Commission welcomes political agreement on the European Defence Industry Programme
The European Commission welcomes the political agreement reached today between the European Parliament and the Council on the European Defence Industry Programme (EDIP), a key instrument to support common procurement and industrial ramp-up, as well as to implement the Defence Readiness Roadmap 2030 and the proposed Defence Readiness Flagships.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said: “I welcome the agreement on the European Defence Industry Programme. €1.5 billion to strengthen Europes defence industry, support Ukraine and ensure we are defence-ready by 2030, in line with our Preserving Peace roadmap. Because when we invest in readiness, we invest in peace. Congratulations to the Danish Presidency for seeing this crucial programme through.
With a budget of €1.5 billion for 2025–2027, EDIP introduces targeted measures to address the main challenges faced by Europes defence industry, including industrialisation of defence products, industrial ramp-up, support to European supply chains and SMEs, and the development of Ukraines defence technological and industrial base.
A press release is available online.
(For more information: Thomas Regnier +32 2 299 10 99, Marine Strauss +32 298 91 03)
Commission specifies details of active account requirements
The European Commission has specified the details of the active account requirement for certain counterparties introduced under the recent amendments to the European Market Infrastructure Regulation (‘EMIR 3). EMIR 3 enables central counterparties (CCPs) to bring new products to the EU market faster, making EU clearing services more attractive while preserving financial stability. It also addresses the financial stability risks associated with excessive exposures to systemically important third-country CCPs by requiring certain counterparties to clear a number of key derivative transactions in the EU - the so-called active account requirements.
CCPs stand between the two counterparties (such as banks) in a derivatives contract, acting as buyer to the seller, and as seller to the buyer of the contract. Their main purpose is to manage the risk that could arise if one of the counterparties defaults on the obligations arising from that contract.
The requirement to hold an active account with an EU CCP has been applicable since December 2024 and the requirement to clear a representative number of transactions in that account applies since June 2025. Todays delegated act provides additional clarity on how counterparties are expected to comply with the new requirements, and on how competent authorities are expected to enforce those requirements. In particular, the delegated act specifies the number of representative transactions that counterparties subject to these requirements are expected to clear in EU CCPs. It also defines when they should do so.
Commissioner for Financial Services and the Savings and Investments Union, Maria Luis Albuquerque, said: “Central clearing is a process that is vital for well-functioning EU capital markets. EMIR 3 requires certain counterparties to hold active accounts and clear a number of transactions at Union CCPs., With this technical standard we are providing the market with the clarity it needs to apply the new rules effectively. I trust that the European Parliament and the Council will endorse it swiftly, allowing the new regime to take full effect.”
The delegated act will be sent to the European Parliament and the Council who have 3 months to scrutinise it. Once endorsed, it will be published in the Official Journal and enter into force 20 days after its publication.
(For more information: Olof Gill – Tel.: +32 2 296 59 66; Marta Perez-Cejuela Romero - Tel.: +32 2 296 37 70)
EU and Polish scientists team up to tackle energy, digital and sustainability challenges
Today, the European Commissions Joint Research Centre (JRC) and Polands Łukasiewicz Research Network have launched a new partnership to strengthen scientific cooperation in key areas such as advanced materials, sustainable chemistry, energy transition, digitalisation, and the circular economy.
This new Memorandum of Understanding will deepen Polands contribution to European research and innovation while helping translate scientific knowledge into practical solutions for citizens and businesses. By pooling expertise and resources, the JRC and Łukasiewicz aim to accelerate the development of technologies that support Europes green and digital transitions.
The five-year Memorandum of Understanding, signed today in Warsaw, will promote joint research projects, knowledge exchange, and opportunities for Łukasiewicz laboratories to support JRC research. The agreement was signed by JRC Director-General Bernard Magenhann and Łukasiewicz President Hubert Cichocki, in the presence of Polands Minister of Science and Higher Education Minister Marcin Kulasek.
(For more information: Thomas Regnier +32 2 299 10 99, Marine Strauss +32 298 91 03)
Commission launches survey on European Child Guarantee
On the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, the European Commission has launched a survey to hear from children, young people, their parents and guardians about their views on the European Child Guarantee.
This initiative aims to provide all children in Europe at risk of poverty or social exclusion with access to vital services, including early childhood education and care, education, nutrition, healthcare, and housing. The surveys findings will help identify effective strategies, areas for improvement, and methods to better incorporate childrens voice into EU policy making.
The online survey will remain open for 7 weeks, until 8 December 2025. It is run via the EU Childrens Participation Platform and is part of the Commissions wider commitment to tackling poverty and supporting social inclusion across Europe.
The feedback will contribute to the upcoming Anti-Poverty Strategy, which has a separate public consultation open until 24 October.
Executive Vice-President for Social Rights and Skills, Quality Jobs and Preparedness, Roxana Mînzatu, said: “Every child deserves a fair start in life. Yet, one in four children in Europe face poverty or social exclusion. Since the European Child Guarantee was launched in 2021, we have made progress, but we still need to do more. The EU already makes a real difference in lifting children out of poverty. The European Social Fund Plus provides crucial support for children in poverty, for example through school food programmes, early childhood education and care initiatives. Hearing from children and young people directly is essential to help us make the Child Guarantee stronger so that we ensure that no child in Europe is left behind.”
(For more information: Eva Hrnčířová – Tel.: +32 2 298 84 33; Eirini Zarkadoula – Tel.: +32 460 76 57 13)
Applications open for hosting new EU Customs Authority
The European Commission has launched a call for applications for Member States to express their interest in hosting the future EU Customs Authority (EUCA). The newly established EUCA will support the Member States customs authorities in simplifying customs for businesses, ensuring the effective collection of duties and taxes for both EU and national budgets, and contributing to enhancing protection of the Single Market against unsafe or illicit products. The call for application builds on the criteria as agreed by the European Parliament and the Council.
Member States are encouraged to submit their applications within six weeks of the launch. All received applications will undergo a general assessment by the Commission and will be made publicly available on a dedicated website. The final decision will be made by the co-legislators based on a transparent application process to be concluded before the end of the legislative procedure.
As part of its core mandate, the EUCA will operate the EU Customs Data Hub, a digital platform intended to centralise and manage all EU customs data. It will gradually replace the existing fragmented national IT systems, enabling a unified, data-driven EU approach to risk management and customs processes across the Union.
The creation of the EUCA is crucial in the context of the EU Customs Reform package, presented by the Commission in May 2023, which aims to modernise the overall functioning of the EU Customs Union. On 27 June 2025, the Council adopted its negotiating mandate on a core element to reform the EU Customs Code (UCC).
(For more information: Olof Gill – Tel.: +32 2 296 59 66; Saul Louis Goulding – Tel.: +32 2 296 47 35)
Commission approves €63 million Greek State aid for the development of a soil-free tomato facility
The European Commission has approved, under EU State aid rules, over €63 million in aid to support the construction of a cutting-edge, Ultra-Clima hydroponic plant for the production of tomatoes in the town of Ptolemaida. The facility, operated by Wonderplant S.A., will grow the tomatoes without soil, allowing for an efficient and sustainable way to grow fresh tomatoes year-round.
The aid will be paid in the form of a direct grant and will cover 50% of the total amount of the project investment costs. The investment will support the local and national economy by fostering a sustainable, resilient and competitive tomato sector. It will also create approximately 150 new jobs in the region. The aid will be financed by the Just Transition Fund.
The Commission assessed the scheme under EU State aid rules, in particular Article 107(3)(c) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU, which allows Member States to support the development of certain economic activities under certain conditions, and the Guidelines for State aid in the agricultural and forestry sectors and in rural areas. The Commission found that the aid is necessary and appropriate to encourage the relevant investment. Furthermore, the Commission found that the aid is proportionate, as it is limited to the minimum necessary, and will have a limited impact on competition and trade between Member States. On this basis, the Commission approved the Greek aid under EU State aid rules.
The non-confidential version of the decision will be made available under the case number SA.118977 in the State aid register on the Commissions competition website once any confidentiality issues have been resolved.
(For more information: Thomas Regnier - Tel.: +32 2 299 10 99; Luuk de Klein – Tel.: +32 229 94774)
Commission clears creation of joint venture MRO JV by Sofon and STEML
The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the creation of a joint venture - Sofon MRO Company (‘MRO JV) - by Sofon Industries Company (‘Sofon), both of Saudi Arabia, and ST Engineering Marine Ltd (‘STEML) of Singapore.
The transaction relates primarily to the market of maintenance, repair and overhaul services for commercial vessels.
The Commission concluded that the notified transaction would not raise competition concerns, given the limited impact on the European Economic Area. The notified transaction was examined under the simplified merger review procedure.
More information is available on the Commissions competition website, in the public case register under the case number M.12134.
(For more information: Thomas Regnier - Tel.: +32 2 299 10 99; Sara Simonini - Tel.: +32 2 298 33 67)
Commission clears acquisition of FIAMM by AURELIUS
The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of sole control of FIAMM Energy Technology S.p.A. (‘FIAMM) of Italy by the AURELIUS group (‘AURELIUS) of Luxembourg, Germany and the UK.
The transaction relates primarily to the design, production, sale and distribution of lead-acid batteries.
The Commission concluded that the notified transaction would not raise competition concerns, given that the companies are not active in the same or vertically related markets. The notified transaction was examined under the simplified merger review procedure.
More information is available on the Commissions competition website, in the public case register under the case number M.12137.
(For more information: Thomas Regnier - Tel.: +32 2 299 10 99; Sara Simonini - Tel.: +32 2 298 33 67)
Tentative agendas for forthcoming Commission meetings
Note that these items can be subject to changes.
Upcoming events of the European Commission
Eurostat press releases