This Week in Mining — Brussels (#25, 2026)
ETS benchmarks revised; Customs tariffs suspended for key industrial products; Autonomous tariff quotas opened; Vocational skills opinion issued; Decarbonisation Fund opinion tabled.
June 28, 2026 to July 04, 2026
ETS benchmarks revised; Customs tariffs suspended for key industrial products; Autonomous tariff quotas opened; Vocational skills opinion issued; Decarbonisation Fund opinion tabled.
📋 In This Week's Newsletter
• 🇪🇺 European Commission
• ⚖️ EU Legislation
• 🤝 EU Council
• ✒️ EP Committee Work
European Commission
Commission Greenlights Portugal's Ninth Payment Request under NextGenerationEU
The European Commission, on 1 July 2026, issued a positive assessment of Portugal's ninth payment request for €2.32 billion under the Recovery and Resilience Facility. Reforms and investments linked to this request include improvements in waste management, business simplification, structured landscape management, digitalisation of public administration, and streamlining environmental licensing procedures. The request, submitted on 18 May 2026, follows Portugal's completion of 22 milestones and 29 targets. Flagship measures cover vocational education reform, a €1 billion capital base investment for Portuguese firms, and the 'Emparcelar para Ordenar' programme for rural fire prevention. Portugal's recovery and resilience plan is financed by €21.9 billion, with 78.67% of funds paid out to date. The Commission's preliminary assessment will be reviewed by the Economic and Financial Committee within four weeks prior to final payment approval.
Statement by President von der Leyen: College Visit to the Irish Presidency
On 2 July 2026, Ursula von der Leyen and Taioseach Micheál Martin discussed priorities for the Irish Presidency, including trade diversification, industrial capacity, and security. Von der Leyen underscored intentions to advance the EU “One Europe, One Market” Roadmap, table a new energy package in July, and modernise the EU emissions trading system. The statement referenced plans for a Tech Sovereignty Package and simplification agenda. The Irish Presidency will play a central role in operationalising trade deals with India and Mexico, establishing a European Housing Alliance, and convening a European Housing Summit. Significant attention was given to defence readiness, budget architecture for the next MFF, and ongoing enlargement negotiations with Ukraine, Moldova, Albania, and Montenegro.
EU Legislation (Official Journal)
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1412 Revises ETS Benchmark Values: Period 2026–2030
The Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1412, published in OJ L on 29 June 2026, determines revised benchmark values for free allocation of emission allowances from 2026 to 2030. This regulation, pursuant to Article 10a(2) of Directive 2003/87/EC, sets new values based on installations’ greenhouse gas efficiency data submitted for 2021 and 2022. Benchmarks incorporate amendments to Directive (EU) 2023/959 and account for evolving definitions and system boundaries for industrial categories such as steel, hydrogen, and cement clinker. The new benchmarks will guide allocation under the EU ETS for the next four years.
Council Regulation (EU) 2026/1463 Suspends Customs Tariffs for Certain Agricultural and Industrial Products
Council Regulation (EU) 2026/1463 of 25 June 2026 amends Regulation (EU) 2021/2278, suspending Common Customs Tariff duties for specified agricultural and industrial products. The regulation ensures uninterrupted supply for products not produced in the EU, including partial suspensions with new reviews set for 31 December 2026, particularly for battery production-related products. Amendments address product descriptions, classifications, and end-use requirements.
Council Regulation (EU) 2026/1465 Opens and Manages Autonomous Tariff Quotas
Council Regulation (EU) 2026/1465 of 25 June 2026 amends Regulation (EU) 2021/2283, opening new autonomous tariff quotas at zero duty rates for certain agricultural and industrial products. The changes include new quota order numbers, modifications of product descriptions and TARIC codes, increased quota volumes for specific products, and closure of quotas that no longer fulfil union interests. The amendments take effect from 1 July 2026.
EU Council
Competitiveness Council to Address Internal Market and Industry Issues
An informal meeting of competitiveness ministers focusing on internal market and industry will convene on 9 July 2026.
EP Committee Work
ITRE Report: Acceleration of Permit-Granting Procedures
On 3 July 2026, the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE) published a report (rapporteur: Niels Fuglsang) on a proposed directive amending Directives (EU) 2018/2001, 2019/944, and 2024/1788. The report examines legislative adjustments aimed at expediting procedures for granting permits in energy and industrial sectors.
ITRE Opinion: Establishing the Temporary Decarbonisation Fund
On 3 July 2026, the ITRE committee issued an opinion (rapporteur: Massimiliano Salini) regarding the regulation proposal to establish the Temporary Decarbonisation Fund. The opinion considers the regulatory framework and criteria for decarbonisation funding allocation.
ITRE Report: Amending Regulation (EU) 2024/1252
The ITRE committee, led by rapporteur Mohammed Chahim, released a report on 2 July 2026 regarding proposals to amend Regulation (EU) 2024/1252. The report reviews implications for industry, research, and energy policy.
FEMM Draft Opinion: Boosting Skills in the Union
On 1 July 2026, the Committee on Women's Rights and Gender Equality (FEMM) presented a draft opinion (rapporteur: Lina Gálvez) focused on vocational education and training opportunities amid transitions. The draft addresses strategies for enhancing workforce adaptability in the EU.
DEVE Report: Implementation of Sustainable Development Goals
On 29 June 2026, the Committee on Development (DEVE) published a report (rapporteur: Lukas Mandl) on the EU’s delivery of Sustainable Development Goals prior to the 2026 High-Level Political Forum. The report details progress in policy areas with specific relevance for sustainable resource extraction.
