European Commission - Daily News Daily News 13 / 04 / 2026 Brussels, 13 April 2026 Commission launches platform to aggregate demand of raw materials and boost diversification Today, the European Commission launches the first call to gather buyers and suppliers under the Raw Materials Mechanism . Through this platform, buyers of critical raw materials will be able to aggregate demand and connect with suppliers, financ...
European Commission - Daily News Daily News 13 / 04 / 2026 Brussels, 13 April 2026 Commission launches platform to aggregate demand of raw materials and boost diversification Today, the European Commission launches the first call to gather buyers and suppliers under the Raw Materials Mechanism . Through this platform, buyers of critical raw materials will be able to aggregate demand and connect with suppliers, financial institutions, and storage providers. The Raw Materials Mechanism is part of the EU's efforts to diversify supplies of critical raw materials, building on the EU Energy Platform . Because industry in the EU remains heavily dependent on a limited number of third-country suppliers, the initiative aims to reduce vulnerabilities and strengthen economic security in the face of growing geopolitical risks by giving visibility to alternative sources. For companies, particularly smaller ones, it will allow them to build partnerships beyond their existing networks. With a focus on strategic sectors such as rare earths, defence and battery materials, the voluntary and market-based tool complements existing commercial relationships without intervening in negotiations. Companies interested in taking part in this first round can register by the end of April. (For more information: Siobhan McGarry - Tel.: +32 2 296 47 98; Luuk de Klein – Tel.: +32 2 299 47 74) Commission clears acquisition of Telecom Italia Sparkle by Italian Ministry of Economy and Finance and Retelit The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of joint control of Telecom Italia Sparkle S.p.A. by the Italian Ministry of Economy and Finance and Retelit S.p.A., all of Italy. The transaction relates primarily to cable landing stations for submarine cables and related backhaul activities. The Commission concluded that the notified transaction would not raise competition concerns, given its limited impact on competition in the markets where the companies are active. Notably, the Commission found that on all the markets above where the parties' activities horizontally overlap, the combined market shares of the parties would remain moderate and there would remain several viable alternative providers on the market. Furthermore, the Commission concluded that the merged entity would not have the ability or the incentive to foreclose rival providers of backhaul activities. The notified transaction was examined under the normal merger review procedure. More information is available on the Commission's competition website , in the public case register under the case number M.11992 . (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 MasOrange by Orange The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of sole control of MasOrange, S.L. of Spain by Orange S.A. of France. The transaction relates primarily to the mobile and fixed electronic communications markets in Spain. 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.12447 . (For more information: Ricardo Cardoso – Tel.: +32 2 298 01 00; Paula Clara Ritter-Moschütz – Tel.: +32 2 296 40 83) ANNOUNCEMENTS Commissioner Serafin travels to Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur and Singapore to deepen relations and foster investments in the EU financial market This week, Commissioner Serafin will travel to Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur and Singapore with the purpose of fostering the relationship between the EU and Asian financial market stakeholders. As the EU stands as one of the biggest issuers of Euro-dominated securities, and the third largest issuer of AAA-related sovereign debt globally, the Commissioner will discuss the geopolitical developments and the international role of the European capital markets with his Asian counterparts, including the issuance of EU-bonds. On Monday, Commissioner Serafin will be in Hong Kong, where he will meet with private sector financial representatives as well as with the Deputy Chief Executive and the Chief Investment Officer of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, Howard Lee and Frances Lee. Following this, he will meet with Paul Chan Mo-Po, the Financial Secretary of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR). On Tuesday, he will participate in the HSBC Global Investment Summit, where he will engage with international policy makers, innovators and investors to exchange of ideas about the future of global investment and promote the role of the European Union in this regard. On Wednesday, the Commissioner will travel to Kuala Lumpur. There, he will meet the Deputy Minister of Finance Yang Berhormat Tuan Liew Chin Tong, followed by a meeting with different institutional investors and a visit of the Bank Negara Malaysia, the central bank of Malaysia. Lastly, on Thursday, the Commissioner will finish his visit in Singapore, where he will meet the senior Minister of State for Finance, Jeffrey Siow. Among other meetings with financial and investment stakeholder, the Commissioner will meet with representatives of Temasek, a global investment company, and GIC, one of the three investment entities managing Singapore's reserves and financial assets. (For more information: Balazs Ujvari - Tel.: +32 2 295 45 78; Isabel Otero Barderas - Tel.: +32 2 296 69 25 ) APPOINTMENTS Commission designates a new Special Adviser for the EU-Arctic relations The European Commission has decided to designate today Jyrki Katainen as Special Adviser for the EU-Arctic relations. In this capacity, he will report to Commissioner for International Partnerships Síkela , and will support the Commission in enhancing its strategic presence and effectiveness in the Arctic region. Drawing from his extensive political and policy expertise, Mr Katainen will provide advice on the implementation of the EU's Arctic priorities, including economic security, connectivity, sustainable development, and climate and energy. He will also contribute to the preparation of the updated EU Arctic policy. He will work closely with the Commission services, as well as with the EEAS, Member States, Arctic partners, and relevant stakeholders, the Commission's Representation in Denmark, Finland, Sweden and the EU office in Nuuk. Jyrki Katainen, a Finnish national, served as Vice-President of the European Commission responsible for Jobs, Growth, Investment and Competitiveness from 2014 to 2019. Prior to his work at European level, he was Prime Minister of Finland from 2011 to 2014, as well as Minister of Finance from 2007 to 2011. He was also a Member of the Finnish Parliament from 1999 to 2014. For more information on the Special Adviser for the EU-Arctic relations appointment, please see our dedicated press release . (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-General in its Directorate-General for Competition The European Commission appointed today Anthony Whelan as the Director-General within its Directorate-General for Competition (DG COMP). This department together with the national competition authorities, directly enforces EU competition rules to make EU markets work better, by ensuring that all companies compete equally and fairly on their merits. This benefits consumers, businesses and the European economy as a whole. The date of effect will be determined later. With over 30 years of professional experience, Mr Whelan brings extensive expertise in competition and internal market policy, underpinned by a strong strategic coordination, and interinstitutional engagement. He has a proven ability to steer highly sensitive policy files, such as those within the digital policy remit, delivering legislation such as the Digital Services Act (DSA). His experience spans key areas central to EU competition matters, including State aid, industrial and digital policy, research and innovation, and macro-economic and financial services matters, giving him a broad and integrated understanding of how competition policy supports the Union's strategic objectives. Mr Whelan has demonstrated strong leadership and organisational capabilities, including setting strategic direction, driving complex initiatives across services, and ensuring coherent implementation through effective governance. He is highly skilled in building consensus among diverse stakeholders, managing the political steering of the different legislative files, including the external communication side. These combined experiences provide him with the strategic, organisational and operational perspective required to head the Directorate-General for Competition. Anthony Whelan, an Irish national, is currently Deputy Director-General for State aid policy within DG COMP. He previously served as Digital Adviser to the President von der Leyen. Prior to this, he was Director in charge of electronic communications networks and services within the Directorate-General of Communications Networks, Content and Technology (DG CNECT). In the past, he also served as Head of Cabinet for Vice-President Neelie Kroes, in charge of Competition, and then of the Digital agenda. Before joining the European Commission in 2000, he worked at the Court of Justice of the European Union. (For more information: Balazs Ujvari - Tel.: +32 2 295 45 78; Isabel Otero Barderas - Tel.: +32 2 296 69 25) Commission appoints a new Chair of the Regulatory Scrutiny Board The European Commission appointed today Leopoldo Rubinacci as the Chair of the Regulatory Scrutiny Board. This independent body advises the College of Commissioners, providing central quality control and support for Commission impact assessments and evaluations at early stages of the legislative process. The date of effect will be determined later. With over 30 years of professional experience, Mr Rubinacci brings extensive expertise in trade, investment and strategic coordination. With extensive senior-level experience in negotiation and organisational leadership, Mr Rubinacci has handled prominent trade relationships for the Union, such as those with the US, Mercosur or Canada. He has demonstrated great ability in steering complex, high-stakes policy dossiers, from their inception to their delivery, combining strategic judgement with rigorous analytical discipline. His strong expertise in regulatory and legislative processes across a wide range of policy areas, such as industrial trade policy and in-depth knowledge of the single market, give him a solid basis to assess the Commission's policy coherence, proportionality and expected impacts. He is highly skilled in ensuring quality control of policy initiatives and driving evidence-based decision-making, while keeping a clear focus on results and implementation. He also brings proven strengths in interinstitutional relations and stakeholder engagement, including extensive outreach and the ability to communicate complex policy choices clearly and convincingly. These combined capabilities provide Mr Rubinacci with the strategic oversight, independence of judgement and coordination capacity required to lead the Regulatory Scrutiny Board effectively. Leopoldo Rubinacci, an Italian national, is currently Deputy Director-General for within the Directorate-General of Trade and Economic Security (DG TRADE). He previously served as Director for Resources, Interinstitutional matters and communication within the same DG. Prior to this, he worked as Director for Trade defence, enforcing the EU legislation on this matter within DG TRADE. He has also served as Head of Unit within different Units at DG Trade, first in charge of the bilateral relations with Russia, Ukraine and Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS countries); in charge of Resources and strategic planning, and lastly in charge of Investment. Before joining the European Commission in 1995, he worked as auditor and consultant in a private company. (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 Maritime Affairs and Fisheries The European Commission appointed today Carmen Preising as the Director for General Affairs and Resources within its Directorate-General for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (DG MARE). This department works to ensure a healthy ocean, sustainable fisheries, a thriving sustainable blue economy, and vibrant coastal communities across Europe. The date of effect will be determined later. With 30 years of professional experience, Ms Preising brings extensive expertise in policy coordination, interinstitutional relations and better regulation, combined with a strong track record in fisheries, ocean and environmental policies, as well as resource management. She has played a central role in steering high-stakes legislative and policy negotiations, notably on the Fisheries Control framework and the Nature Restoration Regulation. She has demonstrated a strong ability aligning strategic planning and programming with political priorities, underpinned by solid management and coordination skills. Her extensive experience in interinstitutional relations further supports her suitability, including her experience in working with the European Parliament, the Council and the European Court of Auditors. These combined experiences provide her with the strategic, organisational and operational perspective required to head the Directorate for General Affairs and Resources in DG MARE. Carmen Preising, a German and Romanian national, is currently Head of Unit for Interinstitutional Matters, Strategic Programming and Communication in DG MARE. She previously served as Head of Cabinet to the Commissioner for Environment, Oceans and Fisheries, Virginijus Sinkevičius. Prior to this, she was Head of Unit for the Commission Work Programme and Stakeholder Consultation at the Secretariat-General, and earlier Head of Unit responsible for consultative committees, the Ombudsman and relations with national parliaments, also in the Secretariat-General. Before joining the European Commission in 2003, she worked in the European Parliament, the German Bundestag and various international organisations. (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/26/801
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