Daily News 13 / 11 / 2026

COP31 enters second week with the EU driving global climate action

The EU continues pushing for accelerated global climate action at the COP31 UN Climate Change Conference in Antalya, Türkiye, as the first week of the UN Climate Change Conference is coming to an end. Commissioner for Climate, Net-Zero and Clean Growth, Wopke Hoekstra, will lead the EU negotiating team during the second week (16-20 November). He will work together with the Irish Presidency of the Council of the EU and the Member States to deliver on the agreed EU negotiating mandate for COP31. Progressing on the implementation of the Paris Agreement and the clean energy transition, in particular through global electrification, are EU's main priorities.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen participated in the opening session of the Antalya Leaders' Summit and the High-Level Segment for the Heads of State and Government on 11 November. In her intervention at the COP31 plenary, she reaffirmed that Europe will play its part by delivering on its climate commitments, accelerating electrification and strengthening global partnerships.  

As part of the Commission's participation, Commissioner for Energy and Housing, Dan Jørgensen, attended the COP31 Energy Ministerial and several ministerial and high-level meetings on electrification, methane, energy efficiency and the transition away from fossil fuels this week. Today, Commissioner for the Mediterranean, Dubravka Šuica, presented new initiatives under the Pact for the Mediterranean to strengthen regional cooperation and mobilise sustainable investment on climate resilience in the region. Standing behind science, also today the Commission launched the first global alliance of public and multilateral research funders dedicated to accelerating coordinated, equitable and high-impact research on climate and health.

Next week, Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans, Costas Kadis will take part in high-level events dedicated to the Ocean-Climate nexus and OceanEye International Alliance; and Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy, Jessika Roswall will participate in high-level events on water resilience and the global plastics treaty.

In addition, in the 2026 EU Climate Action Progress Report released on 9 November, the Commission confirmed that EU net greenhouse emissions fell by 1.6% in 2025 compared to 2024. This shows the long-term declining trend of EU emissions, which are now 39% below 1990 levels, while the EU economy keeps growing by 74% over the same period.

You can find Commissioners' calendars and EU programme at COP31 online.

(For more information: Anna-Kaisa Itkonen - Tel.: +32 2 295 75 01; Ana Crespo Parrondo - Tel.: +32 2 298 13 25)

 

EU launches initiatives under Pact for the Mediterranean to promote climate resilience and boost sustainable investment at COP31

Today, at the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP 31) in Antalya, Türkiye, Commissioner for the Mediterranean, Dubravka Šuica, presented initiatives under the Pact for the Mediterranean to strengthen regional cooperation on climate resilience and mobilise sustainable investment in the region contributing to the EU's work with international partners to deliver on the Paris Agreement.

The Partnership for Clean Transition, Sustainable Growth and Resilience initiative announced by the Commissioner will support climate adaptation, sustainable water use and biodiversity protection The Pact's flagship T-MED initiative aims to mobilise up to €25 billion by 2035 for clean energy and infrastructure. Its Investment Platform is backed by up to €4.5 billion in EU guarantees.

In addition, the Commission will support the Union for the Mediterranean (UfM) in implementing its Climate Action Plan 2027–2028, which includes actions to advance the clean transition and climate resilience. The Climate Action Plan will give Mediterranean countries a shared framework to put their climate commitments into practice and develop projects that can attract financing. Young people and civil society will be able to contribute with proposals through a written consultation and the UfM's thematic workshops in 2027.

Commissioner for the Mediterranean Dubravka Šuica said: “By investing together in the clean transition, the EU and its Mediterranean partners can create jobs, diversify energy supplies and bring clean energy to more people. Here at COP31 in Antalya, we are working through the Pact for the Mediterranean and the Union for the Mediterranean's Climate Action Plan to turn our shared climate priorities into projects that can attract investment. We are doing this for young people and for generations to come. That is why we are also consulting young people and asking them to help shape how we put these plans into practice.”

More information is available online.

(For more information: Guillaume Mercier – Tel.: +32 2 298 05 64; Luca Dilda – Tel.: +32 2 295 21 53)

 

Commission launches first global alliance on climate and health research funding at COP31

Today, at the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP 31) in Türkiye, the European Commission launched the Multilateral Initiative on Climate & Health Research Funding together with the Wellcome Trust and public research funders from five continents.   

The initiative is the first global alliance of public and multilateral research funders dedicated to accelerating coordinated, equitable and high-impact research on climate and health. By aligning investments and reducing fragmentation, it will speed up innovation and help turn evidence into policies, technologies and practices protecting people's health from the climate crisis.  

The alliance will also work closely with key actors across the climate and health ecosystem, including research institutions, international organisations, policy think tanks, industry, and other relevant alliances and platforms.  

Commissioner for Startups, Research and Innovation, Ekaterina Zaharieva said: “At a time when multilateralism is under pressure, we join forces with research funders from around the world. Together, we will align our investments and turn evidence into action for the benefit of citizens.”  

To support this work, the European Commission is funding a dedicated secretariat, which will begin operations in January 2027. The secretariat will help members coordinate funding priorities and investment needs, while supporting peer learning, collective advocacy, stronger convening power, better alignment of funding flows, and greater influence on research practice.  

The initiative has five strategic goals: a stronger global climate and health research community; optimising research funding resources; increasing research quality and relevance; clearer pathways to impact; and prioritised, trusted and open climate and health science.  

Following its launch, formal membership will be open to any organisation that funds climate and health research. 

You can fine more information on the global alliance online.

(For more information: Maciej Berestecki - Tel: +32 229-66483; Isabel Arriaga e Cunha – Tel: +32 229-52117)

 

Commission's assessment of Poland's National Energy and Climate Plan shows increased ambition closing in on 2030 targets

The Commission today published its assessment of the final updated National Energy and Climate Plan (NECP) of Poland, which shows an increased ambition compared to its draft plan.

Supportive of the positive developments towards the 2030 climate and energy targets, the Commission encourages the country to ensure its full implementation. The assessment found the country on track to meet the national 2030 targets to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions under the Effort Sharing Regulation. In addition, Poland's final plan is now aligned with the EU's renewable energy and energy efficiency targets respectively for 2030.

Full implementation of the plan can lead Poland to achieve its national climate and energy targets for 2030 while making an important contribution to staying the course towards the EU's 2040 and 2050 climate targets. Today's assessment provides the necessary guidance to assist the country in this endevour and facilitate implementation. Although carbon removals are expected to increase significantly, more efforts are needed in the Land Use, Land Use Change and Forestry (LULUCF) sector. Stronger measures are equally necessary in the buildings sector to secure more energy savings and to phase out fossil fuel subsidies.

With today's publication, all 2030 national energy and climate plans received from Member States have now been updated and assessed, complementing the EU-wide assessment published on 28 May 2025. The Commission will continue to monitor progress towards the delivery of the 2030 targets and to work with Member States as they address remaining gaps, mobilise funding (including through the EU and national budget), and deliver appropriate actions.

More information on the Commission's assessment is available online.

(For more information: Anna-Kaisa Itkonen - Tel.: +32 2 295 75 01; Ana Crespo Parrondo - Tel.: +32 2 298 13 25)

 

Commission welcomes political agreement on new rules for free carbon allowances to energy intensive industries

The European Commission welcomes the provisional political agreement reached by the European Parliament and the Council of the EU on a targeted amendment to increase the heat and fuel fallback benchmarks for 2026–2030 under the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS).

Benchmarks serve as basis for determining free allocation of allowances to industry under the current EU ETS, while providing carbon leakage protection. The top 10% best performers in a given sector set the benchmark level for receipt of free ETS allowances, thus incentivising emissions reductions sector-wide. The benchmarks are reduced every five years, to encourage companies to make efficiency gains. ‘Fallback benchmarks' are used for those industrial sectors not covered by a specific product benchmark, and use heat or fuel consumption as proxies for relative efficiency.

The Commission tabled a separate proposal on the fallback benchmarks alongside the proposal for the ETS review in July 2026. The aim of this separate proposal is to address concerns raised by some industrial sectors affected by the benchmark update, strengthen protection against carbon leakage, and increase free allocation linked to heat and fuel benchmarks without triggering the cross-sectoral correction factor. This factor ensures that the maximum amount of free allocation is respected.

This swift agreement will help to ensure an increase of approximately 120 million allowances freely allocated to industry, worth more than €10 billion for the period 2026-2030. As part of the agreement, the Commission will establish sector-specific fuel benchmarks for the allocation period 2026-2030. The sector-specific approach will in particular benefit the ceramics sector, which is at high risk of carbon leakage.

Commissioner for Climate, Net-Zero and Clean Growth, Wopke Hoekstra, said: “This fast-tracked agreement is an important signal that Europe is serious about industrial competitiveness. We are listening to the concerns of European industry and are taking concrete actions to address carbon leakage risks. These fallback benchmarks will continue to reward efficient production and encourage electrification, energy efficiency, and low-carbon technologies. This is great news for climate, competitiveness and independence. And it ensures the EU carbon market remains robust, our industry can compete, and our clean transition is fair, predictable and firmly on track.”

The approach agreed today will provide additional support for industry to decarbonise during the period 2026-2030, while creating positive momentum for the wider post-2030 benchmarking discussions that will be addressed in the ongoing negotiations over the EU ETS revision.

(For more information: Anna-Kaisa Itkonen - Tel.: +32 2 295 75 01; Ana Crespo Parrondo - Tel.: +32 2 298 13 25)

 

Commission approves three new geographical indications from Italy and Malta

The European Commission has approved the registration of three new Protected Geographical Indications (PGIs): Fior di latte molisano and Cicoria puntarelle molfettese from Italy, and Mazzit / Mazzita from Malta.

Fior di latte molisano originates from the region of Molise, in the South of Italy. It is a fresh stretched-curd cheese made using only raw cow's milk. The distinctive character of the milk, which features specific aromas and flavours, is unique on account of the cows' diet of local forage crops typical of the area. The production techniques used are inherited through generations, with the “filatore”, the person in charge of stretching the cheese, being a key figure of the process, using their experience to achieve the unique texture.

Cicoria puntarelle molfettese originates from the municipalities of Bisceglie, Bitonto, Giovinazzo, Molfetta, Terlizzi and Ruvo di Puglia in the southern region of Puglia. The product are the heads and shoots of chicory, specifically of the Molfetta, Catalogna pugliese and Catalogna puntarelle a foglia stretta varieties. It has a whitish green head, it has a natural crispness, sweetness and a slightly bitter aftertaste. Cicoria puntarelle molfettese contains these specific characteristics due to the environmental and agricultural factors native to the area. All the agricultural and culinary literature of the municipalities in the production area, over 100 years' worth, as well as the direct testimonies of older farmers, bear witness to the historical uniqueness of this product.

Mazzit / Mazzita originates from the islands of Malta and Gozo, and is a traditional sweet and savoury-tasting meat product, having as a basis, either swine or male bovine blood. The blood is added to a mixture of local sweet onions, raisins, sugar and cocoa powder or liquid chocolate. It is later encased in swine or bovine intestines. Mazzit / Mazzita historically served as a primary protein source for the Maltese population, particularly consumed on weekends and festivities, and to celebrate the end of Lenten fasting for hundreds of years after the introduction of Christianity. Consumption has been historically seasonal, limited to cooler months due to blood's perishability before modern refrigeration. This seasonal pattern persists today, despite the advent of mechanical chilling.

These new designations join the more than 3,900 protected names already listed in the eAmbrosia database. More information is available on the Quality Policy pages.

(For more information: Maciej Berestecki - Tel: +32 229-66483; Paula Clara Ritter-Moschütz – Tel.: +32 2 296 40 83)

 

Commission approves €286 million German State aid to port of Hamburg

The European Commission has approved, under EU State aid rules, two €143 million German measures to support infrastructure works in the port of Hamburg. The measures concern two distinct infrastructure projects, one at the Salzgitter quay and one at the Steinwerder quay. The measures aim to ensure quay infrastructure is maintained, to increase safety and to continue activity at the port.

The aid will take the form of direct grants paid by the City of Hamburg.

The Commission assessed the German measures under EU State aid rules, in particular Article 107(3) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU, which allows Member States to support the development of certain economic activities under certain conditions. The Commission found that the measures will promote common transport objectives without unduly distorting competition in the internal market. In addition, the measures are proportionate as they do not go beyond what is necessary for implementing the projects. Finally, the Commission concluded that the measures' positive effects outweigh any potential distortions of competition brought about by the public interventions.

In particular, the Commission found that: by avoiding a potential collapse of the Steinwerder quay and allowing the continued use of the Salzgitter quay for moving bulk goods, the measures avoid disruptions to the activities of a core port of the Trans-European Transport Network; the aid measures do not exceed the difference between the costs and the revenues of the projects over their lifetime (the ‘funding gap'); and distortions of competitions are limited.

On this basis, the Commission approved the German measures under EU State aid rules.

A press release is available online

(For more information: Ricardo Cardoso – Tel.: +32 2 298 01 00; Luuk de Klein – Tel.: +32 2 299 47 74)

 

Commission approves €960 million Dutch State aid to Invest-NL

The European Commission has approved, under EU State aid rules, Dutch measures in favour of Invest-NL. The measures consist of a €900 million capital increase for Invest-NL's impact investment subsidiary and of the continuation of an annual €10 million subsidy to Invest-NL's development subsidiary until 2032.

In June 2019, the Commission approved the creation of Invest-NL as the national promotional bank, as well as a capital injection of €2.5 billion in Invest-NL's impact investment subsidiary and an annual €10 million subsidy to Invest-NL's development subsidiary. Invest-NL provides financing to address market failures, notably in the fields of energy, sustainability, mobility, food and the digitalisation of industry and other parts of society, such as healthcare, security and education.

The Netherlands wants to increase Invest-NL's capital because of a higher capital need and for Invest-NL to continue targeting market failures. In particular, Invest-NL plans to broaden its focus to include sectors such as biotechnology, water technology and artificial intelligence.  

The Commission assessed the measures under EU State aid rules, in particular Article 107(3)(c) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU. The Commission found that the measures are necessary and appropriate to achieve the objective pursued, namely bridging financing gaps caused by market failures. The Commission also found that the measures are proportionate as they are limited to the minimum necessary and have a limited impact on competition and trade between Member States. On this basis, the Commission approved the Dutch measures under EU State aid rules.

The non-confidential version of the decision will be made available under the case number SA.124350 in the State aid register on the Commission's competition website once any confidentiality issues have been resolved.

(For more information: Ricardo Cardoso – Tel.: +32 2 298 01 00; Luuk de Klein – Tel.: +32 2 299 47 74)

 

Commission clears acquisition of Saffron and PMH by POSCO and JSW

The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of joint control of Saffron Resources Private Limited (‘Saffron') and POSCO Maharashtra (‘PMH'), both of India, by POSCO Holdings Inc. (‘POSCO') of the Republic of Korea and JSW Steel Limited (‘JSW') of India.  

The transaction relates primarily to the steel sector.

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 Commission's competition website, in the public case register under the case number M.12449.

(For more information: Ricardo Cardoso – Tel.: +32 2 298 01 00; Sara Simonini – Tel.: +32 2 298 33 67)

 

Commission clears acquisition of Floene by Italgas Reti and Allianz

The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of joint control of Floene Energias S.A (‘Floene') of Portugal by Italgas Reti S.p.A. of Italy and Allianz Capital Partners GmbH (‘Allianz') of Germany.  

The transaction relates primarily to the distribution of natural gas in Portugal.

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 Commission's competition website, in the public case register under the case number M.12670.

(For more information: Ricardo Cardoso – Tel.: +32 2 298 01 00; Sara Simonini – Tel.: +32 2 298 33 67)

 

Commission clears acquisition of a real estate asset in Neustadt an der Donau by Prologis and NBIM

The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of joint control of a real estate asset located in Neustadt an der Donau in Germany by Prologis L.P. (‘PLD') of the US and NBIM Nerva S.à.r.l. (‘NBIM') of Luxembourg.  

The transaction relates primarily to the operation and development of real estate in Germany.  

The Commission concluded that the notified transaction would not raise competition concerns, given the companies' limited combined market position resulting from the proposed transaction. The notified transaction was examined under the simplified merger review procedure.  

More information is available on the Commission's competition website, in the public case register under the case number M.12640.(For more information: Ricardo Cardoso – Tel.: +32 2 298 01 00; Sara Simonini – Tel.: +32 2 298 33 67)

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

 

President von der Leyen and Commissioner Kos to host second EU Enlargement Forum

On Monday, President of European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, together with Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos will host in Brussels the second EU Enlargement Forum, entitled 'Wider Europe - Stronger Europe'. The event will bring together political leaders, civil society, youth and business representatives from EU Member States and enlargement partners to discuss the way forward towards a more complete and stronger Union.

The Enlargement Forum will open with remarks by Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos, followed by keynote addresses from President von der Leyen and President of Finland, Alexander Stubb. During the event, participants will discuss the role of enlargement in anchoring peace, stability and prosperity across the European continent, with a particular focus on how reforms, investments and growth can drive a merit-based enlargement process and contribute to European security and resilience.

President of the European Council, António Costa, Commissioner for Economy and Productivity, Valdis Dombrovskis, Commissioner for Defence and Space, Andrius Kubilius, as well as President of the Republic of Moldova Maia Sandu, Prime Minister of Ukraine Serhii Koretskyi, Prime Minister of Albania Edi Rama, Prime Minister of Montenegro Milojko Spajić, and Prime Minister of North Macedonia Hristijan Mickoski, among others are set to attend the event.

The Forum will provide an opportunity to discuss this year's Enlargement package and the progress achieved by enlargement partners over the past twelve months, as well as the indicative roadmaps for the most advanced negotiating countries that were presented earlier this month, providing Montenegro, Albania, Moldova and Ukraine with a clear reform path for the year ahead. The Forum will also provide an opportunity to discuss the recent Communication ‘Preparing for a wider Europe', including how the EU can prepare to welcome new members, while ensuring that a larger Union is also stronger, more resilient and more effective.

Ahead of the Forum, on Sunday, Commissioner Kos will host a reception, featuring a concert of music from the candidate countries. More information on the Forum, including the livestream, is available on our webpage.

(For more information: Guillaume Mercier – Tel.: +32 2 298 05 64; Yuliya Matsyk – Tel.: +32 2 296 27 16)

 

Commission marks 16 November as Day of Intergenerational Fairness  

On Monday, 16 November, the European Commission marks the first Day of Intergenerational Fairness, as announced in its Strategy on this topic, with the launch of the Intergenerational Fairness Index that will help to identify opportunities and gaps, inform policy decisions and promote fairness across generations.

The Strategy on Intergenerational Fairness was presented in March 2026 and is designed to ensure that current political, economic, and environmental decisions do not unfairly burden or harm future generations, and that benefits, opportunities, and responsibilities are shared fairly across all age groups.

In addition to the Index, the Commission will present practical tools to help policymakers assess progress and consider the long-term impacts of their decisions. The Day will also highlight the Pledge on Intergenerational Fairness, which invites local and regional politicians to commit to building a fairer future for all generations.

The Commission organises a full-day event hosted at the European Committee of the Regions in Brussels, bringing together practitioners, experts, and politicians from across Europe to explore local and global approaches to intergenerational fairness, exchange experiences, and share best practices.

Commissioner for Intergenerational Fairness, Youth, Culture and Sport Glenn Micallef said: “The decisions we make today will shape the opportunities of generations to come. That means taking responsibility for the long-term consequences of the choices we make today. With our Intergenerational Fairness Strategy and new tools, we are helping policymakers put this principle into practice, in Europe and beyond.”

The event can be followed online.

(For more information: Eva Hrncirova - Tel.: +32 2 298 84 33; Eirini Zarkadoula - Tel.: +32 2 295 70 65)

 

 

 

Tentative agendas for forthcoming Commission meetings

Note that these items can be subject to changes.

 

Upcoming events of the European Commission

Eurostat press releases

 

Calendar items of the President and Commissioners

 

Individual calendars of the President and Commissioners