This Week in ICT & Cybersecurity — Brussels (#29, 2026)
Commission unveils European Innovation Act; new public procurement regulation proposed; €6.1bn Ukraine defence allocation approved; landmark EU-India FTA sent to Council.
September 07, 2026 to September 13, 2026
Commission unveils European Innovation Act; new public procurement regulation proposed; €6.1bn Ukraine defence allocation approved; landmark EU-India FTA sent to Council.
📋 In This Week's Newsletter
• 📅 This Week's Calendar in Brussels
• 🇪🇺 European Commission
• 🤝 EU Council
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week
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.
European Commission
Commission proposes new European Innovation Act to drive cross-border growth and accelerate market access
On 8 September 2026, the European Commission introduced the European Innovation Act, aiming to simplify IP valuation and facilitate financing for startups and scaleups across Europe. The Act establishes a digital marketplace for intellectual property and sets out a common procedure for R&D procurement, intended to reduce fragmentation between Member States and accelerate the commercialisation of innovative technologies. The Commission expects administrative cost savings of €35 million and additional €10.2 billion per year in financing through IP-backed venture capital and debt. The proposal is part of the broader EU Startup and Scaleup Strategy and Competitiveness Compass. Commissioner Ekaterina Zaharieva stated the Act is designed to create a single market for scaling innovative ideas by 2028.
Commission approves €6.1 billion to support Ukraine's air and missile defence and other defence needs
On 10 September 2026, the Commission authorised an additional €6.1 billion for Ukraine's procurement of air and missile defence systems, ammunition, drones, and electronic warfare equipment. The funds are drawn from the €90 billion Ukraine Support Loan (Regulation (EU) 2026/467), with €28.3 billion allocated for Ukraine's 2026 defence support now fully assigned. The package includes five derogations for procurement eligibility, supporting both EU and Ukrainian suppliers. The Commission has disbursed €8.35 billion in defence funding to Ukraine this year, with further payments scheduled once contract compliance is confirmed.
Commission presents landmark India trade deal to Council for signature
On 10 September 2026, the Commission submitted proposals to the Council for the signature and conclusion of the EU-India Free Trade Agreement, the largest FTA for both parties. The deal will eliminate or reduce tariffs on 96% of EU goods exports to India, saving approximately €4 billion annually. The fast-track procedure, introduced by Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič, aims to expedite implementation amid geopolitical uncertainty. The agreement requires Council approval and European Parliament consent before entry into force.
Commission proposes new EU Public Procurement Act to simplify and harmonise procurement rules
On 8 September 2026, the Commission unveiled the EU Public Procurement Act, replacing three existing directives with a single regulation to streamline procurement across Member States. The Act introduces a Europe-wide Digital Marketplace, enabling automated eligibility checks and integrated data collection. The new approach mandates consideration of both price and quality, with quality criteria carrying a minimum weighting of 30% (or 50% for labour-intensive contracts). The Act also includes provisions for environmental and social objectives, SME participation, and innovation procurement. Commissioner Mario Draghi and Enrico Letta's reports informed the Act's emphasis on strategic objectives and economic security.
Commission grants Spain €114.7 million and operational assistance to manage migration pressures in Ceuta
On 8 September 2026, the Commission allocated €114.7 million in emergency assistance to Spain, responding to large-scale illegal border crossings in Ceuta. Funding from the Asylum Migration and Integration Fund and Border Management and Visa Instrument supports enhanced border surveillance, screening facilities, and migrant returns. The Commission coordinated operational support from Frontex, Europol, and the EU Agency for Asylum, with a joint core group established for ongoing coordination. Up to 80% of approved funding will be disbursed shortly after the grant agreement is signed.
Commission proposes €1.1 million from Globalisation Adjustment Fund for displaced workers in Finland's paper sector
On 7 September 2026, the Commission proposed mobilising €1.1 million from the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (EGF) to support 351 dismissed workers in Finland's paper industry. The assistance includes job-search support, career counselling, AI-based recruitment matching, and training in new skills. The package, with a total estimated cost of €1.8 million, is co-financed by local employment services. The EGF proposal requires approval by the European Parliament and Council.
President von der Leyen issues statement on Ukraine's Patriot system procurement derogation
On 7 September 2026, President Ursula von der Leyen welcomed the agreement by Member States on derogation procedures enabling Ukraine to purchase components for Patriot air defence systems. The next €3.2 billion disbursement under the Ukraine Support Loan will further support Ukraine's air defence capabilities. The Commission commits to continuing its cooperation with NATO and strengthening Europe's defence posture.
Speech by President von der Leyen at International Space Summit outlines EU space policy priorities
On 9 September 2026, President von der Leyen addressed the International Space Summit, highlighting the roles of Copernicus and Galileo in climate monitoring and navigation. The Commission is advancing the IRIS² secure communications constellation, targeting over 350 satellites with launches from 2029. The European Space Shield initiative will enhance protection against jamming and cyberattacks. The Commission is investing €131 billion in defence, security, and space under the proposed European Competitiveness Fund, and advocates for a 'Single Market in satellite communications' and the EU Space Act.
EU Council
Competitiveness Council to debate Chips Act 2.0 and merger control guidelines
On 24 September 2026, the Competitiveness Council will discuss Chips Act 2.0 and revisions to merger control guidelines. Ministers will also be briefed on the Industrial Accelerator Act, the 28th regime, and the European Competitiveness Fund.
Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council: Informal meeting of transport ministers scheduled
An informal meeting of transport ministers is set for 20 September 2026.
What We're Reading This Week
- Sabotage, espionage and disinformation: Hybrid threats to Germany rise: German authorities report a significant increase in hybrid threats, including sabotage, espionage, and disinformation campaigns targeting national security.
- Escaping the AI safety nightmare: What can governments do?: Policymakers are weighing new approaches to regulate AI and mitigate the risks posed by rapidly advancing technologies.
