European Commission - Daily News Daily News 15 / 06 / 2026 Brussels, 15 June 2026 EU provides cyber support to Ukraine against major attacks Ukraine can now activate emergency EU cyber support to respond to large-scale cybersecurity incidents, after the Council of the European Union approved its inclusion in the EU Cybersecurity Reserve today. The Reserve, managed by the European Union Agency for Cybersecurity (ENISA...
European Commission - Daily News Daily News 15 / 06 / 2026 Brussels, 15 June 2026 EU provides cyber support to Ukraine against major attacks Ukraine can now activate emergency EU cyber support to respond to large-scale cybersecurity incidents, after the Council of the European Union approved its inclusion in the EU Cybersecurity Reserve today. The Reserve, managed by the European Union Agency for Cybersecurity (ENISA), provides incident response services from trusted private providers to help address significant or large-scale incidents. This decision reflects close EU-Ukraine cooperation and aligns with the EU's strategic digital partnership agenda . It also forms part of the Commission's broader efforts to ensure that the EU and its partners can counter evolving cyber threats with preparedness, rapid response and shared expertise. Moldova was already included in the Reserve in 2024, under the Cyber Solidarity Act . Henna Virkkunen , Executive Vice-President for Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy, said: "By welcoming Ukraine into the EU Cybersecurity Reserve, we strengthen our collective defences and reaffirm the principle of solidarity that lies at the heart of Europe's digital future. At a time when cyberattacks pose a constant risk, our unity is our greatest asset." (For more information: Thomas Regnier — Tel. + 32 2 299 10 99; Nika Blazevic — Tel. + 32 2 299 27 17) Commission seeks feedback to strengthen Europe's water resilience and ocean protection The European Commission has launched two calls for evidence to help shape the future Ocean and Water Research and Innovation Strategy (R&I), a flagship initiative under the EU Water Resilience Strategy and the European Ocean Pact . This future R&I strategy aims to reinforce Europe's leadership in ocean and water research and innovation and technology, while bolstering competitiveness, resilience, and strategic autonomy. The ocean R&I call for evidence focuses on marine research and innovation priorities, including marine ecosystems protection and restoration, ocean observation, and sustainable blue economy development. In parallel, the water resilience R&I call for evidence addresses freshwater system management, water efficiency and reuse and innovative solutions for sustainable water management. The two consultations will support the development of a 'source-to-sea' approach, a way of protecting water from its starting point (like a mountain spring or rainfall) all the way to the ocean. By treating rivers, groundwater, lakes, coastal areas and seas as one connected system, we can better tackle shared problems, such as pollution or flooding rather than fixing issues in isolation. Feedback from these consultations will guide future EU R&I investments, including under Europe's multi-billion research programme Horizon Europe (2028–2034), and the European Competitiveness Fund . Contributions will also help to improve coordination between EU, national and regional programmes, strengthen monitoring and forecasting systems for oceans and water, and accelerate the deployment and market uptake of innovative solutions and technologies. Stakeholders are invited to share their views via the Commission's Have Your Say portal until 2 August 2026. (For more information: Maciej Berestecki - Tel: +32 229-66483; Isabel Arriaga e Cunha – Tel: +32 229-52117) EU and Egypt present major electricity grid project under Pact for the Mediterranean, supported by €690 million in EU funding On the margins of the 11 th EU-Egypt Association Council in Luxembourg today, the European Commission will present the first flagship operation under the Trans-Mediterranean Renewable Energy and Clean Tech Cooperation (T-MED) worth a total of €690 million (€600 million loan by the European Investment Bank and up to €90 million grants by the Commission) to modernise and expand Egypt's national electricity grid. The total expected public and private investment for this project amounts to €1.6 billion, and it will advance the objectives of the EU-Egypt Strategic and Comprehensive Partnership. It will help Egypt integrate 22 GW of renewable energy by 2030 - enough to power 10 million homes in the country. The initiative will upgrade critical substations and transmission lines in the Red Sea and Gulf of Suez regions, reducing energy losses and improving grid reliability. Furthermore, by delivering 10.4 GW of renewable power, the project will support Egypt's transition away from fossil fuels, in line with the country's own 2040 targets, while creating opportunities for European companies in the fields of grid infrastructure and clean energy technologies. Construction is planned to start in 2027, with first renewable energy flows expected by 2028. The project will be presented this afternoon by Dubravka Šuica , Commissioner for the Mediterranean, and Egypt Foreign Affairs Minister Badr Abdelatty, together with President and Vice-President of the European Investment Bank, Nadia Calviño and Gelsomina Vigliotti. Commissioner Dubravka Šuica said: “ The Pact for the Mediterranean keeps delivering. Under its newly launched flagship initiative, T- MED, today we presented a major EU-supported project to strengthen and expand Egypt's electricity infrastructure. This will reinforce Egypt's role in the regional energy markets and create major business opportunities for local and European companies. It is another testimony of our shared commitment to sustainable growth, energy security and long-term prosperity in the Mediterranean .” A joint press release will be available online . Audiovisual material of the signing ceremony will be available on EBS . (For more information: Markus Lammert – Tel.: +32 2 296 75 33; Luca Dilda - Tel.: +32 2 295 21 53) Commission approves €8 million Croatian State aid for fishing companies facing increased fuel prices The European Commission has approved an €8 million Croatian State aid scheme to support fishing companies facing increased fuel prices due to the Middle East crisis. The scheme was approved under the Middle East Crisis Temporary State Aid Framework (METSAF) adopted by the Commission on 29 April 2026 . The aid will take the form of direct grants . Depending on the type of fishing vessel, the aid can cover up to 70% of the additional fuel costs or be capped at €50,000 per company. The scheme will run until 31 December 2026. The Commission assessed the scheme under EU State aid rules, in particular Article 107(3)(c) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU, which enables Member States to support the development of certain economic activities subject to certain conditions, as well as Sections 1 and 2.1 of the METSAF. The Commission found that the scheme is in line with the conditions set out in the METSAF. In particular, aid will be granted based on a scheme with a clear estimated budget, and aid will be provided to temporarily support the development of companies active in primary production of fishery products. The Commission concluded that the scheme is necessary , appropriate and proportionate to facilitate the development of an economic activity and does not adversely affect trading conditions to an extent contrary to the common interest. 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 creation of joint venture by TotalEnergies and Masdar The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the creation of a joint venture by TotalEnergies SE of France and Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company – Masdar P.J.S.C (‘Masdar') of the UAE. The transaction relates primarily to renewable energy activities in the Asia-Pacific region. The Commission concluded that the notified transaction would not raise competition concerns, given the limited impact on the European Economic Area. 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.12410 . (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 Marioff by Inflexion The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of sole control of Marioff Buyer Oy (‘Marioff') of Finland by Inflexion Private Equity Partners LLP (‘Inflexion') of the UK. The transaction relates primarily to the provision of water mist fire suppression systems and related professional services. 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.12418 . (For more information: Ricardo Cardoso – Tel.: +32 2 298 01 00; Paula Clara Ritter-Moschütz – Tel.: +32 2 296 40 83) ANNOUNCEMENTS New European Bauhaus Festival 2026 attracted around 4,000 participants The third edition of the New European Bauhaus (NEB) Festival closed on Saturday. Over five days, discussions explored how innovation, sustainability and circularity can support the renovation and reuse of existing buildings, including heritage spaces, and help create affordable, beautiful and liveable homes and public areas. Increasing the resilience of local communities was also at the centre of exchanges, with examples from Ukraine showcasing the role of the NEB for a long-lasting inclusive, sustainable and beautiful reconstruction. During the Festival, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced an additional €50 million over the next two years for the NEB Academy , to support skills, research and experimentation, start-ups, SMEs, and creative practitioners. The Commission also launched a new catalogue of NEB blueprints on affordable and resilient homes: a practical tool for architects, real estate companies and local authorities to help build better and faster where it is most needed. In her closing speech , Commissioner Jessika Roswall underlined the role of the NEB in scaling up circular, bio-based and water-resilient solutions for affordable and resilient homes and neighbourhoods. She also announced the winning design of the NEB Trophy , following a public vote. Italian student Luca Ambrosi, from the Academy of Fine Arts in Carrara, will see his design, ‘Aurora', produced as the first official trophy for the NEB Prizes 2026. Ahead of the NEB Prizes ceremony in October, Executive Vice-President Raffaele Fitto announced the start of the public vote for the NEB Prizes , which is open until 10 July 2026. In addition, more than 200 satellite events took place in Brussels and beyond. In cooperation with BOZAR, the Festival also included 14 film screenings, opening with Copan , an acclaimed movie on homes, communities and shared spaces. More information on the New European Bauhaus is available online. (For more information: Anna-Kaisa Itkonen – Tel.: +32 2 295 75 01; Maëlys Dreux – Tel.: +32 2 295 46 73) European experts meet to advise Commission on Europe's skills priorities The members of the European Skills High-Level Board meet today in Brussels. Chaired by Ylva Johansson in her role as Special Adviser to Executive Vice-President for Social Rights and Skills, Quality Jobs and Preparedness Roxana Mînzatu , the European Skills High-Level Board, which was set up in May 2026, plays a central role in the governance of the Union of Skills . The Board has an advisory role and brings together business representatives from strategic sectors for Europe's competitiveness, education and training providers, and social partners, to advise the Commission on current and future skills-related challenges and opportunities. This platform will offer practical, forward-looking input to help shape the EU's response to a fast-changing skills landscape, feeding into the Commission's work on human capital as a key enabler of competitiveness. Its work will draw on the findings of the European Skills Intelligence Observatory . Executive Vice-President Mînzatu said: “Europe's strength depends on its people and their skills. The European Skills High-Level Board will help us stay ahead of change, identify future skills needs and ensure that people and businesses have the tools to succeed. Its work will support our efforts to build a stronger Union of Skills and boost Europe's competitiveness.” (For more information: Eva Hrncirova - Tel.: +32 2 298 84 33; Eirini Zarkadoula - Tel.: +32 2 295 70 65) 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/26/1362
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