This Week in the Single Market — Brussels (#14, 2026)
Steel safeguards deal; chemicals regulation simplification; vehicle registration reform report; critical raw materials risk management; single market programme draft opinion.
April 12, 2026 to April 18, 2026
Steel safeguards deal; chemicals regulation simplification; vehicle registration reform report; critical raw materials risk management; single market programme draft opinion.
📋 In This Week's Newsletter
• 📅 This Week's Calendar in Brussels
• 🤝 EU Council
• ✒️ EP Committee Work
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week
This Week's Calendar in Brussels
- Committee on Legal Affairs (JURI): On April 23, the European Parliament's Committee on Legal Affairs (JURI) is scheduled to meet. Agenda includes: * * *; Chair’s announcements; Coordinators’ meeting.
EU Council
ECOFIN ministers agree on VAT fraud rules, debate market integration package
On 5 May 2026, the Economic and Financial Affairs Council (ECOFIN) reached agreement on new rules aimed at combating value added tax (VAT) fraud within the European Union. The Council also held a policy debate on the market integration and supervision package, which forms a central part of the EU's saving and investment union initiative.
EP Committee Work
Parliament committees agree on new steel safeguards
On 14 April 2026, the International Trade Committee (INTA) announced a provisional deal introducing lower import quotas, limiting tariff-free steel imports to 18.3 million tonnes per year and raising duties to 50% for imports above quota. Lead negotiator Karin Karlsbro (Renew, SE) stated the agreement equips the EU to counter global overcapacity after current safeguards expire on 30 June 2026. The Commission will review scope extension after 6 months, with formal adoption by Council and Parliament expected before entry into force on 1 July 2026.
Committees adopt report to simplify chemicals, cosmetics, and fertilisers regulation
On 15 April 2026, the Environment (ENVI) and Internal Market (IMCO) committees adopted their position on the 'Omnibus VI' package to simplify classification, packaging, and labelling rules for chemicals, cosmetics, and fertilising products. MEPs supported most Commission proposals but retained label legibility and supplier telephone requirements. The report also includes stricter requirements for cosmetics containing CMR substances and supports updated digital-by-default information for fertilisers. ENVI separately adopted a report on the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) revision, led by Christophe Clergeau (S&D, FR).
INTA reviews artificial intelligence for EU trade and global agreements
On 14 April 2026, the International Trade Committee (INTA) held votes and exchanges on a comprehensive artificial intelligence strategy for EU trade. Members discussed the conclusion of negotiations for the EU-Australia Trade Agreement and the outcome of the 14th WTO Ministerial Conference in Yaoundé. INTA also considered recommendations for Parliament's consent vote on the EU-Mexico Modernised Global Agreement and the interim report, discussed bilateral relations with Switzerland, and held a public hearing on trade and investment relations with China.
CONT committee draft opinion on Single Market and Customs Programme (2028-2034)
On 14 April 2026, the Committee on Budgetary Control (CONT) published its draft opinion on the proposal for a regulation establishing the Single Market and Customs Programme for 2028-2034, repealing Regulations (EU) 2021/444, 2021/690, 2021/785, 2021/847, and 2021/1077. Rapporteur Dick Erixon led the opinion, focusing on budgetary and finance aspects.
TRAN committee report on vehicle registration documents and data harmonisation
On 14 April 2026, the Transport and Tourism Committee (TRAN) adopted its report on the directive proposal for harmonising vehicle registration documents and national vehicle registers, repealing Directive 1999/37/EC. Rapporteur Johan Danielsson (S&D) led amendments supporting digitalisation, QR codes for verification, and improved cross-border data exchange, while ensuring accessibility for citizens with limited digital access. The IMCO committee provided an opinion stressing data protection, operational flexibility for Member States, and fraud prevention.
DEVE committee opinion on critical raw materials regulation amendment
On 15 April 2026, the Development Committee (DEVE) adopted its opinion (rapporteur Marit Maij) on the proposal amending Regulation (EU) 2024/1252, focusing on company risk preparedness for critical raw materials. The opinion transfers identification of large companies to the Commission, clarifies risk assessment criteria, and calls for conflict-sensitive analysis and stakeholder consultation. The amendments emphasise supply chain traceability and compliance with international standards.
What We're Reading This Week
- Benefits of Labour’s ‘halfway house’ Brexit policy not clear, says election expert: An election expert warns that Labour's ambiguous Brexit stance may confuse voters and obscure potential advantages.
- New EU guidance promotes cooperation between customs and businesses to tackle illicit trade: EU urges closer collaboration between customs authorities and businesses to strengthen efforts against illicit trade across member states.
- Publication of the study on Wealth Taxation, Including Net Wealth, Capital and Exit Taxes: A new study analyzes the potential impacts and policy considerations of implementing wealth, capital, and exit taxes.
