European Commission - Daily News Daily News 23 / 03 / 2026 Brussels, 23 March 2026 EU strengthens aid for Lebanon as the crisis deepens The EU is stepping up its support for Lebanon amid an escalation of violence and significant displacement, reaffirming its commitment to the country's stability. On top of last week's €100 million in humanitarian aid , the EU is also actively mobilising measures under its €1 billion ...
European Commission - Daily News Daily News 23 / 03 / 2026 Brussels, 23 March 2026 EU strengthens aid for Lebanon as the crisis deepens The EU is stepping up its support for Lebanon amid an escalation of violence and significant displacement, reaffirming its commitment to the country's stability. On top of last week's €100 million in humanitarian aid , the EU is also actively mobilising measures under its €1 billion 2024-2027 financial support package for Lebanon to meet the most pressing needs on the ground. Dubravka Šuica , Commissioner for the Mediterranean, said: “True partners stand together in times of crisis. The EU's support to Lebanon and its people is unwavering. Together with the Lebanese authorities and our international and regional partners, we are making every effort to ensure continued access to basic services. In addition to the humanitarian aid, under our €1 billion financial support package we are responding to the immediate needs of the most vulnerable while keeping on urging de-escalation and the protection of civilians. We will also continue backing Lebanon's security forces, whose role in maintaining stability remains crucial.” To assist those displaced by the escalation, the EU has allocated additional cash aid of €10 million for 100,000 vulnerable households, delivered through Lebanon's government-led safety net programme. With the national health system under severe strain, over 20 EU-funded mobile medical units have been deployed to support 67 collective shelters and areas under evacuation orders in order to ensure that the population retains access to essential health services. The EU is also adapting its education response to ensure learning continues, by enabling remote classes for 50,000 students and providing digital training tools for 8,000 teachers. This expanded support will guarantee integrated education and child protection services in shelters and temporary learning spaces, reaching a total of 150,000 children and young people in need through both in- person and community-based programmes. The EU is also reinforcing support to the Lebanese government's National Operations Room, which coordinates the emergency response. Finally, through the programme for durable solutions for Syrian refugees, the EU is supporting displaced people by supporting border monitoring and management of movement at key crossing points, including ensuring basic assistance for people crossing the border from Lebanon into Syria. For more information, please find here the factsheet “Middle East: EU crisis measures”. (For more information: Guillaume Mercier — Tel.: +32 2 298 05 64; Jennifer Sanchez da Silva – Tel: +32 2 295 83 16) EU-Mercosur Agreement to provisionally apply from 1 May 2026 The European Union has today notified to the Mercosur countries the instrument of provisional application for the EU-Mercosur interim Trade Agreement (iTA). By sending its “note verbale” to Paraguay, the legal guardian of the Mercosur treaties, the European Commission has taken the final procedural step required for provisional application, in line with the Council Decision of 9 January. The iTA will thus apply provisionally from 1 May between the EU and all Mercosur countries that complete their ratification procedures and notified the EU before the end of March - Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay have already done so. Paraguay has recently ratified the agreement and is expected to send its notification soon. Provisional application ensures the removal of tariffs on certain products as of day one, creating predictable rules for trade and investment. EU businesses, consumers and farmers can thus start reaping the benefits of the deal immediately, while sensitive sectors of the EU economy are fully protected by robust safeguards. Provisional application will also ensure stronger EU-Mercosur collaboration on pressing global issues such as labour rights and climate change. It will create more resilient and reliable supply chains, crucial in particular for the predictable flow of Critical Raw Materials. Exporters will be able to learn more on how to profit from this deal via the Access2Markets platform. All information will be available soon online . Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič said: "Today is an important step in demonstrating our credibility as a major trading partner. The priority now is turning this EU-Mercosur agreement into concrete outcomes, giving EU exporters the platform they need to seize new opportunities for trade, growth and jobs. Provisional application will allow us to begin delivering on that promise. I look forward to seeing this agreement fulfil its potential, strengthening our economy and reinforcing our position in global trade, while we complete all democratic procedures." (For more information: Olof Gill – Tel.: +32 2 296 59 66; Marta Perez-Cejuela Romero - Tel.: +32 2 296 37 70) Commission renews support for exiled and relocated journalists in the EU The European Commission has published information on an upcoming call for proposals to support exiled journalists from Belarus and Russia, as well as journalists relocated from Ukraine, as they continue their work freely and independently in the EU. The funding worth €3 million will help the journalists develop their work and provide independent and free information to audiences in their languages. After two calls for projects, this year's edition is extending the support to Ukrainian journalists who have relocated to the EU to carry out their work. The call will build on the results of the first two projects, launched in 2023 and 2025 . The first edition established a Media freedom hub to help exiled media from Belarus and Russia and strengthen cooperation among them. It assisted such media to grow their audiences, develop business models, and advocate for the needs of exiled journalists. The second edition, worth over €2 million in grants, provides additional funding for tailored trainings and workshops, visa and legal support, psychological support, as well as networking. Now in its third edition, the funding will help sustain and improve support to journalists and media, as well as strengthen coordination through the network of media hubs. The aim is to ensure synergies and networking, while promoting media independence and plurality. Public authorities, international organisations, NGOs and research centres can submit proposals from 16 April until 28 May 2026. The call is published ahead of the opening date to allow participants to become familiar with a new tool for submitting applications. The Commission supports free, independent and pluralistic media. Free and independent media is a key pillar of the European Democracy Shield . Find more information about the call for proposals . (For more information: Thomas Regnier - Tel.: +32 2 299 10 99; Patricia Poropat - Tel.: +32 2 298 04 85) Commission calls on Member States to start preparing for winter amid Middle East energy disruption Considering the market volatility stemming from the conflict in the Middle East, the European Commission is calling on Member States to start gas filling season and preparations in a coordinated manner and in time for next winter. The EU security of energy supply remains protected at this stage due to the limited reliance on imports from this region and LNG cargoes that passed the Strait of Hormuz before the conflict. But timely and coordinated preparations are key to ensure proper gas storage refilling for the next heating season, adapting to market circumstances and applying flexibilities. Commissioner for Energy and Housing Dan Jørgensen said: “We are much better prepared compared to 2022 thanks to collective political choices, coordinated diversification efforts and accelerated roll- out of homegrown energy. But our exposure to volatile global market is clear and we need to make sure we act already now on winter preparedness and that we do so in a coordinated manner. Starting storage injections as early as possible would allow to benefit from a longer injection period and adapt to market circumstances to mitigate pressure on prices and avoid end-of-summer rush. Amid these difficult times, it is crucial that we do our utmost to protect our citizens and businesses.” In a letter addressed to all EU Energy Ministers, the Commissioner recalled that the EU Gas Storage Regulation offers Member States greater flexibility in achieving their storage filling targets to swiftly react to changing market conditions. This flexibility, including the possibility to reduce the filling target or achieving it in a longer time span under certain conditions, can help reduce the gas demand at times when the supply is tense and ease the pressure on gas prices in Europe. You can find here more information on the EU Gas Storage Regulation. (For more information: Anna-Kaisa Itkonen – Tel.: +32 2 295 75 01; Cristiana Marchitelli – Tel: +32 2 298 94 07) Commission approves €5 billion Danish State aid scheme to support offshore wind energy The European Commission has approved, under EU State aid rules, a €5 billion (DKK 37.6 billion) Danish scheme to support offshore wind energy in line with the objectives of the Clean Industrial Deal . This measure will contribute to the transition towards a net-zero economy and reaching the 2030 renewable energy target set at EU level. The scheme was approved under the Clean Industrial Deal State Aid Framework (CISAF) adopted by the Commission on 25 June 2025 . The scheme will support the construction and operation of two offshore wind farms: Hesselø and North Sea I Mid. The combined annual production of these two wind farms will represent the equivalent of around 25% of last year's total electricity production in Denmark. Under this scheme, the aid will take the form of a monthly variable premium under a two-way contract for difference (‘CfD'). The Commission found that the Danish scheme meets the conditions of the CISAF (sections 3 and 4.1.2). In particular, the aid will be provided as direct price support , through a capability-based two-way CfD, which will be awarded via a competitive bidding process. The Commission concluded that the Danish 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: “With this €5 billion scheme, Denmark will be able to deploy offshore wind capacities faster, in line with the Clean Industrial Deal. It will also help Denmark and the EU to reduce their dependence on fossil fuels imports and enhance their renewable energy share, while ensuring that any potential competition distortions are kept to the 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 French State aid scheme for production of renewable and low-carbon hydrogen The European Commission has approved, under EU State aid rules, a French scheme to support the production of renewable and low-carbon hydrogen in line with the objectives of the EU Hydrogen Strategy and the Clean Industrial Deal . The scheme will also contribute to the objectives of the REPowerEU Plan to reduce dependence on Russian fossil fuels and accelerate the clean transition. France expects that the scheme will lead to up to 1,100 kilotons of CO2 being avoided annually, which will contribute to the country fulfilling its EU climate targets. The scheme will support the construction of 1 GW of hydrogen electrolysis capacity. The aid will be awarded through a competitive bidding process planned over three tender rounds and will take the form of a fixed premium. The Commission found that the scheme is necessary, appropriate and has an ‘incentive effect'. Furthermore, the Commission concluded the scheme has a limited impact on competition and trade within the EU and will bring about positive effects that outweigh any possible negative effects in terms of distortions to competition. Executive Vice-President for a Clean, Just and Competitive Transition Teresa Ribera , said: “ This French scheme to support renewable and low-carbon hydrogen marks an important step in strengthening Europe's clean industrial future. Hydrogen will play a strategic role in decarbonising sectors where electrification alone is not sufficient. At the same time, it helps to reduce our dependence on imported fossil fuels. The aid will support the most cost-effective projects, while minimising distortions of competition and trade in the internal market ”. A press release is available online (For more information: Ricardo Cardoso – Tel.: +32 2 298 01 00; Luuk de Klein – Tel.: +32 229 94774) ANNOUNCEMENTS EU hosts high-level conference to mark one year of its Preparedness Union strategy The European Union today opens a landmark two-day conference in Brussels to mark the first anniversary of its Preparedness Union Strategy . It brings together government representatives, civil protection experts, military representatives, private sector leaders and partners from across Europe to take stock of progress and chart the path ahead. Launched in March 2025, the strategy responds to a changing world in which geopolitical shifts, climate events and technological risks increasingly call for a holistic and coordinated European approach; one that places preparedness at the heart of EU policy. Executive Vice-President Roxana Mînzatu and Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management Hadja Lahbib open proceedings today, alongside Oleksii Kuleba, Deputy Prime Minister for Restoration of Ukraine. Commissioner Lahbib will also deliver the closing speech tomorrow. Four thematic breakout sessions will feed concrete recommendations into tomorrow's high-level closing panel, where senior officials from across Europe will review progress of the strategy's implementation. The event will give a particular focus on the lessons learnt from Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine and on wildfires, ahead of the adoption of the Communication on integrated wildfire risk management . It will also set out the next steps toward a fully operational Preparedness Union. (For more information: Eva Hrnčířová – Tel.: +32 2 298 84 33; Quentin Cortès – Tel.: +32 2 296 47 35). Commission hosts major annual climate event From tomorrow to Wednesday, the European Commission will host its European Climate Pact flagship annual event, titled ‘ Together in Action 2026 ', gathering citizens, policymakers and experts from all over Europe, both in Brussels and virtually. Over the two days, nearly 140 speakers from 25 nations will engage in discussions on key climate issues, including combating misinformation, empowering young leaders supporting climate action, driving innovation in the clean industry, and accelerating local climate initiatives. With more than 1,000 registered participants, the event will contribute to progress in tackling climate change and building a cleaner, more resilient European Union. At tomorrow's plenary event, Commissioner for Climate Action Wopke Hoekstra will discuss with Climate Pact Ambassadors on the future of EU climate policy in uncertain times. While in-person registration has closed, you can still join online. For details and to follow the event digitally, visit the dedicated website . (For more information: Anna-Kaisa Itkonen – Tel.: +32 2 295 75 01; Ana Crespo Parrondo – Tel.: +32 2 298 13 25; Cristiana Marchitelli – Tel: +32 2 298 94 07) Commissioner Síkela leads business delegation to Viet Nam to boost European investment Today and tomorrow, Commissioner for International Partnerships, Jozef Síkela , is in Hanoi, leading a delegation of European companies to strengthen EU investment in Viet Nam under the Global Gateway – the EU's strategy to boost sustainable, high-quality infrastructure investments worldwide. The trip comes at an important moment, following the recent upgrade of EU–Viet Nam relations . The focus now is to deepen EU-Viet Nam cooperation in key sectors like energy, transport or digital connectivity, and translate it into concrete projects and business opportunities. Tomorrow, the Commissioner will open the EU–Viet Nam Global Gateway Business and Investment Forum together with European Investment Bank Vice-President, Nicola Beer. They will also hold a press conference that will be broadcast on EBS. The Forum will bring together companies from Europe and Viet Nam, investors and public partners to launch new investments in clean energy and sustainable transport. These are areas where Europe can deliver real value. For Viet Nam, this means modern infrastructure, reliable energy and new jobs. For Europe, it means stronger partnerships, new markets and more resilient supply chains. EU-Viet Nam's broader cooperation portfolio includes technical and vocational education and training, forestry management and circular economy programmes. The EU also promotes the rule of law, human rights and an independent judicial system as well as non-state actors' monitoring of gender and climate policies. In Hanoi, Commissioner Síkela will meet high-level political counterparts, including Viet Nam's Deputy Prime Minister, Bui Thanh Son, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Le Hoai Trung, Minister of Agriculture and Environment, Tran Duc Thang, and Vice-Minister of Construction, Bui Xuan Dung, to discuss investments in the modernisation of Viet Nam's sustainable transport and clean energy production under the Just Energy Transition Partnership. Audiovisual material of the Commissioner's visit will be available on EBS. You can follow his updates on his public calendar . (For more information: Guillaume Mercier — Tel.: +32 2 298 05 64; Jennifer Sanchez da Silva – Tel: +32 2 295 83 16) Commissioner Brunner in Mauritania to strengthen comprehensive partnership, including on migration and security cooperation Today, Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration, Magnus Brunner , is in Nouakchott to further strengthen cooperation between the EU and Mauritania on migration management and fighting against migrant smuggling, under the EU-Mauritania Migration Partnership launched in March 2024. In particular, the Commissioner will discuss how to advance cooperation on security and border management. This morning, Commissioner Brunner met with Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mohamed Salem Ould Merzoug and Minister of Defense, Hanana Ould Sidi. Later today, he will meet with President of Mauritania, Mohamed Ould Ghazouani, Minister of Interior, Mohamed Ahmed Ould Mohamed Lemine, Minister of Fisheries, Moctar Ould Bouceif, and Commissioner for Human Rights, Humanitarian Action and Relations with Civil Society, Sid Ahmed Benan. The meetings focus on migration management and security, notably the fight against terrorism and transnational organised crime, including migrant smuggling and human trafficking. He will also visit an EU-funded border security project and engage with UN agencies on refugee protection and support for host communities. Mauritania is playing an increasingly important role in structured cooperation on migration management, including the prevention of irregular departures, strengthened border management, enhancing protection, and the development of legal mobility pathways. Mauritania and the EU share many common interests and challenges, working towards greater stability in West Africa and the Sahel, while promoting security and advancing the green and digital transitions that support sustainable growth. In 2024, President von der Leyen announced a €210 million package with Mauritania, supporting Global Gateway investments, including green energy, employment, skills, entrepreneurship, as well as security, migration management and support to refugees and host communities. The implementation package has progressed well, and the EU is determined to consolidate our partnership with Mauritania through high level political dialogue and triangular cooperation with Mediterranean partners. (For more information: Markus Lammert – Tel.: +32 2 296 75 33 ; Elettra Di Massa - Tel.: +32 2 298 21 61) Commissioner Serafin hosts implementation dialogue on the EU's initiative to boost strategic technologies Tomorrow, Commissioner Serafin , will host in Brussels the implementation dialogue on the Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform (STEP). STEP is an important EU initiative strengthening the EU's ability to create and ramp up strategic technologies, making the EU more competitive globally. This initiative rewires EU funding from existing programmes through its dedicated calls for specific sectors, with the aim to support the development and manufacturing of critical technologies. A diverse and balanced group of stakeholders based in various Member States will debate with the Commissioner, including representatives from EU companies (start-ups and SMEs, among others), EU industry associations and Member States' administrations. The dialogue will give participants an opportunity to share their views and insights on STEP. Participants are also invited to suggest solutions for a better implementation of EU funding instruments to support EU competitiveness. Since its launch in March 2024, STEP mobilised over €27 billion in EU funding alone across 11 programmes in support of digital and deep innovation technologies, clean and resource-efficient technologies, biotechnologies, and defence technologies. STEP has contributed to the design of the EU's long term budget, with its implementation particularly informing the creation of the new European Competitiveness Fund . Implementation dialogues are part of the Commission's commitment to seek feedback from stakeholders 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 will host implementation dialogues. This is Commissioner Serafin 's first stand-alone implementation dialogue in 2026, complementing the on-going Tour d'Europe for the next MFF, and the implementation dialogue on Anti-fraud that took place in 2025. (For more information: Maciej Berestecki — Tel.: + 32 2 2996 64 83; Isabel Otero Barderas - Tel.: +32 2 296 69 25) Commissioner McGrath travels to Bratislava to discuss matters related to justice and the rule of law Today and tomorrow, Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, the Rule of Law and Consumer Protection, Michael McGrath , will be in Bratislava, Slovakia, to exchange views with senior government representatives and members of civil society organisations on topics relating to the rule of law. The visit is part of the Commission's ongoing preparations for the 2026 Rule of Law Report. Today, Commissioner McGrath will meet Slovak Prime Minister, Robert Fico, to exchange views on rule of law matters. The Commissioner will also meet Slovak Minister for the Interior, Matúš Šutaj Eštok, Minister for Justice, Boris Susko, and Deputy Prime Minister for the Recovery Plan and Knowledge Economy, Tomáš Drucker. The discussions will address the rule of law situation in Slovakia, including progress in implementing the recommendations from the 2025 Rule of Law Report and other justice-related matters. Commissioner McGrath will also meet the Slovak Ombudsman, Róbert Dobrovodský, and the Head of the Whistleblowers Protection Office, Zuzana Dlugošová, to hear about their work. He will also meet with the Slovak Prosecutor General, Maroš Žilinka. On Tuesday, the Commissioner will present the 2025 Rule of Law Report to Members of the Parliament from three parliamentary committees in Bratislava, and further discuss the follow-up to the recommendations included in the Report. Finally, the Commissioner will also participate in two meetings with representatives of civil society organisations, including one dedicated to the media sector, where he will discuss the rule of law situation, the EU Strategy for Civil Society and the European Media Freedom Act. (F or more information: Markus Lammert – Tel.: +32 2 296 75 33; Cristina Torres Castillo — Tel.: + 32 2 299 06 79) 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 MEX/26/681
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