This Week in Automotive — Brussels (#20, 2026)
Commission debate on EU-China relations; UN Regulation No. 83 on vehicle emissions adopted; Critical raw materials recovery list published.
May 24, 2026 to May 30, 2026
Commission debate on EU-China relations; UN Regulation No. 83 on vehicle emissions adopted; Critical raw materials recovery list published.
📋 In This Week's Newsletter
• 🇪🇺 European Commission
• ⚖️ EU Legislation
• ✒️ EP Committee Work
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week
European Commission
Commission reviews EU-China relations ahead of G7 and European Council
The European Commission held an orientation debate on EU-China relations on 28 May 2026. The College of Commissioners assessed current opportunities and challenges in the bilateral relationship. The Commission reaffirmed its de-risking strategy, distinguishing it from decoupling, and highlighted the role of ongoing engagement and dialogue with China. Economic and security interests were discussed as increasingly interlinked, requiring a robust and coherent EU response. Outcomes of the discussion are expected to inform EU positions for the upcoming G7 and European Council meetings in June. The Commission noted the current trade and investment relationship's unsustainability. Media contacts included Paula Pinho (Chief Spokesperson), Arianna Podesta, and Olof Gill.
EU Legislation (Official Journal)
UN Regulation No. 83 – Vehicle emission approval requirements updated
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1086, published on 29 May 2026, incorporates the 09 series of amendments to UN Regulation No. 83. The regulation sets technical requirements for the approval of motor vehicles with regard to the emission of pollutants according to engine fuel requirements. It includes new provisions for type approval, in-service conformity, battery durability, anti-tampering, cybersecurity, and manipulation devices. The regulation applies to vehicles of categories M1 and N1 and introduces extended obligations up to 200,000 km or 10 years. The official CELEX reference is 32026R1086.
Critical raw materials recovery list adopted under Regulation (EU) 2024/1252
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1116, adopted on 26 May 2026, establishes the official EU list of products, components, and waste streams with relevant critical raw materials recovery potential under Regulation (EU) 2024/1252. The list will guide Member States in developing national circularity measures. The regulation enters into force twenty days after publication in the Official Journal. The CELEX reference is 32026R1116.
Council Decision on Interim EU-Mexico Trade Agreement signed
Council Decision (EU) 2026/1163 of 11 May 2026 authorises the signing of the Interim Agreement on Trade between the EU and the United Mexican States. The agreement aims to expand and diversify economic and trade relations and will remain in effect until replaced by the broader Modernised Global Agreement. CELEX reference: 32026D1163.
EP Committee Work
SANT committee opinion on European Competitiveness Fund proposal
The Committee on Public Health (SANT) issued its opinion on 27 May 2026 regarding the proposal for a regulation on establishing the European Competitiveness Fund (ECF). The opinion covers the integration of defence research and innovation activities, as well as repeal and amendment of several existing regulations including (EU) 2021/522, (EU) 2021/694, (EU) 2021/697, and (EU) 2021/783. Rapporteur Radan Kanev (SANT) prepared the document, addressing aspects relevant to environment and health policy.
What We're Reading This Week
- Ferrari's €550,000 electric car looks like a Nissan, says the internet: Ferrari's upcoming €550,000 electric car is drawing online comparisons to Nissan models, sparking debate over its design direction.
- EU saved over €50 billion in 2025 by lowering fossil fuel imports: Reduced reliance on fossil fuel imports in 2025 led to significant cost savings for the European Union.
- Austrian protesters shut Brenner motorway on Saturday over pollution: Environmental activists blocked a major Alpine transit route to demand stronger measures against traffic-related pollution and climate change.
- Beijing threatens retaliation over EU moves to curb China imports: China warns of countermeasures as the EU intensifies restrictions on Chinese goods, raising concerns of a trade conflict.
