EU Insight 29 May 2026

Brussels, 29 May 2026

COMMISSION SETS OUT NEW FRAMEWORK FOR MOBILE SATELLITE SERVICES

The Commission has proposed new rules for allocating satellite spectrum, aiming to strengthen Europe’s digital resilience and reduce connectivity gaps. The initiative concerns the 2 GHz mobile satellite services band, which supports satellite services capable of providing internet and communications in areas where traditional mobile networks are unavailable. The proposal would centralise management of the band at EU level. One third would be reserved for governmental use, while two thirds would be used for commercial services, including a dedicated share for EU operators. Overall, the initiative aims to enhance technological sovereignty, reinforce critical communications infrastructure, and support competitiveness. The new framework would introduce an EU‑level selection procedure for assigning the spectrum once the current licenses expire in May 2027.

COMMISSION ADOPTS NEW MEASURES TO STRENGTHEN HUMANITARIAN AID DELIVERY

The Commission and the High Representative have adopted a new Joint Communication on Humanitarian Aid to strengthen the EU’s response to rising global needs and growing pressure on the international aid system. The initiative aims to improve the efficiency, coordination and resilience of humanitarian assistance in the face of increasing conflicts, displacement, food insecurity and funding gaps. It is structured around three priorities: protecting humanitarian operations, improving performance, and building stronger partnerships in fragile contexts. Measures include stepping up humanitarian diplomacy, enhancing protection for aid workers, reforming supply chains to reduce duplication and costs, and promoting more predictable and locally led funding. The EU also plans to pursue closer cooperation with international financial institutions and private actors to better link humanitarian assistance to longer-term resilience.

COUNCIL EXTENDS MEASURES TO PROTECT FREEDOM OF NAVIGATION IN THE MIDDLE EAST

As the conflict in the Middle East continues to impact global energy prices, supply chain disruptions, and economic uncertainty, the Council has expanded the scope of the EU’s Iran‑related sanctions regime to cover those involved in actions that undermine lawful transit and freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. The decision implements the political agreement reached by EU Foreign Affairs Ministers in April and signals the EU’s intention to uphold international law in international straits. Under the revised framework, the EU may impose travel bans and asset freezes on listed persons and entities. EU citizens and companies are also barred from providing funds, financial assets or economic resources to those targeted.

FINANCE MINISTERS DISCUSS COMPETITIVENESS, STABLECOINS AND SPENDING NEEDS

Finance Ministers met in Cyprus for a two‑day ECOFIN and Eurogroup gathering focused on competitiveness, digital finance and fiscal pressures. Ministers underlined that competitiveness is not only an economic imperative but also a geopolitical necessity, with Europe’s long‑term prosperity depending on its ability to combine investment, innovation and fiscal sustainability. They also held a forward‑looking discussion on stablecoins, examining their potential role in the financial system and their implications for financial stability, monetary policy and payment systems, while seeking to preserve an innovation‑friendly regulatory framework under MiCA. Finally, Ministers discussed how to finance growing investment needs, including for green, digital and security priorities, by mobilising more private capital and improving spending efficiency without undermining debt sustainability.

COUNCIL UPDATES RULES ON LOCAL VOTING RIGHTS AND PROXY VOTING FOR MEPS

The Council has adopted new measures updating EU rules on the right of EU citizens living in another Member State to vote and stand in municipal elections. Although EU law grants these so-called ‘mobile’ citizens the same local electoral rights as nationals, they often face obstacles such as limited information and burdensome registration. The new rules aim to simplify registration, improve access to information and prevent automatic removal from electoral rolls in their country of origin. Separately, the Council gave final approval to an amendment of the European electoral act allowing MEPs in late pregnancy and early motherhood to delegate their vote to another MEP for a limited period.

COMING UP NEXT WEEK

• 1-2 June: Informal meeting of culture ministers.
•  3 June: College of Commissioners. On the agenda: Public Procurement Act, Tech Sovereignty Package, European Semester Spring Package, Ocean Observation Communication.
• 4 June: Justice and Home Affairs Council. On the agenda: Schengen, migration, displaced persons from Ukraine, security issues,  and the EU drugs strategy.
• 4-5 June: Informal meeting of ministers responsible for cohesion policy.
• 5 June: Justice and Home Affairs Council. On the agenda: Recognition of parenthood, justice programme 2028-2034, EPPO, fight against Russian impunity, hate crime and hate speech.

THIS SUNDAY – KREAB’S 20KM RUN IN SUPPORT OF PELICANO

This Sunday 31st of May, 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