EU Insight 15 May 2026

Brussels, 15 May 2026

EU MARKS 76 YEARS SINCE SCHUMAN DECLARATION

On 9 May, the EU marked the 76th anniversary of the Schuman Declaration, the 1950 proposal to pool coal and steel production that laid the foundations for European integration and is commemorated each year as Europe Day. This year’s celebrations coincided with the publication of a new Eurobarometer survey on public attitudes towards the Union. According to the survey, nearly three-quarters of Europeans believe their country has benefited from EU membership, and a large majority see the EU as a source of stability and security in a challenging global context. Around three-quarters of respondents also say they feel they are citizens of the EU, matching the highest level recorded to date.

COMMISSION PROPOSES NEW RULES ON CROSS‑BORDER RAIL TICKETING

The Commission put forward a package aimed at simplifying cross‑border rail journeys. The draft rules would oblige incumbent railway operators with a dominant market position, those with at least 50% of their domestic passenger rail market, to open their ticketing platforms to competitors, so that passengers can more easily find, compare and purchase services from different operators. They would also introduce a new ‘single ticket’, allowing a journey involving services from several operators, which would currently require multiple ticket contracts, to be covered by one ticket. In the event of cancellation or delay on a journey covered by a single ticket, passenger rights, including assistance, rerouting, reimbursement and compensation, would apply to the whole journey.

CO-LEGISLATORS REACH POLITICAL AGREEMENT ON CRITICAL MEDICINES ACT

The Council and Parliament reached a provisional agreement on the Critical Medicines Act to strengthen the EU’s ability to prevent and manage shortages of essential medicines and boost manufacturing capacity in Europe. The deal aims to diversify and secure supply chains for critical medicines, including certain antibiotics, insulin, vaccines and orphan medicines. It will also support EU-based strategic projects to expand production of critical medicines and their active ingredients, and promote joint procurement so Member States can purchase critical and other medicines of common interest together. The agreement must now be formally approved by both institutions and undergo legal-linguistic revision before final adoption.

COMMISSION ADOPTS GLOBAL HEALTH RESILIENCE INITIATIVE

The Commission adopted a Global Health Resilience Initiative to reinforce global prevention, preparedness and response to future health threats and strengthen EU strategic autonomy. The strategy builds on the European Health Union and provides a framework for EU action with partners. It focuses on making global health governance more effective and less fragmented, supporting resilient country‑led health systems, and reinforcing international detection and response to epidemic threats. It also aims to diversify global supply chains and manufacturing of key health products, and to bolster societal resilience by fostering trust in science and countering health‑related disinformation. Flagship measures will be rolled out between 2026 and 2027.

COMMISSION PRESENTS 2026-30 EU ETS BENCHMARK VALUES

The Commission launched a public consultation on updated EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) benchmark values for the free allocation of emission allowances in 2026‑2030. Under the ETS Directive, the Commission must regularly update the benchmarks that determine how many free allowances industrial installations receive, so that the system reflects technological progress and continues to reward the most efficient operators. The new values are based on the performance of the 10% most efficient installations in 2021‑2022 and set out annual reduction rates for each benchmark over 14 years. Stakeholders can provide feedback on the draft implementing act, which explains the methodology and includes the benchmark values, until 8 June.

COMING UP NEXT WEEK

• 18 May: Foreign Affairs Council. On the agenda: Global Gateway and war in Iran.
• 18-21 May: European Parliament’s Plenary. On the agenda: Cybersecurity and AI, Single Market, Union’s preparedness for and response to health emergencies.
• 19 May: College of Commissioners. On the agenda: Fertilisers action plan.
• 22 May: Foreign Affairs Council. On the agenda: Impact of the Middle East conflict on trade, WTO reform, and ongoing trade negotiations.
• 22 May: Eurogroup. On the agenda: Euro area competitiveness, digital euro.
• 22-23 May: Informal meeting of economic and financial affairs ministers.

LET’S MAKE EVERY KILOMETER COUNT! SUPPORT OUR 20KM RUN

In two weeks, Kreab will be taking part in the 20 km of Brussels with an amazing team of 14 runners! Our team has decided to run in support of Pelicano, an organization that helps children growing up in poverty.

For many children, having a filled lunchbox, wearing appropriate clothing, or joining activities with friends is not a given. In Belgium, more than 300,000 children grow up in poverty. Pelicano is working to change this by providing direct financial support, helping break the cycle of poverty — one child at a time.

With every step we take during the 20 km of Brussels, we want to contribute to giving these children the opportunities they deserve.

If you believe that every child deserves equal opportunities, we would be incredibly grateful for your support. Every contribution truly makes a difference.

Donate here