European Commission - Daily News Daily News 30 / 06 / 2026 Brussels, 30 June 2026 Commission disburses €3.9 billion for drones under the €90 billion Ukraine Support Loan The European Commission begins disbursement today of €3.9 billion as the first payment under the first tranche of around €6 billion dedicated to drone procurement, a key capability enabling Ukraine to withstand Russia's war of aggression. European Co...
European Commission - Daily News Daily News 30 / 06 / 2026 Brussels, 30 June 2026 Commission disburses €3.9 billion for drones under the €90 billion Ukraine Support Loan The European Commission begins disbursement today of €3.9 billion as the first payment under the first tranche of around €6 billion dedicated to drone procurement, a key capability enabling Ukraine to withstand Russia's war of aggression. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said: “Ukraine's ingenuity is at the heart of its success in resisting Russia's full-scale invasion. Ingenuity we want to support. Today, we are releasing a first tranche of €3.9 billion for advanced drone technology to strengthen Ukraine's defence. And more will follow. These investments will help Ukraine protect its citizens, defend its sovereignty, and reinforce Europe's security. Europe stands firmly with Ukraine for as long it takes to achieve a just and lasting peace.” This disbursement follows the Commission's first €3.2 billion instalment to Ukraine under the dedicated Macro-Financial Assistance programme made on 25 June. Further payments will be made in the coming days until the first tranche for drones is fully covered, in accordance with Ukraine's payment requests. More information is available online in the press release . (For more information: Thomas Regnier – Tel: +32 2 299 10 99; Marine Strauss – Tel: +32 2 298 91 03) Commission presents financial package for Montenegro's EU accession Today, the European Commission adopted a financial package setting out the budgetary arrangements that would apply to Montenegro upon its accession to the European Union. Montenegro advances in the accession process and this proposal marks a significant step in the country's path towards becoming a member of the Union, following the latest agreement by the Member States to start drafting the Accession Treaty. Today's package falls under Chapter 33 – Financial & budgetary provisions – of Montenegro's accession negotiations. It provides a clear overview of the expected financial implications of Montenegro's EU accession. Enlargement is a credible and strategic investment in Europe's stability, unity and prosperity. Montenegro's progress shows that, with sustained reforms and political commitment, accession can move steadily from aspiration to reality. President von der Leyen said: “ Today's package is another concrete step towards Montenegro's future in our Union. We are getting Montenegro, Member States and our institutions ready. Because enlargement succeeds when it is a shared European project built on merit, commitment and trust. ” The Commission has submitted its proposal concerning Montenegro's financial package to the Council of the EU. This package is subject to negotiations between the EU and Montenegro. Building on this financial package, the Commission will also submit to the Council a draft common position on Chapter 33 – Financial and budgetary provisions. More information is available in our press release and questions and answers . (For more information: Guillaume Mercier - Tel.: +32 2 298 05 64; Yuliya Matsyk - Tel.: +32 2 296 27 16) Commission greenlights Denmark's final payment request of €359 million under NextGenerationEU Today, the Commission positively assessed Denmark's fifth and final payment request for €359 million in grants under the Recovery and Resilience Facility , the centrepiece of NextGenerationEU. With this fifth and final payment request, Denmark becomes the first Member State to reach 100% of reforms and investments linked to its RRF plan - corresponding to €1.63 billion - ahead of the end of August deadline. The Commission found that Denmark has satisfactorily completed the outstanding 4 milestones and 12 targets set out in the Council Implementing Decision . This final request completes the delivery of reforms and investments under the Danish plan, including in the areas of the green transition of agriculture, energy efficiency, sustainable road transport and increased digitalisation . This payment will bring the total funds disbursed to Denmark under the RRF to €1.63 billion , including €441 million in pre-financing. This means that 100% of the funding allocated to Denmark under its recovery and resilience plan will be delivered once the Council has also greenlighted the payment request, with all 79 milestones and targets successfully fulfilled. With a view to the closure of the Facility at the end of 2026, Member States must implement all outstanding milestones and targets by 31 August 2026 and submit their last payment requests by the end of September 2026. A press release is available online. (For further information: Maciej Berestecki – Tel.: +32 2 296 64 83; Anna Wartberger – Tel.: +32 2 28 20 54) Commission reports reaffirm EU commitment to Cyprus reunification The European Commission today published its annual reports on the implementation of the Green Line Regulation and of the Aid Programme for the Turkish Cypriot Community , reaffirming the EU's unwavering support for Cyprus' reunification through strengthened cross-community ties and targeted socio-economic development. The 2025 Green Line Report reveals a historic high of 7.79 million authorised crossings, highlighting the growing connections between Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities. Meanwhile, irregular crossings continue their downward trend, falling to 2,433. To further facilitate movement, the EU funded the expansion works at the Agios Dometios/Metehan crossing point, increasing capacity at one of the island's busiest checkpoints. The 2025 Aid Programme Report outlines efforts to support Cyprus reunification by fostering the socio-economic development of the Turkish Cypriot community, confidence-building and strengthening civil society. With €33.7 million allocated in 2025, the programme continued to enhance food safety and animal welfare standards, including through rapid emergency measures in response to the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak in December 2025. Additionally, EU-funded investments in water and wastewater infrastructure, energy efficiency, air quality and noise monitoring continued to raise living standards in the Turkish Cypriot community and across the island. Furthermore, the report shows that 142 Turkish Cypriots studied at universities across the EU, while 18 students from both communities enrolled at United World Colleges. Lastly, under the 9th Cypriot Civil Society in Action grant scheme, 16 grants worth €2.22 million were awarded to projects focusing on environmental protection, sustainable development, reconciliation, confidence-building and civil society engagement in the settlement process. (For more information: Maciej Berestecki - Tel: +32 229-66483; Isabel Arriaga e Cunha – Tel: +32 229-52117) Commission welcomes common understanding by national consumer protection authorities for fair and simple enforcement of green labelling rules The European Commission welcomes the Common Understanding reached by the Consumer Protection Cooperation Network (CPC) - the network of national consumer protection authorities – outlining how the national authorities will enforce the Directive Empowering Consumers for the Green Transition . The Directive improves the reliability and transparency of green claims and sustainability labels and encourages businesses to prevent greenwashing. The Common Understanding will ensure a smooth transition, keeping costs for companies as low as possible. For instance, it clarifies how national authorities should treat goods that were already made by the date of application. National authorities agreed to take into account genuine transitional difficulties and practical constraints, such as stock volumes, product shelf-life, or technical feasibility. In such cases, national authorities will also prefer preventive measures before considering sanctions, such as providing clarifications to businesses concerned. Member States had until 27 March 2026 to transpose the Directive into national law. The Directive will apply on 27 September 2026. Henna Virkkunen , Executive Vice-President for Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy, said: “ Everyone has a part to play building a more sustainable economy. Businesses are key actors in this process. However, when applying the rules, we must accompany them and take into account economic realities. This Common Understanding ensures an orderly transition that is fair to all, businesses and consumers alike. ” Michael McGrath , Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, the Rule of Law and Consumer Protection, said: “Consumers need clear and reliable information to make sustainable choices. At the same time, enforcement should be consistent and proportionate across the Single Market. The Common Understanding delivers both : a clear, fair, and ambitious framework that helps businesses comply with the rules while supporting the transition to more sustainable consumption.” More information on the Directive can be found online . (For more information: Markus Lammert – Tel: +32 2 296 75 33 ; Antoine Lomba – Tel.: +32 2 299 32 33) EU supports 182 researchers to transform discoveries into innovation The European Research Council (ERC) has today unveiled the 182 researchers selected to receive the first round of Proof of Concept Grants , totalling €27.3 million in funding. These grants will enable scientists to explore the commercial or societal potential of their research from cutting-edge new technologies to groundbreaking medical treatments. Each grantee will receive €150,000 under the EU's Horizon Europe , the world's largest multiannual research programme. The scheme is exclusively open to researchers who currently hold, or have previously been awarded, an ERC frontier research grant. As a top-up funding, these grants will help researchers explore how findings generated through their ERC projects can be developed into real- world innovations, bridging the gap between pioneering research and practical applications. The newly awarded projects cover a diverse range of topics, from physical sciences and engineering (62% of the total), life sciences (28%) and social sciences and humanities (9%). Among the projects selected for funding figure developing 3D-printed bio-inspired electronics made from soft materials; the creation of a patient-friendly tool to map language areas in the brain and improve epilepsy surgery; and an innovative breast cancer vaccine targeting tumour markers shared by many patients. These and many other projects will demonstrate how frontier research can be translated into tangible solutions for global challenges. The grantees will conduct their work in universities and research centres in 21 EU Member States and associated countries, notably Germany (31 grants), the Netherlands (27), and Italy and France (18 each). This year's competition attracted 554 proposals, 15% up from last year's first round, with one in three applicants securing funding. The ERC 2026 work programme includes two rounds of the Proof of Concept Grant competition, with a total budget of €60 million. The results of the second round will be announced later this year. Ekaterina Zaharieva , European Commissioner for Startups, Research and Innovation, said: “ Many of today's innovations begin with a researcher asking a fundamental question. These 182 projects show that curiosity-driven science and real-world impact go hand in hand. With Proof of Concept funding, ERC researchers can test how their discoveries could become new treatments, technologies, services or solutions that benefit people across Europe.” (For more information: Maciej Berestecki - Tel: +32 229-66483; Isabel Arriaga e Cunha – Tel: +32 229-52117) Commission clarifies rules on plastic bottles recycling The European Commission today adopted new rules on recycling of single-use plastic beverage bottles made primarily of polyethylene terephthalate (PET bottles). These rules establish, for the first time, a methodology to calculate, verify and report chemically recycled content. This is part of the Commission's December 2025 plastics package . The new rules will ensure transparency in calculating recycled content in new single-use PET bottles. This is key to creating a level playing field and providing investment security for the plastic recycling sector. The new rules can be applied to any recycling technology, including chemical and mechanical recycling technologies. This will help Member States meet the recycled-content target set under the Single-Use Plastics Directive . Mechanical recycling is currently the most widely used method for recycling plastics. This is typically used to sort, clean, shred and remold plastics into new products. However, some plastic waste streams cannot be effectively recycled mechanically. This includes for example plastic waste with food residues, additives and mixed materials which reduce recyclability. In these cases, chemical recycling can complement mechanical recycling. In contrast to mechanical recycling, chemical recycling breaks down plastics into smaller molecules, which can be reused for feedstocks for new plastics or other chemicals. This helps to return more plastic waste streams to the circular economy, including for products that have to meet high-quality standards like food-contact packaging. In a first phase, the EU will count as recycled plastics material from the Union and EEA countries, where compliance with EU environmental rules can be fully verified. From 21 November 2027, recycled plastic from OECD countries will also count, unless excluded under the Waste Shipment Regulation . Also, material from non-OECD countries will count when covered by arrangements ensuring equivalent standards related to human health and environmental protection requirements, for example in the Waste Framework Directive and the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation . More information is available online in the press release . (For more information: Anna-Kaisa Itkonen – Tel.: +32 2 295 75 01; Anni Juusola - Tel.: +32 2 296 09 86) Commission launches information portal to guide implementation of the EU Forced Labour Regulation The European Commission today launched an information portal to help businesses, Member States and other stakeholders prepare for the application of the EU Forced Labour Regulation . The new Forced Labour Single Portal includes guidance on the practical implementation of the Regulation, dedicated support for small and medium companies, resources to help identify and address supply- chain risks, and a provisional list of national enforcement authorities. The Regulation, which will apply from 14 December 2027, will prohibit products made with forced labour from being placed on the EU market or exported from the EU. The Commission will continue to add information to the portal and will work closely with Member States, businesses, and civil society organisations during the 18-month preparation period to support effective and consistent implementation across the Union. More information, including a factsheet and the tools, are available on the Forced Labour Single Portal . (For more information: Siobhan McGarry - Tel.: +32 2 296 47 98; Rüya Perincek - Tel.: +32 2 299 49 03) Commission welcomes political agreement on the governance rules of European Chemicals Agency The European Commission welcomes the provisional political agreement reached today between the European Parliament and the Council of the EU on the Regulation governing the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA). This agreement marks an important step in strengthening the Agency's governance, particularly by enhancing the capacity of its scientific committees. It introduces measures to increase the number of members of these committees, which have long faced structural understaffing, affecting the Agency's ability to deliver timely scientific opinions. It also strengthens the sustainability of ECHA's financing model by establishing a single, unified budget instead of the current system of three separate budgets, and by allowing the Agency to maintain a reserve to mitigate fluctuations in fee and charge income. The Regulation therefore fully equips the Agency to continue delivering on its expanding mandate while ensuring high levels of protection for human health and the environment. It will reduce administrative burdens, improve regulatory predictability for industry, and reinforce ECHA's scientific excellence. The Parliament and the Council will formally adopt the agreement in the coming months, allowing the revised Regulation to enter into force before the end of the year. (For more information: Siobhan McGarry - Tel.: +32 2 296 47 98; Rüya Perincek - Tel.: +32 2 299 49 03) Commission opens in-depth State aid investigation into a 2017 capital injection allegedly granted to Post Danmark The European Commission has opened an in-depth investigation to assess whether a capital injection of approximately €134 million (DKK 1 billion) into Post Danmark from its parent company PostNord Group AB is in line with EU State aid rules. Post Danmark is the largest provider of postal services in Denmark. It is a wholly-owned subsidiary of PostNord Group AB, which in turns is a wholly-owned subsidiary of PostNord AB. PostNord AB is owned by Sweden (60%) and Denmark (40%). In 2018 , following a complaint about measures allegedly granted to Post Danmark, the Commission found that a €134 million (DKK 1 billion) capital injection in February 2017 from PostNord Group AB into Post Danmark did not constitute State aid. The decision was partially annulled by the General Court in May 2021. The General Court found that the Commission did not conduct a sufficient examination of the capital injection and should have opened a formal investigation procedure. The Court of Justice confirmed the judgment in November 2022. In line with the Court judgment, the Commission will now further investigate the capital injection and analyse whether it is imputable to the Danish and Swedish State, since it had been approved by the board of directors of PostNord AB, the State-owned parent company of PostNord Group AB. The Commission will also investigate whether a satisfactory assessment was conducted to determine the market conformity of the capital injection before it was granted. This raises concerns about whether Post Danmark may have received an undue economic advantage. The opening of an in-depth investigation gives Denmark, Sweden and interested third parties the opportunity to submit comments. It does not prejudge the outcome of the investigation in any way. The non-confidential version of the decision will be made available under the case number SA.47707 in the State aid register on the Commission's competition website once any confidentiality issues have been resolved. (For more information: Ricardo Cardoso – Tel.: +32 2 298 01 00; Luuk de Klein – Tel.: +32 2 299 47 74) ANNOUNCEMENTS Commissioner Kadis hosts implementation dialogue on EU aquaculture policy Today, Costas Kadis , Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans, is hosting an implementation dialogue on EU aquaculture policy . The event brings together stakeholders from across the sector – including aquaculture industry and associations, retailers, non-governmental organisations, civil society and Member States to discuss how the European Union can unlock the full potential of sustainable aquaculture. With global demand for seafood continuing to grow, aquaculture offers a major opportunity to strengthen the EU's food security, create jobs, and support coastal and inland communities. Yet EU aquaculture currently accounts for only 0.72% of global production by volume, equivalent to 1 million tonnes and 1.29% by value (€4.66 billion). The dialogue will assess progress in implementing EU aquaculture policy and legislation. Participants will also share views to support the evaluation of the Common Fisheries Policy Regulation and the development of the Vision 2040 for Fisheries and Aquaculture. Discussions will also address the aquaculture sector's challenges and opportunities, as well as bottlenecks, areas for improvement, and examples of best practice. Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans, Costas Kadis , said: “I believe the expertise of our sector representatives is crucial in helping us understand both the progress made and the challenges ahead for EU aquaculture. I am convinced this dialogue is essential for shaping our future EU aquaculture that is ambitious, sustainable, and fit to unlock the sector's full potential.” Implementation dialogues are an opportunity to align implementation with realities on the ground. President von der Leyen tasked all Commissioners with organising two Implementation Dialogues per year. The conclusions of the dialogue will be available online. (For further information: Maciej Berestecki – Tel.: +32 2 296 64 83; Anna Wartberger – Tel.: +32 2 28 20 54) 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/26/1487
Speech Brief