This Week in the Single Market — Brussels (#29, 2026)
Commission review of UPM-Sappi joint venture; new rules for construction products; UK-EU Erasmus+ terms updated; animal disease control measures in Bulgaria, Romania, Sweden; von der Leyen speech charts single market priorities.
August 24, 2026 to August 30, 2026
Commission review of UPM-Sappi joint venture; new rules for construction products; UK-EU Erasmus+ terms updated; animal disease control measures in Bulgaria, Romania, Sweden; von der Leyen speech charts single market priorities.
📋 In This Week's Newsletter
• 🇪🇺 European Commission
• ⚖️ EU Legislation
• 🤝 EU Council
European Commission
President von der Leyen outlines competitiveness and single market strategy at MEDEF 2026
On 26 August 2026, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen addressed 'La Rencontre des Entrepreneurs de France 2026', focusing on the evolving challenges for EU industry and the single market. She referenced the fragmentation of the internal market, the impact of global competition, and the need for regulatory simplification. The Commission's target is a 25% reduction in administrative burden for all companies and 35% for SMEs by 2029, with the Omnibus packages expected to deliver EUR 17 billion in annual savings. Six packages have been agreed, totalling EUR 6 billion in savings, with further legislative review underway. The speech also covered ongoing trade defence investigations, the proposed 'savings and investment union', and plans for a fair labour mobility package to be presented in autumn 2026. The Electrification Action Plan, new carbon market proposals, and investment measures for decarbonisation and AI gigafactories were highlighted as central to the Commission's competitiveness agenda.
Commission sends Statement of Objections on UPM-Sappi joint venture
On 25 August 2026, the Commission informed UPM-Kymmene Corporation and Sappi Limited that their proposed joint venture may restrict competition in communication paper markets within the EEA, UK, and Switzerland. An in-depth investigation was opened on 28 April 2026 under case number M.12270, assessing potential impacts on magazine paper and coated wood free paper. The Commission's preliminary view is that the venture could enable price increases and reduce customer choice, with limited offsetting benefits. UPM and Sappi now have the opportunity to respond, consult the case file, and request an oral hearing. The final decision deadline is 11 November 2026.
EU Legislation (Official Journal)
Rules of procedure adopted for EU-Angola investment facilitation committee
Decision No 1/2026 [2026/1957] of the Committee on Investment Facilitation, established under the EU-Angola Sustainable Investment Facilitation Agreement, was adopted on 3 March 2026 and published on 26 August 2026. The decision sets out the rules of procedure for the committee, effective upon adoption. Co-chairs Victor Hugo Guilherme (Angola) and Joanna Szychowska (EU) signed the decision.
Regulation amends Mediterranean swordfish recovery plan
Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/1281 of 12 June 2026, amending Regulation (EU) 2019/1154, entered into force following publication on 24 August 2026. It incorporates ICCAT Recommendation 25-09, fixing the maximum number of combined rigged hooks and loops for vessels targeting Mediterranean swordfish at 2,500, with a second set allowed for trips longer than two days.
EU and UK update Erasmus+ contribution terms
Decision No 1/2026 [2026/1962] of the Specialised Committee on Participation in Union Programmes, adopted on 15 April 2026 and published on 27 August 2026, amends Protocol I to the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement. The new terms adjust the UK financial contribution key for Erasmus+ from 2027, reflecting experience from prior participation.
Assessment and verification systems established for construction products
Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/1310 of 11 June 2026 supplements Regulation (EU) 2024/3110 by detailing assessment and verification systems for product families and categories. The regulation is effective twenty days after publication on 28 August 2026. The act aligns with previous Regulation (EU) No 305/2011, ensuring continuity and minimising manufacturer burden.
Disease control zones updated following African swine fever outbreaks
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1961 of 24 August 2026 amends Annexes I and II to Implementing Regulation (EU) 2023/594, updating restricted zones in Bulgaria, Hungary, Italy, Poland, and Finland. The regulation repeals Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/1937 and is effective immediately upon publication.
UN Regulation No. 129 on child restraint systems published
UN Regulation No. 129 [2026/1534], published on 28 August 2026, codifies uniform provisions for the approval of Enhanced Child Restraint Systems in motor vehicles. The regulation incorporates amendments up to Supplement 4 to the 04 series, with entry into force on 4 June 2026.
Emergency measures for sheep pox and goat pox in Bulgaria amended
Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/1955 of 19 August 2026 amends Implementing Decision (EU) 2025/1160, adjusting restricted zones and duration of measures in Bulgaria following new outbreaks in Haskovo and Kyustendil. The revised annexes are effective upon publication.
Poultry import zones updated for Canada and United States
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1959 of 21 August 2026 amends Annexes V and XIV to Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/404. The regulation suspends entry of poultry consignments from affected US zones following HPAI outbreaks, and updates entries for Canada and previously affected US zones.
Entry requirements for certain dairy and fishery products clarified
Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/1304 of 12 June 2026 amends Delegated Regulation (EU) 2022/2292, updating CN/HS codes and entry requirements for specific dairy products, fishery products, and marine molluscs. The regulation also revises additional requirements for pharmacologically active substances and certificates.
Emergency measures for avian influenza in Member States updated
Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/1958 of 21 August 2026 amends the Annex to Implementing Decision (EU) 2023/2447, listing new protection and surveillance zones in Sweden following HPAI outbreaks in Tanum Municipality.
Emergency measures for sheep pox and goat pox in Romania revised
Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/1956 of 20 August 2026 amends Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/1108, updating protection, surveillance, and restricted zones in Romania after outbreaks in Constanța, Tulcea, Vâlcea, and Gorj counties.
EU Council
Upcoming informal Agriculture and Fisheries Council meeting
The Agriculture and Fisheries Council will hold an informal ministerial meeting on 6 September 2026.
General Affairs Council to meet informally in early September
An informal meeting of the General Affairs Council is scheduled for 3 September 2026.
