EU boosts green technology, trade, and social resilience with new funding and global initiatives

€2.9 billion for net-zero technology projects

The European Commission has allocated €2.9 billion to support 61 innovative net-zero technology projects under the Innovation Fund, one of the world’s largest financing programs for clean and low-carbon technologies. The fund, backed by revenues from the EU’s Emissions Trading System (ETS), aims to accelerate Europe’s path toward climate neutrality by 2050 while ensuring industrial competitiveness.

The projects span cleantech manufacturing, renewable energy, energy storage, and heavy industry—sectors vital to cutting greenhouse gas emissions. The initiative is part of the EU’s strategy to reinforce Europe’s technological leadership in the transition to a sustainable economy.

€21.5 million in humanitarian aid for Venezuela, Haiti, and Caribbean disaster response

In response to worsening humanitarian conditions in Venezuela and Haiti and the devastation from Hurricane Melissa, the EU has released €21.5 million in additional humanitarian aid. The funding will help partners deliver emergency food, healthcare, protection, and other essential support.

Commissioner for Preparedness and Crisis Management Hadja Lahbib said the aid would target Haiti’s growing food insecurity and displacement crisis, as well as Venezuelans affected by ongoing instability. The total EU aid to Latin America and the Caribbean this year now reaches €170.5 million.

EU trade agreements strengthen export growth and diversification

According to the fifth Annual Report on Implementation and Enforcement of EU Trade Policy, EU trade agreements have strengthened export diversification and reduced dependencies amid global geopolitical uncertainty.

Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security Maroš Šefčovič noted that such agreements “make the EU more resilient” by providing stable markets for exports and safer sources of imports. The EU currently maintains 44 trade agreements covering 76 preferential partners, with new pacts recently entering into force with New Zealand and Kenya.

Consultation on modernising EU public procurement rules

The Commission has launched a 12-week public consultation on revising the EU Public Procurement Directives to modernise and align them with the bloc’s goals of strategic autonomy and sustainability. With public authorities spending over €2.6 trillion annually, the initiative seeks to make procurement more efficient and supportive of green and social objectives. Stakeholders have until 26 January 2026 to submit feedback, which will inform a legislative proposal expected in Q2 2026.

€219 million Italian scheme approved for clean tech manufacturing in Lazio

The Commission approved a €219 million Italian State aid scheme to expand cleantech manufacturing capacity in the Lazio region under the Clean Industrial Deal State Aid Framework (CISAF). The scheme, open to companies producing net-zero technologies and related raw materials, will run until 31 December 2030. The Commission found the measure proportionate and vital to supporting Europe’s green transition.

EU reaffirms press freedom and journalist protection

Marking the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists, senior EU leaders reaffirmed their commitment to defending media freedom and protecting journalists. A joint statement from Executive Vice-President Henna Virkkunen, High Representative Kaja Kallas, and Commissioner Michael McGrath condemned violence against journalists and highlighted EU mechanisms like ProtectDefenders.EU, which has aided nearly 13,000 journalists worldwide since 2015.

The officials also stressed the role of the European Media Freedom Act in safeguarding press independence within the EU.

One Health approach highlighted on World One Health Day

Commissioner for Health and Animal Welfare Olivér Várhelyi marked World One Health Day (3 November) by underscoring the EU’s efforts to tackle threats at the intersection of human, animal, and environmental health. The statement emphasized combatting antimicrobial resistance (AMR)—responsible for 35,000 deaths annually in the EU/EEA—and highlighted ongoing legislative reviews and financial support for member states to reduce antimicrobial use.

AI in Science Summit 2025 opens in Copenhagen

The AI in Science Summit 2025 (AIS25) opened in Copenhagen, co-organised by the European Commission and the Danish Presidency of the Council of the EU. The event aims to advance the AI in Science Strategy, accelerating research innovation across sectors including life sciences, materials science, and climate studies.

The summit will feature the launch of RAISE (Resource for AI in Science in Europe), showcasing Europe’s vision for responsible, high-impact AI in research.

EU promotes social fairness at UN World Social Summit

Roxana Mînzatu, Executive Vice-President for Social Rights and Skills, leads the EU delegation at the UN World Social Summit in Doha, Qatar (4–6 November). The summit will renew global commitments to social progress and sustainable development, focusing on poverty reduction, job creation, and social justice.

Bulgaria’s path to the euro area

Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis is in Sofia to discuss Bulgaria’s eurozone accession, joining high-level meetings with leaders including Christine Lagarde and Kristalina Georgieva. The visit will focus on how euro membership can enhance Bulgaria’s economic resilience and competitiveness.

Commissioner McGrath in China to discuss consumer protection and e-commerce

Commissioner Michael McGrath begins a five-day mission to China to strengthen cooperation on consumer protection, product safety, and e-commerce regulation. Meetings with Chinese officials and business leaders will address product safety standards and challenges linked to cross-border digital trade. The visit includes site inspections and discussions tied to the Safe non-food consumer Products in the EU and China (SPEAC) initiative.