The European Commission has announced looser state aid rules to accelerate green industrial projects and offer energy price relief for heavy industries, aiming to keep Europe competitive amid U.S. and Chinese pressure.
Businesses in the European Union will have greater access to state support for green transitions under new rules unveiled by the European Commission on Wednesday. The updated framework, valid through December 2030, is a core element of the Commission’s Clean Industrial Deal, a strategy designed to revitalise European industry and ensure it remains competitive on the global stage.
The changes make it easier for governments to offer aid in the form of direct grants, tax credits, subsidised loans, or loan guarantees for projects focused on reducing carbon emissions. Support can reach up to €200 million ($232 million) or be structured according to a project’s funding gap or the outcome of a competitive bidding process.
Private investors, such as pension funds and insurers, will also find it easier to co-invest in green initiatives under the revised rules.
Vice-President of the Commission Teresa Ribera said the new rules not only streamline decarbonisation efforts but position public support as a "strategic investment" in Europe’s future.
“It’s a tool to drive climate ambition, strengthen Europe’s resilience, and ensure our industry remains globally competitive,” she said.
Eligible projects include those focused on rolling out renewable energy and low-carbon fuels, along with broader investment schemes and capacity mechanisms. Meanwhile, heavy industries like cement and chemical production may apply for temporary electricity price relief, but only if they also commit to decarbonisation investments.
However, not all industry voices are convinced. Eurometaux, a metals industry association, argued the changes fall short of simplifying the regulatory landscape. Its Director General James Watson warned that the Clean Industrial Deal State Aid Framework does not fully deliver on the EU’s promises of prosperity and competitiveness.
“While we welcome the investment support for critical raw material production, it is crucial to ensure that all enabling conditions are in place to support a strong and sustainable metals sector in Europe,” Watson said.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Wednesday called on the European Union to strengthen trust and cooperation with China, saying the two sides should focus on mutual success rather than rivalry.
The EU is moving to simplify and unify its space policy with a landmark proposal—the EU Space Act aimed at boosting Europe’s competitiveness in the global space economy and establishing a single, streamlined market for space services.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz praised Türkiye’s diplomatic efforts to mediate between Russia and Ukraine, calling for greater international pressure to push Moscow toward peace negotiations.
Switzerland is taking steps toward deeper defence cooperation with the European Union, launching talks on a non-binding arms partnership while maintaining its neutral stance.
The European Union will provide €20 million in humanitarian aid to support vulnerable refugees in Türkiye. This funding will be directed to humanitarian partners working closely with Turkish authorities to address refugees’ essential needs, including protection, health, water and sanitation, etc.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Wednesday called on the European Union to strengthen trust and cooperation with China, saying the two sides should focus on mutual success rather than rivalry.
Kazakhstan's e-commerce sector has soared to 3.2 trillion tenge (around 6.2 billion U.S. dollars) in 2024, marking a sevenfold increase since 2020, according to Deputy Prime Minister Serik Jumanğarin.
Rafael Mariano Grossi, head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), said Iran’s cooperation with the agency is not optional but a legal requirement.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Wednesday signed an agreement with the Council of Europe to establish a special tribunal to address the "crime of aggression" related to Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
U.S. President Donald Trump has likened American strikes on Iranian nuclear sites to the end of World War Two, claiming the operation ended the Iran-Israel conflict despite intelligence assessments suggesting limited impact.
Iran launched 18 ballistic missiles late Sunday targeting the U.S. military’s Al-Udeid Air Base in Qatar, the largest American installation in the Middle East.
Iranian missiles struck multiple locations across Israel and neighbouring regions early Friday morning, including a Microsoft office complex, according to emergency responders and local media reports.
A high-speed tram derailment in central Gothenburg, Sweden, has left at least eight people injured late on Thursday (19 June), after the vehicle slammed into a snack bar on Avenyn Avenue.
Wizz Air has suspended all flights to and from Tel Aviv, Israel, and its European services to Amman, Jordan, effective immediately until 15 September due to escalating situation in the Middle East. Also, the air carrier temporarily suspended its flights between Astana, Kazakhstan, and Abu Dhabi.
China has unveiled a mosquito-sized bionic drone designed for covert military operations and battlefield reconnaissance, marking a major advance in micro-robotics and stealth technology as part of the country’s growing focus on next-generation warfare capabilities.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Wednesday called on the European Union to strengthen trust and cooperation with China, saying the two sides should focus on mutual success rather than rivalry.
Rafael Mariano Grossi, head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), said Iran’s cooperation with the agency is not optional but a legal requirement.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Wednesday signed an agreement with the Council of Europe to establish a special tribunal to address the "crime of aggression" related to Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
U.S. President Donald Trump has likened American strikes on Iranian nuclear sites to the end of World War Two, claiming the operation ended the Iran-Israel conflict despite intelligence assessments suggesting limited impact.
NATO member states have agreed to raise their defence spending target to 5% of GDP, marking a sharp increase from the previous 2% goal.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Wednesday called on the European Union to strengthen trust and cooperation with China, saying the two sides should focus on mutual success rather than rivalry.
Kazakhstan's e-commerce sector has soared to 3.2 trillion tenge (around 6.2 billion U.S. dollars) in 2024, marking a sevenfold increase since 2020, according to Deputy Prime Minister Serik Jumanğarin.
Rafael Mariano Grossi, head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), said Iran’s cooperation with the agency is not optional but a legal requirement.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Wednesday signed an agreement with the Council of Europe to establish a special tribunal to address the "crime of aggression" related to Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
U.S. President Donald Trump has likened American strikes on Iranian nuclear sites to the end of World War Two, claiming the operation ended the Iran-Israel conflict despite intelligence assessments suggesting limited impact.
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