European Commission - Daily News Daily News 30 / 01 / 2026 Brussels, 30 January 2026 Commission adopts its January infringement procedures To help citizens and businesses benefit fully from the European Union's legislation, the Commission maintains a constant dialogue with Member States to ensure compliance with EU law. It can initiate infringement procedures against Member States in the event of non-compliance. The ...
European Commission - Daily News Daily News 30 / 01 / 2026 Brussels, 30 January 2026 Commission adopts its January infringement procedures To help citizens and businesses benefit fully from the European Union's legislation, the Commission maintains a constant dialogue with Member States to ensure compliance with EU law. It can initiate infringement procedures against Member States in the event of non-compliance. The decisions taken today, as part of this infringement package, include 64 letters of formal notice and 20 reasoned opinions. The Commission also decided to refer 3 cases to the Court of Justice of the European Union. Finally, the Commission decided to close 72 cases in which the Member States concerned, in cooperation with the Commission, have brought an infringement to an end and ensured compliance with EU law. The European Commission is also taking action against several EU Member States that have failed to notify the Commission of measures they have adopted to fully transpose ten EU directives into their national laws. The Commission is sending a letter of formal notice to these Member States, giving them two months to reply and complete the transposition of the directives. The decisions and the corresponding press releases are available online . More information on the EU infringement procedure can be found in the following memo . (For more information: Arianna Podesta – Tel.: +32 2 298 70 24; Kristyna Eeckels – Tel.: +32 2 295 10 65) Commission welcomes new sanctions against Iran The European Commission welcomes today's Council decision to adopt further restrictive measures against Iran. An additional 15 individuals and six entities have been sanctioned in response to the regime's continued and brutal repression of protesters. The restrictive measures consist of an asset freeze , travel bans to the EU, and a prohibition to make funds or economic resources available to those listed. The European Union is closely following the situation in the country and remains prepared to impose additional sanctions. The Council also extended the prohibition on the export, sale, transfer or supply from the Union to Iran of further components and technologies used in the development and production of drones and missiles. Iran has been providing these to Russia, facilitating its targeting of Ukrainian civilians and infrastructure. In addition, the Council has sanctioned four persons and six entities due to their involvement in Iran's drones and missiles programme. They are now subject to restrictive measures, including travel bans on individuals and asset freezes for individuals and entities. The measures will enter into force on the day of their publication in the Official Journal of the European Union. High Representative/Vice-President, Kaja Kallas, said: “ Our latest EU sanctions are a message to the regime: Iran's suppression of freedom will not go unanswered. Those responsible for the deadly crackdown on protesters, including the Minister of Interior, face international consequences. And we are ready to do more should the situation deteriorate further. In parallel, the Iranian regime continues to support a fellow dictatorship in Russia that kills innocent civilians in Ukraine every day. New sanctions will also apply on those supporting this illegal war. A regime that kills thousands of its own people and supports aggression against others beyond its borders is only working toward its own demise." Commissioner for Financial Services and the Savings and Investments Union, Maria Luís Albuquerque said: “ I strongly welcome the Council's decision to adopt additional restrictive measures against Iran. These further measures demonstrate European Union's unequivocal condemnation of the Iranian regime's violent and disproportionate response to legitimate and peaceful protests, which constitutes a grave violation of fundamental rights and human dignity. At the same time, these measures also reinforce our support for Ukraine by directly targeting Iran's military assistance to Russia's war of aggression. By restricting Iran's capacity to provide military equipment and related technologies, the EU is acting to protect Ukrainian civilians and infrastructure which are intertwined with our own security interests.” (For more information: Siobhan McGarry - Tel.: +32 2 296 47 98; Anouar El Anouni - Tel.: +32 2 584 21 06; Marta Perez-Cejuela Romero - Tel.: +32 2 296 37 70; Luca Dilda - Tel.: +32 2 295 21 53) Commission annual report on Single Market and competitiveness calls for joint action in light of unprecedented challenges Today, the European Commission adopted the 2026 Annual Single Market and Competitiveness Report , the sixth in an annual series, assessing the functioning of the Single Market and the conditions for businesses to innovate, grow, and compete globally while delivering sustainable prosperity for European citizens. Drawing on 29 key performance indicators, the report shows that six indicators have decreased, six have improved, 15 remain broadly unchanged, and two are new. Improvements are observed in the recognition of professional skills and qualifications, EU market surveillance, the use of artificial intelligence, cloud computing and data analytics, InvestEU support for the industrial transition, and renewable energy generation. Areas of decline include intra-EU trade, transposition of Single Market directives , time to establish industrial standards, labour shortages, PISA scores, and private investment. New indicators track simplification efforts and the digitalisation of administrative procedures, projecting savings of around €15 billion. The report also sets out the Commission's focus for 2026 on tackling barriers and supporting key areas of the Single Market. More information is available in the press release online. (For more information: Siobhan McGarry - Tel.: +32 2 296 47 98; Rüya Perincek - Tel.: +32 2 299 49 03) Commissioners Lahbib and Roswall exchange with stakeholders on wildfire risk management This morning, Commissioner for Preparedness and Crisis Management, Hadja Lahbib , and Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy, Jessika Roswall , co-chaired a high-level roundtable on wildfire risk management. They discussed how the EU can build a more integrated and holistic approach to wildfires risk management, the key changes that are required in the next five years, as well as the main obstacle that prevents sectors from collaborating. The group of stakeholders included a broad spectrum of experts from firefighters to academia, landowners, environmental experts as well as representatives from Member States, the European Parliament, the European Economic and Social Committee and the European Committee of the Regions. The exchange will feed into the preparatory work on the upcoming Communication on an integrated approach to wildfires risk management, planned to be adopted before summer. Wildfires – which are polluting air, damaging nature and biodiversity – are more and more frequent in Europe and have direct consequences for people and the economy. They occur in forests, open land and also in cities. They last longer and are more severe due to climate change. The record-breaking 2025 wildfires season, where over 1 million hectares have burnt, was another reminder that the cost of doing nothing is bigger than a preventive approach. This is why it is important for preparedness and environmental prevention to go hand in hand, as landscape management choices influence how ecosystems respond to fire. While national, regional and local authorities manage wildfire prevention, preparedness and response, the EU coordinates and co-finances additional support where needed. In addition to urgent response coordinated through the Emergency Response Coordination Centre , the EU supports, complements and coordinates also the national prevention and preparedness measures where a joint European approach has proven relevant. (For more information Anna-Kaisa Itkonen – Tel.: +32 2 295 75 01; Eva Hrnčířová – Tel.: +32 2 298 84 33; Maëlys Dreux – Tel.: +32 2 295 46 73; Quentin Cortès – Tel.: +32 2 296 47 35) EU allocates €63 million in response to the crisis in Myanmar and its impact on neighbouring countries The European Commission has allocated €63 million in humanitarian aid to help populations affected by the ongoing armed conflict in Myanmar, as well as to support Rohingya refugees living in neighbouring countries. This funding will be used for food assistance, shelters, access to clean water and other essential needs. Commissioner for Preparedness and Crisis Management, Hadja Lahbib , said: “ As we mark half a decade since the dramatic escalation of conflict in Myanmar, the EU remains committed to helping the most vulnerable communities in the country, as well as those that have been forced to flee abroad. With this new funding, humanitarian partners will continue providing life-saving aid, from food and shelter to emergency healthcare and education for children. Once more, I call all parties to respect International Humanitarian Law and to ensure that civilians are protected and can access essential services.” 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) Over 100 national and regional initiatives aim to attract global research talent under Choose Europe for Science National and regional initiatives to reinforce Europe's position as a top destination for global research talent have just reached the impressive number of 101, complementing Choose Europe for Science - an initiative launched by European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen in May 2025. This represents a jump of more than 50% between May 2025 and now, showing Europe's commitment to attracting outstanding minds from around the world and offering them the best possible conditions to develop their careers in the EU. Representing an amount of around €1 billion in funding opportunities, these initiatives reinforce EU- level efforts under Choose Europe for Science, which aims to foster a dynamic and values-driven research environment, backed by nearly €900 million in EU funding, offered through calls targeting global researchers wishing to continue or move their careers to Europe. From competitive grants to long-term positions and fellowships, national and regional initiatives offer support to researchers at all career stages. At the European level, applications for the European Research Council (ERC) grants from non-EU researchers have nearly quadrupled. Applications for Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions postdoctoral fellowships also rose by 65% over the past year. Furthermore, the EU Visa Strategy and the Recommendation on attracting talent for innovation , adopted yesterday by the Commission, aim to simplify administrative processes, hence boosting accessibility for researchers. This reflects the EU's strategic drive to create a single, thriving market for research and innovation. Ekaterina Zaharieva , Commissioner for Startups, Research and Innovation, said: “ We are working as ‘Team Europe' to attract research talent from around the world and to support researchers already working here. Thanks to the growing number of funding opportunities at both EU and national level, respect for freedom of scientific research and a high quality of life, we are seeing a record interest in research opportunities in Europe.” Launched in May 2025, the Choose Europe initiative has steadily expanded its resources and impact, featuring new calls under Horizon Europe . The European Research Area Policy Agenda 2025–27 further supports this growth by enhancing working conditions, career development, and skills recognition. (For more information: Maciej Berestecki - Tel: +32 229-66483; Isabel Arriaga e Cunha – Tel: +32 229-52117) Commission approves a new geographical indication from Spain The European Commission has approved the addition of ‘Miel de Málaga' from Spain to its register of Protected Designation of Origin (PDO). ‘Miel de Málaga' is the food made by honeybees from flower nectar or from processed secretions from the living parts of plants located within the province of Málaga. The honey must be classified by botanical origin, either floral or plant origin, or honeydew honey. Málaga's diverse terrain and climate results in eight different varieties (one multifloral and seven single-flower) distinguished by unique fruity and floral aromas and flavours including, in particular, bitter, astringent, acidic and savoury notes that contrast with the common sweetness of the honey. Warm temperatures in the area accelerate the loss of moisture in the comb, accelerating maturation and then expediting the harvest of ‘Miel de Málaga'. In addition, the long hours of sunshine in this province allow the hives to be active for a longer period of time, meaning that beekeepers can extract honey several times a year. This new designation joins the more than 3,900 protected names already listed in the eAmbrosia database. More information is available on the Quality Policy pages . (For more information: Balazs Ujvari - Tel.: +32 2 295 45 78; Kateřina Horáková - Tel.: +32 2 299 93 10) EU and Viet Nam upgrade ties to comprehensive strategic partnership Yesterday, the European Union and Viet Nam have agreed to upgrade their relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, strengthening ties in areas such as trade, energy, climate and security. This marks an important step forward after 35 years of working together. The EU and Viet Nam will cooperate more closely across a wide range of areas, including trade and investment, sustainable development, climate and energy, digital transformation, research and innovation, security-related issues, and cooperation in multilateral fora. The new strategic partnership will also provide an opportunity to deepen dialogue and cooperation on human rights and fundamental freedoms. This decision reflects how much ties between the EU and Viet Nam have grown over the past three decades. It also shows a shared interest in working more closely in an evolving international environment, particularly in support of international law, multilateralism, and free and open trade. This step builds on years of close cooperation. Agreements like the EU–Viet Nam Free Trade Agreement have boosted trade, investment, and exchanges over the past decade, bringing real benefits to businesses and people on both sides. Cooperation has also grown in areas such as sustainable development and the clean energy transition, climate action, environmental protection, judicial reform, education, security and regional stability. A press release is available online . (For more information: Anitta Hipper – Tel.: +32 2 298 56 91) Commission approves €25.8 million Polish State aid to support the construction of a green economy hub The European Commission has approved, under EU State aid rules, a €25.8 million Polish measure to support the construction of a green economy hub in Tychy, Silesia. The measure will allow the rehabilitation of an existing underdeveloped building and its transformation into a unique facility entirely dedicated to green economy-related activities. This includes preserving and restoring ecosystems and the environment, improving energy and resource efficiency, minimising waste and pollution, and supporting adaptation to climate change impacts. The hub will offer office spaces and incubation services to businesses as well as dedicated training support (reskilling or upskilling) to workers already made redundant or to be made redundant from the mining and mining- related sectors. The project is co-financed by the Just Transition Fund in a sub-region of the Silesian Voivodeship that will face the closure of three coal mines between 2028 and 2037. The aid will take the form of a direct grant to the municipality of Tychy, which owns the building. The Commission assessed the measure under EU State aid rules, in particular Article 107(3)(c) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, which allows Member States to support the development of certain economic activities under certain conditions. The Commission found that the measure is necessary and appropriate for the construction of the hub which will generate important socio-economic benefits for the development of green economy-related activities and for the area eligible to the Just Transition Fund around Tychy. Furthermore, the Commission found that the aid is proportionate , as it is limited to the minimum necessary, and will have a limited impact on competition and trade between Member States. On this basis, the Commission approved the Polish measure under EU State aid rules. The non-confidential version of the decision will be made available under the case number SA.114923 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.: +32 229 94774) Commission opens in-depth State aid investigation into Danish wastewater fee system The European Commission has opened an in-depth investigation into a degressive tariff model for the discharge and treatment of companies' wastewater in Denmark. The Commission is examining whether companies with large water consumption may have been given an unfair advantage, in breach of EU State aid rules. Since 2013, Denmark applies a degressive charge for the treatment of wastewater, based on the volume discharged (the ‘staircase model'). Under this model, companies that discharge large volumes of wastewater pay a lower average charge per cubic meter than companies discharging smaller quantities. In 2018 , following a complaint, the Commission found that the staircase model did not constitute State aid. This decision was annulled by the General Court in April 2024. The General Court found, among others, that the Commission had not properly applied the market economy operator test as laid down in the Commission's Notice on the Notion of Aid . The Commission has now opened an in-depth investigation to assess the economic rationality of introducing the staircase model. It will also assess whether the model is selective. The opening of an in-depth investigation gives Denmark and interested third parties the opportunity to submit comments. The non-confidential version of the decision will be made available under the case number SA.37433 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.: +32 229 94774) Commission clears acquisition of Totalmobile by Five Arrows and DBAG The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of joint control of Mobilise (Topco) Limited of Jersey, holding company of the Totalmobile Group (together ‘Totalmobile') by Five Arrows Managers LLP (‘Five Arrows'), both of the UK, and Deutsche Beteiligungs AG (‘DBAG') of Germany. The transaction relates primarily to the supply of field service management software, mainly in the UK. 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.12243 . (For more information: Ricardo Cardoso – Tel.: +32 2 298 01 00; Paula Clara Ritter-Moschütz – Tel.: +32 2 296 40 83) Commission clears acquisition of Citrosuco by 4F, VSA and PSPIB The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of joint control of Citrosuco S.A. Agroindústria (‘Citrosuco') by 4F Capital N.V. (‘4F'), Votorantim S.A. (‘VSA'), all of Brazil, and Public Sector Pension Investment Board (‘PSPIB') of Canada. The transaction relates primarily to the production and distribution of orange-based food products. The Commission concluded that the notified transaction would not raise competition concerns, given that the new jointly-controlling shareholder, PSPIB, is not active in the same or vertically related markets as the joint venture. 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.12265 . (For more information: Ricardo Cardoso – Tel.: +32 2 298 01 00; Paula Clara Ritter-Moschütz – Tel.: +32 2 296 40 83) Commission clears acquisition of Teck by Anglo American The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of sole control of Teck Resources Limited (‘Teck') of Canada by Anglo American plc of the UK. The transaction relates primarily to the mining and production of copper. The Commission concluded that the notified transaction would not raise competition concerns, given the companies' limited market positions 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.12180 . (For more information: Ricardo Cardoso – Tel.: +32 2 298 01 00; Paula Clara Ritter-Moschütz – Tel.: +32 2 296 40 83) ANNOUNCEMENTS EU-China Water Policy Dialogue to define joint actions for more water resilience On 2 February 2026, Commissioner Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy, Jessika Roswall , will co-chair the third EU-China Water Policy Dialogue together with the Chinese Minister of Water Resources, Li Guoying. As water scarcity is rising, this Dialogue demonstrates how increased cooperation can strengthen global water governance. During the Dialogue, the parties will exchange views on how to jointly address global water challenges. They will take stock and look ahead at how best to build resilient, climate-proof water systems and societies, and how to safeguard them for future generations. They will also discuss priorities and objectives for the upcoming 2026 UN Water Conference and align positions on key issues, such as the establishment of a regular inter-governmental process on water. Commissioner Roswall will also present the EU Water Resilience Strategy , put forward by the Commission in June 2025 . The Strategy highlights that strong European global leadership on water resilience is an opportunity to build strategic alliances with international partners. Following this Dialogue, Commissioner Roswall will host the China-Europe Water Platform (CEWP) High-Level Conference. Complementary to the Dialogue, this Conference will discuss progress of the CEWP work on the basin governance under climate change and on innovative water financing. Commissioner Roswall , said: “Global water demand is projected to exceed available resources by 40% by 2030. This is one of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time. Droughts and floods are becoming more frequent and intense, due to climate change. The good news is that solutions are available, as our EU Water Resilience Strategy demonstrates. I am happy that together with China we share a common understanding of the water pressures and a joint resolve to that we must work together to act on them globally.” You can find more information on EU-China Water Policy Dialogue online. (For more information: Anna-Kaisa Itkonen – Tel.: +32 2 295 75 01; Maëlys Dreux – Tel.: +32 2 295 46 73) 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/26/272
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