European Commission - Daily News Daily News 16 / 07 / 2026 Brussels, 16 July 2026 Commission accepts X's action plan to comply with Digital Services Act The European Commission has accepted X's action plan to comply with transparency obligations and researchers' access to data, under the Digital Services Act. The approved measures represent an important step in enabling researchers, civil society and the public in ge...
European Commission - Daily News Daily News 16 / 07 / 2026 Brussels, 16 July 2026 Commission accepts X's action plan to comply with Digital Services Act The European Commission has accepted X's action plan to comply with transparency obligations and researchers' access to data, under the Digital Services Act. The approved measures represent an important step in enabling researchers, civil society and the public in general to gain more transparency into X's systems, in particular to monitor X's systemic risks and to assess the platform's broader impact on its users and European society as a whole. Following the Commission's decision that X is in breach of the DSA and a fine in December 2025, X committed to improving its advertising repository with better search features and faster response times. It will also publish more information about advertisements and enable access via an API. X will also give eligible researchers effective access to public data by improving and speeding up the screening process for applications, giving access to data free-of-charge, and updating its terms to refrain from contractually prohibiting eligible researchers to scrape public data. An independent external audit will assess these changes, whose results X will submit to the Commission. If the audit identifies recommendations, X will need to fully implement them. The Board for Digital Services was consulted on these measures and provided its opinion on 15 June. It considered the proposed changes partially adequate, but deemed X's audit measures and, as a result, the overall action plan insufficient to address the infringements. In its assessment, the Commission carefully considered the Board's opinion, recognising the Board's critical role in evaluating X's proposed measures under the Digital Services Act. Following the Board's opinion, the Commission has clarified several points that X must consider in the implementation of the action plan. X has six months to implement the measures set out in its action plan and it must then issue, and submit to the Commission, an audit of the measures. The Commission will closely monitor progress, in particular on the issues raised by the Board. The Commission will also regularly update the Board and the Digital Services Coordinators on the implementation of the action plan and on its ongoing monitoring activities. More information is available online. (For more information: Thomas Regnier - Tel.: +32 2 299 10 99; Patricia Poropat — Tel. + 32 2 299 27 17) Commission welcomes political agreement on the Programme for agile and rapid defence innovation The European Commission welcomes the political agreement reached today between the European Parliament and the Council on the Programme for agile and rapid defence innovation (AGILE), to bring disruptive defence technology from the lab to the field at record speed. The Commission proposed the new €115 million pilot funding tool, AGILE in March 2026. It is set to accelerate the development and testing of disruptive defence innovations and their market uptake, such as artificial intelligence, quantum or drones, focusing on supporting small and medium-sized enterprises, including start-ups and scale-ups. More information is available in a press release online. (For more information: Thomas Regnier – Tel: +32 2 299 10 99; Marine Strauss – Tel: +32 2 298 91 03) Commission presents first assessment on the operationalisation of transfers under the new asylum responsibility rules Today, the Commission adopted a first assessment on the current application of the new responsibility rules under the Pact on Migration and Asylum , covering the first three weeks since the entry into application of the Pact (12 June 2026). Today's assessment provides an initial picture of how the Member States identified as being under migratory pressure and benefitting from solidarity under the first Annual Migration Management Cycle apply the new EU rules on responsibility. The assessment shows that Member States have made considerable progress in implementing the Pact, including as regards their capacity to process responsibility transfers. In Cyprus and Spain, the operational cooperation regarding the application of the responsibility rules can be considered adequate. The measures that Greece has taken to date indicate that Greece has started to remedy past practices, demonstrating its readiness to ensure the effective implementation of the responsibility rules. The measures taken by Italy also show significant efforts in preparing for the implementation of the new rules, while concrete steps are needed to ensure that transfers take place effectively. Given that the new responsibility rules have been in application for less than one month, the results of this initial assessment have to be considered preliminary. The Commission will continue to monitor the situation based on the information to be provided by Member States in view of the next assessment in October. The Commission will continue to work closely with all Member States to support the implementation of the Pact. The Pact on Migration and Asylum entered into application on 12 June 2026, creating a legal framework that is fair and firm, and that balances solidarity and responsibility between Member States. The Pact provides that the Commission assesses the application of the new responsibility rules one month after the entry into application of the Pact and again in October 2026. (For more information: Markus Lammert – Tel.: +32 2 296 75 33; Elettra Di Massa - Tel.: +32 2 298 21 61) EU trade relations with developing countries continue to create sustainable economic growth Today, the European Commission and the High Representative for the Common Foreign and Security Policy published a new joint report on the implementation of the Generalised Scheme of Preferences (GSP) – the EU's main trade policy tool to support developing countries' exports to the bloc. The report confirms that the system continues contributing to economic progress and sustainable development in beneficiary countries. The GSP, which unilaterally offers access to EU markets with low or no duties, remains a source of stability and predictability in times of geopolitical volatility. The report covers the implementation and impact of the GSP over 2023-2025 through its three arrangements (Standard GSP, GSP+ and Everything But Arms (EBA)). In 2024, the EU imported almost EUR 60 billion worth of goods under GSP preferences, benefitting partner countries as well as EU importers and consumers. GSP beneficiary countries received preferential tariff treatment resulting in an estimated EUR 5 billion savings. The largest category of beneficiaries remained the least- developed countries, benefiting from more than EUR 3 billion of the total under the Everything But Arms (EBA) instrument. Beyond its trade and economic benefits, GSP remains an attractive and effective incentive for sustainable development in beneficiary countries in the areas of human rights, labour rights, environmental, and climate-related issues, rule of law, drug control and anti-corruption. The EU's monitoring and engagement under GSP plays a key role in supporting their advancement. In addition, EU partnership projects can help to address some of these challenges through cooperation and country-specific measures. More information is available in a press release online. (For more information: Olof Gill - Tel.: +32 2 296 59 66; Marta Perez-Cejuela Romero - Tel.: +32 2 296 37 70) Commission proposes €6.5 million to support almost two thousand dismissed workers in Belgium and Spain The European Commission has proposed to mobilise €6.5 million from the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund for Displaced Workers (EGF) to support 1,928 workers following dismissals by hypermarket Cora in Belgium and in the car sector in Spain. In Belgium, the proposal would support 1,257 workers dismissed after hypermarket chain Cora ceased its activities in December 2025, following several years of financial difficulties. EGF funding will help these workers develop new skills and rejoin the labour market as quickly as possible through measures such as career counselling and guidance, skills certification, training, and financial allowances for people wishing to start their own business. Moreover, the automotive sector in the province of Galicia, in Spain has been affected by trade and supply chain disruptions and the redirection of investment towards electrified platforms. The EGF-funded measures will help 671 workers who were dismissed across 20 different car sector companies. The funds will help people return to employment through career counselling and guidance, job-search support, and new skills training. More information is available to the press release . (For more information: Anna-Kaisa Itkonen – Tel.: +32 2 295 75 01; Eirini Zarkadoula - Tel.: +32 2 295 70 65) Commission approves Czech capacity mechanism under Clean Industrial Deal State Aid Framework The European Commission has approved, under EU State aid rules, Czechia's market-wide capacity mechanism. The measure aims to ensure there is sufficient capacity to produce or store electricity, or to reduce electricity consumption so that production meets demand in the long term. It is the first capacity mechanism approved under the Clean Industrial Deal State Aid Framework (CISAF) adopted by the Commission on 25 June 2025 . By remaining technologically open and competitively awarded, the mechanism seeks to ensure that security of supply is maintained at the lowest possible cost, while supporting the integration of cleaner and more flexible resources into the electricity system. Aid will be granted through competitive bidding processes. The capacity mechanism will be financed through consumer charges, with an estimated overall budget ranging from €3.1 billion to €6.2 billion. The measure will run for 10 years as of July 2026, with contracts for a maximum of 15 years. The first timeframe for which capacities will be allocated capacity agreements under the mechanism is the period from November 2030 to October 2031. The Commission found that the Czech capacity mechanism meets all requirements set out in Annex I of the CISAF. The measure is necessary and appropriate to address expected electricity adequacy risks identified for Czechia, in line with the EU Electricity Regulation . The measure is also proportionate as the level of the aid corresponds to the effective financing needs. Finally, it has a limited impact on competition and trade between member States. Executive Vice-President for a Clean, Just and Competitive Transition, Teresa Ribera , said: “ Czechia is the first Member State that makes use of the target model for capacity mechanisms under the Clean Industrial Deal State Aid Framework. Today's decision enables Czechia to put in place a well- designed and targeted capacity mechanism to safeguard security of electricity supply at a time when Europe must remain both resilient and forward-looking. By approving a scheme that is open, competitive and compatible with our emissions limits, we ensure that adequacy concerns are addressed in a way that supports the clean transition, reinforces market confidence and remains in line with EU State aid rules and the objectives of the Clean Industrial Deal. ” A press release is available online. (For more information: Siobhan McGarry - Tel.: +32 2 296 47 98; Luuk de Klein – Tel.: +32 2 299 47 74) Commission approves €300 million Irish State aid scheme for temporary electricity price relief for energy-intensive companies The European Commission has approved a €300 million Irish scheme to provide temporary electricity price relief for energy-intensive companies in line with the objectives of the Clean Industrial Deal . Through the condition to reinvest a significant share of the aid received in decarbonisation measures, this scheme will contribute to the transition towards a net-zero economy. The scheme was approved under the Clean Industrial Deal State Aid Framework (CISAF) adopted by the Commission on 25 June 2025 . The scheme will be open to companies active in sectors with a significant risk of activities moving outside the EU to locations where environmental measures are absent or less ambitious. The aid will be disbursed in the form of a direct grant in the year the eligible costs are incurred, or in the following year. The Irish scheme will run from 4 July 2025 until 31 December 2029. The Commission found that the Irish scheme is in line with the conditions set out in the CISAF. Furthermore, the Commission concluded that the Irish scheme is necessary, appropriate and proportionate to accelerate the transition towards a net-zero economy and facilitate the development of certain economic activities, which are of importance for the implementation of the Clean Industrial Deal. This is in line with Article 107(3)(c) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU and the conditions set out in the CISAF. A press release is available online. (For more information: Siobhan McGarry - Tel.: +32 2 296 47 98; Luuk de Klein – Tel.: +32 2 299 47 74) Commission approves €41 million Greek State aid for agricultural companies facing increased fertiliser prices The European Commission has approved a €41 million Greek aid scheme to support agricultural companies facing increased fertiliser 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. The aid covers 15% of the total cost for fertilisers purchased from 15 March 2026 until 31 August 2026. The aid is capped at €50,000 per beneficiary. 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 agricultural products. Furthermore, 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: Siobhan McGarry - Tel.: +32 2 296 47 98; Luuk de Klein – Tel.: +32 2 299 47 74) Commission clears acquisition of Eurolife by Eurobank The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of sole control of EUROLIFE FFH LIFE INSURANCE S.A. (‘Eurolife') by EUROBANK S.A., both of Greece. The transaction relates primarily to insurance products and services. The Commission concluded that the notified transaction would not raise competition concerns, given the companies' limited market positions 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.12485 . (For more information: Siobhan McGarry– Tel.: +32 2 296 47 98; Paula Clara Ritter-Moschütz – Tel.: +32 2 296 40 83) ANNOUNCEMENTS President von der Leyen travels to Kyiv, signs new defence industrial partnership, launches drone deal, and receives Order of Europe award President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen , was in Kyiv, Ukraine, yesterday, where she signed a defence industrial partnership , including a new drone deal to promote the production of drones and counter-drone systems between EU Member States and Ukraine. The defence industrial partnership marks a major step forward in the integration of the European and Ukrainian defence industries, with the aim of rapidly scaling up battle-proven capabilities while strengthening defence industrial capacity through long-term investment. The Commission launched the EU–Ukraine Drone Deal to deepen cooperation on drone and counter- drone technologies. It provides a European framework and coverage to incentivise further national deals and then to provide funding for the scale up and extension of joint production and orders. It is built around joint ventures between selected Ukrainian and European companies, and it will serve as a model to rapidly scale up the production and deployment of battle-proven capabilities in other areas, such as ballistic and anti-ballistic missile systems, and to work across the whole defence supply chains. Also yesterday, the Commission disbursed a further €1 billion for drones under the €90 billion Ukraine Support Loan. A €10 billion disbursement plan for more drones, missiles and fighter aircraft will follow shortly. The European Union's overall support to Ukraine since Russia's full-scale invasion started in 2022 now amounts to €216.7 billion. In Kyiv, President von der Leyen met with President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who awarded her with the Order of Europe, in recognition of the President's work in shaping a common future for the EU and Ukraine. The President delivered a speech at this event. President von der Leyen delivered a press statement after meeting with President Zelenskyy. She participated in the ceremony marking the Day of Ukrainian Statehood, together with President Zelenskyy and First Lady Olena Zelenska. President von der Leyen then took part in the Southeast Europe Summit, gathering the leaders of Albania, Croatia, Greece, Moldova, Romania, and Serbia, where they discussed the geopolitical situation at a moment when the tide is turning for Ukraine. This was President von der Leyen 's 11th visit to Ukraine since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion. Audiovisual material of the visit is available on EBS. (For more information: Paula Pinho – Tel.: +32 2 292 08 15) Commissioner Micallef in Lyon to discuss future EU Youth Strategy Commissioner for Intergenerational Fairness, Youth, Culture and Sport, Glenn Micallef hosts a Youth Policy Dialogue in Lyon today, to hear directly from young people and help shape the next EU Youth Strategy. Under the title Young Voices for Europe , the event brings together young people from across Europe to share their views, concerns and recommendations on issues that affect their lives. Discussions will focus on three themes: inclusive participation, exploring how all young people, regardless of their background or circumstances, can help shape EU policies; young people's most urgent challenges, identifying the issues that matter most to them; and EU support for youth, looking at how the EU can better respond to their needs. This Youth Policy Dialogue is part of a broader consultation on the EU Youth Strategy beyond 2027. The feedback gathered during the event will feed directly into the development of the next Strategy. Furthermore, tomorrow, 200 DiscoverEU participants will gather for the first large-scale DiscoverEU Meet-up organised by the European Commission and the French Erasmus+ Youth National Agency. Participants will discuss how EU youth opportunities, including DiscoverEU, can reach and benefit more young people across Europe. They will also take part in workshops on sustainable travel, the Culture Compass for Europe, how to improve DiscoverEU, EU opportunities for youth and more. Commissioner Micallef said : “Europe's young people are tomorrow's leaders and essential partners in shaping today's policies. The Youth Policy Dialogues and the DiscoverEU Meet-ups give them space to share their ideas and experiences. The insights gathered in Lyon will help us ensure the EU opportunities reach more young people.” (For more information: Anna-Kaisa Itkonen – Tel.: +32 2 295 75 01; 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/26/1639
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