European Commission - Daily News Daily News 05 / 02 / 2026 Brussels, 5 February 2026 Commission increases submarine cable security with €347 million investment and new toolbox Submarine data cables, carrying 99% of intercontinental internet traffic, are essential for modern life and the European economy. As the EU faces increasing risks to this critical infrastructure, the European Commission is intensifying efforts ...
European Commission - Daily News Daily News 05 / 02 / 2026 Brussels, 5 February 2026 Commission increases submarine cable security with €347 million investment and new toolbox Submarine data cables, carrying 99% of intercontinental internet traffic, are essential for modern life and the European economy. As the EU faces increasing risks to this critical infrastructure, the European Commission is intensifying efforts to enhance its security and resilience. Today, it introduced a new Cable Security Toolbox of risk mitigating measures and a list of Cable Projects of European Interest (CPEIs). It also amended the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) - Digital Work Programme to allocate €347 million to strategic submarine cable projects, including a €20 million call to enhance Europe's repair capacities, which opens today. The toolbox outlines six strategic and four technical and support measures to improve the security of submarine cable infrastructure. It builds on the October 2025 risk assessment , which identified risk scenarios, threats, vulnerabilities and dependencies. The list of 13 CPEI areas for public funding specifies three five-year stages, up to 2040, to fund projects aimed at strengthening the resilience of submarine cables. Opening today is a €20 million call under CEF Digital to finance adaptable modules for submarine cable repairs. These modules will be stationed at ports or shipyards to swiftly restore submarine cable services. This marks the first phase of a broader initiative planned for all major sea basins of the European Union, including the Baltic, the Mediterranean and the Atlantic. Today's announcements are part of the EU Action Plan on Cable Security , aimed at increasing the security and resilience of Europe's submarine cables, including countering the rise of intentional damage and sabotage. Under the current CEF Digital multiannual Work Programme (2024-2027), a total €533 million is allocated for submarine cable projects, with €186 million already awarded to 25 projects. More information can be found in our press release online. (For more information: Thomas Regnier — Tel. + 32 2 299 10 99; Nika Blazevic — Tel. + 32 2 299 27 17) Unlocking €3 billion for investment opportunities to decarbonise buildings and road transport Today, the European Investment Bank has agreed on a ETS2 Frontloading Facility , jointly developed with the European Commission, making €3 billion available to accelerate investment s in the decarbonisation of sectors covered by the new EU's emissions trading system (ETS2) , notably buildings and road transport . This will allow Member States that have transposed ETS2 to access the funding and pre-finance programmes before the new system kicks off in 2028 and revenues are collected. The frontloaded funding will mainly drive investments in cleaner heating and cooling and reduce energy demand in homes and buildings in the EU . It will ensure that the transition in ETS2 sectors is both socially fair and economically efficient, and supports the EU's climate and energy objectives. Future investments will directly benefit low- and middle-income households making clean solutions more affordable for citizens , in line with the objectives of the Social Climate Fund and national Social Climate Plans . Commissioner for Climate, Net-Zero and Clean Growth, Wopke Hoekstra , said: “With the EIB ETS2 Frontloading Facility, €3billion are made available to Member States to support low and middle income households in the clean transition. The aim is to accelerate the deployment of solutions that reduce energy and transport bills, such as heat pumps and EV schemes. This is part of a package of measures to ensure a smooth phase in of ETS2 and socially fair transition. And this will come on top of the Social Climate Fund." The ETS2 Frontloading Facility will also support measures to encourage a shift to public and shared transport, improve multimodality and expand e-mobility schemes. It will also help accelerate the uptake of zero-emission vehicles, e-bikes, and the deployment of recharging and refuelling infrastructure. There is the possibility of a top-up of the Facility at a later date. This Facility is part of the package of targeted measures proposed by the Commission to ensure a gradual and smooth launch of the ETS2. More information on the ETS2 Frontloading Facility is available online. (For more information: Anna-Kaisa Itkonen – Tel.: +32 2 295 75 01; Ana Crespo Parrondo – Tel.: +32 2 298 13 25) Commission finds that Apple Ads and Apple Maps should not be designated under the Digital Markets Act Today, the European Commission has found that Apple's online advertising service Apple Ads and Apple's online intermediation service Apple Maps should not be designated under the Digital Markets Act (‘DMA'). Today's decision not to designate Apple Ads and Apple Maps follows Apple's notification of these services on 27 November 2025 . Apple submitted arguments explaining why, in its view, the notified services should not qualify as important gateways between business users and end users. Following a review of Apple's arguments, the Commission has concluded that Apple does not qualify as a gatekeeper in relation to Apple Ads and Apple Maps, as neither of these platform services constitute an important gateway for business users to reach end users. This assessment is based on a number of considerations, including that Apple Maps has a relatively low overall usage rate in the EU, and that Apple Ads has very limited scale in the online advertising sector in the EU. The Commission will continue to monitor market developments regarding these services, should any substantial changes arise. This decision does not affect the designation of Apple as a gatekeeper in September 2023 and April 2024 for other core platform services. The non-confidential version of the decision will be published on the Commission's DMA website . (For more information: Thomas Regnier – Tel: +32 2 291 33 91; Ricardo Cardoso – Tel: +32 2 298 01 00; Paula Clara Ritter-Moschütz – Tel: +32 2 296 40 83; Patricia Poropat – Tel: +32 2 298 04 85) Commission approves €3 billion German State aid scheme to support cleantech manufacturing capacity, contributing to Clean Industrial Deal objectives The European Commission has approved a €3 billion German State aid scheme to support strategic investments that add clean technology (cleantech) manufacturing capacity in line with the objectives of the Clean Industrial Deal . This measure will contribute to the transition towards a net-zero economy. The scheme was approved under the Clean Industrial Deal State Aid Framework (CISAF) adopted by the Commission on 25 June 2025 . The purpose of the scheme is to grant aid for investments that add manufacturing capacity for the production, including with secondary raw materials, of net-zero technologies and their main specific components (with the exception of nuclear fission energy technologies and some of their main specific components) listed in Annex II of the CISAF , as well as the production of new or recovered related critical raw materials necessary for the production of those final products or main specific components. Under the scheme, the aid will take the form of grants and tax advantages , interest subsidies for new loans or guarantees for new loans . The measure will be open to companies in the whole territory of Germany. The aid may be granted until 31 December 2030. The Commission concluded that the German scheme is necessary , appropriate and proportionate to accelerate the transition towards a net-zero economy and facilitate the development of certain economic activities, which are of importance for the implementation of the Clean Industrial Deal . Executive Vice-President for Clean, Just and Competitive Transition, Teresa Ribera , said: “ This scheme will ensure additional clean technology manufacturing capacity in Germany. The German state can provide €3 billion in support for key investments in the sector. This will contribute to reaching the goals of the Clean Industrial Deal, while ensuring that potential competition distortions are kept to a minimum. ” A press release is available online. (For more information: Ricardo Cardoso – Tel.: +32 2 298 01 00; Luuk de Klein – Tel.: +32 229 94774) Commission approves new State aid methodology for Estonian guarantee premiums The European Commission has approved, under EU State aid rules, Estonia's methodology for calculating counter-guarantee premiums on new short-term banking guarantees and guarantees on new loans to companies of all sizes. Estonia plans to use this methodology for market-conform measures and for the calculation of the Gross Grant Equivalent under the de minimis regulation . The methodology will support the establishment of fair and market oriented premiums for State guarantees and includes detailed provisions for calculating risk-based premiums, effective interest rate (EIR) premiums and credit default swap premiums. The guarantee premiums will be determined using the highest amount from these three calculations, to ensure alignment with market conditions. The premiums will cover administrative costs, risk costs and adequate capital remunerations. Additionally, the EIR method provides a safeguard against potential aid to the lenders. The introduction of state-backed guarantees and counter-guarantees will reduce the risk of exposure for lenders and encourage greater credit availability for companies, therefore improving their access to finance. This measure is expected to strengthen market confidence, stimulate investment, and support business growth, particularly for companies facing collateral constraints. The methodology is applicable to all economic sectors, except for companies in financial difficulties. It also requires enterprises to be registered in Estonia. Guarantees will back loans or guarantees of up to €25 million with a maturity period of up to 10 years for guarantees and 63 months for counter guarantees. The methodology excludes guarantees on export credit and ensures compliance with EU State aid rules. The total national budget for guarantees over the validity period of the methodology is €150 million. The framework will be implemented by the Estonian Business and Innovation Agency (‘Enterprise Estonia'), a public foundation established by the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications of Estonia, and will remain in effect until February 2030. The Commission concluded that Estonian's methodology meets all requirements of the Guarantee Notice and can be used to calculate guarantee premiums that are aligned with market prices. This approval underscores Estonian's commitment to fostering economic growth while adhering to stringent regulatory standards. The non-confidential version of the decision will be made available under the number SA.117532 in the in the State aid register on the Commission's competition website once any confidentiality issues have been addressed. (For more information: Ricardo Cardoso – Tel.: +32 2 298 01 00; Luuk de Klein – Tel.: +32 229 94774) Commission clears acquisition of Digital Value by OEP IX The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of sole control of Digital Value S.p.A. of Italy by OEP IX Master Coöperatief U.A. (‘OEP IX') of the Netherlands. The transaction relates primarily to the IT solutions and services sector supporting the digital transformation of companies. 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.12224 . (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 GF Casting Solutions by Nemak The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of sole control of the automative business of Georg Fischer AG's Casting Solutions division (‘GF Casting Solutions') of Switzerland by Nemak Exterior S.L. (‘Nemak') of Spain, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Nemak S.A.B. de C.V. of Mexico. The transaction relates primarily to the development, manufacturing and supply of automotive components. 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.12159 . (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 ISEM by Peninsula and Two Point Zero Group The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of joint control of ISEM S.r.l. of Italy by Peninsula Europe II GP SARL (‘Peninsula') of Luxembourg and Two Point Zero Group JSC of the UAE, previously solely controlled by Peninsula. The transaction relates primarily to the design, production, and commercialisation of luxury and premium secondary packaging. 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.12226 . (For more information: Ricardo Cardoso – Tel.: +32 2 298 01 00; Paula Clara Ritter-Moschütz – Tel.: +32 2 296 40 83) STATEMENTS Joint press statement by the EU, US and Japan following their Critical Minerals Ministerial meeting Yesterday, the European Union, the United States, and Japan participated in the Critical Minerals Ministerial meeting held in Washington, DC in which several EU Member States also took part. The European Union, the United States, and Japan are now taking significant steps towards increasing their economic security and national security by jointly enhancing resilience in critical minerals supply chains. They have announced their intention to expedite cooperative efforts for a mutually beneficial Partnership, with two components. This includes a commitment within the next 30 days to conclude a Memorandum of Understanding between the European Union and the United States aimed at boosting critical minerals supply chain security. It will also include discussion of measures to prevent supply chain disruptions, promote research and innovation efforts, and facilitate the exchange of information on stockpiling. Building upon existing international cooperation and initiatives, the European Union, the United States and Japan intend to develop Action Plans and explore a plurilateral trade initiative with like-minded partners on trade in critical minerals. The full statement with more details on the meeting is available online. (For more information: Siobhan McGarry - Tel.: +32 2 296 47 98; Rüya Perincek - Tel.: +32 2 299 49 03) ANNOUNCEMENTS Commissioner Kos in Türkiye to strengthen regional cooperation and connectivity On 6 and 7 February, Commissioner for Enlargement, Marta Kos , will visit Ankara to discuss EU- Türkiye cooperation on regional stability and connectivity, as well as trade and investment, in a shifting geopolitical landscape. On 6 February, Commissioner Kos is set to meet with Vice-President Cevdet Yılmaz, Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Trade Minister Omer Bolat and Treasury and Finance Minister Mehmet Şimşek. The discussions will focus on regional matters, economic and trade cooperation, including the EU- Türkiye Customs Union, as well as support to refugees. The Commissioner will also discuss the regional Connectivity Agenda linking the Black Sea region, South Caucasus and Central Asia. Alongside Minister Şimşek, Commissioner Kos will attend the signing ceremony of €200 million of the new European Investment Bank loan for small and medium-sized enterprises driving the green transition in Türkiye. The Commissioner will also visit the Grand National Assembly and meet members of the EU-Türkiye Joint Parliamentary Committee and the EU Harmonisation Committee. The day will conclude with a roundtable with Turkish business leaders focusing on trade relations and connectivity. (For more information: Guillaume Mercier – Tel.: +32 2 298 05 64; Yuliya Matsyk +32 2 296 27 16) 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/26/311
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