This Week in the Single Market — Brussels (#22, 2026)
Commission advances capital markets package; New EU battery facility adopted; Council agreement on CBAM reform; EU-Korea sign digital trade accord; Enhanced EU-ESA free trade deal concluded.
June 07, 2026 to June 13, 2026
Commission advances capital markets package; New EU battery facility adopted; Council agreement on CBAM reform; EU-Korea sign digital trade accord; Enhanced EU-ESA free trade deal concluded.
📋 In This Week's Newsletter
• 🇪🇺 European Commission
• ⚖️ EU Legislation
• 🤝 EU Council
• ✒️ EP Committee Work
European Commission
Commission proposes capital markets integration and supervision package
On June 11, 2026, Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis announced at the ECOFIN press conference the Commission’s latest measures for capital markets integration and supervision within the Union. The initiatives include amendments to several regulations, such as (EU) No 1095/2010, No 648/2012, No 600/2014, and No 909/2014, aiming to streamline rules and remove remaining barriers to the Savings and Investments Union. The Commission presented the developments in the 2026 European Semester Spring Package, focusing on competitiveness and fiscal sustainability. Country-specific recommendations will move to Council approval in July.
Commission establishes €1.5 billion Battery Booster Facility
On June 11, 2026, the Commission, via Decision (EU) 2026/1283, founded the Battery Booster Facility to support ramp-up investments in battery cell manufacturing. The facility, funded by the Innovation Fund, will finance interest-free loans for projects located in the EEA, targeting manufacturing sites in the pre-commercialisation phase. The goal is to reinforce the EU industry’s competitiveness amid global overcapacity and support clean mobility objectives. Loans may reach up to €500 million per recipient and must adhere to eligibility and 'do no significant harm' criteria.
Commission approves Holcim's acquisition of Xella conditional on plant divestment
On June 11, 2026, the European Commission approved, under the EU Merger Regulation (case M.12201), the acquisition of Xella by Holcim, conditional on Holcim divesting its autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC) blocks plant in Adjud, Romania. The decision follows concerns over reduced competition in Romania’s AAC blocks segment. An independent trustee will oversee the divestment, and the Commission will evaluate proposed buyers in a separate process. The commitment aims to address horizontal overlap and ensure continued market competition.
Commission issues interim measures on Meta regarding WhatsApp and AI assistants
On June 8, 2026, the European Commission imposed interim measures under Article 8(1) of Regulation 1/2003 on Meta. The company must reinstate free access to WhatsApp’s Business API for third-party general-purpose AI assistants, as existed prior to October 15, 2025. The decision follows an antitrust investigation into Meta’s policy changes that risked market foreclosure at a key stage for AI development. Meta is required to restore prior terms within five working days while the investigation continues.
EU Legislation (Official Journal)
Regulation (EU) 2026/1184: New rules on the use of railway infrastructure capacity in the single European railway area
Regulation (EU) 2026/1184, adopted on May 20, 2026 and published June 10, 2026, establishes updated procedures for the allocation and management of railway infrastructure capacity across the single European railway area. The rules replace Regulation (EU) No 913/2010 and update provisions of Directive 2012/34/EU. The new framework introduces harmonised capacity allocation phases, formalises the European Network of Infrastructure Managers (ENIM), and enforces digital tools for cross-border traffic. The regulation applies to all domestic and international rail services and enters into force twenty days post-publication.
Decision (EU) 2026/1340: EU position on customs valuation and origin within the World Customs Organization
Council Decision (EU) 2026/1340, adopted June 4, 2026, sets the EU’s position in the World Customs Organization’s technical committees on Customs Valuation (TCCV) and Rules of Origin (TCRO. The decision ensures EU uniformity in interpreting and applying advisory opinions, commentaries, and studies impacting EU customs law, referencing Regulation (EU) No 952/2013, Regulation (EU) 2015/2446, and Regulation (EU) 2015/2447. The mandate runs through December 31, 2030.
EU Council
ECOFIN agrees position on CBAM and debates on savings and investment union
On June 12, 2026, the Economic and Financial Affairs Council (ECOFIN) adopted its position on strengthening the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) ahead of negotiations with Parliament. Ministers also held a policy debate on the market integration and supervision package, a core component of the EU’s savings and investment union.
Eurogroup discusses macroeconomic outlook and fiscal challenges
At its June 11, 2026 meeting, the Eurogroup focused on macroeconomic and fiscal developments, including pressure from energy costs and defence spending. IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva presented the Fund's annual euro area assessment.
EP Committee Work
Draft report: Capital market integration and supervision regulation package
On June 11, 2026, the ECON committee published its draft report on the Commission's regulatory package to further capital market integration and supervision within the Union. Rapporteur Markus Ferber (EPP) proposed amendments across multiple regulations, including (EU) No 1095/2010, No 648/2012, No 600/2014, and No 909/2014, to promote single market efficiency and reduce administrative overlap.
Draft report: Capital market integration and supervision directive package
On June 11, 2026, the ECON committee released its draft report on directive amendments to strengthen capital market integration, covering Directives 2009/65/EC, 2011/61/EU, and 2014/65/EU. Rapporteur Eero Heinäluoma (S&D) advanced provisions for supervisory convergence and streamlined reporting.
Draft report: Regulation on settlement finality and amendments to financial collateral arrangements
On June 11, 2026, the ECON committee, with rapporteur Giovanni Crosetto (ECR), issued its draft report on settlement finality in payment and securities settlement systems and amendments to Directive 2002/47/EC. The document addresses risk mitigation and legal certainty for cross-border collateral arrangements.
Draft opinion: Digital Networks Act regulation (LIBE committee)
On June 9, 2026, Ana Vasconcelos (Renew) presented the LIBE committee's draft opinion on the proposal for a Digital Networks Act. The opinion reviews amendments relating to the single market for electronic communications and the protection of fundamental rights in digital infrastructure.
