This Week in Manufacturing — Brussels (#29, 2026)
Union Customs Code adopted; safeguard duties on silicon steel; new anti-dumping measures on batteries; Commission acts on defence eligibility for Ukraine; updates to trade surveillance.
September 14, 2026 to September 20, 2026
Union Customs Code adopted; safeguard duties on silicon steel; new anti-dumping measures on batteries; Commission acts on defence eligibility for Ukraine; updates to trade surveillance.
📋 In This Week's Newsletter
• 📅 This Week's Calendar in Brussels
• 🇪🇺 European Commission
• ⚖️ EU Legislation
• 🤝 EU Council
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week
This Week's Calendar in Brussels
- Competitiveness Council: On September 24, the EU Council's Competitiveness Council configuration is scheduled to hold an ministerial meeting in Brussels.
European Commission
Commission disburses €3.3 billion in defence funding to Ukraine
On 17 September 2026, the European Commission announced the disbursement of €3.3 billion to Ukraine for defence procurement under Regulation (EU) 2026/467. The payment, part of the €90 billion Ukraine Support Loan, covers drones and missiles for Ukraine's defence against ongoing Russian aggression. This fourth payment brings total 2026 support to nearly €15 billion, with €30 billion allocated to budgetary aid and €60 billion to defence for 2026-2027. Further payments will follow, with President von der Leyen set to address the UN General Assembly on the need for continued support to Ukraine.
Commission sends Statement of Objections over MMG’s acquisition of Anglo American's nickel business
On 15 September 2026, the European Commission sent a Statement of Objections to MMG Limited regarding its planned acquisition of Anglo American's nickel business (case M.11944). The Commission raised concerns that the transaction could restrict competition in the market for low-carbon ferronickel, a key material in stainless steel production. The inquiry, opened on 4 November 2025 under the EU Merger Regulation, is focused on risks of supply diversion to Chinese-controlled affiliates, potentially affecting availability and pricing for European producers. A final decision is due by 30 November 2026.
Commission proposes €489 million in disaster recovery funding for Portugal, Spain, Italy and Malta
On 16 September 2026, the European Commission proposed mobilising €489 million from the EU Solidarity Fund to support Portugal, Spain, Italy, and Malta following severe storms and flooding in early 2026. The proposal allocates €261 million to Portugal, €149 million to Spain, €74.8 million to Italy, and €3.72 million to Malta. Funding will assist in rebuilding essential infrastructure and restoring services. The proposal awaits approval from the European Parliament and the Council.
Commission adopts Fair Labour Mobility Package
On 14 September 2026, the European Commission adopted the Fair Labour Mobility package, including a Regulation establishing the European Social Security Pass, the 'Skills Portability Act', amendments to the Professional Qualifications Directive, and rules for recognising non-EU qualifications. The package aims to streamline digital social security and qualification verification, shorten recognition timelines, and strengthen the European Labour Authority's mandate. Once adopted, digital documents and updated procedures will be phased in over the coming years.
EU Legislation (Official Journal)
Regulation (EU) 2026/2108: Union Customs Code and European Union Customs Authority established
Regulation (EU) 2026/2108, adopted on 16 September 2026, establishes the new Union Customs Code and creates the European Union Customs Authority in Lille, France. The Regulation repeals Regulation (EU) No 952/2013, introduces the EU Customs Data Hub, and harmonises customs procedures, risk management, and digitalisation. The new rules apply from September 2027 with phased implementation, impacting all customs operations, trade flows, and customs compliance across the EU.
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/2133: Provisional safeguard measure on silicon-electrical steel
On 18 September 2026, the Commission imposed a provisional safeguard measure on imports of certain grain-oriented flat-rolled products of silicon-electrical steel. The measure introduces tariff rate quotas and specific duties, following a significant increase in imports that led to findings of serious injury to the EU industry. The duties apply for 155 days from 25 September 2026 and include coverage of core materials incorporated in transformers.
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/2064: Monitoring of UK titanium dioxide imports after LB Group acquisition
Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/2064, published 17 September 2026, amends Regulation (EU) 2025/4 to introduce new TARIC codes for titanium dioxide (TiO2) producers in the UK, including Tioxide Materials Ltd. The change enables the Commission to monitor imports following LB Group’s acquisition of Venator's UK TiO2 assets, with surveillance measures to prevent circumvention of anti-dumping duties on Chinese-origin TiO2.
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/2049: Registration of Chinese alkaline manganese dioxide batteries
On 14 September 2026, the Commission directed customs authorities to register imports of primary cells and primary batteries of alkaline manganese dioxide from China. The registration, under CN code 8506 10 11, is in view of a pending anti-dumping proceeding and may allow for retroactive collection of duties if warranted by the investigation.
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/2047: Extension of surveillance on renewable ethanol for fuel imports
The Commission extended retrospective Union surveillance of imports of renewable ethanol for fuel until 15 September 2029. The measure, taking effect from 16 September 2026, allows for continued monitoring of trade flows affecting the EU renewable fuels market and industrial producers.
EU Council
Eurogroup discusses euro area productivity and growth
On 18 September 2026, Eurogroup ministers discussed recent economic developments and productivity trends in the euro area, considering the impact of the current geopolitical and economic context on growth prospects.
ECOFIN holds informal economic and financial affairs meeting
Economic and Financial Affairs ministers met informally on 18 September 2026. No summary was available.
Upcoming: Informal meeting of transport ministers
Transport ministers will hold an informal meeting on 20 September 2026 to discuss sectoral priorities.
What We're Reading This Week
- Von der Leyen sets her course: Ursula von der Leyen outlines her strategic priorities as she seeks support for a second term as EU Commission President.
- World Trade Organization reform failure could cost 10% of global GDP, report warns: A new report warns that stalled WTO reforms risk undermining global trade and could shrink worldwide GDP by up to 10%.
- Europe does not want to depend on foreign technology in the new digital order: European leaders push for technological self-sufficiency to reduce reliance on non-European digital infrastructure and innovation.
