European Commission - Daily News Daily News 18 / 02 / 2026 Brussels, 18 February 2026 EU announces over €81 million in humanitarian aid as conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo pushes Great Lakes crisis to new extremes The escalation of conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is driving mass displacement. Food, water and shelter are stretched to breaking point and women and children incr...
European Commission - Daily News Daily News 18 / 02 / 2026 Brussels, 18 February 2026 EU announces over €81 million in humanitarian aid as conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo pushes Great Lakes crisis to new extremes The escalation of conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is driving mass displacement. Food, water and shelter are stretched to breaking point and women and children increasingly left exposed to violence and exploitation. The EU is mobilising €81.2 million in humanitarian aid across the Great Lakes. Commissioner for Crisis Management, Hadja Lahbib , stated: “ Civilians in eastern DR Congo are trapped between bullets and hunger. Families are fleeing, and survivors of violence are struggling to find even basic care. The EU is mobilising €81.2 million in humanitarian assistance to ease the suffering of those most at risk. But money alone will not stop suffering. Aid workers must be able to reach people safely, quickly and without obstacles. International humanitarian law is not a buffet table. You don't pick and choose. It is a duty for all parties, and it must be fully respected. ” Commissioner Lahbib is currently visiting the DRC, Burundi and Rwanda to assess the most pressing humanitarian needs on the ground and to advocate for humanitarian access with all parties to the conflict in eastern DRC. This follows the Foreign Affairs Council discussion on 29 January , where the Commissioner received full support from Member States for her mission, with a view to developing tangible humanitarian diplomacy initiatives. During her visit, she will be meeting with government representatives in the three countries, humanitarian partners and visit EU-funded humanitarian aid projects. The DRC is facing one of the world's most severe humanitarian crises, driven by persistent armed conflict, mass displacement, disease outbreaks and deep poverty. More than 21 million people require humanitarian assistance, while violence in the eastern provinces continues to force families to flee repeatedly, often into overcrowded shelters or temporary camps. 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) Commission approves new geographical indications from Romania and Thailand The European Commission has approved the addition of ‘ Batog de sturion ' (PGI) from Romania and ‘ มะพร้าวน้ําหอมราชบุรี /Maphrao Namhom Ratchaburi ' from Thailand to its register of Protected Geographical Indications (PGI). ‘Batog de sturion' from Romania is a food made from back fillet of sturgeons from aquaculture. Such sturgeons possess desirable characteristics, as their diet resembles to that of wild sturgeons, while living in conditions favourable for growth and reproduction in a controlled, contaminant-free environment. Filleted, skinned, and portioned by hand, the fillet has a compact structure for easy slicing. The manufacturing process of ‘Batog de sturion' includes salting with a mixture of rock salt and sugar, drying to gain consistency with at least 35% residual moisture, and smoking with hardwood to enhance flavour and colour. The sweet and salty taste is accompanied by a meaty taste specific to the sturgeon species. ‘ มะพร้าวน้ําหอมราชบุรี /Maphrao Namhom Ratchaburi' from Thailand is an aromatic coconut classified as a short green coconut variety known as Moo Si Khiao, notable for its fresh green skin with a pleated bottom and a round center with double-layer meat. Its plantations are located in the central and eastern plains and lowlands of Ratchaburi Province, where unique topography, soil, and climate, coupled with human expertise in selecting mature fruit, seasonal planting, and precise harvesting, collectively enhance the quality and uniqueness of the product. 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 . (For more information: Balazs Ujvari - Tel.: +32 2 295 45 78; Kateřina Horáková - Tel.: +32 2 299 93 10) Commission clears acquisition of AURES Holdings by EPEI The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of sole control of AURES Holdings a.s. of Czechia by EP EQUITY INVESTMENTS S.À.R.L. (‘EPEI') of Luxembourg. The transaction relates primarily to the market for retail sale of used cars and related services in the Central and Eastern European region. 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.12293 . (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 Energia by Ardian The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of sole control of Energia Group Limited (‘Energia') of Ireland by Ardian France S.A. (‘Ardian') of France. The transaction relates primarily to the electricity markets in Ireland. 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.12196 . (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 Goldman Sachs TFI by ING Group The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of sole control of Goldman Sachs TFI of Poland by ING Group of the Netherlands. The transaction relates primarily to asset management markets. 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.12257 . (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 Smiths Detection by CVC The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of sole control of Smiths Detection Group Limited (‘Smiths Detection') of the UK by CVC Capital Partners plc (‘CVC') of Jersey. The transaction relates primarily to security screening and threat detection technologies. The Commission concluded that the notified transaction would not raise competition concerns, given that the companies are not active in the same or vertically related markets. 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.12276 . (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 NVL by Rheinmetall The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of sole control of Blohm + Voss B.V. & Co. KG (‘B+V') and NVL B.V. & Co. KG (together with B+V, ‘NVL') by Rheinmetall, all of Germany. The transaction relates primarily to naval surface shipbuilding and related services in the defence sector. The Commission concluded that the notified transaction would not raise competition concerns, given the limited impact on the market structure. 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.12244 . (For more information: Ricardo Cardoso – Tel.: +32 2 298 01 00; Paula Clara Ritter-Moschütz – Tel.: +32 2 296 40 83) ANNOUNCEMENTS Commissioner Šuica travels to Washington DC to attend the meeting of the Board of Peace on Gaza Tomorrow, Commissioner for the Mediterranean Dubravka Šuica will participate on behalf of the European Commission in the Gaza Peace Plan talks in the context of a Board of Peace meeting. Her participation is in line with the EU's commitment to the implementation of the ceasefire in Gaza, as well as to international efforts for its recovery and reconstruction. The EU is a strong advocate for a two-State solution with a secure Israel and a viable Palestinian State. The EU has an important role to play in this context as the biggest provider of external assistance to the Palestinians (€1.6 billion multiannual programme to Palestine recovery and resilience for 2025-2027 and over €550 million in humanitarian assistance since October 2023). In November 2025, the EU set up the Palestine Donor Group , to gather international support for the implementation of the reform agenda of the Palestinian Authority, also in line with point 19 of the Gaza Peace Plan. In Washington, Commissioner Šuica will take part in the talks to facilitate coordination and complementarity of our actions with international efforts for the post-war recovery and reconstruction of Gaza. In the margins of the meeting, Commissioner Šuica will hold a number of bilateral meetings with key actors. More information is available in her calendar . (For more information: Guillaume Mercier - Tel.: +32 2 298 05 64; Luca Dilda - Tel.: +32 2 295 21 53) Commissioners Roswall and Hansen host implementation dialogue on environmental legislation Tomorrow, Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy, Jessika Roswall , and Commissioner for Agriculture and Food, Christophe Hansen , will host an implementation dialogue on environmental legislation in Brussels. The dialogue will gather participants from the farming community, water sectors, civil society, and Member States' authorities. This dialogue will provide an opportunity to discuss practical implementation challenges faced by farmers and forest-holders under the existing environmental framework and look at possible solutions within the framework of current legislation. Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy Jessika Roswall said: "This dialogue is about trust, predictability and workable rules so that nature continues to support food production, rural livelihoods and long-term resilience. A competitive agriculture and a healthy environment are two sides of the same coin.” Commissioner for Agriculture and Food, Christophe Hansen , said: “I am pleased to hold this dialogue with Commissioner Roswall and to have the opportunity to discuss the combined impact of four major pieces of environmental legislation on farmers and forest holders. It will help us assess the issues with their implementation, and what is needed to foster innovation, and support generational renewal in agriculture.” Implementation dialogues are high-level consultations launched by the European Commission to improve how EU policies are implemented on the ground, in close cooperation with Member States and stakeholders. These dialogues are part of the Commission's commitment to seek feedback from society for the implementation and simplification of EU policies. As outlined in the Commission's Communication on Implementation and Simplification for the 2024-2029 mandate, all Members of the College of Commissioners must host such dialogues annually. (For more information: Anna-Kaisa Itkonen – Tel.: +32 2 295 75 01; Balazs Ujvari - Tel.: +32 2 295 45 78; Maëlys Dreux – Tel.: +32 2 295 46 73; Kateřina Horáková - Tel.: +32 2 299 93 10) APPOINTMENTS Commission appoints a new Director in its Directorate-General for Financial Stability, Financial Services and Capital Markets Union The European Commission appointed today Astrid Cousin as the Director for Horizontal Policies within its Directorate-General for Financial Stability, Financial Services and Capital Markets Union (DG FISMA). This department fosters a resilient and stable financial system that supports economic growth and aligns with the EU's strategic priorities, including long-term competitiveness, security, and the digital and green transitions. The date of effect will be determined later. With over 25 years of experience in strategic policy coordination, inter-institutional relations and financial services regulation, Ms Cousin brings a strong track record across a broad range of EU policy areas, including the internal market, financial services, green transition and digital transformation. She has successfully contributed to aligning state aid and banking policy with major Union initiatives such as the Banking Union and the Capital Markets Union, demonstrating her ability to ensure coherence across complex policy frameworks. She has also led sensitive financial aid cases and advised high-level decision makers, showcasing solid management skills and the capacity to operate effectively in politically and operationally demanding environments. Taken together, these experiences provide her with the breadth of vision and coordination capacity necessary to steer the Directorate for Horizontal Policies in DG FISMA. Astrid Cousin, a French national, currently serves as Head of Unit responsible for strategic coordination in the Directorate-General for Competition (DG COMP). She previously held the position of Head of Unit for State Aid to Financial Institutions within the same Directorate-General. She has also served as a member of the Cabinet of former Commissioner for Competition Margrethe Vestager, where she was responsible for files related to the Banking Union, the Capital Markets Union and industrial policy. Earlier in her career, she worked in the Cabinet of former Commissioner for Competition Joaquín Almunia, contributing notably to the State Aid Modernisation agenda. Before joining the European Commission in 2009, she worked in various private financial institutions. (For more information: Balazs Ujvari - Tel.: +32 2 295 45 78; Isabel Otero Barderas - Tel.: +32 2 296 69 25) Commission appoints a new Director in its Directorate-General for Communications Networks, Content and Technology The European Commission appointed today Prabhat Agarwal as the Director for Online Platforms: Society within its Directorate-General for Communications Networks, Content and Technology (DG CNECT). This department works on shaping Europe's digital present and future, making Europe safe, more competitive and technologically sovereign. The date of effect will be determined later. With over 25 years of experience in science and technology, policy development and enforcement in the field of online platforms and digital policy, Mr Agarwal brings a strong track record in advancing key EU initiatives in areas such as strategic technology development, innovation and regulation. He has played a central role in integrating scientific expertise and emerging technologies into policymaking, notably contributing to the design and enforcement of the Digital Services Act (DSA), the EU's flagship framework for platform regulation. He has led a number of high-profile enforcement actions and steered the development of the Commission's internal enforcement structures, demonstrating solid management and operational leadership experience. These achievements have equipped him with the strategic, organisational and operational perspective required to lead the Directorate for Online Platforms: Society at DG CNECT and advance the Union's digital governance objectives. Prabhat Agarwal, a German national, currently serves as Head of Unit for the ´DSA Protection of Minors and other Societal Risks´ Unit at DG CNECT and is also acting Head of Unit for the ´Risk Management and User Rights´ Unit. He previously held the position of Deputy Head of Unit for Online Platforms and eCommerce within the same Directorate-General. Before joining the European Commission in 2007, he worked as a senior scientist in the private sector. (For more information: Balazs Ujvari - Tel.: +32 2 295 45 78; Isabel Otero Barderas - Tel.: +32 2 296 69 25) Commission appoints a new Director in its Directorate-General for Financial Stability, Financial Services and Capital Markets Union The European Commission appointed today Didier Millerot as the Director for General Affairs within its Directorate-General for Financial Stability, Financial Services and Capital Markets Union (DG FISMA). This department fosters a resilient and stable financial system that supports economic growth and aligns with the EU's strategic priorities, including long-term competitiveness, security, and the digital and green transitions. The date of effect will be determined later. With over 30 years of experience in the European Commission, notably in the fields of financial instruments, capital investment and trade, Mr Millerot brings a strong track record in advancing sustainable finance and shaping regulatory frameworks. He has played a central role in the development of the EU Taxonomy for sustainable investments and in establishing regulatory frameworks for insurance and occupational pensions. He has also successfully led and negotiated major legislative initiatives, including capital requirements for investment firms, covered bonds, and reforms promoting international accounting standards and enhanced transparency on environmental and social matters. These experiences provide him with the managerial acumen and operational capacity necessary to steer the Directorate for General Affairs, reinforcing the Commission's objectives in sound financial governance and sustainable economic development. Didier Millerot, a French-Belgian national, currently serves as Head of Unit for Sustainable Finance in DG FISMA. He previously held the position of Head of Unit for Insurance and Pensions within the same Directorate-General. He has also served as Head of Unit responsible for Banks and Financial Conglomerates and, earlier, as Head of Unit for Accounting and Financial Reporting, both in DG FISMA. He joined the European Commission in 1994. (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/26/434
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