European Commission - Daily News Daily News 28 / 04 / 2026 Brussels, 28 April 2026 New Generalised Scheme of Preferences approved for application in 2027 The European Commission welcomes today's vote by the European Parliament in favour of the new Generalised Scheme of Preference (GSP), which represents the final step before its entry into application on 1 January 2027. The new GSP will provide reduced or zero tariff...
European Commission - Daily News Daily News 28 / 04 / 2026 Brussels, 28 April 2026 New Generalised Scheme of Preferences approved for application in 2027 The European Commission welcomes today's vote by the European Parliament in favour of the new Generalised Scheme of Preference (GSP), which represents the final step before its entry into application on 1 January 2027. The new GSP will provide reduced or zero tariffs to imports from 65 developing countries for the next decade, supporting poverty reduction and sustainable development. This is especially relevant at a time of increasing global challenges and uncertainty impacting developing and Least Developed Countries (LDCs). A cornerstone of EU trade policy, the updated GSP will continue to include the Everything But Arms (EBA) initiative, which grants full duty-free access for all goods -except arms and ammunition- from the world's LDCs. First introduced 25 years ago, EBA will now continue indefinitely, offering long-term stability for the most vulnerable economies. Moreover, the updated GSP strengthens accountability by linking trade benefits more closely to human and labour rights, climate and environment, and good governance. It also introduces improved monitoring, greater transparency, and reinforces and updates the links between trade preferences and compliance with international standards. It does so by increasing the number of relevant international conventions beneficiaries must adhere to, and by introducing an urgent withdrawal procedure which allows for the suspension of preferences in case of serious and systemic violations of the principles underpinning such conventions. Finally, the new GSP includes an automatic safeguard on rice imports, safeguarding EU producers while preserving the development objectives of the scheme. In practice, this means that if imports from a beneficiary rise sharply above the average of their past imports over 10 years, the EU will suspend preferential rates for the rest of the year and introduce a tariff-rate-quota (TRQ) for the following year to prevent market disruption. More information is available online in the questions and answers and in the factsheet . (For more information: Olof Gill - Tel.: +32 2 296 59 66; Marta Perez-Cejuela Romero - Tel.: +32 2 296 37 70) Review highlights Digital Markets Act remains fit for purpose and has positive impact The European Commission's first review of the Digital Markets Act (DMA) found that in the first two years of its application, the DMA remains fit for purpose and has opened up new opportunities for businesses and developers, while giving users more control over their experiences and devices, as well as access to more diverse and innovative digital products and services. The DMA has provided Europeans with the ability to transfer their data when switching between services and devices, the choice to select alternative search engines and web browsers instead of default providers, as well as with a meaningful choice about whether to allow gatekeepers to combine their personal data across services, preventing unauthorised profiling. In addition, the DMA is opening up gatekeeper ecosystems and enabling businesses to compete. Manufacturers of connected devices, such as earphones and smartwatches, are getting access to enhanced interoperability with gatekeeper's operating systems, alternative browsers and search engines are being increasingly chosen by users as defaults on their devices, and new messaging apps have launched thanks to interoperability obligations Executive Vice-President for a Clean, Just and Competitive Transition, Teresa Ribera , stated that: “Our review has shown that in its first two years of application, the DMA has begun delivering tangible, positive results, making digital markets fairer and more contestable to the benefit of both businesses and consumers in Europe. The digital landscape is constantly evolving. Today's review highlights that the DMA was designed to be future-proof and adapt to emerging challenges, for example in AI and cloud. We are acting on both fronts, and will continue to prioritise creating a strong culture of compliance, including through decisive and timely enforcement action where needed." Executive Vice-President for Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy, Henna Virkkunen , stated that: “The Digital Markets Act is fit for purpose – and has led to concrete changes for innovators and citizens. The review also highlighted further untapped potential for change, and we will continue to work to ensure its strong enforcement to open up more opportunities in the EU digital markets." More information can be found in the press release. (For more information: Thomas Regnier - Tel.: +32 2 299 10 99; Patricia Poropat - Tel.: +32 2 298 04 85) Commission seeks feedback on measures to ensure interoperability with Google's Android under the Digital Markets Act The Commission has sent its preliminary findings to Google as part of the specification proceedings it started on 27 January 2026 under the Digital Markets Act (DMA). These preliminary findings outline the draft measures Google should implement to ensure that third parties have effective access and interoperability with key capabilities of Android. The proposed measures aim to ensure that competing AI services can effectively interact with applications on users' Android devices and execute tasks accordingly. They will also enable competing providers of AI services to innovate and offer deeply integrated AI experiences to users on Android phones and tablets. To ensure that these proposed measures are effective, the Commission invites interested parties to comment on them through a public consultation . Interested parties have until 13 May 2026 to submit their views on the draft measures. Executive Vice-President for a Clean, Just and Competitive Transition, Teresa Ribera , said: “AI services are becoming more and more relevant for EU citizens' daily interaction with their mobile devices. And it is critical to protect innovation by AI companies of all sizes. Today's proposed measures will give more choice to Android users about the AI services they use and integrate in their phone, including from the vast range of AI services that compete with Google's own AI. We now invite all interested parties to share their views during this consultation so that we can ensure our measures are effective and promote meaningful interoperability for alternative AI services providers”. Executive Vice-President for Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy, Henna Virkkunen , said: “ As we navigate the rapidly evolving landscape of AI, it is clear that interoperability is key to unlocking the full potential of these technologies. These measures will open up Android devices to a wider range of AI services, so that users will have the freedom to choose the AI services that best meet their needs and values, without sacrificing functionality. The voice of the market matters, and we encourage feedback from all interested parties on today's proposed measures”. A press release is available online (For more information: Ricardo Cardoso – Tel.: +32 2 298 01 00; Thomas Regnier - Tel.: +32 2 299 10 99; Paula Clara Ritter-Moschütz – Tel.: +32 2 296 40 83; Patricia Poropat - Tel.: +32 2 298 04 85) Commission clears creation of joint venture by Airbus and Air France The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the creation of a joint venture by Airbus SAS, controlled by Airbus SE (‘Airbus') of the Netherlands, and by Société Air France, controlled by Air France-KLM S.A. (‘Air France'), of France. The transaction relates primarily to combining the two undertakings' offerings of component maintenance services to airlines using the A350 aircraft worldwide. 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. The joint venture will continue to compete against several credible competitors, including other component manufacturers and providers of component maintenance services for the A350 aircraft, as well as airlines carrying out the repair of components used in their own fleets. In addition, the Commission found that as the A350 platform matures, a second-hand market for components is expected to emerge, this way reducing entry barriers for new component maintenance services providers. The notified transaction was examined under the normal merger review procedure. As part of the investigation, Airbus and Air France submitted efficiency claims. As the transaction did not require an in-depth investigation, the Commission did not need to conclude on these efficiencies. Engaging on this question early on, however, allowed the Commission to assess and provide guidance on the plausibility of the efficiency claims. More information is available on the Commission's competition website , in the public case register under the case number M.11295 . (For more information: Ricardo Cardoso – Tel.: +32 2 298 01 00; Paula Clara Ritter-Moschütz – Tel.: +32 2 296 40 83) APPOINTMENTS Commission transfers in the interest of the service a new Director-General to its Directorate-General for Trade and Economic Security The European Commission decided today to transfer in the interest of the service Ditte Juul Jørgensen as Director-General for the Directorate-General for Trade and Economic Security (DG TRADE). This department pursues and promotes open, rules-based trade between the EU and non-EU countries. EU trade with the rest of the world creates and supports jobs in Europe, and it benefits European businesses, farmers and consumers. This decision takes effect on 1 June 2026. With over 35 years of professional experience, Ms Juul Jørgensen has established a strong track record in shaping and delivering complex EU priorities, combining strategic leadership with deep expertise in external economic relations. She brings extensive knowledge of EU trade policy, particularly in trade in goods and the legal framework underpinning the Union's trade regime, including multilateral trade and World Trade Organisation matters. Over the course of her career, she has also developed substantial experience in integrating sustainability considerations into trade policy, notably through work on sanitary and phytosanitary measures. She is recognised for her rigorous legal and economic analysis, combined with sound political judgement and a proven ability to steer sensitive files in a fast-moving international environment. In addition, she has extensive experience representing the European Union in multilateral fora, alongside many years of senior management and coordination responsibilities, leading large teams and delivering results across complex portfolios. Taken together, her experience enables her to navigate complex policy environments with a strong sense of strategy, organisation and delivery, providing a solid basis to lead DG TRADE. Ditte Juul Jørgensen, a Danish national, is currently Director-General of the Directorate-General for Energy (DG ENER). She previously served as Head of Cabinet to the former Commissioner for Competition, Margrethe Vestager. Prior to this, she was Director for Legal Affairs and Trade in Goods in DG TRADE. Earlier in her career within DG TRADE, she held two consecutive Head of Unit positions, first in charge of Sustainable Development and subsequently of Legal Aspects of Trade Policy. Before joining the European Commission in 1992, she 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) The European Commission transfers in the interest of the service a new Director-General for its Directorate-General for Energy The European Commission has decided today to transfer, in the interest of the service, Céline Gauer as Director-General for its Directorate-General for Energy (DG ENER). This department is responsible for the EU's energy policy which focuses on delivering secure, sustainable, and affordable energy for Europe. This decision takes effect on 1 June 2026. Ms Gauer brings more than 30 years of experience in EU policymaking, including significant exposure to energy-related matters, combined with strong expertise in strategic coordination and interinstitutional relations. She has demonstrated a clear capacity to handle highly complex policy files, notably the Recovery and Resilience Facility, where she oversaw the implementation of the EU's €723.8 billion post-pandemic recovery instrument, supporting reforms and investments across Member States, including in the energy sector and the green transition. In this context, she has shown strong leadership and organisational skills, setting strategic priorities, driving complex cross- service initiatives and ensuring consistent implementation through effective governance structures. She is also adept at building consensus among a wide range of stakeholders and at managing the political steering of legislative files, including their external communication. Her experience covers key areas relevant to EU energy policy, including supervision of antitrust cases in the energy and environment sectors, as well as leading work on better regulation and policy coordination. This provides her with a solid understanding of the regulatory, economic and institutional dimensions of the energy field. Taken together, these elements equip her to guide the work of DG ENER with a clear strategic focus and strong delivery capacity. Céline Gauer, a French national, is currently Director-General of the Reform and Investment Task Force (SG REFORM). She previously served as Director-General of the Recovery and Resilience Task Force (SG RECOVER). Prior to this, she held senior positions in the Secretariat-General, including Deputy Secretary-General for Smart Regulation and Policy Coordination, and in the Directorate- General for Health and Food Safety (DG SANTE) as Deputy Director-General. Earlier in her career, she held a range of positions in the Directorate-General for Competition (DG COMP), including Director for markets and cases in the energy and environment sectors and Head of Unit for antitrust in these areas. Ms Gauer 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) Commission transfers in the interest of the service a new Hors Classe Adviser for European Strategic Partnerships within its Secretary-General The European Commission has decided today, in the interest of the service, to transfer Sabine Weyand as Hors Classe Adviser for European Strategic Partnerships within its Secretariat-General (SG). The Secretariat-General steers and coordinates the Commission's work to ensure that its initiatives and operations are aligned with the political guidelines of the President. In parallel, Ms Weyand will devote time to academic research at the European University Institute (EUI). The decision takes effect on 1 June 2026. With more than 30 years of professional experience, Ms Weyand has established a solid record in advancing the EU's external trade and economic agenda, including by leading complex and high- profile negotiations with key international partners. She has acquired in-depth expertise in strategic economic diplomacy, bringing together a strong grasp of market access, competitiveness and economic security with a proven capacity to translate political priorities into concrete negotiating approaches. Throughout her career, she has worked across a broad range of policy areas, fostering coherence across services, in particular in the context of major strategic initiatives of the European Commission. Ms Weyand is widely recognised for her analytical strength and her ability to deliver outcomes in politically sensitive environments, including through the management of demanding interinstitutional processes and the maintenance of effective working relations with other EU institutions. Taken together, these experiences equip her with the necessary expertise to serve as Hors Classe Adviser for European Strategic Partnerships within the Secretariat-General. Sabine Weyand, a German national, is currently Director-General of the Directorate-General for Trade and Economic Security (DG TRADE). She previously served as Deputy Chief Negotiator in the Task Force for the Preparation and Conduct of the Negotiations with the United Kingdom under Article 50 of the Treaty on European Union. Prior to this, she was Deputy Director-General in DG TRADE. Earlier in her career, she served as Director for Policy Coordination on Economic and Financial Affairs in the Secretariat-General (SG) and held other senior positions, including Head of Cabinet to the former Commissioner for Development and Humanitarian Aid, Louis Michel. Before joining the European Commission in 1994, she worked in academia in Germany. (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 for the European Research Executive Agency The European Commission appointed today Stephen Collins as Director for the European Research Executive Agency (REA) in Brussels. This agency works towards building a greener Europe with prosperous, inclusive societies and economies that take full advantage of the digital age. The date of effect will be determined later. With over 35 years of professional experience, Mr Collins has built a strong track record in delivering complex operational change in demanding environments. His background spans programme, financial and human resources management, complemented by service on the boards of three executive agencies. He has led major corporate modernisation initiatives, including the rollout of digital collaboration tools, the integration of artificial intelligence and the introduction of flexible working methods and office layouts. Mr Collins also brings extensive management experience, having led large teams and corporate networks responsible for key initiatives. This combination of leadership, operational delivery and digital transformation equips him well to guide the European Research Executive Agency in support of the Union's research and innovation objectives. Stephen Collins, a British national, is currently Head of Unit for Corporate Organisational Change in the Directorate-General for Human Resources and Security. He previously served as acting Director for Organisational Design and Development in the same Directorate-General. Prior to this, he was Head of Unit for Organisational Development Projects and Knowledge Management within DG HR, where he also held the positions of Head of Unit for Learning and Development and for Career and Performance Management. Earlier in his career, he served as Head of Unit for Financial Information, Training and Helpdesk in the Directorate-General for Budget (DG BUDG). Before joining the European Commission in 1994, he worked in government and 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 Justice and Consumers The European Commission appointed today Andreas Stein as Director for Justice Policies within its Directorate-General for Justice and Consumers (DG JUST). This department promotes social justice by upholding the rule of law and protecting individual rights and freedoms. It develops and implements policies on Justice, Fundamental Rights, and Consumers, in line with the Commission's priorities. The date of effect will be determined later. With over 30 years of professional experience, Mr Stein brings a strong track record in the preparation and negotiation of complex legislative files and in ensuring the effective application of EU law, including through infringement proceedings. He has developed particular expertise in judicial cooperation, notably in civil justice, and has played a leading role in advancing its digitalisation through key initiatives spanning both civil and criminal matters. He combines rigorous legal analysis with sound political judgement. He has also acquired extensive international experience, including representing the EU in the negotiations of the 2019 Hague Convention on the recognition and enforcement of judgments. In addition, he has over a decade of management experience leading key legal teams and fostering a high-trust working environment. These combined experiences position him well to steer the Directorate for Justice Policies in DG JUST, ensuring both strategic direction and effective delivery. Andreas Stein, a German national, is currently Head of Unit for Data Protection in DG JUST. He previously headed the Civil Justice Unit and, before that, the Equality Legislation Unit within the same Directorate-General. Earlier in his career, he served as a Member of Cabinet to Commissioner for Consumer Protection Meglena Kuneva, where he was responsible for the enforcement of the consumer acquis. Prior to joining the European Commission in 2001, he worked as a judge in various courts in Germany. (For more information: Balazs Ujvari - Tel.: +32 2 295 45 78; Isabel Otero Barderas - Tel.: +32 2 296 69 25) ANNOUNCEMENTS Commissioner Brunner visits Serbia to strengthen migration and border management cooperation Tomorrow, Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration Magnus Brunner will be in Serbia to further strengthen the EU's cooperation with the country on migration, border management and internal security. During his visit, Commissioner Brunner will meet with President Aleksandar Vučić, Prime Minister Đuro Macut and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Ivica Dačić. Discussions will cover migration management, returns and readmission, and the fight against migrant smuggling, terrorism, and violent extremism. A meeting with Frontex will also take place in the afternoon. Serbia plays an important role in managing illegal migration along the Western Balkan route and closely cooperates with EU agencies, including Frontex. Discussions will also focus on the rule of law, including recent judicial amendments, prosecutorial autonomy and law enforcement, as well as on internal security, the fight against organised crime and corruption, and the need to safeguard the operational independence of law enforcement authorities. The Commissioner will encourage Serbia to bring its judicial laws in line with EU standards, as recommended by the Venice Commission last week. While cooperation on migration and security is strong and continues to advance, credible progress on rule of law and internal security reforms remains essential to continue advancing on its EU path and making the most of the EU's financial instruments. (For more information: Markus Lammert – Tel.: +32 2 296 75 33 ; Elettra Di Massa – Tel.: +32 2 298 21 61) 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/26/916
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