European Commissioner for Economy and productivity & implementation and simplification · ECFIN · Latvia
- 2026-07-14 “Thank you, Minister. Good afternoon, everyone.
Today, we had an important first meeting of the General Affairs Council under the Irish Presidency.
I would like to thank Minister Byrne and the Presidency for a strong start.
The Irish Presidency presented an ambitious and focused programme for the months ahead, centred on competitiveness, values and security.
We welcome the strong alignment between the Presidency's priorities and those of the Commission, in particular on the next Multiannual Financial Framework, the implementation of the ‘One Europe, One Market' roadmap, and advancing enlargement.
The Commission looks forward to working closely with the Irish Presidency and supporting it in every possible way over the coming months.
Next, we held an exchange on the state of play of the simplification agenda and the importance of maintaining momentum in the months ahead.
The Commission underlined that simplification must remain ambitious and deliver concrete results for citizens and businesses, while fully preserving our policy objectives.
This is a shared responsibility.
The Commission will continue to present ambitious proposals, including through Omnibus packages, regulatory deep cleaning and simplicity by design.
We are counting on the co-legislators to play their part and help keep delivery on track.
In this respect, the Commission would like to see a high level of ambition preserved in the ongoing legislative negotiations.
Moving to the next point on today's agenda, the rule of law is the bedrock of the European Union.
It is a prerequisite for both resilient democracies and strong economies.
The annual Rule of Law Dialogue has proven to be an important forum for constructive exchanges and the sharing of best practices among Member States.
The Commission welcomes the Council's adoption today of conclusions on the evaluation of the annual Rule of Law Dialogue.
The conclusions confirm that the Council's dialogue will continue to be based on the Commission's annual Rule of Law Report.
Commission services are currently finalising this year's Rule of Law Report, which will be adopted on the 17th of July.
Next, the Irish Presidency presented its plans for advancing discussions on the next multiannual financial framework.
Building on the good progress made by the Danish and Cyprus presidencies, we have now reached a crucial moment in the negotiations.
Time is of the essence to reach the ambition of an agreement by the end of the year.
One of the key factors will be the financing of the next long-term budget.
Matching our ambitions with adequate funding requires a sufficient volume of new own resources.
The Commission will support the Irish Presidency in taking forward work on this important priority.
Finally, this afternoon, ministers will engage in a discussion with Enrico Letta on how to advance the ‘One Europe, One Market' Roadmap.
The Irish Presidency has rightly placed this at the heart of its programme.
The Commission remains fully committed to the timely delivery and implementation of the Roadmap and the 2026 Joint Declaration on legislative priorities.
The General Affairs Council will play an important coordinating role, helping to ensure coherence across Council formations, monitor progress and prepare the political follow-up ahead of the European Council.
Thank you.”
EU Supervision of the Rule of Law
- 2026-07-14 “Yes. Maybe just to complement on this latest point. So from as a commission side, we are fully committed to timely delivery and implementation of the road map. So we will do our part. Obviously, as Mr. Minister already outlined, when we talk about this €1 fund market road map and its deadlines also are not like legal deadlines. It's a political commitment of the institutions.
And obviously, we expect all institutions to work with this time line in mind. So we welcome this 1 Europe on market road map is a regular feature on the council meetings. So it allow us to track progress where we are, what needs to be accelerated.
And 1 point I was making also during today's discussion on simplification that we need more progress on several files, several Omnibus files there. So it's key to speed up its adaptation to reach the targets set in the road map. Okay. We're going to have to wrap it up there as the working launch is about to take place. But thank you very much for joining. Thank you. Thank you.”
Overall simplification of regulation in the EU
- 2026-07-14 “Yes. Thank you, Minister. Good afternoon, everyone. We had an important 1st meeting of the General Affairs Council under the Irish presidency. And I would like to thank minister Bern and the presidency for a strong start. The Irish presidency presented an ambitious and focused program for months ahead centered on competitiveness, values, and security.
We welcome the strong alignment between presidency's priorities and those of the commission, in particular, on the next multi annual financial framework, the implementation of 1 Europe 1 Market road map and advancing enlargement. The commission looks forward to working closely with the Irish presidency and supporting it in every possible way in over the coming months.
Next, we held an exchange on a state of play of simplification agenda and the importance of maintaining momentum in the months ahead. The commission underlines that simplification must remain ambitious and deliver concrete results for citizens and businesses while fully preserving our policy objectives. This is a shared responsibility.
The commission will continue to present ambitious proposals, including through omnibus packages, regulatory deep cleaning and simplicity by design. We're counting on all legislators to play their part and help keep delivery on track. In this respect, the commission would like to see a high level of ambition preserved in the ongoing legislative negotiations.
Moving to the next point in today's agenda, the rule of law is a bedrock of the European Union. It is a prerequisite for both resilient democracies and strong economies. The annual rule of law dialogue has proven to be an important forum for constructive exchanges and sharing best practices among member states.
The commission welcomes the council's adoption today of conclusions on the evolution of the annual rule of law dialogue. The conclusions confirms that the council's dialogue will continue to be based on commission's annual rule of law report, and commission services are currently finalizing this year's rule of law report, which is to be adopted on July 17.
Next, the Irish presidency presented its plans for advancing discussions on the next multi annual financial framework, building on the good progress made by the Danish and Cyprus presidencies. We have now reached a crucial moment in the negotiations. So time is of the essence to reach an ambition of the agreement by the end of the year.
The 1 of the key factors will be financing of the next long term budget and matching our ambitions with adequate funding requires sufficient volume of new own resources. The commission will support the Irish presidency in taking forward work on this important priority.
Finally, this afternoon, ministers will engage in a discussion with Henri Coletta on how to advance 1 Europe, 1 Market road map. The Irish presidency has rightly placed this at the heart of its program. The commission remains fully committed to timely delivery and implementation of the road map and the 2026 joint declaration on legislative priorities.
The General Affairs Council will play an important role in coordinating this, helping to ensure coherence across council formations, monitor progress, and prepare the political follow-up ahead of the European Council. Thank you.”
EU Supervision of the Rule of Law
- 2026-07-10 “14:35 - 10:16:21): Yes. Thank you, Simon. Colleagues, well, thank you for presenting the Ireland's council presidency priorities. Ireland takes over the presidency of the Council of European Union at a time of profound geopolitical and economic uncertainty and change market by growing pressure on international rules based order and multilateral cooperation.
The EU is confronted with pressures from multiple directions, reinforcing the urgency of strengthening its competitiveness. We welcome the program and share its main priorities, notably strengthening Europe's competitiveness while reinforcing security and ensuring a sustainable long term EU budget that supports a more autonomous unit.
Its ambition to deliver on the 1 Europe 1 market road map is key, including a number of critical files to deliver on the savings and investment unit. We also particularly welcome the President's focus on external security, included continued support for a just and lasting peace in Ukraine.
Furthermore, with the deadline of December 2026 for payments, I would say, as a rule under the recovery and resilience facility, we expect the 2nd half of the year to be key in ensuring successful closure of this instrument. Cooperation also will be key throughout the European semester cycle, which will continue to provide a key guiding framework.
Finally, we welcome that the Irish President wants to make progress on a payment services package and the digital euro files. We look forward to constructive discussions in a view of reaching agreement on a dialogue and negotiations, on the enabling framework for a digital euro under your presidency. Thank you.”
Digital euro
- 2026-07-10 “Yes. Maybe a few words on this. Well, as Mr. Oddi said, this 1 European market road map is agreed by all institutions. So as regards the parts of this road map, which concerns legislative deliberation from commission side, we are ready to facilitate the work of our co legislators and reaching agreement. And that's what we intend to do.”
Overall simplification of regulation in the EU
- 2026-07-10 “Thank you, Simon. Good afternoon, everyone. Let me start by thanking Mr. Harris for presenting the Irish presidency priorities at today's meeting. We welcome the important emphasis work program places on advancing key files, especially enhancing competitiveness, the Digital Euro and the Savings and Investment Union. I look forward for working closely with you on these priorities and more in the months ahead.
I provided today's meeting with an updated assessment on the economic outlook, taking into account the latest indicators and global developments. Energy prices have fallen since U. S.-Syran peace agreement in mid June with oil prices reaching close to preconflict levels at the beginning of the month. Overall, inflation in the 2nd quarter of this year turned out, on average, slightly below the projections contained in our spring forecast. However, renewed hostilities in recent days have again resulted in increases in oil and gas prices. The commission will continue to monitor these developments and their impact on growth and inflation very closely.
Moving to the recovery and resilience facility. Since our last meeting, we have reached an important milestone. Denmark has become the 1st member state to complete 100% of the measures in the recovery and resilience plan. As we are now approaching the finish line, we have just 50 over 50 days left to implement all milestones and targets. I, therefore, welcome today's endorsement of targeted amendments that will also help prepare the final parliament request for 8 member states, so Latvia, The Netherlands, Lithuania, Cyprus, Germany, Slovenia, Finland, and Luxembourg. And I also welcome council's endorsement of Hungary's ambitious new EUR 10,000,000,000 recovery and resilience plan with strong deliverables, including on rule of law matters.
Next to Ukraine. We have already made payments under Ukraine support loan, more worth more than €7,000,000,000 in total. This includes the 1st €3,200,000,000 disbursement under macro financial assistance announced during the recent Ukraine Recovery Conference in Gdansk. The disbursement followed Ukraine's implementation of important and wide ranging policy reforms aimed at improving its economic resilience.
At the same time as supporting Ukraine, we also must keep exerting maximum pressure on Russia's foreign economy by swiftly adopting the 21st sanctions package. Today's meeting took some important steps on implementation of our economic governance framework. The council decided on the existence of excessive deficit in Bulgaria and made a recommendation for a corrective pass to bring the deficit below 3% of GDP by 2029. The commission will support Bulgaria's efforts to follow this path and reach our share goal of ending its excessive deficit.
The council also endorsed Netherlands revised medium term plan following the commission's positive assessment. The commission also welcomes today's adoption of the country specific recommendations addressed to member states in a context of the European semester. These recommendations are targeted at strengthening Europe's overall competitiveness.
And finally, we also held a constructive policy debate on the market integration and supervision package. This is a key component of the savings and investment union, our strategy to remove barriers and unlock the full potential of the EU single market for financial services. And we welcome the Irish presidency's ambition to reach a general approach this autumn. Thank you.”
EU industrial funding (mechanism level: EU-pooled vs nationally-financed)
- 2026-07-10 “Well, yes, from European Commission's side, we support this ambition of Irish presidency and are ready to work very closely towards achieving the agreement within the time line set by the Irish presidency. And as minister just outlined, I would say, all the issues are well mapped. There has been lots of technical work done already. So the focus should now be really on stronger political engagement and reaching those political compromises, which needs to be reached.”
EU political integration
- 2026-07-10 “Well, yes. On this, since the very beginning, we were emphasizing that with Ukraine support loan, we aim to cover some twothree of Ukraine funding needs for 2026 and 2027, and we expect other international partners to cover the remaining part. Well, having had also the discussions with Finance Minister, Marchenko, I can say that Ukraine's funding need for this year is broadly covered. So the focus is now on ensuring, covering the funding need for the next year. And there, we are reaching out to our international partners to make sure that this funding is available.
And of course, there is a broad range of sources of funding, which are available from international financial institutions, including IMF is moving forward with its program, bilateral support from G7 countries and also other countries. It's also important if we discuss specifically military support, also important bilateral military support programs coming from, different, countries. So, obviously, from the EU side, we are, committed to continue to provide Ukraine with, all necessary support and also engage with international community to, to ensure it.”
EU-Ukraine relations
- 2026-07-09 “(19:36:54 - 19:41:04): Thank you, Kriakos. Good evening, everyone. Well, we had a full agenda at today's meeting, including a constructive exchange on the international role of the euro. Today's ongoing reshaping of the international monetary and financial systems creates a unique window of opportunity for the euro, and the 1 we should not miss.
The international role of the euro grew moderately in 2025. This is a continuation of the trend seen over the past decade, in particular, the raise of geopolitical tensions following Russia's invasion in Crimea in 2014. And the recent ECB report presented today by the ECB president contains a wide range of indicators illustrating this. As a follow-up to the discussions earlier this year, I presented an analysis on the long term impact of currency's international status on its exchange rate. And this analysis finds that there is little evidence of such a link. In fact, exchange rates are largely driven by cyclical factors, while the currency's international status depends mainly on its underlying fundamental strengths.
We can, therefore, pursue substantial opportunities, a greater international role for our currency presents without fearing that it will entail a persistent upward pressure on the euro's exchange rate. Of course, it requires deep capital markets, underscoring the importance of completing the savings and investments union. We must therefore double down on our efforts to advance key priorities that will help the euro to fulfill its full potential on the world stage.
I also welcome the Eurogroup's work program for a year ahead, which was approved today. It is important for the Eurogroup to keep a focus on the coordination of fiscal and economic policies in the Euro Area as well as various aspects impacting the Euro Area's competitiveness and productivity. I also welcome the Eurogroup statement on supporting the development of digital finance in the EU. The Digital Europe project is at the core of our digital finance agenda, and I welcome recent progress made by legislators and look forward for a trial of negotiations beginning next week.
As Kira Kosovde said, we also discussed the need to remain focusing on ensuring that AI strengthens the resilience of the financial system. We must act together with our international partners and supervisory authorities to preserve the benefits of this innovation, but at the same time, ensure that AI does not become a new source of vulnerability for Europe's financial system.
Finally, we held a timely discussion on the Euro Area's fiscal stance ahead of the preparation of member states' national budgets for the next year. And so for this year, we expect a mildly expansionary fiscal stance, which will return to broadly neutral in 2027. Here, we cannot afford to be complacent. Sound public finances are the essential foundation of maintaining macroeconomic stability. This is especially critical as we navigate a period of change and uncertainty. So while we must continue to invest to confront new challenges, many member states will help to take steps to be in line with the EU's fiscal framework next year. And the European Commission will continue to develop fiscal developments closely.
And final point, the Eurogroup also adopted a statement on Austria's draft budgetary plan for 2027 on the basis of the commission's opinion that the plan is compliant with the council's recommendation. Thank you. Mr. Carmigno.”
ECB monetary policy
- 2026-07-09 “(19:52:01 - 19:53:27): Well, indeed, as we know, this is the last year of, RF, which has been a major funding program, funding public investment, across the EU. And, part of this is grants, as you know, and part of this is, loans. So, obviously, with with the end of the, RF, it it has a contractionary effect as this source of fundings of public investment will be no longer available to member states. Okay.
It will be mitigated, I would say, to the extent that we are now in a stage of the multi annual financial framework where we see the stronger rollout of cohesion policy funding, which will help to sustain as a as a public investment. Well, we coming back to your specific question, we cannot specifically quantified this effect for purposes of this discussion on the aggregate euro area of fiscal stance. But as I said, so we're expecting the aggregate stance to go from mildly expansion rate of 0.27% of GDP to be precise, this year to broadly neutral, next year. Okay. I think this brings us to the end of the press conference. Thank you for your time, and have a very good evening.”
EU fiscal rules and oversight of national budgets
- 2026-07-09 “(19:48:37 - 19:50:20): Thank you for this question. Well, 1st of all, the international role of the euro or strengthening the international role of the euro requires policy action across a wide range of policy areas. So this is something we outlined in the Eurogroup already earlier this year. And also from commission side, we outlined 3 main pillars of action. So stronger economy and institutions, more efficient EU financial markets and payment systems and stronger external dimension.
And within those pillars, we acknowledge the relevance of further strengthening the market of EU bonds. And it has to be said that this discussion on the topic of European safe assets is not new. It remains relevant in the current context, including in the ongoing negotiations on the next multi annual financial framework on the need to deliver on savings and investments union and a broader objective of strengthening European competitiveness and financial resilience.
And in fact, the commission's proposal for the next MFF includes several programs that would rely on new debt issuance to fund loans to both EU member states and partner countries. So now it's as you know, those discussions on the MFF are ongoing and certain elements are there in the commission's proposal. But having said that, the commission remains open to continue the broader discussion on EU safe assets. Thank you.”
EU industrial funding (mechanism level: EU-pooled vs nationally-financed)
- 2026-07-06 “Madam chair, honorable, vice president, honorable members, thank you for this very engaging and, substantive discussion. I think it has been clear that we are all determined to act together to push the European agenda of competitiveness and security and deliver on our main priorities, including on sustainable prosperity. So EIB Group is a cornerstone of Europe's technological and industrial future. In a more fragmented and competitive world, its role must become even more strategic, more catalytic, and more daring. In this context, I welcome the cooperative approach, flexibility understanding of the AIB Group that continues to play a pivotal role in mobilizing private and public capital in support of our policies. Let me underline that economic security is a matter of utmost importance. Recently, the European Council adopted 1 Europe, 1 market road map. It will mean an accelerated legislative process for both the Cybersecurity Act and the Industrial Accelerator Act. When adopted, they will provide legal certainty and level playing field in this area. I believe that also the future in the future MFF, the EIB Group will remain a very important partner for the commission with a common goal of achieving greater impact inside and outside the union. Thank you.”
EU industrial funding (mechanism level: EU-pooled vs nationally-financed)
- 2026-07-06 “Honourable Chair, honourable Vice-President de Groot, honourable Members,
I would like to thank the Parliament and the rapporteur for the very comprehensive report and the opportunity to present the Commission's views.
The external environment remains challenging.
I can assure that the coordination between the European Commission and the EIB closer than ever.
Not only on how to fully mobilise EIB potential to meet the current challenges, but to do so in line with the EU policy priorities and strategic interests.
There are four main points that I want to underline today from the Commission's perspective.
Firstly, on competitiveness and economic security, EIB work is as important as ever.
From facilitating access to capital for our innovative startups and scaleups to looking more into critical sectors to support, like AI, quantum, cleantech.
We should mobilise all possible avenues and instruments: from attracting institutional investors to aligning the next multi-annual financial framework to supporting these priorities.
This constitutes a huge potential, including via higher risk-taking.
I would also like to highlight the important role of the European Investment Fund acting as a market catalyst and cornerstone investor as well as a bridge between the investors, national stakeholders and the real economy.
Based on its earlier success, the EIF is just about to launch the second edition of the European Tech Champions Initiative that will complement our ScaleUp Europe Fund, contributing to a European financial ecosystem that addresses our scale up financing gap.
Secondly, the fallout of the Middle East conflict illustrated all too well how the EIB Group's investments in energy security remain extremely relevant .
Critical raw materials are also in focus, and we are considering options on how to speed up deployment in this area in line with RESourceEU action plan.
Thirdly, the Commission welcomes the EIB stepping up its investments in security and defence, as also mentioned in the report.
There can be no competitiveness without security.
It is important that the EIB seriously looks for possibilities to further step up its activities in strengthening EU defence capabilities and improving defence supply chains.
Moreover, the EIB is a major partner for the Commission in delivering on our strategic priorities also outside of the EU.
On Ukraine, we commend the EIB Group's continued commitment to enhancing Ukraine's resilience and supporting its recovery.
The EIB's engagement will also be critical in the post-war period for Ukraine's reconstruction.
Let me add that unfortunately Europe, and especially its Member States on the EU's eastern border, continuously feel the impact of Russia's war more closely – through hybrid attacks, increasing drone incursions, and sabotage activities.
In line with our February communication on Eastern border regions, we expect the EIB to pay particular attention to the challenges these regions face.
Lastly, I would like to mention that the EIB is also our important partner in efforts to deliver on the Action Plan for Affordable and Sustainable Housing, working with us on the Pan-European Investment Platform for housing.
I congratulate the EIB on its progress in simplification and reducing time to market.
We need quality as much as speed in our reactions and investments.
I therefore welcome the Parliament's report that brings important insights and recommendations for the work of the EIB Group.
It is critical that the EIB Group can continue ensuring a balance between being a bank with a public mission and maintaining agility to ensure its attractiveness as a partner for project promoters.
I am confident we can rely on this productive approach also in the future.
Thank you.”
EU industrial funding (mechanism level: EU-pooled vs nationally-financed)
- 2026-07-06 “Honorable vice president De Groth, honorable members. I would like to, thank the parliament and, the report to Joachim Streit for a very comprehensive report and the opportunity to present the commission's views. The external environment remains challenging. I can assure that, the coordination between European Commission and the EIB is closer than ever. Not only on how to fully mobilize the EIB potential to meet the current challenges, but to do so in line with the EU policy priorities and strategic interests. There are 4 main points that I want to underline today from a commission's perspective. Firstly, on competitiveness and economic security, EIB work is as important as ever. From facilitating access to capital for our innovative startups and scale ups to looking into more more into critical sectors to support like AI, quantum, clean tech. We should mobilize all possible avenues and instruments from attracting institutional investors to aligning the next multi annual financial framework to support these priorities. This constitutes a huge potential, including via higher risk taking. I also would like to highlight the important role of the European Investment Fund acting as a market catalyst and corner store investment as well as a bridge between investors, national stakeholders, and the real economy. Based on its early success, the EIF is just about to launch a 2nd edition of the European Tech Champions initiative that will complement our Scale Up Europe Fund, contributing to the European financial ecosystem that addresses our scale up financing gap. Secondly, the fallout on The Middle East illustrated well how the EIB's group investments in energy security remain extremely relevant. Critical raw materials are also in a focus, and we are considering options on how to speed up deployment in this area in line with the resource EU action plan. Thirdly, the commission welcomes stepping up investments in security and defense, also mentioned in the report. There can be no competitiveness without security. It is important that the EIB seriously looks for possibilities to further step up its activities in strengthening EU defense capabilities and improving the def defense supply chains. Moreover, the EIB is a major partner for the commission in delivering on our strategic priorities also outside the EU. On Ukraine, we commend the EIB's group's continued commitment to enhancing Ukraine's resilience and supporting its recovery. EIB's engagement will also be critical in a postwar period for Ukraine's reconstruction. Let me add that, unfortunately, Europe and especially its member states on the EU system border, continuously feels the impact of Russia's war more closely through hybrid attacks, increased drone incarcerns, sabotage activities. In line with our February communication on eastern border regions, we expect the EIB to play particular to pay particular attention to challenges these regions face. Lastly, I would like to mention that AIB is also our important partner in efforts to deliver the action plan for affordable and sustainable housing, working with us on a pan European investment platform for housing. I congratulate IB on its progress in simplification and reducing time to market. We need quality as much as speed in our reactions and investments. I, therefore, welcome the parliament's report that brings important insights and recommendations for the work of the EIB Group. It is critical that the EIB Group can continue ensuring a balance between being a bank with a public mission and maintaining agility to ensure its attractiveness as partner for project promoters. So I'm confident that we can rely on this productive approach also in the future. Thank you.”
EU industrial funding (mechanism level: EU-pooled vs nationally-financed)
- 2026-07-06 “Mister chair, honorable, members, well, 1st of all, I'd like to thank the European parliament, rapporteur, Gabrieli Bischoff, and shadow rapporteur, chair of ample committee, and the members of this and previous legislators who have worked tirelessly and succeeded in establishing a fair and balanced text. We all know it has not been an easy, file. Let me, also here pay tribute to my colleague, executive vice president, Roxana Minzato, who unfortunately, cannot be here today. But without here, this agreement also would not be, possible. The textual vote, tomorrow is a good compromise. It delivers for workers, for companies, and for public administrations alike. The broad support in the council, in the Emplor Committee, and the joint statement by the social partners all send a clear message on this. I'd also like to express commission's gratitude to the Cypriot presidency, which has done a fantastic, job both within the council and its, in its work with the parliament. Trust was an essential ingredient in reaching this agreement, and the presidency succeeded in building, that trust with both the parliament and as a commission. Let me highlight now few of the key improvements, this agreement will bring. 1st, we strengthened the protection of secures Social Security rights for people working or living abroad. This includes a coherent framework for coordinating long term care benefits as well as new rules on family members. 2nd, we promote fair labor mobility through a clearer definition of fraud in Social Security coordination. Workers must now be affiliated with Social Security in their home country for at least 3 months before being posted to another member state. This is an important measure to combat non genuine posting. In addition, after 24 months of posting, there must be a break of at least 2 months before a new posting can begin. Postings must also be notified in advance, expect except in the case of a business trip. Notifications will not be required for a short term postings of up to 3 days except in the construction sector. This is an important important simplification for our companies. So 3rd, we introduced new arrangements for the coordination of unemployment benefits in cross border cases. We also extend the period during which a person may move to another country to to seek work while retaining entitlement to unemployment benefits. Benefits. So these are tangible social rights for citizens and workers. Finally, and not less importantly, we strengthen amnesty of cooperation between national authorities. This includes better exchanges of information on the Social Security status of, people working abroad, clearer procedures and deadlines for verifying the validity of documents, and new tools to prevent fraud, abuse, and errors. In summary, we have an excellent text on the table, 1 that delivers for citizens, workers, and companies, and public administrations. I look forward to hearing your views. Thank you.”
EU regulation of cross-border and posted workers
- 2026-07-06 “Thank you, chair. Honorable members, thank you for your interventions, which shows the overall commitment of the parliament to support a fair labor mobility and, protect the rights of mobile workers. And, this is the essence of European project. I trust on you to express the vote of confidence at tomorrow's vote to this important and long awaited revision. And let me say that this is only the 1st step. In fact, we will come with a fair labor mobility package in, September in which further work will be done to address remaining challenges. So the work, does not stop here. Thank you.”
EU regulation of cross-border and posted workers
- 2026-07-03 “Answer given by Mr Dombrovskis on behalf of the European Commission 3.7.2026 Written question The Commission is fully committed to fighting fraud, including that involving Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF) funds. Under Article 22 of the RRF Regulation [1] , Member States bear primary responsibility for the protection of the EU's financial interests (PFIU) and ensuring compliance with EU and national law. The Commission verifies this through a robust control framework, including assessments of national internal control systems and system audits. Several audits, including on PFIU, have been conducted on the implementation of the Spanish Recovery and Resilience Plan (ES RRP) and the Commission monitors the implementation of related recommendations. The Commission may act on alleged serious irregularities (fraud, corruption, conflicts of interest and double funding) reported via audits, the European Anti-Fraud Office or European Public Prosecutor’s Office investigations, or other sources. When detected, the Commission may request the Member State to take corrective measures and apply financial corrections in accordance with the RRF Regulation and the Financing Agreement. If not corrected, the Commission may implement reductions and recoveries. Following a Commission request for information, Spanish authorities confirmed that they are investigating the matter and that no contracts related to the individual in question have been included in payment requests to date, nor are they expected to be used for upcoming milestones under the ES RRP. The Commission will follow up with the Spanish authorities to further establish the facts and assess the need for any corrective measures. [1] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2021/241/oj/eng.”
Conditions to access EU budget · Accounting and auditing of EU budget
- 2026-07-02 “Good afternoon, everyone.
It's good to be in Istanbul for today's EU-Türkiye High-Level Economic Dialogue with my counterpart, Minister Şimşek.
This forum was re-launched last year as part of the revitalised EU-Türkiye agenda that was endorsed by EU leaders back in 2024.
It is fitting that we gather in a city that has long bridged East and West, much as our economic partnership today seeks to bridge our two economies, for mutual growth and shared prosperity.
The EU-Türkiye relationship is one of strategic importance across a wide range of policy areas.
From trade and investment to economic security and defence.
Türkiye is an EU candidate country, NATO ally and key regional player for security and stability.
We are both neighbours and partners, in an increasingly challenging and fragmented world.
It is especially important in this context to build and maintain strong and trusted partnerships.
The EU shares a common interest with Türkiye in further strengthening our economic ties and cooperation.
That was the subject of today's dialogue.
The numbers make the depth of our economic relationship clear.
Bilateral trade under the EU-Türkiye Customs Union reached a record high of over €217 billion in 2025, keeping Türkiye as the EU's fifth-largest trade partner.
So, as we seek to strengthen our economic ties, we are building on solid foundations.
We covered a lot of ground today.
We shared our respective assessments on the economic outlook, which remains largely uncertain in these volatile times.
Russia's continued brutal war against Ukraine and the conflict in the Middle East have exposed our vulnerabilities and the high risk of supply chain disruptions.
They have also underlined the urgency of improving our competitiveness and resilience.
On my side, I updated Minister Şimşek on the European Union's competitiveness drive.
This includes initiatives to strengthen and diversify our trade network, cut red tape for our businesses and remove remaining barriers in the EU's Single Market.
This is central to our strategy to secure our long-term prosperity, security, and resilience.
It is clear that both the EU and Türkiye stand to gain from each other's efforts to enhance economic competitiveness and resilience.
And it is in our mutual interest to seek new opportunities for cooperation, particularly in sectors critical for both economies.
There is an immense untapped potential to be explored.
In this context, I welcome that Türkiye officially expressed interest to join the Single Europe Payments Area (SEPA).
Today's dialogue also highlighted the important role international financial institutions can play in translating our shared policy objectives into concrete investments.
We were joined by representatives from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the European Investment Bank Group and Council of Europe Development Bank.
I am particularly pleased to see the recent re-engagement of the EIB in Türkiye through its support to clean energy and energy efficiency investment projects.
Türkiye remains one of the largest countries of operation for the EBRD, with more than €2.7 billion invested last year.
IFIs can address investment needs of a country more efficiently if they work together and complement each other.
One of the areas where we see huge potential for IFIs to play an important role is in our Connectivity Agenda, which demands investments in areas like transport, energy and digital infrastructure.
For instance, the Istanbul North Rail Crossing (INRAIL) project is a major infrastructure initiative that would reinforce critical logistics hubs across the Black Sea Region and the South Caucasus.
It involves impressive development banks coordination and is a prime example of complementarity.
Allow me also to highlight a concrete outcome involving international financial institutions:
The European Commission and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development today recognized interest in exploring an agreement for up to €5.7 million to support the establishment of the Türkiye Industrial Decarbonisation Investment Platform.
It would promote the transformation of industry towards sustainable economic growth by encouraging innovation and technology development, and enhance alignment with the EU acquis and digitalisation agenda.
Finally, any true partnership must be open to frank exchanges.
I raised the importance the EU places on the advancement and protection of democracy and the rule of law.
These are not only core European values, but also essential to enhancing investor confidence and macroeconomic stability.
To conclude, the importance of regular, open dialogue has never been greater.
I am convinced continued cooperation and exchanges can deliver lasting benefits for both sides.
In that spirit, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Minister Şimşek and the Turkish authorities for hosting this year's High-Level Economic Dialogue.
I look forward to welcoming you to Brussels for the next edition.
Thank you.”
Trade relations with Turkey
- 2026-07-02 “The High-Level Economic Dialogue (HLED) between the European Union and Türkiye was held in İstanbul on 2 July 2026. The meeting was co-chaired by Valdis Dombrovskis, Commissioner responsible for Economy and Productivity; Implementation and Simplification, on behalf of the EU, and Mehmet Şimşek, Minister of Treasury and Finance, on behalf of Türkiye.
The HLED reflects the shared commitment of the EU and Türkiye to strengthening their economic and financial relations and cooperation in areas of joint interest. It is an important element in the broader efforts to enhance EU-Türkiye relations, in line with the recommendations set out in the Joint Communication on the state of play of EU-Türkiye political, economic and trade relations from November 2023, according to guidance by the European Council (https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=celex:52023JC0050).
In times of growing geopolitical fragmentation, significant risks surrounding the economic outlook and with multilateralism put to the test, strong and mutually beneficial partnerships are more important than ever. Türkiye is a candidate country and a key partner for the EU. EU-Türkiye relations should continue to be guided by values, such as respect for the rule of law, fundamental rights, democracy and media freedom. This is particularly relevant in an increasingly polarised world to foster a mutually beneficial economic relationship, sustain economic confidence and strengthen the business environment. Sincere engagement in this direction is of fundamental importance. Türkiye informed the EU side that it has officially submitted its letter of intent to the European Payments Council (EPC), expressing its interest to join the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA). The parties agreed that Türkiye's potential participation in SEPA would enable faster, more secure, and more cost-effective cross-border payments, facilitating trade and investment between Türkiye and EU.
In this year's Governmental Meeting of the Dialogue, the parties reviewed the latest economic policy developments and outlook in the EU and Türkiye amid a challenging geopolitical environment. They discussed steps taken by Türkiye to ensure price stability, safeguard financial stability and increase productivity, and similarly by the EU to further foster competitiveness, with the shared view to promoting sustainable and inclusive growth and economic resilience. Discussions also focused on the growing importance of economic security and on potential areas for deeper bilateral cooperation, including in sectors of strategic importance for both sides. Türkiye's investment environment plays a key role in strengthening cooperation with the EU and international financial institutions (IFIs).
The HLED benefited from the participation of the European Investment Bank (EIB), the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and the Council of Europe Development Bank (CEB). All participants appreciated the work undertaken by the IFIs to support competitiveness, economic security, connectivity, resilience and sustainability. The parties welcomed the recent re-engagement of the EIB in clean energy and energy efficiency projects in Türkiye which support SMEs and exporters. Both parties expressed their interest for further engagement in transport, energy and digital connectivity under the Connectivity Agenda. They highlighted the role played by the EBRD with a record of €2.7 billion of investments made in 2025, and acknowledged the importance of CEB in supporting resilience and inclusion through investments in social infrastructure. The parties underlined the criticality of coordination and complementarity of IFI interventions in line with EU's and Türkiye's policy priorities, to maximise added value and additionality.
The EU-Türkiye High-Level Business Dialogue (HLBD), an indispensable element of the HLED, brought together EU and Turkish business community representatives as well as representatives of the IFIs and national development banks. This meeting provided a valuable opportunity for the business communities to share first-hand views, proposals and expectations on how to further enhance EU-Türkiye economic, financial and investment relations, focusing on key obstacles to doing business in the EU and Türkiye, but also on new areas and critical sectors where engagement opportunities could be further explored by both EU and Turkish companies.
The parties reiterated their commitment to maintaining a regular, open and frank dialogue, to identifying and addressing common challenges, and to continuing cooperation in essential economic areas. In this regard, they agreed to meet next year in Brussels.”
EU-Turkey relations
- 2026-06-24 “Sehr geehrte Damen und Herren,
Ich danke Ihnen für die Einladung zum heutigen Austausch.
Ich freue mich sehr, an der ersten Ausgabe dieses Forums teilnehmen zu können.
Ladies and gentlemen, I am very pleased to be here today.
And grateful for the Economic Council's commitment to advancing the debate on the future of Europe's social market economy.
This new event provides a vital platform for that purpose.
It will make a valuable contribution to the discourse in Brussels on Europe's economic priorities at what is a truly pivotal moment.
The Economic Council has a long and strong track record of ensuring that the principles of the social market economy are taken into account in decision-making in Berlin and Brussels.
Ludwig Erhard, one of the Economic Council's co-founders, is also credited as being one of the fathers of the Social Market Economy.
It is a model that powered the Wirtschaftswunder, the economic miracle that saw a rapid and sustained expansion of West Germany's economy following the Second World War.
Of course, Erhard famously rejected the notion that this was a miracle.
It was not, he argued, a product of luck or good fortune.
Rather, it was the result of initiative and industriousness.
Initiative und Tatkraft.
Two qualities that remain the essential pillars of any successful economic transformation.
And must continue to guide us today.
This is especially true in an increasingly fragmented world where our prosperity and security are increasingly threatened.
In this context, I would like to share my views on one specific initiative, the digital euro.
And the European Commission's ambitious competitiveness agenda,
which is at its heart about unleashing Europe's full productive potential and capacity for industriousness.
Beginning with the digital euro.
The euro has become the foundation for Europe's economic strength.
As well as a powerful symbol of European unity in the world.
Like everything else, technological change means that our currency has to evolve to keep up.
We all know that more and more Europeans are choosing to pay digitally.
The share of cash payments in the euro area between 2019 and 2024 dropped from 72% to 52% at the point of sale.
This also applies to Germany, a country well known for its strong attachment to cash.
According to a Deutsche Bundesbank study published last week, cashless transactions accounted for 55% of all purchases last year.
For the first time, people in Germany used cashless means of payment to pay for their day-to-day purchases more frequently than cash.
So, the means of payments are changing quickly.
Yet, we lack a genuine European digital means of payment to fill the space left by this decline in the use of cash.
This is essential to ensure that public money continues to satisfy the evolving needs of Europeans.
But it is not just about convenience for European consumers.
The digital euro guarantees central bank money remains available and usable in today's digital world.
In doing so, it reinforces the euro's role as the trusted anchor of our monetary system.
The digital euro will also reinforce the EU's strategic autonomy.
We are continually adapting to a less stable and more challenging geopolitical environment where dependencies are becoming vulnerabilities.
This is evident, for example, in our determined push to derisk, diversify and strengthen our trade network.
And in Europe's commitment to finally take responsibility for its own security.
We must also limit our exposure in other domains.
No area is more critical than our financial and payments infrastructure,
the circulatory system of the European economy.
Today, our payments landscape is highly dominated by non-European providers.
Almost two-thirds of card-based transactions in the euro area are carried out by non-European companies.
Thirteen euro area countries rely entirely on international card schemes for card transactions.
So, we are highly dependent on foreign-owned companies.
European payments systems may become subject to threats to withdraw or changes to the services provided by these international providers.
This imposes real constraints on our capacity to defend our interests and values.
When it comes to services of such critical strategic importance, there simply must be a European alternative.
The digital euro is part of the solution.
It is a European public good that is fundamental to strengthening our digital and monetary sovereignty.
The digital euro will not compete with private means of payments.
It will complement them, making it easier for European private payment solutions to scale up and expand the reach and features they offer.
So, the digital euro is not just an insurance policy against the dangers of dependency.
It provides the foundation for innovative European alternatives that can push every actor in the payments ecosystem to raise its game.
However, the digital euro does not mean that we are seeking to replace cash.
Euro coins and banknotes are not going anywhere.
In fact, we are going to protect and preserve their role.
Our Single Currency Package also includes a legal proposal on strengthening the role of cash.
This will ensure individuals and businesses can continue to access and pay with euro banknotes and coins across the euro area.
A short word on privacy.
The digital euro will provide cash-like privacy in the digital world for offline payments and a high degree of privacy for online payments.
In doing so, it strikes the right balance between citizens' legitimate request for privacy in payments and the need to counter money laundering, terrorist financing and fraud risks.
An agreement reached in the European Parliament yesterday means that we are now on track to enter the final phase of legislative negotiations on the digital euro.
Final adoption of the legislation is essential to begin the preparatory steps in earnest ahead of a targeted first issuance of the digital euro in 2029.
Moving now to competitiveness.
And the European Commission's agenda to create the conditions in which Europe's industriousness can truly flourish.
In a rapidly changing and challenging world a larger, more productive European economy is not just an economic objective,
it is a strategic necessity.
That is why competitiveness is at the centre of the European Commission's agenda.
We are taking action on all fronts.
On trade, we are diversifying and strengthening our global partnerships, with new agreements with Mercosur, India, Australia and Indonesia.
We are deepening our Single Market here at home, including by tackling the 'terrible ten' barriers that still fragment Europe's economy.
And we are cutting red tape.
The European Commission wants to ensure that Europe's companies – including those represented by the Economic Council – can direct their limited resources towards investment, research and expansion.
Not filling in forms.
We have already tabled twelve Omnibus proposals to cut red tape and deliver over [€18] billion in annual savings in administrative costs for European companies.
I presented the latest simplification proposals – on energy products and taxation – earlier today.
The importance of removing internal barriers and cutting red tape also applies to the financial sector.
The EU banking sector has become more resilient in recent years, which is a strategic asset in the face of current geopolitical and macro-financial risks.
However, it also remains fragmented along national borders, with a highly complex regulatory framework and different national interpretation of certain rules and market structures.
In December, the Economic and Financial Affairs Council called for ambitious simplification packages targeting the EU's financial services regulation.
The European Commission is working to deliver simpler rules and more effective and efficient implementation.
This approach is consistent with both the Savings and Investments Union and the Commission's broader simplification agenda.
To conclude, ladies and gentlemen.
Ludwig Erhard was right.
Prosperity does not happen by accident.
It is the product of bold initiatives and industriousness, especially at pivotal moments.
We are at such a pivotal moment again today.
The Commission's digital euro initiative and competitiveness agenda are essential to securing Europe's long-term prosperity and autonomy.
They can help ensure Europe's social market economy flourishes in the challenging period ahead.
We are grateful to have the Economic Council as a trusted partner in our efforts to advance this agenda.
Thank you.
Vielen Dank.”
Digital euro
- 2026-06-24 “Thank you. Good afternoon, everyone.
Today, we are presenting our latest Omnibus simplification proposals in two important areas.
The first – on taxation – cuts red tape for both taxpayers and tax administrations.
The second – on energy products – simplifies rules for suppliers and dealers without compromising on providing necessary information to customers.
Taken together, they will deliver an additional €3.4 billion in annual administrative cost savings for businesses and administrations across Europe.
This brings the total savings from our omnibus proposals and other simplification proposals to over €18 billion.
We are approaching half of our overall target of €37.5 billion by the end of the Commission's mandate.
Beyond the headline numbers are the real changes that simplification brings about.
We are cutting red tape to make things easier.
Easier for our businesses to do business.
Easier for our farmers to farm.
Easier for our innovators to innovate.
Because when businesses and citizens are free to focus on what they do best, everyone wins.
Before Wopke provides more details on the proposals that make up the taxation Omnibus package, I will provide a broader overview of today's two Omnibus proposals.
Firstly, on taxation.
Over the years, the EU's direct tax framework has delivered real progress.
But some rules have become outdated.
Others overlap with more recent legislation.
And many have been implemented in divergent ways across Member States.
Our proposals directly address all three issues.
The tax Omnibus amends six corporate tax directives.
And the proposal for a recast of Directives on administrative cooperation codifies nine legal acts into a single framework.
We are reducing obstacles to cross-border investment and economic activity and advancing our regulatory deep cleaning agenda.
It will help to strengthen the EU's Single Market and deliver the Savings and Investments Union.
The proposals are built on intensive engagement with all Member States and businesses of all sizes.
They will reduce overall compliance costs by approximately €8 billion each year.
With €3.3 billion coming from annual administrative cost savings and over €4.6 billion from additional compliance and financial costs savings.
In doing so, they are making Europe a more attractive and easier place to invest, innovate, and do business.
In other words, making Europe more competitive, without compromising on what matters most: preserving essential safeguards against tax avoidance and evasion.
Moving now to energy products.
We are proposing targeted revisions to regulations on energy and tyre labelling, bringing about €100 million of administrative savings.
These regulations ensure customers are provided with information on energy efficiency, recyclability, and noise.
This enables customers to make informed purchasing decisions.
Today's proposals do not change or undermine this objective in any way.
So, what are we concretely proposing.
Let me give you three examples.
Firstly, product information sheets that provide dealers with additional technical information will become digital, while keeping the possibility to request printed labels.
Secondly, suppliers will benefit from a once-only principle.
When products are registered in the European Product Registry for Energy Labelling, this information will be shared automatically across EU registries, eliminating duplicate reporting.
And thirdly, we are empowering market surveillance authorities to make detecting and tackling non-compliant products imported from third countries easier and faster.
As with all our proposals, these revisions are also grounded in extensive consultations
Finally, allow me to provide a brief recap on where we stand with our simplification agenda.
In today's increasingly challenging and fragmented world, Europe must put its house in order.
Our prosperity and security depend on it.
The European Commission is playing its part, having now tabled 12 Omnibus simplification packages.
We must advance the pending simplification legislative files with an ambition that matches the Commission's original proposals.
The world will not wait for Europe to do what it must to secure our long-term prosperity.
We must act with urgency and ambition.
We must deliver.
Thank you.
With this, I hand over to Commissioner Hoeskstra.”
Overall simplification of regulation in the EU
- 2026-06-23 “Okay. Thank you, very much, for those questions. So, well, 1st of all, on Spain, operating on extended budget, indeed. So in a sense, treat extended budget as a budget. It's, not, the 1st president where countries are operating on extended budgets. However, of course, it takes now more years than it's has been taken in other, other cases. But in any case, so from commission side, we continue to monitor, fiscal developments in, Spain and provide our assessment on those fiscal and budgetary developments. So all elements of EU fiscal surveillance remain fully applicable. And that's exactly what we are assessing, and we will continue to assess whether the Spain's net expenditure growth is in line with the recommendation endorsing its medium term fiscal structural plan. And on this, we have done our assessment as I was mentioning. So that net expenditure growth last year was above a recommended maximum growth rate. And also, cumulatively, 2024 and 2025 together was slightly above. But those projected deviations are within the flexibility of the National Escape Clause based on current estimates of defense spending. As I was mentioning, projected net expenditure growth in 2026 is above the recommended maximum growth rate. So corresponding to deviation of 0.6% of GDP in annual terms, and there's also deviation cumulatively. So that's why we are calling on Spain to for fiscal prudence and careful execution of the budget in the remaining half of the year. So that's on fiscal situation on Spain. Then on the question of link with well, the 1st question on taxation, of course, it's for member to determine their exact composition of taxation. So there are certain, in a sense, directions, which we tend to recommend, and environmental taxation is 1 of those directions. So I don't see a contradiction, there. On the link, between country specific recommendations with national and regional partnership plans. Well, as you know, the commission has proposed making European semester part of the reference framework to the national and regional partnership plans in a context of the next multi annual financial framework. And accordingly, our CSRs will help to guide the work on national and regional partnership plans in a context of next multi annual financial framework. So from that point of view, are taking over to large extent the logic we have currently in recovery and resilience facility. Not fully, we are also taking into account some lessons learned like we proposed to do it under shared management unlike RRF, which is under direct management. We propose to stronger integrate regional and local authorities in preparation of those plans and so. So there are certain lessons which you are learning. But yes, we are proposing to house this link. Then in terms of council adoption of the CSRs, well, member states are doing so based on their formulated national positions and it's for each member state to decide how, this process of formulating national positions is held domestically. Then, maybe 1 point on the competitiveness and its link with the skills agenda. Well, that's fully recognized. If you look at our competitiveness, skills and the possibility of our workforce to adapt to rapid technological changes, which we are experiencing is 1 of the factors outlined in our competitors' compass as which we need to address and which we are doing through our skills agenda. And I'm sure Roxanna will be speaking more on this. Thank you.”
EU fiscal rules and oversight of national budgets
- 2026-06-23 “Honorable co chairs, honorable, members, it's a pleasure, to be back here for this economic dialogue. As 2026, spring package, comes at a time of profound geopolitical uncertainty and growing global competition. While, the European economy has shown resilience in a face of successive crisis, we need to strengthen Europe's competitiveness, secure long term prosperity, and preserve strategic autonomy. For that, Europe's growth rate needs to structurally increase. This year's country specific recommendations to member states focus on actions in 4 priority areas, ensuring macroeconomic stability and fiscal sustainability while addressing key priorities such as defense. I will come back to the fiscal part in a few minutes. Promoting innovation and improving the business environment. This includes simplification, tackling single market bottlenecks, improving access to finance and reducing excessive dependencies in critical raw materials. Ensuring energy security and affordability. This means investments in grids and renewables as well as decarbonization of our economies, promoting employment, education and skills and social fairness. Roxanna will speak more on this. The recommendations also aim to maximize the impact of EU funds, address the challenges of affordability of housing, and where relevant focus on regional disparities. And finally, the recommendations acknowledge the unique challenges faced by our eastern border regions. As the member states concerned, how received the recommendations focused on addressing the socioeconomic preparedness and security challenges there. Moving to, fiscal. Sound public finances remain vital for preserving macroeconomic stability in an increasingly unpredictable and challenging world. We must safeguard fiscal sustainability in a context of persistently high debt in a number of member states and a new and urgent demands on our public finances. The spring package calls on member states to continue reinforcing defense spending which they can benefit from, temporary fiscal flexibility under the national escape clause. 18 member states have so far made use of this possibility. And at the same time, it's important to, improve the efficiency of defense spending and adapt the budgets to sustain structurally higher defense spending after 2028. The patch package also takes into account the impact of energy shock resulting from the conflict in The Middle East. It is clear measures to support households and businesses must be temporary and targeted and should not increase aggregate demand for fossil fuels. And unfortunately, most measures currently do not align to this criteria. They are often set to expire soon and should not be prolonged. Moreover, measures to strengthen the structural resilience of European energy system and accelerate the transition away from fossil fuels may benefit from existing flexibility within the fiscal framework. Upon request by a member state, the scope of current national escape clause for defense can be broadened. So within the existing cap of 1.5% of GDP, a dedicated annual cap of 0.3% of GDP could apply specifically for energy security measures undertaken since February this year. This would be available for a period 2026 to 2028 with a cumulative cap of 0.6% of GDP. For those few member states that have already used full flexibility under the National Scape Clause to increase defense spending, this would allow them to move beyond 1.5% of GDP subject to additional debt sustainability assessment. Looking ahead, our fiscal recommendations call on member states to remain in line with fiscal requirements and enhance the quality and efficiency of public spending, including through fiscal structural reforms. We also assessed member states' compliance with the EU fiscal rules. For member states under the excessive deficit procedure, Maltese deficit fell durably below 3% of GDP last year. This led us to propose abrogating Maltese EDP. For the others, the commission considers that the procedures for Belgium, France, Italy, Hungary, Austria, Poland, Romania, Slovakia and Finland can be held in abeyance. That said, if we look at Hungary this year, net expenditure growth is projected to be clearly above the recommended corrective pass. Therefore, we'll reassess the situation in autumn, and we may then help to step up as a procedure. Turning to the member states not in the excessive duct tape procedure. 10 member states, Czechia, Denmark, Germany, Estonia, Greece, Latvia, Cyprus, Portugal, Ireland, and Sweden are compliant. Spain is compliant in 2025, while being at risk of noncompliance in 2026. This indicates a need of prudence in the fiscal implementation for the rest of the year. Further, 6 member states, Slovenia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Bulgaria and Croatia, deviate or materially deviate from their net expenditure growth in 2025 and are projected to do so in 2026. These member states are recommended to take action to control net expenditure. The Commission also prepared a report under Article 120 six(three) of the treaty covering 5 member states, so Bulgaria, Germany, Estonia, Latvia, and Slovenia. The commission will shortly propose to open excessive deficit procedure for Bulgaria. For the other 4 countries, the report concluded that it's not warranted to open the procedure at this stage. Finally, the Commission assessed the existence of imbalances in 7 member states for which it prepared in-depth reviews this year. Greece, The Netherlands, and Sweden have been assessed as no longer experiencing imbalances, while Italy, Hungary and Slovakia are still experiencing imbalances and Romania is still experiencing excessive imbalances. To conclude, advancing our competitiveness agenda and maintaining fiscal sustainability go hand in hand and are essential to securing Europe's long term prosperity, resilience and sovereignty. The work ahead, as set out in, our country specific recommendations, will require sustained effort. So, let me stress that, our dialogue with this house remains, central to this process. So we count on your continued support in delivering ambitious reforms and investments needed to build a more competitive Europe. Thank you.”
EU fiscal rules and oversight of national budgets
- 2026-06-23 “Honourable Co-Chairs, Honourable Members,
It is a pleasure to be back here for this economic dialogue.
The 2026 Spring Package comes at a time of profound geopolitical uncertainty and growing global competition.
While the European economy has shown resilience in the face of successive crises, we need to strengthen Europe's competitiveness, secure long-term prosperity, and preserve strategic autonomy.
For that, Europe's growth rate needs to structurally increase.
This year's country-specific recommendations to Member States focus on actions in four priority areas:
Ensuring macroeconomic stability and fiscal sustainability, while addressing key priorities such as defence.
I come back to the fiscal part in a few minutes.
Promoting innovation and improving the business environment.
This includes simplification, tackling single market bottlenecks, improving access to finance, and reducing excessive dependencies in critical raw materials.
Ensuring energy security and affordability.
This means investments in grids and renewables as well as the decarbonization of our economies.
Promoting employment, education and skills, and social fairness.
Roxana will speak more on this.
The recommendations also aim to maximise the impact of EU funds, address the challenges of affordability of housing, and, where relevant, focus on regional disparities.
And finally, the recommendations acknowledge the unique challenges faced by our Eastern border regions.
The Member States concerned have received recommendations focused on addressing their socio-economic, preparedness and security challenges.
Moving to fiscal.
Sound public finances remain vital for preserving macroeconomic stability in an increasingly unpredictable and challenging world.
We must safeguard fiscal sustainability in a context of persistently high debt in a number of Member States, and new and urgent demands on our public finances.
The spring package calls on Member States to continue reinforcing defence spending, for which they can benefit from temporary fiscal flexibility under the national escape clause.
18 Member States have so far made use of this possibility.
At the same time, it is important to improve the efficiency of defence spending and adapt the budgets to sustain structurally higher defence spending after 2028.
The package also takes into account the impact of the energy shock resulting from the conflict in the Middle East.
It is clear: measures to support households and businesses must be temporary, targeted and should not increase the aggregate demand for fossil fuels.
Unfortunately, most measures currently do not align with these criteria.
They are often set to expire soon and should not be prolonged.
Moreover, measures to strengthen the structural resilience of the European energy system and accelerate the transition away from fossil fuels may benefit from the existing flexibility within the fiscal framework.
Upon request by a Member State, the scope of the current National Escape Clause for defence can be broadened.
So, within the existing cap of 1.5% of GDP, a dedicated annual cap of 0.3% of GDP could apply specifically for energy security measures undertaken since February this year.
This would be available for the period 2026 to 2028, with a cumulative cap of 0.6% of GDP.
For those few Member States that have already used full flexibility under the national escape clause to increase defence spending, this would allow them to move beyond 1.5% of GDP subject to an additional sustainability assessment.
Looking ahead, our fiscal recommendations call on Member States to remain in line with fiscal requirements and to enhance the quality and efficiency of public spending, including through fiscal-structural reforms.
We also assessed Member States' compliance with the EU fiscal rules.
For Member States under an excessive deficit procedure, Malta's deficit fell durably below 3% of GDP last year.
This led us to propose abrogating Malta's EDP.
For the others, the Commission considers that the procedures for Belgium, France, Italy, Hungary, Austria, Poland, Romania, Slovakia and Finland, can be held in abeyance.
That said, if we look at Hungary this year, net expenditure growth is projected to be clearly above the recommended corrective path.
Therefore, we will reassess the situation in autumn and we may then have to step up the procedure.
Turning to the Member States not in EDP.
Ten Member States – Czechia, Denmark, Germany, Estonia, Greece, Latvia, Cyprus, Portugal, Ireland, Sweden – are compliant.
Spain is compliant in 2025, while being at risk of non-compliance in 2026.
This indicates a need of prudence in the fiscal implementation for the rest of the year.
Further, six Member States – Slovenia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Bulgaria and Croatia – deviate or materially deviate from their net expenditure growth in 2025, or are projected to do so in 2026.
These Member States are recommended to take action to control net expenditure.
The Commission also prepared a report under Article 126(3) of the Treaty, covering five Member States – Bulgaria, Germany, Estonia, Latvia and Slovenia.
The Commission will shortly propose to open an excessive deficit procedure for Bulgaria.
For the other four countries, the report concluded that it is not warranted to open a procedure at this stage.
Finally, the Commission has assessed the existence of imbalances in the seven Member States for which it prepared in-depth reviews this year.
Greece, the Netherlands and Sweden have been assessed as no longer experiencing imbalances.
While Italy, Hungary and Slovakia are still experiencing imbalances, and Romania is still experiencing excessive imbalances.
To conclude, advancing our competitiveness agenda and maintaining fiscal sustainability go hand in hand and are essential to securing Europe's long-term prosperity, resilience, and sovereignty.
The work ahead, as set out in our country-specific recommendation, will require sustained effort.
Let me stress that our dialogue with this House remains central to this process.
We count on your continued support in delivering the ambitious reforms and investments needed to build a more competitive Europe.”
EU fiscal rules and oversight of national budgets
- 2026-06-23 “Yes. Thank you. So on the first set of questions, well, indeed, I think the economic challenges which we are facing with relatively weak productivity growth are known, and that's why one of the first priorities we set in a current mandate of European Commission was competitiveness compass, exactly looking at all the main factors affecting EU's competitiveness and how to address building heavily on Draghi and letter reports, and that's what we are now focusing to implement and including also our this year's country specific recommendations help a focus on strengthening the competitor. So this is very much part of our agenda. So if you look on our fiscal position, indeed, now, following the new energy price shock, this has had negative impact both for our economic growth and fiscal position. So that's obviously calls for prudence in our fiscal response to this energy shocks. That's why we are not recommending any like broad based economic stimulus measures, because it's a supply shock, which we cannot address with stimulating the demand side. And in a same vein, you ask about our recommendations on phasing out fossil fuel subsidies while providing national escape clause for energy. Well, I would say there's absolutely no contradiction because those both are fully consistent because this new national escape clause for energy are exactly for measures which are reducing our dependencies on important fossil fuels. We have been very explicit about this. Then on the last set of questions, well, I think that's fairly clear if we discuss this year's country specific recommendations. They are having no implications on Hungary's recovery and resilience plan. The previous sets of CSRs had been integrating when we were discussing the preparation of this plan. We are currently in discussion, with Hungarian authorities of amending the plan, but the basis remains for this the same. So we are not introducing now 2026 CSRs as precondition for RF or for cohesion funding in current period. Then, okay, the questions focusing on social dimension, I would leave to the EVP, Minsato. Well, the question on ad hoc extensions for defense and energy, which we recently had. Well, first of all, it's worth noting that our new fiscal framework explicitly foresees the possibility to have those national scale clauses. That is a feature of our new fiscal frameworks, and the question is whether we use that feature or not. And and we are facing the crisis. Russia's aggression against Ukraine, continues. Geopolitical situation in general is more conflictual, more dangerous. So strengthening our defense capabilities is is an urgent priority. Well, energy crisis following as a war in Iran is a reality. We are facing it, so we need to respond to this. And that's why we are proposing to use those clauses, even though, as you'll see, especially now on this extension or broadening the scope of national scale close to energy, We are very much containing it in volumes for seeing not more than 0.3% per year over a period of 3 years, but also with a cumulative cap of 0.6% of GDP. And for those countries which have not fully used the flexibility for increasing the defense, it's within the existing 1.5% of GDP cap. So we are clearly framing it, keeping our fiscal sustainability challenges in mind. And also, we have been very much emphasizing that our short term response, especially now to the energy shock, should not be contradicting our long term goals and our long term investment directions, including in decarbonization and so on. Then as a role of the CSRs for the next NRPPs, well, we touched upon this question already several times. That's what the commission has proposed. Of course, it's worth noting that CSRs, are typically not kind of making some very detailed and very prescriptive rather indicating, say, policy directions and work directions. And so that will be the basis also or one of the basis for the discussions when preparing with member states the next NRPPs. Specifically on yes, just the last sentence on CSRs for Germany, you asked whether it includes on labor supply migration and female participation. I would say the answer to both questions is yes. So first, it's recommended to increase labor supply, including by better attracting and retaining talent from non EU countries. And second, it doesn't explicitly spell out female labor market participation, but recommendations to improve availability of quality of early, childhood education and care and all day schools go exactly in the direction to facilitate, or create right conditions for a broader female, labor market participation.”
European Semester (social dimension) · EU fiscal rules and oversight of national budgets
- 2026-06-23 “Yes. Thank you, for those questions. So I'll focus on on on fiscal questions, leaving socials again to EVP, I mean, Zato. So first of all, the question of fiscal policy on on questions related to wage growth and so. So there, our general approach has been that wage growth has to be consistent with productivity growth because that's what makes wage growth sustainable and from economic point of view. And that's why when we are focusing on the issues that we have relatively slow productivity growth in the EU to compare with other major economies, With addressing the productivity growth, we create right conditions also for stronger wage growth because the two go hand in hand. So that's maybe one point. Okay. So two questions on nationalscape clause for defense and energy. So, first of all, I would highlight that now we extend the scope of this national escape clause also for energy. And for energy, indeed, for measures which are helping to move away from our dependencies on fossil fuels. So what, so it's consistent, obviously, with our long term goals. So what are the short term benefits of this? I would mention, certainly, like when we look at, say, subsidies which we propose for households for example, changing the heating systems away from fossil fuels to heat pumps or solar installations or batteries to store it or energy improvements of housing. And so it all creates short term economic activity. And in reasonably short term, also the tangible gains for citizens, also support for electromobility. So those are measures, which, in a sense, are consistent, with our long term goals, but also how tangible short term, benefits. And, finally, on this question on, fiscal bracketing needs, that's a discussion we had been assessing horizontally. So, how do we treat nonindexation of brackets? As we know, it's a real value of those tax bracket diminishes with inflation. So and in this new framework, indeed, we treat this nonindexation as a discretionary measure, but that's a horizontal approach across you we use across the board. Thank you.”
EU fiscal rules and oversight of national budgets
- 2026-06-23 “Thank you Chair, Honourable Members.
I am pleased to return to the European Parliament to present the European Commission's Communication on ‘A Simpler, Clearer and Better Enforced EU Rulebook'.
This Communication marks a new level of ambition for the quality of law-making in Europe.
It aims to modernise how EU laws are designed, implemented and enforced, while ensuring they are clear, agile, fit for purpose and supported by solid evidence.
Our path towards a simpler, clearer and better enforced EU rulebook centres on five main pillars of action:
Simplicity by design
Further improving our better regulation framework
Regulatory deep cleaning
Tackling regulatory gold-plating
And better implementation and robust enforcement
Let me start with ‘simplicity by design'.
Our aim is to institutionalise a culture of regulatory discipline, where clarity and proportionality take centre stage.
This means designing proposals that are more focused, leaner, more accessible, easier to implement and properly enforced.
It should be clear from the outset who must act, how to comply, and the consequences of non-compliance.
We want to ensure that new legislative proposals avoid regulatory complexity and fragmentation.
The key dimensions of ‘simplicity by design' include:
Firstly, regulatory discipline.
Only acting where necessary, focusing on most significant challenges, and applying subsidiarity and proportionality rigorously, including for empowerments.
In other words, the Commission intends to focus its efforts and resources on areas where EU-level action is necessary – meaning for issues that cannot be addressed effectively at the national level – and where EU action brings the most added value and is proportionate.
Secondly, the right choice of instrument.
For matters pertaining to the Single Market, preference will be given to complete harmonisation.
Thirdly, future-proof and adaptive regulation.
EU rules should be innovation friendly.
We will use sunset clauses where appropriate and make sure that monitoring and evaluation clauses are well timed.
Fourthly, consistency and coherence.
This means using codifications and recasts to reduce regulatory fragmentation, while avoiding duplications and clarifying relationships between laws in the same area.
Fifthly, design laws based on implementation.
Applying the ‘think small first' principle and testing the feasibility of implementing new obligations.
Sixthly, more realistic timelines.
In other words, transposition and implementation deadlines should be based on realistic estimates of the time needed to develop implementing measures and any supporting tools, as necessary.
Seventhly, testing and gradual phase-in of new major obligations, which will be systemically considered, as well as grand-fathering or grace periods.
And finally, ‘enforcement by design', which may involve designating national enforcement authorities, fact-finding powers, prior notifications of national rules and binding compatibility assessments, as appropriate.
To make ‘simplicity by design' a reality, it is essential that the Council and Parliament also apply these principles during the legislative process.
The second heading of the Communication is about strengthening the EU's better regulation system, which is already today an international benchmark.
Our next steps will enhance transparency, stakeholder engagement and efficiency.
A broader range of legislative initiatives will be accompanied by more pertinent impact assessments with a focus on cost-benefit analysis.
We are also setting out a more thorough pathway for urgent initiatives to help ensure timely delivery underpinned by robust analysis.
The goal is that even urgent initiatives are accompanied by impact assessments wherever this is possible.
The Regulatory Scrutiny Board will therefore perform its quality control in connection to a wider range of initiatives.
This extension of the role of the Board will be accompanied by a more effective review framework.
Responding to the European Ombudsman's recommendations and stakeholder concerns, the Commission will assess the time-sensitivity of each situation and the possible detrimental consequences of delayed action to distinguish urgency from routine expediency.
The urgency assessment and all derogations will be duly documented, recorded in a transparent manner and reported in the explanatory memoranda of the proposals.
In addition, our consultation system will become smarter and more flexible through optimised timelines and coordination.
We will account for main holiday periods and avoid over-consultation, while seeking diverse views and inputs.
At the same time, these strengthened better regulation principles will not achieve their goals if they only apply to the Commission.
It is essential that Council and Parliament engage with the Commission to develop and implement a common methodology so that each institution assesses its substantial amendments during the legislative process.
I hope to hear today your perspectives on this, and on how we could work together to make better regulation principles a reality across the whole of the legislative cycle.
Otherwise, it will remain ineffective and incomplete.
Under the third heading of the Communication, we are launching a new bold Action Plan to bring more order into the existing and large stock of EU legislation.
The Action Plan on Regulatory Deep Cleaning will tackle fragmented rules and reduce complexity across 12 key areas in 2026 and 2027.
It will lead to legislative or other measures that reduce burdens and improve coherence.
This includes consolidating areas of law that are characterised by high regulatory fragmentation.
Take public procurement, where dozens of EU rules set substantive and procedural requirements.
Our deep cleaning will streamline these rules, making implementation easier for administrations and contractors.
Other examples are the simplification of banking rules, the ongoing Digital Fitness Check, and the forthcoming Housing simplification package.
These efforts will be supported by a new high-level stakeholder group – the Simplification Platform – with representatives from various sectors, including civil society and small companies.
The group will make suggestions on how EU rules and their implementation can be made simpler and easier to apply for the public, businesses and administrations, keeping track of progress and emerging needs.
Fourthly, we are tackling the issue of regulatory gold-plating.
This is where Member States add stricter or wider rules than required by EU law, thereby creating barriers, increasing costs and fragmenting the Single Market.
We will support Member States in their commitment to avoid gold-plating by providing best practices and transposition guidance.
This includes better detection of instances of gold-plating and follow up through tools such as the Single Market Enforcement Taskforce and the European Semester.
Moreover, in instances of unlawful gold-plating, we will step up our enforcement too.
This brings me to the last point.
The Commission has committed to faster and more robust enforcement of EU law.
Even the best rules fail to have the intended impact when implementation is fragmented, delayed, or inconsistent across Member States.
Credible and efficient enforcement is the backstop needed to achieve compliance with EU rules when support measures are unsuccessful.
The Communication sets out a revamped enforcement approach, based on faster procedures, more automaticity, higher dissuasive penalties and a focus on reducing long-standing cases across all areas of EU law.
In addition, we have identified 11 focus areas for enforcement in relation to the Single Market.
Resolving identified issues will remove barriers to the free movement of goods and services, and the freedom of establishment of businesses.
To conclude, Honourable Members, in today's unpredictable and challenging world, Europe must play to its strengths and sharpen its competitive edge.
That is the only way that we can safeguard our long-term prosperity and security.
And our rules have a crucial role to play in creating the conditions for supporting a highly competitive, innovative and sustainable social market economy.
Since taking office, this Commission has delivered an unprecedented effort to simplify EU rules, including by proposing 10 omnibus packages, and with more than half of the initiatives in our work programme having a strong simplification dimension.
Tomorrow, we will be presenting tow further omnibuses.
The changes outlined in this Communication are another important step towards making our rules deliver the best possible results in the most efficient manner.
We now call on the Council and the Parliament to also follow through and embrace these principles in practice.
I look forward to continuing working with you to deliver on these actions and the wider simplification agenda.
Thank you.”
EU political integration
- 2026-06-23 “Yes. Thank you for those questions. Okay. The first set of questions, I'd say, go beyond the scope of today's dialogue, but just briefly to come back to those points. Well, the European Commission's proposal is on a table and now discussed both by member states and European parliament. And from commission side, we stand ready to facilitate the agreement between the co-legislators on this. Indeed, if we propose a larger size of EU budgets, the question, of course, is what is happening with national contributions. And that's why it's very important also to make progress on a new own resources. Well, that's exactly what the commission had been proposing, to rely stronger on our system of own resources so that we do not have to increase, or substantially increase national contributions. But right now, this is debate among member states. And what is obviously the focus in the EU budget is European value added. You mentioned agriculture. Agriculture continues to play important role in EU budget. You mentioned regional disparities. Cohesion policy, reduction of regional disparities continues to play important role of EU budget, while also responding to the new priorities like competitiveness and security and defense. On the second question on the EU's trade agenda, that I also would just mention some factual elements. So, first, there had been a study on the cumulative impact of EU trade agreements on agricultural sector. And that was done already factoring in, by that time envisaged, but not concluded, free trade agreement with Mercosur. And the conclusion of the study is that the cumulative impact of those trade agreements on EU agricultural sector is positive, not only in terms of trade volumes, but also in terms of trade balance because we should not forget that agricultural sector is one of our largest, if not largest exporting sectors. So they are important also offensive interest for our agricultural sector and also all our trade agreements come with a strong system of defending geographical indications. And I would say France is one of the prime beneficiaries of this system of geographical indications, which comes with our trade agreement. So there, I think it's important to keep all this in mind. Then on the second question, on this link of national, and regional partnership plans with European semester with country specific recommendations. Well, we discussed it, before. Indeed, that's what the commission has proposed in our MFF proposal building on experience we have with the recovery and resilience facility. In terms of the question on compliance with the fiscal rules, already now we have this macro financial conditionality, which actually indeed foresees is a possibility in case member state is not implementing effective action, in a context of excessive deficit procedure, to foresee partial suspension of EU funds. And there have been some proposals and precedents in this regard already, before. So that's not a novelty in itself. That's something which is foreseen already in a current framework. Thank you.”
Size of EU budget
- 2026-06-22 “Answer given by Mr Dombrovskis on behalf of the European Commission 22.6.2026 Written question The Spanish Recovery and Resilience Plan includes an investment (C18.I1) related to high-tech equipment in national health service. Its target 279 requires the installation of at least 750 equipment devices throughout the country. The Commission positively assessed the target in July 2025 as part of the fifth payment request [1] . The evidence provided by the Spanish authorities at the time of that assessment demonstrated that all elements of the relevant target had been fulfilled, with 862 equipment devices being installed throughout the country. The Commission's assessment was based on primary evidence, verified through a sample, demonstrating that the equipment devices had been installed, and that the installations included the types of equipment established within the scope of the measure. Beyond the target just described, Member States are primarily responsible for the organisation and delivery of health services [2] . Issues related to access to healthcare are regularly discussed and addressed within the framework of the European Semester [3] . Implementation of Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan [4] objectives, including ensuring high standards of cancer care, is on track, with over 90% of the Plan’s actions concluded or ongoing. In 2025, the EU Network of Comprehensive Cancer Centres was launched with EUR 90 million from the EU4Health Programme aiming to provide all patients access to high-quality cancer care. The Strategic Agenda for Medical Ionising Radiation Applications [5] aims to support the implementation of high standards for quality and safety of medical radiation applications into Member States’ health systems. [1] https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_25_1949 . [2] The Commission supports Member States through EU4Health projects aimed at systemic improvements of accessibility of health systems, especially for vulnerable groups, guidelines on access to healthcare for people with disabilities: https://op.europa.eu/en/publication-detail/-/publication/c2959f58-d63d-11f0-8da2-01aa75ed71a1/language-en , https://op.europa.eu/en/publication-detail/-/publication/e86e91df-a97a-11f0-89c6-01aa75ed71a1 and actions focused on health workforce challenges https://healthworkforce.eu/ , https://www.who.int/europe/news/item/17-06-2025-countries-advance--nursing-action--initiative-to-tackle-nurse-shortages-across-the-eu , https://bewell-project.eu . [3] https://commission.europa.eu/topics/economy-and-euro/european-semester_en . [4] https://commission.europa.eu/topics/public-health/european-health-union/cancer-plan-europe_en . [5] https://energy.ec.europa.eu/topics/nuclear-energy/radiological-and-nuclear-technology-health/samira-action-plan_en#:~:text=Adopted%20in%20February%202021%2C%20the,and%20radiological%20technologies%20and%20applications .”
EU competences on health
- 2026-06-16 “29:35 – 15:31:04): Well, that obviously would require some more in-depth, look because, to apply simpler rules typically should be simpler and to have, like, less reporting points as, for example, we have now under sustainable reporting and so is still easier than, reporting more points. And it's worth noting that it's also a recurring exercise. So, yes, there may be a certain cost in having developed a system, which probably right now is not as extensive. But at the same time, also, those companies are going to have an annual savings from, having less burden to produce less data or do less reporting, which they have to do on a recruiting basis and thus also actually save money. So and, of course, 1 cannot absolutize this argument of, you know, kind of regulatory stability because and the argument can also come in in other direction. How come we can add something, any requirement in any area? Because then, you know, businesses help prepare their systems. Now they need to add something. It's a cost. You know? And so and if we accept that this can happen, we should be able to accept also that maybe then also removing something should should be acceptable.”
Overall simplification of regulation in the EU
- 2026-06-16 “19:11 – 15:20:23): Yes. So, on as a question on SME test on competitiveness check on issues like this, indeed, it is part of our legislative agenda or the way we organize the legislative work right now. We came recently with, as you know, better regulation communication where we outline also this approach going forward, emphasizing the importance not only on omnibuses, which is backward looking exercise, but also on how do we prepare legislative proposals going forward, that they are simple and streamlined to begin with. And SME test and, competitiveness check are important part of this, also applying the think small, principle. So all this is outlined in, our, better regulation communication, and it's now, obviously important that we are, following it properly soon. Thank you.”
Overall simplification of regulation in the EU
- 2026-06-16 “57:15 – 15:58:03): Indeed. That is less of a question, but maybe just to make some of the points, okay, from the commission, I cannot really talk on internal European parliament procedures on hiring assistance or so that's something which has to be dealt within the European parliament.
On this broader bureaucracy question, I was mentioning before. It's clear that there is a recognition that this has become an issue that we have to address it, and that's why competitiveness, including simplification, is a key priority for this political mandate, and we are working to deliver on this. Thank you.”
Overall simplification of regulation in the EU
- 2026-06-16 “26:51 – 15:28:47): Yes. So 1st, we must acknowledge that, so to say, this increased regulatory burden, very large legislative body, its interactions, its cumulative burdens have become problems in itself. And that's something which businesses are telling us themselves. So when we listen to the SMEs, they very much insist on the problems created by the success of administrative burdens. As I was mentioning before, majority of SMEs consider that that is their biggest problem. If you listen to the organizations representing SMEs like SME United, they are very strongly advocating for our simplification agenda. And, therefore, it's important that we move forward with this. So the arguments you mentioned, frankly, I had heard maybe not so much from SMEs, but, yes, from some larger companies. Occasionally, you hear this argument. But, still, if you listen to the business community at large, the overwhelming support is there for this simplification agenda. And what we had been emphasizing from the very beginning that our simplification is not deregulation, so we're not moving away from how our high social or environmental, goals. We are not moving away from from, like, green deal targets and so on. We are looking how to achieve them in a simpler and less costly way. And that's where we do have a strong support for business community.”
Overall simplification of regulation in the EU
- 2026-06-16 “08:06 – 15:10:12): It's format. Okay. Yeah. So on on this so what I'm saying, in a sense, we're following a a different approach. So 1 in, 1 out would mean, being stable in terms of administrative burden, not adding to it, but also not, reducing. So aiming for 25% reduction of administrative burden and 35% reduction for SMEs goes substantially beyond it. So I use this 2025 example. So, if we have 15,000,000,000 reductions, which is a result of 15.25 savings and 250,000,000, 247,000,000 increases, so 1 in, 2 out, and the same would translate to 500,000,000 decreases. So 15,000,000,000 is obviously substantially much more. So that's why we're saying that with this 25% burden reduction, we are going beyond this approach. But we are measuring it differently. We are measuring it based on, existing, burden. Well, obviously, there are also, other ways to look at the cost, not only, administrative burden, and, there had been also certain, papers produced by the Danish and Cypriot presidencies and council looking at what they call the, cost of legislation when we can have this kind of more holistic view, also looking at the adjustment costs. Well, for purposes of simplification, we are focusing on, administrative burden because, well, the adjustment costs more often than not implies and also, changes in policies or changes in policies targets in a sense, something which goes beyond, strictly as a, simplification exercise. Thank you. Thank you.”
Overall simplification of regulation in the EU
- 2026-06-16 “04:32 – 15:07:04): So, honorable members, madam chair, good afternoon, everyone. So, 1st on this, 1 in, 2 out question. So the commission introduced 1 in, 1 out, mechanism, to simplify and reduce administrative burdens for businesses in, 20 22. In 2025, we strengthened our efforts further and also introduced, ambitious targets to reduce administrative burdens by at least 25% and by, for all all companies and by 35% for SMEs. And, in terms of magnitudes of, cost savings, this goes beyond, what would be typically achieved using this 1 in, 2 out approach. During 2025, the commission table proposal is estimated to cut 15,000,000,000 of administrative costs per year, and that's a net result of, €15,250,000,000 of cost savings and 247,000,000 on additional costs. So meaning that these savings arising from existing stock of administrative burden are already significantly larger than the net reductions would typically result from 1 in, 2 out approach if you look solely on, new regulatory costs. What is, important, however, what I wanted to emphasize in this regard is also the necessity, to follow it through, by the colleges later. So of the 10 omnibus proposals, we note that on a number of omnibus proposals in the legislative process, the ambition for simplification is actually substantially watered down. And then we can pursue, you know, 1 in, 2 out, or aim for 25% burden reduction or pursue other approaches. We will not arrive at at meaningful burden reduction. So it's very important that the what we are putting on table in terms of agenda ambition for simplification is actually followed through in the legislative process. Thank you. \”
Overall simplification of regulation in the EU
- 2026-06-16 “39:57 – 15:42:22): Yes. Thank you for this question. Well, indeed, gold plating, which is one of the elements which has been identified also by our leaders as something which harms a smooth functioning of the single market because if member states introduce wider stricter rules or obligations that go beyond the EU requirements, they are also fragmenting a single market.
So, therefore, also in our recent communication on simpler, clearer, and better enforced EU rule book, we announced measures to tackle gold plating, so through better detection, follow-up, and prevention.
So on detection, we used to plan to use consultations, including implementation dialogues we have now and reality checks. We will also obtain information from enforcement investigations in a context of single market focus areas for enforcement, also what is coming as systematic issues through our solve it system and so on.
We will also flag potential gold plating risks to member states only during the transposition period when member states are preparing the transposition of directives, so saying, look, that is gold plating.
And in terms of follow-up, we will use single market enforcement task force, also European semester. And to improve prevention of gold plating, we are developing a toolkit with criteria for member states to help identify and avoid gold plating in a national transposition and implementation of EU legislation.
So we are taking this issue very seriously and will be following up. And notably, also, what we mentioned in the context of a single market in areas where gold plating would amount to breaching the EU law, we would not hesitate to launch infringement procedures. We want to address it also through enforcement. Thank you.”
EU Single Market harmonisation
- 2026-06-16 “43:16 – 15:45:28): Yes. So, concerning this, empowering consumers for green transition directive, it was enacted by co-legislators in February 2024, and it will apply from September 27 this year. So in a sense, there had been already two and a half years phase-in period allowing member states and companies to prepare.
So commission provided further guidance on this in May, and we fully recognize the importance ensuring that implementation of this directive is proportionate, allowing companies sufficient time to adapt.
And we are very well aware of the transitional implementation challenges raised in relation to certain, well, what we call, old stock products, meaning products already produced prior to application date.
And to address this valid issue, the commission has organized a workshop with national authorities responsible for enforcing consumer protection rules early this year. And we've also took good note of the view of business associations, consumer organizations, and foremost, enforcement authorities, which are all there.
So we fully support legal certainty for traders who act in good faith, and we need to avoid disproportionate outcomes, including unnecessary administrative burden or avoidable waste.
And to achieve this, we are now working with national competent authorities in developing what's a common understanding on enforcement, so including notably as regards those old stock products.
And this common understanding will be published this month or, well, July at the very latest, so ahead of the application date providing how this also old stock issue will be dealt with in a proportionate way. Thank you. Thank”
Overall simplification of regulation in the EU
- 2026-06-16 “53:41 – 15:55:46): Yes. Indeed. That's a very pertinent question. And, of course, when we discuss housing, it's traditionally seen as primarily an issue for local governments or regional governments or member states and less so of the European Union.
But it's now also more on the radar of the European Union because, indeed, access to affordable housing, it's an issue we see in many member states. And that's why also came forward with affordable housing action plan to see how to address it.
And our primary point in this action plan is it has to be addressed through the supply side. So we need larger supply of housing and affordable housing, which obviously brings us to the questions of permitting and possibility to speed up development of this affordable housing.
Well, specifically on housing simplification, we are preparing a housing simplification proposal for the second quarter of 2027. So it's in a pipeline. I cannot, at this stage, preview or say as like as content of this package because it's in early stages of development.
But what can I say is that the issue of housing in general, and housing simplification is firmly on the commission's agenda. And also, during this European semester cycle, we were putting, for a number of member states where we see it particularly acute as a question of access to affordable housing also in the country specific recommendations, and we'll be engaging with member states how they are addressing those recommendations in this regard. Thank you.”
EU housing policy
- 2026-06-16 “11:40 – 15:13:44): Thank you very much for those questions. So on as a 1st part of the question, support for SMEs notably in less developed regions or outermost regions. Well, that's, indeed brings us to the discussion, on the next MFF. And, for the next MFF, as you know, the commission's proposal is now out and call legislators are working, and council has just reached a partial general approach as regards about the council position. And so in the case, further negotiations and also discussions with European parliament will, follow on, this. So from commission, side, we stand ready to, support this process and reaching a balanced agreement for the legislators. And certainly, in, the next MFF, we acknowledge the importance for continued support for, less developed regions, outermost regions, and for the, cohesion objectives, ensuring economic convergence across different regions. And for this, obviously, programs to support entrepreneurship, programs to support, SMEs is important part of this. On the 2nd question on, artisanal fishing, we are working on, also on simplification package in area of fisheries. So I think that will be a possibility to look in those specific topics. As you know, all in all, we are going, through the stress testing of entire European key and then putting forward, different sectoral proposals across different sectors of the economy, and fisheries, are also on our agenda. Thank you.”
Cohesion and rural funding
- 2026-06-16 “24:28 – 15:25:30): So on the 1st question, I would say, yes. We not only believe on this, we are acting on this and working on on this indeed to bring down the and mister Burden. And with this, also having, I should say, more scope for businesses to develop and grow in the European Union. What is important, however, that we stay the course. As I said, we had been for a good start, for a good 1st year, but we cannot allow this momentum to fade out because then we'll be staying very far away from our overall simplification targets which we have put forward. So we had we have had a good start, but it's very important to keep the pace.”
Overall simplification of regulation in the EU
- 2026-06-16 “59:39 – 16:02:24): Yes. Thank you for this question. Okay. You mentioned specifically situation of farmers, so that's why we had the agricultural omnibus where we specifically came with a number of proposals, including simplifying the controls, moving to the principle of one on-site control per year and so on and so forth. So that's something which is already done.
The sync first principle, that is something we outlined in our better regulation communication. And obviously, it's important that we are applying this moving forward. And as a commission with this better regulation communication, we committed to do so.
But it's also important that during the legislative process, this stays. And also that when we are looking at impacts of also proposals which co-legislators introduced during the legislative process, that impact of those proposals, substantial amendments is being assessed so that we do informed decision making, and do not arrive at unintended consequences and unnecessary burdens.
So I think it's our joint responsibility to ensure the quality of European lawmaking, and that's what we are committing to do through.
Maybe just to give you one as a concrete example on a state of play on specifically for farmers. I was mentioning that I'm concerned with the state of play of several omnibuses, including food and feed safety omnibus where we, for example, proposed record keeping simplification for farmers as part of this omnibus.
Now in a ecology process, this simplified record keeping for farmers is completely removed. So on one hand, there is lots of discussions. We need simplification, lots of calls on a commission. Please come with the proposals. We come with the proposals, and then we see many of those implications just disappearing in a legislative process.
So that's indeed concerning, and I call on you also as the members who are willing to push this simplification agenda forward to pay a close attention to this that we are not watering down this simplification agenda also during the legislative process. Thank you.”
Agriculture (green)
- 2026-06-16 “36:12 – 15:38:35): Yes. So, thank you, for this question. Yes. We are monitoring, the impact of our simplification agenda, specifically on SMEs and our assessments that out of this €15,000,000,000 burden reduction, for all companies, SMEs will, specifically benefit from burden reduction of at least €6,000,000,000. And there are many instances where we we make it very tangible for SMEs, like under corporate system data reporting. SMEs are exempted from reporting obligations and also, so to say, dealing with this, passing through effect on larger companies or banks impose their reporting requirements on SMEs because they need it for their reporting. So addressing also this issue. Under, CBAM, we simplified for, small importers. Under invest EU, we streamline and misstep pro procedures for SMS. Small farmers are set to receive reports to simplify the payment scheme, also streamline controls. So I can give many examples like this. And on small, midcaps, well, you already mentioned, we had our small midcaps omnibus, where we are basically extending many of the simplifications which we have for, SMEs also to the small, mid caps. So, basically, creating a situation where, mid caps or SMEs, when they are growing, they do not, face this sudden threshold effects, and then suddenly they are subject to the reporting and other obligations as a large company. So we created in this this in between category exactly for this, allowing also our scale ups to grow and to to develop in Europe. Thank you.”
Overall simplification of regulation in the EU
- 2026-06-16 “16:27 – 15:18:44): Yes. Thank you, for those questions. Okay. On in terms of overall reduction, we set our targets very clear at the beginning. 25% administrative burden reduction for all companies, 35 for SMEs. So and we also quantified it. So our estimate is that this 25% target corresponds to, annual burden administrative burden reduction of €37,500,000,000. So on, legislative proposals, the 10 omnibus proposals and some further simplification proposals which are on the table, they generate savings of some €15,000,000,000. So, therefore, 1 can say we have been actually for a a strong start in terms of our simplification agenda, and it is acknowledged by business community. But to reach our 37,500,000,000 burden reduction target, we need to continue with more or less the same pace also going forward. That certainly will mean that we need to put forward more omnibus proposals and 2 further proposals will actually follow next week on energy, products and taxation. And, all in all, in this year's commission work program, we have more than half of all proposals with a significant simplification dimension, meaning generating savings in administrative costs of at least well, generating net savings of administrative costs. But you also asked when businesses will start to feel all these differences. So far, only 3 omnibus packages are part of the EU rule book. So businesses start filling those ones. There are political agreements on, some more, and further, omnibus, packages are still in legislative process. And, obviously, businesses are not feeling the, elevation yet.”
Overall simplification of regulation in the EU
- 2026-06-16 “21:44 – 15:23:42): Well, indeed, the issue is well known. Also, what we see from surveys of businesses, majority of businesses indicate regulatory burden as an obstacle for growth and investment, and majority of SMEs identified as their largest burden. So, obviously, it is our, task to act and to simplify this burden, and that's what our, simplification agenda, is all about. So, also, maybe coming back, back to the previous question and this. So can we be satisfied with the pace at which we are moving forward? I think, from commission's side, we had been for a good start last year with those 10 omnibus proposals. But where I do have some concerns is the pace of legislative work going forward and also what we see on a number of omnibuses as a ambition for simplification, going substantially down. I can also give specific examples across different omnibuses. I don't think, you know, the format of this exchange allows space to go much into detail. But, so where we see certain worries about progress, on omnibuses include including on chemicals, on digital, on environmental, and food and feed, safety omnibus, where we see, many of the substantial European, commission proposals, for simplification, being rolled back by, legislators. And then, of course, we will not achieve our, simplification targets there. Thank you, commissioner.”
Overall simplification of regulation in the EU
- 2026-06-16 “49:49 – 15:52:20): Yes. Thank you for this question. So, the question, okay. What is our KPI on this? And I think Adi was mentioning our KPI, which is reduction of administrative burden by 25% for all companies and by 35% for SMEs.
And in a sense, that's how we can measure success whether we reached those burden reduction targets by the end of this mandate in 2029. So I think that's fairly clear and fairly measurable indicator.
And I fully agree that, from SMEs' perspectives, it's key. It's key also for a broader perspective because if you look at, well, at the broader competitiveness issue, they are, I would say, not so encouraging figures that 3.9% of all workforce in the EU is dealing with compliance. And only 1.7% of all workforce in the EU is doing this research and innovation.
And we really need more people innovating and less people filling forms. So that is what we want to achieve in this regard.
But once again, to come back to the point I raised before, the commission cannot do it alone because what matters for SMEs in Ireland as you were putting it is not what the commission puts forward as proposals, but what comes out as legislative process.
And, therefore, once again, I repeat my plea on the co-legislators, both council and parliament, to move swiftly with those simplification proposals and not to water down the simplification ambition in those proposals because that is a key what the SMEs will be feeling at the end of the day. Outcome of legislative proposal, not a commission's, outcome of legislative process, not commission's proposal.”
Overall simplification of regulation in the EU
- 2026-06-16 “32:38 – 15:34:31): Yes. Thank you, for this question. I would say it, basically, boils down to the question on the pace of permitting for strategic projects. And we had been working a lot on this, permitting. So, last December, as part of the, environmental omnibus, we proposed regulation streamlining environmental assessments. So, to ensure that project developers across strategic sectors benefit from those accelerated procedures. And we complemented this also by specific rules concerning catering to certain sectors. So the proposed grids package contains significant facilitations which add to those already present in the renewable energy directive. The Industrial Accelerator Act puts forward accelerating permitting, again, building on the Net 0 Industry Act, also which harmonized industrial permitting with deadlines for procedures, single points of contacts, and and so on. And, the commission recently also published guidance on certain elements of Natura 2,000, the birth directive, the water framework directive, increasing the clarity on existing flexibilities and helping more uniform implementation, including during the permitting of these new projects. And as a next step, we, will be stress testing the birds and habitats directives, to assess whether they remain fit to achieve their objectives in a cost effective way and reduce any unnecessary, and mister Burden. Thank you.”
EU policy on permitting for renewable energy projects
- 2026-06-16 “46:40 – 15:48:28): Well, thank you. Well, first of all, I would underline that commission understands the urgency of addressing this issue. So, this is why we made simplification an important priority of this mandate, and it feeds into our broader competitiveness agenda because it's worth noting when we are discussing simplification, it's one of the pillars of the broader competitiveness agenda.
And if you look at the two overarching priorities for this commission's mandate, which we set, one is competitiveness of European economy, and another is security and defense. And we are following through on both of those priorities as a matter of urgency.
And as I had been mentioning at the beginning, we had made a strong start in terms of our simplification agenda with 10 omnibus proposals this year, and we intend to continue with space and purpose going forward. Stress testings are key.
More recently, we also announced what we called regulatory deep cleaning of 12 priority areas for a single market. So, from the commission side, we are certainly continuing to pursue this agenda and do not intend to stop and listen carefully to input which we are getting from the businesses from different stakeholders to identify the issues and find the best ways to address them and to reduce excessive and unnecessary administrative burdens. Thank you.”
Overall simplification of regulation in the EU
- 2026-06-15 “Honourable Co-Chairs, Honourable Members,
I welcome the opportunity to address this House at our 23rd Recovery and Resilience Dialogue.
The amount disbursed under the Facility to support reforms and investments across Europe has surpassed €425 billion.
Now, with the clock ticking, the focus must be on implementation to unlock the remaining funds.
To support Member States in these efforts, the Commission recently published its Guidelines on the Closure of the RRF.
The objective is to inform Member States about the final steps of implementation and the applicable obligations beyond.
Let me recall the key deadlines:
Implementation of all milestones and targets by 31 August;
All outstanding payment requests submitted by 30 September; and
And, as a rule, all payments by the end of the year.
These three deadlines have practical implications that are discussed in the Guidelines in more detail.
Firstly, they leave no scope for adopting amendments of RRPs after 31 August 2026.
Secondly, the Commission will have a very short time to assess the final payment requests.
We will not be able to pause our assessment to receive additional evidence, so Member States must submit complete and robust evidence as soon as possible, ideally well ahead of September.
Thirdly, the Commission will no longer be able to launch a suspension procedure in cases where milestones and targets are assessed as not satisfactorily fulfilled after 31 August.
The Commission will instead launch a reduction procedure, still allowing time for Member States to make observations.
In the meantime, disbursements for the fulfilled milestones and targets will of course continue.
A similar mechanism will apply in cases where the Commission considers that a reversal has occurred after 31 August.
The Guidelines on the closure of the RRF also present reporting, audit and control obligations that will continue in 2027 and beyond.
First on reporting.
Member States' reporting obligations on the 100 largest final recipients of RRF funds will be maintained until 2028.
And they must also maintain the national portals on which this information is published at least until 31 December 2028.
Second, on audit and control.
Audit and control activities will continue for as long as needed to ensure the protection of the financial interests of the Union.
This means that Member States must keep internal control systems operating beyond 2026, for as long as the use of funds for any RRF-supported measures continues, including in financial instruments.
Let me end with a few words about the important ongoing work regarding transparency and audits.
Since we last met, the European Court of Auditors has published two reports on the RRF.
In its Report on Transparency and Traceability, the ECA confirms that Member States generally collect data on actual costs.
However, it also finds that actual cost data is not consistently used across Member States to update cost estimates, nor requested by the Commission to “manage” the implementation of the RRF.
As you know, this is not allowed by the RRF Regulation, which explicitly precludes controls on actual costs incurred by the Member States.
Having said that, Member States can and do submit actual cost data to justify RRP revisions, depending on the grounds for revision.
And, in such situations the Commission duly considers this data and requests clarifications when needed.
Overall, the report confirms that the Commission has implemented the transparency provisions of the RRF legal framework correctly.
In its Report on Tackling Fraud in the RRF, the ECA acknowledges that the Commission's audits have contributed to improvements in national anti-fraud systems and that Member States have implemented RRF anti-fraud measures.
While we disagree with some of the ECA's conclusions, the Commission has already implemented five of the seven sub-recommendations related to the RRF.
And more broadly, the scrutiny by the ECA remains very high.
We are currently working with the Court on six performance audits, including on REPowerEU, on energy efficiency and on how the RRF supports public administrations.
The Commission is also currently exchanging with the Court in the context of its Statement of Assurance audit for the year 2025.
The Commission continues to invest the time and resources at its disposal into ensuring high levels of accountability for the RRF.
We are satisfied with the results achieved so far, including since the implementation of the RRF compares favourably with other funds.
Honourable Members, we are now halfway through the RRF's final and most critical year.
Member States have two and a half months to finalise the implementation of all milestones and targets.
The Commission has been preparing for the RRF's conclusion for a year now.
Our services are ready to process the last wave of payment requests in an efficient and rigorous manner, as I have outlined.
In this context, we also look forward to your continued engagement to make the most out of the Facility over these last months.
Thank you.”
Accounting and auditing of EU budget
- 2026-06-12 “Thank you, Minister. Good afternoon, everyone.
First of all, I would like to thank the Cypriot Presidency and you personally, Makis, for all the work during this half a year and for moving many important files forward.
Let me start with some positive news on CBAM.
I welcome that today's meeting has reached a general approach on the European Commission's proposal to strengthen the carbon border adjustment mechanism.
This will help close loopholes and strengthen CBAM's efficiency, ensuring European industry competes on a level playing field with international competitors.
Next on Ukraine.
I provided an update on our efforts to support Ukraine and exert maximum pressure on the Russian aggressor.
On financing, there has been meaningful progress.
Both the Memorandum of Understanding – covering the Macro-Financial Assistance and the Loan Agreement entered into force last week.
This clears the path for the Commission to proceed with first disbursements this month.
On sanctions, the Commission has prepared the 21st sanctions package earlier this week.
We propose this in a context where Russia's war of aggression is being increasingly felt in the EU's eastern Member States.
Recent weeks have seen hybrid attacks, disinformation campaigns and drone incursions.
Once again, the package targets areas where sanctions hit hardest, like finance, energy, and trade.
It also proposed a comprehensive sectorial visa ban for ex-combatants of the Russian armed forces and proxy groups.
We now need swift adoption.
I also presented the meeting with the main elements of the recent 2026 European Semester Spring Package.
The package focuses on advancing Europe's competitiveness agenda and maintaining fiscal sustainability.
We proposed a comprehensive set of country-specific recommendations to this end.
I look forward to the Council's approval of the recommendations in July and strong implementation in the months ahead.
There is no time to lose.
The Commission also assessed the compliance of several Member States with the Treaty's deficit criterion and found that Bulgaria was not compliant.
Following the opinion of the Economic and Financial Committee, the Commission will now propose to open an excessive deficit procedure for Bulgaria.
At the same time, I welcome the Council's decision to abrogate the excessive deficit procedure for Malta, and the Council's endorsement of Spain's activation of the national escape clause for defence.
Moving to the Recovery and Resilience Facility.
Since our last meeting in May, the Commission has disbursed €18.6 billion to six Member States.
This brings the total disbursements to €426 billion, or 74% of the overall envelope.
We are now well and truly on the home straight.
I therefore welcome today's endorsement of amendments to streamline the recovery and resilience plans of five Member States: Slovakia, Spain, Poland, Portugal and Belgium.
There are less than three months left until the 31 August deadline to implement all milestones and targets.
Finally, we held a constructive policy debate on the market integration and supervision package.
The package a key component of the Savings and Investments Union.
We must act to remove barriers and unlock the full potential of the EU single market for financial services.
That is the only way we can channel investments to where they are urgently needed.
Thank you.”
Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM)
- 2026-06-11 “Thank you, Kyriakos. Good evening, everyone.
First we had our regular exchange on the macroeconomic outlook, which focused on fiscal-related issues.
The energy shock, weaker growth, higher interest rates and defence needs are all placing pressure on public finances.
And next year's budgets must reflect that reality.
Careful calibration, consolidation measures, and rigorous prioritisation are essential.
This is the only way to safeguard fiscal sustainability while addressing our urgent priorities.
I would like to thank Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva for presenting the conclusions of the IMF's annual consultation on euro area.
The European Commission and the IMF share a broadly convergent assessment.
On reforms, we concur with the IMF's emphasis on three priorities: enhancing the resilience of our energy system, deepening our Single Market, and advancing the Savings and Investments Union.
On fiscal policy, we agree that Member States should already begin planning for the period after the national escape clause.
This is essential to ensure that the fiscal adjustments required thereafter are orderly and gradual.
Next, we held a substantive discussion on strengthening Europe's energy security and economic resilience, drawing on a presentation by Managing Director Georgieva.
This was a very timely discussion.
The European Commission continues to insist that we learn from the lessons of previous crises.
Support measures households and businesses in the current energy shock context must be temporary and targeted and should not increase the aggregate demand for fossil fuels.
At the same time, we must scale-up homegrown clean energy, continue electrification and strengthen our grid infrastructure.
These priorities were also reflected in the European Semester Spring Package the European Commission presented last week.
Where also now, upon request by a Member State, the scope of the current National Escape Clause for defence can be broadened for energy measures that reduce our dependence on fossil fuels.
This provides Member States with the space to address the structural causes of the energy crisis while preserving fiscal sustainability.
We also held a substantive discussion on the economic dimensions of European technological sovereignty.
Digital technologies – in particular AI, cloud and chips – will be central to Europe's future productivity and growth.
Tech sovereignty and competitiveness go hand-in-hand and should be pursued together.
The European Commission's recent Tech Sovereignty Package seeks to do exactly this: strengthening resilience, reducing strategic dependencies and supporting Europe's capacity to develop and scale critical technologies.
This ambition must be matched by resources.
We urgently need to mobilise private capital to step up and fund our largest, most strategic projects.
That underlines the need to deepen and integrate our capital markets.
This is another example of why advancing Europe's Savings and Investments Union remains an urgent priority.
There is also an energy angle.
We must manage the growing energy demands of digitalisation while unlocking the immense opportunities that innovation places within our reach.
Thank you.”
EU fiscal rules and oversight of national budgets
- 2026-06-04 “Answer given by Mr Dombrovskis on behalf of the European Commission 4.6.2026 Written question Statistics on accidents at work are collected in accordance with Regulation (EU) No 349/2011 [1] . As provided for in Annex II [2] to that regulation, certain categories of civil servants subject to national confidentiality rules may be excluded from the statistical coverage. Any additional limitations in coverage arising from national legislation are documented in the statistical office of the EU (Eurostat) publicly available metadata [3] on national data sources. The Commission continues to support improvements in the coverage, reliability and comparability of statistics on accidents at work. Efforts are ongoing to progressively enhance the scope of data collection, within the framework set by Regulation (EU) No 349/2011. In this context, Eurostat provides methodological guidance and facilitates the exchange of best practices to promote further harmonisation of national approaches. The Senior Labour Inspectors’ Committee publishes consolidated EU data on resources of labour inspectorates in a report [4] . Data on labour inspectorate resources in candidate countries is limited largely to what candidate countries provide for the annual enlargement reports [5] and is not consolidated. [1] Commission Regulation (EU) No 349/2011 of 11 April 2011 implementing Regulation (EC) No 1338/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council on Community statistics on public health and health and safety at work, as regards statistics on accidents at work, https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/HTML/?uri=CELEX:32011R0349. [2] List of professions subject to confidentiality for delivery on a voluntary basis. [3] https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/cache/metadata/en/hsw_acc_work_esms.htm. [4] The latest version of that report can be found here: https://circabc.europa.eu/ui/group/fea534f4-2590-4490-bca6-504782b47c79/library/8515c860-bdea-4f5f-9e6f-a3f132c9043f?p=1&n=10&sort=modified_DESC. [5] See, e.g., https://enlargement.ec.europa.eu/news/2025-enlargement-package-shows-progress-towards-eu-membership-key-enlargement-partners-2025-11-04_en for the reports of 2025.”
EU competences on social policies · EU rules on hazardous working conditions
- 2026-06-01 “The Western Australian Museum in Perth houses an unexpected treasure: A remarkable collection of 17th-century Dutch silver coins, recovered from the Batavia, a flagship of the Dutch East India Company.
Setting out on its maiden voyage in 1629, it carried 250,000 guilders in twelve wooden chests, destined for the spice markets of Java.
It never arrived, striking a reef and sinking thousands of kilometres from home.
Today, its treasures serve as a reminder that a European currency with global reach is nothing new.
Indeed, the Dutch guilder was the first truly global reserve currency, accepted as readily in Manhattan and Jakarta as it was in Delft and Utrecht.
It earned this status through three key strengths: a global footprint, backed by a vast trading network, the credibility that comes from trusted institutions, and a remarkable capacity for financial innovation.
While the world has changed almost beyond recognition since those coins were minted, the essential features that determine a currency's global status have not.
Good morning, ladies and gentlemen.
It is a pleasure to join you for today's conference on the International Monetary System and the Role of the Euro.
I would like to take this opportunity to share my thoughts on why the euro is well positioned to fulfil its potential as a truly global currency, and why that objective is both necessary and urgent.
Today's world has grown more challenging and less predictable for reasons that we are all familiar with.
Once, crises interrupted stability.
Now, brief periods of stability seem to punctuate one crisis after another.
Of course, disruptions to the status quo also create opportunities.
Including for our common currency.
During periods of market turbulence, the US dollar has typically acted as a global safe haven, attracting investors seeking the perceived shelter of US markets.
Yet, something unusual happened following Washington's announcements on the imposition of a very broad package of tariffs in April 2025.
The dollar fell. While US Treasury yields rose sharply.
This is the opposite of what usually happens to the world's reserve currency in a highly uncertain environment.
All of this does not rewrite the rules of global finance, of course.
But it was very widely noticed and characterised by some as a “reserve currency shock.”
This episode may be taken as a signal, perhaps, that investors are open to seeking alternative safe havens.
Today, the euro is already well established as the world's second most important currency, after the dollar.
It accounts for roughly 20% of official foreign exchange reserves, around 25% of all foreign currency denominated debt issuances, And the euro's share of global export invoicing, at more than 40%, remains as large as the share of the US dollar.
This prominence has not come about by accident.
It reflects our common currency's fundamental strengths.
But the euro can play an even stronger role on the world stage, and act as a credible alternative for those looking to reduce their exposure to a single dominant currency.
It has what it takes to go truly global, backed by three broad strategic assets: resilience at home, reach across the world, and a readiness to meet tomorrow's challenges.
Allow me to explore each of these elements in turn.
Beginning with resilience.
The euro is backed by economic scale.
The EU's Single Market brings together 450 million consumers and 26 million companies.
With a GDP of €18 trillion, the European Market is the second largest economy in the world, accounting for almost 18% of the global economy.
A large, competitive economy underpinned by strong institutions and macroeconomic stability provides an essential foundation of a stronger international role for the euro.
The euro is backed by trusted institutions.
Investors can rely on Europe's commitment to the rule of law, the independence of our monetary institutions and the impartiality of our statistical authorities.
At a time when the liberal order is being challenged around the world, this provides the euro with a key comparative advantage.
The euro is also backed by a stable macroeconomic environment.
The determined efforts to address weaknesses in the architecture of our economic and monetary union in the aftermath of the financial crisis paid off.
These reforms have been complemented with a new fiscal framework that further strengthens the sustainability of our public finances.
In recent years, the European economy has successfully navigated a series of near unprecedented shocks without the euro's integrity ever being called into question.
Stable and sound public finances underpin the attractiveness of the euro and provide the basis for an increase in the supply of high-quality euro-denominated sovereign debt.
Of course, more remains to be done to build on these strengths and further enhance Europe's resilience.
Much more.
We must maintain our commitment to sustainable public finances, even as we are faced with new and pressing spending needs.
We must double down on boosting competitiveness, improving the regulatory environment and removing the remaining barriers that still fragment our Single Market.
This is especially true when it comes to creating a more unified, liquid and efficient European capital market.
And we must not forget that in a more dangerous world, it remains critical that Europe delivers on its commitment to take responsibility for its own defence.
A currency cannot sustain global reserve status without the hard power to back it up.
For investors, a currency that can be defended is a currency that can be fully trusted.
Second, global reach.
The rules-based international order that powered global prosperity for decades is under severe strain, to put it mildly.
Openness is giving way to protectionism.
Multilateralism is in retreat.
But at a time when others are erecting barriers, Europe is building bridges.
We remain open for business, for new and existing partners alike.
The EU is already the world's largest trade bloc, accounting for an estimated 15.8% of world trade in 2024, and the top trading partner for 80 countries.
This year alone has seen the conclusion of major new trade agreements such as with Mercosur and India.
The EU and its Member States are the largest global provider of Official Development Assistance, accounting for 42% of global development assistance in 2022 and 2023.
That percentage is likely to increase significantly as other powers significantly cut their aid budgets.
And the €300 billion Global Gateway investment programme will deepen our ties with Sub-Saharan Africa, Asia, the Pacific, Latin America, and the Caribbean in the years ahead.
These relationships serve more than commercial and humanitarian goals.
They extend Europe's presence, reinforce our partnerships, and advance our interests.
They provide the essential global footprint that encourages the use of the euro in international transactions.
And send a signal to the world that the euro is a currency that is backed by a power guided not by transaction or exploitation, but by mutual benefit.
So, the EU remains firmly committed to open and rules-based trade, investment and international cooperation.
Addressing the risks that come with this openness is key to preserving it.
A stronger international role of the euro can underpin our efforts to enhance the EU's economic security.
When more countries hold euro reserves or settle trade in euros, they acquire a structural stake in stable, positive relations with the EU.
A stronger international role for the euro grants us greater leverage and a powerful addition to our diplomatic toolkit.
Let me turn, finally, to the euro's readiness to meet the future.
Today, we are preparing to make the most significant step forward since the euro was launched.
The digital euro, issued and backed by the ECB on European technology, will provide our currency with a digital monetary anchor while reinforcing the EU's strategic autonomy through a sovereign, pan-European payment system.
Technological change is reshaping finance at pace.
The euro must keep up and position itself as a currency ready and able to move with the times.
The focus must now be on completing the legislative work for the digital euro and accelerating our preparatory steps.
Ladies and gentlemen, we do not seek a greater international role for the euro for its own sake.
It means lower borrowing costs for European governments, businesses, and households.
It means reduced exposure to exchange rate volatility.
It means insulation from the use of financial channels as instruments of political coercion.
In short, it enhances Europe's strategic autonomy: our ability to act in our own interests, on our own terms, without dependence on the infrastructure or goodwill of others.
It is a crucial tool to ensure Europe can still choose its own destiny.
That it can still be a shaper of world events, rather than resign itself to merely being shaped by them.
There are those who have expressed fears that a stronger international role for the euro will necessarily result in a stronger exchange rate.
We must continue the process of integrating our financial markets so that they are deep enough to absorb inflows from investors seeking a safe haven.
There is no convincing evidence of a long-term link between a currency's share of global foreign exchange reserves and its real effective exchange rate where those deep markets exist.
Look at the dollar. It has remained the world's global reserve currency in times of strength and weakness thanks to the unrivalled depth of US financial markets.
Ladies and gentlemen, to conclude. The world is changing.
We live in an era where beliefs that were once taken as articles of faith can be quickly discarded.
The guilders washed ashore from the Batavia's ill-fated voyage tells us that, just like everything else, the status of global currencies can rise and fall.
Today, the euro has what it takes to go global.
The foundations are there.
Now is the moment for the euro to take its natural next steps and develop a global role that finally reflects its political, economic and financial weight.
Thank you.”
Financial regulation
- 2026-05-22 “Answer given by Mr Dombrovskis on behalf of the European Commission 22.5.2026 Written question 1. Eurostat publishes data on total annual financial assets and liabilities of the total economy [1] , as well as on non-financial assets by detailed asset type [2] , for all Member States, starting from 1995. The data are also available by institutional sector. 2. The stocks of non-financial and financial assets for Germany for the reference year 2023 in EUR million are as follows: Non-financial assets — excluding IPPs (tangible assets) 21,651,552; Intellectual Property Products (IPPs) (intangible assets) EUR 719,718; Financial net worth 3,180,374. The same data for other Member States can be obtained following the links in footnotes 1 and 2. 3. National accounts and annual financial accounts data, transmitted to Eurostat by Member States and published on the website of Eurostat, follow the European System of National and Regional Accounts (ESA 2010) [3] . [1] https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/databrowser/bookmark/8333a515-e77d-4728-9b4e-b256cc7ad86b?lang=en&createdAt=2026-03-27T09:23:52Z. [2] https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/databrowser/bookmark/f0a4b7d5-abb5-4582-80bc-6b00aa0a8ae7?lang=en&createdAt=2026-03-27T14:07:45Z. [3] Regulation (EU) No 549/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 21 May 2013 on the European system of national and regional accounts in the European Union (OJ L 174, 26.6.2013, p. 1, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2013/549/oj).”
Wealth taxation
- 2026-05-22 “Answer given by Mr Dombrovskis on behalf of the European Commission 22.5.2026 Written question Eurostat publishes data on total annual financial assets and liabilities of the total economy [1] , as well as on non-financial assets by detailed asset type [2] , for all Member States, starting from 1995. The data are also available by institutional sector. Annual financial accounts data are transmitted to Eurostat by all Member States , including data for Germany compiled by the Deutsche Bundesbank following the European System of National and Regional Accounts [3] ( ESA 2010), and are used to compile Euro Area and EU aggregates by institutional sector. National accounts and annual financial accounts data transmitted to Eurostat by EU countries follow ESA 2010, the EU’s internationally compatible accounting framework. Eurostat issues manuals and methodological guidance to support harmonised implementation by all Member States and applies a robust quality assurance framework to the transmitted data. Since 2018, and every five years thereafter, Eurostat reports to the European Parliament and the Council on the application of ESA 2010, assessing the data quality, the effectiveness of the regulation and its monitoring process, as well as progress on contingent liabilities and data availability (the latest report was released in 2023 [4] ). [1] https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/databrowser/bookmark/8333a515-e77d-4728-9b4e-b256cc7ad86b?lang=en&createdAt=2026-03-27T09:23:52Z. [2] https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/databrowser/bookmark/f0a4b7d5-abb5-4582-80bc-6b00aa0a8ae7?lang=en&createdAt=2026-03-27T14:07:45Z. [3] Regulation (EU) No 549/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 21 May 2013 on the European system of national and regional accounts in the European Union (OJ L 174, 26.6.2013, p. 1, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2013/549/oj). [4] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=COM%3A2023%3A308%3AFIN.”
Wealth taxation · EU regulation on financial data access
- 2026-05-22 “It's good to be back in Nicosia.
We started our discussion with macroeconomic developments.
Yesterday, I presented the European Commission's Spring Economic Forecast.
The conflict in the Middle East has triggered a new energy shock, affecting inflation, growth, and public finances across the EU.
Higher energy prices are already hitting households and businesses across Europe.
Overall, headline inflation in the EU is projected to reach 3.1% this year before easing to 2.4% next year.
The European economy is still expected to grow, but at a slower pace.
GDP growth in the EU is projected at 1.1% in 2026, before edging up to 1.4% in 2027.
The energy shock is also placing additional pressure on our public finances.
Ten Member States recorded deficits above 3% of GDP in 2025.
And by 2027, this number is expected to rise to thirteen.
We project the average EU budget deficit to increase from 3.1% of GDP in 2025 to 3.5% this year, and 3.6% next year.
Against this backdrop, we must remain vigilant in safeguarding sound public finances.
This means drawing the right lessons from past crises and ensuring that support measures remain temporary and targeted.
More broadly, while the energy crisis is our latest test, the broader challenges facing the European economy remain in place.
We must double down on our commitment to build a more competitive Europe to secure our long-term prosperity.
We also held a good discussion on the digital euro.
This project is central to Europe's efforts to strengthen our strategic autonomy and fully seize the opportunities of the digital age.
I welcome recent progress made in discussions within the European Parliament.
We must now maintain this positive momentum, with a view to concluding negotiations by the end of this year, in line with the “One Europe, One Market” roadmap.
The European Commission stands ready, as always, to provide all necessary technical support to help facilitate further progress.
Finally, we held a useful exchange on the economic challenges and policy options related to housing.
Of course, housing realities are mostly national, regional and local, so housing policy remains a national competence.
But the Commission's first-ever European Affordable Housing Plan, presented last year, sets out measures to help address the growing imbalance between housing supply and demand.
Ultimately, Europe needs more homes.
We must therefore focus on increasing supply
Including by simplifying regulations and permitting procedures and addressing labour shortages in the construction sector.
This can help create the conditions for a meaningful improvement in housing affordability.
Thank you.”
EU fiscal rules and oversight of national budgets
- 2026-05-21 “Answer given by Mr Dombrovskis on behalf of the European Commission 21.5.2026 Written question The ‘One Europe, One Market’ roadmap was announced following the informal EU Leaders’ retreat of 12 February 2026 and further referred to in the Commission President’s letter to Leaders ahead of the March 2026 European Council and in the European Council Conclusions of 19 March 2026. The aim is for the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission to deliver swiftly on key initiatives for the Single Market with clear timelines for delivery by the end of 2027. The roadmap will establish measurable targets and provide a framework to ensure that strategic priorities are implemented and commitments delivered. The Commission remains committed to its better regulation high standards and to working in a transparent, inclusive and evidence-based manner. All Commission initiatives follow better regulation principles and guidelines, which include the built-in flexibility to account for urgencies and prepare legislation in a short time frame, if necessary. Further to adoption by the Commission, the proposals follow the interinstitutional negotiation process, in full respect of prerogatives and responsibilities of the co-legislators as foreseen by the Treaties.”
EU engagement with citizens · EU political integration
- 2026-05-21 “Answer given by Mr Dombrovskis on behalf of the European Commission 21.5.2026 Written question Eurostat publishes data on total annual financial assets and liabilities of the total economy, as well as on non-financial assets by detailed asset type, for all Member States, starting from 1995. The data are also available by institutional sector. All the necessary elements are therefore available for users to combine the data and compile a complete balance sheet for the economy. The data follow the conceptual requirements of the European System of National and Regional Accounts (ESA 2010) [1] , which are followed by the Deutsche Bundesbank . Eurostat publishes data on total annual financial assets and liabilities of the total economy [2] , as well as on non-financial assets by detailed asset type [3] , for all Member States, starting from 1995. The data are also available by institutional sector. [1] Regulation (EU) No 549/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 21 May 2013 on the European system of national and regional accounts in the European Union (OJ L 174, 26.6.2013, p. 1, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2013/549/oj). [2] https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/databrowser/bookmark/8333a515-e77d-4728-9b4e-b256cc7ad86b?lang=en&createdAt=2026-03-27T09:23:52Z. [3] https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/databrowser/bookmark/f0a4b7d5-abb5-4582-80bc-6b00aa0a8ae7?lang=en&createdAt=2026-03-27T14:07:45Z.”
Wealth taxation
- 2026-05-19 “Answer given by Mr Dombrovskis on behalf of the European Commission 19.5.2026 Written question The Commission does not comment on individual appointment procedures or candidates for membership in the board of independent fiscal institutions (IFIs). The relevant EU legislation (Article 8(a)(3) of Council Directive 2011/85/EU [1] as amended by Council Directive (EU) 2024/1265 [2] ) states that ‘Independent fiscal institutions shall be composed of members nominated and appointed on the basis of their experience and competence in public finances, macroeconomics or budgetary management, and by means of transparent procedures’. The Commission is in the process of assessing the national provisions transposing the amended provisions under Council Directive (EU) 2024/1265, including provisions covering independence safeguards. While the transposition deadline for Member States for the amending Directive was 31 December 2025, several Member States did not yet submit information detailing what transposition measures have been taken. The assessment will be based on formally submitted information from every Member State. The implementation of transposed provisions in practice is equally important. To safeguard the IFIs’ independence in practical terms, it is primarily the task of national actors (public authorities, elected representatives and the judiciary) to ensure a correct application of national law. The Commission follows the national debates and keeps contact with IFIs. In case of a systematic failure of national authorities to implement EU law, the Commission could take action under Article 258 of the Treaty [3] . In such instances, indications of measures, absence of measures, or practices of a Member State that are contrary to EU law are investigated by the Commission in cooperation with the Member State concerned in the context of an informal dialogue or an infringement procedure. [1] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/dir/2011/85/oj/eng. [2] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=OJ:L_202401265. [3] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=CELEX:12012E/TXT:en:PDF.”
EU fiscal rules and oversight of national budgets
- 2026-05-08 “Answer given by Mr Dombrovskis on behalf of the European Commission 8.5.2026 Written question The Commission put forward a plan to simplify EU laws and cut burdens, laid out in the communication ‘A simpler and Faster Europe’ [1] , to reduce burdens by at least 25% for companies and 35% for small and medium-sized enterprises, which means cutting administrative costs by EUR 37.5 billion by the end of the mandate. In 2025, the Commission adopted ten omnibus proposals and other simplification initiatives, bringing EUR 15 billion annual administrative savings. Furthermore, the President of the Commission announced a regulatory deep house cleaning of the acquis to eliminate outdated provisions and overlaps and foster regulatory consolidation. : To ensure more uniform application of EU policies, the Commission will also address gold-plating at national level, which can result in additional barriers and costs. This Action Plan was presented on 28 April 2026 as part of the communication on a ‘Simpler Clearer and Better Enforced EU Rulebook’ [2] . To support these efforts, the Commission has introduced new consultation tools to reach out to stakeholders, seeking their views on what is working and what could be improved. Members of the College have held a total of 57 Implementation Dialogues so far [3] , engaging over 1 100 diverse stakeholders. Insights from the implementation dialogues have contributed to several omnibus and simplification proposals. Moreover, the next multiannual financial framework will have a simpler architecture, with fewer programmes and common rules across programmes. Advisory and business support services will be streamlined. More than 30 online portals with information about the budget will be merged into one user-friendly entry point. The Commission will reuse existing data and embed ‘digital by default’ and ‘once-only’ principles to ease reporting and compliance costs. [1] Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions, A simpler and faster Europe: Communication on implementation and simplification, COM(2025) 47 final. [2] COM(2026)380 final https://commission.europa.eu/publications/simpler-clearer-and-better-enforced-eu-rulebook_en. [3] https://commission.europa.eu/law/law-making-process/better-regulation/simplification-and-implementation/implementation-dialogues-0_en.”
Overall simplification of regulation in the EU · Conditions to access EU budget
- 2026-04-30 “E-000938/2026 Answer given by Mr Dombrovskis on behalf of the European Commission The Commission introduced the ‘one-in, one-out’ mechanism in 2022 to simplify and reduce administrative burdens for businesses 1 . In 2025, the Commission strengthened its efforts, going hand in hand with facilitating implementation and enforcement. The Commission has set a very ambitious target of reducing administrative burdens for companies by at least 25%, and by at least 35% for small and medium-sized enterprises. This target goes much beyond savings that could be achieved with the ‘one in, two out’ approach. During 2025, the Commission tabled Omnibus and other Simplification Proposals, which – if approved by the co-legislators, could deliver at least EUR 15 billion savings in recurring administrative costs 2 . This is the net result of EUR 15.25 billion in cost savings and EUR 247 million in additional costs. This result is already now significantly more ambitious than any level of savings that would result from a ‘one-in, two out’ approach. The Commission has a comprehensive agenda for regulatory efficiency and is stepping up its simplification efforts. Implementation dialogues and reality checks are helping to identify undue complexities and simplification avenues. An Action Plan on Regulatory Deep Cleaning, recently announced by the President of the Commission, will further address overlaps, duplications, inefficiencies and redundancies, as well as foster the consolidation of legislation in fragmented areas. 1 The results can be found on the website: https://commission.europa.eu/law/law-making-process/betterregulation/simplification-and-implementation/simplification/one-one-out-approach_en. 2 https://commission.europa.eu/law/law-making-process/better-regulation/simplification-andimplementation/simplification_en.”
EU political integration
- 2026-04-23 “E-000453/2026 Answer given by Mr Dombrovskis on behalf of the European Commission The European Investment Bank’s (EIB) Water Resilience Programme is supporting the Commission’s Water Resilience Strategy, and it covers all EU 27 Member States, but also countries outside the EU (in particular in accession regions, Central Asia and the Southern Neighbourhood). The programme supports strategic water resilience infrastructure with blended finance structures, smaller municipalities, utilities and firms through intermediated lending, multi-borrower structures and guarantees. It also promotes the use of public-private partnerships and equity investment into water resilience. Project promoters, including Spanish authorities or public and private companies, can apply for advisory services as well as financial support, and the EIB will perform its financial and technical assessment of the proposal that could materialise in providing the requested financing. The EIB has supported many water projects in Spain in the last years 1 . Specifically, under the Water Resilience Programme, projects such as Canal de Isabel II for water infrastructure investment in the Community of Madrid (EUR 430 million), and Sabadell Flood emergency recovery (EUR 150 million) to finance the reconstruction following the severe floods in Spain, as well as preventive measures to enhance resilience against future floods were signed in 2025. The implementation of the projects is followed by the EIB in line with its internal rules and procedures. 1 https://www.eib.org/en/projects/all/index?q=&sortColumn=statusDate&sortDir=desc&pageNumber=0&itemPer Page=25&pageable=true&la=EN&deLa=EN&yearFrom=2024&orYearFrom=true&yearTo=&orYearTo=true&s tatus=approved&status=signed&orStatus=true®ions=europeanunion&orRegions=true&countries=ES&orCountries=true§ors=2030&orSectors=true.”
EU policy on water management
- 2026-04-23 “E-000779/2026 Answer given by Mr Dombrovskis on behalf of the European Commission The Commission assesses the fulfilment of milestones and targets under the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF) 1 against the specific requirements defined in the Council Implementing Decision approving each national Recovery and Resilience Plan. The same methodology is applied when assessing milestones and targets related to low-emission zones, thereby verifying whether the elements required, such as the completion of physical investments or the adoption and entry into force of enabling legislation, have been achieved. Where the defined requirements are met, the milestone or target may be considered satisfactorily fulfilled, irrespective of progress on other milestones or targets linked to the same reform or investment. RRF funds are only released following the satisfactory fulfilment of the relevant milestones and targets by the Member States. Article 24(6) of the RRF Regulation 2 provides for a full or partial suspension of the financial contribution where the Commission assesses that the milestones and targets have not been satisfactorily fulfilled. Member States are responsible for ensuring that measures under the RRF are implemented in compliance with applicable EU and national law, including environmental legislation. 1 https://commission.europa.eu/funding-tenders/find-funding/eu-funding-programmes/recovery-and-resiliencefacility_en. 2 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2021/241/oj/eng.”
Air quality policy · Road transport environmental policy
- 2026-04-20 “E-000565/2026 Answer given by Mr Dombrovskis on behalf of the European Commission Reform 1.3 ‘Reorganisation of the school system’, which aims to adapt the school system to demographic developments, is part of the Italian Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP) under Mission 4, Component 1 as provided for by the revised Annex to the Council Implementing Decision (CID) on the approval of the assessment of the RRP 1 . In this context, the Commission recalls that it is a primary responsibility of the Member State to implement measures in line with the provisions set out in the CID. The latter does not prescribe the specific territorial configuration of school networks or the number or location of individual school mergers in each region. It is therefore for the relevant national and regional Italian institutions, in line with national and EU law, to define the parameters and procedures for school sizing, provided that the overall implementation remains in line with the requirements of the CID. In this regard, it should be noted that the Italian authorities have reported, within the framework of the Italian National Recovery and Resilience Plan 2 on the objectives for the reorganisation of the education system, which have enabled Italy to achieve the objectives set out in Reform 1.3 of Mission 4, Component 1. Article 174 Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union requires the EU to promote economic, social and territorial cohesion and to pay particular attention to regions which suffer from natural or demographic weaknesses, including island regions such as Sardinia. Flexibility for addressing specific territorial challenges related to school access and early school leaving can be sought through the use and coordination of other EU instruments, such as the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+), the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and, where relevant, cohesion policy programmes targeting educational infrastructure and services. 1 CID of 25 November 2025 amending the Implementing Decision of 13 July 2021 on the approval of the assessment of the recovery and resilience plan for Italy, ST 15106/25. 2 https://reforms-investments.ec.europa.eu/italys-recovery-and-resilience-plan_en”
Cohesion and rural funding
- 2026-04-15 “E-000457/2026 Answer given by Mr Dombrovskis on behalf of the European Commission In 2024, the Union adopted 146 files under the ordinary legislative procedure (82 basic acts and 64 amendments). It is usual for a higher number of adoptions by the European Parliament and the Council to take place in the last year of the legislative term. The Commission is pursuing an ambitious simplification agenda. This agenda has so far delivered in 2025 EUR 15 billion reduction of administrative costs through ten omnibus proposals and other simplification initiatives, which will reinject annual savings into the real economy. In 2026, half of Commission work programme legislative initiatives have a simplification dimension. This represents concrete progress towards the target to reduce administrative burdens by at least 25% and 35% for small and medium sized enterprises. Moreover, the Commission has deprioritised around 30% of the delegated and implementing acts initially planned for 2026. The Commission will present ideas on how to further improve regulatory simplicity in its upcoming Communication on Better Regulation. The choice of the legal instruments follows from the nature and scope of the intended policy objectives and the assessment of the proposed measures in the light of the principles of subsidiarity and proportionality, while also considering the widely-shared goal of facilitating implementation and reducing the barriers to the Single Market for businesses and citizens. The Union acts within the limits of the competences conferred by the Treaties (principle of conferral) and only if and in so far as the objectives of the proposed action cannot be sufficiently achieved by the Member States (principle of subsidiarity).”
Transparency requirements of EU institutions · EU political integration
- 2026-04-10 “P-000734/2026 Answer given by Mr Dombrovskis on behalf of the European Commission The Commission continuously assesses the macroeconomic and social impact of pressing economic issues for the EU and the euro area. The Honourable Member is referred to the analytical chapters of Commission forecasts 1 , the Quarterly Report of the Euro Area 2 , Country reports 3 , in-depth reviews 4 , the Joint Employment Report 5 , analyses of social convergence 6 and other institutional papers and staff working documents 7 . On 25 November 2026, the Commission published its European Macroeconomic Report (EMR), which aims to inform and steer policy discussions to strengthen the EU economy. The EMR underpins the euro area recommendation 8 and complements the Alert Mechanism Report 9 and delves into macroeconomic challenges and vulnerabilities. 1 The Autumn 2025 Forecast https://economy-finance.ec.europa.eu/economic-forecast-and-surveys/economicforecasts/autumn-2025-economic-forecast-shows-continued-growth-despite-challenging-environment_en#boxes--autumn-2025 contained a special issues chapter on the macroeconomic role of the EU Emissions Trading System https://economy-finance.ec.europa.eu/trends-carbon-intensity-and-macroeconomic-role-eu-emissionstrading-system_en, and a box on spillovers to the EU from US tariffs imposed on third countries https://economy-finance.ec.europa.eu/spillovers-eu-us-tariffs-imposed-third-countries-model-basedsimulations_en. The Spring 2025 Forecast https://economy-finance.ec.europa.eu/economic-forecast-andsurveys/economic-forecasts/spring-2025-economic-forecast-moderate-growth-amid-global-economicuncertainty_en included a special issues chapter on the macroeconomic effect of US tariff hikes https://economyfinance.ec.europa.eu/economic-forecast-and-surveys/economic-forecasts/spring-2025-economic-forecastmoderate-growth-amid-global-economic-uncertainty/macroeconomic-effect-us-tariff-hikes_en. 2 The Quarterly Report on the Euro Area https://ideas.repec.org/s/euf/qreuro.html. Recent versions included articles on selected macroeconomic and social aspects of housing affordability https://ideas.repec.org/a/euf/qreuro/0241-02.html, the distributional impact of high inflation and the related policy response https://ideas.repec.org/a/euf/qreuro/0234-02.html and climate change and its implications for prices and inflation https://ideas.repec.org/a/euf/qreuro/0231-02.html. 3 The Country reports https://economy-finance.ec.europa.eu/document/download/fca1ebd8-9670-4482-906dba121c873112_en?filename=AT_CR_SWD_2025_220_1_EN_autre_document_travail_service_part1_v4.pdf. They provide a systematic assessment of economic developments and key policy challenges, innovation, business environment and productivity, decarbonisation, energy affordability and sustainability, and skills, quality jobs and social fairness for all EU Member States. 4 In-depth reviews https://economy-finance.ec.europa.eu/economic-governance-framework/macroeconomicimbalance-procedure/depth-reviews_en provide an assessment of macroeconomic imbalances for selected EU Member States. 5 Joint Employment Report https://employment-social-affairs.ec.europa.eu/joint-employment-report-2025-0_en. 6 Social Convergence Framework https://employment-social-affairs.ec.europa.eu/news/commission-analysessocial-convergence-10-eu-countries-2025-04-11_en. 7 Institutional papers written by Commission staff based on the QUEST model are linked here https://economyfinance.ec.europa.eu/economic-research-and-databases/economic-research/macroeconomic-models/questmacroeconomic-model_en, and based on the Global Multi-Country model here https://economyfinance.ec.europa.eu/economic-research-and-databases/economic-research/macroeconomic-models/global-multicountry-gm-model_en. 8 2026 Council recommendation on the economic policy of the euro area https://data.consilium.europa.eu/doc/document/ST-5732-2026-INIT/en/pdf. 9 Alert Mechanism Reports https://economy-finance.ec.europa.eu/economic-governanceframework/macroeconomic-imbalance-procedure/alert-mechanism-report_en.”
Defence spending · EU fiscal rules and oversight of national budgets
- 2026-04-10 “P-000486/2026 Answer given by Mr Dombrovskis on behalf of the European Commission 1. In its Commission Implementing Decision of 28 May 2025, the Commission concluded that milestone 215 was not satisfactorily fulfilled and, as a result, EUR 231 million was suspended in relation to that milestone 1 . 2. The Commission concluded that milestone 215 could not be considered satisfactorily fulfilled because, following the Romanian Constitutional Court’s Decision 724/2024 of 19 December 2024 2 , the new legislation on special pensions does not strengthen the contributory principle of the system and does not correct the inequities between beneficiaries of special pension categories and beneficiaries of the public pension system from the point of view of the contributory aspect. 3. Following the Commission Implementing Decision of 28 May 2025, Romania had six months to address the shortcomings identified by the Commission. On 28 November 2025, the Romanian authorities submitted documentation on four suspended milestones, including milestone 215, which the Commission is currently assessing. Pursuant to Article 24(8) of the Recovery and Resilience Facility Regulation 3 , once the Commission has completed its assessment, it will communicate its findings to the Romanian authorities. Romania will then have two months to submit its observations before the Commission proceeds with any final decision. No decision to reduce the financial contribution has been taken at this stage. 1 See the Commission Implementing Decision of 28.5.2025 on the authorisation of the disbursement of the third instalment of the non-repayable support and the third instalment of the loan support for Romania https://commission.europa.eu/document/download/647a956c-b008-4a82-96519f87286a2ad1_en?filename=C_2025_3487_1_EN_ACT_part1_v3.pdf. The relevant assessment and conclusions related to milestone 215 are in recitals 9, 121-129, and 155-158. 2 See the Romanian Constitutional Court’s Decision 724/2024 of 19 December 2024 https://www.ccr.ro/wpcontent/uploads/2025/02/Decizie_724_2024.pdf. 3 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2021/241/oj/eng.”
EU Supervision of the Rule of Law · Conditions to access EU budget
- 2026-04-08 “E-000456/2026 Answer given by Mr Dombrovskis on behalf of the European Commission 1. The Commission works hand in hand with the Member States, based on the principles of subsidiarity and the conferral of competences. The Commission as guardian of the Treaties must monitor the compliance with EU law, including notably to ensure the integrity of the Single Market to the benefit of European citizens and companies across all Member States. At the same time, the Commission is pursuing an ambitious regulatory simplification agenda. 2. The use of digital tools, including artificial intelligence, could support this mission by enhancing the efficiency and objectivity of compliance monitoring. The use of such tools will assist, not replace the substantial assessment of each individual case to be performed by the Commission services under the authority of the College of Commissioners. 3. Under Article 5 of the Treaty on European Union, the EU operates within the limits of competences conferred upon it, while other competences remain with Member States, thus they retain full responsibility for the implementation of EU law. The Commission’s role is to support Member States in fulfilling their obligations and, where necessary, to initiate enforcement action to address non-compliance. The Commission is committed to upholding the subsidiarity principle when proposing draft laws to the co-legislators; a thorough subsidiarity assessment is part of its Better Regulation agenda.”
Transparency and oversight of AI-generated content · Rule of law and democracy in the EU (political compass)
- 2026-04-01 “E-000493/2026 Answer given by Mr Dombrovskis on behalf of the European Commission In line with the previous answers to written parliamentary questions E- P-2326/22 1 and E004476/2025 2 , the Commission emphasises that it has no information indicating that the professional independence of the Spanish National Statistical Institute (INE) was affected – neither in relation to the Spanish gross domestic product (GDP) data as revised in 2024, nor in relation to the decision by the President of INE to resign in 2022. The Commission has taken and will continue to take active steps to ensure full compliance with EU statistical law in all Member States, including continuing to safeguard the professional independence of statistical authorities. At the same time, it is worth recalling that the legal framework on European statistics 3 contains dedicated mechanisms such as statistical quality assessments 4 , which provide further reassurance on the integrity of national statistics. In addition, the European Statistical Governance Advisory Board provides an independent overview of the European Statistical System as regards the implementation of the European Statistics Code of Practice. Peer reviews are also regularly carried out within the European Statistical System and are publicised to facilitate public scrutiny 5 . 1 https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/P-9-2022-002326-ASW_EN.html. 2 https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/-ASW_EN.html. 3 Regulation (EC) No 223/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 March 2009 on European statistics and repealing Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 1101/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council on the transmission of data subject to statistical confidentiality to the Statistical Office of the European Communities, Council Regulation (EC) No 322/97 on Community Statistics, and Council Decision 89/382/EEC, Euratom establishing a Committee on the Statistical Programmes of the European Communities, OJ L 87, 31.3.2009, p. 164; ELI: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2009/223/2024-12-26. 4 See https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/web/quality/european-quality-standards and in particular https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/documents/4031688/8717565/KS-02-17-428-ES-N.pdf/36a448bd-c76d-46b9-85f835e0e3ae1473?t=1520260462000. 5 See https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/web/quality/peer-reviews/third-round.”
Rule of law in Spain
- 2026-03-30 “Answer given by Mr Dombrovskis on behalf of the European Commission 30.3.2026 Written question In 2022, Statistics Finland revised the statistical treatment of the interest subsidy loans granted by the Finnish Housing Finance and Development Centre (ARA). This revision did not apply to the separate loan guarantee scheme administered by ARA under the Act on State Guarantees for Rental Housing Loans (856/2008). As a result, these State Guarantees are not included in Finland’s Maastricht debt. They are reported separately for information, as contingent liabilities not impacting debt. The revision was agreed with the Statistical Office of the European Union, which confirmed that the statistical recording complies with the rules on sector classification under the European System of Accounts (ESA 2010) and the Manual on Government Deficit and Debt.”
EU fiscal rules and oversight of national budgets
- 2026-03-26 “E-000263/2026 Answer given by Commissioner Dombrovskis on behalf of the European Commission The Commission recognises the importance of tackling regional disparities in Italy regarding access to healthcare, and monitors these issues, especially within the framework of the European Semester. In line with the objective of supporting access to primary healthcare services, especially in regions where access is more difficult, Mission 6 of the Italian recovery and resilience plan (NRRP) 1 includes, amongst others, several measures aimed at improving territorial healthcare assistance. In particular, it establishes a new organisational model for the territorial healthcare network and it further supports the investments needed for its full implementation. The Commission services are in constant dialogue with the Italian authorities regarding the implementation of the Italian NRRP. While the Commission assesses the fulfilment of the milestones and targets envisaged in the Council Implementing Decision (CID) for the Italian NRRP and ensures coordination, monitoring, and support in implementing its measures, the national authorities remain primarily responsible for implementing their Plan as detailed in the CID Annex. 1 Annex to the Council Implementing Decision amending Implementing Decision of 13 July 2021 on the approval of the assessment of the recovery and resilience plan for Italy, https://data.consilium.europa.eu/doc/document/ST-15106-2025-ADD-1/en/pdf.”
Public and private sectors role in healthcare services
- 2026-03-26 “E-000322/2026 Answer given by Mr Dombrovskis on behalf of the European Commission The Recovery and Resilience Facility is a performance-based instrument in which the Commission makes payments to the Member States based on the achievement of specific milestones and targets measuring the Member State’s progress to implement specific investments and reforms. In order to ensure the national ownership in the design and implementation of the Recovery and Resilience Plans (RRPs), the responsibility to propose reforms and investment falls under the remit of national authorities. The Commission’s responsibility is to assess the compliance of the Spanish RRP, including investments related to the railway network, with the criteria set out in Regulation (EU) 2021/241 1 . The full list of investments and reforms that Spain selected and committed to undertake is set out in the Annex to the Council adopted the Council Implementing Decision (CID) of 13 July 2021 on the approval of the assessment of the recovery and resilience plan for Spain 2 . In particular, investments related to railway infrastructure and to works to be implemented on the railway network can be found under component 1 (Low-emission areas and transformation of urban and metropolitan transport) and component 6 (Sustainable mobility – Long Distance). 1 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2021/241/oj/eng. 2 https://commission.europa.eu/document/download/023c40c3-e2d0-4b78-84b09b0cb45da21b_en?filename=COM_2025_794_1_EN_ACT_part1_v3.pdf.”
EU support of rail transport · EU funding for transportation
- 2026-03-16 “E-000316/2026 Answer given by Mr Dombrovskis on behalf of the European Commission 1. The EU Treaties have conferred to the Commission the role of guardian of the Treaties. Decisions on the opening and pursuing of infringement cases are the Commission’s prerogative and are taken by the College, based on the principle of collegiality, after detailed analysis of the facts and laws at stake. 2. The Commission attaches great importance to ensuring transparency of its enforcement policy and decisions 1 . Its 2016 and 2022 Communications on enforcement 2 set out the criteria that underpin the Commission’s strategic approach to enforcement and the various tools used for this purpose. This Commission has reinforced its reporting to co-legislators on the enforcement of EU law. Every Commissioner has published an Annual Progress Report on Simplification, Implementation and Enforcement, transmitted to the relevant Committees of the European Parliament and configurations of the Council 3 . The individual reports have been complemented by an Overview Report adopted by the Commission on 21 October 2025 4 . 3. The Commission’s enforcement actions are guided by the Commission’s strategic approach referred to in reply to the second question of the Honourable Member. 1 A public register of infringement cases and press releases (https://ec.europa.eu/implementing-eu-law/searchinfringement-decisions/?lang_code=en&langCode=EN) informs about the progress of individual cases while an Europa website (https://ec.europa.eu/implementing-eu-law/home/en) on infringement cases, pre-infringement dialogues and transposition of directive provides easily accessible statistical data with customisable graphs. 2 ‘EU law: Better results through better application’ of 19 January 2017 (https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legalcontent/EN/TXT/?uri=oj:JOC_2017_018_R_0002) and ‘Enforcing EU law for a Europe that delivers’ of 11 October 2022 (https://commission.europa.eu/document/b75864f0-8516-4ff0-9e2a-c3e8a557bbfb_en). 3 The Annual Progress Reports are available on a dedicated website on Europa (https://commission.europa.eu/law/law-making-process/better-regulation/simplification-andimplementation/2025-annual-progress-reports-simplification-implementation-and-enforcement_en). 4 The Overview Report (https://commission.europa.eu/publications/2025-overview-report-simplificationimplementation-and-enforcement_en) was presented to the Committee on Legal Affairs by Commissioner Dombrovskis on 4 December 2025.”
Rule of law and democracy in the EU (political compass) · Transparency requirements of EU institutions
- 2026-03-12 “E-004157/2025 Answer given by Mr Dombrovskis on behalf of the European Commission 1. Directive 2014/24/EU on Public Procurement establishes the framework to enable fair market practices, providing the Commission the power to monitor and enforce compliance among Member States. Through the EU Financial Regulation 1 , the Commission is also tasked with ensuring proper use of EU funds, which includes verifying the adherence to procurement standards to promote transparency and efficiency in spending. The Commission holds the competency to investigate irregularities in the funding process and, if relevant, refer cases to competent investigative bodies 2 . The Joint Communication on strengthening EU economic security 3 encourages Member States and partners implementing national or EU budgets to prioritise support to EU businesses that reduce foreign dependencies in critical sectors. 2. The Commission’s main responsibility is to assess whether Member States have fulfilled the milestones and targets set in their Recovery and Resilience Plans (RRPs). The implementing body of the respective Member States is responsible for setting the rules for allocation of RRP grants at national level and for their implementation. The call for proposals 4 states that when awarding contracts funded by the subsidy, Czech Act No. 134/2016 Coll. on public procurement must be complied with 5 . Milestones and targets funded under the Recovery and Resilience Facility are closely monitored for compliance with public procurement, competition and funding rules. The Commission may also conduct audits of milestones and targets, including those associated with the implementation of the project in question, based on risk assessments. Should any irregularities emerge, the Commission will work with Czech authorities to address and rectify the issues. Where further examination is warranted, the Commission is prepared to engage relevant investigative bodies. 1 https://commission.europa.eu/publications/eu-financial-regulation_en. 2 Investigative bodies such as the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) and the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO). Additionally, for high-value tenders, Regulation (EU) 2022/2560 on foreign subsidies provides a mechanism for the Commission to scrutinise and address instances where bidders might gain an unfair advantage due to foreign subsidies, thereby safeguarding the integrity and competitiveness of the internal market. 3 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:52025JC0977. 4 Call for applications under which the 'Support for Schools in the Context of Digitalisation’ project was awarded. 5 Additionally, Member States are required to ensure an effective internal control system, to regularly verify the proper use of the funds and the proper implementation of reforms and investments in accordance with the legislation for the protection of the financial interests of the EU.”
EU industrial funding
- 2026-03-04 “E-004716/2025 Answer given by Mr Dombrovskis on behalf of the European Commission In line with the Merger Regulation 1 , the Commission assesses the impact that a notified transaction has on effective competition. In the final decision adopted on 13 February 2026, the Commission concluded that the Universal Music Group (UMG) may gain access to commercially sensitive data on Downtown’s software Curve and the remedies submitted by UMG fully address these concerns. Based on evidence and feedback collected from many stakeholders during its investigation, the Commission concluded that the transaction does not raise other competition concerns. In particular, the investigation confirmed the existence of various competitors, including Sony, Warner, Believe and other independents. The press release is available on the Commission’s website 2 . On 12 November 2025, the Commission adopted a Communication on a new Culture Compass for Europe (COM(2025) 785 final) that sets out a strategic vision and recognizes the need to address the pressing challenges facing the cultural and creative sectors. Among the key priorities, it aims at empowering artists and cultural professionals and leveraging Europe’s culture and cultural heritage to enhance competitiveness, resilience and social cohesion. The Compass also identifies concrete flagship actions supporting cultural and creative professionals, such as developing an EU Artist Charter and an AI strategy for the cultural and creative sectors. The Commission has also invited the European Parliament and the Council to consider agreeing and co-signing a Joint Declaration (COM(2025) 786 final) that aims to strengthen the political commitment to support Europe’s cultural and creative sectors and industries, as an integral part of the EU’s identity and development. 1 Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 of 20 January 2004 on the control of concentrations between undertakings, OJ L 24, 29.1.2004, pp. 1–22. 2 https://competition-cases.ec.europa.eu/cases/M.11956.”
EU and national cultural identities
- 2026-03-02 “E-000136/2026 Answer given by Mr Dombrovskis on behalf of the European Commission The Commission’s publications and geographical visualisations focus on the EU and the continent ‘Europe’. To produce maps and cartographic visualisations, the Commission uses internationally agreed standards and good practices, complemented with authoritative geospatial data from Member States 1 . Any mapping choice depends on the context (e.g. geographical scope and purpose of the map) and no single, perfect solution exists as any projection deforms some parts of the world. While acknowledging the importance of equitable projections, in its publications and websites, the Commission uses the most appropriate cartographic projections. At the same time, the Commission follows the ongoing global geopolitical discussions and assesses the different practices and methodologies of cartographic projections including the ones like Equal Earth. Beyond the Commission’s mapping and visualisation practices, the EU’s role under Article 165 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union is limited to supporting, coordinating and supplementing the actions of the Member States. Responsibility for the content of teaching and the organisation of education systems lies exclusively with the Member States. Accordingly, decisions concerning the choice of pedagogical materials, including the use of specific cartographic projections in educational resources, fall within the competence of national and, where applicable, regional authorities. 1 The current mapping practice of the Commission is based on the European Lambert azimuthal equal-area projection (ETRS89-extended / LAEA Europe - EPSG:3035 – https://epsg.io/3035), because it preserves areas and minimizes distortion for European territories. This mapping projection was implemented also in the INSPIRE Directive 2007/2/EC (as Data Specification on Coordinate Reference Systems – Technical Guidelines: https://knowledge-base.inspire.ec.europa.eu/publications/inspire-data-specification-coordinate-referencesystems-technical-guidelines_en), which is enriched with some other projection recommendations for various specific use cases.”
EU and national cultural identities
- 2026-02-16 “E-004628/2025 Answer given by Mr Dombrovskis on behalf of the European Commission The independence of national fiscal authorities is safeguarded by the Directive on requirements for budgetary frameworks of the Member States, as amended in April 2024 1 , which complements the independence safeguards provided in Regulation (EU) No 473/2013 2 . Member States had to transpose the new or amended provisions of the Directive by the end of 2025. The Commission will undertake a transposition check in 2026. In compliance with existing EU legislation, and as further underlined in the amended Directive 2011/85/EU, the Spanish authorities must ensure that the Independent Authority for Fiscal Responsibility is autonomous and has the necessary resources to fulfil its tasks. The Commission will monitor the continuous compliance with the pension commitments of the recovery and resilience plan as reflected in the Council Implementing Decision 3 in the context of the subsequent payment request. 1 Council Directive (EU) 2024/1265 of 29 April 2024 amending Directive 2011/85/EU on requirements for budgetary frameworks of the Member States. 2 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2013/473/oj/eng. 3 https://data.consilium.europa.eu/doc/document/ST-13695-2023-ADD-1-REV-1/en/pdf.”
EU fiscal rules and oversight of national budgets
- 2026-02-04 “E-004730/2025 Answer given by Mr Dombrovskis on behalf of the European Commission In June 2023, the European Commission adopted the Single Currency Package 1 , which includes two legislative proposals: one establishing a legal framework for a digital euro 2 , and another strengthening the legal tender status of euro banknotes and coins 3 . The digital euro proposal aims to complement cash by ensuring that people and businesses have an additional choice to pay digitally using a widely accepted, low-cost, secure, and resilient form of central bank money in the euro area. It is designed to coexist with, and complement, cash and private digital payment solutions. In parallel, the proposal on the legal tender of cash seeks to safeguard the continued role of euro banknotes and coins, ensure their wide acceptance as a means of payment, and maintain easy access to cash for citizens and businesses across the euro area. Accessibility and inclusivity are core objectives of the digital euro. The Commission’s proposal includes specific requirements in Articles 14(3) and 22 to ensure broad access and usability, notably for vulnerable groups. The proposed digital euro would be intermediated: it would be issued by the European Central Bank (ECB) and distributed to users through supervised payment service providers (PSPs). To mitigate potential risks to financial stability, the proposal also includes safeguards in Article 16. This article requires the ECB to develop instruments to limit the use of the digital euro as a store of value and to determine their parameters and application within the regulatory framework. 1 https://finance.ec.europa.eu/publications/digital-euro-package_en. 2 COM(2023) 369 final. 3 COM(2023) 364 final.”
Digital euro financial inclusion · Digital euro holding limits
- 2026-02-02 “E-004476/2025 Answer given by Mr Dombrovskis on behalf of the European Commission Spanish gross domestic product (GDP) data have been published by Eurostat following the standard validation procedures in place for all Member States. The revisions of GDP in Spain published in 2024 were in line with the methodology provided for in Regulation (EU) No 549/2013 on the European system of national and regional accounts (ESA 2010) 1 . They were due to the implementation of a regular benchmark revision of national accounts and balance of payments done in a coordinated way in all Member States, carried out at least once every five years to incorporate new data sources and major changes in international statistical methodology. The impact of the revisions on Spanish nominal GDP of 1.6 % (average per year over 20202023) was within the range of -3.8 % and 6.8% observed for the other Member States. The average revision of the annual real GDP growth rates was 0.3 percentage points in Spain (average per year over 2020-2023) while the average revision for Member States varied between -0.4 percentage points and 1.1 percentage points. The Commission continuously monitors compliance by the Member States with EU legislation. The most relevant legislation in this particular context is Regulation (EC) No 223/2009 on European statistics 2 , mentioned by the Honourable Members. This Regulation establishes the statistical principles, including the principle of professional independence, which are further elaborated in the European Statistics Code of Practice 3 . As the Commission noted in its reply to written question P-002326/2022 4 , it does not have any information indicating that Regulation (EC) No 223/2009 would have been violated in relation to the decision by the President of the Spanish National Statistics Institute to resign in 2022. 1 Regulation (EU) No 549/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 21 May 2013 on the European system of national and regional accounts in the European Union, OJ L 174 26.6.2013, p. 1, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2013/549/2025-09-01. 2 Regulation (EC) No 223/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 March 2009 on European statistics, OJ L 87, 31.3.2009, p. 164, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2009/223/oj. 3 https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/web/quality/european-quality-standards/european-statistics-code-of-practice. 4 P-002326/2022 - https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/P-9-2022-002326-ASW_EN.html.”
EU Supervision of the Rule of Law · Rule of law in Spain
- 2026-01-26 “E-004531/2025 Answer given by Mr Dombrovskis on behalf of the European Commission Tables 35 and 36 of the annex of the European Economic Forecast Autumn 2025 respectively provide the interest expenditure and the primary balance observed in recent years for all Member States 1 . In 2025, based on the Commission autumn 2025 forecast, most euro area countries have a primary deficit (it reaches 1.2% for the euro area as a whole) and therefore fully finance their interest expenditures via new debt issuances. Conversely, Ireland, Greece, Cyprus and Portugal are expected to have sufficiently large primary surpluses to finance their interest expenditure without issuing new debt. Finally, while Italy and Spain have primary surpluses, those are smaller than their interest expenditure, with the excess being financed by new debt. On average over 2008-24, the euro area as a whole recorded deficits in both the primary balance and the budget balance (-1.1 and -3.3% of GDP respectively) (see Annex 1). The capacity to finance interest expenditure is one of the factors determining fiscal sustainability. The debt level and its expected dynamic over time is another key aspect to consider. In that respect, the differential between the average interest rate the government pays on its debt and the growth rate of the economy is a crucial variable for debt dynamics. A negative differential supports debt reduction, while a positive differential has the opposite effect. Over 2008-24, the differential has been negative, although clearly narrowing at the end of the period (see Debt Sustainability Monitors available online) 2 . 1 The report is available here: https://economy-finance.ec.europa.eu/publications/european-economic-forecastautumn-2025_en. Moreover, annual series are available are avaible in DG ECFIN AMECO database: https://economy-finance.ec.europa.eu/economic-research-and-databases/economic-databases/amecodatabase_en. 2 The latest report, the 2024 DSM, is available online: https://economy-finance.ec.europa.eu/publications/debtsustainability-monitor-2024_en.”
EU fiscal rules and oversight of national budgets
- 2026-01-08 “E-002903/2025 Answer given by Mr Dombrovskis on behalf of the European Commission 1. The Commission enforces EU laws and upholds the Treaties, as ‘guardian of the Treaties’. Infringement procedures are a bilateral process between the Commission and the central government of the Member State concerned. The Member State alone is responsible under Article 258 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union for compliance with the obligations arising under EU law. There are currently 69 ongoing infringement procedures against Italy. Since 2012, Italy has paid EUR 1.2 billion following judgments of the Court of Justice of the European Union in infringement procedures imposing financial sanctions against Italy 1 . The Commission publishes press releases on all important decisions in infringement procedures, providing key information on the specific case, including on the involvement of regions, where particularly relevant. Ongoing infringement procedures with recent decisions that involve the region of Sicily concern the implementation of electronic tolling 2 and the management of the spread of invasive alien species 3 . In March 2025, the Court of Justice imposed financial sanctions against Italy over urban waste water treatment 4 . 2. The Commission ensures a high level of transparency and public information of its enforcement action. Apart from a press package with every infringement cycle, all infringement decisions are published in a public register 5 , updated in real time. In April 2025, the Commission launched a new Europa webpage 6 that offers more user-friendly information on infringement cases, including maps and customisable graphs. As regards financial sanctions, it is the prerogative of the Court of Justice of the European Union to determine and impose them on Member States, based on a request by the Commission. The amounts are published in the Court’s judgments. The Commission’s public register also makes it possible to search infringement cases in which sanctions have been imposed. 1 Payments relate to ongoing and closed cases, and amounts are definitive only after the exhaustion of all legal remedies. 2 https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/inf_25_2745. 3 https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/inf_25_1241. 4 For failing to comply with its collection and treatment obligations for four agglomerations, three of which are in Sicily, cf. Case C-515/23. 5 https://ec.europa.eu/implementing-eu-law/search-infringementdecisions/?typeOfSearch=byCase&activeCase=true&langCode=EN. 6 https://ec.europa.eu/implementing-eu-law/member-state-infringement-cases/en.”
Transparency requirements of EU institutions · EU engagement with civil society