European Commission - Daily News Daily News 21 / 10 / 2026 Brussels, 21 October 2026 Commission to investigate how Booking.com combats scams and fraud under the Digital Services Act Today, the European Commission has opened formal proceedings to assess whether Booking.com may have breached the Digital Services Act (DSA) by not having diligently assessed or effectively mitigated risks related to fraudulent listings an...
European Commission - Daily News Daily News 21 / 10 / 2026 Brussels, 21 October 2026 Commission to investigate how Booking.com combats scams and fraud under the Digital Services Act Today, the European Commission has opened formal proceedings to assess whether Booking.com may have breached the Digital Services Act (DSA) by not having diligently assessed or effectively mitigated risks related to fraudulent listings and phishing scams. The platform may also have breached the DSA when it comes to transparency because it did not clearly label as ads those listings whose providers paid for a higher ranking in search results shown to users. Henna Virkkunen , Executive Vice-President for Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy, said: 'Europeans should be able to book their holidays without fear of being scammed. The Digital Services Act sets clear responsibilities on platforms to address these risks, and we must ensure that the leading booking platform in Europe takes those responsibilities seriously.' Find more information in our press release . (For more information: Thomas Regnier - Tel.: +32 2 299 10 99; Patricia Poropat — Tel. + 32 2 299 27 17) Commission greenlights Germany's final payment request for €6 billion under NextGenerationEU Today, the Commission positively assessed Germany's fourth and final payment request worth €6 billion under the Recovery and Resilience Facility , the centrepiece of NextGenerationEU. With this fourth and final payment request, Germany has implemented all the reforms and investments included in its RRF plan – corresponding to a total of €30.3 billion. The Commission found that Germany has satisfactorily completed the 8 milestones and 19 targets set out in the Council Implementing Decision . They correspond to reforms and investments in the areas of t he green transition of transport and energy infrastructure, energy efficiency of housing, as well as the digitalisation of healthcare and public administration. Germany submitted its payment request on 25 September 2026. This payment will bring the total funds disbursed to Germany under the RRF to €30.3 billion, including €2.5 billion in pre-financing. This means that 100% of the funding allocated to Germany under its recovery and resilience plan will be delivered once the Council has also greenlighted the payment request, with all 127 milestones and targets successfully fulfilled. More information is available in the press release online. (For further information: Maciej Berestecki – Tel.: +32 2 296 64 83; Anna Wartberger – Tel.: +32 2 28 20 54) Commission makes €20.5 million available to support journalism, media pluralism and literacy across Europe The European Commission has published three calls for proposals under the Creative Europe programme to support professional journalism and media pluralism, strengthen media resilience and promote media literacy. The first call for proposals will fund journalism partnerships, promoting media collaborations and the work of local and public interest media, with a total amount of €14 million. The call includes two topics: the first, dedicated to ' pluralism ', is aimed at organisations that can set up and distribute funds to news media entities in sectors of particular relevance to democracy, such as local and public interest media. The second topic ' collaboration ' aims to support cross-border, collaborative proposals between news media organisations focusing on innovative business models and journalistic projects across Europe. Under an additional call, €3.5 million will be dedicated to cross-border media literacy projects to help enhance citizens' media literacy skills, allowing them to navigate the information space safely and confidently, and contributing to societal resilience against disinformation and foreign information manipulation and interference (FIMI). Another call for proposals worth €3 million will boost an independent Europe-wide rapid response mechanism to monitor violations of press and media freedom in the EU, as well as in candidate countries. The monitoring will help generate better data and insights into threats to media pluralism and the safety of journalists and inform the annual Rule of Law reporting. The European Democracy Shield provides reinforced financial support for independent and local journalism under the Media Resilience Programme, bridging current support to media with funding programmes proposed in the new Multiannual Financial Framework. The Commission proposed increased funding for the news media sector under the AgoraEU programme. All three calls will open for applications on 22 October and are part of wider EU support for the news media sector . (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 future organic rulebook The European Commission welcomes today's agreement between the European Parliament and the Council to amend certain production, labelling and certification rules, as well as rules on trade with non-EU countries, in the organic sector. These revised rules will help consumers make more informed choices about imported organic products. Today's agreement also introduces targeted changes to production and certification rules, simplifying and improving the framework for organic operators. These changes will support investments, create employment opportunities in the organic sector, and further develop farming practices with high environmental standards. Building on the input collected during consultations with stakeholders, the Commission's proposal aimed to ensure informed consumer choice, enhanced consumer confidence, and fair competition in the organic market. Recognition of equivalent third-country systems would be extended until 31 December 2036, avoiding potential trade disruptions. The proposal also made targeted adjustments to production and certification rules, simplifying and improving the framework for organic operators. Commissioner for Agriculture and Food, Christophe Hansen , said: “Today, we delivered a swift and simplified agreement in the interest of both producers and consumers. This agreement will provide the clarity the organic sector needs to continue growing. Our producers need predictable rules and a level playing field. By adapting our regulatory framework, we are supporting the competitiveness of European organic production while maintaining its high standards. And we are strengthening consumers' trust in the EU organic label, regardless of the origin of the product they buy.” More information is available in the press release online. (For more information: Louise Bogey – Tel.: +32 229-69776; Paula Clara Ritter-Moschütz – Tel.: +32 2 296 40 83) Commission approves €500,000 Slovenian State aid for agriculture, fishery and marine aquaculture companies facing increased fuel prices The European Commission has approved a €500,0000 Slovenian State aid scheme for agriculture, fishery and marine aquaculture companies 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 . Slovenia notified to the Commission a €500,000 scheme to support companies active in the agriculture, fishery and marine aquaculture sectors. The scheme, which will run until 31 March 2027, aims to mitigate the impact of the increase in agricultural and marine fuel prices. The aid will take the form of direct grants . The scheme concerns the grant of a limited amount of aid covering up to 70% of the additional costs arising from market developments directly affected by the Middle East crisis and incurred during the eligible period. 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, the 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 primary production of agricultural, fishery and marine aquaculture products. 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 Slovenian scheme 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.124890, 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 RTB by QVP, Neuron, Robert Dyczkowski and Bartłomiej Romański The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of joint control of RTB House HoldCo sp. z o.o. (‘RTB') of Poland by QVP II S.C.A (‘QVP') of Luxembourg, Neuron HoldCo Limited (‘Neuron') of Jersey, Robert Dyczkowski and Bartłomiej Romański, both Polish citizens. The transaction relates primarily to innovative technology used in the advertisement sector. The Commission concluded that the notified transaction would not raise competition concerns, given that the new shareholder, QVP, is not active in the same or vertically related markets as the joint venture. 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.12618 . (For more information: Ricardo Cardoso – Tel.: +32 2 298 01 00; Sara Simonini – Tel.: +32 2 298 33 67) Commission clears acquisition of EMPWR by Vitamin Well Group The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of sole control of EMPWR Nutrition Group (‘EMPWR') of Belgium by Vital Bidco AB of Sweden, part of the Vitamin Well Group. The transaction relates primarily to functional snack bars. 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.12548 . (For more information: Ricardo Cardoso – Tel.: +32 2 298 01 00; Sara Simonini – Tel.: +32 2 298 33 67) Commission approves two new geographical indications from Indonesia The European Commission has approved the registration of two new Protected Geographical Indications : Flores Bajawa and Kopi Arabika Flores Manggarai , both from Indonesia . Flores Bajawa are green coffee beans produced from Arabica coffee plants grown in the Ngada Regency. They are characterised by their distinctive floral aroma. The specific soil conditions found in the region contribute largely to its signature floral aroma. Kopi Arabika Flores Manggarai is a coffee product produced from green coffee beans. It is produced from Arabica coffee plants grown in the Manggarai highlands. The product has a dry aroma of caramel that can be smelled during the grinding process. People in the Manggarai area have found a way of fermentation and drying that has been passed from generation to generation, uniquely influencing the product. Names of products registered are protected against imitation and misuse within the EU, and in non-EU countries where a specific protection agreement has been signed. Non-European product names can also register if their country of origin has an agreement with the EU which includes the mutual protection of such names. These new designations join the more than 3,900 protected names already listed in the eAmbrosia database. More information is available on the Quality Policy pages . (For more information: Louise Bogey – Tel.: +32 229-69776; Paula Clara Ritter-Moschütz – Tel.: +32 2 296 40 83) ANNOUNCEMENTS Executive Vice-President Fitto in Croatia to discuss cohesion policy and upcoming 'Right to Stay' Strategy Tomorrow, Executive Vice-President for Cohesion and Reforms Raffaele Fitto will travel to Croatia to discuss the implementation of cohesion policy with national, regional and local representatives, and to see first-hand how EU funding is supporting local development. In Šibenik, he will meet Croatia's Minister of Regional Development and EU-Funds, Nataša Mikuš Žigman, as well as local and regional representatives and interested partners to discuss preparations for cohesion policy's 2028-2034 programming period . He will also visit the Centre for New Technologies and Entrepreneurship Trokut, an EU-funded innovation hub, business incubator and co- working space. In addition, he will visit Tvrđava sv. Ivana, the 17th-century Fortress of St. John, which has been renovated with EU support and transformed into a modern cultural and technological networking centre. Executive Vice-President Fitto will also deliver the keynote speech at the 10th Regional Development and EU Funds Conference in Šibenik. He will then travel to the municipalities of Unešić and Vrlika to meet local residents and hear directly about the opportunities and challenges facing people in rural areas. Discussions will focus on how EU policies and funding can help create jobs, strengthen communities and improve quality of life, so that people have a genuine choice to stay where they live. Drawing on insights from this and other field visits across Europe, the Commission will present its 'Right to Stay' Strategy in early 2027. Its aim is to help ensure that everyone in the EU can build their future in the place they call home. (For more information: Maciej Berestecki - Tel: +32 229-66483; Isabel Arriaga e Cunha – Tel: +32 229-52117) Commissioner Dombrovskis in Berlin to discuss competitiveness, simplification and investment Valdis Dombrovskis , Commissioner for Economy and Productivity, Implementation and Simplification, is in Berlin today and tomorrow to discuss European competitiveness, economic resilience and simplification with government and business representatives. Today, Commissioner Dombrovskis will partake in the Berlin Global Dialogue (BGD) Summit 2026 . In this context, he will participate in a roundtable with the topic ‘From Reform to Reality: Delivering a More Competitive Europe', with company chiefs. Also as part of the BGD, the Commissioner will take part in a leaders' panel titled ‘ The price of resilience, who bears the cost of de-risking? ', alongside Francisca Tatchouop Belobe, African Union Commissioner for Economic Development, Trade, Tourism, Industry and Minerals, and representatives of the banking and telecommunications sectors. The panel will be broadcast on EBS at 19:00 CEST . On Thursday, Commissioner Dombrovskis will visit a project supported by the Recovery and Resilience Facility involving large heat pumps in district heating networks. The visit will include an exchange on the project's objectives, importance and achievements. Video footage will be available on EBS at 13:30 CEST . The Commissioner will then meet Germany's Minister for Economic Affairs and Energy, Katharina Reiche, to discuss EU competitiveness, simplification and the reduction of administrative burdens. They will also discuss economic aspects of the energy and climate transition. Commissioner Dombrovskis will also meet Sabine Kuhlmann, Deputy Chair of Germany's National Regulatory Council , alongside other representatives of the Council and RegWatch Europe , for an exchange on better law-making and simplification at EU and national level. (For more information: Balazs Ujvari – Tel.: +32 2 295 45 78; Francisca Marçal Santos – Tel.: +32 2 299 72 36) Commissioner Lahbib visits Czechia to discuss preparedness, resilience and equality Tomorrow and Friday, Commissioner for Equality; Preparedness and Crisis Management, Hadja Lahbib , is visiting Czechia. She will meet with Prime Minister Andrej Babiš and exchange with government officials on the EU Preparedness Union Strategy , including the importance of a whole-of- society approach to anticipate, prevent, and respond to crises, involving public authorities, businesses, civil society and citizens. Building on Czechia's experience with recent emergencies, including wildfires in recent years and devastating floods in 2024, discussions will also address European cooperation and solidarity in crisis preparedness and response. On Thursday, the Commissioner will visit the Roma Holocaust Memorial in Lety, where she will reaffirm the EU's commitment to never let such atrocities happen again, and the need to address the continued inequalities and discrimination faced by many Roma across Europe. She will then deliver a keynote speech and doorstep address at the Resilient Europe 2026 conference in Prague, and discuss the importance of strengthening Europe's preparedness and resilience in the face of evolving risks and crises. Her participation will be broadcast on EBS . Following the conference, she will meet with Interior Minister Lubomír Metnar, Foreign Affairs Minister Petr Macinka, and members of the European Affairs Committee of the Parliament. Ensuring that no one is left behind when building a more resilient society will also be a key focus of the visit. The Commissioner will take part in a roundtable with civil society organisations to discuss key equality priorities, including Roma inclusion, the rights of persons with disabilities, gender equality and LGBTIQ+ rights. On Friday, she will meet with Prime Minister Babiš and visit a firefighting station. (For more information: Eva Hrnčířová — Tel.: +32 2 298 84 33; Quentin Cortes - Tel: +32 2 291 32 83; Anna Gray Tel.: +32 2 298 08 73) Commissioner Jørgensen in Hungary to address high energy prices, energy security and housing Tomorrow, Commissioner for Energy and Housing Dan Jørgensen will be in Budapest, Hungary, to meet with national authorities, energy operators and other stakeholders and discuss how to effectively address together two major challenges affecting Europeans across the Union: high energy prices and the affordability and availability of housing. Building on the positive exchanges that took place earlier this week in Bratislava with all Energy Ministers of the Visegrád Group, the Commissioner will discuss the pressing issue of high energy prices, energy security and the implementation of REPowerEU with the Minister of Economy and Energy, István Kapitány. He will also visit a grids development project by MAVIR, the Hungarian Transmission System Operator. Efforts to modernise the network, reinforce cross-border interconnections and expand grid capacity are central pillars of the proposed European Grids Package and are key enablers to structurally lower energy prices across Europe. He will also hold discussions with the Committees on European Affairs, Social Affairs, and Energy of the Hungary National Assembly, with a particular focus on measures to address the current energy crisis. As part of his Affordable Housing Tour, Commissioner Jørgensen will visit the Diákváros project together with the Minister of Transport and Investment, Dávid Vitézy, and other Hungarian representatives. Planned as a major brownfield regeneration project in southern Budapest, this affordable housing development is intended to provide affordable accommodation for around 12,000 students. The Commissioner will also discuss the EU's efforts and priorities in housing policy with Minister Vitézy in a bilateral meeting. Audiovisual coverage of the country visit will be available on EBS . (For more information: Anna-Kaisa Itkonen – Tel.: +32 2 295 75 01; Cristiana Marchitelli – Tel: +32 2 298 94 07) 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/26/2225 <@rel_link@>
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