This Week in Finance — Brussels (#20, 2026)
Commission opens FSR probe into JD.com-CECONOMY deal; Startup Scoreboard released; Bulgaria's euro transition; Russia sanctions extended; ECF opinion from SANT committee.
May 24, 2026 to May 30, 2026
Commission opens FSR probe into JD.com-CECONOMY deal; Startup Scoreboard released; Bulgaria's euro transition; Russia sanctions extended; ECF opinion from SANT committee.
📋 In This Week's Newsletter
• 🇪🇺 European Commission
• ⚖️ EU Legislation
• ✒️ EP Committee Work
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week
European Commission
Commission opens in-depth foreign subsidies investigation into JD.com's proposed acquisition of CECONOMY
The European Commission has launched an in-depth investigation under the Foreign Subsidies Regulation (FSR) regarding JD.com, Inc.'s proposed acquisition of CECONOMY AG. The Commission's preliminary assessment indicates JD.com may have benefited from foreign subsidies, including preferential financing and tax incentives, attributed to entities from the People's Republic of China. These subsidies could potentially distort the EU internal market by enabling JD.com to offer advantageous conditions during the acquisition process. The investigation will evaluate whether the subsidies influenced the transaction and whether the merged entity's competitive position would be affected. The procedure was initiated following notification on 17 April 2026, with a decision expected by 2 October 2026. This is conducted under case FS.100253 as per the FSR, which has been applicable since 13 July 2023. The outcome could range from commitments, prohibition, or a no-objection decision.
New scoreboard shows success of European startup policies
The European Commission published the first European Startup and Scaleup Scoreboard (ESSS), tracking progress since 2020 across 36 performance indicators. Results show that 20 out of 27 Member States improved, with Estonia, Sweden, Finland, the Netherlands, and Denmark outperforming the EU average in digital infrastructure, talent, and venture capital. The Scoreboard highlights gaps in rising countries—Greece, Latvia, Bulgaria, Slovakia, Romania—such as limited venture capital and talent retention. The ESSS is a deliverable from the EU Startup and Scaleup Strategy, which includes 26 measures. Commissioner Ekaterina Zaharieva commented on the ecosystem's growth and referenced initiatives such as EU Inc., the European Innovation Act, and the Scaleup Europe Fund.
Statement by President von der Leyen with Bulgarian Prime Minister Radev
President Ursula von der Leyen and Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev discussed the impact of Bulgaria's euro adoption, with a majority of Bulgarians reporting a smooth transition. The NextGenerationEU programme has provided Bulgaria with nearly EUR 3.3 billion, with further resources dependent on reform momentum before the August 2026 deadline. Anti-corruption reforms, including the establishment of the Anti-corruption Commission and restructuring of the Prosecutor General's office, are key to unlocking EUR 370 million in suspended funding. Clean energy reforms, supported by the Just Transition Fund, are linked to EUR 1.2 billion in planned investments. The leaders also addressed the EU's long-term budget, regional security, and Bulgaria's role on the eastern border, with support under the SAFE instrument exceeding EUR 3.2 billion.
EU Legislation (Official Journal)
Council Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1147 concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in Russia
Council Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1147 of 26 May 2026 amends Regulation (EU) 2024/1485, updating Annex IV to reflect revised identifying information and reasons for seven individuals. The regulation is directly applicable in all Member States and takes effect the day after publication in the Official Journal. CELEX ID: 32026R1147.
Council Decision (CFSP) 2026/1149 amending restrictive measures concerning Russia
Council Decision (CFSP) 2026/1149 of 26 May 2026 renews restrictive measures against Russia until 28 May 2027. The annex is updated for seven individuals' identifying information and reasons. CELEX ID: 32026D1149.
EP Committee Work
OPINION on the European Competitiveness Fund proposal
The SANT committee issued an opinion on the proposal for a regulation establishing the European Competitiveness Fund (ECF), including a defence research and innovation programme. The opinion, with rapporteur Radan Kanev, addresses the repeal and amendment of multiple regulations (EU) 2021/522, 2021/694, 2021/697, 2021/783, 2021/696, 2023/588, and [EDIP].
DRAFT OPINION on the general budget of the European Union for the financial year 2027
The AGRI committee published a draft opinion on the EU's general budget for 2027, covering all sections. Rapporteur Wouter Beke led the assessment, focusing on budgetary allocations relevant to agricultural policy and related sectors.
Economic and Monetary Affairs Committee delegation concludes visit to Canada
The ECON committee, led by Ludek Niedermayer (EPP, CZ), completed a mission to Canada, meeting parliamentary and financial sector representatives in Ottawa and Toronto. Discussions covered digital finance, sustainable finance, and regulation of the financial sector. The delegation included MEPs from EPP, S&D, PfE, and Renew groups.
Statement Chair of Tax matters subcommittee after mission to Brasília
The FISC subcommittee, led by Pasquale Tridico (The Left, IT), issued a statement following a delegation visit to Brazil. Topics included Brazil's tax reforms, international tax cooperation, digital services taxation, and observations on the Pix payment system. The delegation included MEPs from The Left, EPP, S&D, PfE.
What We're Reading This Week
- Von der Leyen y Magyar ponen fin a la era Orban con el desbloqueo de más de 16.000 millones en fondos europeos: "Si cada vez que vengo me llevo tanto dinero, vendré más": Hungry secures over €16 billion in EU funds as Orban era ends, signaling a shift in European financial dynamics.
- Magyar says Hungary will join EU anti-fraud watchdog: Hungary commits to joining the EU's anti-fraud watchdog, signaling increased cooperation on transparency and financial oversight.
- 2028–2034-es költségvetés: mire jut pénz? Kérdezze MI-chatbotot: A MI-alapú chatbot segít eligazodni a 2028–2034-es költségvetés pénzügyi részleteiben és forráselosztásában.
