Daily News 30 / 06 / 2020

EU-Republic of Korea leaders' videoconference: cooperation, solidarity and sustainability at the heart of a joint response to the coronavirus pandemic

This morning, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and Council President Charles Michel, together with High Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell, held a video conference with the President of the Republic of Korea, Moon Jae-in. The leaders issued a joint press release outlining the outcomes of the video conference. The meeting was an opportunity for the leaders to discuss the response to the coronavirus pandemic, particularly in terms of socio-economic recovery, research and vaccine development and deployment, support to vulnerable populations, and lessons learnt. At the press conference following the leaders' video conference, President von der Leyen said:  “In times of an unprecedented global health crisis, we need countries to come together, to work together, and to achieve together. It was important to exchange experiences and best practice with the Republic of Korea about the pandemic; even more so given Korea's very innovative and successful approach to slowing it down.” The leaders also discussed ways to strengthen the EU-Republic of Korea strategic partnership, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2020, and benefits from a wide-reaching political framework agreement, a free trade agreement, and an agreement enabling the Republic of Korea's participation in EU crisis management operations. Finally, the leaders discussed international and regional issues, particularly efforts to bring peace and security to the Korean Peninsula. President von der Leyen said: “The intensity and the level of our cooperation is among the highest that we have with any country in the world. Today was an important moment to reaffirm our joint commitment to working together across all areas of our partnership.” A joint press release and the full remarks of President von der Leyen at the press conference are available online, while more information on EU-Republic of Korea relations is available in a dedicated factsheet and on the website of the EU Delegation in Seoul. (More information: Eric Mamer – Tel: +32 299 4073; Virginie Battu-Henriksson - Tel.: +32 229 54438; Adam Kaznowski – Tel.: +32 229 89359)

Commission adopts Implementing Regulation to pave the way for high-capacity 5G network infrastructure

The Commission adopted today the Implementing Regulation on small-area wireless access points, or small antennas, which are crucial for the timely deployment of 5G networks that are delivering high-capacity and increased coverage as well as advanced connection speeds. Commissioner for the Internal Market, Thierry Breton, said: “5G wireless networks represent a pillar of socio-economic development for Europe as they will enable new services in health and care, energy, transport, education and many other areas. Their importance is even more evident today as they will play a key role in our recovery from the coronavirus crisis. Together with Member States, we must pave the way for the timely rollout of 5G, without restrictive administrative barriers, which will in turn create significant demand from our industry and will amplify European innovations and competitiveness.” The "fifth generation" of telecommunication systems, or 5G, are one of the most critical building blocks of our economy and society as they will help optimise manufacturing processes and will enable innovations in telemedicine, smart cities, and clean energy management, among other advancements. As part of the new EU telecom rules that entered into force in December 2018 and following several public consultations that collected stakeholders' and citizens' feedback, the Regulation adopted today specifies the physical and technical characteristics of small cells for 5G networks. It aims to help simplify and accelerate 5G network installations, which should be facilitated through a permit-exempt deployment regime, while ensuring that national authorities keep oversight. At the same time small-area wireless access points should assure the protection of people's health and safety, by adhering to strict EU exposure limits, which, for the general public, are 50 times lower than what international scientific evidence would suggest as having any potential effect on health. Their visual and aesthetic impact must be minimal by either being invisible or mounted in a non-obstructive way onto their supporting structure. More information about the Implementing Regulation is available here, and about the role of 5G in shaping Europe's digital future here. (For more information: Johannes Bahrke – Tel.: +32 229 58615; Marietta Grammenou – Tel.: +32 229 83583)

EU awards €5 million to blockchain solutions for social innovations

The Commission announced today the winners of the European Innovation Council (EIC) Prize on Blockchains for Social Good, which aims to recognise and support the efforts made by developers and civil society in exploring the applications of blockchains for social innovation. A total of €5 million has been awarded to six winners, who will work on identifying scalable and high-impact blockchain solutions to address various societal challenges, such as delivery of international aid, verifying authenticity of online content, utilising renewable energy, and many more. Mariya Gabriel, Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth, said: “I warmly congratulate all the winners. The proposed solutions show how blockchain can create positive social change by supporting fair trade, increasing transparency in production processes and e-commerce and contributing to financial inclusion by exploring decentralised economic structures. I hope that this award can help upscale these outstanding ideas and inspire many other innovators.” Thierry Breton, Commissioner for the Internal Market, added: “Participation from 43 countries in the Prize on Blockchains for Social Good has shown us the potential to address local and global challenges with blockchain technology that offers decentralised, trusted and transparent solutions. Europe has to fully recognise and support European technological innovations to address both industrial and sustainability challenges.” The call attracted 176 applications, with 80% of applications coming from start-ups and small and medium businesses (SMEs). The six winning solutions come from Finland, France, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, and the UK and they strongly relate to the UN Sustainable Development Goals in contributing to responsible production and consumption patterns, renewable energy use, disaster relief and economic inclusion. They have been developed in Open Source to maximise transparency and to enable more innovators to build upon the solutions developed by the winners. More information about the winning projects is available here. (For more information: Johannes Bahrke – Tel.: +32 229 58615; Marietta Grammenou – Tel.: +32 229 83583)

Understanding and fighting disinformation: Commission's €9 million call for national fact-checking hubs

Today, the Commission launches a call for proposals for €9 million to further strengthen its support to fact-checkers and researchers, as foreseen in the recent Joint Communication to reinforce actions against disinformation. It will extend the reach of the European Digital Media Observatory through the establishment of national fact-checking hubs. These hubs will analyse disinformation campaigns and their impact on society, promote media literacy and monitor online platforms' policies. Vice-President for Values and Transparency, Věra Jourová, said: “A resilient and critical society is what we need to fight against disinformation. This is an important strand of our strategy and for this, we need to support free and independent media, fact checkers and researchers. We will do so by reinforcing the European Digital Media Observatory, backing the development of national digital media research hubs that will improves our ability to understand the spread of online disinformation.” Thierry Breton, Commissioner for the Internal Market, added: “I welcome the launch of this call to establish national fact-checking hubs to support and extend the work of the European Digital Media Observatory. False and misleading information takes different national nuances from one Member State to another. That is why EU funds are need to help tackle false information not only at an EU level, but also on a national level.” The observatory kick-started its activities on 1 June 2020 and supports the creation and growth of a multidisciplinary community composed of fact-checkers, academic researchers and other relevant stakeholders with expertise in the field of online disinformation. As such, it contributes to a deeper understanding of disinformation relevant actors and dynamics, as well as their impact on society. This second phase of the project is funded through the Connecting Europe Facility financing programme. The deadline for submissions is 5 November 2020. To learn more, click here. (For more information: Johannes Bahrke – Tel.: +32 229 58615; Charles Manoury – Tel.: +32 229 13391) 

Coronavirus: almost 1,500 innovators have responded to the European Institute of Innovation and Technology's Crisis Response Initiative*

Almost 1,500 innovators from 44 countries (including all 27 EU Member States) applied to the European Institute of Innovation and Technology €60 million Crisis Response Initiative launched on 14 May to tackle COVID-19 crisis. The EIT Governing Board has released the funding to the eight Knowledge and Innovation Communities (KICs), which will now ensure that support swiftly reaches the selected applicants. Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth, Mariya Gabriel, said: “This action of the EIT is part of the EU's comprehensive response to the COVID-19 crisis, including substantial support to innovation. I am glad to see the efficient mobilisation of all EU instruments that we have at our disposal. Thanks to the EIT's funding, hundreds of innovators and companies will be given the opportunity to participate in the collective effort to overcome this crisis and rebuild our economy sustainably.” 60% of the EIT Crisis Response funds will be awarded to highly innovative start-ups, scale-ups and SMEs as part of the ‘Venture Support Instrument', and 40% to innovation projects under the ‘Pandemic Response Projects'. All EIT Crisis Response activities are to be completed by the end of 2020. More details on the projects to be financed will be announced in the coming weeks. More information is available in the EIT press release. (For more information: Susanne Conze — Tel.: + 32 229 80236)

La Commission européenne fait le point sur les relations avec les parlements nationaux

Aujourd'hui, à l'occasion de la Journée internationale du parlementarisme des Nations unies, la Commission européenne a adopté son rapport annuel sur l'application des principes de subsidiarité et de proportionnalité, ainsi que sur les relations avec les parlements nationaux. L'année 2019 a été une année de transition entre deux mandats de la Commission. En conséquence, 2019 a vu moins d'initiatives et de propositions législatives de la Commission par rapport aux années précédentes, et le volume de travail des parlements nationaux dans le cadre du mécanisme de contrôle de la subsidiarité et du dialogue politique avec la Commission a temporairement diminué. Les parlements nationaux ont également envoyé moins d'avis : 159 avis (contre 569 en 2018), contribuant ainsi au dialogue politique de la Commission avec les parlements nationaux. Aucun des avis n'a exprimé de préoccupations en matière de subsidiarité concernant les initiatives de la Commission. Les avis exprimés montrent également l'intérêt constant des parlements nationaux à fournir à la Commission une contribution bien avant les propositions législatives, ainsi qu'à s'engager avec la Commission au-delà du contrôle de la subsidiarité. En 2019, la Commission a pris un certain nombre de mesures pour donner suite aux recommandations formulées par la task force « Subsidiarité, proportionnalité » et « faire moins mais de manière plus efficace ». (Pour plus d'informations: Susanne Conze – Tél.: + 32 2 298 02 36 ; Veronica Favalli – Tél. : +32 229-87269)

Coronavirus: Commission offers additional €10 million to promote sales of crisis-hit agri-food products

The Commission today launched additional calls for proposals (here and here) to support promotion activities by agri-food producers most hit in the current crisis. The extra €10 million fund will be available to boost sales of fruit and vegetable, wine, live plants, dairy and certain potatoes. Half of that amount will go to promotion activities run jointly by producer organisations from several EU countries and another half, to national activities. In both cases, promotion can take place either within or outside the EU within a one-year period. Proposals can be submitted by 27 August 2020. The coronavirus crisis has had a significant impact on a number EU agri-food sectors, mainly due to rapid changes in demand and the closure of restaurants, bars and cafés across the EU. Today's calls for proposals complement other exceptional measures adopted recently to support specific agri-food sectors. This is the first time that the Commission also uses promotion as a tool to react to a case of serious market disturbance. For more information on promotion of EU farm products click here. (For more information: Daniel Rosario— Tel.: + 32 229 56185; Thérèse Lerebours Tel.: + 32 229 13963)

Commissioner Sinkevičius starts discussions on fishing opportunities for 2021 at Agrifish Council

Commissioner for the Environment, Fisheries and Oceans, Virginijus Sinkevičius,presented yesterday at the EU Agriculture and Fisheries Ministers videoconference the Commission's recent communication on sustainable fishing and orientations for 2021. The debate with Ministers started the new round of discussions and negotiations on fishing opportunities for the coming year. As also outlined in the Commission's Communication, this year is the year when fish stocks have to be managed in line with the maximum sustainable yield target, i.e. ensuring sustainable levels of fishing. Thus, this will be the main objective in the proposals for the Atlantic, North Sea and Baltic Sea stocks. Commissioner Sinkevičius also spoke to the Ministers about the implementation of the landing obligation which despite being a win-win situation for fishermen and for the environment, remains a strong concern. On Brexit, he stressed that unity and a strong common position is needed to defend EU's interests. Finally, the Commissioner talked to Ministers about the bycatch of dolphins, porpoises and other protected species. EU legislation, both nature and fisheries rules, already offers all necessary tools to Member States and in particular for the regionsto tackle this problem effectively. In addition, the EU Biodiversity Strategy 2030 underlines the need to eliminate bycatch of species threatened with extinction or to reduce it to a level that allows their full recovery. A press statement by Commissioner Sinkevičius is available here. (For more information: Vivian Loonela - Tel.: +32 229 66712; Daniela Stoycheva – Tel.: +32 229 53664)

Commission launches public consultation on a New Consumer Agenda

Today, the European Commission has launched an EU-wide open public consultation on the new European consumer policy for the next period, the so-called ‘the New Consumer Agenda'. The public consultation will provide valuable insight for the setting up the New Consumer Agenda that the European Commission intends to adopt by the end of 2020. Didier Reynders, Commissioner for Justice, said: “The shift of many consumer activities online, the climate change effects, and most recently the coronavirus pandemic have emphasized the need for a fresh look at the key challenges facing consumers and the best way to tackling them. European citizens and businesses alike need a consumer policy that reflects the widespread attention to sustainability, the use of digital technologies on a massive scale, and the unprecedented globalisation of consumer markets. This is why I encourage citizens, companies, consumer organisations and lawmakers to make their voices heard.” The new Agenda will set out the main consumer policy priorities in the EU for the years to come. It will aim to update EU consumer policy in key areas: tackling the new challenges brought by digitalisation, the rising importance of environmental issues, the increased need of international cooperation, the issue of proper enforcement of consumer rights, and protecting vulnerable consumers. It will also draw lessons from and take into account the impact of the coronavirus crisis. To achieve its goals, the New Consumer Agenda will propose an intensified cooperation between the Commission and the EU Member States as well as with key stakeholders, including consumer organisations and businesses. The open public consultation launched today includes questions on overall consumer policy strategy, on empowering consumers for green transition, and on the reviews of the Consumer Credit Directive and of the General Product Safety Directive. Participants have until 6 October to send their contributions. The public consultation can be found online. (For more information: Christian Wigand - Tel.: +32 229 62253; Guillaume Mercier - Tel.: +32 229 80564; Katarzyna Kolanko - Tel.:+32 229 63444)

La Commission approuve une nouvelle indication géographique d'Italie

La Commission européenne a approuvé la demande d'inscription des « Mele del Trentino » d'Italie dans le registre des indications géographiques protégées (IGP). Les « Mele del Trentino » sont des pommes provenant de différentes variétés, à chair blanche et à la saveur moyennement acidulée. Dans la cuisine du Trentin, au nord de l'Italie, les « Mele del Trentino » sont utilisées pour la confection des desserts typiques de la région, parmi lesquels le strudel, la tarte aux pommes et les beignets aux pommes. Les anciens manuscrits de recettes qui datent du XVIe siècle font référence à de nombreuses variantes et les « Mele del Trentino » sont, de nos jours encore, l'ingrédient par excellence de ces desserts. Cette nouvelle appellation va rejoindre plus de 1 475 produits agricoles déjà protégés dont la liste est disponible dans la base de données eAmbrosia. Pour plus d'informations, voir aussi les pages sur la politique de qualité. (Pour plus d'informations : Daniel Rosario – Tél: +32 2 29 56185; Thérèse Lerebours – Tél: +32 229 13963)

Aides d'État: la Commission étend l'encadrement temporaire pour permettre un soutien supplémentaire aux micro et petites entreprises et aux jeunes pousses et encourager les investissements privés

La Commission européenne a adopté une troisième modification étendant le champ d'application de l'encadrement temporaire des aides d'État adopté le 19 mars 2020 pour soutenir l'économie dans le contexte de la pandémie de coronavirus. L'encadrement temporaire a été modifié une première fois le 3 avril 2020 pour accroître les possibilités de soutien public à la recherche, aux tests et à la fabrication de produits permettant de lutter contre la flambée de coronavirus, protéger les emplois et soutenir davantage l'économie. Le 8 mai 2020, la Commission a adopté une deuxième modification étendant le champ d'application de l'encadrement temporaire à des mesures de recapitalisation et de dette subordonnée. La modification apportée étend l'encadrement temporaire afin de permettre aux États membres de fournir un soutien public au titre de l'encadrement temporaire à toutes les micro et petites entreprises, même si elles étaient déjà en difficulté financière au 31 décembre 2019. Compte tenu de la taille modeste de ces entreprises et de leur participation limitée aux opérations transfrontières, les aides d'État temporaires aux micro et petites entreprises sont moins susceptibles de fausser la concurrence sur le marché intérieur que les aides d'État accordées aux entreprises plus grandes. Cette modification permet également d'accroître de manière effective les possibilités de soutenir les jeunes pousses (dont la grande majorité relèvent du groupe des micro et petites entreprises) en particulier celles innovantes qui pourraient être déficitaires dans leur phase de forte croissance, qui sont essentielles à la reprise économique de l'Union. La Commission a également adapté les conditions applicables aux mesures de recapitalisation au titre de l'encadrement temporaire dans les cas où les investisseurs privés contribuent à l'augmentation de capital des entreprises aux côtés de l'État. Ces modifications encourageront les injections de fonds propres avec une participation privée importante dans les entreprises, limitant ainsi la nécessité des aides d'État et le risque de distorsions de la concurrence. L'objectif est d'augmenter les incitations pour les entreprises à rechercher, pour combler leurs besoins de capitaux, des solutions tant sur le marché qu'auprès de l'État, tout en maintenant des garanties pour préserver l'exercice d'une concurrence effective au sein du marché unique. En outre, dans le respect du principe de neutralité à l'égard de la propriété, publique ou privée, consacré par le traité sur le fonctionnement de l'Union européenne, la modification apportée aujourd'hui permettra aussi aux entreprises disposant d'une participation existante de l'État de mobiliser des capitaux auprès de leurs actionnaires de la même manière que les entreprises privées. Par cette modification, la Commission clarifie le fait que les aides ne devraient pas être subordonnées à la délocalisation de l'activité de production ou d'une autre activité du bénéficiaire depuis un autre pays de l'Espace économique européen (EEE) vers le territoire de l'État membre qui octroie l'aide, car une telle condition serait particulièrement dommageable pour le marché intérieur. Mme Margrethe Vestager, vice-présidente exécutive chargée de la politique de concurrence, s'est exprimée en ces termes: « Les micro et petites entreprises ainsi que les jeunes pousses sont essentielles à la reprise économique de l'Union. Elles ont été particulièrement touchées par la pénurie de liquidité causée par la pandémie de coronavirus et rencontrent plus de difficulté à accéder au financement. Aujourd'hui, nous avons étendu l'encadrement temporaire afin de permettre aux États membres de leur apporter un soutien supplémentaire. Nous avons introduit des conditions qui incitent les investisseurs privés à participer aux recapitalisations aux côtés de l'État, ce qui réduit la nécessité d'aides d'État et le risque de distorsions de la concurrence. Enfin, nous rappelons que l'octroi d'une aide d'État ne peut être soumis à des conditions de délocalisation de la production ou d'une autre activité du bénéficiaire d'une région de l'Union à une autre – car le marché unique est notre plus grand atout. Nous continuons à collaborer étroitement avec les États membres pour aider les entreprises à surmonter cette crise et à rebondir avec vigueur, tout en maintenant des conditions de concurrence équitables dans l'intérêt de toutes les entreprises et de tous les consommateurs européens. » Le communiqué de presse est disponible en ligne. (Pour plus d'informations: Arianna Podesta – Tél. +32 229 87024; Giulia Astuti – Tél.: +32 229 55344; Maria Tsoni – Tél.: +32 229 90526)

State aid: Commission approves €80 million Croatian loan guarantee scheme for companies in the maritime, transport, travel and infrastructure sectors affected by the coronavirus outbreak

The European Commission has approved an approximately €80 million (HRK 600 million) Croatian scheme to support enterprises active in the maritime, transport, travel, infrastructure and related sectors that have been severely impacted by the coronavirus outbreak. The scheme, comprising two measures, was approved under the State aid Temporary Framework. The support will take the form of State guarantees on new loans from banks or other financial institutions. The State guarantee will cover up to 90% of the loans. The scheme aims at providing liquidity to enterprises of all sizes affected by the coronavirus outbreak, thus enabling them to continue their activities, start investments and maintain employment. The scheme is expected to support over 1,000 companies. The Commission found that the Croatian scheme is in line with the conditions set out in the Temporary Framework. In particular, under the first measure, aid does not exceed €800,000 per company. Under the second measure, (i) the loan amount per company is limited to what is needed to cover its liquidity needs for the near future, (ii) the interest rates correspond to the minimum levels laid down in the Temporary Framework, and (iii) the guarantees and loans will be provided until the end of this year, with a maximum duration of six years. Under both measures, aid may be granted only to companies that were not in difficulty already on 31 December 2019 but were significantly affected by the coronavirus outbreak. The measures also include safeguards to ensure that the aid is effectively channeled by the banks or other financial institutions to the beneficiaries in need. The Commission concluded that the measures are 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 of the Temporary Framework. On this basis, the Commission approved the measures under EU State aid rules. The non-confidential version of the decision will be made available under the case number SA.57711 in the State aid register on the Commission's competition website once any confidentiality issues have been resolved. (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 €200 million Slovenian scheme to compensate large companies for damages suffered due to coronavirus outbreak 

The European Commission has approved under EU State aid rules a €200 million Slovenian scheme to compensate large companies for the damages suffered due to the coronavirus outbreak and the confinement measures that the Slovenian Government had to implement to limit the spread of the virus. Under the scheme, companies will be entitled to compensation of the damages incurred between 13 March and 31 May 2020, in the form of direct grants and exemptions from payment of social security contributions. The compensation will cover up to 100% of the difference between the operating results of the company concerned during the compensation period and its operating results in a reference period before the coronavirus outbreak. The Slovenian authorities will carry out ex post checks based on the damage assessment by the potential beneficiaries to ensure that the compensation does not exceed the actual damage suffered. The public support in excess of the actual damage received by the beneficiaries will have to be paid back to the Slovenian State. The scheme will be open to large companies active in all sectors, with some exceptions defined by Slovenia, namely companies active in the financial and insurance sectors. The measure is expected to benefit around 50 companies. Large companies can benefit from aid under the scheme if they prove the damage suffered and its direct causal link with the coronavirus outbreak and the related measures adopted by Slovenian authorities.The Commission found that the Slovenian scheme is in line with Article 107(2)(b) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU), which enables the Commission to approve State aid granted by Member States to compensate specific companies or specific sectors  for the damages directly caused by exceptional occurrences, such as the coronavirus outbreak. The Commission found that the Slovenian scheme will compensate damages that are directly linked to the coronavirus outbreak. It also found that the measure is proportionate, as the envisaged compensation does not exceed what is necessary to make good the damage. The Commission therefore concluded that the scheme is in line with EU State aid rules. The non-confidential version of the decision will be made available under the case number SA.57459 in the State aid register on the Commission's competition website once any confidentiality issues have been resolved.  (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 €160 million Dutch scheme to compensate companies that offer special transport services which suffered due to coronavirus outbreak

The European Commission has approved under EU State aid rules a €160 million Dutch scheme to compensate companies offering special transport services for specific groups such as children and elderly persons who are not able to take regular public transport to go to school or to certain social activities. In the Netherlands these special transport services have been severely affected by the government's coronavirus related measures such as the closure of schools, social distancing rules and restrictions on larger gatherings. Because of the government measures, companies offering special transport services faced and continue to face a huge decline in revenue, whilst continuing to incur costs such as wages, lease commitments for vehicles, commitments to banks and overhead costs. Under the scheme, the transport companies will be entitled to compensation in the form of direct grants for a maximum of 80% of the revenues lost due to cancellations. The compensation can be granted until 31 December 2020 for damages suffered between 15 March and 30 June 2020. The Netherlands will ensure that no individual transport operator receives more in compensation than it suffered in damages, and no operator will be allowed to earn a profit due to the compensation granted under the scheme. The Commission therefore concluded that the scheme is in line with the conditions under Article 107(2)(b)  of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU), which enables the Commission to approve State aid measures granted by Member States to compensate specific companies or specific sectors for the damages directly caused by exceptional occurrences, such as the coronavirus outbreak. The Commission found that the Dutch aid scheme will compensate damages that are directly linked to the coronavirus outbreak. The Commission therefore concluded that the scheme is in line with EU State aid rules. The non-confidential version of the decision will be made available under the case number SA.57554 in the State aid case register on the Commission's competition website once any confidentiality issues have been resolved. (For more information: Arianna Podesta – Tel. +32 229 87024; Giulia Astuti – Tel.: +32 229 55344; Maria Tsoni – Tel.: +32 229 90526)

Aides d'État: La Commission autorise un régime français de 207 millions d'euros de subventions salariales pour soutenir l'économie dans le contexte de la pandémie du coronavirus

La Commission européenne a autorisé un régime français d'un montant de 207 millions d'euros visant à soutenir l'économie française dans le contexte de la pandémie de coronavirus. Ce régime a été autorisé au titre de l'encadrement temporaire des aides d'État. Le soutien, qui prendra la forme de subventions salariales  bénéficiera les entreprises actives dans certains secteurs de l'économie qui ont été particulièrement touchés par la pandémie de coronavirus comme, par exemple, les services de traiteurs et restauration, hôtellerie, tourisme et transport de voyageurs, et les secteurs impliqués dans l'accueil du public, dont l'activité a été obligatoirement interrompue en raison des mesures mises en place par l'Etat pour stopper la propagation du virus. Alors que la France a décidé d'abaisser les paiements mensuels pour les subventions salariales dans le cadre du dispositif d'activité partielle de 70 % à 60 % du salaire brut, les salariés des secteurs les plus touchés par la crise continueront à recevoir des paiements mensuels correspondants à 70 % de leur salaire brut dans le cadre d'un dispositif ad hoc. La mesure vise à assurer que les salariés conservent leur emploi et continuent à recevoir un revenu mensuel tout en allégeant les coûts salariaux des employeurs évitant ainsi de potentiels licenciements du personnel suite à la réduction significative ou l'interruption de leur activité économique. La Commission a estimé que le régime était conforme aux conditions énoncées dans l'encadrement temporaire. En particulier, les subventions ne dépasseront pas le 80 % du salaire brut mensuel des employés et seront octroyées pour une période plus courte que 12 mois. La Commission a conclu que la mesure était nécessaire, appropriée et proportionnée pour remédier à une perturbation grave de l'économie d'un État membre, conformément à l'article 107, paragraphe 3, point b), du TFUE et aux conditions énoncées dans l'encadrement temporaire. Sur cette base, la Commission a autorisé la mesure en vertu des règles de l'UE en matière d'aides d'État. De plus amples informations sur l'encadrement temporaire et les autres mesures prises par la Commission pour faire face à l'incidence économique de la pandémie de coronavirus sont disponibles ici. La version non confidentielle de la décision sera publiée sous le numéro SA.57754 dans le registre des aides d'État figurant sur le site web de la Commission consacré à la concurrence, une fois que les éventuels problèmes de confidentialité auront été résolus. (Pour plus d'informations : Arianna Podesta – Tél. +32 229 87024; Giulia Astuti – Tél.: +32 229 55344; Maria Tsoni – Tél.: +32 229 90526)

Mergers: Commission clears acquisition of Imperial's European inland waterways transport business by HGK

The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of the European inland shipping business (“Imperial Shipping Group”) from Imperial Mobility International B.V. & Co. KG and its subsidiaries (“Imperial Group”), of the Netherlands, by Häfen und Güterverkehr Köln AG (‘HGK') of Germany. The Imperial Shipping Group is currently controlled by the Imperial Group and is active in inland navigation, transhipment/stevedoring services, storage, transport logistics, ships clearance and trade in vehicles, servicing customers in Germany, Benelux and Northeast France. HGK is controlled by Stadtwerke Köln GmbH (“SWK”) of Germany and is active in inland waterway transportation, transhipment/stevedoring services at inland terminals, inland port infrastructure, rail transportation, rail infrastructure, freight forwarding and short sea shipping in Germany, with a focus on Cologne and the Rhine area. The Commission concluded that the proposed acquisition would raise no competition concerns, given the companies' moderate combined market positions in the inland waterways transport market and stevedoring/transhipment services markets resulting from the proposed transaction, and the presence of a number of strong players providing such services. The Commission further considers it unlikely that vertical or conglomerate anti-competitive effects would arise from the transaction. The transaction was examined under the normal merger review procedure. More information is available on the Commission's competition website, in the public case register under the case number M.9853. (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 informations sont données sous réserve de modifications.

Eurostat: communiqués de presse

*Updated on 30-06-2020, at 16:30