advertentieCommission welcomes the Councils decision to integrate Ukraine into the EU Roaming area
The Commission supports the Councils adoption of the proposal to integrate Ukraine into the Roam Like at Home area starting January 1, 2026. This will allow Ukrainians to use their mobile phones in the 27 EU countries without extra charges, benefiting both Ukrainians and EU citizens visiting Ukraine.
Additionally, the current voluntary agreement between EU and Ukrainian telecom operators has been extended until December 31, 2025, ensuring affordable communication for both Europeans and Ukrainians until Ukraine fully joins the EU Roaming area.
(For more information: Thomas Regnier — Tel. + 32 2 299 10 99; Patricia Poropat Tel: + 32 2 298 04 85)
New European Digital Media Observatory hub fights disinformation in Ukraine and Moldova
A new hub of the European Digital Media Observatory (EDMO) will aid Ukraine and Moldova in combating disinformation.
The FACT hub will unite experts to detect and analyze manipulation and disinformation campaigns, particularly those from Russia. It will also monitor elections in Moldova to uphold electoral integrity.
With this launch, the EDMO network now includes 15 hubs, covering the entire EU and beyond. Existing hubs with funding contracts ending in 2025 will continue their efforts, supported by about €8.8 million from the Digital Europe Programme.
EDMO and its regional hubs operate independently from public authorities, maintaining high standards of integrity and ethical conduct.
(For more information: Thomas Regnier — Tel. + 32 2 299 10 99; Patricia Poropat Tel: + 32 2 298 04 85)
Europe performs well in innovation
The EUs innovation performance has improved steadily, rising by 12.6 percentage points since 2018. The latest European Innovation Scoreboard (EIS) shows notable shifts, with 13 Member States improving their scores. Malta (+7.6 points) and Luxembourg (+5 points) saw the largest increases. All EU countries have enhanced their innovation performance since 2018, though the progress varies from 0.9 points in Luxembourg to 30 points in Estonia.
However, the 2025 EIS indicates a slight decline of 0.4 points from 2024 to 2025, underscoring the need for accelerated action amidst growing global competition, as highlighted in the Competitiveness Compass and the Choose Europe initiative.
The EIS uses 32 indicators to assess various innovation aspects, including framework conditions and impacts on the economy, environment, and society.
More information on the 2025 Scoreboard results can be found in a press release online.
(For more information: Thomas Regnier — Tel. + 32 2 299 10 99; Nika Blazevic — Tel. + 32 2 299 27 17)
Data can now start flowing freely between the EU and the European Patent Organisation
Today, the Commission confirmed that the data protection framework of the European Patent Organisation (EPO) has the necessary safeguards for data transfer without extra hurdles for securing patents, marking a step forward for European competitiveness and innovation.
Henna Virkunnen, Executive Vice-President for Tech Sovereignty, stated, “The confirmation of the EPOs data protection framework streamlines the patent application process, allowing faster market entry for innovators.”
Michael McGrath, Commissioner for Democracy, emphasized that data protection can drive innovation, highlighting the EUs commitment to both individual protection and competitive advancement.
Periodic reviews of the decision will ensure compliance with data protection standards.
More information on adequacy decisions can be found here: Adequacy Decisions.
(For more information: Markus Lammert – Tel.: +32 2 296 75 33; Cristina Torres Castillo — Tel.: + 32 2 299 06 79)
Commission approves €40 million French State aid scheme to prevent and limit forest wildfires in Provence-Alpes-Côte dAzur
The European Commission has approved a €40 million French scheme to reduce wildfire risks in Provence-Alpes-Côte dAzur, co-financed by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development.
Running until December 31, 2027, the scheme provides direct grants to companies for necessary equipment and infrastructure to prevent wildfires.
The Commission found the scheme necessary and appropriate, ensuring limited impact on competition and trade.
The non-confidential decision will be available under case number SA.118498 in the State aid register.
(For more information: Thomas Regnier — Tel. + 32 2 299 10 99; Luuk de Klein – Tel.: +32 229 94774)
Commission approves French compensation of up to €531 million for La Postes high-density postal service coverage
The European Commission has approved a French measure to compensate La Poste for maintaining high-density postal services in France from 2023 to 2025.
La Poste will receive compensation of up to €531 million for fulfilling its public service obligation.
The Commission confirmed that the compensation aligns with the Service of General Economic Interest (SGEI) Framework.
The non-confidential version will be available under case number SA.108393 in the State aid register.
(For more information: Thomas Regnier — Tel. + 32 2 299 10 99; Luuk de Klein – Tel.: +32 229 94774)
Commission clears acquisition of Preem by VARO Energy
The European Commission has approved the acquisition of Corral Petroleum Holdings AB (Preem) by VARO Energy B.V., noting no competition concerns due to the companies limited market position.
More information is available on the Commissions competition website, in the public case register under case number M.11976.
(For more information: Thomas Regnier — Tel. + 32 2 299 10 99; Sara Simonini - Tel.: +32 2 298 33 67)
Commission clears acquisition of SPP by Oakview and Fortress
The European Commission has approved the joint control acquisition of Société Phocéenne de Participations (SPP) by Oakview Capital and Fortress Investment Group, noting negligible activities in the European Economic Area.
More information is available on the Commissions competition website, in the public case register under case number M.12009.
(For more information: Thomas Regnier — Tel. + 32 2 299 10 99; Sara Simonini - Tel.: +32 2 298 33 67)
ANNOUNCEMENTS
EU commemorates victims of the Global Climate Crisis in Brussels
Today, Executive Vice-President for a Clean, Just and Competitive Transition, Teresa Ribera, will deliver opening remarks at the Commemoration ceremony for the victims of the Global Climate Crisis. EU institutions will honor those affected by climate change.
A climate victims representative will share his personal experience of the impacts of climate change. The EU Climate Victims Day serves as a call to action and awareness raising in a changing climate.
The ceremony can be followed live on EBS at 18:30 CEST.
(For more information: Anna-Kaisa Itkonen – Tel.: +32 2 295 75 01; Ana Crespo Parrondo – Tel.: +32 2 298 13 25)
Executive Vice-president Virkkunen visits Moldova to discuss cybersecurity and cooperation on digital policy
On July 15, Executive Vice-President Virkkunen will be in Chisinau, Moldova, for meetings focusing on digital innovation, cybersecurity, and governance.
During the visit, the EVP will meet with Moldovan leaders to strengthen cooperation on resilience and digital policy.
(For more information: Thomas Regnier — Tel. + 32 2 299 10 99; Patricia Poropat Tel: + 32 2 298 04 85)
Commissioner McGrath hosts dialogue on the GDPR
Tomorrow, Commissioner McGrath will host an Implementation Dialogue on the GDPR.
This dialogue will engage stakeholders in discussions on compliance and regulatory improvements.
(For more information: Markus Lammert – Tel.: +32 2 296 75 33; Yuliya Matsyk - Tel.: +32 2 226 27 16)
Commissioner Várhelyi holds dialogue on simplifying EU rules for biocidal products
Today, Commissioner Várhelyi will discuss improving EU legislation on Biocidal Products, ensuring safety while reducing compliance burdens for companies.
(For more information: Anna-Kaisa Itkonen – Tel.: +32 2 295 75 01; Anna Gray – Tel.: +32 2 298 08 73)
Commissioner Albuquerque visits London for high-level talks on financial services
Commissioner Albuquerque will participate in the annual Financial and Professional Services Dinner, engaging with UK officials on regulatory cooperation and simplification.
(For more information: Olof Gill – Tel.: +32 2 296 59 66; Marta Perez-Cejuela Romero - Tel.: +32 2 296 37 70)
Tentative agendas for forthcoming Commission meetings
Note that these items can be subject to changes.
Upcoming events of the European Commission
Eurostat press releases