Press conferences on 17th July 2026

Following the weekly meeting of the College of Commissioners on 17th July 2026, three press conferences took place in Brussels on the same day.

Follow the latest announcement of the President and Commissioners on our Press Corner.

ETS review and the Energy package

Executive Vice-President Teresa Ribera and Commissioners Wopke Hoekstra and Dan Jørgensen presented an Electrification Action Plan to make Europe the first electro-powered continent, and a stronger carbon market to support EU's industry in the clean transition and electrification.

Europe's reliance on imported fossil fuels has repeatedly exposed it to geopolitical shocks. These have driven up energy prices for both households and companies, and dragged down our competitiveness. While 70% of EU electricity is now generated from homegrown clean energy sources, the electrification rate of energy demand has stalled at 23% over the past decade. We therefore need to accelerate the electrification of energy-using sectors, notably industry, transport and buildings.

Rule of Law Report

Executive Vice-President Henna Virkkunen and Commissioner Michael McGrath presented key insights following the publication of the seventh annual Rule of Law Report, assessing the state of the rule of law across all EU Member States, as well as four candidate countries: Albania, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia.

This year’sReport confirms a broadly positive trajectory, showing continued progress inmany Member States, with significant reforms completed or underway across allareas monitored under the report. While the picture is uneven across MemberStates and policy areas and some challenges persist, the Report and itsrecommendations continue to drive reform and change through sustainedengagement with Member States.

The rule oflaw underpins Europe’s prosperity, democracy and security. Independent justicesystems, effective anti-corruption frameworks, free and pluralistic media, andstrong checks and balances protect citizens’ rights and sustain trust in publicinstitutions and democracy. They provide the legal certainty that supportsinvestment, competitiveness, and economic growth.

Over time, the Rule of Law Report has become an established tool for engaging in dialogue with Member States on key issues related to the rule of law. Its recommendations are a driver for reform in Member States.

Competitiveness of the EU banking sector

Lastly, Commissioner Maria Luís Albuquerque presented the latest communication on the competitiveness of the EU banking sector, setting out measures to strengthen the single market for banking.

The objective of this Communication – which is is a key pillar of the Commission's savings and investments union (SIU) strategy – is to build a more integrated, efficient, and competitive banking sector that can strengthen Europe's economy by financing growth, innovation, and strategic priorities, underpinned by a better-balanced regulatory framework, creating the conditions for banks to take prudent risks while safeguarding the sector's resilience, delivering better services to households and businesses, all while preserving financial stability and fostering sustainable growth.