advertentieCommission proposes an adjustment to the fee for a travel authorization under the European Travel Information and Authorization System
The Commission has proposed a fee adjustment for obtaining a travel authorization under the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS). This authorization is required for visa-exempt non-EU nationals traveling to the EU. ETIAS aims to enhance security while facilitating travel for non-EU nationals.
Established in 2018, the ETIAS Regulation set the fee at €7. Due to inflation and increased operational costs, the fee will rise to €20 per application, valid for three years. This aligns the cost with similar travel authorization programs like the UKs Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) and the USs Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA).
The fee adjustment will undergo a two-month review by the Council and the European Parliament and will take effect once ETIAS is operational, expected in the last quarter of 2026. Applicants under 18 or over 70, as well as family members of EU citizens and certain non-EU nationals, will be exempt from this fee.
Once operational, non-EU nationals traveling to the EU without a visa must complete an online application providing personal information such as their name, date of birth, and travel document number. The application will be processed automatically, with decisions made within minutes.
(For more information: Markus Lammert – Tel.: +32 2 296 75 33; Elettra Di Massa – Tel.: +32 2 298 21 61)
Commission disburses first €1.6 billion payment to Sweden under NextGenerationEU
Today, the Commission disbursed €1.6 billion in grants to Sweden, marking the first payment under the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF) of NextGenerationEU.
On December 20, 2024, Sweden submitted its initial payment request under the RRF, covering 27 milestones and targets related to 10 reforms, including housing market and labor market integration. The request also includes 9 investments in areas like housing and broadband expansion.
On June 5, 2025, the Commission issued a positive preliminary assessment of Swedens request, allowing the final decision to disburse funds.
Swedens recovery plan is supported by €3.5 billion in grants. Payments under the RRF are performance-based, contingent on successful implementation of its recovery and resilience plan. An interactive map showcasing supported reforms and investments is available online. More details on the RRF payment claim process can also be found online.
(For more information: Balazs Ujvari - Tel.: +32 2 295 45 78; Isabel Arriaga e Cunha +32 229-52117)
Commission improves protection of workers with new chemical exposure limits
The European Commission has proposed enhanced protections for workers against hazardous chemicals, aiming to prevent about 1,700 lung cancer cases and 19,000 other illnesses over the next 40 years. The sixth revision of the Carcinogens, Mutagens and Reprotoxic substances Directive (CMRD) recommends setting exposure limits for cobalt, PAHs, and 1,4-dioxane.
These measures could save up to €1.16 billion in healthcare costs, significantly improving workers quality of life.
This revision reflects the latest scientific data and incorporates input from the Advisory Committee on Safety and Health at Work.
Executive Vice-President Roxana Mînzatu stated: “This revision reflects our commitment to a safe and healthy European workplace, supporting quality jobs and science-based policy. By introducing exposure limits on hazardous chemicals, we protect workers today and invest in their long-term wellbeing.”
Further information is available in our press release.
(For more information: Anna-Kaisa Itkonen – Tel.: +32 2 295 75 01; Quentin Cortès - Tel.: +32 2 291 32 83)
Commission publishes guidelines for providers of general-purpose AI models
The European Commission has published guidelines for general-purpose AI model providers to ensure compliance with the AI Act, effective from August 2, 2025. These guidelines clarify obligations, providing legal certainty across the AI value chain, and complement the General-Purpose AI Code of Practice.
Henna Virkkunen, Executive Vice-President, emphasized: “These guidelines support the effective application of the AI Act, enabling AI actors to innovate with confidence while ensuring safety and transparency aligned with European values.”
The guidelines define general-purpose AI models and outline the obligations for providers, especially those posing systemic risks.
More information is available online, including questions and answers.
(For more information: Thomas Regnier – Tel. + 32 2 299 10 99; Nika Blazevic – Tel. + 32 2 299 27 17)
First sweep under new product safety rules shows that while basic requirements are broadly met, more needs to be done to ensure that consumers and relevant authorities get all relevant safety information
The European Commission and national market surveillance authorities presented the results of the first product safety sweep since new rules took effect. Targeting childcare products sold online in the EU, the sweep revealed that while 95% of online marketplaces met basic requirements, more work is needed to ensure consumers receive all necessary safety information.
Henna Virkkunen stated: “Europeans deserve safe products, whether purchased online or offline. This sweep provides clarity on compliance and shows areas for improvement. We now call on national authorities to follow up on these findings.”
Consumer authorities checked over 1,700 offers from 47 marketplaces, sending 252 orders for responses.
(For more information: Markus Lammert – Tel.: +32 2 296 75 33; Cristina Torres Castillo – Tel.: + 32 2 299 06 79)
Commission launches consultation on future measures to safeguard EU steel sector from unfair trade practices
The European Commission has launched a consultation to identify future measures for safeguarding the EU steel sector against unfair trade practices and global overcapacities.
Stakeholders can provide input on potential scenarios prepared by the Commission until August 18, 2025. This consultation will shape the Commissions legislative proposal, expected by the third quarter of 2025.
More information is available in a news item.
(For more information: Olof Gill – Tel.: +32 2 296 59 66; Saul Goulding - Tel.: +32 2 296 47 35)
Commission seeks feedback for review of insurance sector rules
The Commission has opened a consultation to review the Solvency II Delegated Regulation, aiming to encourage insurers to support long-term financing while ensuring financial stability and policyholder protection.
Stakeholders are invited to submit views on changes to technical rules governing insurers liabilities and other areas by September 5. Contributions will inform the finalization of the delegated act, expected in Q3 2025.
(For more information: Olof Gill – Tel.: +32 2 296 59 66; Marta Perez-Cejuela Romero - Tel.: +32 2 296 37 70)
Commission approves new geographical indication from Hungary
The Commission has approved the addition of Kőszeg / Kőszegi from Hungary as a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO).
This designation reflects the regions winemaking tradition and the unique qualities of its wines, influenced by the Alps and local geology. More information is available 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 eases state-owned companies reporting obligations for Member States
The Commission has eased reporting obligations for Member States regarding state-owned companies, reducing administrative burdens. This change is implemented through a Directive amending Directive 2006/111/EC.
This move contributes to the Commissions goal of reducing reporting burdens by 25%, while maintaining transparency. More details are outlined in the Commissions Communication on Implementation and Simplification.
(For more information: Thomas Regnier – Tel. + 32 2 299 10 99; Luuk de Klein – Tel.: +32 229 94774)
Commission approves €300 million Slovak State aid scheme to support the rail sector
The Commission has approved a €300 million scheme to support the purchase of rail freight rolling stock, promoting a shift from road to rail transport.
Under this scheme, grants will finance part of the costs for new rail freight wagons, covering up to 50% of the acquisition cost. The measure is deemed necessary and proportionate for reducing pollution and road congestion.
The non-confidential version of the decision will be available under case number SA.118317 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 creation of joint venture by PIC and Wanhua
The Commission has approved the creation of a joint venture by Petrochemical Industries Company K.S.C. (PIC) of Kuwait and Wanhua Chemical Group Co., Ltd. (Wanhua) of China, primarily related to petrochemical supply.
The Commission concluded that the transaction raises no competition concerns, as the joint venture has negligible activities in the European Economic Area.
More information is available on the Commissions competition website, under case number M.12021.
(For more information: Thomas Regnier – Tel. + 32 2 299 10 99; Sara Simonini - Tel.: +32 2 298 33 67)
ANNOUNCEMENTS
President von der Leyen heads to Japan for 30th EU-Japan Summit
On 22–23 July, President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa will travel to Japan for the 30th EU–Japan Summit, focusing on deepening cooperation in competitiveness and security.
The event will be broadcast live on EBS.
The EU-Japan partnership is supported by the Strategic Partnership Agreement.
(For more information: Paula Pinho – Tel.: +32 2 292 08 15; Anouar El Anouni - Tel.: +32 2 291 35 80)
Commissioner Brunner in Germany to discuss migration at the Zugspitze Ministerial Conference
Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration, Magnus Brunner, is in Germany for the Zugspitze Ministerial Conference on Migration, focusing on common migration priorities.
(For more information: Markus Lammert - Tel.: + 32 2 29 67533; Cristina Dumitrescu - Tel.: + 32 2 296 60 91)
Commissioner Brunner co-hosts the second Ministerial Meeting of the European Ports Alliance
On Monday, Commissioner Brunner will co-host the second Ministerial meeting of the European Ports Alliance, focusing on strengthening security against organized crime.
A press conference will be held live on EBS.
(For more information: Markus Lammert – Tel.: +32 2 296 75 33; Elettra Di Massa – Tel.: +32 2 298 21 61)
Tentative agendas for forthcoming Commission meetings
Note that these items can be subject to changes.
Upcoming events of the European Commission
Eurostat press releases