This Week in the Single Market — Brussels (#29, 2026)
Commission refers Finland, Bulgaria, Hungary, Slovakia, Spain, Belgium to Court; new air passenger rights rules in force; €170m Bulgarian State aid for farmers; RRF final payments submitted; Council sanctions Russia, Ukraine-related entities.
September 28, 2026 to October 04, 2026
Commission refers Finland, Bulgaria, Hungary, Slovakia, Spain, Belgium to Court; new air passenger rights rules in force; €170m Bulgarian State aid for farmers; RRF final payments submitted; Council sanctions Russia, Ukraine-related entities.
📋 In This Week's Newsletter
• 📅 This Week's Calendar in Brussels
• 🇪🇺 European Commission
• ⚖️ EU Legislation
• 🤝 EU Council
This Week's Calendar in Brussels
- Committee on Legal Affairs (JURI): On October 08, the European Parliament's Committee on Legal Affairs (JURI) is scheduled to meet. Agenda includes: * * *; Amending Regulation (EU) 2019/1753 as regards amendments adopted by the Assembly of the Lisbon Union on 14 July 2025 to the Common Regulations under the Lisbon Agreement on Appellations of Origin and Geographical Indications; Amendments to the Decision of the European Parliament of 28 September 2005 adopting the Statute for Members of the European Parliament, regarding proxy voting.
European Commission
Commission refers Finland to Court over Seveso III Directive non-compliance
On 30 September 2026, the European Commission decided to refer Finland (INFR(2020)2218) to the Court of Justice of the European Union for failing to align its rules with Directive 2012/18/EU, known as the Seveso III Directive. The case concerns insufficient transposition regarding inspections, public access to information, and access to justice, particularly where confidential information is involved. Finland’s current rules do not sufficiently enable authorities to disclose non-sensitive parts of reports or to coordinate inspections under EU law. Following a letter of formal notice in July 2020 and a reasoned opinion in December 2025, the Commission considers Finland’s efforts inadequate and proceeds with legal action.
Commission approves €170 million Bulgarian State aid for farmers
On 1 October 2026, the European Commission approved a €170 million Bulgarian State aid scheme to support farmers facing increased fuel and fertiliser costs due to the Middle East crisis. The scheme operates under the Middle East Crisis Temporary State Aid Framework (METSAF) adopted on 29 April 2026, and will run until 31 December 2026. Aid will be provided as direct grants, capped at €50,000 per company, and is targeted at primary agricultural producers. The Commission assessed the measure under Article 107(3)(c) TFEU and found it in line with METSAF requirements.
Member States submit final RRF payment requests
By 30 September 2026, all EU Member States submitted their final payment requests under the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF) in line with the 31 August 2026 implementation deadline. The overall allocation covers €360 billion in grants and €213 billion in loans. The Commission will assess these requests, with preliminary assessments expected by 20 November and payment decisions by year-end. Since its 2021 launch, the RRF has disbursed €450 billion, marking the conclusion of the EU’s major post-pandemic investment and reform initiative.
Commission refers Bulgaria to Court over electricity market rules
On 30 September 2026, the Commission referred Bulgaria (INFR(2021)0015) to the Court of Justice of the European Union for incomplete transposition of Directive (EU) 2019/944 on common rules for the internal electricity market. Bulgaria was required to implement the directive by 31 December 2020 but key gaps remain, including third-party network access, authorisation for new capacity, consumer rights, and regulatory authority powers. The Commission requests financial sanctions in line with Article 260(3) TFEU.
Commission refers Hungary to Court over intra-EU investor-State arbitration
The European Commission decided on 30 September 2026 to refer Hungary (INFR(2025)2204) to the Court of Justice of the EU for failing to prevent violations of the prohibition on intra-EU investor-State arbitration. The case concerns actions by State-controlled company MOL, which pursued arbitration under Article 26 of the Energy Charter Treaty against another Member State. The Commission argues such actions contravene Articles 267 and 344 TFEU and are precluded by the Komstroy judgment (Case C-741/19).
Commission refers Slovakia to Court over customs IT system for air transport
On 30 September 2026, the Commission referred Slovakia (INFR(2025)2021) to the Court of Justice for failing to deploy the electronic system for Temporary Storage for air transport, as required by Regulation No. 952/2013 (Union Customs Code) and Regulation No. 2015/2447. The system was to be operational by 31 December 2023, supporting electronic temporary storage declarations for non-Union goods. Slovakia has not complied despite a formal notice in May 2025 and a reasoned opinion in December 2025.
Commission refers Bulgaria to Court over hired vehicles directive
The Commission referred Bulgaria (INFR(2023)0192) to the Court of Justice on 30 September 2026 for failure to transpose Directive (EU) 2022/738 on the use of hired vehicles for goods transport. The transposition deadline was 6 August 2023; Bulgaria has only implemented the provision on proof of compliance. The Commission requests financial penalties for insufficient efforts to amend national legislation.
Commission refers Spain to Court over State liability for Union law breaches
On 30 September 2026, the Commission referred Spain (INFR(2017)4004) to the Court of Justice for not implementing the CJEU judgment (C-278/20) on State liability for breaches of Union law. The judgment of 28 June 2022 found Spanish law made it excessively difficult for individuals to claim compensation for damages caused by State action contrary to EU law. Despite a formal notice in December 2025, Spain has not amended its rules.
EU Legislation (Official Journal)
New Air Passenger Rights Regulation adopted
Regulation (EU) 2026/2202 of 16 September 2026 amends Regulation (EC) No 261/2004 and Council Regulation (EC) No 2027/97, strengthening passenger rights in cases of denied boarding, cancellations, long delays, and baggage issues. It introduces new provisions on extraordinary circumstances, compensation thresholds, hand baggage, and assistance for persons with disabilities. The regulation will apply from 23 October 2027.
Council Decision on EU position for ADR and ADN amendments
Council Decision (EU) 2026/2233 of 28 September 2026 establishes the Union position on amendments to the Annexes of the Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road (ADR) and the Regulations annexed to the European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Inland Waterways (ADN). The new amendments, notified in July and September 2026, will be binding and affect Directive 2008/68/EC.
Council Decision on EEA Joint Committee: gas transmission network code
Council Decision (EU) 2026/2223 of 24 September 2026 adopts the EU position within the EEA Joint Committee to amend Annex IV (Energy) to the EEA Agreement, incorporating Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/459 on capacity allocation mechanisms in gas transmission systems.
EU Council
Foreign Affairs Council (Defence) discusses Ukraine military support
On 28 September 2026, the Foreign Affairs Council (Defence) discussed EU military support for Ukraine, including an exchange with Ukraine’s defence minister. Ministers also addressed the situation in the Middle East, hybrid threats from Russia, and procurement directives. The meeting was preceded by a session of the European Defence Agency Steering Board chaired by High Representative Kaja Kallas.
Agriculture and Fisheries Council: post-2027 fisheries support mandate
On 28 September 2026, the Agriculture and Fisheries Council reached a partial negotiating mandate on the regulation for post-2027 EU fisheries sector support and discussed amendments to the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund.
Justice and Home Affairs Council discusses migration cooperation
On 1 October 2026, Home Affairs ministers discussed cooperation with non-EU countries on readmission, reinforcing migration situational awareness, and implementation of the migration and asylum pact.
