The Commission enhances support for Ukraine to combat poverty and homelessness
The Commission welcomes Ukraine into the Employment and Social Innovation (EaSI) strand of the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+). This allows Ukrainian NGOs, public authorities, and companies to apply for funding for social projects focused on improving labor market participation and addressing poverty and homelessness. The agreement was signed in Rome by Executive Vice-President Roxana Mînzatu and Ukrainian First Deputy Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko.
During the Ukraine Recovery Conference on July 10-11, the Commission also committed to associating Ukraine with the Erasmus+ program, expanding educational opportunities for Ukrainian students and teachers. Erasmus+ will also distribute 2 million new textbooks to Ukrainian pupils in the 2025-2026 school year.
Additionally, the Commission welcomes the signing of a memorandum between the Ukrainian Ministry of Economy and social partners to strengthen social dialogue, modernize labor laws, enhance social protection, and promote gender equality at work.
Executive Vice-President Roxana Mînzatu stated: “This week was significant for Ukraines future, focusing on social rights and education. I commend Ukraine for deepening EU cooperation in social inclusion, employment, and education. By joining the Employment and Social Innovation strand of the ESF, Ukraine can advance social innovation and better support vulnerable populations.”
(For more information: Eva Hrncirova – Tel.: +32 2 298 84 33; Quentin Cortès - Tel.: +32 2 291 32 83)
EU and Moldova enhance digital cooperation for better resilience
The European Commission welcomes the deepening digital cooperation with Moldova, focusing on cybersecurity, misinformation, and inclusion in the EU roaming area.
The Councils authorization to utilize the EU Cybersecurity Reserve for Moldova represents a significant step in regional security and digital cooperation under the EUs Cyber Solidarity Act. This agreement under the Danish Presidency addresses major cybersecurity incidents and strengthens cooperation.
The Commission also supports Moldovas inclusion in the ‘Roam Like at Home area, enabling citizens to use mobile services without extra charges. Moldova also joins the EU Third Countries Trusted List for validating electronic signatures, facilitating business interactions.
To combat foreign interference and misinformation, a new hub of the European Digital Media Observatory has been established with the Commissions support.
(For more information: Thomas Regnier — Tel. + 32 2 299 10 99; Nika Blazevic — Tel. + 32 2 299 27 17)
Commission seeks views on the first-ever European Affordable Housing Plan
Today, the European Commission launched an open public consultation on the European Affordable Housing Plan, addressing the ongoing housing crisis affecting millions of Europeans.
The plan will assist EU Member States, regions, and cities in overcoming structural challenges, unlocking investments, and improving access to affordable housing, scheduled for next year.
Commissioner Dan Jørgensen stated: Tackling the housing crisis impacting millions of Europeans requires inclusive action. Citizens voices are crucial in shaping a plan that truly impacts lives across the EU. Collaborative efforts are essential for ensuring all Europeans have access to affordable and sustainable housing.
This consultation, following a call for evidence, marks the second phase of gathering input on relevant areas such as financing and state aid. Stakeholders can provide their views until October 17, 2025.
(For more information: Anna-Kaisa Itkonen – Tel.: +32 2 295 75 01; Cristiana Marchitelli – Tel: +32 2 298 94 07)
Commission gathers business to discuss non-preferential EU Rules of Origin
On Friday, Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič hosted a strategic dialogue on non-preferential EU Rules of Origin. The meeting focused on the rules determining the origin of goods imported into the EU, with industry leaders from various sectors present.
The feedback from stakeholders will inform the ongoing evaluation of the EU Rules of Origin, crucial for aligning with the Reform of the EU Customs Union and enhancing simplification and digitalization efforts.
Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič emphasized the importance of dialogue: “Our discussions are vital for ensuring that the Rules of Origin support EU trade strategies and sustainable economic growth, while addressing industry challenges.”
A summary of the conclusions will be available on the dedicated webpage.
(For more information: Olof Gill – Tel.: +32 2 296 59 66; Saul Louis Goulding – Tel.: +32 2 296 47 35)
Commission consults stakeholders on the Political Advertising Regulation
The European Commission invites feedback on the draft Guidance for the Regulation on political advertising.
This regulation aims to enhance transparency in political advertising, requiring clear labeling and disclosure of funding sources. Stakeholders are invited to submit their views by August 4, 2025.
The feedback will contribute to the final Guidance for effective implementation of the new rules.
More information is available on our website.
(For more information: Markus Lammert – Tel.: +32 2 296 75 33; Yuliya Matsyk - Tel.: +32 2 226 27 16)
Commission seeks input on review of the State aid General Block Exemption Regulation
The European Commission has launched a Call for Evidence and public consultation on its review of the General Block Exemption Regulation (GBER) to reduce red tape and support industry while maintaining a level playing field within the EU.
Executive Vice-President Teresa Ribera stated: Our review will cut red tape and promote necessary investments while ensuring fairness in the Single Market. Your input is essential for understanding how we can best assist businesses and public authorities.
Interested parties can reply to the questionnaire available here, until October 6.
More information is available in a press release.
(For more information: Thomas Regnier — Tel. + 32 2 299 10 99; Luuk de Klein – Tel.: +32 229 94774)
Commission sends to Italy preliminary assessment under Article 21 of the EU Merger Regulation regarding conditions imposed on the acquisition of BPM by UniCredit
The European Commission has sent a letter to Italy regarding the Decree issued on April 18, 2025, which may breach Article 21 of the EU Merger Regulation.
The Commission approved the transaction under the EUMR, subject to conditions, on June 19, 2025.
Italys Decree imposes obligations on UniCredit related to investments in strategic sectors, which must align with EU law principles.
The Commissions preliminary assessment suggests the Decree may contravene EU law, and invites Italy to provide observations.
More information on the investigation will be available on the Commissions competition website.
(For more information: Thomas Regnier — Tel. + 32 2 299 10 99; Sara Simonini - Tel.: +32 2 298 33 67)
Commission clears the acquisition of JET by EEP, Ara Partners and Stonepeak
The European Commission has approved the acquisition of JET Tankstellen Deutschland GmbH by Energy Equation Partners Limited, Ara Advisers, LLC, and Stonepeak Partners LP.
The transaction pertains to the fuel and non-fuel retail business and electric vehicle charging stations.
The Commission found no competition concerns, as the companies do not operate in related markets, and the transaction was reviewed under the simplified merger process.
More information is available on the Commissions competition website.
(For more information: Thomas Regnier — Tel.: + 32 2 299 10 99; Sara Simonini - Tel.: +32 2 298 33 67)
Commission clears acquisition of the Purification and Filtration Business of Solventum by Thermo Fisher
The European Commission has approved the acquisition of the Purification and Filtration Business of Solventum Corporation by Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.
The transaction relates primarily to bioprocessing filtration.
The Commission concluded that the transaction would not raise competition concerns due to the companies limited market positions.
More information is available on the Commissions competition website.
(For more information: Thomas Regnier — Tel.: +32 2 299 10 99; Sara Simonini - Tel.: +32 2 298 33 67)
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Commissioner McGrath hosts dialogue on consumer protection
Tomorrow, Commissioner Michael McGrath will host an Implementation Dialogue focused on consumer protection in the digital environment.
The dialogue will involve business associations, consumer organizations, and public authorities from across the EU to discuss effective implementation of consumer protection rules in the digital space.
Stakeholders will share insights and suggestions for streamlining legislation while maintaining robust EU consumer protection standards.
(For more information: Markus Lammert – Tel.: +32 2 296 75 33; Yuliya Matsyk - Tel.: +32 2 226 27 16)
Tentative agendas for forthcoming Commission meetings
Note that these items can be subject to changes.
Upcoming events of the European Commission
Eurostat press releases