This Week in Automotive — Brussels (#29, 2026)
Commission proposes new Public Procurement Regulation; European Innovation Act unveiled; India FTA sent to Council; Competitiveness Council announces chips act 2.0 debate.
September 07, 2026 to September 13, 2026
Commission proposes new Public Procurement Regulation; European Innovation Act unveiled; India FTA sent to Council; Competitiveness Council announces chips act 2.0 debate.
📋 In This Week's Newsletter
• 📅 This Week's Calendar in Brussels
• 🇪🇺 European Commission
• 🤝 EU Council
This Week's Calendar in Brussels
- Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection (IMCO): On September 14, the European Parliament's Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection (IMCO) is scheduled to meet. Agenda includes: A human-centred approach to AI governance• Exchange of views with Professor Paolo Benanti on the Encyclical Letter Magnifica Humanitas of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV on Safeguarding the human person in the time of AI; Chair’s announcements; Date of next meetings.
- Informal meeting of transport ministers: On September 20, the EU Council's Informal meeting of transport ministers configuration is scheduled to hold an informal meeting ministerial meeting in Brussels.
European Commission
Commission proposes new Regulation to modernise EU Public Procurement rules
On 8 September 2026, the European Commission adopted a proposal for a new Regulation to simplify and modernise the EU's public procurement framework. The proposal consolidates three existing directives into a single directly-applicable Regulation and streamlines more than 26 sector-specific acts, reducing complexity from five procedures to three. The new Regulation introduces an integrated digital procurement marketplace, interconnecting Member States' eProcurement platforms, and establishes best price-quality ratio as the standard method for contract awards, with minimum quality criteria of 30%. Public buyers gain increased flexibility, and new provisions on resilience and security of supply are included in response to the Draghi report's recommendations. The Regulation also introduces a horizontal European preference framework for procurement. Negotiations with the European Parliament and Council are expected before adoption and entry into force.
Commission proposes new European Innovation Act to strengthen competitiveness
On 8 September 2026, the Commission proposed the European Innovation Act as a key component of the EU Startup and Scaleup Strategy and Competitiveness Compass. The Act aims to facilitate access to finance for innovative companies by promoting a common EU framework for IP valuation and establishing a digital marketplace for intellectual property. It introduces a common procedure for R&D procurement and supports cross-border joint procurements, expected to generate €1 billion in annual savings for public buyers and €25.92 billion in additional profits for companies. The proposal also includes a Council Recommendation for regulatory sandboxes to accelerate the transformation of innovative ideas into market solutions. Commissioner Ekaterina Zaharieva stated the Act addresses fragmentation and is designed to strengthen the EU's innovation ecosystem.
Commission presents landmark India trade deal to Council for signature
On 10 September 2026, the European Commission submitted proposals to the Council for the signature and conclusion of the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with India. The FTA is set to eliminate or reduce tariffs on 96% of EU goods exports to India, projected to save €4 billion annually in duties. The agreement aims to improve market access and establish predictable rules for trade and investment between the EU and India. Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič highlighted the fast-track procedure designed to expedite implementation. The deal will require Council approval, followed by European Parliament consent, before entry into force.
Press remarks by Vice-President Séjourné and Commissioner Zaharieva on Public Procurement and Innovation Acts
On 8 September 2026, Vice-President Stéphane Séjourné and Commissioner Ekaterina Zaharieva delivered remarks detailing the Commission's proposals for the Public Procurement Act and European Innovation Act. Séjourné described the simplification from three directives to one Regulation and the creation of a single digital procurement platform, with a focus on quality criteria and European preference mechanisms, particularly for strategic sectors such as clean tech, nuclear, and automotive. Zaharieva discussed the Innovation Act's measures for R&D procurement, IP-backed finance, and regulatory sandboxes, noting a minimum of 50% quality criteria for award decisions and a new Made-in-Europe preference.
Commission publishes Q&A on the European Innovation Act
On 8 September 2026, the Commission released a Q&A clarifying the European Innovation Act's provisions on R&D procurement, EU preference rules, and the role of the Competence Centre within the EUIPO. The Act is designed to reduce legal and administrative costs, support IP-backed finance, and establish a digital match-making platform for intellectual property transactions. It clarifies the framework for regulatory sandboxes, aiming for a consistent approach across Member States. The Q&A details the EU preference rules requiring at least 50% of R&D activities for procurement contracts to be performed within eligible countries.
Commission publishes Q&A on the EU Public Procurement Act
On 8 September 2026, the Commission issued a Q&A document explaining key features of the proposed Public Procurement Act. The document outlines the consolidation of procurement directives into a single Regulation, the introduction of a digital marketplace, and the new best price-quality ratio standard. It discusses safeguards for fraud and corruption, simplification measures for SMEs, and the integration of environmental and social objectives. The Act introduces flexibility for public buyers, strategic procurement tools, and a European preference framework aligned with international commitments.
EU Council
Competitiveness Council to debate chips act 2.0 and legislative proposals
The Competitiveness Council will convene on 24 September 2026 to hold debates on the chips act 2.0 and revision of merger control guidelines. Ministers will also receive updates on legislative proposals including the industrial accelerator act and the European competitiveness fund.
Upcoming informal meeting of transport ministers
Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council will host an informal meeting of transport ministers on 20 September 2026.
