Daily News 24 / 07 / 2020

RÉUNION DU COLLÈGE : Stratégie sur l'union de la sécurité et initiatives visant à lutter contre les abus sexuels sur les enfants, les drogues et les armes à feu illicites

La Commission présente aujourd'hui une nouvelle stratégie sur l'union de la sécurité pour la période 2020-2025, qui se concentre sur les domaines prioritaires dans lesquels l'UE peut apporter un soutien aux États membres pour favoriser la sécurité de tous ceux qui vivent en Europe. De la lutte contre le terrorisme et la criminalité organisée, de la prévention et de la détection des menaces hybrides et l'augmentation de la résilience de nos infrastructures critiques, à la promotion de la cybersécurité et de la recherche et de l'innovation, la stratégie définit les outils et les mesures à mettre en place au cours des 5 prochaines années afin de garantir la sécurité dans notre environnement physique et numérique. Un communiqué de presse présentant la stratégie est disponible en ligne. La Commission présente également aujourd'hui 3 initiatives immédiates pour mettre en œuvre la stratégie de l'union de la sécurité : une stratégie de l'UE pour une lutte plus efficace contre les abus sexuels commis contre des enfants, un nouveau programme et plan d'action antidrogue de l'UE, et un plan d'action de l'UE en matière de lutte contre le trafic d'armes à feu. Ces menaces requièrent une action déterminée au niveau de l'UE, car elles sont de nature transfrontière et existent à la fois en ligne et hors ligne. Un communiqué de presse présentant ces trois initiatives, ainsi que des questions-réponses, sont disponibles en ligne. La conférence de presse avec le vice-président Schinas et la commissaire Johansson est retransmise sur EbS. (Pour plus d'informations: Adalbert Jahnz - Tél.: + 32 229 53156; Ciara Bottomley - Tél.: +32 229 69971; Laura Bérard - Tél.: +32 229 55721)

COLLEGE MEETING: Coronavirus response: Making capital markets work for Europe's recovery

The European Commission has today adopted a Capital Markets Recovery Package, as part of the Commission's overall coronavirus recovery strategy. On 28 April, the Commission had already proposed a Banking Package to facilitate bank lending to households and businesses throughout the EU. Today's measures aim to make it easier for capital markets to support European businesses to recover from the crisis. The package proposes targeted changes to capital market rules, which will encourage greater investments in the economy, allow for the rapid re-capitalisation of companies and increase banks' capacity to finance the recovery. Valdis Dombrovskis, Executive Vice-President for an Economy that works for the People, said: “We are continuing with our efforts to help EU citizens and businesses during the coronavirus crisis and the subsequent recovery. One way of doing so is to help businesses raise capital on public markets. Today's targeted amendments will make it easier for our businesses to get the funding they need and to invest in our economy. Capital markets are vital to the recovery, because public financing alone will not be enough to get our economies back on track. We will present a wider Capital Markets Union Action Plan in September.” The package contains targeted adjustments to the Prospectus Regulation, MiFID II and securitisation rules. All of the amendments are at the heart of the Capital Markets Union project aimed at better integrating national capital markets and ensuring equal access to investments and funding opportunities across the EU. A press release in all languages is available here. A Q&A is available here. (For more information: Daniel Ferrie – Tel.: +32 229 86500; Aikaterini Apostola – Tel.: +32 229 87624)

COLLEGE MEETING: Financial stability: Commission addresses risks of LIBOR cessation

The European Commission has today proposed to amend EU rules on financial benchmarks. The aim of this proposal is to ensure that when a widely used benchmark is phased out – as is now the case - it does not cause disruptions to the economy and harm financial stability in the EU. Benchmarks are an intrinsic part of financial markets: they are indices used to price financial instruments and contracts (including households' mortgages) or to measure the performance of an investment fund. Valdis Dombrovskis, Executive Vice-President for an Economy that works for the People, said: “EU users of LIBOR should continue their preparations for its cessation at the end of 2021. However, we recognise that some LIBOR contracts cannot be renegotiated in due time and that is why we are proposing new legal powers for the EU to replace the LIBOR with another benchmark. The European Commission stands ready to cooperate with the UK authorities to prepare for the impact of LIBOR's cessation. We also encourage EU Member States to take the necessary steps. We will ensure that EU contracts do not face a legal vacuum once LIBOR is phased out, thereby avoiding any risk to financial stability.” The cessation of a widely used benchmark has now become a realistic prospect, as the UK Financial Conduct Authority – the supervisor of the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) – has announced that it will stop supporting this benchmark at the end of 2021 and expects its cessation shortly thereafter. The Commission is therefore proposing amendments to the Benchmark Regulation that will empower it to designate a replacement benchmark that covers all references to a widely used reference rate that is phased out, such as LIBOR, when this is necessary to avoid disruption of the financial markets in the EU. The press release is available here. (For more information: Daniel Ferrie – Tel.: +32 229 86500; Aikaterini Apostola – Tel.: +32 229 87624)

COLLEGE MEETING: A new Commission Recovery and Resilience Task Force will take up its work as of 16 August 2020

Following the agreement, in the European Council on 21 July, on a powerful, modern and revamped 2021-2027 long-term EU budget with NextGenerationEU at its heart, a Recovery and Resilience Task Force will be created within the European Commission's Secretariat-General. Under President von der Leyen's authority, the Task Force will coordinate the implementation of the recovery plan across the EU in the wake of the coronavirus crisis. Effective as of 16 August, the Recovery and Resilience Task Force will support Member States with the elaboration of their recovery and resilience plans, ensure that plans comply with the regulatory requirements, deliver on the objectives of the green and digital transitions, monitor the implementation of financial support and coordinate the European Semester in this period of time. In order for the Task Force to be fully operational immediately, the College has decided to designate Deputy Secretary-General Céline Gauer as Acting Head. See the new organisational chart. (For more information: Balazs Ujvari – Tel.: +32 460 760296; Claire Joawn – Tel.:+32 460 756859)

European Commission appoints its first Chief Trade Enforcement Officer

The European Commission has appointed today Mr Denis Redonnet to the function of Deputy Director-General in the Directorate-General for Trade (DG TRADE) which encompasses the new role of Chief Trade Enforcement Officer (CTEO). The appointment of the CTEO is an important step in strengthening the EU's implementation and enforcement agenda, both inside the EU and globally. The CTEO will also help EU exporters gain more value from partner markets and will also strengthen the enforcement of sustainable development commitments, notably in relation to the climate agenda and labour rights. Commissioner for Trade, Phil Hogan, said: “I warmly welcome the appointment of Denis Redonnet to this important position. He brings with him considerable experience which I am sure he will use to great effect. This appointment is a statement of the Commission's commitment to the enforcement and implementation of our trade agreements. As well as ensuring that our partners deliver fully on their commitments, the CTEO will be crucially important in relation to ensuring that our SMEs, which are the backbone of the European economy, get maximum value from our trade deals.” Today's appointment also delivers on the commitment of President von der Leyen who, in her Mission Letter to Commissioner Hogan, said that “The College will appoint a Chief Trade Enforcement Officer to work under your direct guidance to monitor and improve the compliance of our trade agreements. He or she will report regularly on the state of play and keep the European Parliament and the Council abreast of all developments.” Denis Redonnet, a French national, is currently the Director for WTO, Legal Affairs and Trade in Goods in DG TRADE. For more information, see the press release and the webpages on enforcement of trade rules. (For more information: Balazs Ujvari - Tel.: +32 460 76 02 96; Veronica Favalli - Tel.: +32 460 79 52 06)

5G security: Member States report on progress on implementing the EU toolbox and strengthening safety measures

EU Member States, with the support of the European Commission and the EU Agency for Cybersecurity, published a report on the progress made in implementing the joint EU toolbox of mitigating measures, which was agreed by the Member States and endorsed by a Commission Communication in January 2020. The toolbox sets out a joint approach based on an objective assessment of identified risks and proportionate mitigating measures to address security risks related to the rollout of 5G, the fifth-generation of mobile networks. Margrethe Vestager, Executive Vice-President for a Europe Fit for the Digital Age, said: “The timely rollout of 5G networks is strategically important for all Member States as it can open new opportunities for businesses, transform our critical sectors and benefit European citizens. Our common priority and responsibility is to ensure that these networks are secure and, while this report shows we have undergone great strides, a lot of work remains ahead.” Thierry Breton, Commissioner for the Internal Market, added: “With 5G network rollout going ahead across the EU, and our economies increasingly relying on digital infrastructure, as the coronavirus crisis demonstrated, it is more important than ever to ensure a high level of security. Together with Member States, we are committed to put in place robust measures, in a coordinated manner, not only to ensure 5G cybersecurity but also to strengthen our technological autonomy. Today's report reaffirms our commitment and outlines the areas where further efforts and vigilance are needed.” While work is still ongoing in many Member States, the report notes that all Member States have launched a process to review and strengthen security measures applicable to 5G networks, demonstrating their commitment to the coordinated approach defined at EU level. For each of the toolbox measures, the report reviews progress made since the toolbox adoption, showing what has already been done and identifying areas where measures have not been implemented so far. You will find more information on the press release and on the Q&A. (For more information: Johannes Bahrke – Tel.: +32 229 58615; Marietta Grammenou – Tel.: +32 229 83583; Charles Manoury - Tel.: +32 229 13391)

COLLEGE MEETING: The European Commission appoints two Director-Generals and two Directors

Today, the European Commission has decided to appoint Mr Gerassimos Thomas as new Director-General in DG Taxation and Customs Union (TAXUD) and Ms Florika Fink-Hooijer as new Director-General in DG Environment (ENVI). Mr Thomas, a Greek national and an economist by training, has acquired broad and very relevant experience during his career for his new function. He has worked in a number of different services at senior level within the Commission, including as Director in the DG for Economic and Financial Affairs between 2009 and 2014, and as Deputy Director-General of DG Energy from 2014 to 2019. He also served as Head of Cabinet of the Commissioner for Economic and Monetary Affairs from 2005 to 2009. For the past year, he has held the position of Deputy Minister for Environment and Energy in Greece. The College also decided to transfer in the interest of the service, Ms Florika Fink-Hooijer, currently Director-General of DG Interpretation (SCIC), to the function of Director-General of DG ENVI. Ms Fink-Hooijer, a German lawyer, has been Director-General of DG SCIC since 1 June 2016. Prior to that, she had served as Director for Strategy, Policy and International Cooperation – DG Humanitarian Aid and Civil Protection from 2012 to 2016. In the preceding two and half years, she assumed the role of Head of Cabinet for the Commissioner responsible for International Cooperation, Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Response. In the earlier stages of her career, she took on several Head of Unit positions, notably in the external relations field, while also serving in the cabinet of different Commissioners. In her new post, Ms Fink-Hooijer will benefit from her robust management experience and her expertise of a broad range of policy areas. The date of effect of both of the above decisions will be determined later. The College also decided to appoint two directors today. Ms Nathalie Chaze, a French national, will take on the function of Director in DG for Health and Food Safety (SANTE), Directorate “Food chain: stakeholder and international relations”. Ms Anne Montagnon, a French national, will become Director in the DG for Mobility and Transport (MOVE), at the Shared Resource Directorate for DG MOVE and DG ENER. The date of effect in both cases remains to be determined. (For more information: Balazs Ujvari – Tel.: +32 460 760296; Veronica Favalli – Tel.: +32 460 795206)

Two-year review of Passenger Name Record Directive shows it delivered results in the fight against terrorism and serious crimes

Today, the Commission has adopted a report reviewing the first two years of application of the Passenger Name Record (PNR) Directive. The Directive regulates the collection and processing of PNR data by the EU Member States. This data is composed of the information provided by passengers and gathered by airlines in the normal course of their business. It is transferred to Member States to process for the prevention, detection, investigation and prosecution of terrorist offences and serious crime. The review concludes that the processing of PNR data has delivered results in the fight against terrorism and serious crimes, such as drug trafficking, human trafficking, child sexual abuse, child abduction and participation in organised crime groups. The review also confirms the commitment of national authorities to respect the Directive's strict data protection safeguards and to implement them in practice. Most Member States have established fully operational Passenger Information Units, designated authorities tasked with collecting and processing PNR data. The Commission will continue to monitor the implementation of the PNR Directive and to work closely with the Member States. This will ensure that all the issues and challenges identified in the review are duly addressed so that the EU PNR mechanism becomes even more efficient, in full respect of fundamental rights. The review report will now be presented to the European Parliament and the Council. (For more information: Adalbert Jahnz - Tel.: + 32 229 53156; Ciara Bottomley - Tel.: +32 229 69971; Laura Bérard - Tel.: +32 229 55721)

Cybersecurity: Commission report details policies and skills needed for a more secure digital society

The Joint Research Centre (JRC), the Commission's science and knowledge hub, has issued a report on ‘Cybersecurity - our Digital anchor. A European perspective'. It looks at the growth of cybersecurity over the last 40 years and identifies where the EU could improve in this field, for the benefit of businesses and citizens. The report also sets out the steps needed for a more secure digital society, taking into account the new cybersecurity challenges triggered by the COVID-19 crisis. Finally, the report lists the skills that businesses and citizens should be equipped with as we build Europe's digital future. Mariya Gabriel, Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth, said: “Securing our digital society is now more important than ever. The digital space is central in our lives, with work, education and connecting with family and friends all happening online. This can also make us vulnerable to cyber threats. The report ‘Cybersecurity: our digital anchor' presents a new, systemic approach to protect us from these threats - one in which education and digital skills are central, we should all be involved and be part of the solutions.” Thierry Breton, Commissioner for Internal Market, said: “Cybersecurity is not an isolated challenge and requires a holistic approach. Responding to new and evolving threats – we need to increase our cyber-resilience and work together on all levels, from citizens and companies to Member States. Europe has the expertise to lead in the field and this report again shows it.” More information on the JRC Science Hub. (For more information: Johannes Bahrke – Tel.: +32 229 58615; Balazs Ujvari – Tel.: +32 460 760296; Veronica Favalli - Tel.: +32 460 795206)

Coronavirus: la Commission et le FEI lancent de nouvelles mesures à hauteur de 400 millions d'euros pour soutenir les micro-entreprises et les entreprises sociales

La Commission européenne et le Fonds européen d'investissement (FEI) lancent de nouvelles mesures de soutien, dans le cadre de l'instrument de garantie EaSI, pour améliorer l'accès au financement des micro-emprunteurs, micro-entreprises et des entreprises sociales dans le contexte économique difficile que l'on connait. Ces nouvelles mesures visent à encourager les intermédiaires financiers à prêter jusqu'à 400 millions d'euros aux micro-entreprises et aux entreprises sociales, contribuant ainsi à alléger leurs insuffisances de fonds de roulement et contraintes de liquidité provoquées par la crise. Le commissaire pour l'emploi et les droits sociaux, Nicolas Schmit, a déclaré : « Les micro-entreprises et les entreprises sociales, qui emploient souvent les plus vulnérables de la société, ont été durement touchées par la pandémie du COVID-19. Sauvegarder leur survie est essentiel pour les économies et les communautés locales à travers l'UE. Les mesures annoncées aujourd'hui apporteront un soutien indispensable dans le cadre des efforts de relance européens, afin de bâtir une Europe plus résiliente et plus inclusive. » Le communiqué de presse est disponible ici. (Pour plus d'informations: Marta Wieczorek - Tél.: +32 229 58197; Siobhán Millbright - Tél.: +32 229 57361)

EU and Airbus Member States take action to ensure full compliance in the WTO aircraft dispute

Today, the governments of France and Spain agreed with Airbus SE to modify the terms of the Repayable Launch Investment granted by them for development of the A350 aircraft to reflect market conditions. This means that the European Union and the Member States concerned – France, Spain and Germany, also known as the “Airbus Member States” – are in full compliance with the rulings of the World Trade Organization (WTO) in the Airbus case. This removes any grounds for the U.S. to maintain its countermeasures on EU exports and makes a strong case for a rapid settlement of the long-running dispute. Commissioner for Trade, Phil Hogan, said: “Unjustified tariffs on European products are not acceptable and, arising from the compliance in the Airbus case, we insist that the United States lifts these unjustified tariffs immediately. The EU has made specific proposals to reach a negotiated outcome to the long running transatlantic civil aircraft disputes and remains open to work with the U.S. to agree a fair and balanced outcome, as well as on future disciplines for subsidies in the aircraft sector.” “In the absence of a settlement, the EU will be ready to fully avail itself of its own sanction rights. The WTO will soon issue its arbitration decision in the parallel case of the EU against the United States on certain unlawful subsidies to Boeing, where the Appellate Body had found the U.S. to be in breach of its WTO obligations”, he added. For more information, see a press release, the history of the Airbus and Boeing cases and the list of potential products to be targeted by the EU retaliation.  (For more information: Daniel Rosario - Tel.: +32 229 56185; Kinga Malinowska - Tel.: +32 460 751383)

Coronavirus Global Response: Team Europe airlifts medical equipment to Guinea-Bissau

Today, the first of four EU Humanitarian Air Bridge flights, in a joint effort between the European Union and Portugal, has landed in Guinea-Bissau with 45 tonnes of medical equipment and supplies on board. The cargo includes medicines as well as laboratory and personal protective equipment for medical staff to tackle the coronavirus pandemic. The helps comes as Guinea-Bissau has recorded the highest number of confirmed cases per 100,000 inhabitants in West Africa. The equipment, sent by various Portuguese institutions and international organisations, will be helping a number of health facilities in Guinea-Bissau in their coronavirus prevention and control measures. Other medical supplies are intended to support the fight against other epidemics, such as malaria and tuberculosis. “We need to have a global approach to tackle coronavirus. The EU's Humanitarian Air Bridge flights is helping support Guinea-Bissau's health system in this critical time. The medical equipment being transported is urgently needed to help frontline health workers,” said Janez Lenarčič, Commissioner for Crisis Management. The coronavirus pandemic has brought about huge logistical challenges for the delivery of vital assistance, be it humanitarian aid or medical supplies and equipment. Since the beginning of May, more than 30 EU Humanitarian Air Bridge flights carrying over 650 tonnes of cargo, have been dispatched to critical areas where transport restrictions were creating gaps in medical supplies. The EU Humanitarian Air Bridge flights are fully funded by the European Union. They are operated in coordination with Member States and organisations sending material, and in cooperation with the receiving country. (For more information: Balazs Ujvari - Tel.: +32 229 54578; Daniel Puglisi – Tel.: +32 229 69140)

Identité numérique et confiance : La Commission lance une consultation publique sur le règlement eIDAS

La Commission lance aujourd'hui une consultation publique sur la révision des règles relatives à l'identification électronique et aux services de confiance pour les transactions électroniques dans le marché intérieur, le règlement eIDAS. La vice-présidente exécutivepour une Europe adaptée à l'ère du numérique, Margrethe Vestager, a déclaré : « Ces règles facilitent l'accès des citoyens aux services publics en utilisant l'identification électronique, comme les signatures électroniques. La révision vise à améliorer son efficacité, étendre ses avantages au secteur privé, à promouvoir des identités numériques fiables pour tous les Européens, et à créer une identité numérique européenne sûre et interopérable qui donne le contrôle aux citoyens. » Le commissaire au marché intérieur, Thierry Breton, a ajouté : « Comme l'activité numérique des citoyens et des entreprises s'est accrue pendant la pandémie, la révision des règles sur l'identification électronique répondra à leur besoin croissant de disposer d'un moyen simple, fiable et sûr de s'identifier en ligne. L'amélioration de ces règles fournira également un cadre permettant d'offrir des services d'identité numérique compétitifs, pratiques et fiables. » L'évaluation tiendra compte des dernières évolutions technologiques et politiques, telles que le recours accru aux activités commerciales en ligne. La consultation publique sera ouverte jusqu'au 2 octobre 2020, afin de recueillir les avis d'un large éventail de parties prenantes et de citoyens pour évaluer le règlement existant. En parallèle, des consultations ciblées seront menées auprès de groupes de parties prenantes sélectionnés. Elles permettront de recueillir des données et des éléments de preuve sur les impacts de certains éléments de l'éventuelle révision. Le règlement eIDAS, pleinement en vigueur depuis 2018, est le premier et le plus avancé des cadres juridiques transfrontaliers pour l'identification électronique transfrontalière, l'authentification et la certification de sites web au sein de l'UE. Depuis février, les citoyens et les entreprises de huit États membres de l'UE peuvent utiliser leur eID nationale dans toute l'UE et, à partir de l'année prochaine, 55 % de la population de l'UE sera couverte. Plus d'informations sur l'eIDAS sont disponibles ici. (Pour plus d'informations : Johannes Bahrke - Tél : +32 229 58615 ; Charles Manoury - Tél : +32 229 13391 ; Marietta Grammenou - Tél : +32 229 83583)

Jean-Pierre Bourguignon appointed as interim President of the European Research Council

The European Commission has appointed Professor Jean-Pierre Bourguignon as interim President of the European Research Council (ERC), the EU's funding body for investigator-driven frontier research. The mandate as ERC President ad interim will start on 27 July 2020. The new ERC President is expected to take office in 2021. Mariya Gabriel, Commissioner for Research, Innovation, Culture, Education and Youth, said: “I am pleased that Professor Jean-Pierre Bourguignon has accepted the position as ERC President ad interim until the next ERC President will take office. He has the experience and the trust of the scientific community and I have full confidence that he will provide the leadership necessary to ensure a proper functioning of the European Research Council during the final stages of Horizon 2020 and at a crucial moment of preparations for Horizon Europe.” Professor Bourguignon is a mathematician and French national. He was the President of the European Research Council from January 2014 until December 2019. The Commission has also renewed the mandates of two members of the ERC Scientific Council until the end of 2020: Professors Kurt Mehlhorn and Nektarios Tavernarakis. (For more information Johannes Bahrke – Tel.: +32 229 58615; Charles Manoury - Tel.: +32 229 13391; Marietta Grammenou – Tel.: +32 229 83583)

Mergers: Commission clears the acquisition of Axiom by Thoma Bravo and MDP

The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of joint control over Axiom Software Business (“Axiom”) by Thoma Bravo LLC and Madison Dearborn Partners (“MDP”), all of the U.S. Axiom is active in the provision of a cloud-based Enterprise Performance Management (EPM) solution that includes budgeting, forecasting, reporting, analytics, strategy management, consolidations, capital planning, profitability modelling and cost management. Thoma Bravo is a private equity investment firm providing equity and strategic support. MDP is a private equity investment firm, with a focus on basic industries, business & government software and services, financial and transaction services, health care, and telecom, media and technology services. The Commission concluded that the proposed acquisition would raise no competition concerns, because of the very limited scope of Axiom's assets and activities in the European Economic Area. The transaction was examined under the simplified merger review procedure. More information is available on the Commission's competition website, in the public case register under the case number M.9884. (For more information: Arianna Podesta – Tel. +32 229 87024; Maria Tsoni – Tel.: +32 229 90526)

State aid: Commission approves €2.6 billion Polish scheme to support companies affected by coronavirus outbreak

The European Commission has approved a €2.6 billion (PLN 11.5 billion) Polish State guarantee on factoring products scheme to support companies affected by the coronavirus outbreak. The scheme was approved under the State aid Temporary Framework. Factoring is a financial service providing liquidity to the real economy as it involves the payment of invoices before their final due date. It is an alternative source of working capital for companies to bank loans. The scheme is open to enterprises of all sizes and will be implemented by the national development bank, Bank Gospodarstwa Krajowego (BGK). Under the scheme, guarantees will be available both for recourse factoring and for reverse factoring. Recourse factoring is a product whereby the seller of a good or service (the “factoree”) receives immediate payment of an invoice from the factoring company at a small discount.  The factoring company will in turn be paid by the buyer at the payment date indicated on the invoice. In case of non-payment, the factoring company has the right of recourse to the factoree as it would have in case of any ordinary loan. Reverse factoring is a means of supply chain financing. In this instance, the “factoree” is the buyer of a product or service while the seller can be an indirect beneficiary in the form of earlier payment. In case of default, the factoring company also has a right of recourse towards the factoree so that the transaction is equally comparable to a normal loan. The Commission assessed the measure under EU State aid rules, and in particular Article 107(3)(b) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU), which enables the Commission to approve State aid measures implemented by Member States to remedy a serious disturbance in their economy. The Commission found that the Polish measure is in line with the conditions set out in the Temporary Framework as the covered products are equivalent to loans. 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. Executive Vice-President Margrethe Vestager, in charge of competition policy, said: “This Polish measure, with an estimated budget of €2.6 billion, will further support companies that are severely affected by the coronavirus outbreak through factoring, a financial service that provides an alternative source of working capital. This will protect companies' liquidity needs and help them continue their activities in these difficult times. We continue to work in close cooperation with Member States to find workable solutions to mitigate the economic impact of the coronavirus outbreak, in line with EU rules.” (For more information: Arianna Podesta – Tel. +32 229 87024; Maria Tsoni – Tel.: +32 229 90526)

State aid: Commission approves €51.23 million Greek scheme to support farmers active in primary agricultural and livestock sectors affected by the coronavirus outbreak

The European Commission has approved a €51.23 million scheme to support farmers in Greece active in the primary agricultural and livestock production in the context of the coronavirus outbreak. The scheme was approved under the State aid Temporary Framework. The support, financed by the national budget, will take the form of direct grants. The scheme will be accessible to (i) primary agricultural producers and open-air markets' sellers, (ii) primary livestock producers in the sheep and goat farming sector, and (iii) primary agricultural producers active in the asparagus primary production sector. The purpose of the scheme is to address the liquidity needs of agricultural and livestock undertakings, and help them to continue their activities during and after the coronavirus outbreak. The Commission found that the Greek scheme is in line with the conditions set out in the Temporary Framework. In particular, the aid is of a temporary nature and does not exceed €100,000 per beneficiary, while the scheme will run until 31 December 2020. 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 decision will be made available under the case numbers SA. 58029, SA. 58048 and SA. 58069 in the State aid registeron the Commission's competitionwebsite once any confidentiality issues have been resolved. (For more information: Arianna Podesta – Tel. +32 229 87024; Maria Tsoni – Tel.: +32 229 90526)

CALENDAR– Commissioner's weekly activities

Eurostat press releases