European Commission - Daily News Daily News 10 / 06 / 2026 Brussels, 10 June 2026 EU and partners agree to strengthen Europe's role in the orbital economy The European Commission is advancing plans for a new pilot mission to perform tasks in orbit. Together with Greece, Italy, the Netherlands, Sweden, and Norway, the EU signed a joint declaration in support of the In-Space Operations and Services (ISOS) pilot mission...
European Commission - Daily News Daily News 10 / 06 / 2026 Brussels, 10 June 2026 EU and partners agree to strengthen Europe's role in the orbital economy The European Commission is advancing plans for a new pilot mission to perform tasks in orbit. Together with Greece, Italy, the Netherlands, Sweden, and Norway, the EU signed a joint declaration in support of the In-Space Operations and Services (ISOS) pilot mission, a step towards a European in-orbit service infrastructure. The signing took place today at the International Airshow in Berlin. Andrius Kubilius , Commissioner for Defence and Space said: “Europe maintains its leadership role for action in space by taking the first step towards building a new capacity for in-space operations and services, creating new business opportunities for European talents in the thriving orbital economy.” ISOS is intended to revolutionise Europe's actions in space, with capacities for in-orbit tasks such as capturing and repositioning satellites, satellite inspection and repairs, in-space logistics, in-space manufacturing and debris removal. It will help Europe operate, service, repair, manage and extend the lifecycle of space systems once in orbit, lowering replacement costs and ensuring the protection and long-term use of European space assets. Germany, France, Luxembourg, Portugal, and Spain had already signed the declaration last year. The declaration is open to further signatures. The European Commission and the European Space Agency also signed the same declaration, sealing their long-standing in-space cooperation. More information is available online here . (For more information: Thomas Regnier – Tel: +32 2 299 10 99; Marine Strauss – Tel: +32 2 298 91 03) Celebrating a decade of the EU-SADC Economic Partnership Agreement Today, the EU celebrates the 10-year anniversary of signing its Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) – with the Southern African Development Community (SADC). Since its signing in Kasane exactly a decade ago, this trade and development agreement has been connecting people and businesses of Botswana, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, Eswatini and South Africa with EU Member States, delivering clear benefits for all sides. Overall trade between the EU27 and the six SADC partners has steadily increased, growing by 26% in the past ten years, with EU's imports from SADC States increasing by 38% in the same period. On top of that, the EU's investment in SADC reached EUR 50.4 billion in 2024, representing a 23% increase since 2016. As a result of these success stories delivered through the EPA, the EU is today the main economic partner of the six SADC EPA States. In this time of geoeconomic instability, this partnership is a clear example of how deep and diversified economic ties are the best insurance against unpredictable global markets. (For more information: Olof Gill - Tel.: +32 2 296 59 66; Marta Perez-Cejuela Romero - Tel.: +32 2 296 37 70) EU concludes modernised Economic Partnership Agreement with Sub-Saharan Africa partners Today, the EU and four Eastern and Southern Africa (ESA) States (Comoros, Madagascar, Mauritius, and Seychelles) concluded negotiations on an enhanced Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA). Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security, Maros Šefčovič , participated via videoconference in the conclusion ceremony that took place today in Mauritius. The EPA represents the first of its kind signed between the EU and partners in Sub-Saharan Africa, and sets an important benchmark for future EU-Africa economic relations. It will remain open for accession by other ESA countries. The EPA will provide a strong framework to bring the EU and ESA States closer together, based on clear, predictable rules. It aims to promote economic opportunity and diversification for both sides, while supporting deeper regional and continental economic integration, and sustainable development in the ESA States. This enhanced EPA will open up new opportunities for consumers and businesses on both continents. The EU is ESA4's largest trading partner, accounting for 24% of its total trade in goods and for 33% of its total trade in services. In 2024, total trade in goods and services between the EU and the ESA4 States reached €9.7 billion, comprising €5.2 billion in EU imports and €4.5 billion in EU exports. Maroš Šefčovič , Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security; Interinstitutional Relations and Transparency, said: “Our Economic Partnership Agreement with Comoros, Madagascar, Mauritius and Seychelles is the EU's first modern, comprehensive Free Trade Agreement with Sub-Saharan African partners – and today's agreement to enhance and modernize it marks a historic milestone in EU- Africa relations. With nearly €10 billion in trade and €20 billion in foreign direct investment in 2024 alone, this agreement is already delivering tangible results – creating jobs, attracting business and helping our ESA4 partners diversify into higher-value sectors. The conclusion is just the beginning. Implementation is what turns ambition into real opportunity. Therefore, we look forward to launching our first joint EU-ESA Business Forum soon to connect our business communities and unlock the full potential of this partnership.” More information is available online in the press release , the questions and answers and the joint statement . (For more information: Olof Gill - Tel.: +32 2 296 59 66; Marta Perez-Cejuela Romero - Tel.: +32 2 296 37 70) Commission publishes Code of Practice on marking and labelling AI-generated content Today, the European Commission published the final Code of Practice on marking and labelling of AI-generated content. The Code is voluntary and sets out practical steps to help providers and deployers of generative artificial intelligence (AI) systems meet the AI Act transparency obligations that will apply from 2 August 2026. From that date, the AI Act will require clear labelling in key cases. Deepfakes and AI-generated or AI-manipulated text published on matters of public interest must be clearly labelled. Users must also be informed when they are interacting with an interactive AI system , such as a chatbot. These transparency requirements help people recognise when content has been generated or altered by AI, reducing the risk of deception and manipulation. The Code was drafted by six independent experts , with input from over 180 stakeholders. Contributors included providers and deployers of interactive and generative AI systems and models, associations representing deployers, small and medium-sized enterprises, academia, the public sector and civil society organisations. You can find more information in our press release online. (For more information: Thomas Regnier — Tel. + 32 2 299 10 99; Nika Blazevic — Tel. + 32 2 299 27 17) Commission and EIB Group increase financial support for the EU economy and speed up key transformative investments under InvestEU In a significant move to bolster Europe's economic future, the European Commission and the European Investment Bank (EIB) Group today have signed an agreement, adding €22 billion in strategic financing under the InvestEU programme. The amendment also reflects the adoption of the "Omnibus II" regulation in December 2025, which reinforced the Union's flagship investment initiative, which up to now hasalready mobilised €400 billion in public and private capital across key priority sectors. Since its financing is always complementary with other financial resources, the EIB Group expects the total financial impact of the projects supported through this amendment to be around €70 billion until the end of the current Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), allowing to exceed the €55 billion minimum target of the Omnibus II package. The expansion of the InvestEU programme is set to deliver tangible benefits for more than 130,000 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), providing them with enhanced access to financing. Moreover, in alignment with the Commission's commitment to reducing administrative burden, all SMEs supported under InvestEU will benefit from streamlined processes thereby ensuring faster, easier access to funding, along with reduced reporting requirements. These improvements will make InvestEU more efficient, accessible and responsive to evolving market needs and policy priorities. The amendment also lays the important groundwork for the future InvestEU instrument under the next Multiannual Financial Framework, as part of the forthcoming European Competitiveness Fund. A joint press release is available online . (For more information: Siobhan McGarry - Tel.: +32 2 296 47 98; Rüya Perincek - Tel.: +32 2 299 49 03) Commission greenlights Slovenia's sixth payment request for €41 million under NextGenerationEU Yesterday, the European Commission positively assessed Slovenia's sixth payment request for €41 million under the Recovery and Resilience Facility , the centrepiece of NextGenerationEU. This is an important step in the delivery of the reforms and investments tied to this payment request, which aims to support Slovenia's labour market, education, renewable energy, while advancing the green transition through upgraded wastewater and drinking water infrastructure. Additionally, this funding helps companies and public services transition to an increasingly circular and digital economy through an e-Legislation platform, expanded telemedicine options, and enhanced applications within the police cloud system. The Commission found that Slovenia has satisfactorily completed the six milestones and nine targets set out in the Council Implementing Decision . Slovenia's recovery and resilience plan has a strong focus on the green transition and is comprehensive, with a good balance between investments and reforms. Key reforms are promotion of renewable energy sources, long-term care, healthcare, pension reform, and deployment of alternative fuels. Key investments are renewable energy and energy efficiency, rail transport, flood prevention, healthcare, and digitalisation of public administration. A press release is available online. (For more information: Maciej Berestecki - Tel.: +32 2 296 64 83; Isabel Arriaga E Cunha - Tel.: +32 2 295 21 17) Commission issues €8 billion in its sixth syndicated transaction of 2026 The European Commission is empowered by the EU Treaties to borrow from the international capital markets on behalf of the European Union to finance selected EU policy programmes. The European Commission has raised €8 billion of EU-Bonds in its 6 th syndicated transaction for 2026. The dual- tranche transaction concerned a €3 billion tap 5-year EU-Bond , maturing on 14 October 2030 and a €5 billion tap of the 15-year EU-Bond , maturing on 12 December 2040. The transaction is part of the Commission's €100 billion funding target for the first half of 2026 (with €91.8 billion issued since January 2026). The next transaction in the EU's indicative issuance calendar is an EU-Bill auction on 17 June 2026. In line with the EU funding plan, the Commission will finalise its EU-Bond issuances for this semester with an up to €7 billion auction on 22 June 2026 and a related subsequent non-competitive offer. These funds will be used to support the European Union's political priorities, including support for a stronger, more competitive and resilient Europe, support to Ukraine and crucial investments in European defence. A full overview of all EU transactions executed to date is available online . For more information on this, see the dedicated press release . (For more information: Balazs Ujvari - Tel.: +32 2 295 45 78; Isabel Otero Barderas - Tel.: +32 2 296 69 25) ANNOUNCEMENTS Commission discusses Rectors of European Universities alliances' contribution to innovation and competitiveness Executive Vice-President for Social Rights and Skills, Quality Jobs and Preparedness, Roxana Mînzatu , hosts today a meeting with the Rectors of the European Universities alliances in Brussels. As the European Commission places education at the forefront of its agenda, discussions will focus on the future strategy for University alliances, the crucial role of European Universities alliances in boosting Europe's competitiveness, and international collaboration in higher education, including the deployment of the European Degree Label. This is an initiative aimed at enhancing the quality and recognition of joint degree programs across Europe. Around 150 Rectors and Presidents representing 65 European Universities alliances and eight Seal of Excellence alliances will take part in the discussions. The European Universities initiative creates alliances between higher institutions for the benefit of their students, staff and society. The alliances allow higher education institutions to deepen their cooperation, share resources and offer their students and staff to study and work across different European countries, sectors and academic disciplines. Launched in 2019, there are now 73 European Universities alliances, most of them funded by the Erasmus+ programme, involving almost 650 higher education institutions in 35 countries across Europe. More information about the European Universities initiative can be found on the European Education Area website . (For more information: Eva Hrnčířová — Tel.: +32 229-88433; Eirini Zarkadoula – Tel.: +32 460- 765713) Commissioner McGrath in Croatia for high-level talks on rule of law, democracy and competitiveness Tomorrow, Commissioner McGrath will travel to Zagreb to discuss issues related to the rule of law, democracy, competitiveness including EU Inc., and consumer protection, including the upcoming Digital Fairness Act . Commissioner McGrath will meet the Croatian Prime Minister, Andrej Plenković; the Minister of Justice, Damir Habijan; and the State Secretary for Europe, Andrea Metelko Zgombić; as well as with judges of the Croatian Supreme Court. The discussions will focus on rule of law developments in Croatia, in light of the ongoing preparations for the 2026 Rule of Law Report. Additionally, they will exchange views on judicial cooperation in the context of the planned revision of Eurojust Regulation and the European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO) . Finally, discussions will also touch on the implementation of the European Democracy Shield , and on ways to further promote competitiveness, including through the Commission's proposal on EU Inc. and the upcoming Digital Fairness Act. Commissioner McGrath will also meet with members of the Croatian Parliament to exchange views on the rule of law situation in Croatia, and the state of democracy. During the visit, the Commissioner will also participate in several roundtables with key stakeholders working in the area of upholding the rule of law, including the Ombudsperson, the Commission for the Resolution of Conflicts of Interests, civil society and journalists' organisations. The Commissioner will also engage with business, innovation and startup representatives on the EU's overall competitiveness agenda, and specifically the EU Inc. proposal. (For 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 Individual calendars of the President and Commissioners MEX/26/1330
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