European Commission - Daily News Daily News 30 / 09 / 2026 Brussels, 30 September 2026 European Centre for Democratic Resilience launches cooperation with stakeholders The European Centre for Democratic Resilience launched the first phase of its Stakeholder Platform . The European Digital Media Observatory (EDMO) and the European Fact-Checking Standards Network (EFCSN) are the first stakeholders to start working with...
European Commission - Daily News Daily News 30 / 09 / 2026 Brussels, 30 September 2026 European Centre for Democratic Resilience launches cooperation with stakeholders The European Centre for Democratic Resilience launched the first phase of its Stakeholder Platform . The European Digital Media Observatory (EDMO) and the European Fact-Checking Standards Network (EFCSN) are the first stakeholders to start working with the Centre, which brings EU Member States and EU institutions together to develop practical solutions to strengthen democratic resilience. The Platform, which will be open to additional participants in a second phase, will connect independent stakeholders such as civil society organisations, media, fact-checkers, researchers, and media literacy professionals across the EU to support the work of the Centre. It will ensure that the Centre's efforts are based on a broad whole-of-society approach. The European Centre for Democratic Resilience has started operating in February 2026. Its aim is to facilitate a consolidated approach involving all of society to increase awareness and boost the capacity to respond to the threats faced by democracies today, and build democratic resilience. Several projects are underway, including the development of an EU Blueprint on countering foreign information manipulation and interference (FIMI) and disinformation, common concepts and methodologies for FIMI detection, a handbook on elections and a Train-the-Trainers programme to help upskill government officials across Member States. More stakeholders will join the Centre's platform in a second phase, after the publication of a call for additional participants this autumn. The set up of the broader Stakeholder Platform is planned for spring 2027. More information is available on the Centre's website . (For more information: Markus Lammert – Tel.: +32 2 296 75 33; Cristina Torres Castillo – Tel.: +32 2 299 06 79) Consumer protection authorities ramp up action to protect gamers' rights Today, the Consumer Protection Cooperation (CPC) Network has launched EU-level coordinated actions in relation to nine video games companies, aiming to strengthen the protection of gamers' rights. With these actions, the CPC Network is following up on the Key Principles on in-game virtual currencies , a set of guidelines on EU consumer law that promote transparency and fairness in the use of in-game virtual currencies. Today's coordinated actions aim at ensuring that the following principles are applied: clear and transparent pricing, not to obscure costs, not to force unwanted currency purchases, provide clear information before the purchase, respect the right to withdraw, use fair and understandable terms, and protect vulnerable consumers. More information can be found in our press release . (For more information: Markus Lammert – Tel.: +32 2 296 75 33; Antoine Lomba – Tel.: +32 229- 93233) Three in four EU employees faced cyber threats at work, new Eurobarometer finds Three in four employees in the European Union encountered suspicious emails, messages or links at work, according to a new Eurobarometer survey published by the European Commission today. The results were released as European Cybersecurity Month begins across all 27 Member States. Phishing was the most common workplace cyber threat, with 39% of employees reporting fraudulent messages or websites designed to steal data or gain unauthorised access. Employees also reported attempts to steal personal data (18%) and passwords (16%), malware attacks (17%), and artificial intelligence (AI)-generated scams (15%). The findings point to a gap between awareness and daily practice. While 83% said the potential consequences of cyberattacks are serious, only 48% said they could recognise an AI-generated fake video. Overall, just 18% said their organisation had experienced no cyber incident at all, as far as they are aware. European Cybersecurity Month is an annual cybersecurity campaign promoted by Member States and public and private organisations across Europe, with support from the Commission and ENISA, EU Agency for Cybersecurity. It raises awareness of online security risks as part of a broader EU policy framework. You can find more information in our press release . (For more information: Thomas Regnier — Tel. + 32 2 299 10 99; Nika Blazevic — Tel. + 32 2 299 27 17) Commission report finds devastating shifts in the Arctic and record-breaking marine heatwaves The ocean is changing at an alarming pace with direct consequences for marine life, coastlines and communities all across the world. That is the main conclusion of the tenth report on the state of the ocean , published today by the Marine Environment Monitoring Service of Copernicus , the EU Earth observation programme. The report goes back to data from 1960 and shows that, due to the rising temperatures, the average sea-level increased by about 4.2 mm per year since 2012. Key findings from this year's report show devastating shifts for the Arctic, that regional seas in Europe experience intense temperatures and that sea communities have become more vulnerable. You can find more information in our press release . (For more information: Thomas Regnier — Tel. + 32 2 299 10 99; Kateřina Horáková - Tel.: +32 2 299 93 10) Commission launches call for evidence on supply chain diversification challenges for EU businesses The European Commission has launched a call for evidence aimed at understanding the challenges faced by EU businesses in diversifying their supply chains. In line with its political priorities for the current mandate, the Commission has been exploring how to reduce the risks associated with existing as well as emerging strategic dependencies. Such dependencies may create vulnerabilities in the EU's security of supply and thus weaken its economic security. To this end, the Commission intends to present a diversification package aimed at supporting faster supply chain diversification and reducing dependencies in critical sectors. The call for evidence will allow stakeholders to share their assessment of where risks lie, how to encourage faster and more systemic diversification, and which existing or future tools may be needed to reach the objectives of diversification agenda. The call for evidence will be open on the Commission's website for four weeks, and all interested parties are invited to submit their contributions. Beyond this call, the Commission will continue its engagement with relevant stakeholders, including industry representatives. (For more information: Olof Gill – Tel.: +32 2 296 59 66; Marta Perez-Cejuela Romero - Tel.: +32 2 296 37 70) Commission clears acquisition of Rensa Filtration by AEA and BCI The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of joint control of Rensa Filtration by AEA Investors LP (‘AEA'), both of the US, and British Columbia Investment Management Corporation (‘BCI') of Canada. The transaction relates primarily to the air filtration sector. 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.12620 . (For more information: Ricardo Cardoso – Tel.: +32 2 298 01 00; Sara Simonini – Tel.: +32 2 298 33 67) Commission clears acquisition of AVK by Partners Group The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of sole control of AVK Power Solutions Limited (‘AVK') of the UK by Partners Group AG of Switzerland. The transaction relates primarily to generators and ancillary power equipment. 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.12604 . (For more information: Ricardo Cardoso – Tel.: +32 2 298 01 00; Sara Simonini – Tel.: +32 2 298 33 67) APPOINTMENTS Commission appoints a new Director-General in its Directorate-General for Financial Stability, Financial Services and Capital Markets Union The European Commission appointed today Paulina Dejmek Hack as Director-General within the Directorate-General for Financial Stability, Financial Services and Capital Markets Union (DG FISMA). This department fosters a resilient and stable financial system that supports economic growth and aligns with the EU's strategic priorities, including long-term competitiveness, security, and the digital and green transitions. The date of effect of this decision will be tomorrow, 1 October 2026. Ms Dejmek Hack has built a broad profile at the intersection of financial services, economic and internal market policy, and institutional leadership over a career spanning more than 25 years. She has provided strategic direction and coordination in complex regulatory dialogues and negotiations, both within the Commission and with key international partners. Her career has also given her considerable exposure to interinstitutional cooperation, crisis management and budgetary oversight, alongside responsibility for maintaining coherence between policy development, implementation and communication. She pairs analytical rigour with an ability to forge common ground among diverse stakeholders, drawing on a strong command of competition, investment and internal market policies. This cross-cutting perspective will be particularly valuable in advancing DG FISMA's priorities, from preserving financial stability to deepening Europe's capital markets. Paulina Dejmek Hack, a Swedish-Czech national, is currently Deputy Director-General in DG FISMA. Prior to this, she served as Head of Cabinet to Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy, Jessika Roswall. Earlier, she was Director for General Affairs in DG FISMA and Director in the Task Force for Relations with the United Kingdom. She also held the positions of Director for Coordination and Administration and Financial Adviser to former European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker, having previously served as Deputy Head of Cabinet to Vice-President Michel Barnier. Before joining the European Commission in 2004, she worked as a lawyer. (For more information: Balazs Ujvari - Tel.: +32 2 295 45 78; Isabel Otero Barderas - Tel.: +32 2 296 69 25) Commission appoints a new Deputy Director-General in its Directorate-General for Competition The European Commission appointed today Karl Soukup as Deputy Director-General in charge of State aid within the Directorate-General for Competition (DG COMP). This department is responsible for EU policy on competition, and for enforcing EU competition rules, in cooperation with national competition authorities. The date of effect of this decision will be determined later. Mr Soukup combines extensive expertise in competition enforcement and economic policy with a strong track record in designing and implementing robust enforcement strategies, built over more than 30 years of professional experience. A skilled negotiator, he has played a key role in resolving complex competition cases and advancing policy reviews to strengthen the Single Market. His broad expertise in financial regulation and State aid control is complemented by a strong ability to navigate complex regulatory and enforcement matters. This combination of enforcement, policy and management expertise, underpinned by his deep knowledge of competition matters and extensive institutional experience, makes him particularly well equipped to take on the position of Deputy Director-General for State aid in DG COMP. Karl Soukup, an Austrian national, is currently Director for Foreign Subsidies in DG COMP. Previously, he was Director for State Aid – General Scrutiny and Enforcement in the same Directorate-General. Earlier in his career, he headed the unit responsible for merger control in Financial Services, Health- related Industries and Chemicals, having previously led the unit for Industrial Restructuring and subsequently the Task Force on the Financial Crisis, all within DG COMP. Before joining the European Commission in 1996, he pursued an academic career at an Austrian university. (For more information: Balazs Ujvari - Tel.: +32 2 295 45 78; Isabel Otero Barderas - Tel.: +32 2 296 69 25) Commission appoints a Director in its Directorate-General for Competition The European Commission appointed today Thomas Deisenhofer as Director for Cartels within its Directorate-General for Competition (DG COMP). This department is responsible for EU policy on competition, and for enforcing EU competition rules, in cooperation with national competition authorities. The date of effect of this decision will be determined later. With almost three decades of experience in the field, Mr Deisenhofer brings deep and wide-ranging expertise in competition enforcement and policy. He has worked across several competition instruments and combines a strong command of competition law and economics with extensive experience in different functions within DG COMP. In competition enforcement, he has led a number of significant cases, particularly in the area of merger control, including the negotiation of complex remedies and contributions to landmark litigation. He has also developed substantial expertise in ex post economic evaluation, designing and leading high-quality economic studies, including research underpinning the Commission's first report on the evolution of competition in the EU. His skills range from advanced legal and economic analysis to leading large, high-performing teams and fostering effective cooperation with competition authorities in Europe and worldwide. His broad enforcement and policy experience, institutional knowledge and strong management skills provide a solid foundation for leading the Directorate for Cartels in DG COMP. Mr Deisenhofer, a German-French dual national, is Principal Adviser for Ex Post Economic Evaluation in DG COMP. Prior to this, he headed the unit responsible for merger control in basic industries, manufacturing and agriculture within the same Directorate-General. Earlier, he was Head of Unit for merger control in IT, telecommunications and media, and also served as Assistant to the Director- General in DG COMP. Before joining the European Commission in 2002, he worked as a référendaire at the European Court of Justice. (For more information: Balazs Ujvari - Tel.: +32 2 295 45 78; Isabel Otero Barderas - Tel.: +32 2 296 69 25) Commission appoints a Director in its Directorate-General for Digital Services The European Commission appointed today Tanya Chetcuti as Director for Digital Workplace and Infrastructure within its Directorate-General for Digital Services (DG DIGIT). This department provides the digital backbone of the organisation, interconnecting people, data and processes across European Institutions and Member States and underpinning secure operations and EU policy implementation. The date of effect of this decision will be determined later. Drawing on more than two and a half decades of professional experience, Ms Chetcuti combines technical expertise, strategic leadership and a strong focus on people. A software engineer by background, she has developed broad expertise spanning eGovernment, eProcurement, data, artificial intelligence, communication and organisational transformation. Her track record encompasses the development of digital strategies, including contributions to the Commission's Digital Sovereignty Action Plan, as well as the leadership of cross-functional teams and the implementation of European legislation. She also brings hands-on expertise in change management and stakeholder engagement, driving the uptake of digital solutions while ensuring business continuity across the institution. Her knowledge of corporate governance and cybersecurity crisis communication further strengthens her capacity to safeguard critical infrastructure and steer resilient, high-impact digital transformation, providing a solid foundation for leading the Directorate for Digital Workplace & Infrastructure in DG DIGIT. Tanya Chetcuti, a Maltese national, is currently Head of Unit for Organisation Development and Communication in DG DIGIT. Prior to this, she headed the unit responsible for Customers, Communication and Governance in the same Directorate-General. Earlier in her career, she held several Deputy Head of Unit positions in DG DIGIT, covering Digital Transformation and Coordination, Data Services, as well as Corporate, Financial, Procurement and Policy Solutions. Before joining the European Commission in 2009, she gained professional experience in both the public and private sectors in Malta. (For more information: Balazs Ujvari - Tel.: +32 2 295 45 78; Isabel Otero Barderas - Tel.: +32 2 296 69 25) Commission appoints a Director in its Directorate-General for Communication The European Commission appointed today Jens Alexander Flosdorff as Director for Citizens Communication within its Directorate-General for Communication (DG COMM). This department is responsible for defining and monitoring the Commission's corporate image to ensure it aligns with its values and objectives. The date of effect of this decision will be determined later. With over 25 years of professional experience, Mr Flosdorff brings extensive expertise in strategic communication, public engagement in complex political environments and management. He combines deep knowledge of EU institutional affairs with a strong track record in crisis communication, stakeholder engagement and citizen outreach. A recurring feature of his career has been his ability to turn politically and institutionally complex issues into communication, adapting messages to different national contexts and audiences across Europe. He also brings substantial experience in designing corporate campaigns that foster dialogue and strengthen the connection between European institutions and citizens. His strategic insight, institutional know-how and strong communication skills provide a solid foundation for leading the Directorate for Citizens Communication in DG COMM. Jens Alexander Flosdorff, a German national, has been Executive Communication Adviser in DG COMM since December 2024. Prior to this, he worked as Executive Communication Adviser to the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen for five years. Before joining the European Commission in 2019, he held senior management positions in Germany, including as Head of Communications in several federal ministries. (For more information: Balazs Ujvari - Tel.: +32 2 295 45 78; Isabel Otero Barderas - Tel.: +32 2 296 69 25) ANNOUNCEMENTS Executive Vice-President Mînzatu in Vilnius to discuss quality jobs, skills and social fairness ahead of Lithuania's Council of the EU Presidency Executive Vice-President for Social Rights and Skills, Quality Jobs and Preparedness, Roxana Mînzatu , visits Vilnius, today and tomorrow to discuss quality jobs, fair labour mobility and investment in people ahead of Lithuania's Presidency of the Council of the European Union in the first half of 2027. Today, the Executive Vice-President will sign the agreement on the implementation of Lithuania's Social Climate Plan with Environment Minister Ieva Andriulaitytė. Approved by the Commission in June , the Plan will mobilise over €660 million from the EU's Social Climate Fund , through 2032. It will help vulnerable households and small businesses renovate buildings, reduce energy costs and access cleaner transport. Executive Vice-President Mînzatu will also meet trade union and employer representatives to discuss the upcoming Quality Jobs Act and the recently presented Fair Labour Mobility Package . On Thursday, she will meet President Gitanas Nausėda, Prime Minister Mindaugas Sinkevičius, and Seimas Speaker Juozas Olekas, together with the chairs of relevant parliamentary committees. Discussions will focus on the Presidency's social and skills priorities, investment in people under the next EU long-term budget and the role of social resilience in addressing security challenges on the EU's eastern border. The Executive Vice-President will also meet Economy and Innovation Minister Edvinas Grikšas, Education, Science and Sport Minister Raminta Popovienė, and Social Security and Labour Minister Inga Ruginienė. (For more information: Eva Hrnčířová — Tel.: +32 2 298 84 33; Eirini Zarkadoula — Tel.: +32 2 295 70 65) Commissioner Dombrovskis visits Moldova to discuss economic convergence, competitiveness and EU integration Valdis Dombrovskis , Commissioner for Economy and Productivity, Implementation and Simplification, will visit Chi ș inău on Thursday and Friday to discuss Moldova's economic outlook, competitiveness and progress on its path towards EU membership, building on the EU-Moldova Summit and Investment Conference . During the visit, Commissioner Dombrovskis will meet President Maia Sandu and Prime Minister Vasile Tofan, as well as Minister of Finance Victoria Belous, Minister of Economic Development and Digitalization Claudiu Năsui and representatives of the Moldovan Parliament's Committee on Economy, Budget and Finance to discuss economic reforms and the EU accession process. The Commissioner will also hold exchanges with Governor of the National Bank of Moldova Anca Dragu and representatives of the European Business Association and the wider business community, focusing on economic convergence, competitiveness and investment. As part of the programme, Commissioner Dombrovskis will deliver a keynote speech at 2nd Banque de France-National Bank of Moldova-National Banque of Romania Annual International Conference on ‘ Policy Coordination for EU Convergence: Fiscal Space and Monetary Anchoring Under Accelerated Integration ' on Thursday at 10:00 CEST, which will be livestreamed on EBS . Later that day, following his meetings with Prime Minister Tofan and members of the Moldovan government, the Commissioner will hold a joint press conference with the Prime Minister at 14:45 CEST, also livestreamed on EBS . (For more information: Balazs Ujvari - Tel.: +32 2 295 45 78; Francisca Marçal Santos – Tel.: +32 2 299 72 36) Commissioner Kos travels to Montenegro for the Berlin Process Meeting of Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Morinj commemoration Tomorrow, Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos will be in Montenegro to take part in the Berlin Process Meeting of Foreign Ministers. Commissioner Kos will participate in the plenary session and the panel discussions alongside Ministers from the Western Balkans, EU Member States participating in the Process and the United Kingdom, as well as other stakeholders. The meeting will provide an opportunity to exchange views with the Western Balkans Ministers on the region's progress towards EU integration. Discussions will also cover regional relations, common security and resilience, and the implementation of the EU's Growth Plan for the Western Balkans , including progress on gradual integration into the EU Single Market and on the establishment of the Common Regional Market. Commissioner Kos will also join Croatian Foreign Minister Gordan Grlić-Radman and Montenegro's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ervin Ibrahimović at the site of the former Morinj detention camp to pay tribute to Croatian prisoners of war, underscoring the importance of remembrance and reconciliation in building a common European future. The visit takes place on the eve of President von der Leyen 's visit to Montenegro as part of her annual trip to the Western Balkans. (For more information: Guillaume Mercier – Tel.: +32 2 298 05 64; Yuliya Matsyk – Tel.: +32 2 296 27 16) Commission Roswall discusses protection of the marine environment This afternoon, Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy, Jessika Roswall , is hosting a roundtable with representatives from academia, NGOs and industry to discuss the revision of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD). It is the EU's main instrument for protecting the marine environment. During the roundtable, discussions will focus on how to better protect our seas and ocean, and how to improve implementation and simplify the EU's main framework for achieving healthy seas. Among others, Commissioner Roswall will exchange with stakeholders on how the revised framework can become more effective, operational and coherent with broader EU marine and ocean policies. This discussion follows an extensive online consultation , which closed on 9 March 2026. The Marine Strategy Framework Directive aims to achieve good environmental status in all EU marine waters. The revision aims to address the issues identified during the 2025 evaluation of the Directive, such as difficulties linked to administrative burden and in implementation and enforcement. This work is done in close coordination with the development of the Ocean Act to support healthy, clean and resilient seas for present and future generations. You can find more information on the roundtable online. (For more information: Anna-Kaisa Itkonen – Tel.: +32 2 295 75 01; Maëlys Dreux – Tel.: +32 2 295 46 73) 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/26/2021 <@rel_link@>
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