European Commission - Daily News Daily News 24 / 06 / 2026 Brussels, 24 June 2026 Commission to issue €80 billion in EU-Bonds in second half of 2026 The European Commission has announced its intention to issue up to €80 billion of EU-Bonds in the second half of 2026. This will bring the total planned EU-Bond issuance for 2026 to €180 billion, in line with the Commission's earlier indication for the year. The proceeds...
European Commission - Daily News Daily News 24 / 06 / 2026 Brussels, 24 June 2026 Commission to issue €80 billion in EU-Bonds in second half of 2026 The European Commission has announced its intention to issue up to €80 billion of EU-Bonds in the second half of 2026. This will bring the total planned EU-Bond issuance for 2026 to €180 billion, in line with the Commission's earlier indication for the year. The proceeds will be used to fund EU policy programmes financed through borrowing on capital markets. These include disbursements to EU Member States under the NextGenerationEU programme, support for Ukraine (including payments under the new Ukraine Support Loan ), disbursements under the Security Action for Europe (SAFE) instrument , and contributions to other EU programmes. The Commission will continue to carry out all issuances under its unified funding approach , using a mix of long-term and short-term instruments. This approach enables the Commission to meet disbursement needs across the increasing range of policy programmes funded by capital market operations, supporting a stable pattern of EU-Bond issuances. For more information on this, 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) Updated legislation to make voting in municipal elections simpler and easier for mobile EU citizens Today, the European Union updated its legislation to make it simpler for mobile EU citizens—EU citizens living in another Member State than the one they are from—to vote and stand as candidates in municipal elections. The revised Directive is part of a broader effort to reinforce democracy across the EU, including by strengthening democratic institutions and free and fair electoral processes. The Directive, proposed by the European Commission in November 2021 , requires Member States to provide timely and clear information on election dates, voting procedures, and the rights of voters and candidates. Member States must ensure this information is provided in a language widely understood by the voters – that is, at least one other official EU language that is either the most studied foreign language across the EU or broadly understood in the Member State of residence. The Directive simplifies the registration process for both voters and candidates, and guarantees that mobile EU citizens have access to the same voting arrangements as nationals. Henna Virkkunen , Executive Vice-President for Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy, said: " Local elections are at the heart of democratic participation in community life. Citizens who have built their lives in another Member State must have a say, free from unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles. These revised rules deliver on that guarantee, ensuring that mobile EU citizens can seamlessly exercise their electoral rights ” Michael McGrath , Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, the Rule of Law and Consumer Protection, said: " The right to vote and participate in municipal elections is a cornerstone of EU citizenship. There are 14 million mobile EU citizens in the EU (EU citizens living in another Member State). Today's entry into force will ensure that all of them can exercise their voting rights freely and without hurdles – which is an essential part of our democracies. " Member States will now have until 26 June 2028 to transpose the Directive into their national laws. The Commission will report on the effective application of the Directive every six years. (For more information: Markus Lammert – Tel: +32 2 296 75 33 ; Antoine Lomba – Tel.: +32 2 299 32 33) EU grants access to funding under the EU4Health programme to the Republic of North Macedonia Today, the EU will sign an agreement associating the Republic of North Macedonia to the EU4Health programme . With the entry into force of the agreement, the health authorities and the wider health community from the Republic of North Macedonia will be able to fully benefit from EU funding opportunities under the EU4Health programme to build stronger, more resilient and more accessible health systems, on an equal footing with EU Member States, Norway, Iceland, Ukraine, Moldova, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Republic of Serbia. Applying retroactively as of 1 January 2026, both public and private health sector entities in the Republic of North Macedonia will be able to access funding opportunities through open calls, direct grants, and joint actions. These funding opportunities will help to improve prevention, diagnosis, treatment and care in critical areas such as cardiovascular disease and cancer, contributing to the European Health Data Space, developing strategies for critical medicines and medicine stockpiling, strengthening mental health services especially for young people, and tackling cross-border health threats. Olivér Várhelyi , Commissioner for Health and Animal Welfare, said: “ I warmly welcome today's agreement, through which the Republic of North Macedonia will be able to strengthen its healthcare sector with the support of EU funds. This agreement is a concrete step in deepening our health cooperation and protecting people's.” Read more about the programme online . ( For more information: Eva Hrncirova – Tel.: +32 2 298 84 33; Maëlys Dreux – Tel.: +32 2 295 46 73) EU-China Environment Policy Dialogue discusses biodiversity, plastic and chemical pollution, and multilateral cooperation ahead of key international meetings Yesterday, Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience, and a Competitive Circular Economy Jessika Roswall hosted the 11th EU-China Environment Policy Dialogue. Minister for Ecology and Environment of China, Huang Runqiu co-chaired the dialogue. The high-level meeting is an occasion for both parties to reaffirm their commitment to close cooperation on environmental matters, ahead of COP17 on biodiversity in Armenia, UNCCD COP17 in Mongolia, UN Water Conference and the resumption of work on the Global Plastics Treaty. During the dialogue, both parties acknowledged the need to accelerate global efforts to implement the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and the need to advance on key priorities, such as the Cali Fund for sharing the benefits of Digital Sequence Information. They also recognised the importance of ongoing work on nature credits to unlock private biodiversity financing. Both parties also exchanged on the need for a Global Plastic Treaty . They reaffirmed their joint commitment to deepen exchanges, both at political and technical levels, and to make positive joint contributions to develop an international binding instrument to end rising global plastic pollution. Commissioner Roswall and Minister Huang also stressed the importance of finding solutions to chemical pollution and discussed approaches for prevention and control, notably regarding per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS, known as ‘forever chemicals'), which represents a global challenge. This high-level meeting was an opportunity to discuss environmental multilateralism and the importance for the two partners to coordinate ahead of key multilateral processes. Another meeting is already planned for 2026 with the 7th High Level Environment and Climate Dialogue to be co-chaired by Executive Vice-President for a Clean, Just and Competitive Transition, Teresa Ribera , and Vice Premier of China, Ding Xuexiang. Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy, Jessika Roswall , said: “In the current geopolitical context, effective diplomacy is more important than ever. The EU and China must continue to work together to finalise the negotiations on a global treaty to end plastic pollution, to implement our shared commitments on biodiversity, and strengthen environmental multilateralism.” You can find more information on the 11th EU-China Environment Policy Dialogue online. ( For more information: Anna-Kaisa Itkonen - Tel.: +32 2 295 75 01; Maëlys Dreux – Tel.: +32 2 295 46 73) Commission welcomes political agreement to protect workers from cancer-causing chemicals The European Commission welcomes the provisional agreement reached by the European Parliament and the Council on the sixth revision of the Carcinogens, Mutagens and Reprotoxic substances Directive (CMRD) . Once formally adopted, the strengthened Directive can avert around 1,700 cases of lung cancer and 19,000 work-related illnesses over the next 40 years , while generating up to €1.16 billion in healthcare savings across the EU. The agreed text will now need to be formally adopted by the European Parliament and the Council of the EU. Once the Directive enters into force, Member States will be required to incorporate it into national law within the agreed deadline. EU Directive 2004/37/EC sets minimum requirements to protect workers from exposure to carcinogens, mutagens or reprotoxic substances at work. In July 2025, the Commission proposed this sixth revision to strengthen protection against cobalt and inorganic cobalt compounds, PAHs, 1,4- dioxane and welding fumes. The proposal followed extensive consultation with social partners and scientific experts. The sixth revision builds on five previous revisions of the CMRD, which together addressed more than 40 key hazardous chemicals and are expected to help save the lives of over 100,000 workers over the next 50 years. More information is available in our press release . (For more information: Eva Hrncirova - Tel.: +32 2 298 84 33; Eirini Zarkadoula - Tel.: +32 2 295 70 65) Commission welcomes political agreement on the Single Digital Declaration Portal to simplify posting of workers The European Commission welcomes the political agreement reached yesterday between the European Parliament and the Council on the Regulation establishing a Single Digital Declaration Portal for the posting of workers. The agreement delivers on the EU's commitment under the Single Market Strategy to simplify rules and deepen the Single Market by reducing administrative burdens for businesses providing services across borders, while maintaining strong protections for posted workers. The new Regulation will establish a common digital portal, available on a voluntary basis to Member States, enabling companies to submit posting declarations through a single interface in all EU languages. By streamlining reporting requirements and improving administrative cooperation between national authorities, the portal will enhance legal certainty, support the free movement of services, and contribute to a more integrated, digital, and competitive Single Market. It is a concrete deliverable under the One Europe, One Market roadmap. The political agreement is now subject to formal adoption by the Parliament and the Council before the Regulation can enter into force. (For more information: Siobhan McGarry - Tel.: +32 2 296 47 98; Rüya Perincek - Tel.: +32 2 299 49 03) Commission clears acquisition of Jadeed by Mutares The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of sole control of Jadeed Holding B.V. of the Netherlands and Plastics US Holding LLC of the US (together (‘Jadeed') by Mutares SE & Co KGaA (‘Mutares') of Germany. The transaction relates primarily to the engineering thermoplastics market in Europe. The Commission concluded that the notified transaction would not raise competition concerns, given the companies' limited combined market position resulting from the proposed transaction. 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.12359 . (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 VodafoneZiggo by Liberty Global The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of sole control of VodafoneZiggo Group Holding B.V. (‘VodafoneZiggo') by Liberty Global Holding B.V. (‘Liberty Global'), both of the Netherlands. The transaction relates primarily to telecommunication services in the Netherlands. 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.12369 . (For more information: Ricardo Cardoso – Tel.: +32 2 298 01 00; Paula Clara Ritter-Moschütz – Tel.: +32 2 296 40 83) APPOINTMENTS Commission appoints a new Director in its Directorate-General for Research and Innovation The European Commission appointed today Martin Špolc as Director for Prosperity within its Directorate-General for Research and Innovation (DG RTD). This department is responsible for EU policy on research, science and innovation, with a view to help create growth and jobs and tackle our biggest societal challenges. The date of effect will be determined later. With over 20 years of professional experience, Mr Špolc has built extensive expertise in economic, financial and climate policy, underpinned by a strong track record in shaping and delivering major European policy initiatives. Throughout his career, he has played a leading role in advancing key EU priorities, including post-crisis banking reforms, economic recovery, capital markets integration, sustainable finance and climate resilience. He combines strong strategic and analytical capabilities with substantial experience in leading multidisciplinary teams and developing policies at the intersection of competitiveness, innovation, investment and sustainability. He has demonstrated a proven ability to foster synergies across policy areas, mobilise investment and translate strategic objectives into impactful reforms. His extensive management experience, together with his strong organisational and stakeholder engagement skills, provide a solid foundation for leading the Directorate for Prosperity and contributing to the Union's competitiveness and innovation agenda. Martin Špolc, a Czech national, is currently Head of Unit for Preparedness and Adaptation to Climate Change in the Directorate-General for Climate Action (DG CLIMA). Previously, he served as Head of Unit for Sustainable Finance, Head of Unit for Capital Markets Union, and Head of Unit for Economic Analysis and Evaluation in the Directorate-General for Financial Stability, Financial Services and Capital Markets Union (DG FISMA). Earlier in his career within DG FISMA, he held the positions of Deputy Head of Unit and Acting Head of Unit responsible for banking and financial conglomerates. He also served as Assistant to the Director-General in the Directorate-General for Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs (then DG MARKT). Mr Špolc joined the European Commission in 2005 as an Economic Analyst in the Directorate-General for Economic and Financial Affairs (DG ECFIN). Prior to that, he worked in the private sector as a consultant specialising in risk management and corporate finance. (For more information: Balazs Ujvari - Tel.: +32 2 295 45 78; Isabel Otero Barderas - Tel.: +32 2 296 69 25) ANNOUNCEMENTS President von der Leyen in Gdańsk for the Ukraine Recovery Conference Tomorrow, President Ursula von der Leyen will participate in the Ukraine Recovery Conference , in Gdańsk, Poland. Co-hosted by Poland and Ukraine, the conference scheduled for 25 and 26 June marks the fifth edition of this annual high-level event dedicated to mobilising international support for Ukraine's reconstruction and attracting investment in the country's economy and businesses. This year, the focus will be on the sectors most impacted by Russia's full-scale war of aggression: energy, critical infrastructure, and logistics. For the first time, discussions will also cover Ukraine's security capabilities. The Commission plays a key role in maintaining international focus on Ukraine's recovery, both during the war and in the post-war period. Over the course of the two-day event, it will present further initiatives demonstrating its steadfast commitment to the country. On Thursday, President von der Leyen will deliver a speech at the high-level opening session of the conference, which will be broadcast live on EBS at +/- 10:35 CEST. The President of the European Council, António Costa, the Prime Minister of Poland, Donald Tusk, and the Prime Minister of Ukraine, Yulia Svyrydenko, will also take the floor in this opening session. Later in the day, President von der Leyen will participate in a leaders' session, before joining a working lunch of the Eastern Flank Summit with leaders of Poland, Bulgaria, Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, Romania and Sweden. Commissioner for the Economy and Productivity, Implementation and Simplification, Valdis Dombrovskis , Commissioner for Defence and Space, Andrius Kubilius , Commissioner for Enlargement, Marta Kos , and Commissioner for Startups, Research and Innovation Ekaterina Zaharieva will also participate in the conference. In the margins of the conference, the members of the College present will hold bilateral meetings with other attendees and participate in side events focused on Ukraine's reconstruction, defence, energy, economy and finance, as well as the country's EU path. More details can be found in the Commissioners' calendar of activities . (For more information: Paula Pinho – Tel.: +32 498 98 25 31; Guillaume Mercier – Tel.: +32 460 75 53 11) 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/26/1447
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