European Commission - Daily News Daily News 08 / 06 / 2026 Brussels, 8 June 2026 EU disburses nearly €2.8 billion to support Ukraine's financial stability and reform efforts The European Commission has released nearly €2.8 billion to Ukraine today to support its financing needs and maintain public administration, as it continues to defend itself against Russia's war of aggression. This is the seventh disbursement und...
European Commission - Daily News Daily News 08 / 06 / 2026 Brussels, 8 June 2026 EU disburses nearly €2.8 billion to support Ukraine's financial stability and reform efforts The European Commission has released nearly €2.8 billion to Ukraine today to support its financing needs and maintain public administration, as it continues to defend itself against Russia's war of aggression. This is the seventh disbursement under the Ukraine Facility, the EU's key instrument to support Ukraine's recovery, reform agenda and progress towards EU membership. With this latest payment, total EU support provided under the Ukraine Plan reaches €29.5 billion, equivalent to almost 77% of the funding available under the Facility's first pillar, which provides a direct support to the State budget The disbursement follows Ukraine's successful implementation of reforms across several strategic sectors, including public financial management, the judiciary, financial markets, human capital, business environment, energy, agriculture, critical raw materials, digitalisation, and green transition. Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos said: “ Ukraine's speed and commitment to delivering meaningful reforms has merited this payment, and we are now also paving the way for further progress in the accession negotiations. ” Ukraine submitted a partial payment request on 14 April. On 28 May, Member States the Council of the EU endorsed the Commission's assessment that Ukraine had successfully fulfilled eleven reforms linked to this payment, together with three outstanding reforms from the fifth and sixth payments, as well as four reforms brought forward from future instalments. More information on EU's overall support to Ukraine is available in our factsheet . (For more information: Guillaume Mercier — Tel. + 32 2 298 05 64; Yuliya Matsyk – Tel. +32 2 296 27 16) EU and Kenya strengthen partnership The European Union and Kenya are deepening their strategic partnership on trade, digital transformation and sustainable investment to drive mutual economic growth for the benefit of businesses and citizens on both sides. This reinforced cooperation reflects Kenya's pivotal role as a key partner for the EU in Africa and at multilateral level. These commitments were set out today in Brussels, where Executive Vice-President for Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy, Henna Virkkunen , welcomed President of the Republic of Kenya William Ruto. As part of this cooperation under the Global Gateway , the EU and Kenya will invest in clean transport and trade facilitation along the strategic Northern Corridor in East Africa and in the roll-out of high- speed connectivity to over 3,000 public offices, schools, health centres and digital hubs across Kenya. Discussions advanced cooperation under the EU-Kenya Strategic Dialogue across key priority areas and welcomed progress in the EU-Kenya data adequacy process , which would facilitate safe data flows between the partners and support digital trade and innovation. The EU noted the positive assessment so far and its intention to conclude the process as soon as possible. More information is available in our press release . (For more information: Thomas Regnier - Tel.: +32 2 299 10 99; Guillaume Mercier - Tel.: +32 2 298 05 64; Nika Blazevic - Tel.: +32 2 299 27 17; Jennifer Sanchez Da Silva - Tel.: +32 2 295 83 16) Almost 41,000 18-year-olds set to experience Europe thanks to DiscoverEU Today, the European Commission reveals the results of the DiscoverEU March 2026 round, an initiative under the Erasmus+ programme . 40,912 young people aged 18 will receive a travel pass to explore the continent's diversity, learn about its cultural heritage and history, and connect with people from every corner of Europe. Successful applicants will travel alone or in a group of up to five, mainly by rail, between July 2026 and September 2027 . Glenn Micallef , Commissioner for Intergenerational Fairness, Youth, Culture and Sport, said: “A DiscoverEU pass is not just a ticket but an invitation to experience the cultural richness and beauty of Europe firsthand. To the thousands of young people selected today, I would like to say: Europe is waiting for you. Pack your curiosity, bring your ambition, and turn this trip into a story worth telling.” This application round was open to young people born between 1 July 2007 and 30 June 2008 from EU Member States as well as those from Erasmus+ associated countries and attracted 220,501 applicants. DiscoverEU also includes a learning dimension, with pre-departure information trainings and meet-ups throughout Europe. Participants can join the #DiscoverEU Official Facebook Group to connect with the DiscoverEU community. More information on DiscoverEU is available in the dedicated factsheet . Since its launch in 2018, more than 2 million young people have applied for travel passes over the course of fourteen DiscoverEU application rounds. (For more information: Eva Hrncirova - Tel.: +32 2 298 84 33; Eirini Zarkadoula - Tel.: +32 2 295 70 65) Commission calls for equal pay rules to become a reality across the EU On 7 June, the deadline for transposing the Pay Transparency Directive across the EU was reached. Fairness is not just a value. It is also an economic strength: the countries that champion gender equality are also the most competitive. EU treaties are clear that equal work deserves equal pay, regardless of whether it is performed by a woman or a man. Furthermore, nearly nine out of ten Europeans agree that it is unacceptable for women to be paid less than men for the same work. Yet, the gender pay gap persists across the Union, with the latest Eurostat data showing that, on average, women's gross hourly earnings were 11.1% below those of men in the EU. This is due to a complex range of factors, such as the undervaluation of roles traditionally occupied by women and gender stereotypes which have an impact on education, hiring, promotions and wages. In force since 2023, the Pay Transparency Directive helps make the right to equal pay a reality. The Directive helps employers assess whether their pay structures comply with the principle of equal pay in practice, and supports workers by establishing a clear framework for the application of the concept of 'work of equal value' based on criteria that include skills, effort, responsibility, and working conditions. Furthermore, it will help employers attract and retain talent by establishing clearer and fairer remuneration practices. Pay transparency will empower workers and help tackle discrimination, whilst giving European companies a competitive edge . Since the preparation stages of the proposal, the Commission has worked closely with Member States and key stakeholders to promote equal pay. After the adoption of the proposal in 2023, the Commission has been supporting implementation of the Directive with more than €3.8 million dedicated under the Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values programme (CERV) to support pay transparency measures in Member States, as well as a further €5 million under the recently closed 2026 call for proposals to promote gender equality . The Commission will continue to support national authorities, companies and workers to make equal pay a reality across our Union. (For more information: Eva Hrnčířová – Tel.: +32 2 298 84 33; Anna Gray – Tel.: +32 2 298 08 73) Commission approves €23 billion Italian State aid scheme to support renewable electricity production The European Commission has approved a €23 billion Italian State aid scheme to support electricity production from renewable energy sources, 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 renewable energy target set at EU level for 2030. The scheme was approved under the Clean Industrial Deal State Aid Framework (CISAF) adopted by the Commission on 25 June 2025 . The aid will take the form of variable payments under two-way contracts for difference (‘CfDs') that provide a bonus for each kWh of electricity produced and fed into the grid, based on a so-called strike price. If electricity market prices are lower than the strike price, the State will pay the difference. If they are higher, the companies will pay back the difference. The CfDs will be in place for a period of 20 years. The Commission found that the Italian scheme meets the conditions of the CISAF (sections 3 and 4.1.2). The Commission concluded that the Italian scheme is necessary, appropriate and proportionate to accelerate the clean transition and facilitate the development of certain economic activities. Executive Vice-President for a Clean, Just and Competitive Transition, Teresa Ribera , said: “ With this €23 billion scheme, Italy will support the production of renewable electricity from various technologies, such as onshore wind, solar or hydropower, to reach the goals of the Clean Industrial Deal. The scheme will also help Italy reduce its dependence on fossil fuels imports and enhance its renewable energy share.” A press release is available online. (For more information: Ricardo Cardoso – Tel.: +32 2 298 01 00; Luuk de Klein – Tel.: +32 2 299 47 74) Commission clears acquisition of Greenlink by Mubadala, Equitix and Baltic Cable The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of joint control of Greenlink (Luxembourg) S.à.r.l. of Luxembourg by Mubadala Investment Company PJSC (‘Mubadala') of the UAE, ultimately controlled by the Abu Dhabi government, and Greenlink's pre- existing shareholders Equitix Holdings Limited (‘Equitix') of the UK and Baltic Cable AB of Sweden. The transaction relates primarily to electricity interconnection into and out of Ireland. 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 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.12321 . (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 Magna's European lighting business by Mutares The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of sole control of Magna Lighting Czech s.r.o. of Czechia and Olsa S.p.A. of Italy (together ‘Magna's European lighting business') by Mutares SE & Co. KGaA (‘Mutares') of Germany. The transaction relates primarily to the design and manufacture of automotive lighting components. 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.12397 . (For more information: Ricardo Cardoso – Tel.: +32 2 298 01 00; Paula Clara Ritter-Moschütz – Tel.: +32 2 296 40 83) STATEMENTS Statement by Commissioner Várhelyi ahead of the World Food Safety Day Ahead of World Food Safety Day on Sunday, 7 June, Commissioner for Health and Animal Welfare, Olivér Várhelyi issued the following statement: “ World Food Safety Day is a moment to recognise what Europe has built: one of the safest food systems in the world – and we are making it even stronger. Our high food safety standards are built on strong, science-based rules, rigorous controls and close cooperation between food business operators and public authorities. This framework ensures that the food that reaches European consumers is as safe as it can be. Every day, thousands of professionals across the EU work to keep this system functioning effectively. When risks are identified, unsafe products are swiftly removed from the market, often before they ever reach supermarket shelves. The EU is one of the world's largest importers of food and our consumers enjoy a wide variety of products from across the world. As they do so, they can rest assured that our standards do not stop at the EU borders. Our strict rules on food and feed hygiene, our high standards for animal and plant health, apply to all products put on our market – whether produced in Europe or not. Import controls are in place to check that our standards are met, and non-compliant products are rejected before they can enter our Union and reach our consumers. […] The message is clear: if a product is sold in the European Union, it must meet European standards. This protects consumers. It ensures fairness for our farmers, producers and food businesses. And it strengthens trust in the food on our shelves and on our tables. We will continue working tirelessly and in coordination with Member States and our partners across the EU to protect the food safety excellence that our citizens rightly expect. ” The full statement is available online. (For more information: Eva Hrnčířová – Tel.: +32 2 298 84 33; Anna Gray – Tel.: +32 2 298 08 73) ANNOUNCEMENTS Commissioner Dombrovskis visits Finland to discuss competitiveness, simplification and security Valdis Dombrovskis , Commissioner for Economy and Productivity; Implementation and Simplification, is in Finland today and tomorrow for meetings with Finnish authorities, policymakers, academics and business representatives to discuss competitiveness, simplification, security, innovation and the conclusions of the European Semester , presented last week. Today, the Commissioner delivered the opening speech at the Future Circular Collider Week seminar , where he highlighted the importance of science, innovation and strategic investment for Europe's long-term competitiveness. He also visited the Recovery and Resilience Facility -supported Helen Eiranranta heat pump plant in Helsinki, alongside the Mayor of Helsinki, Daniel Sazonov. This project contributes to Finland's clean energy transition and efforts to reduce dependence on fossil fuels. During his visit, Commissioner Dombrovskis will also hold meetings with Alexander Stubb, President of Finland, Riikka Purra, Finland's Minister of Finance, and Olli Rehn, Governor of the Bank of Finland, with discussions focusing on the economic outlook and policy priorities, competitiveness, simplification, support for Ukraine and the EU's Eastern Border Regions, current geopolitical developments and security. The Commissioner will also exchange views with members of the Finnish Parliament's Grand Committee on these issues. In addition, he will visit IQM Quantum Computers , one of Europe's leading quantum technology companies and one of Finland's most prominent deep-tech success stories, and exchange views with Finnish business leaders on strengthening Europe's innovation capacity and economic resilience. (For more information: Balazs Ujvari – Tel.: +32 2 295 45 78; Francisca Marçal Santos – Tel.: +32 2 299 72 36) Commissioner Šefčovič hosts Implementation Dialogue on EU Customs Reform Today, Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security Maroš Šefčovič will host an Implementation Dialogue in Brussels, which will focus on the rollout of the newly agreed reform of the EU Customs Union. The dialogue will bring together industry and trade representatives, as well as business and consumer associations from a diverse range of sectors, such as, textile, food, automotive, logistics and online marketplaces. They will discuss how to ensure an efficient delivery, user-friendliness, and effective rollout of the reform for traders, authorities, and consumers alike. Particularly, the dialogue will focus on trade security, supply chain resilience and a data-driven customs environment, in the context of the new EU Customs Data Hub. With the legislative foundations now in place, the dialogue will feed into the reform's practical success, to facilitate the transition to the new customs framework, aligning implementation with realities on the ground. This dialogue follows the agreement reached between the European Parliament and Council on 26 March 2026, on the Commission's proposal to deliver a landmark reform of the EU Customs Union . The reform is designed to simplify trade, bolster security, and future-proof customs operations in an era of surging e-commerce and digital transformation. At the core of the reform is the new EU Customs Authority, which will centralise coordination across all Member States through an EU Customs Data Hub, a single digital gateway for all customs procedures. The reform also introduces a revamped Trust & Check system, rewarding compliant businesses with faster clearances, while strengthening the EU's ability to enforce safety, security, and regulatory standards at its borders. Implementation dialogues underscore the Commission's efforts to promote the EU's competitiveness by directly engaging stakeholders in policy implementation. A summary of the conclusions from today's dialogue will be available online . (For more information: Olof Gill – Tel.: +32 2 296 59 66; Paula Clara Ritter-Moschütz – Tel.: +32 2 296 40 83) Commissioner Šuica hosts dialogue on scaling up renewable energy investments across the Mediterranean Tomorrow, Commissioner for the Mediterranean, Dubravka Šuica , will host an Implementation Dialogue in Brussels to discuss how to foster investment from the private sector in renewable energy across the Mediterranean. The Mediterranean region holds vast untapped energy renewable potential – 2,300 GW, representing over twice the EU's current capacity – with solar and wind costs 30-40% lower than in Europe. Strengthened cooperation will help unlock this potential while addressing common shared challenges between the EU and its southern Mediterranean partners, such as rising energy prices, dependence on fossil fuels, lack of competitiveness, supply-chain vulnerabilities and climate change. The dialogue will bring together industry leaders, policymakers and financial stakeholders, including Mediterranean countries, to join forces in scaling up investments in energy projects in the region. The EU will support these efforts with the upcoming Trans-Mediterranean Renewable Energy and Clean- Tech Cooperation (T-MED) Initiative. This flagship initiative under the Pact for the Mediterranean is designed to strengthen energy collaboration between EU and the southern Mediterranean partners. The discussions will focus on three key areas: removing investment barriers such as regulatory hurdles and financial risks, making the initiatives under T-MED attractive to private investors by improving incentives and transparency, and ensuring that all projects align with the EU's broader goals for competitiveness and energy security. Implementation dialogues underscore the Commission's efforts to promote the EU's competitiveness by directly engaging stakeholders in policy implementation. Insights from tomorrow's discussions will shape the development and rollout of T-MED Initiative, helping the EU and its regional partners unlock the vast potential of solar, wind and green hydrogen energy. (For more information: Guillaume Mercier - Tel.: +32 2 298 05 64; Luca Dilda - Tel.: +32 2 295 21 53) Commissioner Kos visits Ukraine to support reforms towards EU accession Today, Commissioner Kos is in Kyiv. Her visit will focus on supporting Ukraine's EU accession reforms, wartime recovery, and the strengthening of political and societal support for European integration. Commissioner Kos met with Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko and senior members of the government to discuss reform progress and EU support priorities, including preparedness for the coming winter. Commissioner Kos also held meetings with the Speaker of Verkhovna Rada Ruslan Stefanchuk, First Deputy Speaker of Rada Oleksandr Korniyenko, chairs of parliamentary committees, and leaders of political factions to stress the importance of maintaining broad political consensus on EU-related reforms. The Commissioner will deliver a keynote speech at the public event on ‘Ukraine's Accession: How to Deliver Europe's Next Enlargement' and meet with women leaders to discuss how women are shaping the political landscape. Audiovisual material of the visit will be available on EBS . (For more information: Guillaume Mercier — Tel. + 32 2 298 05 64; Yuliya Matsyk – Tel. +32 2 296 27 16) Commissioner Hansen joins G7 Agriculture Ministers to discuss fertilisers amid geopolitical tensions Commissioner for Agriculture and Food, Christophe Hansen , will participate in today's extraordinary meeting of G7 Agriculture Ministers to discuss the impacts of increased geopolitical tensions on agricultural markets, and particularly, fertilisers. The meeting will include analysis from experts from UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Agricultural Market Information System (AMIS), and OECD on the medium and long-term risks for farmers stemming from the crisis in the Middle East. These risks have a direct impact on fertiliser price volatility, non-road fuel shortages, and supply chain bottlenecks – issues that directly affect European farmers. Through closer cooperation with G7 partners, the Commission is taking steps to ease the pressure on farmers by making fertiliser costs more stable. This meeting aligns with the EU's commitment to global food security and sustainable agriculture, while addressing the immediate threats posed by fertiliser market instability. Maintaining a regular dialogue is key to enhance market transparency and stability, and to keep food and fertiliser supply chains functioning. To secure Europe's fertiliser supply and food security, Commissioner Hansen put forward measures under the Fertiliser Action Plan last month. The Plan combines immediate support measures aimed at supporting affordability and security of supply, with longer-term action to strengthen domestic fertiliser production, improve supply resilience and accelerate the transition to bio-based, low-carbon and circular fertilisers. (For more information: Louise Bogey – Tel.: +32 2 296 97 76; Kateřina Horáková - Tel.: +32 2 299 93 10) 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/26/1297
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