This Week in Manufacturing — Brussels (#29, 2026)
Commission refers Bulgaria to Court over electricity market rules; New anti-dumping registration on Chinese glass beads; Council amends rules for cross-border dangerous goods transport; Major update to pressure equipment harmonised standards; Spain authorised for temporary excise duty cut on fuels.
September 28, 2026 to October 04, 2026
Commission refers Bulgaria to Court over electricity market rules; New anti-dumping registration on Chinese glass beads; Council amends rules for cross-border dangerous goods transport; Major update to pressure equipment harmonised standards; Spain authorised for temporary excise duty cut on fuels.
📋 In This Week's Newsletter
• 📅 This Week's Calendar in Brussels
• 🇪🇺 European Commission
• ⚖️ EU Legislation
• 🤝 EU Council
This Week's Calendar in Brussels
- Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE): On October 08, the European Parliament's Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE) is scheduled to meet. Agenda includes: * * *; Amending Directive (EU) 2022/2555 as regards simplification measures and alignment with the [Proposal for the Cybersecurity Act 2]; Amending Directives (EU) 2018/2001, (EU) 2019/944, (EU) 2024/1788 as regards acceleration of permit-granting procedures.
European Commission
Commission refers Bulgaria to the Court of Justice over incomplete transposition of EU electricity market rules
On 30 September 2026, the European Commission referred Bulgaria (INFR(2021)0015) to the Court of Justice of the European Union for failing to fully transpose Directive (EU) 2019/944 on common rules for the internal market for electricity. The Directive, which was due to be transposed by 31 December 2020, establishes key organisational, operational, and consumer protection rules for EU electricity markets. The Commission identified gaps in Bulgaria’s national measures, notably on third-party network access, consumer rights in collective switching schemes, and the role of the transmission system operator. The Commission is also seeking financial sanctions under Article 260(3) TFEU. The decision forms part of a wider enforcement action targeting barriers in the Single Market highlighted in COM(2026) 380 final.
Commission initiates anti-dumping registration on solid glass microspheres from China
On 29 September 2026, the Commission adopted Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/2162, making imports of solid glass microspheres (glass beads) originating in the People’s Republic of China subject to customs registration. The measure allows for potential retroactive anti-dumping duties to be levied on these imports, which fall under CN codes ex 7002 10 00, ex 7018 10 90, ex 7018 20 00, and ex 7018 90 90. The step follows a complaint from a coalition of European producers and covers glass beads not exceeding 2 mm in diameter. Registration will last up to nine months from entry into force, pending the outcome of the ongoing anti-dumping investigation under Regulation (EU) 2016/1036.
EU Legislation (Official Journal)
Council Decision on cross-border transport of dangerous goods: ADR and ADN amendments
Council Decision (EU) 2026/2233, adopted on 28 September 2026, sets the EU position on amendments to the Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road (ADR) and the European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Inland Waterways (ADN). The changes, adopted by the relevant UN bodies in 2026, update technical rules and are directly linked to Directive 2008/68/EC. All EU Member States apply the ADR, and 13 apply the ADN.
Commission Decision on harmonised standards for pressure equipment and assemblies
Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/2211 of 1 October 2026 amends the list of harmonised standards supporting Directive 2014/68/EU (Pressure Equipment Directive). The Decision adds new and revised EN and EN ISO standards for refrigerating systems, heat pumps, LPG equipment, welding, and cryogenic vessels to Annex I of Implementing Decision (EU) 2025/165. References to superseded standards are withdrawn, with transitional periods provided for industry adaptation.
Spain authorised to temporarily reduce excise duty on motor fuels
Council Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/2194 of 22 September 2026 authorises Spain to apply reduced rates of excise duty on gas oil and unleaded petrol for motor fuel use, below the minimums set by Directive 2003/96/EC. The measure is a response to energy price shocks linked to geopolitical developments in the Middle East and is time-limited. The authorisation applies until 30 September 2026 or until new minimum rates are set at EU level.
EU Council
Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council: Informal meeting of energy ministers
Energy ministers held an informal meeting on 28 September 2026 as part of the Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council configuration.
