Commission welcomes historic agreement to reform EU Customs Union

This article is brought to you in association with the European Parliament.This article is brought to you in association with the European Commission. The Commission welcomes today’s agreement between the European Parliament and the Council, delivering a landmark reform of the EU Customs Union. The most ambitious reform of EU customs rules since 1968 introduces new measures for e-commerce and launches a modern, data-driven customs architecture that simplifies procedures and enhances efficiency. With these vital upgrades in […]

Future EU Customs Authority to be headquartered in Lille, France

This article is brought to you in association with the European Parliament.This article is brought to you in association with the European Parliament. On Wednesday, the Parliament and the Council decided to establish the future EU Customs Authority in Lille, France. In line with the agreed procedure, the Parliament and the Council first selected a shortlist of two top locations each on Wednesday morning. After that, the two […]

EIB Global and Techcombank announce €200 million credit line for climate investments in Viet Nam

This article is published in association with European Investment Bank.This article is published in association with European Investment Bank. EIB Global, the development arm of the European Investment Bank (EIB), and Vietnam Technological and Commercial Joint Stock Bank (Techcombank) have announced a €200 million financing agreement to accelerate climate action and environmental sustainability projects across Viet Nam. The long-term financing facility aims to bridge the financing […]

Deeper EU capital markets need stronger supervision and integration

European Commission issues €11 billion in its 2nd syndicated transaction of 2026This article is brought to you in association with the European Economic and Social Committee. In an opinion adopted at its March plenary session, the EESC calls for more ambitious reforms to integrate Europe’s capital markets and reinforce EU-level supervision, warning that persistent fragmentation is holding back investment, competitiveness and growth. Supporting the European Commission’s proposals […]

EU and Australia strengthen relations with Security and Defence Partnership and Trade Agreement

This article is brought to you in association with the European Commission.This article is brought to you in association with the European Commission. The EU and Australia have today announced the adoption of a groundbreaking Security and Defence Partnership. They have also concluded negotiations for an ambitious and balanced free trade agreement (FTA) and agreed to launch formal negotiations for the association of Australia to Horizon Europe, […]

Statement by Commissioner Tzitzikostas on the IMO decision on the Strait of Hormuz

Straits of OrmuzThis article is brought to you in association with the European Commission. The EU welcomes the adoption of the International Maritime Organization (IMO)’s Council decision, strongly condemning the threats and attacks by Iran against vessels which affect innocent civilian seafarers. The EU echoes IMO Council’s demands to cease any actions or threats aimed at closing, obstructing […]

Deeper EU capital markets need stronger supervision and integration

This article is brought to you in association with the European Economic and Social Committee.This article is brought to you in association with the European Economic and Social Committee. In an opinion adopted at its March plenary session, the EESC calls for more ambitious reforms to integrate Europe’s capital markets and reinforce EU-level supervision, warning that persistent fragmentation is holding back investment, competitiveness and growth. Supporting the European Commission’s proposals […]

France: EIB Group and BNP Paribas increase their existing guaranteed portfolio under InvestEU to €325 million to continue financing innovation and sustainability in Europe

The European Commission has approved a €1.1 billion French scheme to support strategic investments that add clean technology (cleantech) manufacturing capacity in line with the objectives of the Clean Industrial Deal. This measure will contribute to the transition towards a net-zero economy. The scheme was approved under the Clean Industrial Deal State Aid Framework (CISAF) adopted by the Commission on 25 June 2025. This is the eighth cleantech manufacturing capacity scheme approved since the CISAF was adopted, unlocking over €10 billion in support for investments in such capacity. The French measure France notified to the Commission, under the CISAF, a €1.1 billion scheme to support strategic investments that add manufacturing capacity of cleantech, contributing to the objectives of the Clean Industrial Deal. The scheme incentivises investments in additional capacity production of net-zero technologies listed in Annex II of CISAF, like solar, offshore or onshore wind technologies, heat pumps or battery technologies. The scheme also covers costs related to the main specific components of these technologies and the related critical raw materials. Under the scheme, the aid will take the form of a tax credit. The measure will be open to the whole territory of France and aid may be granted until 31 December 2028. The Commission found that the French scheme is in line with the conditions set out in the CISAF. The Commission concluded that the French scheme is necessary, appropriate and proportionate to accelerate the transition towards a net-zero economy and facilitate the development of certain economic activities, which are of importance for the implementation of the Clean Industrial Deal. This is in line with Article 107(3)(c) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU and the conditions set out in the CISAF. On this basis, the Commission approved the aid measure under EU State aid rules. Background On 25 June 2025, the Commission adopted the CISAF to foster support measures in sectors which are key for the transition to a net-zero economy, in line with the Clean Industrial Deal. The CISAF allows the following types of aid, which can be granted by Member States until 31 December 2030 in order to accelerate the green transition: Measures accelerating the rollout of renewable energy and low-carbon fuels (sections 4.1 and 4.2). Member States can set up schemes for investments in all renewable energy sources as well as energy storage, with simplified tender procedures. Specific rules are also provided to accelerate the roll-out of low-carbon fuels. Measures allowing temporary electricity price relief for energy-intensive users to ensure the transition to low-cost clean electricity (section 4.5). Such measures will help to avoid industrial activities relocating to locations where environmental regulations are absent or less ambitious, before the decarbonisation of the EU's electricity system fully translates into lower electricity prices. Measures facilitating the decarbonisation of industrial processes (section 5). Member States can support investments in the decarbonisation of industrial activities to reduce dependency on imported fossil fuels. This can happen through electrification, energy efficiency and the switch to the use of renewable and electricity-based hydrogen which complies with certain conditions, with expanded possibilities to support the decarbonisation of industrial processes switching to hydrogen-derived fuels. Measures to ensure sufficient clean technology manufacturing capacity (section 6). Member States can grant investment support for investment projects concerning technologies covered by the Net Zero Industry Act (final products such as batteries, solar panels, wind turbines, heat-pumps, electrolysers, and carbon capture usage and storage, including main specific components). This also includes the production and recycling of related critical raw materials. Measures to de-risk private investments required for the roll-out of clean energy, industrial decarbonisation, clean tech manufacturing, certain energy infrastructure projects, and projects supporting the circular economy (section 8). More information on the CISAF can be found online. For more information The non-confidential version of today's decision will be made available under the case number SA.120765 in the State aid register on the Commission's competition website once any confidentiality issues have been resolved. New publications of State aid decisions on the internet and in the Official Journal are listed in the Competition Weekly e-News. Quote(s) Teresa Ribera, Executive Vice-President for Clean, Just and Competitive Transition This scheme of over €1 billion will ensure additional clean technology manufacturing capacity in France. The tax credits granted under this scheme will help companies making key investments in the coming years. At the same time, any potential competition distortions are kept to the minimum. Teresa Ribera, Executive Vice-President for Clean, Just and Competitive TransitionThis article is published in association with European Investment Bank. BNP Paribas has secured an additional €250 million guarantee from the European Investment Bank Group via the European Investment Fund (EIF) under the InvestEU Programme. This significant envelope enables BNP Paribas to advance its goal in supporting innovative and sustainable businesses across the EU, reinforcing its […]

Italy: EIB provides €225 million to Iren to promote circular economy and energy efficiency

This article is published in association with European Investment Bank.This article is published in association with European Investment Bank. The European Investment Bank (EIB) and Iren Group have signed a new €225 million finance contract to support the company’s investment plan for 2025-2028. Signed today in Milan by EIB Vice-President Gelsomina Vigliotti and Iren Executive President Luca Dal Fabbro, the operation aims to back a range […]

Women’s representation in parliament sees sluggish gains

© IPU/Pierre Albouy Women parliamentary leaders unite for gender equality and peace at the 15th Summit of Women Speakers of Parliament in Geneva. .This article is published in association with United Nations. Women held 27.5 per cent of parliamentary seats worldwide as the year began –a 0.3 per cent increase from 2025, marking the slowest growth in nearly a decade, according to a new report from the UN-backed Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU).  The report titled Women in parliament 2025 released […]

UN calls for fair play in the global race for critical minerals

© UNICEF/Patrick Brown Children at work mining for gold in Luhihi village, South Kivu Province in DRC.This article is published in association with United Nations. Critical minerals such as lithium and cobalt are central to the transition to a zero-carbon economy. As the Security Council meets on Thursday to discuss “energy, critical minerals and security,” here is some of the work the UN is doing to ensure that the transition is just […]

EIB and WTO sign first agreement to strengthen cooperation on global trade and investment

This article is published in association with European Investment Bank.This article is published in association with European Investment Bank. The European Investment Bank (EIB) Group and the World Trade Organization (WTO) Secretariat have taken an unprecedented step to support sustainable global commerce and economic development. The EIB Group’s arm for international partnerships and development finance, EIB Global, and the WTO Secretariat today signed a Memorandum of Understanding […]

EIB and Canada team up to strengthen critical raw material resilience

This article is published in association with European Investment Bank.This article is published in association with European Investment Bank. The European Investment Bank (EIB) and the Government of Canada have taken an important step toward strengthening cooperation on critical raw materials. At the PDAC 2026 conference in Toronto, the two sides signed a non‑binding Letter of Intent, signalling their commitment to closer cooperation on securing […]

EU–US trade legislation: legislative work on hold following US Supreme Court ruling 

Statement by the European Commission on the U.S. decision to impose travel restrictions on certain EU individualsThis article is brought to you in association with the European Parliament. Bernd Lange, chair of Parliament’s International Trade Committee and standing rapporteur for the US, issued the following statement. Following a meeting of the committee’s shadow rapporteurs (i.e. political group representatives), Bernd Lange (S&D, DE) said: “The ruling by the Supreme Court of the United […]

Brazil Can Boost Growth by Bringing More Women into the Labor Force

BrazilThis article is published in association with IMF. Priority reforms include improving childcare, recalibrating social transfers, and closing wage gaps When Brazil’s unemployment rate dropped to 5.2 percent in November 2025—the lowest in a quarter century—it punctuated an impressive turnaround from the pandemic. Yet, while men’s participation in the labor market has returned to its pre-COVID […]

Parliament’s proposals to eradicate poverty in the EU by 2035 

Parliament’s proposals to eradicate poverty in the EU by 2035 This article is brought to you in association with the European Parliament. On Thursday, Parliament called for more funding and coordination to combat poverty and social exclusion in the EU. MEPs want the Commission to recognise poverty as a violation of human dignity in its upcoming anti-poverty strategy and want to see it work urgently to […]

MEPs stress the importance of independent central banks in times of heightened tension

MEPs stress the importance of independent central banks in times of heightened tensionThis article is brought to you in association with the European Parliament. On Tuesday, Parliament adopted its annual review of the European Central Bank’s policies and its recommendations for 2026. The vote followed a debate with ECB President Lagarde on Monday. The adopted text says the European Central Bank’s (ECB) independence is essential for it to […]

European Commission issues €11 billion in its 2nd syndicated transaction of 2026

European Commission issues €11 billion in its 2nd syndicated transaction of 2026This article is brought to you in association with the European Commission. The European Commission has today raised €11 billion of EU-Bonds in its 2nd syndicated transaction for 2026. The dual-tranche transaction concerned a €6 billion tap of the EU-Bond maturing on 13 December 2032 and a €5 billion tap of the EU-Bond maturing on 12 October 2045. The […]

EU-US trade legislation: MEPs to resume work on Turnberry proposals 

This article is brought to you in association with the European Parliament.This article is brought to you in association with the European Parliament. Bernd Lange, chair of Parliament’s International Trade Committee and standing rapporteur for the US, has issued the following statement regarding the EU-US trade deal. Following a Wednesday afternoon meeting of the committee’s shadow rapporteurs (i.e. political group representatives responsible for work on the legislation […]

EU survey: rising concerns push demand for more European action

This article is brought to you in association with the European Parliament.This article is brought to you in association with the European Parliament. At a time of heightened geopolitical tensions, citizens are increasingly anxious about their future and want the EU to act with unity and ambition. The results of the European Parliament’s latest Eurobarometer survey, published on Wednesday, show that global developments instil a sense of […]

EU-US trade legislation: MEPs to resume work on Turnberry proposals

Statement by the European Commission on the U.S. decision to impose travel restrictions on certain EU individualsThis article is brought to you in association with the European Parliament. Bernd Lange, chair of Parliament’s International Trade Committee and standing rapporteur for the US, has issued the following statement regarding the EU-US trade deal. Following a Wednesday afternoon meeting of the committee’s shadow rapporteurs (i.e. political group representatives responsible for work on the legislation […]

Commission annual report on Single Market and competitiveness calls for joint action in light of unprecedented challenges

This article is published in association with European Investment Bank.This article is brought to you in association with the European Commission. Today, the European Commission adopted the 2026 Annual Single Market and Competitiveness Report, the sixth in an annual series, evaluating the functioning of the Single Market and assessing the conditions for businesses to innovate, grow, and compete while delivering sustainable prosperity for European citizens. […]

EU and Viet Nam upgrade ties to comprehensive strategic partnership

This article is brought to you in association with the European Commission.This article is brought to you in association with the European Commission. The European Union and Viet Nam have agreed to upgrade their relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, strengthening ties in areas such as trade, energy, climate and security. This marks an important step forward after 35 years of working together. The EU and Viet […]

The EU’s ambitions cannot be delivered on the cheap

This article is brought to you in association with the European Economic and Social Committee.This article is brought to you in association with the European Economic and Social Committee. The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) warns that a weak long-term EU budget would undermine competitiveness, cohesion, agriculture and democracy. In a set of eight newly adopted opinions, the Committee calls for a stronger, fairer and future-proof multiannual financial framework […]

Towards 2030: A Joint European Union-India Comprehensive Strategic Agenda

This article is brought to you in association with the European Commission.This article is brought to you in association with the European Commission. This Joint EU-India Comprehensive Strategic Agenda, endorsed at the 16th EU-India Summit held on 27 January 2026 in New Delhi, aims to further reinforce the strategic partnership by broadening, deepening and better coordinating EU-India cooperation to deliver mutually beneficial, concrete and transformative outcomes for […]

16th EU-India Summit: advancing our Strategic Partnership across trade and defence

This article is brought to you in association with the European Commission.This article is brought to you in association with the European Commission. Today, the European Union and India are holding their 16th EU-India Summit in New Delhi, opening a whole new chapter in the EU-India Strategic Partnership. The successful conclusion of an EU-India Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and the launch of an EU-India Security and Defence Partnership […]

World enters era of ‘global water bankruptcy’

UN News/Alban Mendes de Leon MINUSCA troops survey Central African Republic’s open border with Sudan. Villagers move back and forth freely – by foot, on the back of a donkey, or with cattle. Armed men cross, too.This article is published in association with United Nations. The world has moved beyond a water crisis and into a state of global water bankruptcy, says a new flagship report released on Tuesday by UN researchers. For decades, scientists, policymakers and the media warned of a “global water crisis,” implying temporary shock – followed by recovery.  […]

EBRD invests record €16.8 billion in 2025

This article is brought to you in association with the European Economic and Social Committee.This article is brought to you in association with EBRD. The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) invested a record €16.8 billion across its regions in 2025 and signed its first projects in sub-Saharan Africa and Iraq. The Bank financed 640 projects over the course of the year, with 75 per cent of investments in […]

EBRD secures capital increase with strong shareholder backing

This article is brought to you in association with the European Commission.This article is brought to you in association with EBRD. The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has secured almost 95 per cent of its €4 billion general capital increase. The capital increase was approved by the EBRD’s Board of Governors in 2023 and increased the Bank’s capital base to €34 billion. All the Bank’s […]

As Korea Ages, Fiscal Reforms Can Help Safeguard Government Finances

SeoulThis article is published in association with IMF. Thoughtful policy changes can help ensure spending pressures remain contained, while creating space to care for elderly people and respond to economic shocks  Korea’s population is aging faster than almost any other country. That’s because people live longer than in most other countries, while the birth rate is […]

Member States continued focus on EU key priorities amid reduced spending in 2024, State aid Scoreboard shows

Member States continued focus on EU key priorities amid reduced spending in 2024, State aid Scoreboard showsThis article is brought to you in association with the European Commission. EU Member States spent 90% of their State aid in 2024 to support EU priorities, according to the European Commission’s 2025 State aid Scoreboard, published today. While overall spending dropped to €168.23 billion in 2024 from €203.35 billion in 2023, Member States channeled more […]

Global employment stable but decent jobs in short supply

© UNICEF/Fouad Choufany A young unemployed man receives job training in Lebanon.This article is published in association with United Nations. Global unemployment remains stable, but progress toward decent work has stalled, according to a new report from the International Labour Organization (ILO), which warns that young people continue to struggle in a job market which risks being further undermined by AI and trade policy uncertainty. According to […]

Commission presents a financial support package for Ukraine for 2026–2027

Commission supports the EU's eastern regions bordering Russia, Belarus and UkraineThis article is brought to you in association with the European Commission. Today, the European Commission adopted a set of legislative proposals to secure continuous financial support to Ukraine in 2026 and 2027. This marks a significant milestone in the EU’s strong support for the country’s defence against Russia’s war of aggression. The legislative package consists […]
Go back up

The European Sting – Critical News & Insights on European Politics, Economy, Foreign Affairs, Business & Technology – europeansting.com