This Week in Environment — Brussels (#29, 2026)
Commission proposes €489m for storm recovery; Deforestation Regulation scope amended; Bioethanol import surveillance extended; Battery standard published; Fisheries quotas adjusted.
September 14, 2026 to September 20, 2026
Commission proposes €489m for storm recovery; Deforestation Regulation scope amended; Bioethanol import surveillance extended; Battery standard published; Fisheries quotas adjusted.
📋 In This Week's Newsletter
• 🇪🇺 European Commission
• ⚖️ EU Legislation
• 🤝 EU Council
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week
European Commission
Commission proposes €489 million to support storm recovery in Southern Europe
On 16 September 2026, the European Commission proposed mobilising €489 million from the European Union Solidarity Fund to assist Portugal, Spain, Italy, and Malta in recovering from severe storms and flooding that occurred in January and February 2026. The proposal allocates €261 million to Portugal, €149 million to Spain, €74.8 million to Italy, and €3.72 million to Malta. The storms, including storm Harry, resulted in significant damage to infrastructure, disruption of essential services, and loss of life, with Portugal suffering 18 fatalities. Advances from the Fund, totalling over €103 million, have already been granted to Portugal, Spain, and Malta. The funding will cover emergency and recovery operations, including restoring energy, water, transport infrastructure, and providing temporary accommodation. The proposal awaits approval from the European Parliament and the Council before the remaining €385.6 million is disbursed.
Commission issues Statement of Objections on MMG's proposed acquisition of Anglo American's nickel business
On 15 September 2026, the Commission formally notified MMG Limited of preliminary concerns regarding its planned acquisition of Anglo American's nickel business. The Commission's Statement of Objections follows an in-depth investigation opened on 4 November 2025 under the EU Merger Regulation. The primary concern is that MMG, controlled by China Minmetals Corporation (CMC) and ultimately by China's SASAC, could redirect low-carbon ferronickel supply away from European customers, adversely impacting European stainless steel producers and pricing. The target business comprises two operational ferronickel sites and two projects in Brazil. MMG now has the opportunity to respond to the Commission and request a hearing. The Commission's final decision is due by 30 November 2026.
Commissioner Dombrovskis discusses economic headwinds and competitiveness at Eurogroup
At the Eurogroup press conference on 17 September 2026 in Dublin, Executive Vice-President Valdis Dombrovskis addressed ongoing economic challenges, including energy disruptions and the impacts of extreme weather. Citing the European Commission's latest assessment, he noted a slowdown in growth expected for 2027 while highlighting the euro area's resilience. Dombrovskis outlined priorities such as fiscal sustainability, advancing the digital euro, and enhancing competitiveness. He referenced the Parliament's report on the global role of the euro and reiterated the Commission's commitment to the competitiveness agenda and to implementing the One Europe, One Market roadmap.
EU Legislation (Official Journal)
Deforestation Regulation: Scope amended for relevant commodities and products
Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/2102 of 13 July 2026 amends Regulation (EU) 2023/1115 to update Annex I regarding the list of commodities and products associated with deforestation. Notable changes include technical clarifications, addition of HS codes for frozen cattle tongues and soluble coffee, and exclusion of certain hides, skins, and leather products. The regulation also refines the treatment of oleochemicals, retreaded tyres, and soya beans for sowing. The amendments aim to ensure legal certainty and proportionate application and will enter into force following publication in the Official Journal.
Retrospective surveillance of renewable ethanol for fuel imports extended to 2029
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/2047 of 14 September 2026 extends the retrospective Union surveillance of imports of renewable ethanol for fuel for an additional three years, until 15 September 2029. The extension follows significant increases in import volumes and declining EU producer market share and prices. The regulation maintains the existing product scope and TARIC codes for monitoring and enters into force the day after publication.
Harmonised standard for batteries published in support of Regulation (EU) 2023/1542
Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/2048 of 14 September 2026 publishes the reference for the harmonised standard EN 18060:2025, drafted by CEN, supporting Regulation (EU) 2023/1542 on batteries and waste batteries. The standard covers performance and durability requirements for various battery chemistries used in electric vehicles. Compliance with this standard grants presumption of conformity with relevant regulatory requirements from the publication date.
Fishing quotas for 2026 adjusted to include quantities withheld in 2025
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/2057 of 17 September 2026 increases 2026 fishing quotas for certain Member States by adding quantities withheld from 2025, pursuant to Article 4(2) of Council Regulation (EC) No 847/96. The regulation details conditions for quota transfers and enters into force seven days after publication.
EU Council
Informal meeting of EU transport ministers scheduled
Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council ministers will hold an informal meeting on 20 September 2026.
What We're Reading This Week
- Video. Canada, heatwaves and Ceuta: Von der Leyen delivers State of the Union: Ursula von der Leyen addresses climate challenges, migration, and global crises in her annual State of the Union speech.
- Video. More than 12 trillion tonnes of ice lost in climate change's big melt: Satellite data reveal unprecedented ice loss, accelerating sea level rise and highlighting urgent climate action needs worldwide.
- Italy eyes nuclear power comeback by 2035: Italy plans to reintroduce nuclear energy by 2035, aiming to bolster energy security and reduce carbon emissions.
- Italy and wolves: living with a growing population amid myths and alarmism: Italy faces challenges balancing wolf conservation with rural concerns as the predator's numbers rise and misinformation spreads.
- Can rocks be used as battery storage for renewable energy?: Researchers are exploring how heated rocks could store excess renewable energy for later use, potentially boosting grid reliability.
