This Week in Energy — Brussels (#29, 2026)
Commission extends bioethanol import surveillance; Safeguard measures imposed on silicon-electrical steel; New Union Customs Code adopted; Battery standards decision published; Deforestation regulation amended.
September 14, 2026 to September 20, 2026
Commission extends bioethanol import surveillance; Safeguard measures imposed on silicon-electrical steel; New Union Customs Code adopted; Battery standards decision published; Deforestation regulation amended.
📋 In This Week's Newsletter
• 🇪🇺 European Commission
• ⚖️ EU Legislation
• 🤝 EU Council
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week
European Commission
Statement of Objections sent to MMG over Anglo American nickel acquisition
On 15 September 2026, the European Commission notified MMG Limited of its preliminary objections regarding the proposed acquisition of Anglo American's nickel business. The Commission raised concerns that the transaction could restrict competition in the supply of low-carbon ferronickel within the European Economic Area. The investigation, launched under case number M.11944 on 4 November 2025, focused on whether MMG might divert supply away from European stainless steel producers in favour of affiliates controlled by China's SASAC. MMG now has the opportunity to respond, inspect the case file, and request an oral hearing. A final decision is expected by 30 November 2026.
Commission proposes €489 million in Solidarity Fund support for storm recovery
On 16 September 2026, the Commission proposed to mobilise €489 million from the European Union Solidarity Fund (EUSF) to assist Portugal, Spain, Italy, and Malta following severe storms and flooding in early 2026. The proposal includes recovery for energy, transport, and essential services infrastructure. Advances had already been paid to Portugal (€65.37 million), Spain (€37.26 million), and Malta (€0.93 million). Parliamentary and Council approval is required before the remaining balance is disbursed.
Remarks by Commissioner Dombrovskis at Eurogroup press conference
Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis participated in the Eurogroup press conference on 17 September 2026, noting energy disruptions and weather events as ongoing economic headwinds. He referenced the Commission's latest assessment showing expected slowdown of euro area growth in 2027. Fiscal sustainability, the digital euro legislative process, and competitiveness initiatives were outlined as key priorities. Dombrovskis cited the Parliament's own initiative report on the global role of the euro as a relevant contribution to ongoing policy debates.
EU Legislation (Official Journal)
Commission extends surveillance of renewable ethanol for fuel imports
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/2047 of 14 September 2026 extends retrospective Union surveillance of imports of renewable ethanol for fuel for three years, covering imports from all origins. The measure responds to increased import volumes and declining EU market share, with specific TARIC codes established for monitoring. The regulation applies from 16 September 2026 until 15 September 2029.
Provisional safeguard measure imposed on grain-oriented silicon-electrical steel
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/2133 of 18 September 2026 introduces provisional safeguard measures on imports of grain-oriented flat-rolled products of silicon-electrical steel, including steel laminations and cores, for 155 days. Duties are imposed based on price thresholds and tariff quotas, with specific exclusions for certain countries and product types. The regulation responds to significant import increases and serious injury to EU producers.
Union Customs Code and EU Customs Authority established
Regulation (EU) 2026/2108 of 16 September 2026 establishes the new Union Customs Code and creates the European Union Customs Authority, repealing Regulation (EU) No 952/2013. The regulation modernises customs procedures, introduces the EU Customs Data Hub, and harmonises risk management. The EU Customs Authority will be based in Lille, France, and the regulation enters into force 12 months after publication.
Imports of alkaline manganese dioxide batteries from China subject to registration
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/2049 of 14 September 2026 requires customs authorities to register imports of primary cells and batteries of alkaline manganese dioxide from China. Registration allows for potential retroactive anti-dumping duties, pending the results of an ongoing investigation. The regulation applies for nine months from entry into force.
Harmonised battery standard published in support of Regulation (EU) 2023/1542
Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/2048 of 14 September 2026 publishes the reference to EN 18060:2025, a harmonised standard for batteries, in the Official Journal. The standard covers performance and durability requirements for electric vehicle battery modules, supporting compliance with Regulation (EU) 2023/1542.
Deforestation regulation amended: revised commodity/product list
Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/2102 of 13 July 2026 amends Regulation (EU) 2023/1115 regarding commodities and products associated with deforestation. Annex I is updated to clarify product coverage, add new items (e.g., frozen cattle tongues, soluble coffee), and exclude others (e.g., certain leather and rubber products). The changes enter into force upon publication.
Council Decision on EU-Armenia Partnership Strategic Agenda
Council Decision (EU) 2026/2060 of 20 November 2025 sets the EU position on the Strategic Agenda for the EU-Armenia Partnership. The agenda outlines short- and medium-term priorities across sectors, including energy and regulatory alignment. The EU-Armenia Partnership Council will adopt the recommendation at its next meeting.
Council Decision extends restrictive measures concerning Ukraine
Council Decision (CFSP) 2026/2103 of 15 September 2026 amends Decision 2014/145/CFSP, extending restrictive measures regarding actions undermining Ukraine's territorial integrity. The extension applies until 22 September 2026 and maintains all existing sanctions.
EU Council
Eurogroup discusses productivity and growth amid geopolitical pressures
Eurogroup ministers met on 18 September 2026 to review recent economic developments and prospects, focusing on productivity and growth within the euro area.
ECOFIN ministers hold informal meeting on economic and financial affairs
The Economic and Financial Affairs Council convened informally on 18 September 2026, addressing ongoing issues in economic and financial policy.
Upcoming informal meeting of transport ministers
The Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council will hold an informal meeting of transport ministers on 20 September 2026.
What We're Reading This Week
- MEPs push tighter energy permit deadlines, setting up EU clash: European lawmakers advocate stricter energy project permit deadlines, potentially escalating tensions within the EU over regulatory control.
- EU heads into G20 energy showdown with Trump, Russia and Venezuela: EU leaders brace for tense G20 negotiations as divisions over energy policy deepen with the US, Russia, and Venezuela.
- European leaders rush to counter looming diesel price surge as Saudi pipeline attacked: European governments implement emergency measures to stabilize fuel markets after a Saudi pipeline attack threatens diesel supply and prices.
- A menace over Saudi Arabia and the global economy: Rising tensions in Saudi Arabia threaten regional stability and could disrupt energy markets and the broader global economy.
- $150 for an oil barrel, the new extreme scenario following closure of key Saudi pipeline: Closure of a major Saudi pipeline could drive oil prices to $150 per barrel, signaling potential global economic disruptions.
