COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,update

 

Press material Wednesday, 21 October 2026

● Council of the EU   21/10/2026 19:01 | Statements and remarks | Libya/Türkiye: Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the EU on the ratification of the Libya-Türkiye MoU by Libya’s House of Representatives   The EU strongly regrets the ratification of the 2019 Türkiye-Libya “Memorandum of Understanding on the delimitation of maritime jurisdictions in the Mediterranean Sea” by Libya’s House of Representatives on 20 October 2026. The EU position regarding the MoU is firm and clear. As outlined in the European Council Conclusions of December 2019 and reiterated in June 2025, the Türkiye-Libya Memorandum of Understanding infringes upon the sovereign rights of third States and does not comply with the Law of the Sea. It is null and void and cannot produce any legal consequences for third States. The EU has a strategic interest in a stable and secure environment in the Eastern Mediterranean and urges all countries to respect the sovereign rights of all Member States, in accordance with EU and international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.   Visit the website

● European Council   21/10/2026 10:31 | Speech | Rapport du président António Costa au Parlement européen réuni en séance plénière   Je m’adresse à vous quelques jours seulement après un Conseil européen important et fructueux. Le message des dirigeants européens est clair : l’Europe renforce sa compétitivité et est unie dans la défense de ses intérêts et de ses valeurs. Nos discussions ont porté sur quatre priorités essentielles : la compétitivité, notre prochain cadre financier pluriannuel, l’Ukraine et la politique migratoire. Premièrement, la compétitivité. Depuis notre réunion informelle d'Alden Biesen en février, nous avons progressé dans la mise en œuvre de notre programme « Une Europe, un marché ». Nous avons réduit notamment les formalités administratives, supprimé des charges et pris des mesures en faveur d’une véritable union des marchés des capitaux. L’accord sur le paquet relatif à l’intégration et à la surveillance des marchés constitue une étape importante. Nous devons à présent accélérer les travaux sur « EU Inc. », notre 28e régime pour les entreprises, et atteindre les objectifs concrets que nous nous sommes fixés, dans les délais impartis, en préservant un niveau d’ambition élevé. Pour maintenir cette dynamique, je convoquerai une deuxième réunion d’Alden Biesen au début du mois de février 2027, afin de réunir les dirigeants pour faire le point sur les progrès accomplis en matière de compétitivité et de défense, et de renouveler notre engagement politique à obtenir des résultats. Le coût de l’énergie est au cœur de cet effort. Les ménages et les entreprises paient le prix d’une guerre qui se déroule bien au-delà de nos frontières. Depuis le début de la guerre au Moyen-Orient, le coût des combustibles fossiles importés a augmenté de 106 milliards d’euros, sans qu’une seule molécule d’énergie supplémentaire ait été produite. Nous avons besoin d’une réponse européenne coordonnée, combinant des mesures immédiates et des solutions structurelles. À court terme, nous devons alléger la pression qui pèse sur les ménages et les entreprises. Les mesures que vous connaissez bien, présentées par la Présidente von der Leyen ici au Parlement européen concernent : l’encadrement temporaire des aides d’État,  le report de l’application du règlement sur le méthane,  le dialogue stratégique sur les raffineries européennes, et un renforcement de la coordination des achats d’énergie. A cela s’ajoute la libération coordonnée au niveau du G7 de 100 millions de barils de pétrole et de diesel. Et le Conseil européen a invité la Commission à examiner et à proposer, si nécessaire, des mesures de court-terme supplémentaires. Mais les seules mesures d’urgence ne peuvent résoudre un problème structurel. Tant que nous dépendrons des combustibles fossiles importés, notre prospérité restera exposée à des événements qui échappent à notre contrôle. Notre réponse doit être une énergie abordable et produite en Europe : les énergies renouvelables ou le nucléaire, une électrification accrue et des réseaux électriques modernisés. L’année dernière, nous avons installé 80 gigawatts de capacités renouvelables, alors que des capacités six fois supérieures attendaient encore d’être raccordées. Nous devons finaliser le paquet sur les réseaux européens et accélérer les investissements. Nous devons également faire avancer d’urgence la modernisation du système ETS. La compétitivité exige aussi un commerce équitable. Notre politique commerciale repose sur un vaste réseau d’accords commerciaux que nous continuons d’élargir. Mais le commerce doit être équitable et fondé sur des règles. Notre stratégie est d’engager le dialogue avec nos partenaires, mais un dialogue axé sur les résultats qui porte ses fruits, et nos discussions ont démontré l’unité des 27 États membres. Je profite de cette occasion pour féliciter le Commissaire Šefčovič pour les résultats récemment obtenus dans son dialogue avec la Chine. Il faut poursuivre, pas seulement sur les voitures, mais aussi dans le cadre des autres secteurs industriels. Et nous devons aussi accélérer la diversification de nos échanges commerciaux, poursuivre un dialogue débouchant sur des résultats concrets et renforcer nos instruments de défense commerciale. C’est le mandat que nous avons donné à la Commission – développer notre « toolbox » de mesures défensives.  Deuxièmement, notre prochain cadre financier pluriannuel. Les négociations sur le budget à long terme de l’Union européenne entrent dans une phase décisive. Nous restons déterminés à parvenir à un accord d’ici à la fin de cette année. J’ai eu un échange très utile avec le groupe de contact du Parlement européen sur le budget la semaine dernière, juste avant le Conseil européen. Je suis pleinement conscient du rôle de ce Parlement européen dans la négociation. Je tiens à saluer les efforts déployés par la présidence irlandaise pour faire avancer ce processus. Nos discussions au Conseil européen nous ont permis de progresser. Le prochain cadre financier pluriannuel n’est pas une simple question de chiffres. C’est essentiellement un choix politique concernant l’Europe que nous voulons construire ensemble et notre capacité à agir. Nous avons besoin d’un budget suffisamment ambitieux pour être à la hauteur de nos responsabilités, tout en maintenant les contributions nationales à un niveau raisonnable. C’est pourquoi nous devons progresser sur un ambitieux paquet de nouvelles ressources propres. Nous allons accélérer le travail, avec les Etats membres, sur les propositions de la Commission, ainsi que sur celles présentées par le Parlement européen. Troisièmement, l’Ukraine. Notre détermination à soutenir l’Ukraine et son peuple est plus forte que jamais. Près de 16 milliards d’euros ont déjà été versés cette année au titre du volet défense du prêt de soutien à l’Ukraine. En outre, 17 milliards d’euros supplémentaires d’aide budgétaire pourront être décaissés aussi cette année, sous réserve de la mise en œuvre des réformes nécessaires. Nous devons honorer ces engagements et répondre aux besoins de financement supplémentaires de l’Ukraine pour 2027. L’Europe et ses États membres représentent déjà 80 % de l’aide extérieure apportée à l’Ukraine. Et nos partenaires internationaux doivent également intensifier leurs efforts. Notre engagement en faveur de la paix doit donc aller de pair avec une pression soutenue sur l’agresseur. Chaque effort sincère en faveur de la paix compte. Mais les actions de la Russie continuent de témoigner d’une escalade, qui n’est pas acceptable. La Russie doit mettre fin à cette dangereuse fuite en avant. Les campagnes hybrides de la Russie, y compris ses actes de sabotage et ses violations répétées de l’espace aérien et des eaux territoriales européens, nous rappellent que la sécurité de l’Ukraine et celle de l’Europe sont indissociables. Nous accélérerons la mise en œuvre de notre stratégie de défense et renforcerons notre capacité à protéger nos citoyens et nos infrastructures critiques. Notre objectif reste une paix juste et durable, à des conditions respectant la souveraineté et la sécurité de l’Ukraine, ainsi que son cheminement vers l’adhésion à l’Union européenne. Enfin, la politique migratoire. Notre approche européenne commune porte ses fruits. Les franchissements irréguliers des frontières ont considérablement diminué, et le pacte sur la migration et l’asile est désormais pleinement applicable. Sa mise en œuvre doit se poursuivre. Nous devons continuer à renforcer nos frontières extérieures et améliorer l’efficacité des retours. Et nous devons nous préparer aux situations dans lesquelles des acteurs étatiques ou non étatiques instrumentalisent délibérément la migration. Un cadre européen de réaction aux situations d’urgence pourrait donner aux États membres les moyens de réagir rapidement à de telles crises. La Commission va y travailler avec les Etats membres afin de présenter une proposition.  Mesdames et messieurs les députés, Ces quatre priorités sont étroitement liées : la compétitivité confère à l’Europe sa puissance économique, un budget flexible et suffisamment doté nous donne la capacité d’agir, le soutien à l’Ukraine protège notre sécurité et nos principes, et, les solutions européennes communes en matière de migration démontrent toute la valeur de l’action collective. Le Conseil européen a fixé le cap. Nous devons désormais poursuivre nos efforts et obtenir des résultats, avec ce Parlement et la Commission. Car l’Europe ne doit pas se contenter de réagir aux événements. L’Europe doit avoir la force, les ressources et l’unité nécessaires pour façonner son avenir. Je vous remercie.   Visit the website ● Council of the EU   21/10/2026 11:52 | Press release | ETS market stability reserve: Council and Parliament reach provisional agreement on targeted amendment   On 20 October 2026, the Council and the European Parliament reached a provisional agreement on amending the rules on the invalidation of allowances in the market stability reserve (MSR) for the EU emissions trading system. This targeted amendment of the MSR will increase long-term market liquidity and predictability while protecting industrial competitiveness. The provisional agreement still needs to be confirmed by both institutions before formal adoption. The agreement bolsters the MSR’s ability to respond to evolving market conditions, including any potential market tightness after the mid-2030s as the overall cap on emissions continues to decrease. The updated rules increase the firepower of the MSR for possible future allowance releases to shield European industry from extreme price volatility, while sending a strong market signal with safeguards against allowance surpluses. The MSR is a mechanism created to address imbalances in the carbon market by absorbing excess allowances or releasing them to stabilise prices. This targeted amendment does not alter the overall design of the MSR. A broader review of the ETS, including the rules governing the MSR, is currently underway. “In response to European leaders’ call for accelerated action, we reached a balanced outcome on the market stability reserve that provides European industry with immediate flexibility, while ensuring price stability and protecting the integrity of the EU carbon market. The EU is delivering on the ‘One Europe, One Market’ roadmap.” — Darragh O’Brien, Ireland’s Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment Future-proofing the market stability reserve Since the invalidation mechanism began in 2023, over 3 billion allowances have been invalidated and removed from the market, restoring balance between supply and demand and addressing the historical oversupply of allowances accumulated in the ETS. While the Commission proposal provides for the indefinite halt of its invalidation mechanism, the co-legislators provisionally agreed on a balanced compromise: the invalidation mechanism will still be in place, with a higher invalidation threshold of 700 million allowances (compared to the current 400 million threshold) entering into immediate effect, after the proposal is formally adopted. The larger number of allowances will enhance the long-term stability of the EU carbon market and will provide a larger buffer for future market fluctuations, while providing a safeguard against excessive oversupply of allowances The co-legislators also agreed that a gradual decrease of the invalidation threshold should be included in the context of the wider ETS review to ensure a consistent overall approach. Next steps The provisional agreement will now have to be endorsed by the Council and the Parliament. It will then be formally adopted by both institutions following legal-linguistic revision.  Background The Commission proposal is one of the short-term measures announced by the Commission to address high and volatile energy prices, as referred to in the March conclusions of the European Council. It is a first, stand-alone amendment to the market stability reserve, which is to be followed by a broader reform of the reserve in the context of the ETS review, currently under discussion within the Council. Market stability reserve: Council agrees targeted amendment for a resilient and predictable carbon market (press release, 23 September 2026) European Council conclusions (15-16 October 2026) European Council conclusions (19 March 2026) Steady progress on the ‘One Europe, One Market’ roadmap (press release, 15 October 2026) Boosting EU competitiveness: the way forward (background information)   Visit the website ● European Council   20/10/2026 21:56 | Statements and remarks | Joint statement by the President of the European Council António Costa and the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen   We deeply regret the ratification today by the Libyan Parliament of the so-called Libyan-Türkiye Memorandum of Understanding on the delimitation of maritime jurisdictions in the Mediterranean Sea. We recall that the EU’s position on this matter was clearly stated by the European Council in 2019 and remains unchanged. This agreement infringes upon the sovereign rights of third states, it does not comply with the Law of the Sea, and is null and void. We reaffirm our solidarity with Greece and Cyprus. We reiterate the EU's well known position against any outside interference in Libya.   Visit the website ● Council of the EU   21/10/2026 11:10 | Media advisory | Press briefing - Agriculture and Fisheries Council of 26-27 October 2026   The "off the record" press briefing ahead of the Agriculture and Fisheries Council will take place on Friday, 23 October at 13:00. The press briefing will take place in a hybrid format: EU accredited journalists will be able to participate and ask questions either remotely or in person at the Europa building press room. To attend the event remotely, please use the link below to register and have the possibility to ask questions. Those who already registered for previous press events of the Agriculture and Fisheries Council do not need to do it again. Deadline for registration: Friday, 23 October 2026 at 12:00 Further instructions will be sent to all registered participants shortly after the deadline. Registration page Media accreditation for journalists   Visit the website ● Council of the EU   21/10/2026 16:09 | Meetings | Agenda highlights - Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council (Energy), 29 October 2026   Energy ministers will meet in Luxembourg to discuss the proposed regulation on network charges, aimed at future-proofing electricity bills in the EU. They will also exchange views on energy security in the immediate and longer term, as well as potential energy targets for the post-2030 framework.   View meeting page ● Council of the EU   21/10/2026 18:31 | Press release | Digital rulebook: Council agrees position to simplify data protection, privacy and cyber reporting rules   Today, the Council agreed its position on the proposal to simplify certain rules on data protection, privacy and cybersecurity, while maintaining strong levels of protection for personal data. The changes aim to make the EU’s digital rulebook clearer and easier to apply for businesses, public administrations and citizens, to support EU competitiveness  The proposal forms part of the so-called 'Omnibus VII' legislative package in the EU’s simplification agenda. The package includes measures to simplify the EU’s digital legislative framework and the implementation of harmonised rules on AI. For the latter AI-related part, the legislative act was adopted on 29 June 2026. “Simplifying and streamlining the EU's digital rulebook will make it easier for businesses to operate across Europe, reducing administrative burdens while maintaining high standards for data privacy and citizens' rights. The Irish presidency has worked to secure a timely agreement in Council so that these improvements can start delivering real benefits sooner. This is an important step in ensuring Europe remains an attractive place to invest, innovate and grow trusted digital businesses.” — Helen McEntee, Minister for Foreign affairs and trade of Ireland “Under the Irish presidency, action is being taken under the Digital Omnibus to simplify rules on data protection, privacy and cybersecurity for businesses, public administrations and citizens, while maintaining established policy goals. These measures will reduce compliance costs and boost competitiveness and innovation. This is a key deliverable under the ‘One Europe One Market’ Roadmap and the Council is ready to engage in negotiations with the European Parliament as soon as it has established its position.” — Thomas Byrne, Minister of State for European affairs and defence of Ireland Main elements of the mandate The proposal introduces amendments to the general data protection regulation (GDPR), modernises cookies rules laid down in the e-privacy directive, repeals provisions of the platform to business (P2B) regulation, consolidates single-market rules on data (the so-called 'data acquis'), and introduces a mechanism for a single reporting point for cyber security and data incidents. GDPR Building upon the Commission proposal, the mandate includes a series of amendments to the GDPR, which seek to simplify and streamline provisions while maintaining appropriate protection for fundamental rights.  First, the Council mandate maintains the current definition of personal data and introduces a new provision on pseudonymisation and the identification of a natural person, with a view to helping companies comply with their GDPR obligations by clarifying rules in this area. Compliance rules are also being simplified in relation to unfounded or excessive requests and specific low risk circumstances in relation to information obligations.  The Council supports the introduction of a principle-based definition of ‘scientific research’, facilitating the consistent application of processing of personal data for this purpose and introducing targeted exemptions to certain obligations so that research organisations can operate in a simplified framework when it comes to data protection.  Furthermore, the Council mandate introduces safeguards to the newly proposed derogation allowing for the processing of sensitive data for the purpose of biometric verification and in the context of the development and operation of AI systems. Innovation and the development of AI are further supported with clarifications on the lawful ground for processing personal data and need to maintain appropriate safeguards. The Council also backs the Commission proposal to extend the deadline for the notification of personal data breaches, as well as other measures to facilitate GDPR compliance and ensure greater consistency. Such measures include a single list at EU level of categories of processing likely to result in a high risk for individuals or the establishment of common templates for organisations to fulfil their regulatory obligations.  Data acquis and trade secrets The mandate consolidates and streamlines rules on data altruism and data intermediation services. It presents benefits for public administrations holding public sector data, as well as for re-users, as they can streamline processes and reduce the administrative burden associated with interpreting and implementing diverse national laws.  The mandate introduces the possibility for public sector bodies to set out different conditions and charge higher fees for the re-use by very large enterprises and, in particular, undertakings designated as gatekeepers. It also answers to the urgent need to strengthen safeguards against the risk of trade secret leaks to third countries. The mandate specifically provides that trade secrets would have to be disclosed only once the data holder and the user have taken all necessary measures to preserve their confidentiality.  e-privacy directive and cookies The Council mandate maintains the rules on cookies and other kinds of online tracking technologies under the e-privacy directive. This framework is updated with clearer and additional purposes where consent will not be required for the placing of cookies on a user device, thus reducing the number of cookie banners when navigating online. This would apply, for example, when necessary for the provision of a service, for the purpose of audience measurement or for ensuring the security of the user’s device. The mandate also amends certain provisions related to the regulation on the protection of natural persons regarding the processing of personal data by the EU institutions, bodies, offices and agencies and on the free movement of such data (EUDPR) aligning them with the changes proposed under the GDPR. Reporting cybersecurity and data incidents The Council mandate replaces the proposed single-entry point at EU level by the establishment of a national entry point in each member state, supporting and facilitating the reporting of incidents and related events under different EU laws.  Furthermore, the Council mandate proposes the establishment of an incident reporting information point at EU level, as well as specific provisions towards a harmonised framework for incident notification and on cross-border incident notifications.   Next steps Following today’s approval of the Council’s mandate, the Council presidency will start negotiations with the European Parliament once the latter adopts its own negotiating position with a view to a speedy agreement on the file. Background In October 2024, the European Council called on all EU institutions, member states and stakeholders, as a matter of priority, to take work forward, notably in response to the challenges identified in the reports by Enrico Letta ('Much more than a market') and Mario Draghi ('The future of European competitiveness').  Since February 2025, the Commission has put forward twelve ‘Omnibus’ packages aiming to simplify existing legislation, including a seventh Omnibus consisting of two proposals, one aiming to simplify the EU’s digital legislative framework and one aiming to simplify the implementation of harmonised rules on AI.  The 'One Europe, One Market' roadmap signed by the presidents of the Council of the EU, the European Parliament and the Commission on 24 April 2026 in the margins of the informal leaders’ meeting in Nicosia includes the objective of concluding work on all simplification packages by the end of 2027. Regulation on the simplification of the digital legislative framework (Digital omnibus), Commission proposal, 19 November 2025 Regulation on the simplification of the digital legislative framework (Digital omnibus) – EU Law tracker (timeline) Simplification of EU rules (background information)   Visit the website ● Council of the EU   21/10/2026 18:02 | Press release | Simplification: Council agrees negotiating stance to cut red tape for small packaging producers   The Council today set its position on aproposal to suspend the application of certain rules on extended producer responsibility (EPR) under the Packaging and Packaging Waste regulation (PPWR). This addresses rules requiring packaging producers established in the EU to appoint a representative in each member state where they place packaging or packaged products on the market. The objective is to alleviate disproportionate administrative burden for small packaging producers. “Today’s agreement is an important example of our efforts to reduce disproportionate regulatory burdens, particularly on small and medium-sized businesses. It is a significant achievement for the Irish presidency and yet another deliverable under our broader competitiveness agenda.” — Helen McEntee, Minister for foreign affairs and trade “I welcome the agreement reached in Council today, which is an important step towards much-needed relief for small producers of packaging and packaged products across the EU, pending the outcome of negotiations on the forthcoming Circular Economy Act. Extended producer responsibility remains a core principle of EU environmental law and it is important that requirements are proportionate and do not create cumbersome single market barriers for small businesses.” — Darragh O’Brien, Minister for climate, energy and the environment “The Irish presidency is working to deliver the implementation of the ‘One Europe, One Market’ roadmap. In responding to the concerns of small packaging producers in Europe, we have taken another step to deliver simpler rules that reduce unnecessary burdens for businesses operating in the single market. The Council is ready to reach an agreement with the European Parliament on this proposal.” — Thomas Byrne, Minister of State for European affairs and defence of Ireland  The proposal on the EPR regulation amending PPWR is part of the so-called ‘Omnibus VIII’ simplification package. The package aims to reduce administrative costs and disproportionate burdens, while maintaining the EU’s high standards on environmental protection. Main elements of the mandate The Council mandate on the EPR regulation provides that producers of packaging and packaging of packaged products established in the EU may be exempted from the obligation to appoint an authorised representative in another member state if they make available on the market of that member state a quantity of packaging below 1 tonne per calendar year. The mandate also contains a safeguard clause in case a producer is found in breach with EPR obligations. Finally, the mandate includes a review clause for the Commission to review the duration of the suspension by 31 December 2030 before its scheduled expiry in 2032. It is, however, expected that a comprehensive solution for EPR schemes will be agreed under the upcoming legislative proposal on a Circular Economy Act. Today’s agreement complements the negotiating mandate on the first component of the package regarding environmental assessments (RSEA) agreed by member states’ representatives’ (Coreper) on 30 September 2026. Mandates on the second (regulation and directive on simplification and reduction of administrative burden) and third (INSPIRE directive) components of the legislative package had already been agreed by Coreper on 24 June 2026. Next steps The presidency will enter negotiations with the European Parliament on this file as soon as possible with a view to reaching a quick agreement. Background The ‘Omnibus VIII’ package comprises targeted measures amending six legislative acts under four components: a regulation on speeding up environmental assessments (RSEA) a regulation and a directive on simplification and reduction of administrative burden an amendment to the directive on the infrastructure for spatial information (INSPIRE) a regulation and a directive suspending the application of the rules on the appointment of an authorised representative for extended producer responsibility (EPR) In October 2024, the European Council called on all EU institutions, member states and stakeholders, as a matter of priority, to take work forward, notably in response to the challenges identified in the reports by Enrico Letta (‘Much more than a market’) and Mario Draghi (‘The future of European competitiveness’). Since February 2025, the Commission has put forward twelve ‘Omnibus’ packages aiming to simplify existing legislation, including an eight Omnibus on simplification of administrative burden in environmental legislation in December 2025. The 'One Europe, One Market' roadmap signed by the presidents of the Council of the EU, the European Parliament and the Commission in April 2026 includes the objective of concluding work on all simplification packages by the end of 2027. Simplification: Council agrees negotiating stance to fast track environmental assessments, Council press release, 30 September 2026 Regulation suspending the application of rules on the appointment of an authorised representative for extended producer responsibility, Commission proposal, 10 December 2025 Simplification: Council agrees negotiating stance to simplify and strengthen environmental rules, Council press release, 24 June 2026 Regulation suspending the application of rules on the appointment of an authorised representative for extended producer responsibility – EU Law tracker (timeline) Simplification of EU rules (background information)   Visit the website ● Council of the EU

21/10/2026 23:19 | Press release | Savings and investments union: Council and Parliament strike deal to revitalise the EU’s securitisation market   The Council and the European Parliament today reached provisional political agreement on measures to revive and simplify the EU’s securitisation market.  The updated framework will enable banks to free up more capital than is currently the case and channel increased lending to households, SMEs and infrastructure projects. To achieve this, it will reduce capital requirements for the most safe and well-structured transactions, notably for a newly introduced ‘resilient’ category of securitisations. It will also reduce administrative burdens for market participants. Securitisation describes the pooling of illiquid financial assets, such as corporate loans, mortgage loans, or consumer credit, and transforming them into tradable assets for institutional investors. As a key component of the ‘One Europe, One Market’ agenda, the package will contribute to the EU’s broader goal, as set by the European Council, of strengthening the EU's competitiveness, resilience and strategic autonomy. The package also forms part of the EU’s savings and investments union (SIU), which aims to improve how the EU's financial system channels savings into productive investments, creating financial opportunities for citizens and businesses. Main elements of the agreement The deal struck by co-legislators will have a marked effect on the EU’s securitisation market by:  re-calibrating capital requirements on a risk sensitive basis for banks investing in securitisations. Low-risk securitisations will benefit from materially lower capital requirements, while higher requirements are maintained for riskier securitisation positions. introducing a new ‘resilient’ category of securitisations and strengthening the well-established simple, transparent and standardised (STS) label, as part of efforts to enhance risk sensitivity and maintain prudence. The combined effect of resilient and STS features will provide added incentives for safe market practices and enhance investor confidence. establishing EU-level supervision for the independent entities that verify STS-compliance (‘third-party verifiers’) and fostering convergence on supervisory standards and practices on STS in the EU. reducing administrative burdens compared to the current rules to reduce costs for investors. raising investment limits for institutional investors known as undertakings for collective investment in transferable securities, or UCITs, to stimulate market growth. bringing in targeted changes to the STS category of securitisations to support cross-border market integration, enable the participation of insurers and reinsurers in the synthetic securitisation market, and facilitate the use of securitisations to finance projects before they hit their operational phase. Next steps The relevant legal texts must now be finalised and formally endorsed by both co-legislators. Background The securitisation package updates two pieces of EU legislation: the regulation on prudential requirements for securitisation and the securitisation framework regulation. Non-bank originators, such as corporations and infrastructure project sponsors, also use securitisation as a funding or liquidity management tool. The EU's post-crisis securitisation framework has made the market safer and more transparent. However, the framework’s stricter requirements, particularly around compliance costs and capital requirements, have been criticised for constraining market activity. In March 2026, EU leaders in the European Council launched the 'One Europe, One Market' agenda. The agenda identifies a set of concrete measures – including the securitisation package - with ambitious deadlines to boost European competitiveness, enhance the EU’s strategic autonomy and economic security, sustaining Europe's prosperity and social model. EU leaders regularly review progress on all strands and provide additional strategic guidance when needed, most recently at their meeting of 15-16 October 2026. Revitalising the securitisation market was also recommended in the reports from Enrico Letta and Mario Draghi as a means of strengthening the lending capacity of European banks and thereby helping to increase the EU's competitiveness. Steady progress on the 'One Europe, One Market' Roadmap Boosting EU competitiveness: the way forward (background information) Savings and investments union (background information) EU law tracker: securitisation regulation EU law tracker: prudential requirements for securitisation regulation   Visit the website