This Week in the Single Market — Brussels (#29, 2026)
Parliament and Council adopt Union Customs Code overhaul; Commission launches Fair Labour Mobility package; new rules on deforestation-linked imports enter into force; safeguard duties imposed on silicon-electrical steel imports.
September 14, 2026 to September 20, 2026
Parliament and Council adopt Union Customs Code overhaul; Commission launches Fair Labour Mobility package; new rules on deforestation-linked imports enter into force; safeguard duties imposed on silicon-electrical steel imports.
📋 In This Week's Newsletter
• 📅 This Week's Calendar in Brussels
• 🇪🇺 European Commission
• ⚖️ EU Legislation
• 🤝 EU Council
This Week's Calendar in Brussels
- Competitiveness Council: On September 24, the EU Council's Competitiveness Council configuration is scheduled to hold an ministerial meeting in Brussels.
European Commission
Commission proposes Fair Labour Mobility package to modernise internal market rules
On 14 September 2026, the European Commission adopted the Fair Labour Mobility package, introducing a suite of measures to guarantee clear social rights and facilitate mobility across the EU. The package includes a Regulation establishing the European Social Security Pass (ESSPASS), the 'Skills Portability Act' for digital qualifications, a Regulation to strengthen the European Labour Authority (ELA), an amending Directive on professional qualifications, and a Directive on the recognition of qualifications of non-EU nationals. The new measures aim to provide digital, accessible, and verifiable documents for social security and qualifications, and to reduce administrative burden for businesses and authorities. Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasised the transformation of the single market into a genuine skills market, while Executive Vice-President Roxana Mînzatu and Commissioner Magnus Brunner underlined the focus on simplification, enforcement, and the inclusion of third-country nationals. The Commission projects an estimated €6 billion in benefits by 2040 from faster recognition and reduced fraud.
Commission issues Statement of Objections on MMG’s acquisition of Anglo American's nickel business
On 15 September 2026, the European Commission sent a Statement of Objections to MMG Limited regarding its proposed acquisition of Anglo American's nickel business. The Commission's preliminary view is that the transaction could restrict competition in the market for low-carbon ferronickel, a key input for stainless steel production. MMG is controlled by China Minmetals Corporation (CMC), which also owns several stainless steel producers. The target comprises two ferronickel plants and two development projects in Brazil. The Commission is concerned that MMG could divert supply away from European markets, raising costs for EU stainless steel producers. The in-depth investigation was initiated on 4 November 2025 under case M.11944, and a final decision is expected by 30 November 2026.
Commission raises €11 billion in eighth EU-Bond syndication of 2026
On 14 September 2026, the European Commission completed its eighth syndicated EU-Bond transaction for the year, raising €11 billion. The operation included a €6 billion 3-year bond maturing in March 2030 and a €5 billion 30-year bond maturing in October 2056. The bonds saw strong investor demand, with order books exceeding €72 billion and €80 billion respectively. The funds support EU policy priorities including resilience, support to Ukraine, and defence investments. The EU’s outstanding debt stands at approximately €849.27 billion. The joint lead managers for the transaction were Barclays, CACIB, Citi, DZ Bank, and JP Morgan.
EU Legislation (Official Journal)
Regulation (EU) 2026/2108 establishes new Union Customs Code and EU Customs Authority
On 19 September 2026, Regulation (EU) 2026/2108 of the European Parliament and of the Council entered into force, overhauling the Union Customs Code and establishing the European Union Customs Authority. The Regulation repeals Regulation (EU) No 952/2013, introduces the centralised EU Customs Data Hub, and sets out new rules on customs procedures, risk management, and cooperation with other authorities. The Authority will be headquartered in Lille, France, and is tasked with harmonising customs operations, enhancing data analytics, and supporting crisis response. The Regulation also introduces a Union handling fee for distance sales and implements stricter penalties for systematic non-compliance.
Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/2102 amends list of deforestation-linked products
Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/2102 of 13 July 2026 amends Regulation (EU) 2023/1115 to update Annex I listing commodities and products associated with deforestation and forest degradation. The changes clarify product categories, add new items such as soluble coffee and certain palm oil derivatives, and remove some leather and rubber products. Exemptions are specified for waste, used goods, and certain packing materials. The Regulation enters into force immediately, with some provisions deferred to allow industry adaptation.
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/2133 imposes provisional safeguard on silicon-electrical steel imports
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/2133 of 18 September 2026 imposes a provisional safeguard measure on imports of certain grain-oriented flat-rolled products of silicon-electrical steel (GOES) and related products. The measure follows a significant increase in imports, notably from China, and evidence of serious injury to the Union industry. Specific duties based on minimum import prices and tariff rate quotas are introduced for 155 days, applying also to cores incorporated in transformers. Imports from EEA/EFTA countries, Kenya, and Ukraine are exempt.
EU Council
Eurogroup discusses euro area productivity and growth
On 18 September 2026, Eurogroup ministers met to discuss recent economic developments, prospects for the euro area's productivity, and growth in the current geopolitical and economic context.
Upcoming informal meeting of transport ministers
The Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council will hold an informal meeting of transport ministers on 20 September 2026.
