Daily News 15 / 07 / 2020

RÉUNION DU COLLÈGE: Fiscalité équitable et simplifiée: la Commission propose un nouveau paquet de mesures visant à contribuer à la relance et à la croissance de l'Europe

La Commission européenne a adopté aujourd'hui un nouveau paquet fiscal ambitieux afin de garantir que la politique fiscale de l'UE apporte un soutien à la relance économique et à la croissance à long terme de l'Europe. Ce paquet repose sur les deux piliers que sont l'équité et la simplicité. Une fiscalité équitable reste l'une des grandes priorités de la Commission européenne, car, en tant que moyen de protection des recettes publiques, elle jouera un rôle important dans la relance économique de l'UE à court terme et sa prospérité à long terme. Le paquet fiscal adopté ce jour est constitué de trois initiatives distinctes mais liées: le plan d'action sur la fiscalité, la proposition relative à la coopération administrative (DAC 7) et la communication sur la bonne gouvernance fiscale. Le paquet de mesures présenté aujourd'hui vise à renforcer l'équité fiscale, en intensifiant la lutte contre les pratiques fiscales abusives, en mettant un terme à la concurrence fiscale déloyale et en améliorant la transparence fiscale. Parallèlement, il se concentre sur la simplification des règles et des procédures fiscales dans le but d'améliorer l'environnement des entreprises dans l'ensemble de l'UE. Cela comprend notamment la suppression des obstacles fiscaux et des charges administratives qui pèsent sur les contribuables dans de nombreux secteurs, de sorte qu'il soit plus facile pour les entreprises de prospérer et de se développer au sein du marché unique. Le paquet adopté ce jour constitue la première partie d'un programme fiscal complet et ambitieux que l'UE entend mener ces prochaines années. Le communiqué de presse et un document questions-réponses sont disponibles en ligne. (Pour plus d'informations: Daniel Ferrie — Tél.: + 32 229 86500; Nerea Artamendi Erro — Tél.: + 32 229 90964)

COLLEGE MEETING: Coronavirus: Commission strengthens preparedness for future outbreaks

Today, the Commission has presented immediate short-term measures to strengthen EU health preparedness for COVID-19 outbreaks. The Communication focuses on all necessary actions needed to enhance preparedness, including testing and contact tracing, improved public health surveillance and widened access to medical countermeasures such as personal protective equipment, medicines and medical devices. Actions also include measures on healthcare surge capacity, non-pharmaceutical countermeasures, support to minorities and vulnerable persons, and activities to reduce the burden of seasonal influenza. Margaritis Schinas, Vice-President for Promoting the European Way of Life, said: ”We now know more about the virus but our duty is to remain vigilant and preventive. The set of measures presented today aim to counter further possible outbreaks of COVID-19. Drawing on the lessons of the past months we are planning ahead to avoid improvisation, reinforcing our preparedness on all fronts, preserving the single market and its main freedoms, and facilitating the path towards economic and social recovery across the EU.” Stella Kyriakides, Commissioner for Health and Food Safety, said: “We have come a long way from the height of the COVID-19 pandemic but the virus is still circulating. Vigilance, preparedness and coordination are indispensable to prevent generalised outbreaks. Today we call for strong and joint action to protect our citizens and will support Member States in doing so. It is our responsibility to ensure that we are fully prepared. Now is not the time to let our guard down.” The Commission has from the outset coordinated the exchange of information and recommendations with regard to cross border health actions and measures. A continued vigilance and fast response from the Commission and the Member States is essential to ensure that the spread of the virus can be contained and new, generalised lockdowns can be avoided. A press release is available online. (For more information: Stefan De Keersmaecker – Tél.: +32 229 84680; Darragh Cassidy – Tel.: 229 83978)

Coronavirus: Commission welcomes Council's vote on the development of vaccines containing GMOs*

Yesterday, the Council adopted the Commission's proposal to accelerate clinical trials and the supply of medicinal products that contain genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in the fight against COVID-19. The Commission proposal was presented as part of the Vaccines Strategy and has a twofold objective: to support the development of safe and effective products for the treatment or prevention of COVID-19 by ensuring that clinical trials with medicinal products containing or consisting of GMOs can start as soon as possible; and secondly to facilitate their use in case of emergency. Stella Kyriakides, Commissioner for Health and Food Safety said: “I welcome the swift support given by both the European Parliament and Council. This endorsement is another clear signal that, in times of crisis, the EU's institutions can react quickly and adapt legislation to tackle emergencies. The objective of the proposal is clear: we are ensuring that clinical trials with medicines against COVID-19 can start as soon as possible and that there is prompt availability of vaccines and treatments in cases of emergency.  We are doing this whilst ensuring that all environmental concerns are addressed.” Some of the ongoing efforts to develop a vaccine against COVID-19 are based on genetically modified attenuated viruses or viral vectors. These products fall under the definition of “genetically modified organism” and are subject to the GMO legislation. The application of the GMO legislation can delay the conduct of clinical trials with these vaccines. First, the GMO legislation does not contain any flexibility for crisis management (such as a pandemic).  Secondly, experience shows that, in clinical trials with investigational medicinal products containing or consisting of GMOs, the procedure to achieve compliance with the GMO legislation is complex and may take a significant amount of time. The regulation will allow for a temporary derogation for clinical trials with the contained used of GMOs and it also allows for Member States to use medicinal products containing or consisting of GMOs intended to treat or prevent COVID-19 in certain urgent circumstances. The regulation will apply only as long as COVID-19 is regarded as a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO) or as long as an implementing act by which the Commission recognises a situation of public health emergency due to COVID-19 applies. (For more information: Stefan De Keersmaecker – Tel.: +32 229 84680; Darragh Cassidy – Tel.: 229 83978)

Coronavirus: Mobility data provides insights into virus spread and containment to help inform future responses

New studies published today by the Commission's Joint Research Centre explain the relationship between human mobility and the spread of coronavirus, as well as the effectiveness of mobility restriction measures to contain the pandemic. The findings, based on aggregated and anonymised mobile phone location data, will support policymakers in formulating the best data-driven approaches for ending confinement, mapping the socio-economic effects of lockdown measures and informing early warning systems for potential new outbreaks. Mariya Gabriel, Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth, responsible for the Joint Research Centre, said: “Digital technologies and social sciences are instrumental in the Commission's data and evidence-driven crisis response and policy measures to fight the pandemic. I would like to thank mobile operators who provided unique access to their datasets, thereby contributing to the fight against this public health threat.” Thierry Breton, Commissioner for the Internal Market, added: “These findings help us prepare for different possible scenarios for the future which is vital in the context of reopening travel and businesses. This experience also shines a positive light on the opportunities offered by Business-to-Government data sharing, especially in times of crisis.” Some 14 mobile network operators in 19 EU Member States and Norway provided their data to the Joint Research Centre. Thanks to this public-private cooperation, a systematic analysis of the relationship between human mobility and virus spread was conducted for the first time by Joint Research Centre scientists, together with a comparative cross-country analysis of the efficiency of containment measures. The findings also suggest that mobility restriction can be better targeted when taking into account geographical mobility patterns, that can cut across regions or provinces, rather than administrative areas. Additional studies will follow and more mobile phone operators may join to cover more countries. This initiative is part of the plan to support exit strategies through mobile data and apps, as announced in the April 2020 Commission recommendation and follows the favourable letter of the European Data Protection Supervisor. You will find further information here. (For more information: Johannes Bahrke – Tel.: +32 229 58615; Charles Manoury – Tel.: +32 2 291 33 91)

COLLEGE MEETING: The European Commission appoints a new Head of Representation in Sweden and a new Deputy Director-General at the Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development

Today, the European Commission has decided to appoint Mr Christian Danielsson as Head of the European Commission's Representation in Sweden and Mr Michael Scannell as Deputy Director-General at the Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development (AGRI). Mr Danielsson, a Swedish national, is currently the Director-General for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Negotiations (NEAR). Previously, he was Deputy Secretary-General in the Secretariat-General. Earlier on, he took on the role of Deputy Head of Cabinet in the Cabinet of European Commission Vice-President Verheugen, where he was responsible for the relations with Turkey and the files on competitiveness and better regulation.  Mr Danielsson has also been the Permanent Representative of Sweden to the European Union. With 39 years of professional career predominantly in high-level positions in the European Commission, Mr Christian Danielsson brings very significant knowledge and experience in EU affairs into his new post, with date of effect to be determined. Mr Scannell, an Irish national, has accrued long and extremely pertinent professional experience both in the Cabinets and as a senior manager in the Commission's services where he has served as a Director in DG Health and Food Safety and in DG Agriculture and Rural Development. He is currently Director for Markets and Observatories in DG Agriculture and Rural Development. His appointment will take effect on 16 July 2020. The College also decided to appoint two directors. Mr Nial Bohan, an Irish national, will take on the function of Director in DG Budget, Directorate E, “Asset and financial risk management” on 16 July 2020 and Ms Inge Bernaerts, a Belgian national, will become Director in DG Competition, Directorate A, “Policy and Strategy”, with date of effect to be determined. (For more information: Balazs Ujvari – Tel.: +32 460 760296; Veronica Favalli – Tel.: +32 460 795206)

Prix Lorenzo Natali pour les médias : les lauréats 2020 sont révélés

La Commission européenne a révélé aujourd'hui le nom des lauréats 2020 du Prix Lorenzo Natali pour les médias, sélectionnés parmi plus de 800 candidatures provenant de 94 pays différents. Dayu Zhang du « South China Morning Post » a remporté le grand prix pour son récit sur les manifestations de Hong Kong de 2019 raconté du point de vue d'un groupe local cherchant à désamorcer les tensions entre les manifestants et les forces de l'ordre. Cécile Schilis Gallego et Marion Guegan de « Forbidden Stories » ont reçu le prix Europe pour leur enquête sur l'environnement hostile auquel sont confrontés les journalistes qui enquêtent sur les mines à travers le monde. Shola Lawal de « Equal Times » a remporté le prix de meilleure journaliste émergente pour son article dénonçant les dangers auxquels sont exposés les migrants « extracontinentaux » qui cherchent à rejoindre l'Amérique du Nord depuis l'Afrique. Depuis près de trente ans, le prix récompense un journalisme de qualité axé sur des reportages captivants et émouvants mettant en lumière des sujets liés au développement durable. La commissaire chargée des partenariats internationaux, Jutta Urpilainen, a déclaré à cet égard: « Le prix Lorenzo Natali pour les médias récompense un journalisme de qualité portant sur le développement durable. Je me réjouis du grand nombre de candidatures de grands professionnels reçues cette année. Cet intérêt croissant témoigne du rôle crucial du journalisme dans la construction de sociétés ouvertes et démocratiques. En braquant les projecteurs sur les histoires que rapportent ces journalistes, ensemble, nous construisons un monde meilleur. » La cérémonie de remise des prix, qui se tient généralement pendant les Journées européennes du développement, aura cette fois lieu plus tard dans l'année. Pour plus d'informations sur les lauréats et leurs histoires, consultez le communiqué de presse et la page internet du prix. (Pour plus d'informations: Ana Pisonero-Hernandez – Tél.: +32 229 54320; Daniel Puglisi – Tél.: +32 229 69140)

European Citizens' Initiatives: The Commission welcomes the swift adoption of temporary measures to address the impact of Covid19 on Citizens' Initiatives

Following the proposal by the Commission of 20 May, the European Parliament and Council formally adopted yesterday an agreement on temporary measures to allow for the extension of certain time limits which apply to the European Citizens' Initiatives (ECI). These temporary measures come in response to the difficulties in public campaigning and the collection of statements of support that organisers face during the coronavirus outbreak. Vice-President Věra Jourovà stated: “We very much welcome the swift adoption by the co-legislators of these temporary measures. These will provide the necessary legal certainty and clarity for organisers and should serve as reassurance that Citizens' Initiatives are not at risk because of the pandemic.”  The rules, which extend the period for the collection of statements of support by six months for all initiatives that were ongoing on 11 March 2020 - the day when the World Health Organization declared the coronavirus outbreak a worldwide pandemic – willapply until the end of 2022. This extension will also apply retroactively to initiatives that ended their collection period between 11 March and the adoption of the new rules, and to those that started their collection between 11 March and 11 September 2020. The new rules also allow the Commission to decide on additional 3-month extensions, in case national confinement measures are continued in response to the pandemic, or in case of a new outbreak. The Commission can likewise grant a Member State an extension of up to 3 months to verify the collected statements of support. Finally, for successful initiatives, it will be possible to organise the meeting with the organisers and the hearing in the European Parliament remotely or to postpone them until the situation allows for in person meetings. The text of the Regulation is available on the European Citizens' Initiatives website and will also be published in the Official Journal. (For more information: Christian Wigand - Tel.: +32 229 62253; Alice Hobbs - Tel.: +32 229 80829)

Public consultation: Commission seeks citizens' views in preparation of new European Democracy Action Plan

Today, the European Commission has launched a new public consultation to gather the views of citizens on the future European Democracy Action Plan. The new Action Plan is a political priority for the von der Leyen Commission and will focus on three main pillars: 1. Integrity of elections and political advertising; 2. Strengthening media freedom and media pluralism; 3. Tackling disinformation in the EU. The purpose of the consultation is for the Commission to find out what Europeans think about these issues. In particular, election authorities, political parties, media, journalists and online platforms are invited to have their say. The consultation will be open until 15 September 2020. Věra Jourová, European Commission Vice-President for Values and Transparency, said: “A well-functioning democracy provides every citizen with the space to have their own views and a channel through which they can express their views on policy. This is why today I am happy to launch a new public consultation. Later this year, we will present a new European Democracy Action Plan to help improve the resilience of our democracies and address the threats of external interference in European elections. But before we do, it is crucial we gather the views of those the Plan is supposed to support – our citizens.” More information is available in the press release.(For more information: Christian Wigand - Tel.: +32 229 62253; Alice Hobbs - Tel.: +32 229 80829)

Investment Plan in Spain: €25 million for innovative car manufacturer Zanini

The European Investment Bank is providing €25 million in financing under the European Fund for Strategic Investments to Spanish car manufacturing company, Zanini, to invest in research and innovation. Barcelona-based Zanini, which specialises in self-driving cars, will use the financing to develop safer, less polluting vehicles, to upgrade its information and communication technology systems, and to expand its facilities, including by building a new plant in Parets del Vallès, just outside Barcelona. The company employs some 1,400 staff in its plants which are located across 10 countries. Paolo Gentiloni, Commissioner for the Economy, said: “With the financial backing of the European Investment Bank under InvestEU, Zanini can increase its capacity, including by building a new production plant near Barcelona, and it can invest in innovation and developing safer, less polluting cars. Supporting new technologies in Europe, such as developing self-driving cars, will be key for the recovery of our economies.” The press release is available here. As of June 2020, the Investment Plan for Europe has mobilised €514 billion of investment across the EU, including €58.6 billion in Spain, and supported 1.4 million start-ups and small and medium-sized businesses. (For more information: Marta Wieczorek – Tel.: +32 229 58197; Siobhán Millbright – Tel.: +32 229 57361)

Commission launches renewed European Alliance for Apprenticeships

Today, on World Youth Skills Day, the European Commission launches the renewed European Alliance for Apprenticeships (EAfA), a key initiative under Youth Employment Support: a bridge to jobs for the next generation presented by the Commission on 1 July. The EAfA unites governments and key stakeholders with the aim of strengthening the quality, supply and overall image of apprenticeships across Europe, while also promoting the mobility of apprentices. These aims are promoted through national commitments andvoluntary pledges from stakeholders. Apprenticeships are an excellent way for people to gain real work experience to become ready for the world of work. They also act as an intelligent HR tool for companies looking to hire in the future. The Commission is renewing the Alliance to contribute to a sustained offer of quality apprenticeships, especially in the digital and green areas. Commissioner for Jobs and Social Rights, Nicolas Schmit, said: “The apprentices of today are the highly skilled workers we need tomorrow. However, apprentices are strongly affected by the coronavirus containment measures. Smaller businesses, in particular, are struggling to offer apprenticeships. This renewed Alliance will support companies, in particular SMEs, in their efforts.” Since 2013, the European Alliance for Apprenticeships has made available more than 900,000 apprenticeship places. To launch the renewed Alliance, Commissioner Schmit hosts a high-level event today from 16:30 to 18:00. Speakers include Anja Karliczek, German Federal Minister for Education and Research, and Hubertus Heil, German Federal Minister of Labour and Social Affairs on behalf of the German Presidency, as well as social partners, businesses, chambers of commerce, regions and youth organisations. You can register for the event here. (For more information: Marta Wieczorek – Tel.: +32 229 58197; Siobhán Millbright – Tel.: +32 229 57361)

What's next for the future of oceans - EU launches consultation on International Ocean Governance

Today, the EU has launched a targeted consultation to assess development needs and options for the EU's International Ocean Governance Agenda. High Representative/Vice President Josep Borrell said: “The protection of our oceans is a global challenge that requires a collective response. The European Union is doing its part and ready to do more. We are determined to continue to fulfil our responsibility towards our citizens and to work with partners across the world. We all want sustainable and healthy oceans and to improve their governance.” Virginijus Sinkevičius, Commissioner for Environment, Oceans and Fisheries, added: “The EU is fully committed to promoting ocean governance. We are a reliable partner in strengthening the international framework, a top donor in building capacity, a strong supporter of ocean science and a business partner for the sustainable ‘blue economy'. This consultation will help the EU to lead on delivering of global sustainability objectives for the ocean.” The consultation aims to identify relevant actions in light of today's challenges and opportunities in delivering global sustainability objectives for oceans, in particular in support of the European Green Deal and the Sustainable Development Goal on the oceans (SDG14) under the 2030 Agenda.(For more information: Vivian Loonela - Tel.: +32 229 66712; Sara Soumillion – Tel.: +32 229 67094)

State aid: Commission approves Belgian guarantee scheme to support SMEs affected by the coronavirus outbreak

The European Commission has approved a Belgian federal loan guarantee scheme to support lending to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) affected by the coronavirus outbreak. The scheme was approved under the State aid Temporary Framework. The support will take the form of State guarantees on new loans provided by banks, and will complement the existing guarantee scheme approved by the Commission on 11 April 2020 (SA.56819). To fund the measure, Belgium has reallocated €10 billion of the €50 billion envelope earmarked for the previously approved guarantee scheme. The new measure aims at enhancing access to external financing for SMEs, thus ensuring the continuation of their activities. The Commission found that the Belgian measure is in line with the conditions set out in the Temporary Framework. In particular, (i) it relates to new loans with a maximum maturity of 3 years; (ii) the loans will be granted before the end of 2020; and (iii) it provides for appropriate remuneration of the guarantees; and (iv) and contains adequate safeguards to ensure that the aid is channelled effectively by the banks to the beneficiaries in need. With the exception of micro and small companies, undertakings that were already in difficulty on 31 December 2020 are not eligible for aid under the scheme. The Commission concluded that the measure isnecessary, 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. More information on the Temporary Framework and other actions taken by the Commission to address the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic can be found here. The non-confidential version of the decision will be made available under the case number SA.57869 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; Maria Tsoni – Tel.: +32 229 90526)

State aid: Commission approves two Bulgarian wage subsidy schemes for preserving jobs in sectors most affected by the coronavirus outbreak

The European Commission has approved two Bulgarian wage subsidies support schemes for preserving employment in the sectors most affected by the coronavirus outbreak. The schemes were approved under the State aid Temporary Framework.The first scheme is a prolongation and modification of the wage subsidy scheme approved by the Commission on14 April 2020, known in Bulgaria as the “60/40” aid scheme. The main changes to the existing scheme concern the extension of the measure to three additional sectors (other education, dental practice and other human health services) and three additional categories of eligible employees, as well as its prolongation until the end of the year 2020. The modified scheme will be funded within the initially approved budget of BGN 1.5 billion (approximately €770 million). The second scheme, with an estimated budget of BGN 40 million (approximately €20.5 million), will provide aid in the form of direct grants of BGN 290 (approximately €148) per beneficiary per month and is open to companies of all sizes and self-employed persons active in the sectors most affected by the coronavirus outbreak (transport, hotels, restaurants and travel agencies). The scheme will be co-financed by the European Social Fund and will last maximum until the end of the year 2020. Both measures aim at avoiding layoffs and ensuring the continuation of business activities during the coronavirus outbreak. The Commission found that the two schemes are in line with the conditions set out in the Temporary Framework. In particular, (i) the aid will be granted for a period of no longer than twelve months, for employees that would otherwise have been laid off and for self-employed persons whose business activity has been negatively affected by the coronavirus outbreak; (ii) the aid is conditional on the benefitting personnel being maintained in continuous employment for the entire subsidy period, and on benefitting self-employed persons maintaining their business activity for the same period; (iii) in case of cumulation of aid under both measures, the aid will comply with the maximum intensity of 80% allowed by the Temporary Framework; and (iv) in case of cumulation with other employment support measures, overcompensation of the wage costs will be excluded. The Commission concluded that the measures are necessary, appropriate and proportionate to fight the current economic crisis, in line with Article 107(3)(b) TFEU and the conditions set out in the Temporary Framework. On this basis, the Commission approved the measures under EU State aid rules. More information on the Temporary Framework and other actions taken by the Commission to address the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic can be found here. The non-confidential version of the decision will be made available under the case numbers SA.57646 and SA.57759 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; Maria Tsoni – Tel.: +32 229 90526)

State aid: Commission approves €27 million Danish scheme to support companies affected by temporary coronavirus- related restrictive health measures

The European Commission has approved a €27 million (DKK 200 million) Danish scheme to support companies whose activities are still subject to the restrictive measures implemented by the Danish Government to limit the spread of the coronavirus. The scheme was approved under the State aid Temporary Framework. The scheme will be open to companies that are still facing financial difficulties as a result of the coronavirus outbreak as they are active in those sectors that are still subject to restrictive measures limiting customers' access, even though the total operation ban was lifted since 8 June 2020. Companies active in the agriculture, fisheries, aquaculture and financial sectors are not eligible for aid under this scheme. The measure will provide beneficiaries with a grant of up to €800,000 (approximately DKK 6 million) per company during the period from 9 July to 8 August 2020. The Commission found that the Danish scheme is in line with the conditions set out in the Temporary Framework. In particular, the aid envisaged under the scheme does not exceed €800,000 per company. 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 measures under EU State aid rules. More information on the Temporary Framework and other actions taken by the Commission to address the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic can be found here. The non-confidential version of the decisions will be made available under the case numbers SA.57931 in the State aid register on the Commission's competition website. (For more information: Arianna Podesta – Tel. +32 229 87024; Maria Tsoni – Tel.: +32 229 90526)

State aid: Commission approves €47.5 million Lithuanian scheme to support companies active in the production and processing of pig, vegetable and aquaculture products affected by the coronavirus outbreak

The European Commission has approved under State aid rules a €47.5 Lithuanian scheme to support companies active in the production and processing of pig, vegetable and aquaculture products affected by the coronavirus outbreak. The scheme was approved under the State aid Temporary Framework. Under the scheme, the public support will take the form of (i) direct grants, with a budget of €7.5 million; and (ii) subsidised interest rates for loans, with a budget of €40 million. The purpose of the scheme is to address the liquidity needs of farmers and to help them continue their activities during and after the outbreak. The Commission found that the Lithuanian scheme is in line with the conditions set out in the Temporary Framework. In particular, (i) the aid does not exceed €100,000 per company active in the primary production of agricultural products and €120,000 per company active in the aquaculture sector; and (ii) the aid will be granted before 31 December 2020. Furthermore, the loan principle is limited, based on the size of the company, in accordance with 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 measures under EU State aid rules. More information on actions taken by the Commission to address the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic can be found here. The non-confidential version of the decision will be made available under the case number SA.57823 in the State aid registeron the Commission's competition website once any confidentiality issues have been resolved. (For more information: Arianna Podesta – Tel. +32 229 87024; Maria Tsoni – Tel.: +32 229 90526)

STATEMENTS

Statement by Executive Vice-President Margrethe Vestager following today's Court judgment on the Apple tax State aid case in Ireland

"Today's judgment by the General Court annuls the Commission's August 2016 decision that Ireland granted illegal State aid to Apple through selective tax breaks. We will carefully study the judgment and reflect on possible next steps. The Commission's decision concerned two tax rulings issued by Ireland to Apple, which determined the taxable profit of two Irish Apple subsidiaries in Ireland between 1991 and 2015. As a result of the rulings, in 2011, for example, Apple's Irish subsidiary recorded European profits of US$ 22 billion (c.a. €16 billion) but under the terms of the tax ruling only around €50 million were considered taxable in Ireland. The Commission stands fully behind the objective that all companies should pay their fair share of tax. If Member States give certain multinational companies tax advantages not available to their rivals, this harms fair competition in the EU. It also deprives the public purse and citizens of funds for much needed investments – the need for which is even more acute during times of crisis. In previous judgments on the tax treatment of Fiat in Luxembourg and Starbucks in the Netherlands, the General Court confirmed that, while Member States have exclusive competence in determining their laws concerning direct taxation, they must do so in respect of EU law, including State aid rules. Furthermore, the General Court also confirmed the Commission's approach to assess whether a measure is selective and whether transactions between group companies give rise to an advantage under EU State aid rules based on the so-called 'arm's length principle'. The Commission will continue to look at aggressive tax planning measures under EU State aid rules to assess whether they result in illegal State aid. At the same time, State aid enforcement needs to go hand in hand with a change in corporate philosophies and the right legislation to address loopholes and ensure transparency. We have made a lot of progress already at national, European and global levels, and we need to continue to work together to succeed." The statement is also available online. (For more information: Arianna Podesta – Tel. +32 229 87024; Maria Tsoni – Tel.: +32 229 90526)

ANNOUNCEMENTS

15th EU-India Summit takes place via videoconference

This afternoon, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Council President Charles Michel, together with High Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell, will participate in the 15th Summit between the European Union and India. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will represent India. The Leaders will first address the global response to the coronavirus pandemic, the need to act in solidarity to protect lives, and to act to mitigate the socio-economic consequences and to strengthen preparedness and response capacities. The Leaders will then focus on strengthening multilateralism and the rules-based global system, including through enhanced cooperation in the United Nations, an ambitious and committed climate change agenda, and reform of the World Trade Organisation. The Summit will be an opportunity to advance the comprehensive EU-India strategic partnership, including in the areas of climate action, digitalisation, connectivity and foreign and security cooperation, and leaders will also discuss a number of global challenges. A joint press conference of the Presidents von der Leyen and Michel will take place upon conclusion of the summit, at c.14:00 CET, and will be broadcast live on Europe by Satellite. More information on the Summit is available on the dedicated website, while information on EU-India relations is available in a factsheet and on the website of the EU Delegation in New Delhi. (For more information: Eric Mamer – Tel: +32 299 4073; Nabila Massrali - Tel.: +32 229 88093; Adam Kaznowski – Tel.: +32 229 89359)

President von der Leyen and High Representative/Vice-President Borrell in Madrid to pay tribute to the victims of COVID-19

Tomorrow, President Ursula von der Leyen and High Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell will be in Madrid, Spain, to participate in the State ceremony to pay tribute to the victims of COVID-19 and recognition to the society chaired by His Majesty, King Felipe VI of Spain. The President and the High Representative/Vice-President will be joined by the President of the European Parliament, David Sassoli, and the President of the European Council, Charles Michel. The trip follows an invitation by the Prime Minister of Spain, Pedro Sánchez. The State ceremony will take place on Thursday, 16 July, at 9:00 CEST, at the Royal Palace in Madrid and it will be broadcast live on EbS. (For more information: Eric Mamer – Tel.: +32 229 94073; Dana Spinant – Tel.: +32 229 90150)

Dialogues avec les citoyens: le vice-président exécutif Frans Timmermans participe à des débats publics en ligne sur le pacte vert pour l'Europe et la relance verte

Cet après-midi, Frans Timmermans, vice-président exécutif de la Commission chargé du pacte vert pour l'Europe discutera avec les citoyens de la relance verte de l'Europe après la crise du COVID-19 et les enjeux à venir. L'événement, intitulé « La reprise sera-t-elle verte? », sera diffusé en direct sur la page Facebook de la représentation de la Commission européenne en France à 16h30 avec la participation de Léo Cohen, membre du Comité de gouvernance de la Convention citoyenne sur le climat en France. Vous pouvez déjà partager vos questions pour le débat sur cette page. Demain après-midi, le vice-président exécutif Frans Timmermans, participera à un autre dialogue avec les citoyens, avec l'activiste de ‘Fridays for Future' Carla Reemtsma. Ils répondront aux questions du public en ligne sur le Pacte vert pour l'Europe, les objectifs climatiques de l'UE pour 2050 et l'importance d'une reprise verte dans le cadre du nouvel instrument de relance NextGenerationEU. Vous pouvez regarder l'événement en direct sur EbS et la chaîne de télévision allemande Phoenix à 16h30 ou participer via les pages Facebook de la Commission européenne et de sa représentation en Allemagne. Vous pouvez déjà poser vos questions pour le vice-président exécutif Frans Timmermans et Carla Reemtsma dans les commentaires des messages Facebook de la représentation. (Pour plus d'informations: Tim McPhie - Tél.: +32 229 58602; Ana Crespo Parrondo - Tél.: +32 229 81325)

Eurostat press releases

*Updated on 15-07-2020, at 15:30