EU organizes firefighting teams and aircraft to support wildfire-hit countries

To prepare for the increased wildfire risk during the upcoming summer months, the EU has assembled teams of firefighters and aircraft to aid European countries affected by wildfires. Nearly 650 firefighters from 14 European countries will be strategically positioned in high-risk areas in France, Greece, Portugal, and Spain throughout July and August. Additionally, 22 firefighting airplanes and 4 helicopters will be stationed across 10 Member States. These resources, coordinated and co-financed through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, are designed to enhance local capabilities and ensure a swift response to crises. This proactive approach underscores the EUs commitment to disaster preparedness. Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness, and Crisis Management, Hadja Lahbib, is in Madrid today to meet with Spanish civil protection authorities.

An online press release is available.

(For more information: Eva Hrnčířová – Tel.: +32 2 298 84 33; Daniel Puglisi - Tel.: +32 2 296 91 40)

Commission and national authorities urge SHEIN to respect EU consumer protection laws

Today, following a coordinated investigation, the Consumer Protection Cooperation (CPC) Network and the European Commission notified SHEIN about practices that violate EU consumer law. SHEIN is required to align these practices with EU laws and has one month to respond to the CPC Networks findings.

More details are available in an online press release.

(For more information: Markus Lammert – Tel.: +32 2 296 75 33; Yuliya Matsyk - Tel.: +32 2 226 27 16)

European Labour Authority supports fair labour mobility in the EU

The European Labour Authority (ELA) plays a crucial role in fair labour mobility within the EU. Between 2019 and 2023, ELA assisted Member States in 168 cross-border labour inspections. The evaluation highlights the need to further strengthen the authority.

The evaluation is available online.

(For more information: Eva Hrnčířová – Tel.: +32 2 298 84 33; Anna Gray – Tel.: +32 2 298 08 73)

EU supported films win at 2025 Cannes Film Festival

EU-funded films received prestigious awards at the 78th edition of the Cannes Film Festival. The Creative Europe MEDIA programme supported the production and distribution of these films.

(For more information: Thomas Regnier - Tel.: +32 2 29 91099; Patricia Poropat - Tel.: +32 2 29 80485)

The Commission approves a new geographical indication for Türkiye

The Commission has approved the addition of Erzincan Tulum Peyniri to the register of Protected Designations of Origin (PDO). This cheese, made from sheeps milk, has a rich, salty flavor. More information can be found on the Quality Policy pages.

(For more information: Balazs Ujvari – Tel.: +32 2 295 45 78; Thérèse Lerebours- Tel.: +32 2 296 33 03)

Commission clears acquisition of TIMETOACT by H.I.G. EU MM

The European Commission has approved the acquisition of TIMETOACT Holding GmbH by H.I.G. Europe Middle Market Holdings, L.P. The transaction involves the IT sector, particularly cloud platforms and digital solutions.

More information is available on the Commissions competition website.

(For more information: Lea Zuber – Tel.: +32 2 295 62 98; Sara Simonini - Tel.: +32 2 298 33 67)

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Commissioner Kubilius in Rome to promote Europes space policy

Commissioner Andrius Kubilius is in Rome to promote Europes space policy and strengthen the continents space economy and competitiveness. He meets with the Italian Minister of Enterprises and visits advanced space services and technologies.

(For more information: Thomas Regnier — Tel.: + 32 2 299 10 99; Marine Strauss — Tel.: + 32 2 298 91 03)

Commissioner McGrath attends the meeting of the General Affairs Council in Brussels

Tomorrow, Commissioner Michael McGrath will attend the General Affairs Council in Brussels and participate in country-specific discussions as part of the annual Rule of Law Dialogue.

(For more information: Markus Lammert – Tel.: +32 2 296 75 33; Yuliya Matsyk - Tel.: +32 2 226 27 16)

Commissioner Albuquerque visits Spain for talks on the Savings and Investments Union, banking and regulatory simplification

Commissioner Maria Luís Albuquerque visits Spain for discussions on the Savings and Investments Union and the banking sector.

(For more information: Olof Gill – Tel.: +32 2 296 59 66; Marta Perez-Cejuela Romero - Tel.: +32 2 296 37 70)

Commissioner Brunner travels to Lithuania to discuss internal security and the situation on the EU Eastern border

Commissioner Magnus Brunner visits Lithuania for talks on internal security issues and the situation on the EU Eastern border.

(For more information: Markus Lammert – Tel.: +32 2 296 75 33; Fiorella Boigner — Tel.: + 32 2 299 37 34)