European Commission - Daily News Daily News 17 / 07 / 2026 Brussels, 17 July 2026 Commission registers two European Citizens' Initiatives on education and housing Today, the European Commission registered two European Citizens' Initiatives (ECIs) entitled: ‘All On Board - For your right to citizenship without borders' and ‘Right to Housing! Now and Forever'. The initiative ‘All On Board - For your right to citizenshi...
European Commission - Daily News Daily News 17 / 07 / 2026 Brussels, 17 July 2026 Commission registers two European Citizens' Initiatives on education and housing Today, the European Commission registered two European Citizens' Initiatives (ECIs) entitled: ‘All On Board - For your right to citizenship without borders' and ‘Right to Housing! Now and Forever'. The initiative ‘All On Board - For your right to citizenship without borders' calls for ‘ an all-of-society approach for a democratic Europe, resting on education and universal suffrage ' . Its organisers consider that EU citizens should have the right to: ‘ Learn about European rights, values and participation in the EU ' , ‘ Experience participation in a European exchange program ' and ‘ Have their results recognised and validated back home and across the EU through academic, technical, vocational and transversal qualifications treated equally '. The initiative ‘Right to Housing! Now and Forever' calls for ‘ access to housing that is affordable, sustainable and fair '. Its organisers propose the introduction of measures to regulate ‘ short-term rentals and vacancy '. They call for the conversion of ‘ empty buildings, like vacant homes and offices, into housing ' , the setting of ‘ enforceable standards to keep housing affordable and sustainable ' and the establishment of an ‘ EU Housing Agency ' . As these initiatives fulfil the formal conditions established in the relevant legislation, the Commission considers them legally admissible under the European Citizens' Initiative Regulation . At this stage, the Commission only checked whether the initiative meets the legal conditions for registration. The registration does not influence the Commission's final decision on their merits, or any potential action it may take. The Commission will take a decision on an initiative only if it collects at least one million signatures from EU citizens. More information is available in the press release . (For more information: Balazs Ujvari - Tel.: +32 2 295 45 78; Saul Louis Goulding - Tel.: +32 2 296 47 35) New rules to stop the destruction of unsold clothes and shoes enter into application, fostering the EU circular economy On Sunday, 19 July, new rules banning the destruction of unsold apparel, clothing accessories and footwear under the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) will enter into application for large companies . Medium-sized companies are expected to follow in July 2030. By promoting reuse and recycling, these rules will support a more rational use of resources, reduce environmental damage and create a level playing field for companies. As a result, the textile sector can move faster towards more circular practices. Every year in Europe, an estimated 4-9% of unsold textiles are destroyed before ever being worn. This waste generates around 5.6 million tonnes of CO2 emissions. The ESPR, which entered into force in July 2024 , aims to significantly improve the sustainability of products placed on the EU market by improving their circularity, energy performance, recyclability and durability. The ban of destruction of unsold textiles is one of the first concrete measures under the ESPR. The law also requires companies to disclose information on the unsold consumer products they discard as waste, in the simplest possible way without adding extra administrative burden. This responds to consumers' growing concerns about textile waste due to the environmental and social impacts of fast fashion. Under the new rules, companies will have to prioritise keeping products in use by selling them, donating them to charities or social enterprises, or preparing them for reuse. Destruction will only be allowed under specified circumstances and must be carried out in line with the waste treatment hierarchy. In February 2026, the Commission already adopted measures to clarify under which circumstances this destruction will be permitted – for instance, due to safety reasons or product damage. You can find more information on the entry into application of rules on destruction of unsold goods online. (For more information: Anna-Kaisa Itkonen – Tel.: +32 2 295 75 01; Maëlys Dreux – Tel.: +32 2 295 46 73) Commission updates its flagship Blue Book traineeship, by opening to graduates from vocational education and training Yesterday, the European Commission updated rules for its traineeship programme, establishing a single modernised framework that makes the scheme more inclusive and better aligned with Europe's skills and employment objectives. For the first time, graduates from vocational education and training (VET) will be eligible to apply to the Commission's traineeship programme – the ‘Blue Book traineeship' –, broadening access to high-quality traineeships and recognising the value of diverse learning routes across Europe. The updated framework also strengthens the financial conditions available to trainees by improving the structure of grants and allowances, helping reduce practical and financial barriers to participation. These changes are designed to make the traineeship programme more inclusive for candidates from different educational backgrounds, from all over the Union. More information is available in the press release online. (For more information: Balazs Ujvari - Tel.: +32 2 295 45 78; Isabel Otero Barderas - Tel.: +32 2 296 69 25) Commission greenlights Estonia's fourth payment request for €135.5 million under NextGenerationEU Yesterday, the European Commission positively assessed Estonia's fourth payment request under the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF), the centrepiece of NextGenerationEU. This payment request reflects significant progress across a wide range of reforms aimed at driving positive change for citizens and businesses in Estonia, notably in the area of digitalisation, education, health and the green transition, including supporting children with higher care needs and facilitating the deployment of renewable energy. It also supports the digital transition through the rollout of digital construction tools and development of a digital gateway for entrepreneurs. The Commission found that Estonia has satisfactorily completed the 11 milestones and 10 targets set out in the Council Implementing Decision . This payment request would bring the funds paid out to Estonia under the RRF to €763 million (including the €126 million in pre-financing it received in September 2021 and the €18 million pre- payment under REPowerEU it received on 21 December 2023), which correspond to 80% of all the funds in the Estonian plan, with 76% of all the milestones and targets in the plan fulfilled. A press release is available online. (For further information: Louise Bogey – Tel.: +32 2 296 97 76; Anna Wartberger – Tel.: +32 2 298 20 54) Commission publishes State aid guidance on carbon contracts for difference The European Commission has published guidance to support Member States in designing State aid schemes based on carbon contracts for difference (CCfDs) , in compliance with the Guidelines on State aid for climate, environmental protection and energy ( CEEAG ). The aim is to support Member States in setting up such aid schemes, in line with EU rules. A CCfD is a subsidy agreement between a granting authority and a beneficiary (for instance, a steel or chemicals plant) to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions by removing financial risks for decarbonisation projects. Typically, a CCfD ensures a certain remuneration (strike price) for every tonne of CO ₂ the beneficiary avoids emitting. If the market carbon price is lower than the strike price, the granting authority pays the difference to the beneficiary. Conversely, if the market price is higher than the strike price, the beneficiary may either have to pay back the difference or keep the extra revenue. CCfDs can present various forms and approaches and the guidance provides such examples, but is not meant to restrict design choices by the Member States. CCfDs play an important role in achieving the objectives of the Clean Industrial Deal by accelerating decarbonisation in Europe's industrial sectors while boosting their competitiveness. By providing long- term price certainty for CO ₂ reductions, CCfDs help derisk high-cost decarbonisation investments such as hydrogen, electrification, and carbon capture, and make them financially viable. CCfDs can ultimately strengthen Europe's strategic autonomy and industrial resilience in line with the Clean Industrial Deal's goals. (For more information: Siobhan McGarry - Tel.: +32 2 296 47 98; Luuk de Klein – Tel.: +32 2 299 47 74) Commission clears creation of joint venture by Al-Mukhazin and ROSHN The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the creation of a joint venture by Al-Mukhazin Al-Ama For Storage Company (‘Al-Mukhazin') and ROSHN Group Company (‘ROSHN'), both of Saudi Arabia. The transaction relates primarily to real estate in Saudi Arabia. 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.12463 . (For more information: Siobhan McGarry– Tel.: +32 2 296 47 98; Paula Clara Ritter-Moschütz – Tel.: +32 2 296 40 83) Commission clears acquisition of a housing portfolio by Munich RE and Oaktree The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of joint control of a housing portfolio in Spain by Münchener Rückversicherungs-Gesellschaft Aktiengesellschaft in München (‘Munich RE') of Germany and Oaktree Capital Holdings, LLC (‘Oaktree') of the US. Prior to the transaction, the housing portfolio was owned by Oaktree. The transaction relates primarily to the ownership and leasing of residential real estate in Spain. The Commission concluded that the notified transaction would not raise competition concerns, given the companies' limited combined 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.12469 . (For more information: Siobhan McGarry– Tel.: +32 2 296 47 98; Paula Clara Ritter-Moschütz – Tel.: +32 2 296 40 83) Commission clears acquisition of KS Huayu AluTech by Porsche and Rheinmetall The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of joint control of KS Huayu AluTech GmbH by Dr. Ing. h. c. F. Porsche AG ('Porsche') and Rheinmetall AG, all of Germany. The transaction relates primarily to the sale of automotive components for passenger cars and commercial vehicles. 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.12425 . (For more information: Siobhan McGarry– Tel.: +32 2 296 47 98; Paula Clara Ritter-Moschütz – Tel.: +32 2 296 40 83) Commission clears creation of joint venture by EVH Grüne Energie and HSBC SICAV-RAIF The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the creation of a joint venture by EVH Grüne Energie – Beteiligung GmbH & Co. KG (‘EVH Grüne Energie') of Germany and HSBC Alternative Investments S.C.A. SICAV-RAIF (‘HSBC SICAV-RAIF') of Luxembourg. The transaction relates primarily to the development and operation of a battery energy storage system in Döllnitz, Sachsen-Anhalt, Germany. The Commission concluded that the notified transaction would not raise competition concerns, given that the joint venture will have negligible activities in the European Economic Area and 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.12374 . (For more information: Siobhan McGarry– Tel.: +32 2 296 47 98; Paula Clara Ritter-Moschütz – Tel.: +32 2 296 40 83) APPOINTMENTS Commission appoints a new Principal Adviser in its Directorate-General for Energy The European Commission appointed today Tomas Anker Christensen as Principal Adviser EU Special Coordinator for the Global Clean Transition within its Directorate-General for Energy (DG ENER). This department develops and supports the implementation of the Commission's policies on energy, focusing on delivering secure, sustainable, and affordable energy for Europe. The date of effect of this decision will be determined later. With over 30 years of professional experience, Mr Christensen has built extensive expertise in climate diplomacy, energy transition and global governance, underpinned by a strong track record in shaping and implementing major European and international policy initiatives. Throughout his career, Mr Christensen has led work on key EU priorities, including international climate negotiations, energy security, clean energy transition, climate finance and sustainable infrastructure. He also has extensive experience in leading teams and managing complex policy portfolios. Mr Christensen combines strong strategic, analytical and negotiation skills with extensive experience in stakeholder engagement and partnership-building, working closely with governments, international organisations, financial institutions and the private sector. He has demonstrated a proven ability to translate complex political and technical challenges into coherent policy approaches while fostering cooperation across sectors and advancing the Union's external energy and climate objectives. His broad policy and coordination experience provides a solid foundation for serving as Principal Adviser EU Special Coordinator for the Global Clean Transition in the Directorate-General for Energy (DG ENER). Tomas Anker Christensen, a Danish national, was Member of Cabinet for Commissioner for Energy and Housing Dan Jørgensen. Before joining the European Commission in 2024, he held senior positions in international organisations and the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs. (For more information: Balazs Ujvari - Tel.: +32 2 295 45 78; Isabel Otero Barderas - Tel.: +32 2 296 69 25) Commission appoints a new Principal Adviser in its Directorate-General for Enlargement and Eastern Neighbourhood The European Commission appointed today Marko Makovec as Principal Adviser for Reconciliation and Normalisation Western Balkans within its Directorate-General for Enlargement and Eastern Neighbourhood (DG ENEST). This department takes forward the EU's Enlargement and Eastern Neighbourhood policies, assisting those countries with a perspective to join the EU in meeting the criteria defined by the Treaty of European Union and the European Council. The date of effect of this decision will be determined later. With over 30 years of professional experience, Mr Makovec has acquired deep expertise in enlargement, external relations and regional affairs, supported by an extensive record in advancing the European Union's engagement with the Western Balkans and neighbouring countries. Throughout his career, Mr Makovec has led work on key EU priorities, including enlargement negotiations, political dialogue, regional stability and relations with partner countries. His career includes extensive experience in managing people, resources and high-profile policy dossiers. Mr Makovec has demonstrated a strong ability to navigate politically sensitive issues, build consensus and reconcile differing interests in a complex international environment. His experience spans enlargement policy, diplomatic engagement, high-level negotiations and regional cooperation. His combination of institutional knowledge, diplomatic experience and negotiation skills provides a solid foundation for serving as Principal Adviser for Reconciliation and Normalisation Western Balkans in the Directorate- General for Enlargement and Eastern Neighbourhood (DG ENEST). Marko Makovec, a Slovene national, most recently served as Head of Cabinet to the Commissioner for Enlargement, Marta Kos. Previously, he was Director at the European External Action Service (EEAS), where he was responsible for the Western Balkans, Türkiye, the European Economic Area (EEA) countries and post-Brexit relations with the United Kingdom. Priorly, Mr Makovec held a range of senior positions in the Slovenian diplomatic service and the Slovenian Government. (For more information: Balazs Ujvari - Tel.: +32 2 295 45 78; Isabel Otero Barderas - Tel.: +32 2 296 69 25) 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/26/1646
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