Daily News 10 / 09 / 2020

Disinformation: EU assesses the Code of Practice and publishes platform reports on coronavirus related disinformation

Today, the Commission presents the assessment of the implementation and effectiveness of the Code of Practice on Disinformation. The assessment shows that the Code has proven to be a very valuable instrument, the first one of its kind worldwide, and has provided a framework for a structured dialogue between relevant stakeholders to ensure greater transparency of platforms' policies against disinformation within the EU. At the same time, the assessment highlights certain shortcomings mainly due to the Code's self-regulatory nature. Věra Jourová, Vice President for Values and Transparency, said: “The Code of Practice has shown that online platforms and the advertising sector can do a lot to counter disinformation when they are put under public scrutiny. But platforms need to be more accountable and responsible; they need to become more transparent. The time has come to go beyond self-regulatory measures. Europe is best placed to lead the way and propose instruments for more resilient and fair democracy in an increasingly digital world.” Thierry Breton, Commissioner for the Internal Market, said: “Organising and securing our digital information space has become a priority. The Code is a clear example of how public institutions can work more efficiently with tech companies to bring real benefits to our society. It is a unique tool for Europe to be assertive in the defence of its interests and values. Fighting disinformation is a shared responsibility, which the tech and advertising sector must fully assume.” Alongside the assessment of the Code of Practice, the Commission is today also publishing the first baseline reports on the actions taken by the signatories of the Code to fight false and misleading coronavirus-related information until 31 July. This monthly reporting programme is a deliverable under the 10 June 2020 Joint Communication. Building both on the actions listed in the Joint Communication, and addressing the shortcomings identified in today's assessment of the Code, the Commission will deliver on its comprehensive approach by presenting two complementary initiatives by the end of the year: a European Democracy Action plan, on which a public consultation will run until 15 September, and a Digital Services Act package. You will find the press release here. (For more information: Johannes Bahrke – Tel.: +32 229 58615; Charles Manoury – Tel.: +32 229 13391)

Fighting child sexual abuse: Commission proposes interim legislation to enable communications services to continue detecting child sexual abuse online

Today, the Commission is proposing an interim Regulation to ensure that providers of online communications services can continue detecting and reporting child sexual abuse online and removing child sexual abuse material. This interim measure is necessary because with the full application of the European Electronic Communications Code as from 21 December 2020, certain online communication services, like webmail or messaging services, will fall under the scope of the e-Privacy Directive. This Directive does not contain an explicit legal basis for voluntary processing of content or traffic data for the purpose of detecting child sexual abuse online and providers would have to discontinue their activities unless Member States adopted specific national measures. Today's proposal will enable online communication services to continue their activities to detect child sexual abuse online. The proposed Regulation provides guarantees to safeguard privacy and protection of personal data. It has a narrow scope limited to allowing current voluntary activities to continue, subject to the General Data Protection Regulation, and data processing will be limited to what is necessary to detect and report suspicious cases. Margaritis Schinas, Vice-President for Promoting our European Way of Life, said: “Today's legislation is an example of how our Security Union Strategy links the online and offline realms to protect Europeans from crime. Protecting our children against such crimes is a priority for this Strategy.” Commissioner for Internal Market, Thierry Breton, said: "Just as we would not leave children alone in dark alleys, we cannot leave them exposed to predators online. We need a proportionate legal framework and reliable technologies to fight against child sexual abuse online effectively, in keeping with our values.” Commissioner for Home Affairs, Ylva Johansson, added: “Online exchange of material depicting child abuse starts a vicious chain of criminal acts. Today's proposal ensures that the current voluntary efforts of online communication providers to responsibly report can continue.” These voluntary activities play an important role in enabling the identification and rescue of victims, reducing the further dissemination of child sexual abuse material, and contributing to the identification and investigation of offenders, as well as the prevention of offences. It is now for the European Parliament and the Council to adopt this proposal. It will remain in force until 31 December 2025. (For more information: Johannes Bahrke – Tel.: +32 229 58615; Adalbert Jahnz - Tel.: +32 2 295 31 56; Marietta Grammenou – Tel.: +32 229 83583; Laura Bérard - Tel.: +32 229 55721)

VAT Gap: EU countries lost €140 billion in VAT revenues in 2018, with a potential increase in 2020 due to coronavirus

EU countries lost an estimated €140 billion in Value-Added Tax (VAT) revenues in 2018, according to a new report released by the European Commission today. Though still extremely high, the overall ‘VAT Gap' – or the difference between expected revenues in EU Member States and the revenues actually collected – has improved marginally in recent years. However, figures for 2020 forecast a reversal of this trend, with a potential loss of €164 billion in 2020 due to the effects of the coronavirus pandemic on the economy. Paolo Gentiloni, Commissioner for Economy, said: "Today's figures show that efforts to shut down opportunities for VAT fraud and evasion have been making gradual progress – but also that much more work is needed. The coronavirus pandemic has drastically altered the EU's economic outlook and is set to deal a serious blow to VAT revenues too. At this time more than ever, EU countries simply cannot afford such losses. That's why we need to do more to step up the fight against VAT fraud with renewed determination, while also simplifying procedures and improving cross-border cooperation.” The press release and the memo are available online. (For more information: Daniel Ferrie - Tel: +32 229-86500; Nerea Artamendi Erro - Tel: +32 229-90964)

Eaux urbaines résiduaires: l'amélioration de la collecte et du traitement dans l'ensemble de l'UE contribue à la réduction de la pollution de l'environnement

La Commission a publié aujourd'hui le 10^e rapport concernant la mise en œuvre de la directive relative au traitement des eaux urbaines résiduaires, qui fait état d'une amélioration globale de la collecte et du traitement des eaux résiduaires dans les villes d'Europe, tout en mettant en évidence des niveaux de réussite différents selon les États membres. Le rapport s'inscrit dans le cadre des efforts déployés par la Commission pour atteindre l'objectif «zéro pollution» et vient en amont de la stratégie relative aux substances chimiques qui sera adoptée dans les semaines à venir. Il ressort du 10^e rapport concernant la mise en œuvre de cette directive que les taux de conformité avec les règles de l'UE en matière de collecte et de traitement des eaux résiduaires sont élevés et ont augmenté par rapport à la période de référence précédente. Cela contribue à prévenir la pollution de l'environnement. Si la tendance reste positive, la directive n'est toutefois pas encore pleinement respectée. Le financement et la planification restent les principaux défis que doit relever le secteur des services liés à l'eau. Le commissaire à l'environnement, aux océans et à la pêche, M. Virginijus Sinkevičius, a déclaré à cet égard: «Ce rapport confirme que la collecte et le traitement des eaux résiduaires s'améliorent dans toute l'UE. Les règles de l'UE ont joué un rôle crucial dans l'amélioration de la qualité des cours d'eau, des lacs et des mers de notre continent et ont eu une incidence bénéfique sur la santé des citoyens européens et sur leur qualité de vie. Toutefois, les progrès n'ont pas été réalisés de manière homogène et, dans certains États membres de l'UE, les infrastructures de traitement des eaux résiduaires nécessitent une meilleure planification et des financements plus importants. Nous allons à présent faire tout ce qui est en notre pouvoir pour stimuler l'innovation et la réalisation de nouveaux investissements dans les infrastructures environnementales partout en Europe». Toutefois les progrès ne sont pas uniformes et, dans certains États membres de l'UE, les infrastructures de traitement des eaux usées nécessitent une meilleure planification et davantage de financement. Nous allons dès à présent faire tout notre possible pour stimuler l'innovation et les nouveaux investissements dans les infrastructures environnementales partout en Europe ». Ce rapport s'inscrit dans le cadre des efforts de la Commission en faveur d'une « pollution zéro » et précède la stratégie sur les substances chimiques qui sera adoptée dans les semaines à venir. De plus amples informations sont disponibles dans le communiqué de presse et les questions-réponses. (Pour plus d'informations: Vivian Loonela - Tél.: +32 229 66712; Daniela Stoycheva – Tél.: +32 229 53664)

Publication of latest agri-food trade figures: Slight increase in EU27 agri-food trade despite Coronavirus and Brexit challenges

The latest monthly agri-food trade report published today shows that between January and May 2020, the total value of EU27 agri-food exports rose by 2% compared to the same period in 2019, reaching €75.8 billion, while the value of imports increased to €52.7 billion (a rise of nearly 1%). However the monthly values of EU27 exports and imports in May 2020 decreased by 7.5% and 4.5% respectively below the level of the previous month. The EU enjoyed an agri-food trade surplus of €23.1 billion during this period, an increase of 5% compared to the corresponding months of 2019. The growth of EU exports was driven by exceptionally high sales of pig meat to China and of cereals to the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. The value of EU exports to China rose by €1.93 billion during this period. In addition to pig meat, the other EU agri-food products in high demand from China were wheat, offal meat, and infant food. Strong demand for EU barley and wheat led to increases in exports to the MENA region. The total value of EU agri-food exports to the UK fell by €899 million, while, imports from the UK dropped by €807 million. Declines were also noted in the value of the EU's imports from the USA as well as EU export values to the USA. The full report is available online and more information on agri-trade policy is available here. (For more information: Miriam Garcia Ferrer - Tel: +32 229 99075; Thérèse Lerebours – Tel: +32 229 63303)

Coronavirus response: €135 million of Cohesion policy to strengthen the health sector and support the economy in Croatia

The Commission has approved the modification of the Operational Programme "Competitiveness and Cohesion” in Croatia redirecting almost €135 million of Cohesion policy funding to help the country tackle the effects of the coronavirus crisis. In particular, €50 million of EU funds will serve to purchase medical and protective equipment for over 1200 hospitals, other health institutions and elderly homes, while Croatian SMEs will benefit from almost €85 million for continuing their operations and saving employment. In addition, the programme will temporarily benefit from 100% co-financing from the EU budget. Commissioner for Cohesion and Reforms Elisa Ferreira said: “Cohesion policy is playing an important role in the response to the pandemic and prompting a sustainable way to recovery. Thanks to the joint and swift efforts of the Croatian authorities and the Commission, these resources are providing much needed relief and support to the country's health sector and economy.” The modifications are possible thanks to the exceptional flexibility under the Coronavirus Response Investment Initiative (CRII) and Coronavirus Response Investment Initiative Plus (CRII+), which allow Member States to use Cohesion policy funding to support the sectors most exposed to the pandemic and its economic consequences, such as healthcare, SMEs and labour markets. More information is available here. (For more information: Vivian Loonela - Tel.: +32 229 66712; Veronica Favalli – Tel.: +32 229 87269)

EU-China: Commission and China hold first High-level Digital Dialogue

Today, the Commission held its first High-level Digital Dialogue with China, in preparation of the videoconference between EU and Chinese Leaders on 14 September. Chaired by Executive Vice-President for A Europe Fit for the Digital Age, Margrethe Vestager, and the Vice Premier of China, Liu He, this online dialogue covered key issues such as Information and Communication Technologies standard setting, Artificial Intelligence, Product Safety of articles sold online, Digital Taxation, and Research and Innovation. The Commissioners for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth Mariya Gabriel, for Internal Market Thierry Breton, and for Justice Didier Reynders also participated in the discussions, alongside their Chinese counterparts Vice Ministers Wang Zhijun, Wang Lingjun, Huang Wei and Liao Min. Executive Vice-President for A Europe Fit for the Digital Age, Margrethe Vestager, said: “This first High-level Digital Dialogue was held today in a constructive atmosphere. It shows the central role that digitisation plays in our economies and societies. Something we also have seen during the coronavirus pandemic. The EU and China will both play a role in defining how global technological developments will go forward. The dialogue is therefore necessary to foster cooperation, but also to address divergences we have, like on reciprocity, data protection and fundamental rights.” At the 2020 EU-China summit on 22 June, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and President of the European Council Charles Michel stressed that the development of new digital technologies must go hand in hand with the respect of fundamental rights and data protection. The EU had also raised outstanding issues on cybersecurity and disinformation. The EU stands ready to cooperate with China based on principles of sustainability, reciprocity and level playing field. You will find the press release here, and additional topical information here. (For more information: Johannes Bahrke – Tel.: +32 229 58615; Charles Manoury – Tel.: +32 229 13391)

Announcements

Eurogroup and Economic and Financial Affairs Council (ECOFIN) informal meetings, 11 - 12 September 2020

Executive Vice-President Valdis Dombrovskis, Commissioner Paolo Gentiloni and Commissioner Johannes Hahn will represent the Commission at this week's Eurogroup and Economic and Financial Affairs Council (ECOFIN) meetings in Berlin on Friday and Saturday. The Eurogroup meeting will exchange views on the current economic situation in the euro area, with a focus on the 2021 fiscal stance. It will also hold a thematic discussion on facilitating the introduction of reforms, maximising their impact and ensuring efficient deployment of public resources in the context of the recovery. Continuing in an inclusive format, the Eurogroup will take stock of ongoing work on the Banking Union. Commissioner Gentiloni will represent the Commission at the press conference, which follows the meeting. The press conference will be live-streamed here. At the beginning of the informal Economic and Financial Affairs Council (ECOFIN) meeting, Ministers will participate in a working session on how to implement Europe's recovery, where they will take stock of the recovery measures and discuss the way forward. This point will be followed by a session on the EU's Own Resources, taken by Commissioner Hahn, and how to work towards a fit-for-purpose fiscal architecture in the 21st century. On Saturday, they will debate next steps towards achieving fair and effective taxation. In a separate session, ministers will exchange views on the different facets of the changes to competition in times of big data and the consequences for the economy, society, and policymakers in the digital age. Executive Vice-President Dombrovskis will represent the Commission at the press conference, which follows the meeting. The press conference will be live-streamed here. (For more information: Marta Wieczorek – Tel.: +32 229 58197; Daniel Ferrie – Tel.: 32 229 86500; Enda McNamara – Tel.: +32 229 64976; Aikaterini Apostola – Tel.: +32 229 87624; Nerea Artamendi Erro – Tel: +32 229 90964)

Eurostat press releases