European Commission - Daily News Daily News 08 / 10 / 2026 Brussels, 8 October 2026 Eurobarometer shows consumers' growing trust in EU Ecolabel Released on the occasion of the World Ecolabel Day , the latest Eurobarometer survey shows an increased trust and recognition for the EU Ecolabel among European consumers who are increasingly looking for sustainable products. According to this survey, 81% of European consumer...
European Commission - Daily News Daily News 08 / 10 / 2026 Brussels, 8 October 2026 Eurobarometer shows consumers' growing trust in EU Ecolabel Released on the occasion of the World Ecolabel Day , the latest Eurobarometer survey shows an increased trust and recognition for the EU Ecolabel among European consumers who are increasingly looking for sustainable products. According to this survey, 81% of European consumers are confident that EU Ecolabel products have a lower environmental impact than similar products on the market, compared to 75% in 2023. Nearly half of Europeans (46%) now recognise its ‘flower' logo – an increase of 8 percentage points since 2023 . Increased recognition is translating into more sustainable purchasing habits. Almost two Europeans out of three (66%) say they often or sometimes buy any kind of eco-labelled products, with 46% saying they often or sometimes buy products carrying the EU Ecolabel – also up 8 percentage points since the 2023 survey. In parallel, according to the latest EU Ecolabel statistics published today , a growing number of businesses are obtaining the label for their products, ranging from paper and detergents to furniture, textiles and hotel stays. And the choice of EU Ecolabel products on the market has never been bigger . As the Eurobarometer survey highlights, consumers would like to see the label more widely available, with 50% saying they would like to find more EU Ecolabel detergents on the market, followed by textiles (36%) and cosmetics (35%). 72% would like the label extended to additional product categories. This call from consumers for an even wider choice of EU Ecolabel products is an opportunity for businesses and retailers to strengthen their competitiveness, while leading the way in sustainability. The EU Ecolabel offers a trusted and practical way to respond to that growing demand and to help consumers identify greener options more easily. Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy, Jessika Roswall , said: “The EU Ecolabel is about making the clean transition work in practice, giving consumers more reliable sustainable choices while helping European businesses turn environmental ambition into action. The strong momentum behind the label shows the value of this trusted EU scheme that drives sustainability, strengthens competitiveness and supports innovation across Europe.” More information is available in our press release online. (For more information: Anna-Kaisa Itkonen – Tel.: +32 2 295 75 01; Maëlys Dreux – Tel.: +32 2 295 46 73) Simpler rules for farmers with new EU emissions framework for poultry and pig rearing Today, the European Commission adopted new rules for the rearing of poultry and pigs under the Industrial and Livestock Rearing Emissions Directive . This single EU-wide rulebook establishes how large pig and poultry farms must operate to reduce emissions of ammonia, nitrogen and phosphorus. These are pollutants which are linked to respiratory diseases, nature degradation, and water contamination. Developed in close collaboration with Member States, livestock farmers, experts and environmental NGOs, this framework sets common minimum environmental standards for large poultry and pig farms across the EU, while providing flexibility, minimising administrative burden for farmers and enabling sustainable innovation. Cost-efficient approaches have been prioritised to keep the implementation cost at reasonable level for farms in scope. The new rules will apply at farm level between 2030 and 2032, depending on the farm size, giving farmers time to adapt. They are also compatible with the Commission's proposal from December 2025 to simplify rules on industrial emissions and will be amended if the final text requires to do so. The revised Industrial Emissions and Livestock Rearing Directive covers the largest pig and poultry farms in the EU, which amounts to around 30% of such farms. The Directive implementation is key in helping to reduce nitrogen pollution in the air, water and soil. You can find more information on the new EU emissions framework for poultry and pig rearing online. (For more information: Anna-Kaisa Itkonen – Tel.: +32 2 295 75 01; Maëlys Dreux – Tel.: +32 2 295 46 73) Commission grants €134.8 million in EU solidarity funding to Spain and Romania after wildfires and floods The European Commission decided today to grant €134.8 million from the European Union Solidarity Fund (EUSF) to support recovery in Spain and Romania following major natural disasters in 2025. Spain will receive €120.5 million following a devastating summer marked by prolonged drought, extreme heatwaves and three waves of major wildfires. The deadliest wave began on 8 August 2025, claiming eight lives and forcing mass evacuations. Romania will receive €14.3 million after severe flooding struck the Centru, Sud Muntenia and Nord-Est regions between late May and early June 2025. The disaster also caused major damage to the Praid Salt Mine, where floodwaters from the Corund River eroded part of the riverbed, damaged hydrotechnical infrastructure and triggered widespread power outages. The EU funding will help the affected regions cover part of the costs of emergency operations and recovery. The two Member States applied for support from the EUSF in 2025. Today's decisions follow the approval of the Commission's EUSF mobilisation proposal by the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union. Spain received an advance payment of €30.1 million in May 2026, with the remaining €90.4 million to be paid shortly. Romania's €14.3 million payment will also be made shortly. Since its creation in 2002, the EU Solidarity Fund has provided more than €11 billion in support for 150 disasters, including 130 natural disasters and 20 health emergencies, in 25 Member States (plus the United Kingdom) and six accession countries. (For more information: Maciej Berestecki - Tel: +32 229-66483; Isabel Arriaga e Cunha – Tel: +32 229-52117) Commission fines Kingspan €40 million for providing incorrect and misleading information during merger investigation The European Commission has fined Kingspan €40 million for providing incorrect and misleading information during the 2021 Commission review of Kingspan's planned acquisition of Trimo, under the EU Merger Regulation ('EUMR') . In November 2022, the Commission opened an investigation to determine whether Kingspan intentionally or negligently supplied incorrect and/or misleading information during the review of Kingspan's planned acquisition of Trimo. On 19 March 2024 , the Commission sent Kingspan a Statement of Objections (‘SO') setting out its preliminary view that the company had infringed the EUMR in six instances by providing incorrect and/or misleading information. This information covered key aspects for the Commission's review of the transaction. In today's decision, the Commission concludes that Kingspan committed four distinct infringements of the EUMR through conduct by which it, at least negligently, provided: (i) misleading information about how Kingspan tracks penetration rates for mineral fibre sandwich panels; (ii) incorrect and/or misleading information about the availability of ‘bidding data'; (iii) incorrect information about the role of Kingspan's board members in certain matters; and (iv) incorrect and/or misleading information with respect to Kingspan's research and development (‘R&D') for mineral fibre sandwich panels. The above incorrect and/or misleading information was provided either in the merger notification form or in replies to requests for information under Article 11(2) and Article 11(3) of the EUMR. Based on these factors, the Commission has fined Kingspan €10 million for each infringement, for a total of €40 million. The Commission considers that the overall fine amount is both deterrent and proportionate. Executive Vice-President for a Clean, Just and Competitive Transition, Teresa Ribera , said: " The accuracy of the information provided in the context of merger investigations is key for an effective and well-functioning merger control system that allows the Commission to take the decision on a sound basis. When companies withhold or distort the truth, they undermine a system that protects fair competition for everyone. There can be no compromise on disclosure and transparency. If they fail to do so, we do and will act firmly. " A press release is available online. (For more information: Ricardo Cardoso – Tel.: +32 2 298 01 00; Sara Simonini – Tel.: +32 2 298 33 67) Commission approves €8 million Maltese State aid for maritime transport companies facing increased fuel prices The European Commission has approved an €8 million Maltese State aid scheme to support companies providing scheduled maritime transport of persons and cargo by high-speed craft between Malta and Sicily and that are facing increased fuel 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 scheme aims to mitigate the impact of the increase in fuel prices resulting from the Middle East crisis. Compared to January 2026, marine fuel prices in Malta increased by approximately 86% in March 2026. The aid will take the form of direct grants covering up to maximum 70% of these extra- costs. The scheme, based on real consumption as declared by the beneficiaries and verified by the competent authority, covers eligible costs for the period from 1 March to 31 December 2026. While the aid may be granted until 31 December 2026, the corresponding payments are to be made by 31 March 2027 at the latest. 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 2.3 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 will be provided to temporarily support the development of companies active in the intra-EU short sea shipping services. 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. On this basis, the Commission approved the Maltese scheme under EU State aid rules. More information on the METSAF can be found online. The non-confidential version of the decision will be made available under the number SA.124627 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; Sara Simonini – Tel.: +32 2 298 33 67) Commission clears acquisition of the primary plastic packaging business of Gerresheimer by AP The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of sole control of the primary plastic packaging business of Gerresheimer AG of Germany by Apax Partners LLP (‘AP') of the UK. The transaction relates primarily to the supply of primary plastic packaging. 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.12602 . (For more information: Ricardo Cardoso – Tel.: +32 2 298 01 00; Sara Simonini – Tel.: +32 2 298 33 67) ANNOUNCEMENTS Executive Vice-President Séjourné inaugurates decarbonised chemicals plant and convenes second General Assembly of the Critical Chemicals Alliance Today, Executive Vice-President Stéphane Séjourné inaugurates ‘Carat', a €150 million investment in decarbonisation at Arkema's Carling site in France. The project is partly funded by the French State as part of the France 2030 programme and by the European Union under NextGenerationEU . It will deploy a newly patented purification technology that cuts CO2 emissions by 20% and improves energy efficiency by 25%, while reducing solvent use and optimising resource and waste management. The project is located at the 600-hectare CHEMESIS industrial hub, which brings together major industrial companies including Arkema, TotalEnergies, Trinseo, SNF, Air Liquide and GazelEnergie alongside EU-funded biorefinery AFYREN NEOXY, which produces chemicals from bio-based feedstocks. This project demonstrates how innovation, targeted investment, and industrial cooperation can support the transformation and long-term competitiveness of Europe's chemicals industry. Executive Vice-President Séjourné also convenes today the second General Assembly of the Critical Chemicals Alliance , in Creutzwald, France. The meeting brings together more than 200 representatives from Member States, regions, industry, civil society, and academia. Set up in January, the Alliance's work focuses on four priorities: identify critical molecules and critical production sites and discuss possible policy support. The Commission will assess the recommendations adopted by the Alliance before deciding on what actions to propose. On 20 October, it will launch a dialogue with industrial sectors, including the chemical industry, to discuss the implementation of the EU ETS Investment Booster, which as the first phase of the Industrial Decarbonisation Bank will provide an estimated €30 billion of support for 2028-2030 (through 400 million ETS allowances) to early decarbonisation investments and mature industrial transformation solutions. The Alliance's deliverables are available on the Critical Chemicals Alliance website . (For more information: Siobhan McGarry - Tel.: +32 2 296 47 98; Rüya Perincek - Tel.: +32 2 299 49 03) Commissioner Kos attends inauguration of key railway project on the border between Türkiye and Bulgaria, boosting EU connectivity Tomorrow, Commissioner for Enlargement, Marta Kos , will visit Edirne, Türkiye to attend the inauguration of the Çerkezköy–Kapıkule section of the Halkali-Kapikule railway, a key transport link connecting Istanbul and the Bulgarian border. This project, which received €275 million of EU grant financing under the Instrument for Pre-Accession (IPA II), is a first deliverable of the EU's cross- regional Connectivity Agenda that connects Central Asia to Europe via the South Caucasus. The new high-speed railway connection will significantly improve connectivity between Türkiye and the European Union and will contribute to reducing transit times along the Middle Corridor, linking Europe via Türkiye with the South Caucasus and Central Asia. The inauguration, which will be attended by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, marks the ongoing connection between the EU and Türkiye. Prior to the event, Commissioner Kos will meet the Turkish Minister of Transport and Infrastructure, Abdulkadir Uraloğlu. Connectivity remains a priority for the Commission, and the inauguration follows Commissioner Kos 's attendance at the International Conference on Corridor VII today in Sofia, Bulgaria. At the conference she participated in a panel discussion on the geopolitical context of Corridor VIII, chaired by the Bulgarian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Velislava Petrova-Chamova. The Halkali-Kapikule railway is the largest infrastructure project to date in EU-Türkiye cooperation, having received €275 million of EU grant financing under the Instrument for Pre-Accession (IPA II). The objective of the EU's cross-regional Connectivity Agenda is to strengthen transport, energy and digital links between the European Union and Central Asia through the South Caucasus and the Black Sea region by coordinating strategic investments and regulatory cooperation. (For more information: Guillaume Mercier – Tel.: +32 2 298 05 64; Bridget Moylan – Tel.: +32 2 298 28 44) Commissioners Síkela and Lahbib visit Dublin to discuss international development and the importance of EU solidarity Today and tomorrow, Commissioner for International Partnerships Jozef Síkela and Commissioner for Crisis Management Hadja Lahbib will be in Dublin, Ireland, to participate in the informal ministerial Council on Development under the Irish Presidency of the EU that will be dedicated to discuss the future of development. They will also meet with representatives of partner countries, the Irish government and address the national parliament. Today, Commissioner Lahbib is meeting with the Irish Taoiseach Micheál Martin to discuss how the EU is leading the way on international development and EU humanitarian action, as well as the EU's and Ireland's overall preparedness. Ireland is a strong partner on humanitarian aid, consistently supporting needs-based, principled EU action, and has a long-standing record of commitment to multilateralism and to the most vulnerable. The Commissioner will also address the EU Affairs Committee of the Oireachtas, the Irish Parliament, and meet with civil society organisation Sanctuary Runners , which works to build solidarity through sport activities, with a focus on asylum seekers and refugees. Later in the afternoon, Commissioner Lahbib will hold bilateral meetings with the Irish Ministers of State for International Development and the Diaspora, Neale Richmond, and for European Affairs and Defence and British Development Minister Kirsty McNeill, with whom she will discuss the challenges facing development globally, and common ways to deliver help and defend the dignity of those in need. On Friday, the informal Council will focus on the unprecedented challenges facing development cooperation and the importance of building strong and mutually beneficial partnerships globally. Following the meeting, Commissioner Síkela and Commissioner Lahbib will participate in the press conference, which will be broadcast on EBS . On the margins of the informal Council, Commissioner Síkela will meet with Åsmund Grøver Aukrust, Norwegian Minister for Development, and Commissioner Lahbib will meet with Thomas Byrne, Irish Minister for European Affairs and Defence. (For more information: Eva Hrncirova - Tel.: +32 2 298 84 33; Anna Gray - Tel.: +32 2 298 08 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/26/2112 <@rel_link@>
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