This Week in Manufacturing — Brussels (#29, 2026)
Commission reviews UPM-Sappi merger; President von der Leyen details industrial priorities; Greece secures €4.8bn Social Climate Fund; strict import rules for animal products; updated construction product conformity.
August 24, 2026 to August 30, 2026
Commission reviews UPM-Sappi merger; President von der Leyen details industrial priorities; Greece secures €4.8bn Social Climate Fund; strict import rules for animal products; updated construction product conformity.
📋 In This Week's Newsletter
• 🇪🇺 European Commission
• ⚖️ EU Legislation
• 🤝 EU Council
European Commission
Commission sends Statement of Objections over proposed joint venture between UPM and Sappi
The European Commission has sent a Statement of Objections to UPM-Kymmene Corporation and Sappi Limited regarding their proposed joint venture in the communication paper sector. The Commission’s preliminary view is that the transaction may restrict competition in the EEA for magazine paper and coated wood free paper, potentially leading to higher prices and reduced choice for customers. The in-depth investigation, opened on 28 April 2026 under the EU Merger Regulation (Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004), is ongoing, with a final decision due by 11 November 2026. UPM and Sappi have been given the opportunity to reply, access the case file, and request an oral hearing. The case is registered under M.12270.
President von der Leyen sets out industrial and competitiveness priorities at MEDEF annual conference
President Ursula von der Leyen addressed ‘La Rencontre des Entrepreneurs de France 2026’, outlining the Commission’s industrial strategy and EU competitiveness priorities. Key points included a target to reduce administrative burdens by 25% for all companies and 35% for SMEs by 2029, the adoption of six Omnibus simplification packages, and a review of EU law to remove duplication and simplify permitting. She referenced ongoing trade defence actions, with over 30 investigations opened in 2025 and 2026. The speech addressed energy costs, electrification, and support mechanisms such as the new Electrification Action Plan and the Industrial Accelerator Act. Von der Leyen also noted the upcoming package on fair labour mobility, new measures to unlock household savings for investment, and the planned €450 billion support via the European Competitiveness Fund and Horizon Europe.
Commission endorses Greece's €4.8 billion Social Climate Plan for vulnerable households and SMEs
The Commission approved Greece’s Social Climate Plan, the largest so far under the Social Climate Fund, mobilising €4.77 billion (2026-2032) to support 460,000 vulnerable households and 28,000 micro-enterprises. The plan will fund renovations, heat pumps, electric buses, and social housing, aiming to cut CO2 emissions by 811,000 tons annually. It dedicates €3.57 billion in EU funding and €1.2 billion from national sources. The plan aligns with requirements under the extended EU Emissions Trading System (ETS2), which now covers buildings and road transport. Greece can request its first payment after implementation milestones are met.
EU Legislation (Official Journal)
Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/1304 updates import requirements for animal-origin food products
Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/1304, published on 24 August 2026, amends Regulation (EU) 2022/2292 regarding entry requirements for certain dairy, fishery, and mollusc products. The regulation updates Combined Nomenclature (CN) and Harmonised System (HS) codes to align with food safety and hygiene rules, including new controls for land-farmed bivalve molluscs. It enters into force twenty days after publication.
Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/1310 establishes conformity systems for construction product categories
Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/1310, dated 11 June 2026, supplements Regulation (EU) 2024/3110 by defining applicable assessment and verification systems for construction product families. The act ensures continuity with Regulation (EU) No 305/2011 and tailors conformity requirements by product category. The regulation enters into force twenty days after its publication.
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1961 updates African swine fever control zones
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1961, adopted 24 August 2026, amends Annexes I and II to Implementing Regulation (EU) 2023/594, updating special disease control zones for African swine fever in Bulgaria, Hungary, Italy, Poland, and establishing new zones in Finland. The regulation also repeals Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/1937.
Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/1955 amends sheep pox and goat pox measures in Bulgaria
Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/1955, published 24 August 2026, revises restricted zones and measure durations for sheep pox and goat pox in Bulgaria following new outbreaks in Haskovo and Kyustendil. The amendment updates the list of protection, surveillance, and restricted zones in Annex I.
Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/1956 revises sheep pox and goat pox zones in Romania
Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/1956, published 24 August 2026, amends Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/1108 to adjust restricted zones and durations for sheep pox and goat pox in Romania after five new outbreaks in Constanța, Tulcea, Vâlcea, and Gorj. Annexes I and II are updated accordingly.
Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/1958 updates avian influenza emergency zones in Sweden
Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/1958, published 24 August 2026, amends the Annex to Implementing Decision (EU) 2023/2447 by adding protection and surveillance zones in Sweden following an outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza in Tanum Municipality.
Decision No 1/2026 on EU-UK Erasmus+ participation amends Protocol I to the Trade and Cooperation Agreement
Decision No 1/2026 of the Specialised Committee on Participation in Union Programmes, adopted 15 April 2026, amends Protocol I to the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement. The decision adjusts the contribution key for UK participation in Erasmus+ from 2027, applying from 1 January 2027.
UN Regulation No. 129 on Enhanced Child Restraint Systems enters EU law
UN Regulation No. 129 [2026/1534], published 28 August 2026, sets uniform provisions for the approval of Enhanced Child Restraint Systems in motor vehicles. The regulation incorporates amendments up to June 2026 and details requirements for type approval, marking, and testing.
EU Council
Upcoming: Foreign Affairs Council (Gymnich) to meet on 1 September 2026
Foreign ministers will convene informally under the Gymnich format on 1 September 2026.
