe and the world need vision.” The full programme and lineout can be found online. The conference is broadcast live and will also be available as video-on-demand. (For more information: Ricardo Cardoso – Tel.: +32 2 298 01 00; Luuk de Klein – Tel.: +32 229 94774; Paula Clara Ritter-Moschütz – Tel.: +32 2 296 40 83) Commissioner Jørgensen in Portugal to discuss energy resilience, interconnections and affordable housing Commissioner for Energy and Housing Dan Jørgensen will be in Portugal from Friday until Monday to discuss energy and housing policies. Following the power disruptions experienced in some parts of the country due to a storm over the past days, tomorrow morning Commissioner Jørgensen will visit the control centre of the National Electricity Grid operator REN together with the Minister for Environment and Energy, Maria da Graça Carvalho, and Secretary of State for Energy, Jean Barroca. The Commission is working on a revision of the EU energy security framework planned for adoption later this year and recently proposed a stronger integration of security considerations in energy projects planning as part of the European Grids Package – the Commission's latest initiative to lower energy bills and boost Europe's independence. As part of his European Affordable Housing Tour , tomorrow, Commissioner Jørgensen will meet with the Minister for Infrastructure and Housing Miguel Pinto Luz and with Carlos Moedas, Mayor of Lisbon. In December, the Commissioner presented its first-ever European Affordable Housing Plan to tackle the crisis affecting millions of Europeans. The Commissioner will also participate in a roundtable with housing stakeholders hosted by the Mayor and focused on affordable housing for the youth, housing financing, innovative housing models and the balance between accommodation for tourism and residential use. The session will conclude with a joint press point by the Commissioner and the Mayor at approximately 17:30 CET. The Commissioner and the Mayor will then visit together the Lote 10 housing project, where 476 affordable houses are constructed with the support of NextGenerationEU . On Monday, the Commissioner will hold a bilateral meeting with Minister Carvalho and co-chair a roundtable discussion with energy stakeholders focused on energy affordability and grids. The meetings will be followed by a joint press point with the Commissioner and the Minister at around 12:30 CET. Audiovisual coverage of the visit and the press points 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) Commission appoints Ylva Johansson to lead the European Skills High-Level Board The European Commission has today appointed Ylva Johansson as chair of the European Skills High- Level Board. The Board will play a central role in advancing the Union of Skills , the Commission's strategy to boost Europe's competitiveness and address labour shortages through improved education, vocational training, and lifelong learning. As Chair, Johansson will steer the Board's mission to strengthen people's skills and talents across the EU. With extensive experience at both European and national levels, Johansson brings strong political leadership and expertise in employment, social affairs, education and skills. The Board will have an advisory role, bringing together businesses, education and training providers, and social partners to provide advice and guidance on skills development for workers in Europe. In addition, the Board will contribute to the Commission's work on the identification of the bold action necessary to strengthen the EU's human capital and support a dynamic, skilled, and adaptable workforce for the EU's prosperity and social cohesion. The Board will build on the findings of the upcoming European Skills Intelligence Observatory , established by the Union of Skills. Among others, it will also support the Commission's work on education and skills within the European Semester , including an EU-27 Recommendation on human capital and the country-specific recommendations. Ylva Johansson, a Swedish national, served as Commissioner for Home Affairs from 2019 to 2024. Previously, she was Sweden's Minister for Employment and Integration, and Minister for Schools, with earlier roles in the Swedish government focusing on education, health, and elderly care, and in the national Parliament, following a career as a mathematics and chemistry teacher. (For more information: Eva Hrnčířová – Tel.: +32 2 298 84 33; Eirini Zarkadoula – Tel.: +32 2 295 70 65) APPOINTMENTS European Commission appoints a new Deputy-Director-General in its Directorate-General for Economic and Financial Affairs The European Commission appointed today Geraldine Mahieu as Deputy-Director General in charge of Coordination of economic policies of Member States within its Directorate-General for Economic and Financial Affairs (DG ECFIN). This department aims to contribute to raising the economic standards of citizens in the European Union and beyond, while promoting sustainable prosperity by fostering competitive and resilient economies, ensuring fiscal sustainability and promoting productivity-focused investment. The date of effect will be determined later. With over 25 years of professional experience, Ms Mahieu has developed deep expertise across various policy areas, including economic analysis, labour market and investments. She has played a central role in leading inter-institutional negotiations on financial instruments aimed at strengthening resilience and convergence within the Union, and has provided economic analysis and advice across key policy areas, including climate change, environment, transport, energy and the digital economy. In particular, Ms Mahieu played a pivotal role in shaping structural reforms in the post-pandemic era by supporting the horizontal implementation of the Recovery and Resilience Facility. Her experience in facilitating inter-institutional cooperation, combined with a robust management experience, makes her well suited to support the Director-General of DG ECFIN in this new role. Ms Mahieu, a Belgian national, is currently serving as Director in charge of Investment, growth and structural reforms in DG ECFIN. Prior to this role, she was Head of Unit in charge of Economics of resilience and transition within the same DG. She has served as Head of Unit in charge of Labour market, health and social services within the former Directorate-General for Structural Reform Support (DG REFORM). In earlier stages of her career, she also held the position of Deputy Head of Unit responsible for the economic adjustment programme for Cyprus, and for the economic and budgetary surveillance of Germany and Austria. Prior to joining the Commission in 2004, Ms Mahieu worked as economist in financial institutions. (For more information: Balazs Ujvari - Tel.: +32 2 295 45 78; Isabel Otero Barderas – Tel.: +32 2 296 69 25) European Commission appoints a new Director in its Directorate-General for Defence Industry and Space The European Commission appointed today Tomasz Husak as the Director for Defence Policy within its Directorate-General for Defence Industry and Space (DG DEFIS). This department is tasked with strengthening the competitiveness and innovation of the European Defence industry, by ensuring the evolution of an able European defence technological and industrial base. The date of effect will be determined later. With over 20 years of experience in defence policy, economics and foreign affairs, Mr Husak brings a strong track record in shaping and delivering key EU initiatives, in particular in the defence field. He has demonstrated extensive expertise in steering complex inter-institutional and international negotiations, including on the European Defence Fund and the EU Space Programme regulations, and played a central role in establishing the legal and budgetary foundations of the Commission's first defence research programmes. He has also successfully conducted negotiations on behalf of the European Commission on the SAFE bilateral agreement with Canada. His proven management experience includes directing sizeable and multidisciplinary teams, coordinating complex policy and budgetary processes, and delivering high-impact files in a politically and operationally sensitive policy environment. This background has equipped him with the strategic, organisational and operational perspective required to head a Directorate at the core of the Union's defence policy agenda and to drive the competitiveness and innovation of the European defence technological and industrial base. Tomasz Husak, a Polish national, is currently serving as Adviser for relations with the EU Agency for the Space Programme and the European Space Agency in DG DEFIS. He previously served as member of the Team of Sauli Niinistö, Special Adviser to the President of the European Commission on issues related to preparedness and readiness, defence industry, EU space programmes, cybersecurity and Global Gateway, among others. Prior to this, he was adviser on digital and data technologies in the Directorate-General for International Partnerships (DG INTPA). He also served as Head of Cabinet of former Commissioner Elżbieta Bieńkowska from 2014 to 2019, in charge of Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs. Prior to joining the Commission in 2014, Mr Husak worked for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Poland. (For more information: Balazs Ujvari - Tel.: +32 2 295 45 78; Isabel Otero Barderas – Tel.: +32 2 296 69 25) 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 MEX/26/260
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