Think Tank

On 3 February 2026, the European Commission adopted the first delegated regulation supplementing the Union certification framework for permanent carbon removals, carbon farming and carbon storage in products with its first methodology for certification. Covering permanent carbon removals, the methodology paves the way for three types of removal activities to become EU certified: direct air capture with carbon storage (DACCS); biogenic emissions capture with carbon storage (BioCCS); and biochar carbon ...

This briefing aims to discuss how the current legal framework applies to Territorial Supply Constraints (TSCs). Firstly, it will briefly discuss what TSCs are and how they might manifest themselves in practice. Secondly, it will illustrate the ways in which competition law has been applied and can be applied to TSCs. Thirdly, it will offer a perspective on tackling TSCs emanating from the Unfair Trading Practices (UTP) legislation in the agri-food supply chain. Finally, it will summarise and offer ...

Several EU countries possess islands and insular territories. Various EU islands constitute world famous tourist destinations as they are home to considerable natural, heritage and cultural wealth. Certain islands also produce renowned agricultural products and handcrafts. However, islands also face considerable challenges. They struggle for adequate transport links with the nearest mainland. Their ecosystems are vulnerable, and natural resources are often scarce. Some of them are small and mountainous ...

This briefing examines how effectively existing EU and national rules can address unjustified TSCs in practice, identifies the remaining gaps, and draws lessons for the design of any EU legislative response. It was prepared to inform the workshop on Territorial Supply Constraints which took place in the European Parliament’s Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection on 15 April 2026.

The European Union's (EU) economy depends on a single market where goods, services, and capital move freely, supported by the general prohibition of state aid – understood in the EU as government support to businesses that could distort competition or trade. However, state aid may be authorised under the Treaty for targeted policy goals, such as developing poor regions, achieving common EU goals, addressing market failures or fighting crises. The European Commission, tasked with controlling state ...