This Week in Mining — Brussels (#23, 2026)
Commission approves €1 billion Slovak cleantech aid; new EU ETS free allowance allocation decision; ENVI draft on permit-granting acceleration; automotive sector sustainability rules adopted.
June 14, 2026 to June 20, 2026
Commission approves €1 billion Slovak cleantech aid; new EU ETS free allowance allocation decision; ENVI draft on permit-granting acceleration; automotive sector sustainability rules adopted.
📋 In This Week's Newsletter
• 📅 This Week's Calendar in Brussels
• 🇪🇺 European Commission
• ⚖️ EU Legislation
• ✒️ EP Committee Work
This Week's Calendar in Brussels
- Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE): On June 24, the European Parliament's Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE) is scheduled to meet. Agenda includes: * * *; Amending Directives (EU) 2018/2001, (EU) 2019/944, (EU) 2024/1788 as regards acceleration of permit-granting procedures; Amending Regulation (EU) 2023/956 as regards the extension of its scope to downstream goods and anti-circumvention measures.
- Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE): On June 25, the European Parliament's Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE) is scheduled to meet. Agenda includes: Chair’s announcements; *** End of electronic vote ***; Establishing the Programme for agile and rapid defence innovation (AGILE).
- Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE): On June 25, the European Parliament's Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE) is scheduled to meet. Agenda includes: Amending Regulations (EC) No 1907/2006, (EC) No 1272/2008, (EU) No 528/2012, (EU) 2019/1021 and (EU) 2021/697 as regards defence readiness and facilitating defence investments and conditions for defence industry; Chair’s announcements; *** End of electronic vote ***.
European Commission
Commission approves €1 billion Slovak State aid scheme for cleantech manufacturing capacity
The European Commission approved a €1 billion Slovak scheme to support cleantech manufacturing capacity, in line with the Clean Industrial Deal objectives. The scheme, notified under the Clean Industrial Deal State Aid Framework (CISAF) adopted on 25 June 2025, will ensure sufficient manufacturing capacity for cleantech—covering main components and related critical raw materials. Aid will be granted in the form of grants and income tax relief to both SMEs and large enterprises investing in cleantech manufacturing. The measure is open until 31 December 2030 and was found consistent with Article 107(3)(c) TFEU. Executive Vice-President Teresa Ribera commented that the approval will provide flexibility for key investments. The non-confidential version of this decision, case number SA.122800, will be published in the State aid register once confidentiality issues are resolved.
Annual Management and Performance Report for EU Budget 2025 adopted
The College of Commissioners adopted the 2025 Annual Management and Performance Report, detailing the role of the EU budget in boosting competitiveness, innovation, and reducing strategic dependencies. The report covers investments in clean and digital technologies via the Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform (STEP), and support for Ukraine through the Ukraine Facility, among other priorities. In 2025, significant funding went towards renewable energy, broadband capacity extension, and modernised roads. The Commission highlighted robust tools against errors and fraud, including the Conditionality Regulation and improved Financial Regulation. A review of the EU Anti-Fraud Architecture was launched, complementing work on the forthcoming 2028-2034 budget cycle.
EU Legislation (Official Journal)
Commission Decision (EU) 2026/1312—transitional free allocation of greenhouse gas emission allowances (2026–2030)
Commission Decision (EU) 2026/1312 of 15 June 2026 approved national implementation measures (NIMs) for transitional free allocation of greenhouse gas emission allowances for 2026–2030, per Article 11(3) of Directive 2003/87/EC. Member States submitted NIMs, including installation lists and baseline emission data for 2019–2023. The Commission conducted completeness and consistency checks, and installations from most Member States were found eligible for free allocation, except for certain installations from Spain and Sweden excluded for not meeting criteria. The Decision was signed by Commissioner Wopke Hoekstra and addressed to Member States.
Council Decision (CFSP) 2026/1333—temporary derogations for asset freeze related to Ukraine
Council Decision (CFSP) 2026/1333 of 15 June 2026 introduces temporary derogations from asset freeze measures imposed under Decision 2014/145/CFSP (Ukraine). EU operators may wind down contracts or purchase critical components from designated entities, subject to strict conditions, with transactions allowed until 31 December 2026 or 16 March 2027 for transition to alternative supply sources. The Decision was signed by Council President K. Kallas and enters into force upon publication.
EP Committee Work
ENVI Committee opinion on directive amending permit-granting procedures
The ENVI Committee, with rapporteur Rasmus Nordqvist, issued an opinion on the directive proposal amending Directives (EU) 2018/2001, (EU) 2019/944, and (EU) 2024/1788. The opinion addresses acceleration of permitting procedures for projects in the energy and environmental sectors. The document outlines legal and technical aspects to shorten administrative timelines and improve efficiency in permit-granting.
ENVI Committee draft report on reducing administrative burden
The ENVI Committee, led by rapporteur Susana Solís Pérez, published a draft report on amending Directives 2008/98/EC, 2010/75/EU, (EU) 2015/2193, and (EU) 2024/1785. The report focuses on proposing simplifications and reducing administrative obligations for industrial and environmental requirements across the cited legislative frameworks.
EMPL Committee draft opinion on 2027 EU general budget
The EMPL Committee, with rapporteur Romana Tomc, released a draft opinion on the EU's general budget for the financial year 2027. The opinion evaluates allocation and structure in all sections, with implications for employment, social policy, and budget distribution.
New EU automotive sector sustainability rules adopted by ENVI and IMCO Committees
The ENVI and IMCO Committees announced new rules for the automotive sector, adopted by Parliament with 437 in favour, 112 against, and 20 abstentions. The regulation mandates circular design, removal of vehicle parts, and recycled materials targets for plastics and other components. Extended producer responsibility and stricter export rules for used vehicles are introduced. Co-rapporteurs Jens Gieseke (EPP, DE) and Paulius Saudargas (EPP, LT) presented the law, which awaits formal Council approval before entering into force.
AGRI Committee press release: Fertiliser prices and farmer support fast-tracked
The AGRI Committee reported progress on measures to support farmers facing high fertiliser prices. A liquidity scheme and advanced direct payments are proposed, with Member States permitted to adjust allocations for the 2027 sowing season. Parliament will vote on the proposal during the July plenary session.
