European Commission - Daily News Daily News 19 / 10 / 2026 Brussels, 19 October 2026 Commission invests €3.4 billion in net-zero technology projects Today, the European Commission has selected 77 European net-zero technology projects to receive funding support worth €3.4 billion under the call for net-zero technologies of the Innovation Fund. By reinvesting the revenues from the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) i...
European Commission - Daily News Daily News 19 / 10 / 2026 Brussels, 19 October 2026 Commission invests €3.4 billion in net-zero technology projects Today, the European Commission has selected 77 European net-zero technology projects to receive funding support worth €3.4 billion under the call for net-zero technologies of the Innovation Fund. By reinvesting the revenues from the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) in innovative decarbonisation technologies, these projects will strengthen Europe's industrial leadership and competitiveness in these sectors and contribute to the clean transition, energy independence and security . The Commission estimates that the 77 projects have the potential to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions , avoiding the equivalent of around 290 million tonnes over their first decade of operations and contributing significantly towards the EU's 2050 climate neutrality goal. More information is available in the press release online. (For more information: Anna-Kaisa Itkonen – Tel.: +32 2 295 75 01; Ana Crespo Parrondo – Tel.: +32 2 298 13 25) EU invests over €390 million in 135 new climate and environment projects The European Commission has today granted more than €390 million to 135 new projects across Europe under the LIFE programme for environment and climate action . The allocated amount represents more than half of the €579 million total investment needs for these projects. The remaining funding comes from national, regional and local governments, public-private partnerships, businesses, project partners, and civil society organisations. LIFE projects play a significant role in the EU's transition to a clean, circular and resilient economy. They contribute to better preparedness and resilience for extreme weather events and to the EU's goal of becoming climate-neutral by 2050. This investment will have a lasting impact on our environment, economy, industry and the well-being of all Europeans. You will find more information in our press release and project summaries . (For more information: Anna-Kaisa Itkonen – Tel.: +32 2 295 75 01; Maëlys Dreux – Tel.: +32 2 295 46 73; Ana Crespo Parrondo – Tel.: +32 2 298 13 25; Cristiana Marchitelli – Tel: +32 2 298 94 07) Commission proposes to strengthen the autonomy of the EU's agricultural sector On Friday, 16 October, the European Commission put forward a draft proposal to help reduce costs for farmers and decrease our reliance on chemical fertilisers. By reducing dependency, this proposal aims to make European farmers less vulnerable to price shocks resulting from geopolitical instability and help close nutrient cycles. This will also increase the autonomy of the EU's agricultural sector. As announced in the EU Fertiliser Action Plan and the Livestock Strategy , this proposed targeted amendment of the Nitrates Directive would give Member States greater flexibility to allow farmers to use certain liquid digestates derived from livestock manure, while ensuring environmental protection. These nutrient-rich fertilisers sufficiently similar to mineral fertilisers could then be used as an alternative to chemical fertilisers, in a safe way to ensure the continued protection of waters and the environment. The REcovered Nitrogen from manure (RENURE) rules adopted in March 2026 already allow the use of RENURE fertilisers above the limit for the application of manure and processed manure set by the Nitrates Directive . But as geopolitical tensions and disruptions in global fertiliser markets continue to affect the affordability and accessibility of fertilisers for farmers, the proposed amendment will extend exemptions to certain types of liquid digestates that can also comply with the RENURE criteria. The proposal is supported by a new report by the Commission's Joint Research Centre assessing the potential for the safe use of agricultural digestates as fertilising materials. Citizens and stakeholders – including farmers, civil society, public authorities, and researchers – are encouraged to give their feedback on the Commission's draft targeted amendment until 13 November 2026. After analysis of the feedback received, the Commission will send its proposal to the Member States in the Nitrates Committee. If the Committee votes in favour, the proposal will then be transmitted to the European Parliament and the Council that will have three months to formulate any objections. You can find more information on the draft targeted amendment to the Nitrates Directive online. (For more information: Anna-Kaisa Itkonen – Tel.: +32 2 295 75 01; Maëlys Dreux – Tel.: +32 2 295 46 73) Commission sends Statement of Objections to KKR for providing incorrect or misleading information during merger investigation The European Commission has informed KKR & Co. Inc. (‘KKR') of its preliminary view that the company provided incorrect and/or misleading information during the 2024 Commission's investigation of KKR's acquisition of NetCo , under the EU Merger Regulation (‘EUMR'). In today's Statement of Objections, the Commission takes the preliminary view that KKR, at least negligently, submitted incorrect and/or misleading information on the terms of its existing long-term agreements for wholesale access, including on the fact that their existing terms would continue to apply since they could only be changed by mutual agreement with the third-party operators. Such information, key for the Commission's assessment of the transaction, was provided in replies to requests for information by the Commission under Article 11(2) of the EUMR. Under the EUMR, companies are required to provide information that is not incorrect or misleading, including in reply to Commission's requests for information. Information requests are indeed the primary sources of information for the Commission's review of mergers and acquisitions. Their accuracy and completeness are therefore essential for an effective assessment. The sending of a Statement of Objections does not prejudge the final outcome of the investigation. KKR now has the opportunity to examine the documents in the Commission's file, reply in writing and request an oral hearing to present its arguments. Executive Vice-President for a Clean, Just and Competitive Transition, Teresa Ribera , said: “Effective merger control depends on companies providing the Commission with correct information. KKR appears to have provided incorrect or misleading information about whether it would keep its existing long-term access agreements under the same terms unless mutually agreed otherwise with the third- party operators. Our evidence suggests that, after the merger, KKR may have raised prices for existing wholesale broadband customers, in some cases significantly. The Commission relied on that information when approving its acquisition of NetCo in 2024. KKR now has the opportunity to respond.” 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 €52 million budget increase for Spanish fuel price State aid scheme for farmers facing higher fuel prices The European Commission has approved a €52 million budget increase to a Spanish State aid scheme for agricultural companies facing increased fuel prices due to the Middle East crisis. The amendment was approved under the Middle East Crisis Temporary State Aid Framework (METSAF) adopted by the Commission on 29 April 2026 . The original scheme was approved by the Commission on 2 June 2026 . The Commission approved a €55 million budget increase on 14 July 2026 . Spain notified a new budget increase of €52 million, bringing the total budget to €161 million. The scheme covers aid for farmers linked to the increase of prices of diesel fuel until 31 December 2026. The Commission assessed the amendment 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 amended scheme remains 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 primary production of agricultural products. The Commission concluded that the amended 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 Spanish amendment under EU State aid rules. More information on the METSAF is available online. The non-confidential versions of today's decision will be made available under case number SA.124966, in the State aid register on the Commission's competition website . (For more information: Ricardo Cardoso – Tel.: +32 2 298 01 00; Luuk de Klein – Tel.: +32 2 299 47 74) Commission clears acquisition of Mitie by OCS The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of sole control of Mitie Group plc (‘Mitie') by OCS Group International Limited (‘OCS'), both of the UK. The transaction relates primarily to the facilities management 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.12591 . (For more information: Ricardo Cardoso – Tel.: +32 2 298 01 00; Sara Simonini – Tel.: +32 2 298 33 67) Commission clears acquisition of Essendi and a portfolio of hotels by Blackstone The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of sole control of Essendi S.A. of Luxembourg and a portfolio of hotels by Blackstone Inc. of the US. The transaction relates primarily to the hotel sector in Europe, Mexico, Singapore and South America. 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.12542 . (For more information: Ricardo Cardoso – Tel.: +32 2 298 01 00; Sara Simonini – Tel.: +32 2 298 33 67) ANNOUNCEMENTS Commissioner Brunner in London to engage on migration and internal security common challenges Today, Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration, Magnus Brunner , is in London to meet with UK authorities to discuss migration, border management, law enforcement cooperation and counterterrorism. During his visit, Commissioner Brunner will meet with Shabana Mahmood, UK Home Secretary, and Ken McCullum, Director General of MI5, the UK's domestic counter-intelligence and security agency. He will also meet with senior officials from the UK's centre of expertise on child sexual abuse and visit the National Counterterrorism Security Office. In the evening, the Commissioner will deliver the 52nd Annual Lecture at King's College London, on 'Building a future- proof European Migration and Asylum Framework'. The visit reflects the importance of close cooperation with the UK on shared migration and security challenges, with a focus on operational coordination, dismantling smuggling networks, strengthening border governance and promoting a whole-of-route approach based on responsibility, partnership and security. The discussions will build on the ongoing cooperation set out in the Common Understanding agreed at the 2025 EU-UK Summit and in the EU Action Plan for the Channel Migratory Route . The visit will also serve to take stock on migration and internal security ahead of the next EU-UK Summit on 20 November. (For more information: Markus Lammert – Tel.: +32 2 296 75 33; Fiorella Boigner — Tel.: + 32 2 299 37 34) 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/26/2195 <@rel_link@>
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