This Week in the Single Market — Brussels (#34, 2026)
Commission approves €30m Portuguese State aid for agri and fisheries; German €35bn capacity mechanism clears; EU amends brake particle emission, steel origin rules; African swine fever measures in Italy.
August 30, 2026 to September 05, 2026
Commission approves €30m Portuguese State aid for agri and fisheries; German €35bn capacity mechanism clears; EU amends brake particle emission, steel origin rules; African swine fever measures in Italy.
📋 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 the Internal Market and Consumer Protection (IMCO): On September 07, the European Parliament's Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection (IMCO) is scheduled to meet. Agenda includes: * * *; Chair’s announcements; Joint Public Hearing on Countering VAT and customs fraud for the protection of the Union’s financial interests – the Anti-Fraud Architecture revision.
- Committee on Legal Affairs (JURI): On September 07, the European Parliament's Committee on Legal Affairs (JURI) is scheduled to meet. Agenda includes: * * *; Amending Directives 2000/14/EC, 2011/65/EU, 2013/53/EU, 2014/29/EU, 2014/30/EU, 2014/31/EU, 2014/32/EU, 2014/33/EU, 2014/34/EU, 2014/35/EU, 2014/53/EU, 2014/68/EU and 2014/90/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards digitalisation and common specifications; Amendments to the Decision of the European Parliament of 28 September 2005 adopting the Statute for Members of the European Parliament, regarding proxy voting.
- Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection (IMCO): On September 10, the European Parliament's Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection (IMCO) is scheduled to meet. Agenda includes: * * *; Amending Regulations (EU) 2016/679, (EU) 2018/1724, (EU) 2018/1725, (EU) 2023/2854 and Directives 2002/58/EC, (EU) 2022/2555 and (EU) 2022/2557 as regards the simplification of the digital legislative framework, and repealing Regulations (EU) 2018/1807, (EU) 2019/1150, (EU) 2022/868, and Directive (EU) 2019/1024 (Digital Omnibus); Amending Regulations (EU) 2017/745 and (EU) 2017/746 as regards simplifying and reducing the burden of the rules on medical devices and in vitro diagnostic medical devices, and amending Regulation (EU) 2022/123 as regards the support of the European Medicines Agency for the expert panels on medical devices and Regulation (EU) 2024/1689 as regards the list of Union harmonisation legislation referred to in its Annex I.
European Commission
Commission approves €30 million State aid for Portuguese agriculture, fishery, and aquaculture sectors
The European Commission approved a €30 million State aid scheme for agricultural, fishery and aquaculture companies in Portugal impacted by increased fuel and fertiliser prices, related to the Middle East crisis. The scheme, notified by Portugal, will run until 31 December 2026 and provides direct grants up to €50,000 per company. Aid is based on the increase in fuel and fertiliser prices, calculated by hectares, livestock, or litres of diesel used between 1 April and 30 June 2026. The measure was assessed under Article 107(3)(c) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU and conforms to the Middle East Crisis Temporary State Aid Framework (METSAF), adopted on 29 April 2026. The Commission found the aid necessary, appropriate, and proportionate, and will publish non-confidential details under case SA.124487 in the State aid register.
Commission approves German capacity mechanism of up to €35 billion for electricity supply security
The European Commission authorised a German capacity mechanism with an estimated cost between €15.6 billion and €35.2 billion. The instrument, designed to ensure sufficient generation, storage and flexible consumption capacity from 2031 onward, opens auctions for contracts of up to 15 years. All supported capacities must be climate-neutral by 2045 at the latest. New gas-fired power plants must be hydrogen-ready, with decarbonisation tenders scheduled for 2027 and beyond. The measure was notified under Article 107(3)(c) TFEU and assessed using the Guidelines on State aid for climate, environmental protection and energy 2022 (CEEAG). The initial auctions in 2026 and 2027 are limited to additional German capacity, with subsequent ones including cross-border capacity if directly connected. The approval covers the current mechanism; future extensions, including a structural mechanism and decarbonisation support, will need separate notification.
EU Legislation (Official Journal)
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1963 on evidencing ‘melt and pour’ for steel imports enters into force
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1963 of 28 August 2026 specifies the types of evidence importers must provide to prove the country of ‘melt and pour’ for steel under Regulation (EU) 2026/1384. The primary document is the Mill Test Certificate; alternative documents, such as invoices and delivery notes, are allowed temporarily. Customs authorities may verify supporting evidence and non-compliance leads to import rejection. The regulation applies from 1 October 2026, inaugurating increased traceability and sectoral transparency requirements.
Amendment to Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/1214 clarifies brake particle test procedures
Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/1214 amends Regulation (EU) 2024/1257, replacing UN Global Technical Regulation No 24 with UN Regulation No 179 on laboratory brake emission testing for light-duty vehicles. The update applies to vehicle categories M1, N1, and Euro 7ext vehicles, harmonising test methods and incorporating high-precision PM10 and PM2.5 measures. The regulation enters into force 20 days after publication in the Official Journal.
Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/1971 updates harmonised standards for protective equipment under Regulation (EU) 2016/425
Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/1971 of 3 September 2026 amends Decision (EU) 2026/1279 to add new and revised harmonised standards for personal protective equipment. Standards for hairdresser gloves (EN ISO 374-6:2025), rain protection clothing (EN ISO 24232:2025), and eye and face protection are included. References to outdated standards are withdrawn, and deferred transition periods are set for manufacturers to adapt. The changes support Regulation (EU) 2016/425 on personal protective equipment.
Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/1967 updates harmonised standard for explosive atmospheres
Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/1967 revises the reference to the harmonised standard EN IEC 60079-28:2026 for protection of equipment and transmission systems using optical radiation under Directive 2014/34/EU. The previous standard EN 60079-28:2015 is withdrawn with a transition period. Compliance with the new standard confers presumption of conformity with essential safety requirements.
Interim measures adopted to control African swine fever in Italy
Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/1973 of 1 September 2026 introduces interim emergency zone-based controls following confirmation of African swine fever in wild boar in Lazio, Italy. The measure implements special disease controls under Regulation (EU) 2016/429, Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/687, and Implementing Regulation (EU) 2023/594. Restrictions on movement of animals and products apply, with the status and measures subject to Standing Committee review.
Joint Committee Decision updates EU–Monaco agreement on medical devices
Decision No 1/2026 of the EU–Monaco Joint Committee, adopted on 28 July 2026, amends the annex to the agreement concerning the application of certain Union acts in Monaco. The update aligns Monaco's regulatory framework with recent EU legislation on medical devices and clarifies procedures for joint inspections by French and Monegasque authorities.
EU–Switzerland Joint Committee decision amends Annex I to GHG emissions trading linking agreement
Decision No 1/2026 of the EU–Switzerland Joint Committee, adopted 9 June 2026, updates Annex I to reflect changes to Directive 2003/87/EC following Directives (EU) 2023/958 and 2023/959. The amendment ensures compatibility and integrity of the linked EU and Swiss emissions trading systems in light of EU climate target adjustments.
EU Council
General Affairs Council holds informal meeting
The General Affairs Council held an informal meeting on 3 September 2026. No official summary was made available.
