Source: European Commission
European Commission Press release Brussels, 18 Mar 2025 On 17 March, during the ninth edition of the Brussels Conference on “Standing with Syria: meeting the needs for a successful transition” hosted by the European Union, the donor community pledged a total amount of €5.8 billion.
Source: European Parliament
The next HOUS committee meetings will take place on:
Monday, 24 March 2025 from 15.00 to 18.30 in Brussels room ANTALL 4Q2
Monday, 7 April 2025 from 15.00 to 18.30 in Brussels room SPINELLI 5E2
Source: European Investment Bank
The Croatian economy kept the strong dynamic during 2024 after the rebound in 2022-2023. This was possible thanks to collective efforts by European Union Member States, the Recovery and Resilience Facility, EU funds and financial instruments like EFSI and InvestEU. Moreover, the euro adoption in Croatia represented a strategic shift and new business opportunities, driving the good investment momentum.
Nevertheless, in the new geopolitical context, in order to increase competitiveness, the urgency of further action is enhanced both for the EU as a whole and for Croatia. According to the new EIB Investment Report 2024/2025, the solution toolkit comprises: (1) unlocking business opportunities via market integration and simplification (2) leveraging European strengths such as green leadership and an inclusive social model (3) maximising the impact of public-sector intervention through targeted support, EU coordination and focus on incentives that mobilise private co-investors.
According to the latest EIBIS for Croatia, the business environment remains a concern. The availability of skilled staff, uncertainty about the future and energy costs remain the top three investment barriers while more than eight in 10 Croatian exporters (84%) report having to comply with different standards and consumer-protection rules across EU countries, above the EU average (60%). Moreover, there is a continued need of transformative investments as adoption of advanced digital technologies in Croatia is below EU peers (62% versus 74% respectively). Moreover, although most of Croatian firms (87%) have taken measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, in line with EU firms, there is still more to do for all EU countries. Croatian firms are also less likely than EU firms to have invested in sustainable transport options and energy efficiency.
At an event in Zagreb organised jointly with the Croatian National Bank (CNB), the European Investment Bank (EIB) today discussed the EIB Investment Survey 2024 for Croatia and key policy messages of the EIB Investment Report 2024/2025: Innovation, integration and simplification in Europe, focusing on the new insights on Croatian companies’ challenges and opportunities.
Opening remarks were made by EIB Vice-President Teresa Czerwińska, Croatian National Bank Governor Boris Vujčić and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Marko Primorac. A presentation by Debora Revoltella, the EIB’s chief economist, assessed the state of the EU and Croatian economies through the EIBIS lens to understand their current performance, business prospects, concerns and enablers for a coordinated policy response.
Croatian National Bank Governor Boris Vujčić said: “Croatia and the whole of Europe have been facing major challenges in preserving competitiveness in an unstable global environment. In order for Croatian companies to be able to leverage growth opportunities, it is necessary to provide them with access to venture capital and alternative financing sources as well as to strengthen links between European capital markets. This conference provides us with an opportunity to jointly discuss present obstacles and new solutions for the financing of growth and innovations in order to ensure that the Croatian economy remains competitive in a rapidly changing world.”
EIB Vice-President Teresa Czerwińska said: “The EIB Investment Survey, conducted across all EU member states, provides a powerful policy tool to better understand the challenges and barriers, helping to create our strategy and to respond to the identified market gaps with targeted policy response. To address the gap of scale-up financing, the EIB Group provides a diversified type of financing for corporates: loans, guarantees, venture debt and private equity. For Croatia in particular, we reinforced during 2024 the innovation ecosystem with investments in equity funds through the Croatian Venture Capital Initiative 2 (CVCi 2) and the Croatian Growth Investment Programme II (CROGIP II), benefiting hundreds of startups and high-growth enterprises.”
“In the context of mounting pressure from international competition, Europe could reinforce its position as a global technology leader by focusing on three areas: market integration, simplification and large-scale investment in innovation,” said EIB Chief Economist Debora Revoltella “For large-scale investments for innovation and transformation, European firms need market scale to remain globally competitive. Larger and deeper capital markets are instrumental to mobilising higher-risk finance for innovation and the green transformation.”
The panel discussion in the second session of the conference, composed of representatives of the EIB Group and players in the local financial market such as the Zagreb Stock Exchange, the Croatian Financial Services Supervisory Agency (HANFA) and co-founders of innovative startups, discussed the availability of growth finance for Croatian firms, the role of the stock market, private equity funds and financial market integration and depth. Both the Croatian and the EU financial systems are still ill-suited to properly finance the green and digital transformations and the high-growth innovative segment, especially on the scale-up face. The European financial system depends heavily on banking and this focus continues to constrain specific investment as firms do not have many alternative funding sources to support risky investments, especially in the early stage of growth. Nevertheless, recent initiatives for alternative financing of Croatian firms are encouraging. Moreover, reducing the fragmentation of EU capital markets and simplifying regulation may offer a better and more productive use of Europe’s substantial savings.
Background information
EIB
The European Investment Bank (ElB) is the long-term lending institution of the European Union, owned by its Member States. Built around eight core priorities, we finance investments that contribute to EU policy objectives by bolstering climate action and the environment, digitalisation and technological innovation, security and defence, cohesion, agriculture and bioeconomy, social infrastructure, high-impact investments outside the European Union, and the capital markets union.
The EIB Group, which also includes the European Investment Fund (EIF), signed nearly €89 billion in new financing for over 900 high-impact projects in 2024, boosting Europe’s competitiveness and security.
All projects financed by the EIB Group are in line with the Paris Climate Agreement, as pledged in our Climate Bank Roadmap. Almost 60% of the EIB Group’s annual financing supports projects directly contributing to climate change mitigation, adaptation, and a healthier environment.
Fostering market integration and mobilising investment, the Group supported a record of over €100 billion in new investment for Europe’s energy security in 2024 and mobilised €110 billion in growth capital for startups, scale-ups and European pioneers. Approximately half of the EIB’s financing within the European Union is directed towards cohesion regions, where per capita income is lower than the EU average.
High-quality, up-to-date photos of our headquarters for media use are available here.
Source: European Investment Bank
The European Investment Bank (EIB) Group’s new financing in Croatia has reached a record level of €1.24 billion last year, with major support aimed at greening transport, cities and businesses. The total financing for 2024 included €937 million from the EIB and €303,2 million from the European Investment Fund (EIF), which focuses on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) as well as Mid-Caps in Europe.
EIB Group financing in Croatia last year amounted to 1.4% of its gross domestic product (GDP), whereof a third dedicated to the support of Croatian SMEs and Midcaps throughout the intermediation of the Croatian banking system. The level of support rose 167% from €464 million in 2023.
The largest EIB loan signed last year was a €400 million financing to the Croatian government to upgrade and expand rail infrastructure and services throughout the country – part of a €900 million agreement that marks the EIB’s largest-ever financing operation in Croatia. Other key initiatives included EIB loans of €207 million to the city of Zagreb to promote renewable energy, affordable housing and public transport, €200 million to the Croatian Bank for Reconstruction and Development, or HBOR, to expand green and other financing for a range of companies and €30 million financing for the increase of renewable energy production (Kiepach/ Go Green project) implemented by HEP.
“Our record investments in Croatia in 2024 are a testament to our unwavering commitment to the country’s sustainable growth,” said EIB Vice-President Teresa Czerwińska. “We are deepening our engagement, unlocking new financing for businesses, modernising critical infrastructure and promoting innovation. Working closely with national and local authorities as well as with private-sector partners, we are helping to build a greener, more competitive and resilient Croatia.”
The latest annual results bring total EIB Group financing in Croatia over the past five years to almost €3.1 billion. The annual average in the country since 2020 has been €613 million.
Green gains, social support and firm financing
Last year, projects to advance climate action and environmental sustainability in Croatia received EIB Group support totalling €721 million.
The €400 million loan to the Croatian government in 2024 is meant to improve rail travel for 22 million passengers annually, accelerate regional development, encourage a shift away from road transport and reduce emissions that cause climate change.
The €207 million loan to Zagreb reflects increased EIB Group support for Croatian cities to promote cleaner energy, urban mobility and essential cultural and social infrastructure such as schools, kindergartens and affordable housing. Such financing also helps cities absorb faster the grants from the European Union.
In response to a rising need for affordable homes, the EIB last year also agreed to provide advisory services to five major Croatian cities: Zagreb, Split, Rijeka, Osijek and Varaždin. The goal is to help expand social housing and promote inclusive urban development.
In the area of business financing, the €200 million loan to HBOR is part of a €500 million approved commitment to help Croatian companies lower their carbon footprint and become more sustainable. The EIB is also advising HBOR and other key financial institutions in Croatia on enhancing their green-funding capacity.
The EIF teamed up with the EIB to offer €169 million to Privredna Banka Zagreb and €160 million to Erste Croatia to expand financing for businesses. The EIF further reinforced Croatia’s innovation ecosystem with investments in equity funds through the Croatian Venture Capital Initiative 2 (CVCi 2) and the Croatian Growth Investment Programme II (CROGIP II), benefiting hundreds of start-ups and high-growth enterprises. EIF’s equity fund investments in the country also included one of its first commitments to a CEE-based infrastructure fund and, additionally, €40 million was pledged to the Vesna Deep Tech Venture Fund, supporting Croatia’s first technology transfer fund that also represents a cross-border initiative with Slovenia, fostering innovation and collaboration between academia and businesses. Altogether, the EIF experienced a record year in Croatia in terms of investments in funds managed by local teams, which now cover a broad range of strategies, from early-stage venture capital, technology transfer, growth investments and social impact to investments in infrastructure projects.
Background information
EIB
The European Investment Bank (ElB) is the long-term lending institution of the European Union, owned by its Member States. Built around eight core priorities, we finance investments that contribute to EU policy objectives by bolstering climate action and the environment, digitalisation and technological innovation, security and defence, cohesion, agriculture and bioeconomy, social infrastructure, high-impact investments outside the European Union, and the capital markets union.
The EIB Group, which also includes the European Investment Fund (EIF), signed nearly €89 billion in new financing for over 900 high-impact projects in 2024, boosting Europe’s competitiveness and security.
All projects financed by the EIB Group are in line with the Paris Climate Agreement, as pledged in our Climate Bank Roadmap. Almost 60% of the EIB Group’s annual financing supports projects directly contributing to climate change mitigation, adaptation, and a healthier environment.
Fostering market integration and mobilising investment, the Group supported a record of over €100 billion in new investment for Europe’s energy security in 2024 and mobilised €110 billion in growth capital for startups, scale-ups and European pioneers. Approximately half of the EIB’s financing within the European Union is directed towards cohesion regions, where per capita income is lower than the EU average.
High-quality, up-to-date photos of our headquarters for media use are available here.
Source: European Investment Bank
EIB Global – the European Investment Bank’s global arm – and the European Commission have signed a financial package worth almost €60 million with SES, a Europe-based provider of satellite-enabled content and connectivity solutions.This initiative aims to deliver satellite connectivity to remote rural areas in Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan.
Nearly half of the population in Central Asia does not have access to the internet. The project aims to reduce this figure by bringing broadband internet services to approximately 1 600 underserved villages across rural areas in the region. These communities currently have no access to broadband services, leaving millions without connection to the digital world. Through satellite technology, high-speed internet can be deployed in these remote areas, transforming the lives of an estimated three million people. This initiative will help to bridge the digital gap and also support Central Asia’s broader transition to a digital economy.
“Beyond simply connecting people, connectivity infrastructures are pathways to education, healthcare and economic opportunities. This initiative is helping to address the digital divide and promoting global connectivity, which is a priority for EIB Global. This is an excellent example of cooperation under Team Europe for digital inclusion and human empowerment, and will also provide the European Union’s partners in Central Asia with know-how and expertise on secure and trusted digital connections,” said EIB Vice-President Kyriacos Kakouris, who oversees the Bank’s operations in Central Asia.
This project is fully aligned with the European Union’s Global Gateway initiative, which promotes investment in secure and sustainable infrastructure to connect people and improve lives across the world. It serves as a key driver of the Team Europe initiative for digital connectivity in Central Asia.
“The European Union and Central Asia are working together to improve the internet connection in the whole region. European technology and our Central Asian partners’ expertise can ensure that more people have access to fast and secure internet, supporting business growth, creating new jobs and improving living conditions in local communities. By investing in digital connectivity, we are bridging gaps, creating opportunities, and ensuring that Central Asia has the necessary resources to benefit fully from the digital economy,” said European Commissioner for International Partnerships Jozef Síkela.
The project will leverage SES’s O3b mPOWER medium earth orbit satellite network expansion, which is partially financed by the EIB through a €125 million loan provided earlier this year. The satellite network expansion will facilitate the delivery of high-speed broadband services to these remote areas, ensuring reliable and scalable digital infrastructure.
“Securing this combined EU grant and EIB Global loan demonstrates that SES’ financial foundation is solid and that it is trusted by European institutions to provide reliable satellite services. SES has already done great work on large-scale digital inclusion projects by investing in satellite systems that deliver seamless connectivity in the most remote parts of the world. We are looking forward to reaping the benefits of O3b mPOWER in Central Asia, accelerated by the European Investment Bank’s partial funding to expand our MEO satellites,” said Global Head of Enterprise and Cloud at SES Nadine Allen.
Background information
About EIB Global
The European Investment Bank (ElB) is the long-term lending institution of the European Union, owned by its Member States. It finances investments that contribute to EU policy objectives.
EIB Global is the EIB Group’s specialised arm devoted to increasing the impact of international partnerships and development finance, and a key partner of Global Gateway. We aim to support €100 billion of investment by the end of 2027 — around one-third of the overall target of this EU initiative. Within Team Europe, EIB Global fosters strong, focused partnerships alongside fellow development finance institutions and civil society. EIB Global brings the EIB Group closer to people, companies and institutions through our offices across the world. High-quality, up-to-date photos of our headquarters for media use are available here.
About SES
SES has a bold vision to deliver amazing experiences everywhere on Earth by distributing the highest quality video content and providing seamless data connectivity services around the world. As a provider of global content and connectivity solutions, SES owns and operates a geosynchronous orbit fleet and medium earth orbit (GEO-MEO) constellation of satellites, offering a combination of global coverage and high-performance services. Using its intelligent, cloud-enabled network, SES delivers high-quality connectivity solutions anywhere on land, at sea or in the air, and is a trusted partner to telecommunications companies, mobile network operators, governments, connectivity and cloud service providers, broadcasters, video platform operators and content owners around the world. The company is headquartered in Luxembourg and listed on Paris and Luxembourg stock exchanges (Ticker: SESG).
Source: European Investment Bank
The European Investment Bank (EIB Global) will provide a €25 million loan to upgrade the air navigation control system in Serbia and Montenegro. State-of-the-art equipment and software will enable SMATSA, the air navigation service provider in both countries, to implement the highest operational and safety standards, ensuring interoperability and optimising flight routes. The project aims to make air traffic management over Serbia and Montenegro more efficient, improving safety and delivering environmental benefits to European air travel.
The investment will be used to develop a new software solution for air traffic management in line with the requirements set out by Eurocontrol (the European Organisation for the Safety of Air Navigation) and the Digital European Sky strategy, contributing to digitalisation and automation. This initiative will enable SMATSA – which currently manages around 9% of all European flights – to keep abreast of the latest technologies, while also improving the connections between its control centers in Belgrade, Podgorica, Tivat, Batajnica, Kraljevo and Niš. In this way, the project will help reduce operational costs, shorten flight times, minimise delays and CO2 emissions, while improving connectivity within the Western Balkans and with the EU.
Co-financed by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), this project is part of the European Commission’s Economic and Investment Plan aimed at fostering connectivity and regional integration. As one of its leading supporters, EIB Global has invested €6.6 billion in total in the transport sector in the Western Balkans, helping to create safer and more sustainable transport networks in the region.
Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-001000/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Daniel Buda (PPE)
Farmers in Czechia, Slovakia, Hungary and Austria started protesting against the EU’s unfair agricultural policies on 27 February 2025. European farmers, including those in Romania, have been hit by large-scale duty-free imports from Ukraine, the impact of the EU-Mercosur agreement, excessive red tape and the lack of a clear budget for the CAP for 2028-2034. Romania’s Alliance for Agriculture and Cooperation (AAC) has called for the cancellation of the EU-Mercosur agreement, the renegotiation of trade relations with Ukraine, fair agricultural policies and less over-regulation. These protests send a strong message to EU decision-makers on the need for urgent changes in agriculture.
Since the farmers’ protests are indicative of serious problems such as the uncontrolled imports from third countries, the impact of the EU-Mercosur agreement on the competitiveness of EU produce, excessive red tape and the lack of a clear budget for the CAP for 2028-2034, what concrete measures will the Commission take to prevent a fresh agricultural crisis and ensure a fair framework for European farmers so that they can compete on equal terms and maintain the EU’s food security?
Submitted: 7.3.2025
Source: European Parliament
1. While the Commission cannot prejudge the outcomes of the negotiations on the Pandemic Agreement[1], the Global Supply Chain and Logistics Network (the GSCL Network)[2] would aim to enhance equitable, timely and affordable access to pandemic-related health products[3]. The World Health Organisation (WHO) is expected to convene the GSCL Network, in consultation with the Parties to the agreement, WHO Member States not Parties to the agreement and in partnership with relevant stakeholders. In practice, the latter may include collaborations between public and private sectors, civil society organisations, and international organisations to foster the efficient and comprehensive distribution of health products. National governments would be responsible for coordinating distribution efforts, establishing regulatory frameworks, and allocating resources to ensure equitable access to health products within their territories.
2. Transparency and stakeholder involvement are among the European Union’s key principles set out in Articles 10 and 11 of the Treaty on European Union, as well as in Article 15 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union. The draft text of the Pandemic Agreement[4] includes a range of measures aiming to ensure that the implementation of the Agreement is transparent, inclusive, and accountable[5]. The documents pertaining to the EU position in the ongoing negotiations are publicly available[6]. If the EU decides to become a Party to the Agreement, the EU would implement it in accordance with the applicable EU law and with the provisions of the Agreement.
3. The Commission works to ensure that any data handling provisions in the future Pandemic Agreement comply with Regulation (EU) 2016/679[7].
Source: European Parliament
As outlined on the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) webpage[1], under the draft WHO pandemic agreement on prevention, preparedness, and response, decision-making during a pandemic remains with the future parties to that agreement.
The current draft of the agreement[2] reaffirms ‘the principle of the sovereignty of States in addressing public health matters’.
In addition, Article 24, paragraph 2 of the draft agreement clarifies that ‘Nothing in the WHO Pandemic Agreement shall be interpreted as providing the WHO Secretariat, including the WHO Director-General, any authority to direct, order, alter or otherwise prescribe the national and/or domestic laws, as appropriate, or policies of any Party, or to mandate or otherwise impose any requirements that Parties take specific actions, such as ban or accept travellers, impose vaccination mandates or therapeutic or diagnostic measures or implement lockdowns’.
A guiding principle of the draft agreement is the full respect for the dignity, human rights and fundamental freedoms of persons.
The aim of the agreement is to help prevent, be prepared for, and respond to future pandemic emergencies and hence help preserve people’s ability to travel, work, seek education, and lead a healthy life free of avoidable disease, as called for by the WHO Constitution.
The agreement will not affect the responsibility of Member States for ‘the definition of their health policy and for the organisation and delivery of health services and medical care’ as enshrined in Article 168(7) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union.
Source: European Parliament
Spain has confirmed its plans to phase out nuclear energy by 2035 in the recently submitted National Energy and Climate Plan[1]. The choice of the energy resources in the energy mix, including the decision to use or not use nuclear energy, remains within the remit of each Member State in accordance with the provisions of the EU legislation[2].
The Commission does not intervene in such decisions while it recognises that securing supplies of clean and affordable energy is critical for European competitiveness, security, and EU’s future climate neutrality.
As reflected in the recently announced Competitiveness Compass[3], the Commission’s aim is to ensure that t he transition to a decarbonised economy is competitiveness-friendly and technology-neutral, while the shift to cleaner and cost-efficient sources of energy must reduce energy costs and price volatility.
As part of the proposals to accompany its Clean Industrial Deal, the Commission presented on 26 February 2025 an Action Plan for Affordable Energy[4].
Source: European Parliament
1. EU rules provide for open markets in maritime[1] and air services[2] aiming to reduce prices for consumers through competition between operators.
Where the market fails to provide adequate connections, EU rules provide the possibility for Member States to set up public service obligations to ensure sufficient connectivity, including for islands. It is for Member States to define specific operational conditions and ensure they are met.
Operators must in principle ensure ticket prices offered to the public are non-discriminatory[3] and that passenger rights are respected in line with EU Passenger Rights Regulations[4]. Furthermore, for air services, airlines and ticket intermediaries must always display the final ticket price including all applicable taxes, charges and surcharges, and the price of optional supplements. It is for the Member States to enforce these rules.
2. The Commission supports island regions in their transition to sustainable economies. Trans-European transport network policy aims to develop high-quality, interconnected transport infrastructure across the EU, including links to islands and in support of the wider concept of ‘European Maritime Space’[5].
3. Cohesion policy investments are already focusing on passenger and freight transport capacity to improve Italy’s transport infrastructure and reduce divergence with EU partners and within Italy. They are concentrated largely in less developed and island regions, aiming at enhancing accessibility, territorial cohesion and transport sustainability.
Source: European Parliament
For the eradication of important diseases such as bovine tuberculosis, the Commission has put in place specific rules, notably Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/689[1] that together with Regulation (EU) 2016/429[2] covers all aspects to eradicate it.
The EU rules are based, inter alia, on scientific advice provided by the European Food Safety Authority, on decades of experience eradicating it and on the international standards of the World Organisation for Animal Health.
Member States that are not yet free from the disease, must have in place an appropriate eradication programme approved by the Commission which must comply with the criteria set in those rules and the competent authorities need to implement it until eradication.
This legislation also applies to and in the United Kingdom (UK) in respect of Northern Ireland (NI) in accordance with the EU-UK Withdrawal Agreement. Both Ireland and the UK (NI) have an approved programme[3].
Bovine tuberculosis outbreaks must be dealt with in line with those programmes, under the responsibility of the competent authorities in Ireland and in the UK in respect of NI to progress towards eradication, including at border areas.
EU funding of veterinary measures for bovine tuberculosis eradication is not envisaged for the years 2025 to 2027 as financial resources are allocated to the control and eradication of other major priority animal diseases.
Preventive measures can be supported financially through Member State Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) Strategic Plans[4], if programmed, including risk management and improved on-farm biosecurity investments.
Funding of veterinary measures in the UK (NI) with EU funds or CAP support is not possible under the provisions of the EU-UK Withdrawal Agreement.
Source: European Parliament
The Commission shares the Honourable Member’s concerns about the housing situation in the EU. To tackle the housing crisis, the Commission has appointed for a Commissioner for Energy and Housing.
It has also established a Task Force for Housing that will support him coordinate the different strands of work across the Commission and put forward the first-ever European Affordable Housing Plan to address structural drivers of the housing crisis and to help unlock the public and private investment needed.
The Commission will work closely with all relevant stakeholders, such as the European Investment Bank, national promotional banks and international financial institutions on this matter[1].
In addition, the Commission is examining how state aid rules for housing could be revised, notably for energy efficiency and social housing .
To assist Member States, the Commission has published a toolkit[2] that provides an overview of available EU funding[3] opportunities in housing.
These funds and programmes have different management modes: i) direct management by the Commission; ii) shared management between the Commission and the Member State; iii) indirect management by partner organisations or other authorities inside or outside the EU.
The Social Climate Fund will also be soon rolled-out[4], which will notably help with renovations and access to affordable and energy-efficient housing.
The Commission is also working on a proposal to inject liquidity into the market by allowing Member States to double the planned cohesion policy investments in affordable housing.
The strategic choice of priorities on the use of the available cohesion policy funding (including reallocation into affordable housing) will depend on their specific needs.
Source: European Parliament
The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) issues recommendations (Conflict Zone Information Bulletins — CZIBs) for areas where an armed conflict can pose a significant security risk to EU civil aviation. Before issuing a CZIB, the Agency shall obtain the agreement of the Commission and consult the Member States.
The risk to aviation posed by the operational activities of Ercan airport, as described by the Honourable Member, do not fall within the scope of EASA recommendations resulting from armed conflict.
Eurocontrol is the designated Network manager under the Single European Sky Regulation in accordance with Commission Implementing Decision 2019/709 of 6 May 2019[1] and its membership as intergovernmental organisation also includes Türkiye.
Eurocontrol is continuously monitoring and coordinating air traffic management on a pan-European basis, including in the region in question.
Data from the Network manager show that traffic to and from Türkiye, which is the only traffic possible for this airport, has remained stable for some time.
Source: European Parliament
1. The obligation to ensure that the rights of passengers under Regulation (EC) No 261/2004[1] are respected lies with the national authorities of the Member States, the so-called national enforcement bodies (NEBs). In its legislative proposal on ‘Enforcement of passenger rights in the EU’[2], the Commission aims at strengthening the role of the NEBs by mandating them to perform compliance monitoring activities based on risk assessment and to investigate suspected practices of non-compliance by carriers.
2. In order to ensure a more effective complaint handling for passengers, the Commission proposal introduces clear deadlines and includes rules on intermediaries, such as online booking platforms. It also provides for the adoption of a standardised reimbursement and compensation request form to make it easier for passengers to submit their claims. Furthermore, carriers and terminal managers would be obliged to adopt and implement service quality standards, notably regarding complaint handling.
Source: European Parliament
The unconditional respect and the relentless promotion of international law, including criminal law, are at the heart of both the EU identity and foreign policy.
The EU has taken note of the arrest warrants issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) and reiterates its support to the ICC and its activities based on the principles set out in the Rome statute.
All Member States as state parties to the Rome Statute are obliged to cooperate fully with the ICC, including regarding the implementation of arrest warrants.
The High Representative/Vice-President had an exchange with Foreign Ministers at the December 2024 Foreign Affairs Council[1] on the importance of EU support to the ICC.
The EU keeps its diplomatic and trade relations with third countries under constant review. The EU has been consistently clear that political engagement and frank and open dialogue are the most effective way to convey the EU’s concerns, including to Israeli partners.
The High Representative/Vice-President convened the EU-Israel Association Council on 24 February 2025[2], which provided an opportunity for the EU and its Member States to discuss the situation in the Middle East and convey the EU’s concerns.
Source: European Parliament
In July 2024, the Commission opened an infringement procedure[1] against Ireland for not carrying out market surveillance as required by the Construction Products Regulation (EU) 305/2011[2]. The Commission is assessing Ireland’s reply to the letter of formal notice.
The Product Liability Directive 85/374/EEC[3] lays down rules on producers’ liability for damages caused by defective products. Victims can claim compensation for damage to, or destruction of, their property. The directive also covers construction materials used in buildings.
To obtain compensation, victims must prove defectiveness of the product and the consequent damage caused, without having to prove fault or negligence from the producer.
Compensation for the defective product itself is excluded from the directive. The directive specifies that the damage caused by the product must be compensated in full. Where a producer is established outside the EU or cannot be identified, importers or suppliers can be held liable on its behalf.
Consumers who bought defective construction materials from professional sellers also have rights under the Sale of Goods Directive[4], including the right to rescind the sales contract.
Sellers are liable for the lack of conformity that becomes apparent during a period of two years from delivery. Member States can provide for longer liability periods in national law[5].
Member States have a primary responsibility to monitor and enforce the application of the relevant legal provisions. The Commission will continue to monitor the situation and may decide to take appropriate action.
National market surveillance authorities are responsible for checking manufacturers’ compliance with their obligations under Regulation (EU) 305/2011.
Source: European Parliament
The Commission is aware of the situation of the Galician shellfish sector and the impact of heavy rainfall on the Atlantic coast of Galicia during 2023-2024.
Spain can provide financial support to fishers affected through its European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture (EMFAF) programme.
Compensation for temporary cessation of fishing activities is provided under Art. 21(2)(e) of the EMFAF Regulation[1] which covers natural disasters, environmental incidents or health crises, as formally recognised by the competent national authorities.
Thus, to mobilise this type of EU support, Spain has to formally recognise the occurrence of the event as natural disaster or environmental incident.
Furthermore, Spain can set up mutual insurance funds for the sector with EMFAF support, both for fisheries and aquaculture. Member States may equally grant state aid to undertakings in the fisheries sector in line with the Fisheries state aid guidelines[2].
Small-scale fisheries are a priority target group as set out in Article 8(4) of the EMFAF Regulation, which calls on the Member States to provide specific types of actions in their favour and to simplify their access to the fund. Apart from some fleet measures, Member States can support small-scale coastal fisheries with a public aid rate of 100%.
The EMFAF Regulation gives the liberty to Member States to decide the level and design of support to their small-scale fisheries. The Commission constantly encourages Member States to focus more targeted interventions for the improvement of socioeconomic conditions of small-scale operators.
For more information on the national/regional support measures implemented, the Commission refers the Honourable Member to the competent authorities in Spain.
Source: European Parliament
The Commission notes that in general the rights conferred to final customers that purchase electricity for their own use from a commercial supplier in Chapter III of Directive 2019/944[1] apply in case there is a connection to the electricity network.
Household customers have the right to be connected to the electricity network under terms, conditions and tariffs set in accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 59(7).
Pursuant to Article 31 of the directive. Naturgy — in its capacity as distribution system operator — is obliged to maintain under economic conditions a ‘secure, reliable and efficient electricity distribution system in its area’.
Article 9(2) of the Electricity Market Directive (EU) 2019/944 is an option for Member States to impose Public Service Obligations and not a legal obligation as Member States may chose other measures to achieve these objectives.
The case pertains to a horizontal dispute between the community of La Cañada Real and the distribution system Naturgy. This dispute should be settled by the competent national authorities.
Source: European Parliament
The Commission is aware of the report of Bloom on mercury in canned tuna. As the Commission pointed out in its reply to Written Question E-002835/2024[1], Maximum Levels (MLs) for mercury in several fish species were revised based on the most recent occurrence data, which showed that there was no margin to further reduce the ML for tuna .
A ccording to the available official control data, Member States have not identified cases of non-compliance with the maximum level of 1.0 mg/kg for mercury in canned tuna.
The Mercury Regulation[2] mirrors the objective of the Minamata Convention which aims to protect human health and the environment from anthropogenic emissions and releases of mercury.
By addressing the whole life cycle of mercury from primary mining to its final disposal as waste, the regulation contributes to the reduction of mercury in the marine environment. The revised Regulation[3] strengthens measures to reduce the use of mercury thereby, reducing releases of mercury to water.
The Marine Strategy Framework[4] and the Water Framework Directives[5] require Member States to achieve good status of their waters. To implement these Directives, Member States are required to monitor and take measures to ensure that the concentrations of contaminants, including mercury, are at levels not giving rise to pollution effects in the marine and coastal environments.
The Commission follows the implementation of these laws closely. The Commission proposed[6] in 2022 to tighten the environmental quality standard for mercury in surface waters.
Source: European Parliament
Agendas and minutes of the Standing Committee on Plants, Animals, Food and Feed (SCoPAFF) — Section Novel Food and Toxicological Safety of the Food Chain are published in the comitology register[1] of the Commission.
The same applies to draft proposals which are presented for vote in the Committee, facilitating scrutiny by the Parliament. No minutes are however prepared and published in the case of meetings of the Working Group on Industrial and Environmental contaminants in food or any other Working Group meetings on food contaminants.
Experts from the competent authorities of the Member States attend meetings of ScoPAFF and Working Groups, and their identity is subject to the requirements for personal data protection.
The enforcement of EU maximum levels on contaminants in foods, in accordance with the requirements provided for in Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2022/931[2] and Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2022/932[3], is under the responsibility of the Member States.
Source: European Parliament
The Commission shares the importance of ensuring a level playing field and providing consumers with accurate information to make informed choices and to allow the comparison of emissions between different modes of transport.
In this context, the Commission has adopted in 2023 a proposal for CountEmissions EU[1], which is currently being discussed by co-legislators in the legislative procedure.
The Flight Emissions Label (FEL)[2] was established under the ReFuelEU Aviation Regulation[3] as part of the political agreement reached by co-legislators, and it entered into force on 1 January 2025.
FEL was developed in such a way that its methodology is coherent and consistent with the one proposed under the CountEmissions EU proposal.
Airlines operating flights within the EU or departing from the EU will be able to voluntarily join this label which will be fully operational as of July 2025.
The Commission will report to the co-legislators on the implementation of FEL by July 2027, drawing on the preparatory action ‘Environmental Label for Aviation’ delegated to the European Union Aviation Safety Agency[4].
Source: European Parliament
The Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), through the CAP Strategic Plans (CSPs)[1], offers several interventions to help farmers to take preventive actions, in particular to prevent crises and to build medium and long-term resilience.
To mitigate short-term effects, the available tools include direct payments to support farmers’ incomes, risk management tools to help farmers manage production risks due to adverse events, and sectoral interventions to support replanting or restocking, and investments to restore agricultural production potential.
In response to the severe weather events that hit the EU in 2024, exceptional measures have been introduced under the Rural Development Programmes to help farmers recover from the damages suffered[2].
The programme for the smaller Aegean islands[3] supports the production of mastic from Chios with EUR 1.12 million per year.
The CAP also supports the bottom-up development of innovative technologies and approaches and the dissemination and exchange of good practices through the EIP-AGRI Operational Groups[4].
The EU Solidarity Fund (EUSF) provides financial assistance to Member States and accession countries facing severe natural disasters according to the specific rules laid down in Regulation (EC) No 2012/2002[5].
Changes in climate conditions cannot be considered natural disasters. In addition, business losses cannot be compensated by the EUSF[6].
The production of the product which is declining due to climate change can be boosted in various ways. European Regional Development Fund dedicated some EUR 1. 5 million of public funding to the establishment of the Industrial Research and Development Center for Applications of Chios mastic to apply research and innovation to improve mastic production.
Source: European Parliament
1. + 2. The insufficiencies in the Sites of Community Interest (SCI) part of Romania’s Natura 2000 network are subject to an ongoing infringement[1], as mentioned by the Honourable Member. However, the assessment of the information available carried out as part of this infringement indicates no insufficiencies regarding the habitats and species protected in the site ROSCI0074 Făgetul Clujului — Valea Morii, including in the wider area of the site. Thus, the Commission cannot establish any breach of the Habitats Directive[2] and will not enlarge the scope of this infringement procedure against Romania on the basis of the Făget Sud — Colonia Făget area .
3. Due to the infringement mentioned above, Romania has taken steps to address insufficiencies in the SCI part of its Natura 2000 network (e.g. by launching an ongoing project which is expected to deliver results by the end of 2025). Cohesion policy supports projects focused on the maintenance and increase of biodiversity in Natura 2000 sites. In 2021 — 2027 programming period the national programme for sustainable development has an allocation of EUR 150 million for these actions . In its role as guardian of the Treaties, the Commission will continue monitoring the situation and, where necessary, may decide to take appropriate action.
Source: European Parliament
1. T he Commission, together with the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) is working on guidelines for infection prevention and control (IPC) in human health. Action on IPC is also part of the EU co-funded joint action on antimicrobial resistance ( AMR) with a budget of EUR 62.5 million[1]. T he Commission, together with EU agencies, is also closely following Member States’ progress regarding the implementation of the 2023 Council Recommendation on AMR[2], and regularly exchanges with Member States’ competent authorities’ best practices and follow-up actions in the AMR One Health Network.
2. The Commission is actively supporting research efforts for the development of innovative medical countermeasures, such as phage therapy, vaccines, and gene editing technologies, to tackle AMR via the funding programmes Horizon Europe[3] and EU4Health[4]. The Commission explores, for an upcoming call for proposals, the possibility of having a call topic on conducting clinical trials testing phage therapies. Also, in partnership with Member States, the Commission works to promote research through the One Health AMR European Partnership[5], for which a grant of up to EUR 100 million is currently being prepared.
3. The Veterinary Medicines Regulation (EU) 2019/6[6] introduced measures against AMR, including the collection of harmonised data on antimicrobial sales and use per animal species. The European Medicines Agency will publish annual reports on the data collected, identifying trends and pattern changes. The first report on 2023 data is expected by March 2025. An aspirational target was set to halve EU antimicrobial sales for animals by 2030. Half of this reduction was already achieved by 2022.
Source: European Parliament
1. The Commission shares the concern about the increasing and often severe accidents with pyrotechnic articles, many of which involve illegal and criminal use of fireworks. The Commission is currently evaluating the Pyrotechnics Directive[1] to identify any shortcomings. Following this evaluation, a decision might be taken to revise the directive after assessing the respective impacts of possible ways of amending the directive.
2. The Commission is closely following the implementation of the recently introduced Pyro-Pass in Benelux as a possible means to improve legal trade of pyrotechnic articles. The EU-wide introduction of such system may be considered for the revision of the EU rules.
3. The evaluation of the Pyrotechnics Directive is still ongoing. The conclusions are expected to be published in second quarter 2025. As regards potential legislative follow-up measures, please see the reply to the first question. In addition, the Commission has launched a study to assess the feasibility of the potential options to tackle the growing security problems posed by the criminal misuse of pyrotechnic articles which aims to provide a more detailed picture of the security issues linked to pyrotechnic articles. To note that the criminal misuse of pyrotechnic articles is also at the attention of Europol.
Source: Green Party
The Green Party is calling on Government MPs to support Chlöe Swarbrick’s Member’s Bill to sanction Israel for its unlawful presence and illegal actions in Palestine, following another day of appalling violence against civilians in Gaza.
“Aotearoa New Zealand cannot remain a bystander to the slaughter of innocent people in Gaza. We can and must act now to sanction Israel for its crimes, just like we did with Russia for its illegal action in Ukraine,” says Green Party co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick.
“With Green, Te Pāti Māori and Labour’s committed support, we now need just six of 68 Government MPs to pass my Unlawful Occupation of Palestine Sanctions Bill into law.
“In just the last 24 hours, Israel’s strikes on Gaza have killed at least 400 people, mostly children and women, and left many more injured.
“There’s no more time for talk. If we stand for human rights and peace and justice, our Parliament must act.
“In September, Aotearoa joined 123 UN Member States to support a resolution calling for sanctions against those responsible for Israel’s ‘unlawful presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including in relation to settler violence.’
“Our Government has since done nothing to fulfil that commitment. Our Unlawful Occupation of Palestine Sanctions Bill starts that very basic process.
“No party leader or whip can stop a Member of Parliament exercising their democratic right to vote how they know they need to on this Bill. There is no more hiding behind party lines. All 123 Members of Parliament are each individually, personally responsible,” says Chlöe Swarbrick.
NOTES TO EDITORS:
Source: World Vision
A new report on food price inflation shows basic food items are now more affordable in New Zealand, but reveals devastating increases for some of the world’s poorest countries, including Sudan, Burundi, and Timor Leste.
World Vision’s annual Price Shocks Report examines food price inflation in 77 countries for ten common food items, including rice, bananas, chicken, tomatoes, eggs, milk, and oil, and compares these with prices a year ago.
The 2025 report finds that food prices dropped 18% in New Zealand in 2024, compared with a 56% increase for the same basic food items in 2023. The average New Zealander would have to work for 2.4 hours to pay for the ten common food items. This compares with three hours in 2023.
However, while food price inflation has improved in more wealthy nations, such as New Zealand, Australia, France, Germany, Ireland and the United States, it has dramatically worsened for many of the world’s poorest countries, especially those in sub-Saharan Africa.
In 16 countries in this year’s study, it would take more than one week of work to earn enough money to pay for World Vision’s standard food basket.
These countries, such as Sudan, Chad, Somalia, and Burundi are united in facing climate and environmental extremes, along with armed conflict, political instability and massive population displacement.
World Vision Head of Advocacy and Justice, Rebekah Armstrong, says the report highlights the urgent need for adequate funding for emergency food aid.
“This report is released in turbulent and uncertain times and the findings emphasise the need for urgent action to sustain global food systems and prevent the agonising impacts of hunger.
“This requires interventions to address the root causes of hunger, but it also demands that we fund and deliver adequate emergency food aid.
“Sadly, we know that humanitarian funding for food security programming is expected to fall far short of the target to address predicted needs in 2025, and that means millions will go hungry due a deficit of political will and resources. It doesn’t have to be this way,” she says.
World Vision is calling on the New Zealand government to make a strong commitment to support humanitarian food aid, climate adaptation, and global hunger responses — especially within the Asia-Pacific region, where communities are particularly vulnerable to climate and economic shocks.
Armstrong says in addition to saving millions of lives, emergency food aid and cash grants for food are one of the key ways to avoid greater political unrest around the world.
“Food insecurity is an indicator of wider instability, but it also contributes to political unrest, conflict, economic stagnation and delays in development. Addressing food security is a proven method to help create a safer and more secure world for everyone,” she says.
Armstrong says in 2024, only 47% of required humanitarian food assistance was funded leaving millions without support.
She says the Rohingya crisis, the ongoing war in Sudan, prolonged droughts in the Horn of Africa and cyclones in the Pacific all contribute to conditions that exacerbate hunger.
“We are at a breaking point. Governments and the global community need to fulfil the commitments they have made and act now to scale up food aid, support smallholder farmers and invest in long-term solutions to prevent millions more from falling into famine.”
New Zealanders who want to support emergency food aid can give here: wvnz.org.nz/wfp
Source: WTO
Headline: Members agree on topics for experience-sharing sessions on services trade
Members also explored the linkages between services trade and environmental sustainability at an event organized by the WTO Secretariat on 12 March.
Giving effect to ministerial mandate
The agreement to organize informal experience-sharing sessions on good regulatory practices and recognition of professional qualifications stems from the February 2024 ministerial mandate to reinvigorate work on trade in services and to facilitate the increased participation of developing members in services trade. Members will also continue discussions on the possibility of organizing sessions on the green transition and digitalization.
Several members reiterated their call for not duplicating the work carried out in the Council’s subsidiary bodies and for having balanced deliberations.
Participation of least-developed countries (LDCs) in services trade
Members responded favourably – pending final discussions on technical issues – to a request by the WTO LDC group to collect information through a survey hosted on the WTO website on how their service suppliers are engaging with consumers and enterprises in other economies. Particular attention will be paid to the 51 WTO members that have notified preferences for LDC services and service suppliers. Members reiterated their commitment to support the participation of LDCs in services trade.
Members have notified preferences for LDC service suppliers in line with a ministerial mandate to operationalize the “LDC Services Waiver”, which was adopted at the 8th Ministerial Conference in 2011.
A total of 37 WTO members are classified as LDCs. More information on the waiver can be found here.
Services trade concerns
Members discussed three previously addressed specific trade concerns involving cybersecurity measures and mobile applications, among other services-related topics.
Japan and the United States, supported by several other members, reiterated concerns about the cybersecurity measures of China and Viet Nam. China repeated concerns with certain services measures of the United States. China also reiterated its concerns regarding India’s measures in relation to mobile applications.
Trade in financial services
Members continued discussing how to reinvigorate work on trade in services in the Committee on Trade in Financial Services. A new proposal, bringing together three earlier submissions from China, the Philippines and India, calls for information-sharing sessions on digital payments, interoperability of payment systems and cost of remittance services. The proposal also refers to crisis preparedness as advocated by Pakistan. Details of previous discussions can be found here.
The Committee is one of the Services Council’s subsidiary bodies.
Classification of environmental services
At a meeting of the Committee on Specific Commitments held on 11 March, members heard from Costa Rica and Switzerland about how the Agreement on Climate Change, Trade and Sustainability is helping its parties define, classify and make commitments in environmental services.
In the Agreement, Costa Rica, Iceland, New Zealand and Switzerland set out the commitments they have made on 114 services ranging from environmental protection to resource management and climate change adaptation and mitigation.
Members welcomed the presentation and agreed to engage further on this topic.
The Committee is one of the Services Council’s subsidiary bodies.
Recent developments in services trade policy
An event held on 12 March entitled “Nexus between Trade in Services and Environmental Sustainability: Evidence from Recent Research” looked at the role of services trade in promoting environmental sustainability and the impact of environmental policy on services trade.
Introducing a forthcoming research paper titled “Services Trade and Environmental Sustainability: Conceptual Linkages and Empirical Patterns”, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development highlighted the important role that services trade can play in tackling environmental challenges. This is particularly important as services represent two-thirds of global output and are among the most dynamic sectors in international trade.
The value that services trade adds to supply chains can support greener production functions and consumption patterns, the OECD noted. For example, engineering services can be used in the green hydrogen production supply chain and financial services can support carbon mitigation projects.
The OECD paper makes the case for removing restrictions to services imports and for examining synergies with environmental policymaking. Countries at all levels of development stand to benefit from increased openness and participation in services trade as a result of increased domestic productivity, the OECD noted.
This event was organized by the WTO’s Trade in Services and Investment Division as part of the “Simply Services” speaker series, an informal platform for sharing the latest information on trends in services trade. The webcast of the event can be watched here.
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Source: Verizon
Headline: Verizon & Santander Bank partner to bring Openbank’s digital banking experience to Verizon customers
Verizon and Santander Bank, N.A., part of the global banking leader Santander1, today announced a multi-year U.S. partnership to bring a new, competitive high yield savings account to millions of Verizon mobile and 5G Home customers. Introducing Verizon + Openbank Savings: a digital high yield savings account with a rate 10 times the national average and the ability to save up to $180 a year on your Verizon bill. Verizon + Openbank Savings joins Verizon’s portfolio of financial services offerings, yet another example of outstanding value and benefits on top of mobile and home connectivity.
“Verizon has long been committed to delivering value and savings beyond wireless services,” said Hans Vestberg, Chairman and CEO of Verizon. “Our scale enables the creation of exclusive financial services solutions and savings accessible only to Verizon customers. Adding the power of Openbank’s secure, simple high yield savings account to our financial offerings provides Verizon customers with unique and differentiated value in the telco and financial services category. This collaboration reinforces our dedication to delivering meaningful and exclusive benefits that support how our customers live, work, play AND save.”
Ana Botín, Banco Santander Executive Chair, added, “By partnering with Verizon, the nation’s leading mobile provider, Openbank can offer a differentiated savings opportunity and digital experience to millions of consumers across the U.S. The Verizon partnership is a significant milestone for Santander as we scale our U.S. business further by bringing Openbank’s secure and simple banking experience and compelling rewards to Verizon’s customers nationwide — backed by a leading global bank that has earned the trust of more than 173 million customers. This is an important step in our growth strategy, and I am excited for what’s ahead.”
In addition to maximizing savings with Verizon + Openbank’s competitive interest rate at 10 times the national average, customers can also save on their Verizon wireless bill, starting with a minimum average daily balance of $1,000. The higher the average daily balance, the higher the wireless bill savings — up to $180 per year.
Starting in April, Verizon customers can easily sign up for an Openbank high yield savings account via verizon.com or the MyVerizon app. Customers will then be directed to the Openbank site to complete the account registration process. After opening their account, customers can use the Openbank app to deposit and withdraw funds, check their monthly interest rate and manage their accounts. To learn more, you can visit verizon.com/startsaving.
Santander US research reveals that while interest rates have been at their highest levels in nearly two decades, many consumers have not taken advantage of high-rate products, such as high yield savings accounts, to grow their savings. The research also found consumers’ top consideration for selecting a banking partner are safety, stability, and 24/7 digital access. Openbank’s digital platform provides a secure, seamless banking experience with no fees, low minimum deposits and 24/7 access to funds and customer support.
The Openbank digital banking platform launched in the U.S. market in late 2024 with a high yield savings account offering that quickly reached more than $3 billion (USD) in deposits. The digital platform is now available nationwide, and will begin offering additional products, such as Certificates of Deposit (CDs) and Checking Accounts, later in 2025. Openbank in the U.S. is a division of Santander Bank, N.A., which is a Member of the FDIC. For more information about Openbank by Santander, including eligibility, please visit openbank.us.
With exclusive savings, top-tier perks, the flexibility to customize your plan with myPlan and myHome, and now the incredible Verizon + Openbank Savings account, it’s never been a better time to be a Verizon customer.
1 Banco Santander is a leading commercial bank, founded in 1857 and headquartered in Spain and one of the largest banks in the world by market capitalization. The group’s activities are consolidated into five global businesses: Retail & Commercial Banking, Digital Consumer Bank, Corporate & Investment Banking (CIB), Wealth Management & Insurance and Payments (PagoNxt and Cards). This operating model allows the bank to better leverage its unique combination of global scale and local leadership. Santander aims to be the best open financial services platform providing services to individuals, SMEs, corporates, financial institutions and governments. The bank’s purpose is to help people and businesses prosper in a simple, personal and fair way. Santander is building a more responsible bank and has made a number of commitments to support this objective, including raising €220 billion in green financing between 2019 and 2030. At the end of 2024, Banco Santander had €1.3 trillion in total funds, 173 million customers, 8,000 branches and 207,000 employees.
Verizon + Openbank Savings is offered exclusively by Openbank, a division of Santander Bank, N.A., and is not managed, housed, or controlled by Verizon. Santander Bank, N.A., offering your account through its Openbank division, is a Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) insured institution. Deposits at Santander Bank, N.A. and its Openbank division are combined for FDIC insurance purposes (FDIC Cert. 29950) and are not separately
insured. There is a maximum of $250,000 of deposit insurance from the FDIC per depositor for each category of account ownership. Please visit fdic.gov for details. Verizon is not a chartered banking institution and is not insured by FDIC.