advertentieCommission proposes to integrate Ukraine into the EU Roaming area in 2026
Today, the Commission proposes to integrate Ukraine into the EU Roaming area starting January 2026. This will enable Ukrainians to call, text, and use their mobile data from Ukrainian phone numbers in the 27 EU countries at no extra cost, extending the same benefits to Europeans visiting Ukraine.
Commission President von der Leyen stated: “We want Ukrainian citizens to stay connected to their loved ones across the EU and in their home country. Thats why we propose that Ukraine join our roaming family. Once more, we reaffirm our commitment to stand by Ukraine and its citizens.”
Roaming is the first area where the EU would extend internal market treatment to Ukraine.
The Commission has sent the proposal adopted today to the Council for approval.
More information is available in a press release online.
(For more information: Thomas Regnier - Tel.: +32 2 29 91099; Patricia Poropat - Tel.: +32 2 29 80485)
The EU budget continued to deliver on results while the STEP initiative boosted innovation in 2024
The Commission has published its Annual Management and Performance Report (AMPR), indicating that the EU budget achieved key priorities and addressed crises in 2024. Among many achievements, it supported the green and digital transitions, strengthened EU defense capabilities, provided unwavering support to Ukraine, and responded to the humanitarian crisis in the Middle East.
However, the EU Budget must adapt to the unpredictability of a changing world. The Commission will submit proposals for the post-2027 multiannual financial framework on July 16.
More details can be found in the Programme Performance Statements.
(For more information: Balazs Ujvari - Tel.: +32 2 295 45 78; Isabel Otero Barderas - Tel.: +32 2 296 69 25)
EU backs cutting-edge research with €721 million in funding
The European Research Council (ERC) has announced the winners of its latest Advanced Grants competition, awarding €721 million to 281 leading researchers across Europe. This funding, part of the Horizon Europe programme, allows senior researchers to pursue ambitious projects that could lead to major scientific breakthroughs.
For more information, visit the press release.
(For more information: Thomas Regnier – Tel.: +32 2 299 10 99; Nika Blazevic – Tel. +32 2 299 27 17)
EU to provide €161 million in humanitarian aid for Afghanistan in 2025
The European Commission will provide €161 million in humanitarian aid to help vulnerable Afghans. This funding will support humanitarian organizations working inside Afghanistan and address the needs of Afghan citizens and refugees in neighboring countries.
A press release is available online.
(For more information: Eva Hrnčířová – Tel.: +32 2 298 84 33; Daniel Puglisi – Tel.: +32 2 296 91 40)
Commission disburses the second payment of €58 million to Luxembourg under NextGenerationEU
The Commission has disbursed €58 million to Luxembourg as its second payment under the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF).
More information on the RRF payment claim process can be found in questions and answers online.
(For more information: Maciej Berestecki – Tel: +32 229-66483; Anna Wartberger - Tel.: +32 2 298 25 04)
Commission welcomes agreement on more efficient remedies for citizens against the unlawful use of their personal data*
The Commission welcomes the political agreement reached by the European Parliament and the Council on the Commission proposal from July 2023 to enhance cooperation between data protection authorities (DPAs).
More information can be found here.
(For more information: Markus Lammert – Tel.: +32 2 296 75 33; Cristina Torres Castillo – Tel.: + 32 2 299 06 79)
Commission welcomes political agreement on a stronger and more flexible visa suspension mechanism
The European Commission welcomes the provisional political agreement on the revision of the visa suspension mechanism, proposed by the Commission in October 2023.
More information is available in a press release.
(For more information: Markus Lammert - Tel: +32 229-67533; Elettra Di Massa - Tel.: +32 2 298 21 61)
Commission clears creation of joint venture by EVH Grüne Energie and HSBC Alternative Investments
The Commission has approved the creation of a joint venture for developing a solar park in Germany.
More information is available on the Commissions competition website.
(For more information: Arianna Podestà – Tel.: +32 2 298 70 24; Sara Simonini - Tel.: +32 2 298 33 67)
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Executive Vice-President Virkkunen to focus on AI and cybersecurity at the Digital Summit in Gdańsk
Henna Virkkunen will attend the Digital Summit in Gdańsk on 17-18 June.
(For more information: Thomas Regnier — Tel. + 32 2 299 10 99; Nika Blazevic — Tel. + 32 2 299 27 17)
Commissioner Brunner in Croatia for the Salzburg Forum Ministerial Conference
Commissioner Brunner will travel to Croatia for discussions on enhancing cross-border cooperation.
(For more information: Markus Lammert - Tel: +32 229-67533; Elettra Di Massa - Tel.: +32 2 298 21 61)
APPOINTMENTS
The European Commission designates Special Envoy for Ukrainians in the European Union
The European Commission has designated Ylva Johansson as Special Envoy for Ukrainians in the EU.
More information can be found in the press release.
(For more information: Balazs Ujvari - Tel.: +32 2 295 45 78; Isabel Otero Barderas - Tel.: +32 2 296 69 25)
The European Commission appoints a new Director-General at its Directorate-General for Environment
The European Commission has appointed Eric Mamer as Director-General for the Directorate-General for Environment (DG ENV).
(For more information: Balazs Ujvari - Tel.: +32 2 295 45 78; Isabel Otero Barderas - Tel.: +32 2 296 69 25)
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
*Updated on 17 June 2025 at 16:19 CEST.