Daily News 23 / 07 / 2020

President von der Leyen in the European Parliament: “We now have a massive and unprecedented financial firepower”

President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, spoke in the European Parliament plenary this morning, at the debate on the conclusions of the Special European Council meeting of 17-21 July 2020. President von der Leyen called the agreement reached “an enormous achievement” and “a European investment in our European Union”. “I believe NextGenerationEU can be one of the largest stimulus for investment and reforms anywhere in the world – investing in roll out 5G, grid infrastructure, in AI and industrial digitisation, in renewables, sustainable transport, energy efficient buildings. This is how we fight climate change and modernise!” The President emphasised that the European Parliament will play its full role: “This House will have its full say on the design of the Facility and how it works. The Commission will ensure full transparency.” The President also praised the agreement on new own resources: “We have a clear timetable and we have them linked to repayment. This is a huge and historic step for our Union – which both the Commission and the Parliament have long been pushing for. We have no time to waste. The Commission will come forward with a package of new own resources.” Highlighting the importance of protecting our values, and in particular the rule of Law, the President announced: “We will look into our 2018 rule of law proposal. We will work together with the co-legislators to ensure that our 2018 proposal is taken forward and where necessary, improved.”While regretting the adjustments made to some programmes – “There are regrettable and painful decisions on many programmes, which have crucial European added value” – President von der Leyen emphasised that “we now have a massive and unprecedented financial firepower. €1.8 trillion.We should not lose sight of this bigger picture.” Finally, the President underlined the importance of staying united in the response to this crisis: “We now have the chance to achieve something historic for Europe. The pressure of the crisis has opened doors which had long been closed. As sad as the occasion is, this is also an opportunity for Europe, for our community. NextGenerationEU is a great sign of solidarity. Because NextGenerationEU is based on the community method, it will help heal wounds and bring us together. This time, we bear the weight of the responsibility for Europe's fate and the future opportunities of our children together, on all of our shoulders.” The speech is available online. You can also watch it on EbS. (For more information: Eric Mamer – Tel.: +32 2 299 4073)

Investment Plan backs €500 million in loans for SMEs affected by coronavirus crisis in Austria

The European Fund for Strategic Investments is backing a financing agreement which will support small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) in Austria that have been affected by the coronavirus crisis. The European Investment Fund and UniCredit Bank Austria are increasing their existing guarantee agreement that was signed in 2019, bringing its total available pot to €500 million. Innovative SMEs with up to 3,000 employees, now also specifically in the field of digitisation, can benefit from this financing. Executive Vice-President for an Economy that Works for People, Valdis Dombrovskis, said: “The European Commission and the European Investment Bank Group are working together to support small and medium-sized companies to recover from the devastating effects of the coronavirus crisis. The more we protect businesses and jobs now, the faster the economic recovery will be. In addition to support for SMEs, I welcome the focus on digitisation, which alongside the green transition, is at the heart of our economic growth strategy.” As of June 2020, the Investment Plan has mobilised €514 billion of investment and supported more than 1.4 million start-ups and SMEs throughout Europe. The press release is available here. (For more information: Marta Wieczorek – Tel.: +32 229 58197; Siobhán Millbright – Tel.: +32 229 57361)

European Green Deal: €307 million awarded to start-ups in transport sector, advanced materials and Internet of Things technologies

The European Innovation Council (EIC) has awarded over €307 million to 64 innovative start-ups and small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) contributing to the objectives of the European Green Deal and the Recovery Plan for Europe. The winning proposals range from pioneering solutions for the automotive, aerospace and maritime sectors to advanced materials and Internet of Things technologies. Mariya Gabriel, Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth, said: “The European Innovation Council supports visionary entrepreneurs who create transformative solutions to pressing societal and environmental challenges, supporting the Green Deal and the recovery plan for Europe. These start-ups and SME are set to scale up, creating jobs and growth and giving Europe the global lead in green technologies and solutions. I am also proud of the increased inclusiveness with the greater numbers of women innovators and geographic spread across Europe.” Over one third of the selected companies are led by women CEOs, which is a big increase (tripling) compared to previous EIC funding rounds. This increase reflects a pilot measure introduced for the first time in EIC funding, which guaranteed at least a quarter of companies invited to the final interviews would have female CEOs. The companies are based in wide range of countries, including 17 EU Member States, making it the most geographically diverse EIC call so far. In addition, the EIC awarded 562 “Green Deal” Seals of Excellence to start-ups and SMEs, which were assessed to deserve funding but did not get it due to budget limits, to help them access funding from other sources. More information is available here and about how research and innovation is supporting the Green Deal see here. (For more information: Johannes Bahrke – Tel.: +32 229 58615; Marietta Grammenou – Tel.: +32 229 83583; Charles Manoury - Tel.: +32 229 13391)

Coronavirus: la Commission prolonge l'exonération temporaire des droits de douane et de la TVA sur les importations de dispositifs médicaux et d'équipements de protection en provenance de pays tiers

La Commission européenne a décidé aujourd'hui de prolonger l'exonération temporaire des droits de douane et de la TVA sur l'importation de dispositifs médicaux et d'équipements de protection en provenance de pays tiers. La durée de cette mesure d'allègement sera prolongée de 3 mois, jusqu'au 31 octobre 2020. La décision d'aujourd'hui s'explique par le fait que le nombre de cas de coronavirus dans les États membres représente toujours un risque pour la santé publique et que des pénuries de dispositifs médicaux sont encore signalées dans les États membres. Paolo Gentiloni, membre de la Commission européenne chargé de l'économie, a déclaré : « Nous devons tout mettre en œuvre pour faire en sorte que les dispositifs médicaux et les équipements de protection atteignent les personnes qui en ont besoin. C'est la raison pour laquelle nous avons décidé de prolonger de trois mois l'exonération des droits de douane et de TVA sur les importations de ces équipements en provenance de pays tiers. Dans toute l'Europe, les professionnels de la santé ont travaillé sans relâche pour sauver autant de vies que possible et je profite de cette occasion pour exprimer à nouveau mon profond respect et ma gratitude. » Le 11 juin 2020, la Commission a consulté tous les États membres, ainsi que le Royaume-Uni, sur la nécessité de la prorogation et ces derniers ont décidé de la requérir. La décision d'aujourd'hui garantit que la mesure s'appliquera sans interruption jusqu'au 31 octobre 2020. Plus d'informations sont disponibles ici et ici. (Pour plus d'informations: Daniel Ferrie – Tél.: +32 229 86500; Aikaterini Apostola – Tél.: +32 229 87624)

Coronavirus Global Response: EU Humanitarian Air Bridge and €70 million in additional aid for Yemen

A new EU Humanitarian Air Bridge flight has departed from Liège, Belgium, with medical and other essential supplies to reinforce the humanitarian response in Yemen. In total, over 220 tons of critical items are being delivered to the most vulnerable Yemenis. It has been facilitated by the collaborative efforts of Sweden and the EU. This EU Humanitarian Air Bridge makes up for logistical challenges and restrictions in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, since the usual supply lines have been seriously affected. In addition, the EU is allocating an additional €70 million to scale up assistance across Yemen, bringing its humanitarian support in 2020 to €115 million. Janez Lenarčič, Commissioner for Crisis Management, said: "This EU Air Bridge operation to Yemen is the largest of its kind since our flights to countries affected by the coronavirus. The EU operation and additional funding show the urgency of helping the people of Yemen in their hour of need. The rapid spread of the coronavirus in a country that is already dealing with the world's worst humanitarian crisis, is adding another layer of suffering. Aid must get through today, not tomorrow. I urge all parties to the conflict to abide by their international obligation to grant unhindered access to impartial humanitarian aid organisations so they can help the people of Yemen.” The EU's Humanitarian Air Bridge to Yemen will transport urgent humanitarian cargo to both Aden and Sana'a and will run until early August. A press release is available online. (For more information: Balazs Ujvari - Tel.: +32 229 54578; Daniel Puglisi – Tel.: +32 229 69140)

Media pluralism in Europe: new study shows risks across the board

According to an independent study by the Centre for Media Pluralism and Media Freedom, there has been a general stagnation or deterioration in terms of risks to media pluralism across all countries covered – the 27 EU Member States plus the UK, Albania, and Turkey. The study, for the first time taking into account the impact of digital developments, looks at physical and digital threats and attacks on journalists, their working conditions but also issues such as market plurality, political independence and social inclusiveness. Vice-President of the Commission for Values and Transparency,Věra Jourová, said: “This study is a wake-up call. We need to better protect journalists and to increase transparency and fairness in the online world, especially in the context of political campaigning. We also need to support the media sector, which has been heavily hit by the COVID-19 crisis, while respecting its independence. The Commission can't win this fight alone: I rely on Member States to help reverse this trend”. Commissioner for the Internal Market, Thierry Breton, said: “The Media Pluralism Monitor highlights the opportunities brought by digital transformation, which media must seize, but also challenges – from the potential gatekeeping role of online platforms to the digital safety of journalists and media workers. As the coronavirus crisis further accelerates these trends, we will tackle them in a holistic way to foster the recovery of the media ecosystem.” The findings of the study are an important source of information for the first Rule of Law Report, scheduled for September, which will specifically address media pluralism. They will also feed into the European Democracy Action Plan (public consultation ongoing), the Media and Audiovisual Action Plan and the Digital Services Act (public consultation ongoing), all to be presented later this year. The Media Pluralism Monitor is co-funded by the EU, as part of a series of projects to support media pluralism and freedom detailed in this factsheet. In addition, today the Commission has also made available a study on the abusive use of defamation laws (Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation - SLAPPs) which threatens the work of journalists. This study and the feedback to be collected on SLAPPs under the public consultation on the European Democracy Action Plan, will help guide the Commission's action in this area. (For more information: Johannes Bahrke – Tel.: +32 229 58615;Christian Wigand - Tel.: +32 229 62253 Charles Manoury – Tel.: +32 229 13391; Alice Hobbs - Tel.: +32 229 80829).

Taxation and the European Green Deal: Commission launches public consultations on Energy Taxation Directive and a Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism

The European Commission has today launched public consultations on two initiatives that aim to maximise the role of taxation in meeting the EU's climate goals: the revision of the Energy Tax Directive (ETD) and the creation of a Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). Both were identified in the European Green Deal as a means to help with Europe's transition towards a greener and more sustainable economy. In addition, the Commission's Recovery Plan for Europe proposed new own resources (such as the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism) that could contribute to financing the EU's future budget and play a role in easing the burden on Member States in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. New own resources, including the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism, were referred to in the European Council Conclusions of 21 July. Paolo Gentiloni, Commissioner for the Economy, said: “Europe must use taxation to deliver on its climate goals in a socially just way. The Energy Taxation Directive and the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism will be a key part of our work. That is why we are launching these two public consultations today: we want to hear from Europeans and all interested parties on what these rules should look like. We need to ensure that our taxation rules are able to help Europe to both recover from the coronavirus crisis and accelerate its green transition to a climate-neutral continent.” The revision of the Energy Taxation Directive should overhaul the way in which energy products (such as electricity, natural gas and coal) are taxed in the EU, to better reflect the EU's climate ambitions. This includes revising minimum rates for fuels and re-thinking current tax exemptions, to reduce implicit subsidies for fossil fuels and certain economic sectors. The aim is to re-shape energy taxation in a way that encourages consumers and businesses to behave in a more environmentally way. In parallel, in view of the EU's increased climate ambition, a WTO-compliant Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism – applied to certain sectors – would help to reduce the risk of carbon leakage and deter companies from shifting production to countries with less stringent green regulations. All citizens and interested parties are invited to share their views on both initiatives via two separate public consultations here and here. (For more information: Daniel Ferrie – Tel.: 32 229 86500; Aikaterini Apostola – Tel.: +32 229 87624)

Plan d'action pour l'Atlantique 2.0: Une stratégie maritime repensée pour favoriser une économie bleue durable dans le cadre du Pacte vert européen

Aujourd'hui, la Commission européenne a adopté un Plan d'action actualisé pour une économie bleue durable, résiliente et compétitive dans la zone atlantique de l'UE, couvrant la France, l'Irlande, le Portugal et l'Espagne. Le plan d'action remanié donnera un nouvel élan à la stratégie maritime atlantique et renforcera les efforts de relance des pays participants. Il contribuera au Pacte vert européen, tout en préservant les environnements marins et côtiers et en garantissant un océan sain. Le commissaire chargé de l'environnement, des océans et de la pêche, Virginijus Sinkevičius, a déclaré: « Au milieu de la crise, plus que jamais, nous devons rester concentrés sur le fait de rendre notre avenir vert: le Pacte vert européen et la transition verte devraient guider notre plan de relance. Le développement d'une économie bleue durable, ciblant des défis et des opportunités spécifiques au niveau des bassins maritimes, sert exactement ces objectifs. Nous devons mettre le vert dans le bleu et le bleu dans le vert. » Le nouveau plan d'action propose des actions concrètes pour le développement de l'économie bleue dans l'Atlantique, en répondant à des défis tels que la réduction des émissions de gaz à effet de serre et le développement des énergies renouvelables, la lutte contre la pollution marine, la création d'emplois et l'adaptation au changement climatique. Les principales sources de financement comprendront les Fonds structurels et d'investissement européens et le Fonds européen pour les affaires maritimes et la pêche (FEAMP), ainsi que d'autres sources européennes, nationales et régionales. Un cadre de suivi solide en mesurera le progrès et l'impact. (Pour plus d'informations: Tim McPhie – Tél.: +32 229 58602; Sara Soumillion – Tél.: + 32 229 67094)

Commerce agricole:  un démarrage fort en premier trimestre suivi d'un ralentissement dû à la crise du coronavirus

Le commerce agricole de l'UE-27 a connu un certain ralentissement en avril 2020 dans le contexte de la crise du coronavirus. Les exportations et les importations ont enregistré respectivement des baisses de 9 % et de 5 %, en retombant en-dessous du niveau du mois précèdent. Toutefois, les chiffres pour l'ensemble du commerce agricole des 27 sur les premiers 4 mois de 2020 (l'export et l'import compris) ont dépassé de 3,8 % celles de la même période de 2019 et ont atteint la valeur de €104,3 milliards. Les exportations agroalimentaires de l'UE s'élevaient sur cette période à €61,9 milliards (une hausse de 4,8 % par rapport à la même période de 2019) et les importations à €4,4 milliards (une hausse de 2,3 %). Un rapport complet sur le commerce agricole de l'UE sur la période de janvier à avril 2020 est disponible en ligne. (Pour plus d'informations: Daniel Rosario – Tél.: +32 229 52185; Kinga Malinowska – Tél. +32 229 51383)

State aid: Commission invites stakeholders to provide comments on revised Regional Aid Guidelines

The European Commission has launched today a public consultation inviting all interested parties to comment on draft revised EU guidelines on regional State aid (the “Regional Aid Guidelines”). Stakeholders can respond to the consultation until 30 September 2020. The Regional Aid Guidelines aim to promote the economic development of disadvantaged regions in the EU, while ensuring a level playing field between Member States. Regional aid is an important instrument used by Member States to enhance regional development. The current Regional Aid Guidelines are under revision in the context of the Commission's “fitness check” of the 2012 State aid modernisation package, which aims to evaluate if the current rules are still fit for purpose. The draft revised Guidelines take into account the preliminary results of the fitness check exercise. These preliminary results show that the current Regional Aid Guidelines have worked well in principle. At the same time, the Commission is proposing a number of targeted adjustments to simplify and reflect experience gained from the application of the current rules. Furthermore, the draft revised Guidelines reflect new policy priorities related to the European Green Deal and the European Industrial and Digital Strategy. For example, given the large investment needs for the twin transition, and to enable regions to bounce back from the economic effects of the coronavirus outbreak, the Commission is proposing to increase maximum aid intensities by enabling additional incentives for private investments in the most disadvantaged regions, while ensuring a level playing field between Member States. The Commission is also proposing additional procedural simplifications for State aid to Just Transition Areas that Member States are in the process of defining. As part of its ongoing review of State aid rules, the Commission continues to reflect on additional measures in State aid enforcement that can contribute to the achievement of the Green Deal objectives, which must be based on clear and objective criteria. As part of today's consultation on the draft revised Regional Aid Guidelines, the Commission is also inviting stakeholders for views on this issue. The draft Guidelines and all details about the public consultation are available online. Executive Vice-President Margrethe Vestager, in charge of competition policy, said: “The Regional Aid Guidelines aim to promote the economic development of disadvantaged regions in the EU, while ensuring a level playing field between Member States. Regional aid is an important instrument used by Member States to enhance regional development. Today, we invite stakeholders to comment on our draft revised Guidelines which, besides the objective of regional development, will also support the twin transition to a green and digital economy.” (For more information: Arianna Podesta – Tel. +32 229 87024; Maria Tsoni – Tel.: +32 229 90526)

State aid: Commission approves €148 million Danish scheme to compensate companies for damages still suffered due to coronavirus outbreak

The European Commission has approved under EU State aid rules a DKK 1.1 billion (approximately €148 million) Danish scheme to compensate damages suffered by companies in the tourism and travel-related sectors. The scheme will be open to companies active in those sectors and whose activities are still affected by previous border closure and travel restrictions that have now been lifted, or by the remaining border and travel related measures implemented by the Danish government to limit the spread of the virus. Under the scheme, such companies, which have a documented decline in turnover of more than 35% because of the coronavirus outbreak, will be entitled to compensation for the damage they suffer. This will be applicable for the period between 8 July to 31 August 2020 compared to a reference period before the coronavirus outbreak. In particular, they will receive a compensation in the form of a partial or full coverage of the fixed costs that they continue to bear. The Danish authorities foresee several levels of compensation according to the level of turnover decline. The maximum aid amount per company is DKK 60 million (approximately €8 million). The Danish authorities will carry out ex-post checks 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 Danish State. The Commission found that the 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 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, in spite of the progressive reopening of the Danish society, the scheme will compensate damages that are still directly linked to the coronavirus outbreak and the subsequent measures adopted by the Danish government. 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. More information on the 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.57932 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)

Mergers: Commission clears the acquisition of joint control over Smith & Williamson and Tilney by Permira and Warburg Pincus

The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the proposed acquisition of joint control over Smith & Williamson Holdings Limited (“Smith & Williamson”) and Tilney Group Limited ("Tilney"), both of the UK, by Permira Holdings Limited (“Permira”) of Guernsey and Warburg Pincus LLC of the U.S. Smith & Williamson is an independent financial and professional services firm. Tilney is an independent wealth management firm, ultimately controlled by Permira. Permira is a private equity business engaged in the provision of investment management services to a number of investment funds. Warburg Pincus is a global private equity firm with portfolio companies active in a variety of sectors. The Commission concluded that the proposed transaction would raise no competition concerns given the limited horizontal and vertical overlaps between the activities of the companies. 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.9880. (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