European Commission - Daily News Daily News 25 / 02 / 2026 Brussels, 25 February 2026 Joint press release: New facility to boost support for EU regions most affected by the war in Ukraine Tomorrow, the Commission will be hosting the launch of a new initiative to provide easier access to lending support to EU Member States bordering Russia, Belarus and Ukraine. This initiative, titled ‘EastInvest Facility', is at the ...
European Commission - Daily News Daily News 25 / 02 / 2026 Brussels, 25 February 2026 Joint press release: New facility to boost support for EU regions most affected by the war in Ukraine Tomorrow, the Commission will be hosting the launch of a new initiative to provide easier access to lending support to EU Member States bordering Russia, Belarus and Ukraine. This initiative, titled ‘EastInvest Facility', is at the core of the strategy for the EU's eastern regions bordering Russia, Belarus and Ukraine adopted last week by the Commission to help these regions tackle the challenges they face in the wake of Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine. The EastInvest Facility will be a dedicated financing platform for EU eastern regions, bringing together the European Investment Bank (EIB) Group, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the Nordic Investment Bank, the Council of Europe Development Bank, and national promotional banks from the nine concerned Member States: Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, and Bulgaria. It will make it easier for private and public project promoters in EU eastern regions to access loans and advisory support to boost their economies, develop trade and enhance security. The four participating financial institutions estimate that the Facility will provide at least €28 billion in private and public investments in those regions. The Facility will be launched at a high-level event hosted by Executive Vice-President Rafaelle Fitto , in Brussels, where the EIB and the other international financial institutions and national promotional banks will sign the Facility declaration of intent. The event, which will be opened by the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen , will bring together the President of the EIB, Nadia Calviño, as well as high-level representatives from the nine concerned countries who will discuss the challenges and opportunities inherent to securing prosperity for Europe's eastern border regions. Participants include the Prime Ministers of Estonia, Kristen Michal, Lithuania, Inga Ruginienė, Latvia, Evika Siliņa, and Romania, Ilie Bolojan, as well as the President of the European Investment Bank, Nadia Calviño. More information is available in our joint press release . (For more information: Maciej Berestecki - Tel: +32 229-66483; Isabel Arriaga e Cunha – Tel: +32 229-52117) Commission proposes that EU becomes founding member of the International Claims Commission for Ukraine The European Commission has adopted a proposal for the European Union to become a founding member of the International Claims Commission, a body tasked with ensuring that victims of Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine are compensated. The proposal will need to be adopted by Member States in the Council and approved by the European Parliament. The European Union will then become a founding member of the International Claims Commission. The International Claims Commission will operate under the umbrella of the Council of Europe. It will be responsible for reviewing, assessing, and determining claims for compensation for the damage, loss and injury caused by Russia in Ukraine and to its people. It will also be responsible for determining the amount of compensation due in each case. Kaja Kallas , High Representative/Vice-President for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, said: “ If you start a war, you foot the bill. And as the full-scale invasion of Ukraine enters its fifth year, the price of Russia's aggression is only growing. Hundreds of billions will be needed to rebuild Ukrainian homes and infrastructure, and clear explosives scattered across the country. Every Ukrainian citizen can already register compensation claims for damage, loss or injury thanks to the Claims Commission. And when the war is over, Russia must pay for the damage it has caused.” Michael McGrath , Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, the Rule of Law and Consumer Protection, said: “Peace without accountability is no peace at all - and accountability demands repair. The International Claims Commission will document the true cost of Russia's aggression and ensure that fair compensation is determined. The European Union will continue to stand with Ukraine and ensure justice for its people.” In December 2025, the European Union signed the Convention establishing the Claims Commission, alongside 35 countries, and committed up to €1 million to support its establishment within the framework of the Council of Europe. The Claims Commission builds on the important work carried out by the Register of Damage , which was established in May 2023 to record eligible claims. Through the Register, Ukraine and its people can already submit claims for damage, loss or injury namely for death and serious injury, sexual violence, loss of housing or residence and deportation of children. More information on the EU's efforts to ensure accountability for Russia's atrocities against Ukraine can be found online. (For more information: Markus Lammert - Tel : +32 2 296 75 33 ; Antoine Lomba – Tel : +32 2 299 32 33 ) ‘Roam Like at Home': Commission proposes to open negotiations to extend EU Roaming to the Western Balkans The European Commission has proposed to open negotiations with Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia to integrate them into the EU's ‘Roam Like at Home' regime. Once the agreements are finalised with each of the partners and once they have each fully aligned with EU roaming rules, people travelling between the EU and Western Balkans will be able to make calls, send text messages and use mobile data without roaming surcharges. Henna Virkkunen , Executive Vice-President for Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy, said: “ Today, we are taking a significant step for the Western Balkan partners' journey towards joining the EU's roaming family. It is good news both for citizens and businesses. ” Marta Kos , Commissioner for Enlargement, said: “R oaming charges are a problem for people across the Western Balkans. They affect workers crossing borders or families who simply want to stay in touch. Surprise bills or higher charges when travelling are something we no longer know inside the EU. Today we proposed to extend this to the Western Balkans. It would mean easier calls, and mobile data that works at home prices. ” Find more information in our press release . (For more information: Ricardo Cardoso – Tel.: +32 2 298 01 00; Patricia Poropat - Tel.: +32 2 298 04 85) Commission supports Luxembourg-based company to develop satellite-to-smartphone connectivity, with InvestEU Backed by the European Commission, via the InvestEU programme , the European Investment Bank (EIB) will provide €25 million in venture debt financing to the Luxembourg-based company ‘OQ Technology' to support the development and expansion of its satellite connectivity network. The financing will support research, development and deployment of low-Earth-orbit satellite telecommunications technology aligned with international mobile communication standards. OQ Technology is building a European sovereign constellation designed to deliver affordable and reliable 5G connectivity directly to devices. The project includes the development and launch of more than 20 software-defined, multi-band satellites capable of supporting direct-to-device communication across Europe and beyond, including underserved regions. The investment underlines the EU's commitment to strengthening Europe's space ecosystem, fostering technological leadership and supporting innovative companies that contribute to connectivity, resilience and strategic autonomy. “ Space is a globally fast-growing sector and OQ Technology is onboard the race. Europe needs to capture this growth for its competitiveness, resilience and autonomy. The EU is committed to a thriving space industry with access to risk finance being at the core of its efforts led by the EIB Group. The EU's InvestEU and CASSINI offering dedicated services to the space market have proven to be very effective boosters of space commercialisation, ” stated Andrius Kubilius , Commissioner for Defence and Space. The Commission sets InvestEU's strategy, provides the EU budget guarantee, and oversees its implementation. InvestEU provides the EU with crucial long-term funding by leveraging substantial private and public funds. It is implemented through financial partners who invest in projects using the EU budget guarantee of €26.2 billion. InvestEU has mobilised at least €372 billion in additional investment so far. More information is available in a joint press release online. (For more information: Siobhan McGarry – Tel.: +32 2 296 47 98; Rüya Perincek - Tel.: +32 2 299 49 03) Commission awards European Heritage Label to 13 historical sites across the EU Today, the European Commission announced 13 new heritage sites selected for the 2025 European Heritage Label, recognising their key role in the history and culture of Europe, and adding to the 67 sites already part of the network. The newly awarded sites are: Landeszeughaus Graz (Austria); Domain & Royal Museum of Mariemont (Belgium); Provadia Salt-Production and Urban Centre (Bulgaria); Free Speech Space (Czechia); Pader Urban River Landscape (Germany); La Nau Cultural Centre (Spain); Industrial Heritage of Varkaus (Finland); Rashi of Troyes – Places of Remembrance (France); Places of Peace (Portugal, Spain, France, Hungary, Slovakia, Croatia, Bulgaria); Bosco Delle Querce (Italy); Saint Paul's Catacombs (Malta); Krzysztof Penderecki European Centre for Music (Poland); Lagar Velho Rockshelter (Portugal). A flagship initiative of the Creative Europe programme, the label recognises sites that have profoundly impacted the history, culture, and development of the European Union. This year marks a significant increase in awarded sites, with the highest number of recipients since 2014, highlighting the continued importance of the cultural sector. The honour also highlights the commitment to public engagement and awareness, with a specific focus on inspiring young audiences. Glenn Micallef , Commissioner for Intergenerational Fairness, Youth, Culture and Sport, expressed his enthusiasm: “ Today, 13 extraordinary sites obtain the prestigious 2025 European Heritage Label. From Saint Paul's Catacombs in Malta to the Industrial Heritage of Varkaus in Finland, each site is a living testament, and a storyteller, capturing the essence of Europe's rich history and evolution. They bring Europe's shared history to life, offering people a chance to learn about the roots of Europe and to transform the complexities of our past into a living dialogue that connects cultures and empowers young people. They contribute to a deeper understanding of the experiences that have shaped the European Union as we know it today.” The 13 sites were selected by a panel of independent experts from a list of 21 shortlisted candidates . The winners will be invited to the European Heritage Label Awards Ceremony, which will take place on 22 April 2026 in Brussels, Belgium, in the presence of Commissioner Micallef . More information on the newly awarded sites and the 67 sites awarded in previous editions can be found online. (For more information: Eva Hrncirova - Tel.: +32 2 298 84 33; Eirini Zarkadoula - Tel.: +32 2 295 70 65) Pallet wrapping exempted from 100% reuse requirement under EU packaging legislation Today, the European Commission decided that wrapping and straps used to secure goods on pallets during transport will not have to meet the EU's 100% reuse requirement under the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR). This balanced approach reinforces the EU's commitment to advancing a circular economy while acknowledging operational feasibility. This decision follows a Commission's study assessing the feasibility for an exemption to the 100% reuse target for pallet wrapping and straps used within companies and between companies in the same Member State, set under the PPWR. The study concluded that the exclusive use of reusable pallet wrappings and straps for transport operations when used within the same company or among linked or partner companies, or for deliveries within the same Member State, could lead to disproportionate adaptation costs. The exemption ensures operators can meet the other overall 40% reusability target under the PPWR without facing undue burdens associated with specific packaging components, aligning sustainability goals with current technological and financial realities. Indeed, under the Regulation, from 1 January 2030, economic operators in the EU will have to ensure that at least 40% of transport and sales packaging, including pallets and pallet wrapping and straps, is reusable. You can find more information online . (For more information: Anna-Kaisa Itkonen – Tel.: +32 2 295 75 01; Maëlys Dreux – Tel.: +32 2 295 46 73) Commission invites comments on draft new State aid General Block Exemption Regulation The European Commission has today launched a public consultation on the draft of a simpler and more streamlined General Block Exemption Regulation (GBER ) . The GBER defines specific categories of State aid as compatible with EU rules, if they fulfil certain conditions, and exempts them from prior notification to and approval by the Commission. This allows Member States to quickly provide aid if conditions limiting the distortion of competition in the Single Market are met. The new GBER will involve less administrative burden, will be adapted to recent social, market and technology developments and will allow greater flexibility in the design of aid measures. Changes include measures for SMEs, simplification of the granting of operating aid for renewable energy, updated provisions to help address the housing crisis, updated rules to stimulate R&D and innovation, clearer and more flexible rules applicable to aid for airports, and abolishing the obligation to evaluate aid schemes with large budgets. Executive Vice-President for Clean, Just and Competitive Transition, Teresa Ribera , said: “ The new draft GBER we propose today will reduce administrative burden and simplify legislation. This rulebook will make it easier and faster for Member States to boost the competitiveness of our industries, including SMEs, without having to wait for State aid approval. I strongly encourage all public authorities, companies and other interested parties to participate in this important consultation. ” The Commission invites Member States and all other interested parties to comment on the draft by 23 April 2026. In addition to the consultation launched today, the draft proposal will be discussed in meetings between the Commission and Member States. The public consultation will close on 23 April 2026. The adoption of the revised GBER is planned for the end of 2026, before the current GBER expires on 31 December 2026. 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 clears acquisition of HBPO Shanghai, HBPO Auto Components, HBPO Beijing and Shanghai Yanfeng by Yanfeng Holding and OP The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of joint control of HBPO Shanghai Co., Ltd., HBPO Auto Components (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. (‘HBPO Auto Components'), HBPO Beijing Co., Ltd. and Shanghai Yanfeng Automotive Exterior Systems Co. Ltd. (‘Shanghai Yanfeng') by Yanfeng Automotive Trim Systems CO., Ltd (‘Yanfeng Holding'), all of China, and OPmobility Exterior Holding S.A. (‘OP') of France. The transaction relates primarily to the manufacturing of automotive front-end modules and active grille shutters. The Commission concluded that the notified transaction would not raise competition concerns, given the limited impact on 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.12323 . (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 part of BMZ Target Business by SKion The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of sole control of a substantial part of the existing business of BMZ Holding GmbH and its affiliates (‘BMZ Target Business') by SKion GmbH, both of Germany. The transaction relates primarily to the manufacture and distribution of battery modules and systems. 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.12285 . (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 Nilfisk by Freudenberg The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of sole control of Nilfisk Holding A/S (‘Nilfisk') of Denmark by Freudenberg Home and Cleaning Solutions GmbH (‘Freudenberg') of Germany. The transaction relates primarily to the manufacturing of cleaning machines for professional use. 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.12283 . (For more information: Ricardo Cardoso – Tel.: +32 2 298 01 00; Paula Clara Ritter-Moschütz – Tel.: +32 2 296 40 83) ANNOUNCEMENTS Commissioner Kubilius in Luxembourg to discuss Europe's space and defence capabilities Commissioner for Defence and Space, Andrius Kubilius , will participate in the GOVSATCOM Luxembourg Conference tomorrow to discuss the European Commission's efforts in strengthening European security and defence through cutting-edge satellite communication technologies. GOVSATCOM operations started in January, providing Member States with access to sovereign satellite communication that is secure, encrypted and operated entirely within Europe. On Thursday morning, Commissioner Kubilius will deliver a keynote speech. In his address, the Commissioner will emphasise the essential role of satellite communications as the backbone for security operations, enabling instantaneous and secure global connectivity key to military coordination. He will highlight the importance of IRIS² , a multi-orbital constellation of some 300 satellites, designed to facilitate seamless communication and coordination among EU governmental actors, including militaries via a secure satellite network. Commissioner Kubilius will meet with Luxembourgish Defence Minister Yuriko Backes to discuss the European Readiness 2030 strategy, including the implementation of EU defence instruments such as the Security Action for Europe and the European defence industry programme. They will hold a press conference at 12:45, focusing on the EU defence agenda, support for Ukraine, as well as Europe's space and defence capabilities. Later in the afternoon, he will meet Luxembourg's Prime Minister, Luc Frieden, to discuss Luxembourg's position on European cooperation for defence and space. The Commissioner will also engage with industry leaders to discuss current challenges and opportunities within the defence and space sectors. He will conclude his visit with a tour of SES technical facilities, a Luxembourgish communications satellite operator and member of the SpaceRise consortium , to discuss the timely delivery of IRIS² by 2029 and engage with young engineers and company representatives. (For more information: Siobhan McGarry – Tel.: +32 2 296 47 98; Nika Blazevic — Tel. + 32 2 299 27 17) 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/26/470
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