Daily News 26 / 05 / 2020

EU and Japan leaders signal close coordination in responding to the coronavirus pandemic and a commitment to enhance their strategic partnership

On 26 May, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Council President Charles Michel and the Prime Minister of Japan Shinzō Abe held a virtual leaders' meeting and have issued a joint press release. They addressed the response to the coronavirus pandemic, highlighting the importance of global solidarity, cooperation and effective multilateralism. The leaders discussed the need to draw lessons from the current situation in order to prevent future pandemics, and the steps to be taken in this regard. Building on the successful pledging initiative of “the Global Coronavirus Response” that started on 4 May, the leaders also reaffirmed their commitment to global collaboration and sustained funding for developing and deploying effective antiviral medicines, diagnostics, treatments and vaccines in order to make them available to all at an affordable price. Illustrating the commitment of the EU and Japan to accelerate cooperation on research on health, Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth, Mariya Gabriel and the Minister of State of Japan for Science and Technology Policy, Naokazu Takemoto, signed in the margins of the video conference, a Letter of Intent on strengthening cooperation in science, technology and innovation. This includes collaboration between Japan's Moonshot Research and Development Program and the EU's Horizon Europe Programme. Presidents von der Leyen and Michel and Prime Minister Abe stressed their determination to ensure a robust economic recovery and rebuild more sustainable, inclusive and resilient economies, in keeping with the Agenda 2030, the Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Agreement. The leaders stressed the need to assist developing countries in their response to the coronavirus, for example through the “Team Europe” support package of over €20 billion. The leaders also discussed the geopolitical consequences of the coronavirus pandemic and reiterated their commitment to upholding the rules-based international order and to strengthening practical cooperation. The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to the EU-Japan strategic partnership, which has been strengthened by the EU-Japan Strategic Partnership Agreement and the Economic Partnership Agreement. For more information on EU-Japan relations, consult the dedicated factsheet and the website of the EU Delegation. (For more information: Eric Mamer – Tel: +32 299 40 73; Virginie Battu-Henriksson - Tel.: +32 2 295 44 38; Adam Kaznowski – Tel.: +32 2 298 93 59)

Coronavirus: EU Industry steps in to protect European citizens

European companies have quickly responded to this crisis. They have shown extraordinary solidarity to face the pandemic together in order to protect the health of the European citizens. Many companies across Europe retooled and revamped their production to meet the demand for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), disinfectants and medical devices. Today, the Commission has published a factsheet and an interactive tool collecting stories of companies manufacturing vital products to combat the virus across Europe. Commissioner for Internal Market, Thierry Breton, said: “I want to wholeheartedly thank companies for converting their production facilities to promptly help Europeans to access the protective equipment to keep them safe. The Commission is facilitating this either through what is in our power, or through coordination work with our Member States. We will overcome this crisis only if we work together. In this effort our industry plays a crucial role.” From distilleries to textile companies, the industry has put its knowhow at the service of the citizens to produce, for instance, masks, protective gowns, hand sanitizers and ventilators. Over the last months, the Commission has taken actions in order to create the right conditions for industry to ramp up or retool production, including asking the European Standards Organisations to make standards for facemasks and other protective equipment freely available to all interested parties. In addition, in order to accelerate the approvals of essential products, and to help companies adapt their production lines, the Commission published guidance with practical Q&As in the following areas:PPE, leave-on hand cleaners and hand disinfectants as well as 3D printing.(For more information: Sonya Gospodinova – Tel. +32 229 66953; Federica Miccoli – Tel.: +32 229 5830; Célia Dejond – Tel.: +32 229 88199)

Coronavirus: Following Commission's call, platforms remove millions of misleading ads

As part of its commitment to protect consumers online, the European Commission has coordinated a screening (‘sweep') of websites, with the aim of finding out where consumers in the EU are being subjected to content promoting false claims or scam products in the context of the coronavirus. The results show that, following the Commission's call, platforms have removed or blocked millions of misleading advertisements or product listings. The sweep – carried out by the Consumer Protection Cooperation (CPC) Network – consisted of two parts: a high-level screening of online platforms, and an in-depth analysis of specific advertisements and websites linked to products in high demand because of the coronavirus. Didier Reynders, Commissioner for Justice, said: “The major online platforms have positively replied to the European Commission's call to address scams and misleading offers and have shown a clear commitment to remove harmful content. However, as this recent sweep has shown, rogue traders continue to find new ways to exploit consumers' vulnerabilities, circumvent algorithmic checks and set up new websites. In the midst of a global pandemic, you need to be aware of this as a consumer – there are no miracle online cures. I am grateful that national consumer authorities remain on high alert and are working together with the Commission to protect consumers online.” The Consumer Protection Authorities of 27 countries participated in the high-level screening of platforms and submitted 126 replies concerning both the companies with which the Commission has been in regular contact and additional national players. Particular attention was given to screening offers linked to protective masks and caps, sanitising gels, testing kits as well as food, food supplements and non-food products with alleged healing effects related to the coronavirus. See all the results of the sweep in the press release. The Commission has also published hereupdated advice for consumers and traders on how to avoid online rogue trading practices. (For more information: Christian Wigand - Tel.: +32 229 62253; Guillaume Mercier - Tel.: +32 229 80564; Katarzyna Kolanko - Tel.:+32 229 6 34 44)

Investment Plan in Spain: €200 million financing for Gestamp to develop greener cars

The European Investment Bank (EIB) is providing €200 million to Spanish company Gestamp to invest in its research and development programme. The financing is guaranteed by the European Fund for Strategic Investments. Gestamp, which employs some 43,000 personnel, will use the financial support to develop safer, lighter vehicles with lower emissions. The R&D activities will take place in Gestamp's plants in Spain, Germany, France and Sweden. Paolo Gentiloni, Commissioner for the Economy, said: “With the financial backing of the European Investment Bank under InvestEU, Gestamp will invest in the development of vehicles which are safer, less polluting, and more efficient. An investment in a green future which we must continue building together once we emerge from this crisis.” The press release is available here. As of April 2020, the Investment Plan for Europe has mobilised €478.4 billion of investment across the EU, including €55.1 billion in Spain, and supported 1.17 million start-ups and small and medium-sized businesses. (For more information: Marta Wieczorek – Tel.: +32 229 58197; Siobhán Millbright – Tel.: +32 229 57361)

Capital Markets Union:  Commission launches public consultation on the protection and facilitation of investment within the EU

The European Commission has today launched a public consultation on the protection and facilitation of cross-border investment within the EU. Private investment is essential to finance Europe's economy and businesses. It contributes to the creation of jobs and to the diversification of services and products in our Single Market. Mobilising private funding will be particularly important to cope with the negative economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic. If we are to encourage individuals and businesses to invest across the EU and to benefit from the Single Market, then our investment environment needs clear and coherent rules, with effective remedies. As announced in the New Industrial Strategy for Europe, the new Action Plan on Capital Markets Union will include an initiative to strengthen intra-EU investment protection and efforts to unlock more diverse sources of funding for European businesses, especially SMEs. Following the recent termination of the intra-EU Bilateral Investment Treaties, today's public consultation invites EU citizens and other stakeholders to express their views on the strengths or weaknesses of cross-border investing in the EU. The aim is to assess the current framework of investment protection, including both substantive rules and dispute settlement mechanisms. Valdis Dombrovskis, Executive Vice-President for an Economy that Works for People, said: “We need to do everything we can to help Europe recover from the coronavirus pandemic. Fostering cross-border investment within the EU is now more important than ever. If we are to increase cross-border investment, we need to increase investors' confidence. I encourage as many stakeholders as possible to share their views and experiences concerning cross-border investing in the EU and how it can be improved.” The public consultation will feed into the Commission's upcoming policy initiatives. Respondents are encouraged to provide as much information as possible here. The consultation will remain open until 8 September 2020. (For more information: Daniel Ferrie – Tel.:+32 229 86500; Aikaterini Apostola – Tel.: +32 229 87624)

Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions: EUR 530 million to allow 2,000 PhD candidates take part in training opportunities abroad

With a total budget of €530 million, the European Commission will support 147 Innovative Training Networks under its Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Programme. The networks involve 1,373 organisations, including 158 SMEs. They will offer top-notch research and training opportunities around the globe to 2,000 PhD candidates. They will also contribute to increasing the overall quality and innovation of doctoral training in Europe and beyond. Commission Vice-President for Promoting our European Way of Life, Margaritis Schinas, said: “Congratulations to all selected participants in the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Programme! Today's announcement is a living example that research and innovation should work hand in hand with education. This is why we are working towards a European Education Area that has strong links with research. In that context, the European Universities initiative has great potential as it clearly promotes cooperation and activities that will strengthen the links between education, research and innovation, developing students' research skills, establishing joint education and research labs, and fostering joint strategies for smart specialisation.” Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth, Mariya Gabriel, said: “In these exceptional times, we see more than ever the importance of supporting collaboration between researchers, enterprises and research centres from different countries to provide innovative solutions. The 147 projects selected, involving academic institutions and industrial partners from around the world, are a great example of such collaboration. I would like to congratulate all applicants that made it through this competitive process and wish them all the best in implementing their ideas and enhancing collaborations.” The selected projects cover a variety of research areas, including engineering (31%), life sciences (24%) and social sciences (10%). The full list of selected projects is available here. European Researchers' Night, also funded under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions, is a Europe-wide public event that brings researchers closer to the public. In 2020, 51 European Researchers' Night projectswill be funded in 30 European countries. This year, due to the exceptional circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic, the event initially scheduled for Friday 25 September 2020 will take place on Friday 27 November 2020. (For more information: Susanne Conze — Tél.: + 32 2 298 02 36; Balazs Ujvari – Tel.: +32 460 760296)

Coronavirus: Council adopts temporary rules to extend the time limit for general meetings of “European companies” (SEs) and cooperatives (SCEs)

Today the Council adopted the Commission's proposal for a temporary derogation from the rules governing “European Companies (SEs)” and the European Cooperative Society (SCEs), only four weeks after the Commission had proposed it. The European Parliament had given its consent on 14 May. A “European Company” is a type of public limited-liability company, whose status allows to run its business in different European countries using a single set of rules. The measures will allow EuropeanCompanies and the European Cooperative Societies to exceptionally hold their general meetings within twelve months of the end of the financial year, instead of within six months as provided for in the legislation. However, with the new rules, the general meetings should not take place later than 31 December 2020. Didier Reynders, Commissioner for Justice, and Thierry Breton, Commissioner for Internal Market, said: “We welcome the swift adoption of those emergency measures by Council after Parliament's consent. This crisis shakes up all companies to the core, whether they are national or European. Thanks to those measures, European Companies and European Cooperative Societies will have more time to hold their general meetings and take the legally or economically necessary decisions to secure their functioning during those challenging times.” Holding general meetings is critical to ensure that legally required or economically necessary decisions for the company or the cooperative society, shareholders, members and third parties are taken in due time. The emergency measures will enter into application on the day after their publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.More information on the temporary measures for European Companies and European Cooperative Societies can be found on the Commission's page on Company law and Corporate Governance. As for all the other Commission's measures to cope with the coronavirus crisis, see page on the EU coronavirus response. (For more information: Sonya Gospodinova – Tel. +32 229-66953; Christian Wigand - Tel.: +32 229 62253; Guillaume Mercier - Tel.: +32 229 80564; Katarzyna Kolanko - Tel.:+32 229 6 34 44; Célia Dejond – Tel.: +32 2 29 88199; Federica Miccoli – Tel.: +32 229 58300)

La commissaire Gabriel lance un groupe de consultation sur les micro-certificats*

Aujourd'hui, la commissaire à l'innovation, à la recherche, à la culture, à l'éducation et à la jeunesse, Maria Gabriel, a lancé un nouveau groupe de consultation sur les micro-certificats en prononçant un discours virtuel. Ce groupe est composé de professionnels expérimentés issus des autorités nationales, des établissements d'enseignement supérieur et de groupes d'assurance de la qualité dans les États membres. La commissaire Gabriel a déclaré : « Nous souhaitons réfléchir à la manière dont l'adoption de modules d'apprentissage courts et flexibles débouchant sur des micro-certificats servira à l'innovation sociale, économique et pédagogique. Notre objectif est de permettre aux personnes, à n'importe quel stade de leur carrière, d'acquérir des connaissances, des aptitudes et des compétences dans tous les domaines. » Les micro-certificats représentent des unités d'apprentissage plus petites, développées en réponse à l'évolution des besoins professionnels et sociétaux. Ils sont délivrés après l'achèvement de cours ou de modules de courte durée et une évaluation appropriée des compétences acquises. Deux autres réunions en ligne du groupe sont prévues pour le 30 juin et le 16 septembre avant la remise d'un rapport final sur les caractéristiques communes d'une approche européenne des micro-certificats et d'une feuille de route pour de nouvelles actions à tous les niveaux. (Pour plus d'informations: Susanne Conze — Tél.: + 32 2 298 02 36; Balazs Ujvari – Tél.: +32 460 760296)

Mergers: Commission opens in-depth investigation into proposed acquisition of Transat by Air Canada

The European Commission has opened an in-depth investigation to assess the proposed acquisition of Transat by Air Canada, under the EU Merger Regulation. The Commission is concerned that the proposed transaction may reduce competition in the passenger air transport services between the European Economic Area (EEA) and Canada. Air Canada and Transat are respectively the first and second largest providers of scheduled passenger air transport services between the EEA and Canada. At this stage, the Commission is concerned that the proposed transaction could significantly reduce competition on 33 origin and destination (O&D) citypairs between the EEA and Canada. The Commission's preliminary market investigation revealed that Air Canada and Transat have been historically competing head-to-head for the passenger air transport services between the EEA and Canada. At this stage, the Commission found that even if the Canadian airline WestJet has expanded its transatlantic operations to the EEA countries, it is unlikely that WestJet would exert a sufficient competitive constraint on the merged entity with respect to the O&Ds that the Commission found problematic following its preliminary market investigation. The Commission investigated the extent to which the coronavirus crisis would impact Air Canada, Transat and their competitors' operations and hence the competitive landscape in the mid- and long-term. The Commission will now carry out an in-depth investigation into the effects of the proposed transaction to determine whether it is likely to significantly reduce effective competition. Air Canada and Transat have decided not to submit commitments during the initial investigation to address the Commission's preliminary concerns. The opening of an in-depth investigation does not prejudge the outcome of the investigation. Executive Vice-President Margrethe Vestager, responsible for competition policy, said: “Air Canada and Transat are the two leading airlines operating a wide network of routes between Europe and Canada. We will carefully assess whether the proposed transaction would negatively affect competition in these markets leading to higher prices, reduced quality or less choice for travellers flying over the Atlantic. This is a challenging time, especially in markets severely impacted by the coronavirus outbreak, but a return to normal and healthy market conditions must be based on markets that remain competitive.” The full press release is available online. (For more information: Arianna Podesta – Tel. +32 229 87024; Maria Tsoni – Tel.: +32 229 90526)

State aid: Commission approves €2.2 billion Polish subsidised loan scheme for large enterprises affected by coronavirus outbreak

The European Commission has approved a Polish subsidised loan scheme to support large enterprises in the context of the coronavirus outbreak. The measure was approved under the State aid Temporary Framework adopted by the Commission on 19 March 2020, as amended on 3 April and 8 May 2020. The scheme is part of a wider Polish support programme, the so-called “Financial Shield for Large Enterprises.” The total amount of loans that can be granted under the scheme is PLN 10 billion (approximately €2.2 billion). Under the scheme, the public support will take the form of subsidised loans at favourable interest rates. The scheme, which will be managed by the Polish Development Fund, is mostly targeted at large enterprises. It will however also be open to certain small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) registered in Poland, which will be eligible based on criteria defined by Poland. The scheme aims at enhancing access to liquidity for companies that are severely affected by the outbreak, thus helping them continue their activities, start investments and maintain employment. The Commission found that the Polish scheme is in line with the conditions set out in the Temporary Framework. The Commission therefore concluded that the measure is necessary, appropriate and proportionate to remedy a serious disturbance in the economy of a Member State, in line with Article 107(3)(b) TFEU and the conditions set out in the Temporary Framework. Executive-Vice President Margrethe Vestager, in charge of competition policy, said: “The € 2.2 billion Polish subsidised loan scheme will enable Poland to further support companies affected by the coronavirus outbreak.The measure will help businesses cover their immediate liquidity needs and continue their activities, start investment and maintain employment during and after the outbreak. We are working in close contact and cooperation with Poland, as with all Member States, to ensure that national support measures can be put in place as quickly and effectively as possible, in line with EU rules.” The full press release is available online. (For more information: Arianna Podesta – Tel. +32 229 87024; Giulia Astuti – Tel.: +32 229 55344; Maria Tsoni – Tel.: +32 229 90526)

State aid: Commission approves Dutch guarantee scheme to stabilise trade credit insurance market in coronavirus outbreak

The European Commission has approved, under EU State aid rules, a Dutch guarantee scheme to support the trade credit insurance market in face of the coronavirus outbreak. Trade credit insurance protects companies supplying goods and services against the risk of nonpayment by their clients. Given the economic impact of the coronavirus outbreak, the risk of insurers not being willing to issue this insurance has become higher. The Dutch scheme ensures that trade credit insurance continues to be available to all companies, avoiding the need for buyers of goods or services to pay in advance, therefore reducing their immediate liquidity needs. The Commission assessed the measure under EU State aid rules, and in particular Article 107(3)(b) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU), which enables the Commission to approve State aid measures implemented by Member States to remedy a serious disturbance in their economy. The Commission found that the scheme notified by the Netherlands is compatible with the principles set out in the EU Treaty and is well targeted to remedy a serious disturbance to the Dutch economy. The Commission concluded that the measure will contribute to managing the economic impact of the coronavirus in the Netherlands. It is necessary, appropriate and proportionate to remedy a serious disturbance in the economy of a Member State, in line with Article 107(3)(b) TFEU and the general principles set out in Temporary Framework adopted by the Commission on 19 March 2020, as amended on 3 April 2020 and 8 May 2020. On this basis, the Commission approved the measures under EU State aid rules. Executive Vice-President Margrethe Vestager, in charge of competition policy, said: “The Dutch guarantee scheme will help ensure that trade credit insurance remains available to all companies to secure their commercial exchanges. This will protect their liquidity needs and help them continue their activities in these difficult times. We continue working closely with Member States to ensure that national support measures can be put in place in a coordinated and effective manner, in line with EU rules.” The full press release is available online. (For more information: Arianna Podesta – Tel. +32 229 87024; Giulia Astuti – Tel.: +32 229 55344; Maria Tsoni – Tel.: +32 229 90526)

State aid: Commission approves Lithuanian fund to enable up to €1 billion of liquidity and capital support to medium-sized and large enterprises affected by the coronavirus outbreak

The European Commission has approved Lithuanian plans to set up a fund with a target size of up to €1 billion that will invest through debt and equity instruments in medium-sized and large enterprises active in Lithuania affected by the coronavirus outbreak. The scheme was approved under the State aid Temporary Framework adopted by the Commission on 19 March 2020, as amended on 3 April and 8 May 2020. Under the scheme, the support will take the form of subsidised debt instruments and recapitalisation instruments. The State will provide an initial investment of €100 million in the fund, and will guarantee bonds up to €400 million that will be issued to raise additional capital for the fund. The State's total investment in the fund may therefore increase up to €500 million. The fund will also aim to attract private investments for up to additional €500 million. The Commission found that the Lithuanian measure is in line with the conditions set out in the Temporary Framework. The Commission concluded that the measure is necessary, appropriate and proportionate to remedy a serious disturbance in the economy of a Member State, in line with Article 107(3)(b) TFEU and the conditions set out in the Temporary Framework. On this basis, the Commission approved the measure under EU State aid rules. Executive Vice-President Margrethe Vestager, in charge of competition policy, said: “This Lithuanian fund aims to unlock liquidity and capital support of up to €1 billion to Lithuanian companies affected by the coronavirus outbreak by facilitating their access to finance in these difficult times. It is the first scheme we have approved that will enable capital support to companies under the State aid Temporary Framework. The scheme ensures that the State is sufficiently remunerated for the risk taxpayers assume, that there are incentives for the State to exit as soon as possible, and that the support comes with strings attached, including a ban on dividends, bonus payments as well as further measures to limit distortions of competition. We continue to work in close cooperation with Member States to find workable solutions to mitigate the economic impact of the coronavirus outbreak, in line with EU rules.” The full press release is available online. (For more information: Arianna Podesta – Tel. +32 229 87024; Giulia Astuti – Tel.: +32 229 55344; Maria Tsoni – Tel.: +32 229 90526)

Mergers: Commission clears acquisition of joint control of TB Kawashima Automotive Textile (India) by Aunde Group and Toyota Boshoku

The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of joint control over TB Kawashima Automotive Textile (India) of India by Aunde Group SE ("AUNDE") of Germany and Toyota Boshoku Corporation ("Toyota Boshoku") of Japan via its subsidiary TB Kawashima Co. Ltd. ("TBK") of Japan. TB Kawashima Automotive Textile (India) manufactures and distributes interior textiles and fabrics for the automotive industry in India and in neighbouring countries. Before the transaction, it was controlled solely by Toyota Boshoku. AUNDE is active in the development and production of automotive products including yarns, technical textiles, seat covers and foam parts under the brands AUNDE, ISRINGHAUSEN and FEHRER for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and suppliers to the automotive industry in Europe and worldwide. Toyota Boshoku is active inthe development and production of various types of automotive components, including automotive textiles. TBK is active in the development, production and supply of various types of automotive textiles and interior fabrics, particularly in Asia. The Commission concluded that the proposed acquisition would raise no competition concerns, given that TB Kawashima Automotive Textile (India) will have no or negligible activities in the European Economic Area. The transaction was examined under the simplified merger review procedure. More information is available on the Commission's competition website, in the public case register under the case number M.9797.  (For more information: Arianna Podesta – Tel. +32 229 87024; Maria Tsoni – Tel.: +32 229 90526)

Liste des points prévus à l'ordre du jour des prochaines réunions de la Commission

Veuillez noter que ces informationssont données sous réserve de modifications.

Eurostat: communiqués de presse

*Updated on 26-05-2020, 13:46