European Commission - Daily News Daily News 19 / 02 / 2026 Brussels, 19 February 2026 Commission publishes summary of responses to the consultation on the ongoing review of the antitrust enforcement Regulation 1/2003 Today, the European Commission published a summary of the contributions received in response to the public consultation on the ongoing review of Regulation 1/2003 , the EU's procedural framework for enfo...
European Commission - Daily News Daily News 19 / 02 / 2026 Brussels, 19 February 2026 Commission publishes summary of responses to the consultation on the ongoing review of the antitrust enforcement Regulation 1/2003 Today, the European Commission published a summary of the contributions received in response to the public consultation on the ongoing review of Regulation 1/2003 , the EU's procedural framework for enforcing its antitrust rules. The contributions generally show respondents' broad support for the revision of Regulation 1/2003 , to adapt and modernise the Commission's investigative powers to the more digitalised world of today, and to make antitrust enforcement more effective and efficient. They also offer useful insights into the potential impact of the measures under consideration. The Commission welcomes the high level of participation, with over 80 contributions submitted by a broad range of interested parties, including businesses, associations, legal professionals, civil society organisations, academics, citizens, public authorities and national competition authorities. In September 2024, the Commission published a Staff Working Document summarising the findings of the evaluation of Regulation 1/2003. Based on the results of this evaluation, the Commission decided to launch a revision of the rules, notably with the aim of accelerating investigations and keeping up with changes such as the digitalisation of the economy. The assessment of the contributions will inform the Commission's legislative proposal for the revision of Regulation 1/2003, which is foreseen within a year. The public consultation , which was launched on 10 July 2025 as part of the ongoing review, included a questionnaire and a call for evidence . The individual contributions received in the context of the consultation are already public. (For more information: Ricardo Cardoso – Tel.: +32 2 298 01 00; Paula Clara Ritter-Moschütz – Tel.: +32 2 296 40 83) Commission approves extension of Dutch glasshouse horticulture energy-saving State aid The European Commission has approved, under EU State aid rules, the prolongation of and budget increase for a Dutch scheme supporting energy saving in glasshouse horticulture. The scheme, open to agricultural companies of all sizes, grants compensation to eligible beneficiaries for energy-saving investments and the upgrading of existing glasshouse for better energy efficiency. The aid takes the form of direct grants, covering up to 30% of the eligible costs. The scheme was originally approved in 2023 and modified once in 2025, with expiration foreseen in January 2027. The Netherlands notified a prolongation until 31 December 2030 and a budget increase of €248 million, bringing the overall budget to €380 million. Several adjustments to improve the existing scheme, in particular the energy efficiency of glasshouses, were notified as well. The Commission assessed the amended scheme under EU State aid rules, in particular Article 107(3) (c) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU , which allows Member States to support the development of certain economic activities under certain conditions, and the 2023 Guidelines for State aid in the agricultural and forestry sectors and in rural areas . The Commission found that the amended scheme remains necessary and appropriate to support and strengthen environmental protection, including biodiversity, climate change mitigation and adaptation, as well as the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. This will contribute to the achievement of the environmental and climate-related objectives of the EU. Furthermore, the Commission found that the scheme remains 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 amended scheme under EU State aid rules. The non-confidential version of the decision will be made available under the number SA.120764 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 Fitzroy CQ by Talisman, IMEA Fitzroy and Mercuria The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of joint control of Fitzroy CQ by Talisman Partners 2 Pty Ltd (‘Talisman'), IMEA Fitzroy Pty Ltd, all of Australia, and Mercuria Energy Group Limited (‘Mercuria') of Bermuda. The transaction relates primarily to coal exploration and mining. The Commission concluded that the notified transaction would not raise competition concerns, given that the joint venture has negligible activities in the European Economic Area. 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.12250 . (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 Italiana Petroli by SOCAR The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of sole control of Italiana Petroli S.p.A. and MIP S.p.A. (together ‘Italiana Petroli') of Italy by the State Oil Company (‘SOCAR') of Azerbaijan. The transaction relates primarily to the supply of crude oil and refined fuels. 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.12218 . (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 Tipico by Lov Group The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of sole control of Tipico Group Limited (‘Tipico') of Malta by the Courbit Family, together with the entities they control through Lov Group Invest (‘Lov Group') of France. The transaction relates primarily to the provision of gambling and betting services. 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.12267 . (For more information: Ricardo Cardoso – Tel.: +32 2 298 01 00; Paula Clara Ritter-Moschütz – Tel.: +32 2 296 40 83) STATEMENTS Joint statement on protection of civilians and humanitarian operations in Sudan Following the recent severe escalation in the conflict in Sudan, Commissioner Hadja Lahbib joined 31 countries to reiterate EU's full support to the people of Sudan and reaffirm its commitment to the respect of international humanitarian law: “ We express grave concern over the continued deadly unlawful attacks on civilians, civilian infrastructure and humanitarian operations as heavy fighting across the Kordofan and Darfur States continues. The recent severe escalation in drone and aerial attacks including those affecting displaced civilians, health facilities, food convoys and areas near humanitarian compounds have resulted in a significant number of civilian deaths and injuries and is further disrupting humanitarian access and supply lines. We condemn the abhorrent violence against civilians, particularly women and children and all serious violations of international humanitarian law in the strongest terms. These violations may amount to war crimes or crimes against humanity and must be promptly and impartially investigated, with those responsible for international crimes brought to justice. All parties must respect international humanitarian law which includes an obligation to allow and facilitate the rapid, safe and unimpeded access of food, medicine, and other essential supplies to civilians in need. Civilians including humanitarian personnel must be protected at all times, particularly women and girls, who remain at risk of sexual and gender-based violence. Those fleeing must be granted safe passage. We stand with the people of Sudan and humanitarian organisations – local and international – who are working tirelessly and under extremely challenging conditions to assist them .” The full statement is available online. (For more information: Eva Hrnčířová – Tel.: +32 2 298 84 33; Quentin Cortès – Tel.: +32 2 296 47 35) 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/26/441
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