Wed. Oct 21st, 2026

NEWS & BACKGROUND

money, euro, earth, world, continents, currency, dollar bill, banknote, europe, financial world, seem, success, finance, paper money, money, money, money, money, money, banknote, paper money

ECB board member Lane outlines expanded euro liquidity to strengthen global role

Speaking at the luncheon “Monetary System Beyond the Dollar” in Shanghai, ECB Executive Board member Philip Lane says expanded euro liquidity facilities can protect financial markets from external shocks and strengthen the euro’s international role. The enhanced EUREP facility offers foreign central banks access to up to €50 billion each, with more than 30 expressing interest.

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strategic Arctic Map

EU Arctic Strategy puts security, infrastructure and geopolitical competition at centre

The EU Commission and High Representative Kaja Kallas have presented a new Arctic Strategy responding to growing geopolitical competition, Russian military activity and accelerating climate change. Priorities include maritime surveillance, protection of subsea cables, expanded icebreaker capacity, military mobility and critical raw materials. New infrastructure projects, Arctic research and closer cooperation with NATO and regional partners aim to strengthen European security and economic resilience.

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NEWS TICKER

BUSINESS & FINANCE

money, euro, earth, world, continents, currency, dollar bill, banknote, europe, financial world, seem, success, finance, paper money, money, money, money, money, money, banknote, paper money

ECB board member Lane outlines expanded euro liquidity to strengthen global role

Speaking at the luncheon “Monetary System Beyond the Dollar” in Shanghai, ECB Executive Board member Philip Lane says expanded euro liquidity facilities can protect financial markets from external shocks and strengthen the euro’s international role. The enhanced EUREP facility offers foreign central banks access to up to €50 billion each, with more than 30 expressing interest.

Read More »

EU Parliament endorses stronger passenger rights and faster flight reimbursements

The EU Parliament has adopted new rules strengthening passenger rights across all transport modes. Travellers booking flights through intermediaries would receive full refunds within 14 days, while standardised EU claim forms and free flights for essential companions of passengers with disabilities would improve protection. The rules are set to apply from October 2027, subject to final Council approval.

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EU Parliament calls for €2 billion raw materials centre and stronger supply controls

The EU Parliament has adopted amendments to the Critical Raw Materials Act, calling for a new European raw materials centre backed by a €2 billion fund. MEPs propose joint purchasing, strategic stockpiling, price-stabilisation mechanisms and export restrictions on permanent magnet scrap. The measures aim to strengthen supply chains for clean technologies, defence and aerospace ahead of negotiations with Member States.

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EU Parliament urges stronger funding and faster expansion of high-speed rail

The EU Parliament has adopted recommendations to accelerate high-speed rail connections across Europe, including underserved regions and cross-border routes. MEPs demand dedicated funding in the EU’s 2028–2034 budget, stronger support for the Connecting Europe Facility and more affordable, transparent ticketing to advance the EU’s rail network by 2040.

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EU Auditors find limited results from €49bn in public administration reforms

The European Court of Auditors (ECA) criticises the limited impact of €49.1 billion in EU Recovery and Resilience Facility funding for public administration reforms. Only 36% of measures examined achieved significant results, while structural weaknesses in governance and administrative capacity persist. Auditors also warn that the proposed EU budget for 2028–2034 fails to fully address shortcomings in performance monitoring.

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EU Commission signs strategic raw materials partnership with New Caledonia

The EU Commission and New Caledonia have signed a strategic partnership to strengthen sustainable raw materials supply chains, particularly for nickel. The agreement covers investment, infrastructure, skills and research, supporting the EU’s Critical Raw Materials Act and RESourceEU strategy. A joint roadmap will define concrete projects and financing opportunities.

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EU Commission approves acquisition of Fnac Darty by EPG

The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of sole control of Fnac Darty S.A. of France by EP Group, a.s. (‘EPG’) of Czechia. The transaction relates primarily to the retail distribution of consumer goods, including electronics and books.

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strategic Arctic Map

EU Arctic Strategy puts security, infrastructure and geopolitical competition at centre

The EU Commission and High Representative Kaja Kallas have presented a new Arctic Strategy responding to growing geopolitical competition, Russian military activity and accelerating climate change. Priorities include maritime surveillance, protection of subsea cables, expanded icebreaker capacity, military mobility and critical raw materials. New infrastructure projects, Arctic research and closer cooperation with NATO and regional partners aim to strengthen European security and economic resilience.

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DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION

EU Parliament calls for €2 billion raw materials centre and stronger supply controls

The EU Parliament has adopted amendments to the Critical Raw Materials Act, calling for a new European raw materials centre backed by a €2 billion fund. MEPs propose joint purchasing, strategic stockpiling, price-stabilisation mechanisms and export restrictions on permanent magnet scrap. The measures aim to strengthen supply chains for clean technologies, defence and aerospace ahead of negotiations with Member States.

Read More »

EU Auditors find limited results from €49bn in public administration reforms

The European Court of Auditors (ECA) criticises the limited impact of €49.1 billion in EU Recovery and Resilience Facility funding for public administration reforms. Only 36% of measures examined achieved significant results, while structural weaknesses in governance and administrative capacity persist. Auditors also warn that the proposed EU budget for 2028–2034 fails to fully address shortcomings in performance monitoring.

Read More »
phishing, fraud, hacking

EU Court: Banks must immediately refund unauthorised payments despite customer negligence

The EU Court of Justice has ruled that banks must immediately refund unauthorised transactions, even in cases of suspected gross negligence by customers. In a Polish phishing case, the judges clarified that payment service providers may subsequently seek reimbursement if they prove that the losses resulted from the customer’s intentional or grossly negligent failure to fulfil their obligations.

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EU Commission honours six regional projects with 2026 REGIOSTARS Awards

The EU Commission has awarded six REGIOSTARS prizes to cohesion policy projects in Slovakia, Germany, Greece, Czechia and Portugal. Winners include AI-powered 3D communication, battery recycling, an LNG terminal, violence prevention, a community library and a cancer research centre, highlighting the diversity of EU regional investment.

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SECURITY AND DEFENCE

strategic Arctic Map

EU Arctic Strategy puts security, infrastructure and geopolitical competition at centre

The EU Commission and High Representative Kaja Kallas have presented a new Arctic Strategy responding to growing geopolitical competition, Russian military activity and accelerating climate change. Priorities include maritime surveillance, protection of subsea cables, expanded icebreaker capacity, military mobility and critical raw materials. New infrastructure projects, Arctic research and closer cooperation with NATO and regional partners aim to strengthen European security and economic resilience.

Read More »

EU and US diverge on Russian oil sanctions as Trump waives latest penalties

The EU Council is expanding sanctions against companies circumventing restrictions on Russian oil, while US President Donald Trump has waived sweeping penalties enacted by U.S. Congress just four weeks earlier. The decision suspends new tariffs of up to 500% on Russian goods and 100% on imports from major Russian energy buyers. Existing US sanctions remain in force, but the waiver raises questions about transatlantic coordination and the economic consequences for global energy markets.

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EU leaders press for energy relief, stronger trade tools and Ukraine support

The European Council has called for urgent measures to curb soaring energy prices, accelerate Single Market reforms and strengthen trade defences against global imbalances. EU leaders reaffirmed financial and military support for Ukraine, pressed for agreement on the 2028–2034 EU budget and demanded stronger European defence capabilities. Amid escalating conflicts in the Middle East, they also addressed maritime security, migration, enlargement and digital safety, while Commission President von der Leyen outlined new energy and trade initiatives.

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SUSTAINABILITY

EU Parliament backs simplified waste compliance rules for small businesses

The EU Parliament has adopted proposals to exempt small and micro enterprises from appointing waste compliance representatives in other Member States. The suspension would apply to packaging, batteries, textiles, electronics and other products until 2035 or the adoption of a Circular Economy Act. Other extended producer responsibility obligations would remain unchanged.

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EU Parliament urges stronger funding and faster expansion of high-speed rail

The EU Parliament has adopted recommendations to accelerate high-speed rail connections across Europe, including underserved regions and cross-border routes. MEPs demand dedicated funding in the EU’s 2028–2034 budget, stronger support for the Connecting Europe Facility and more affordable, transparent ticketing to advance the EU’s rail network by 2040.

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EU Commission sets out Vision 2040 for fisheries and aquaculture reform

The EU Commission has presented its Vision 2040 for fisheries and aquaculture, combining fleet modernisation, decarbonisation, regulatory reform and stronger global partnerships. The strategy includes a new aquaculture initiative, digital seafood traceability by 2029 and at least €2 billion in proposed EU funding for 2028–2034. It also addresses shortcomings in the Common Fisheries Policy, import dependence and the need to attract younger workers.

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strategic Arctic Map

EU Arctic Strategy puts security, infrastructure and geopolitical competition at centre

The EU Commission and High Representative Kaja Kallas have presented a new Arctic Strategy responding to growing geopolitical competition, Russian military activity and accelerating climate change. Priorities include maritime surveillance, protection of subsea cables, expanded icebreaker capacity, military mobility and critical raw materials. New infrastructure projects, Arctic research and closer cooperation with NATO and regional partners aim to strengthen European security and economic resilience.

Read More »
illustration of renewable energs, photovoltaic, wind

EU Commission calls for greater public participation in renewable energy projects

Renewables accounted for 26.2% of EU energy consumption in 2025, but public opposition and administrative barriers continue to slow deployment. The EU Commission highlights how community participation, local investment, shared revenues and lower electricity costs can strengthen public acceptance. A new EU toolbox offers practical approaches to involving citizens in renewable energy projects.

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EU Council adopts stricter workplace exposure limits for hazardous substances

The EU Council has adopted revised workplace safety rules under the Carcinogens, Mutagens and Reprotoxic Substances Directive. The measures introduce exposure limits for cobalt, certain hydrocarbons and industrial chemicals, while adding welding fumes to the directive. The revision is expected to prevent 1,700 lung cancer cases and 19,000 other illnesses over 40 years.

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EU AGENDA