European Commission - Daily News Daily News 12 / 02 / 2025 Brussels, 12 February 2026 EU makes substantial progress on biodiversity commitments, but faster action needed Today, the European Commission published the 7th national report on biodiversity , which highlights the progress made by the European Union in delivering on its biodiversity commitments under the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework . The r...
European Commission - Daily News Daily News 12 / 02 / 2025 Brussels, 12 February 2026 EU makes substantial progress on biodiversity commitments, but faster action needed Today, the European Commission published the 7th national report on biodiversity , which highlights the progress made by the European Union in delivering on its biodiversity commitments under the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework . The report shows that faster action is needed to secure healthy ecosystems, clean water, resilient food systems, and a strong economy. It confirms that the EU and its Member States continue to play a leading role in financing global biodiversity action. The EU is fully on track to double its international biodiversity financing to developing countries – in particular the most vulnerable – from €3.5 billion in 2014–2020 to €7 billion in 2021–2027. The EU already has a comprehensive framework for conservation, restoration and sustainable use of ecosystems, including the Nature Restoration Regulation to restore ecosystems, habitats and species. In 2025, the EU took additional steps with the EU Water Resilience Strategy , the European Ocean Pact , the new Bioeconomy Strategy , and the roadmap towards nature credits . But, as highlighted by the report, Member States must also scale up implementation of EU nature legislation to ensure delivery of all EU targets by 2030. The EU has already provided support to Member States in implementing existing legislation, including through funding programmes. Today's report will feed into a Global Review of Implementation at the CBD COP17 in October 2026 in Armenia. Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy Jessika Roswall said: "This assessment shows that the European Union has put a strong framework in place to protect and restore nature, but it also makes clear that implementation must now accelerate. The Nature Restoration Regulation will help turn commitments into real improvements for people and businesses, from healthier soils and cleaner water to stronger protection against climate risks. Investing in biodiversity is not a cost – it is an investment in Europe's prosperity, resilience and security.” You can find more information on the EU's 7th national report on biodiversity online. (For more information: Anna-Kaisa Itkonen – Tel.: +32 2 295 75 01; Maëlys Dreux – Tel.: +32 2 295 46 73) Commission launches public consultation on EU banking Today, the European Commission launched a targeted consultation and a call for evidence on the competitiveness of the EU banking sector. The initiative seeks input on how EU banks perform domestically and globally, how they support the financing of the European economy, how to further deepen the EU's Single Market and Banking Union and how to simplify and improve the effectiveness of the regulatory and supervisory framework. The consultation builds on the significant progress achieved over the past decade in strengthening the resilience of Europe's banks through the introduction of a robust regulatory framework and the setting up of the Banking Union, which have enhanced financial stability across the EU. At the same time, Europe's banks must play an even stronger role in financing the EU economy, supporting growth, innovation, investments, and reinforcing the EU's competitiveness. Stakeholders' feedback will be used into the Commission's 2026 report on the competitiveness of the EU banking sector, which is part of the Savings and Investment Union (SIU) strategy. The report, scheduled for the third quarter of 2026, will provide an assessment of the situation of the banking system in the Single Market, focusing on competitiveness, and setting out an evidence based, positive and forward-looking agenda for the future of EU banking. Banks are central to the SIU's objectives, as they remain the main source of financing for most EU businesses and households and play a key role in channelling savings into productive investments. Key stakeholders, including banks, financial institutions, public authorities, consumer and investor organisations, social partners, companies using banking services, academics and interested citizens - are invited to participate. Maria Luís Albuquerque , Commissioner for Financial Services and the Savings and Investments Union said: " Europe's banks are stronger and more resilient today thanks to the progress achieved through our robust regulatory framework and thanks to the Banking Union, which have helped safeguard financial stability. But resilience must go hand in hand with competitiveness. We want to hear from stakeholders how the current framework works in practice, where it can be simplified, and how it can better support cross-border activity, innovation and the financing of Europe's economy. Their input will help shape our 2026 report and contribute to a forward-looking agenda for a more dynamic and competitive European banking sector.” The Commission invites all stakeholders to submit their contributions by 19 April 2026 ( targeted consultation ) and 12 March 2026 (Call for Evidence). (For more information: Siobhan McGarry – Tel.: +32 2 296 47 98; Saul Louis Goulding - Tel.: +32 2 296 47 35) Berlin International Film Festival to screen 16 EU-funded films Sixteen European productions supported by Creative Europe Media, which marks its 35th anniversary this year, are featuring at the 76th edition of the Berlinale, one of the most prestigious international film festivals. Among the European works, which received a total of €1,170,500 in EU funding, several are shortlisted for prestigious awards: À voix basse and Dust are competing for both the ‘Golden' and ‘Silver Bear' awards. As part of the programme, on 14 February, the Commission will host the event ‘ Creative Europe Media: Lessons for the Future '. It will present the impact of EU funding on the audiovisual sector over the past decade and host a panel discussion with the industry's professionals. The Commission also supports several initiatives fostering international collaboration and talent development, including the Berlinale Co-Production Market , funded with €4.1 million over three years, and Berlinale Talents and Shooting Stars , the latter supported with over half a million euro from Creative Europe Media. This year, the Creative Europe Media programme is marking its 35th anniversary. Over three and a half decades, the programme has supported European creative works, showcasing the EU's cultural diversity and strengthening the competitiveness of the industry. The success of the MEDIA programme paves the way to the proposed AgoraEU programme , which strengthens support to the audiovisual and news media sectors. The Berlinale is a key annual meeting point for film professionals and audiences alike. Beyond its cultural significance, it provides an important platform for industry exchanges on current trends and future challenges in the audiovisual sector. The winners will be announced at the Berlinale Awards Ceremony on 21 February. (For more information: Thomas Regnier - Tel.: +32 2 299 10 99; Patricia Poropat - Tel.: +32 2 298 04 85) Commission announces the winners of the 2025 EU translation school contest The European Commission has announced today the 27 winners , one for each EU country, from the 716 schools that took part in the EU school translation contest ‘Juvenes Translatores' for 17-year-olds. This time, 3004 students tried their hand at translating a text between any two of the EU's 24 official languages. While English features prominently, the 155 language combinations chosen by students also included language pairs such as Bulgarian-Greek, Danish-Czech, Irish-Spanish and Croatian- Swedish. Official translators from the European Commission selected the winners, as well as the 186 students who received special mentions for their impressive work . The award ceremony will take place on 27 March 2026. The 27 young translators, accompanied by their teachers and parents, will be shown how European Commission translators work on a daily basis. This visit will serve also as an EU meeting point for them to meet each other, get to know how the European Union works for them. Funded by the Erasmus+ programme , the Juvenes Translatores contest has been organised by the Commission's Directorate-General for Translation every year since 2007, to promote translation and multilingualism. This contest has been a life-changing experience for many of its participants and winners. Some have decided to study translation at university, and some have joined the Commission's translation department as trainees or full-time translators or interpreters. (For more information: Balazs Ujvari - Tel.: +32 2 295 45 78; Isabel Otero Barderas - Tel.: +32 2 296 69 25) Commission clears acquisition of Sealed Air by CD&R The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of sole control of Sealed Air Corporation (‘Sealed Air') by funds managed by Clayton, Dubilier & Rice, LLC (‘CD&R'), all of the US. The transaction relates primarily to the market of packaging solutions for food and goods. 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.12261 . (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 Unigestion PE by Sagard UK The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of sole control of Unigestion Private Equity Holding SA (‘Unigestion PE') of Switzerland by Sagard UK Management Limited (‘Sagard UK') of the UK. The transaction relates primarily to the provision of private equity investment services. 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.12215 . (For more information: Ricardo Cardoso – Tel.: +32 2 298 01 00; Paula Clara Ritter-Moschütz – Tel.: +32 2 296 40 83) STATEMENTS EU, the African Union and the United Nations reaffirm commitment to end the use of child soldiers Ahead of the International Day against the Use of Child Soldiers, on 12 February, European Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management, Hadja Lahbib, reaffirms the EU's commitment to ending and preventing the recruitment and use of children by armed forces and armed groups worldwide. She signed a joint statement with African Union Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, Ambassador Bankole Adeoye and United Nations Under-Secretary- General, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict, Vanessa Frazier: "On the International Day against the Use of Child Soldiers, we reiterate the importance of protecting children from the ravages of war, as we witness the staggering scale of today's conflicts and their devastating impact on children. One in five children worldwide lives in conflict-affected settings. In 2024 alone, the United Nations verified the recruitment and use of 7,402 children by parties to conflict. At a time when multilateralism faces growing pressure, strong partnerships matter more than ever. Cooperation between the European Union, the African Union and the United Nations remains central to advancing the shared goal of protecting children affected by conflict and paving the way to sustainable peace. We reaffirm our unwavering commitment to protecting children affected by armed conflict and to ending and preventing the recruitment and use of children by armed forces and armed groups worldwide. We remain equally committed to addressing the root causes that drive child recruitment. We call on all parties in conflict situations to comply fully with international law, to immediately and unconditionally release all children from their ranks, and to ensure that children associated with parties to conflict are treated first and foremost as victims. The protection of children underpins peace itself. Their voices must guide and inform our shared action." The full statement can be read online. (For more information: Eva Hrnčířová – Tel.: +32 2 298 84 33; Quentin Cortès – Tel.: +32 2 296 47 35) ANNOUNCEMENTS President von der Leyen participates in the 2026 Munich Security Conference The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen , will be in Munich on Friday and Saturday to participate in this year's edition of the Munich Security Conference , gathering political and industry leaders from all over the world to discuss the most pressing international security challenges. The President will be accompanied by several members of the College, who will be joining from February 13 to 15. The meeting comes at a crucial time for the European Union: facing unprecedented security challenges, the European Commission has put forward the most ambitious defence initiatives in generations – including the SAFE procurement instrument and the Readiness Roadmap 2030 . They are expected to bring the greatest surge in defence investment in the Union's history. They form an essential part of the Commission's push to make Europe independent, as President von der Leyen said, from trade diversification to energy supply. The President joins the conference on Friday, starting with short press statements together with Minister-President of Bavaria Markus Söder, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, and German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul. They will then participate in a forum on the topic of transatlantic security. On Saturday, President von der Leyen will start by delivering a keynote speech. She will also have a series of bilateral meetings over the two days. You can follow the updates on the President's social media . The members of the College present in Munich will discuss topics ranging from cybersecurity and AI to energy, climate, environment, food security, migration, development, and economic growth. You can follow their updates on their respective calendars online. Audiovisual material on the President's participation in the Munich Security Conference will be available on EBS . (For more information: Paula Pinho – tel.: +32 2 292 08 15) Commissioner Lahbib visits Ukraine to reiterate EU support While Russia continues to target Ukraine's energy infrastructure, leaving more than one million people without electricity and water, the European Union remains firmly at Ukraine's side to help its people endure another winter under attack. Today, Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management, Hadja Lahbib , is in Ukraine to reaffirm that Europe's support is constant, concrete and long-term — and that Ukraine's resilience remains a European priority. Commissioner Lahbib stated: “When a family cannot heat their home or a hospital loses power, this is not collateral damage, it is a direct attack on civilians. Russia is trying to freeze a nation into submission. It will fail. Ukraine has shown remarkable resilience. Europe will continue to stand with you to keep the lights on and hope alive. ” During her visit, Commissioner Lahbib will meet with Ukrainian authorities, including Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko, as well as representatives of the President's Office, the Ministry of Energy, and the Ministry of Development. Discussions will focus on strengthening humanitarian assistance and reinforcing the resilience of critical infrastructure in the country. The Commissioner will visit key energy facilities that supply electricity to more than 500,000 people and have been heavily impacted by attacks, leaving large segments of the population exposed during the harsh winter. Commissioner Lahbib will also visit EU-supported health and social care institutions. She will meet medical and social care staff, as well as beneficiaries, to discuss ongoing needs and the EU's continued support for health services and emergency response. In addition, the Commissioner will visit EU-supported centres in Kyiv that offer vital services such as heating, medical assistance, and hot meals to families affected by the energy crisis. So far, the total support provided by the EU and its Member States is €193.7 billion . The EU has also offered over 157,000 tonnes of aid – this includes over 11,200 power generators, more than 7,200 transformers, 6 autotransformers, a complete thermal power plant, thousands of electrical components, and millions of energy-efficient LED. The EU deployed almost 1,000 generators in January alone from its strategic emergency reserve in face of the relentless Russian attacks on energy infrastructure. (For more information: Eva Hrnčířová – Tel.: +32 2 298 84 33; Quentin Cortès – Tel.: +32 2 296 47 35) Commissioner Hansen participates in the world's largest fair for organic products and engages with young farmers Commissioner for Agriculture, Christophe Hansen , will attend Biofach , the world's largest trade fair for organic products, on February 13 . The fair, taking place in Nürnberg, Germany, constitutes the most important annual international gathering of the organic sector. This year's edition aims to deal with generational renewal. Commissioner Hansen will engage in discussions regarding the future of organic farming and its role in the EU's ambitious agricultural policy programme. During the visit to the fair, the Commissioner will meet IFOAM Organics Europe and Nürnberg Messe officials as well as representatives from local governments. Later, Commissioner Hansen will participate in a roundtable with Bavarian young farmers and vegetable growers' associations, focusing on how to make agriculture attractive to new generations amidst current policy challenges. During the visit, Commissioner will also bring attention to the EU Organic Awards . Applications for the fifth edition opened on 10 February 2026 and will remain open until 26 April 2026. The EU Organic Awards comprise seven awards across six categories and recognise actors across the organic value chain who have developed excellent, innovative, sustainable and inspiring projects, delivering tangible added value for organic production and consumption. (For more information: Balazs Ujvari - Tel.: +32 2 295 45 78; Kateřina Horáková - Tel.: +32 2 299 93 10) 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/26/397
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