This Week in the Single Market — Brussels (#29, 2026)
Commission proposes Affordable Housing Act; Public Procurement Act overhaul; European Innovation Act introduced; India trade deal moves to Council; €400m German State aid for insulin supply.
September 07, 2026 to September 13, 2026
Commission proposes Affordable Housing Act; Public Procurement Act overhaul; European Innovation Act introduced; India trade deal moves to Council; €400m German State aid for insulin supply.
📋 In This Week's Newsletter
• 📅 This Week's Calendar in Brussels
• 🇪🇺 European Commission
• 🤝 EU Council
This Week's Calendar in Brussels
- Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection (IMCO): On September 14, the European Parliament's Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection (IMCO) is scheduled to meet. Agenda includes: A human-centred approach to AI governance• Exchange of views with Professor Paolo Benanti on the Encyclical Letter Magnifica Humanitas of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV on Safeguarding the human person in the time of AI; Chair’s announcements; Date of next meetings.
European Commission
Commission proposes Affordable Housing Act to address housing pressures
On 8 September 2026, the European Commission proposed the Affordable Housing Act to create a common EU framework for assessing housing-related measures affecting the single market. The Act aims to provide legal certainty for Member States and local authorities when restricting housing uses, including short-term rentals and second homes, in areas under housing stress. The framework allows targeted, necessary, and proportionate measures, with decisions remaining at the national, regional, and local levels. Accompanying the Act is a Recommendation on increasing housing supply, encouraging Housing Acceleration Plans and faster planning procedures. The proposal will now be considered by the European Parliament and the Council under the ordinary legislative procedure.
Commission proposes new Regulation to simplify EU Public Procurement rules
On 8 September 2026, the Commission adopted a proposal for a single Public Procurement Regulation consolidating three existing directives and sector-specific provisions. The reform intends to reduce administrative complexity, enabling greater flexibility for public buyers, including negotiations and innovation procedures. The Regulation introduces a digital marketplace linking Member States' eProcurement platforms, facilitating cross-border participation and transparency. Quality criteria will account for at least 30% of contract awards, rising to 50% for labour-intensive contracts. The proposal also establishes a horizontal European preference framework and addresses security, resilience, and supply chain risks. The Regulation will be negotiated by the Parliament and Council before entry into force.
Commission launches European Innovation Act for cross-border R&D and IP valuation
On 8 September 2026, the Commission proposed the European Innovation Act, aiming to streamline cross-border research and development procurement and support IP-backed financing. The Act introduces a common EU framework for valuing intellectual property and establishes a digital marketplace for IP transactions. It also provides a unified procedure for R&D procurement, with an EU preference mechanism and minimum requirements for in-country research activity. The measures are projected to unlock €10.2 billion annually in additional financing and save €35 million in administrative costs. Accompanying the Act is a Council Recommendation on regulatory sandboxes to promote testing of innovative solutions under controlled conditions.
Commission puts forward India-EU Free Trade Agreement for Council signature
On 10 September 2026, the Commission submitted proposals to the Council for the signature and conclusion of the EU-India Free Trade Agreement, the largest trade deal for both parties. The FTA is expected to improve market access, reduce tariffs on 96% of EU goods exports to India, and save €4 billion annually in duties. It supports predictable rules for trade and investment, and aims to strengthen economic ties in the Indo-Pacific region. Council approval will be followed by European Parliament consent before the agreement enters into force.
Commission approves €400 million German State aid for insulin supply resilience
On 7 September 2026, the Commission approved a €400 million German measure under Article 106(2) TFEU and the 2012 SGEI Framework for Sanofi-Aventis Deutschland GmbH. The aid compensates Sanofi for ensuring continuous insulin production, stockpiling, and prioritisation of EEA markets until 2042. The measure addresses supply bottlenecks and is aligned with the Critical Medicines Act, which aims to strengthen supply chain resilience for essential medicines. The Commission found the compensation proportionate and compliant with EU procurement rules; the decision will be published under case number SA.115239.
Commission presents new strategic vision for the outermost regions
On 9 September 2026, the Commission adopted a Communication outlining a new strategy for the EU's nine outermost regions, covering French territories, Portugal's Azores and Madeira, and Spain's Canary Islands. The strategy proposes targeted adaptations to EU legislation in agriculture, fisheries, migration, and taxation, and is anchored in Article 349 TFEU. The regulatory package accompanies the Communication and will be submitted to the Council after Parliament consultation. The approach includes annual structured dialogues, a dedicated portal, and measures to improve connectivity, resilience, and socio-economic development.
Commission press remarks on Public Procurement and Innovation Acts
On 8 September 2026, Vice-President Séjourné and Commissioner Zaharieva presented the Public Procurement Act and the European Innovation Act. Séjourné detailed reforms including the consolidation of procurement rules, simplification to three procedures, and the introduction of a digital platform. Zaharieva discussed R&D procurement reforms, minimum quality criteria, EU preference in contracts, and tools for IP-backed financing. Both proposals aim to support SMEs, promote innovation, and reinforce strategic autonomy in the Single Market.
Commission press remarks on Outermost Regions Strategy
On 9 September 2026, Executive Vice-President Fitto delivered remarks outlining the four objectives of the Outermost Regions Strategy: geostrategic potential, competitiveness, resilience, and social fairness. Fitto underscored the application of Article 349 TFEU and the introduction of targeted regulatory adaptations, including exemptions and derogations in taxation, agriculture, fisheries, and migration. The Strategy was developed in collaboration with regional authorities and stakeholders, and will be implemented through sectoral policies.
EU Council
ECOFIN ministers to meet for informal talks on 18 September
The Economic and Financial Affairs Council (ECOFIN) will hold an informal meeting on 18 September to discuss current economic and financial issues.
Transport ministers schedule informal meeting for 20 September
The Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council will convene informally on 20 September.
Competitiveness Council to debate chips act 2.0 and merger control revision on 24 September
Internal market and industry ministers will discuss legislative proposals including chips act 2.0, merger control guidelines, the industrial accelerator act, the 28th regime, and the European competitiveness fund.
