This Week in the Single Market — Brussels (#15, 2026)
EU, US sign critical minerals MoU; 20th Russia sanctions package adopted; ‘One Europe, One Market’ Roadmap agreed; Parliament motions on unfair competition and GMO soybeans; Lisbon metro procurement cleared under FSR.
April 19, 2026 to April 25, 2026
EU, US sign critical minerals MoU; 20th Russia sanctions package adopted; ‘One Europe, One Market’ Roadmap agreed; Parliament motions on unfair competition and GMO soybeans; Lisbon metro procurement cleared under FSR.
📋 In This Week's Newsletter
• 🇪🇺 European Commission
• 🤝 EU Council
• 📝 EP Motions & Questions
• ✒️ EP Committee Work
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week
European Commission
EU and US launch strategic partnership on critical minerals
On 23 April 2026, the EU and US formalised a strategic partnership on critical minerals, signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and agreeing an EU-US Critical Minerals Action Plan in Washington DC. Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security Maroš Šefčovič and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio signed the MoU, which provides for bilateral cooperation across the whole value chain—from exploration through recycling—while supporting innovation, investment, geological mapping, and rapid response to disruptions. The accompanying Action Plan, agreed with US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, sets out joint work on trade policies, common standards, investment promotion, and global coordination, potentially paving the way for a plurilateral initiative. These measures follow previous commitments of the Critical Minerals Ministerial of 4 February 2026 and the Joint Statement of 21 August 2025.
EU adopts 20th package of sanctions against Russia
On 22 April 2026, the European Commission welcomed the adoption of the EU's 20th sanctions package against Russia, which introduces new measures targeting the Russian energy sector, maritime shipping, financial services, and trade. The package includes 36 new listings in the Russian energy sector, additional shadow fleet entities, and a port access ban on vessels used in sanctions circumvention. Financial measures extend transaction bans to more Russian and third-country banks, prohibit exchange with Russian crypto asset service providers, and ban support for the digital rouble. Trade restrictions now cover further goods and technologies relevant to Russia's military, as well as new import bans on metals and minerals. The EU activated its anti-circumvention tool for the first time, targeting persistent violations by the Kyrgyz Republic. The package also strengthens legal protection for EU operators and introduces new actions against Russian propaganda and intellectual property theft.
European Institutions agree Roadmap to achieve ‘One Europe, one Market’ by end of 2027
On 23 April 2026, the Presidents of the European Parliament, the Council (represented by Cyprus), and the European Commission signed the 'One Europe, One Market Roadmap' at the Informal meeting of Heads of State or Government in Cyprus. The Roadmap sets concrete targets and timelines for legislative proposals and agreements to reinforce the competitiveness and integration of the Single Market by the end of 2027. The agreement assigns clear institutional responsibilities, provides for quarterly progress reviews, and stipulates regular stocktaking for transparency, aiming to advance digital transformation, industrial resilience, and economic growth.
Commission unconditionally approves RTL's acquisition of Sky DACH
On 21 April 2026, the European Commission cleared the proposed acquisition of Sky German Holdings GmbH by RTL Deutschland GmbH under the EU Merger Regulation (case M.12076). Following a Phase I investigation, the Commission concluded that the transaction would not significantly reduce competition in the EEA audiovisual markets. The review assessed overlaps in content acquisition, TV channel supply, retail audiovisual services, and advertising. The Commission found that RTL and Sky DACH are not close competitors, that market shares remain moderate, and that sufficient alternatives exist, including from global streaming platforms. Notably, RTL's proposed commitments were deemed unnecessary after the investigation.
Commission approves €411 million Croatian capital injection into development bank HBOR
On 19 April 2026, the European Commission approved a €411 million capital injection by Croatia into its national development bank, HBOR, under EU State aid rules (case SA.121107). The measure, funded via the Recovery and Resilience Facility, aims to expand HBOR’s support for SMEs, renewable energy, infrastructure, digital transformation, and defence, ensuring the aid remains targeted at market failures and does not crowd out private financial institutions. The Commission assessed the scheme under Article 107(3)(c) TFEU, concluding that it is necessary, proportionate, and limited to bridging market gaps.
Commission clears Lisbon railway line bid under Foreign Subsidies Regulation, subject to conditions
On 20 April 2026, the European Commission cleared the award of the Lisbon 'Violet' metro line contract to a consortium led by Mota-Engil, subject to conditions under the Foreign Subsidies Regulation (FSR). The decision followed an in-depth investigation into foreign subsidies received by Portugal CRRC Tangshan Rolling Stock Unipessoal, a consortium member, which was found to have distorted the procurement process. The consortium committed to replace CRRC with Poland’s PESA, a manufacturer without distortive subsidies. This is the first final decision with conditions under the FSR for a public procurement procedure since the Regulation’s application on 13 July 2023.
EU Council
Upcoming ECOFIN Council set to debate VAT fraud and market integration package
The Economic and Financial Affairs Council (ECOFIN) will meet on 5 May 2026 to discuss new rules to combat value added tax (VAT) fraud in the EU. Ministers will also hold a policy debate on the market integration and supervision package, a central element of the EU’s saving and investment union.
EP Motions & Questions
Parliament motion on unfair competition from non-EU countries
On 21 April 2026, Bogdan Rzońca (ECR, PL) tabled a motion for a resolution in the Committee on Petitions (2025/2955(RSP)), addressing unfair competition for EU companies, jobs, and products from non-EU countries. The motion cites regulatory asymmetries, state subsidies, and non-compliance with EU safety and environmental standards, calling for better enforcement, customs reform, and strengthened consumer redress.
Motion for resolution on the draft Commission implementing decision authorising GM soybean MON 94637
On 21 April 2026, Martin Häusling (Greens/EFA, DE) and others from the ENVI Committee tabled a motion opposing the draft Commission implementing decision authorising the placing on the market of products containing, consisting of, or produced from genetically modified soybean MON 94637 under Regulation (EC) No 1829/2003. The motion cites concerns about incomplete risk assessment, molecular characterisation, and insufficient evidence on long-term impacts.
Motion for resolution on enforcement of the Digital Markets Act
On 22 April 2026, Anna Cavazzini (Greens/EFA, DE) and Andreas Schwab (EPP, DE), on behalf of the IMCO Committee and PPE Group, tabled a motion regarding the enforcement of Regulation (EU) 2022/1925 (Digital Markets Act). The motion highlights challenges in effective and timely enforcement, concerns over self-preferencing practices, and the need for rigorous application of obligations regarding data access and interoperability.
EP Committee Work
IMCO Committee opinion on space activities regulation: single market, competitiveness, SME support
On 21 April 2026, the Internal Market and Consumer Protection Committee (IMCO) adopted its opinion on the proposal for a regulation on the safety, resilience, and sustainability of space activities in the Union (2025/0335(COD), rapporteur François Kalfon). The opinion proposes harmonisation for a European space market, removal of derogations except for exceptional circumstances, and a permanent support helpdesk for SMEs to facilitate compliance. It calls for equivalence recognition for third-country operators to be time-limited, aligning with bilateral agreements, and for clear rules on market access and mutual recognition.
ECON draft report on EU corporate tax policy in a changing international environment
On 22 April 2026, the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs (ECON), rapporteur Kinga Kollár, published a draft report on the EU’s approach to corporate tax policy, highlighting the implications of the OECD/G20 Pillar Two minimum tax rules, the US NCTI system, and the need for tax simplification to enhance competitiveness. The report notes challenges in transatlantic tax relations and the coexistence of different minimum tax regimes, calling for coordinated EU positions in multilateral forums.
ITRE draft opinion on establishing the Temporary Decarbonisation Fund
On 21 April 2026, the Industry, Research and Energy Committee (ITRE), rapporteur Massimiliano Salini, published its draft opinion on the proposal for a regulation establishing the Temporary Decarbonisation Fund (COM(2025)0990, 2025/0418(COD)). The opinion supports targeted transitional support for EU producers in energy-intensive sectors exposed to international competition, with provisions for regular review of scope, adequate funding, and the inclusion of SMEs and precursors in support calculation.
What We're Reading This Week
- EU customs education partners meet in Tallinn to strengthen training collaboration: European customs training officials convene in Tallinn to enhance cross-border cooperation and harmonize educational standards.
- Provisional Application of the EU-Mercosur Interim Trade Agreement Begins 1 May 2026: EU and Mercosur countries will start implementing parts of their new trade agreement on a provisional basis from May 2026.
