Daily News 07 / 10 / 2020

La Commission européenne va émettre des obligations sociales EU SURE d'un montant maximal de 100 milliards d'euros

La Commission européenne annonce aujourd'hui qu'elle va émettre des obligations EU SURE à effet social pour un montant maximal de 100 milliards d'euros. À cette fin, elle a adopté un cadre relatif aux obligations sociales, qui a fait l'objet d'une évaluation indépendante. Grâce à ce cadre, les investisseurs sont assurés que les fonds mobilisés dans ces obligations serviront un véritable objectif social. L'annonce fait suite à l'approbation par le Conseil de l'octroi d'un soutien financier à 16 États membres au titre de l'instrument SURE destiné à la protection de l'emploi et des travailleurs. Ursula von der Leyen, présidente de la Commission européenne, a déclaré à cette occasion : « Nous investissons non seulement des milliards d'euros pour sauver des emplois en Europe et réduire l'impact social de la pandémie de coronavirus, mais nous le faisons également en émettant des obligations sociales. Cela donnera aux investisseurs la possibilité de participer à nos efforts et jusqu'à 100 milliards d'euros contribueront au maintien de l'emploi dans nos États membres. » Johannes Hahn, le commissaire européen chargé du budget et de l'administration, a pour sa part déclaré : « La décision d'émettre les obligations EU SURE en tant qu'obligations à effet social changera la donne pour le marché mondial des obligations sociales. Dans le même temps, elle témoigne clairement de l'engagement à long terme de l'UE en faveur d'un financement durable. Je me réjouis de l'annonce faite aujourd'hui et j'attends avec impatience l'émission des obligations SURE dans un avenir très proche. » Les fonds levés seront transférés aux États membres bénéficiaires sous la forme de prêts afin de les aider à couvrir les coûts directement liés au financement de programmes nationaux de chômage partiel et de mesures similaires en réponse à la pandémie de COVID-19. Plus de détails figurent dans le communiqué de presse et un document questions-réponses. (Pour plus d'informations: Balazs Ujvari – Tél.: +32 229 54578; Marta Wieczorek – Tél.: +32 229 58197; Claire Joawn – Tél.: +32 229 56859; Enda McNamara– Tél.: +32 229 64976)

Commission proposes to provide €504 million in financial support to Hungary under SURE

The European Commission has presented a proposal to the Council for a decision to grant €504 million in financial support to Hungary under the SURE instrument. This follows the recent Council decisions, based on the Commission's proposals, to grant financial support to 16 Member States under the instrument. Including Hungary, the Commission has now proposed a total of €87.8 billion in financial support under SURE to 17 Member States. Once the Council approves this proposal, the financial support will be provided in the form of loans granted on favourable terms. These loans will assist Hungary in helping Hungary to cover the costs related to short time work schemes, similar measures and relevant health-related measures taken as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic. SURE is a crucial element of the EU's comprehensive strategy to protect jobs and workers, and mitigate the severely negative socio-economic consequences of the coronavirus pandemic. Member States can still submit formal requests for support under SURE, which has an overall firepower of up to €100 billion. (For more information: Marta Wieczorek – Tel.: +32 229 58197; Enda McNamara – Tel.: +32 229 64976)

New reports show progress and substantial remaining gaps on actions taken by the signatories of the Code of Practice on Disinformation

Today, the European Commission publishes the second set of reports on actions taken by the signatories of the Code of Practice on Disinformation to fight false and misleading coronavirus-related information. The reports provide a good overview of actions taken. However, substantial gaps remain in the data provided. Věra Jourová, Vice-President for Values and Transparency, said: “We see that signatories continue their efforts to promote authoritative content and limit the distribution of content containing false or misleading information on online channels. More work remains to be done to increase transparency and improve accountability. For this, we call on all relevant stakeholders such as other online platforms and advertising companies to join the Code.” Thierry Breton, Commissioner for the Internal Market, added: “The reporting by the platforms is going in the right direction; they acknowledge their critical responsibility in the fight against disinformation, but we will continue to closely monitor their efforts and engage with them.” The reports by online platforms are published monthly, as announced by the Commission in the 10 June 2020 Joint Communication. The latest edition covers actions taken by the participating platforms in August and also includes the reports of the trade association signatories from the advertising sector. They show that platforms kept increasing the visibility of authoritative information sources, demoting and removing content violating their updated terms of services and stepped up efforts to block or remove advertising that exploits the crisis. However, more complete, targeted and detailed quantitative data must be provided. The Commission will deliver on its comprehensive approach by presenting two complementary initiatives by the end of the year: a European Democracy Action Plan and a Digital Services Act package. Furthermore, the European Digital Media Observatory, operational since 1 June, will help provide oversight of the platforms' policies and the digital media ecosystem in cooperation with a multidisciplinary community composed of academic researchers, fact-checkers, media practitioners and other relevant stakeholders thanks to a €9 million call, open until 5 November. (For more information: Johannes Bahrke – Tel.: +32 229 58615; Charles Manoury – Tel.: +32 229 13391)

REUNION DU COLLEGE : La Commission lance un nouveau plan décennal de soutien aux Roms dans l'UE

La Commission européenne a adopté aujourd'hui un nouveau plan décennal comprenant une proposition de recommandation du Conseil, visant à soutenir les Roms dans l'UE. L'accent est mis sur sept domaines clés: égalité, inclusion, participation, éducation, emploi, santé, et logement. Vera Jourová, vice-présidente chargée des valeurs et de la transparence, a déclaré à cet égard : « Pour le dire simplement, au cours des dix dernières années, nous n'en avons pas fait assez pour soutenir la population rom dans l'UE. C'est inexcusable. Nombre d'entre eux continuent de faire l'objet de discriminations et de racisme. Nous ne pouvons l'accepter. Aujourd'hui, nous intensifions nos efforts pour redresser la situation, avec des objectifs clairs et un renouvellement de notre engagement à produire un véritable changement au cours de la prochaine décennie. » Helena Dalli, commissaire à l'égalité, a déclaré pour sa part : « Pour que l'Union européenne devienne une véritable Union de l'égalité, nous devons veiller à ce que les millions de Roms soient, sans exception, traités de manière égale, socialement intégrés et à même de participer à la vie sociale et politique. Avec les objectifs que nous avons fixés aujourd'hui dans le cadre stratégique, nous espérons voir d'ici à 2030 de réels progrès dans l'avènement d'une Europe où les Roms seront considérés comme partie intégrante de la diversité de l'Union, participeront à la société et auront toutes les chances de contribuer sans réserve à la vie politique, sociale et économique de l'UE et d'en tirer pleinement parti. » Plus d'informations sont disponibles dans la communiqué de presse ainsi que la fiche d'information. Un enregistrement de la conférence de presse est disponible ici. (Pour plus d'informations: Christian Wigand - Tél.: +32 229 62253; Katarzyna Kolanko - Tél.: +32 229 63444; Alice Hobbs – Tél: +32 229 80829)

Coronavirus response: almost €1.7 billion for Italy's health and economic recovery

The European Commission has approved the modification of three EU Cohesion policy operational programmes (OP) in Italy mobilising almost €1.7 billion of the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). These amendments, which concern two national programmes, namely ‘Enterprises and Competitiveness' and ‘Infrastructures and Networks' and Piedmont regional programme, will release EU funds in fighting the effects of the coronavirus pandemic contributing to the country's recovery. Commissioner for Cohesion and Reforms, Elisa Ferreira, said: “Thanks to these amendments, Italy can continue to benefit from the innovative supporting measures offered by the Coronavirus Response Investment Initiative. Ensuring high-quality of life for citizens and protecting the most vulnerable sectors of society and economy is the Commission's priority.” Along with the support of the health system of the Piedmont region, most part of funding in the three programmes will be made available for the working capital of local small and medium businesses, mainly through guarantees on loans via the National Guarantee Fund. The modifications of these OPs will also increase temporarily the co-financing rate to 100% for eligible actions, thus helping beneficiaries overcome liquidity scarcity in the implementation of their projects. Modifying the programmes is possible thanks to the exceptional flexibility provided under the Coronavirus Response Investment Initiative (CRII) and Coronavirus Response Investment Initiative Plus (CRII+), which allows Member States to use Cohesion policy funding to support the sectors most exposed sectors to the pandemic. (For more information: Vivian Loonela - Tel.: +32 229 66712; Veronica Favalli – Tel.: +32 229 87269)

Investment Plan supports robotic microsurgery company in Italy

The European Investment Bank made available up to €15 million to support MMI SpA's innovation strategy. This Italian company aims to enhance surgical performance through the development of a robotic system that enables surgeons to achieve better outcomes on delicate microsurgical procedures. The financing is supported by the European Fund for Strategic Investments (EFSI), the main pillar of the Investment Plan for Europe. Commissioner for the Economy, Paolo Gentiloni, said: “European companies have long been at the forefront of innovative solutions in the field of healthcare. Thanks to the backing of the European Fund for Strategic Investments, the EIB can support MMI SpA as it continues developing the next generation of microsurgical instruments to help patients undergoing surgery in the future.” The press release is available here. So far, the Investment Plan for Europe has mobilised €535 billion of investment across the EU, including €79.4 billion in Italy. (For more information: Marta Wieczorek – Tel.: +32 229 58197; Flora Matthaes – Tel.: +32 229 83951)

TRADE: Commission imposes further anti-dumping duties on steel imports

Today, the Commission imposed definitive anti-dumping duties on imports of hot rolled stainless steel coils and sheets (SSHR) from Indonesia, China and Taiwan. The EU will now charge additional duties of 17.3% on imports from Indonesia, of up to 19% on imports from China and of up to 7.5% for imports from Taiwan. The decision follows a thorough investigation and aims to remediate the dumping-related damage caused to EU producers located mainly in Belgium, Italy and Finland. The new measure brings the total number of EU trade defence measures on steel up to 56. These measures help to safeguard nearly 200,000 jobs in the EU steel industry. This includes 2,350 jobs that will be protected thanks to today's decision. More information on the EU trade defence action to correct unfair trading practices that hurt the European Union's industry can be found here. Details of the today today's decision are available in the EU Official Journal. (For more information: Miriam Garcia Ferrer – Tel.: +32 229 99075; Kinga Malinowska – Tel: +32 229 51383)

Harmonisation of the 5.9 GHz spectrum band for real-time information exchange will improve road and urban rail transport safety

Today, the Commission adopted an Implementing Decision to harmonise across Member States the use of the 5.9 GHz spectrum band for real-time information exchange about safety conditions in intelligent road and urban rail systems, such as tramways, metros and suburban lines - enabled by new technologies, including 5G. The new Decision will double the available spectrum for these transport systems and will increase spectrum efficiency, leading to safer road and urban rail transport for everybody, crew and passengers, on board. Member States should designate the 5.9 GHz band for safety applications in road and urban rail intelligent transport systems by 30 June 2021, and as soon as possible, make it available on a non-exclusive basis. The new Implementing Decision is key to meeting the EU goals set in the EU road safety policy framework 2021-2030, including a 50% reduction target for casualties and, for the first time, for serious injuries. Connected and automated transport is among the new, revolutionary services that 5G connectivity will fully enable. The Commission recently published a Connectivity Recommendation to encourage and guide Member States in pursuing best practices for faster roll-out of 5G networks. More information is available here. (For more information: Johannes Bahrke – Tel.: +32 229 58615; Marietta Grammenou – Tel.: +32 229 83583)

Antitrust: Commission accepts commitments by Broadcom to ensure competition in chipset markets for modems and set-top boxes

The European Commission has made commitments offered by Broadcom legally binding under EU antitrust rules. Broadcom will suspend all existing agreements containing exclusivity or quasi-exclusivity arrangements and/or leveraging provisions concerning Systems-on-a-Chip (‘SoCs') for TV set-top boxes and Internet modems, and has committed not to enter into new agreements comprising such terms. Following the imposition of interim measures in October 2019, Broadcom offered commitments to address the Commission's concerns. The Commission found that Broadcom's final commitments will ensure that other companies can compete on the merits in the markets at stake and that consumers can benefit from lower prices and innovative products. The Commission considers that the commitments offered by Broadcom address its concerns and has made them legally binding. Broadcom must comply with the commitments within 30 days. The commitments will apply for a period of seven years. Executive Vice-President Margrethe Vestager, in charge of competition policy, said: “Today's decision legally binds Broadcom to respect the commitments. They will ensure that existing chipset makers competing with Broadcom and potential new entrants will be able to compete on the merits. Producers of set-top-boxes and Internet modems, telecom and cable operators and ultimately consumers will benefit from competition between chipmakers in terms of lower prices and more innovative products.” The press release is available online. (For more information: Arianna Podesta – Tel. +32 229 87024; Maria Tsoni – Tel.: +32 229 90526)

Mergers: Commission approves PPF's acquisition of CME

The European Commission has approved unconditionally, under the EU Merger Regulation, the proposed acquisition of Central European Media Enterprises (‘CME') by PPF Group NV (‘PPF'). The Commission concluded the transaction would raise no competition concerns in the European Economic Area (‘EEA'). Based on its market investigation, the Commission found that the transaction, as notified, would not impact the companies' position in these markets. This is because the companies generally do not compete for the acquisition of the same sports rights and the transaction would only lead to a limited increase in PPF's existing share of the market. Similarly, PPF's activities represent a negligible share and would not add significantly to CME's position in the market for the sale of advertising space in Czechia. The Commission therefore concluded that the transaction would raise no competition concerns in the EEA and cleared the case unconditionally. The full press release is available online. (For more information: Arianna Podesta – Tel. +32 229 87024; Maria Tsoni – Tel.: +32 229 90526)

Aides d'État: la Commission autorise un régime italien d'un montant de 1,5 milliard d'euros visant à soutenir les entreprises touchées par la pandémie de coronavirus dans le sud de l'Italie

La Commission européenne a autorisé un régime italien d'un montant de 1,5 milliard d'euros destiné à soutenir les entreprises qui exercent leurs activités dans les régions du sud de l'Italie (à savoir les Abruzzes, la Basilicate, la Calabre, la Campanie, le Molise, les Pouilles, la Sardaigne et la Sicile) touchées par la pandémie de coronavirus, en réduisant leurs coûts de main-d'œuvre et en les aidant à maintenir l'emploi en ces temps difficiles. Le régime a été autorisé en vertu de l'encadrement temporaire des aides d'État. L'objectif du régime, consistant en avantages fiscaux (à savoir une réduction des cotisations de sécurité sociale) pour la période du 1 octobre au 31 décembre 2020, est de réduire les coûts de main-d'œuvre des bénéficiaires, ce qui les aidera à faire face à leurs problèmes de liquidités, à poursuivre leurs activités et à maintenir l'emploi pendant et après la pandémie. Le régime sera accessible aux entreprises de toutes tailles et de tous secteurs, à l'exception de la finance, de l'agriculture et du travail domestique. La Commission a conclu que le régime notifié par l'Italie était conforme aux conditions énoncées dans l'encadrement temporaire. La Commission est parvenue à la conclusion que la mesure italienne aiderait à gérer l'incidence économique de la pandémie de coronavirus dans les régions du sud de l'Italie. Elle est en effet nécessaire, appropriée et proportionnée pour remédier à une perturbation grave de l'économie d'un État membre, conformément à l'article 107, paragraphe 3, point b), du TFUE et aux conditions énoncées dans l'encadrement temporaire. Sur cette base, la Commission a autorisé la mesure en vertu des règles de l'UE en matière d'aides d'État. Margrethe Vestager, vice-présidente exécutive chargée de la politique de concurrence, a déclaré : « Le sud de l'Italie a subi de plein fouet les conséquences économiques de la pandémie de coronavirus. Cette mesure italienne d'un montant de 1,5 milliard d'euros soutiendra l'emploi et aidera les entreprises qui exercent leurs activités dans les régions du sud de l'Italie à remédier aux problèmes de liquidités auxquels elles se heurtent à la suite de la pandémie, ce qui permettra de maintenir le niveau de l'emploi et de préserver la continuité de l'activité économique durant et après la pandémie. Nous continuerons d'œuvrer étroitement avec les États membres pour faire en sorte que des mesures nationales de soutien puissent être mises en place de façon coordonnée et efficace, dans le respect des règles de l'UE. » Le communiqué de presse est disponible en ligne. (Pour plus d'informations: Arianna Podesta – Tél.: +32 229 87024; Giulia Astuti – Tél.: +32 229 55344; Maria Tsoni – Tél.: +32 229 90526)

State aid: Commission approves €5.1 million Belgian scheme to support coach companies in Flanders in context of coronavirus outbreak

The European Commission has approved a €5.1 million Belgian scheme to support coach companies in the Flemish region in the context of the coronavirus outbreak. The measure was approved under the State aid Temporary Framework. The public support will take the form of direct grants to compensate part of one of the most significant fixed cost coach companies are facing: the depreciation value of their bus fleet. Aid will amount to 1.5% of the purchase cost of the coaches. The purpose of the measure is to facilitate access to finance and to mitigate the sudden liquidity shortages that these companies are facing because of the restrictive measures imposed by the government to limit the spread of the virus. The Commission found that the Belgian measure is in line with the conditions set out in the Temporary Framework. In particular, the support (i) will not exceed €800,000 per company; and (ii) will be granted no later than 31 December 2020. 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.58691 in the State aid register on the Commission's competition website once any confidentiality issues have been resolved. (For more information: Arianna Podesta – Tel.: +32 229 87024; Giulia Astuti – Tel.: +32 229 55344; Maria Tsoni – Tel.: +32 229 90526)

State aid: Commission approves €1.5 million Estonian scheme to support companies in the food processing sector affected by coronavirus outbreak

The European Commission has approved a €1.5 million Estonian scheme to support the food processing sector in the context of the coronavirus outbreak. The scheme was approved under the State aid Temporary Framework. The public support, which will take the form of direct grants, will be open to micro, small and medium-sized companies active in the food processing sector. The purpose of the scheme is to help the beneficiaries address their liquidity needs and to help them continue their activities during and after the coronavirus outbreak. The Commission found that the scheme is in line with the conditions set out in the Temporary Framework. In particular, the aid does not exceed €800,000 per company as provided by 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 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.58678 in the State aid register on the Commission's competition website once any confidentiality issues have been resolved. (For more information: Arianna Podesta – Tel. +32 229 87024; Giulia Astuti – Tel.: +32 229 55344; Maria Tsoni – Tel.: +32 229 90526)

Mergers: Commission clears the acquisition of joint control of Ivanti Software by Clearlake and TA Associates

The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of joint control over Ivanti Software, Inc. by Clearlake Capital Group, L.P. (‘Clearlake') and TA Associates Management, L.P., (‘TA Associates') all of the U.S. Ivanti Software offers a software platform for companies' internal IT departments, which provides user management, and industrial mobility software and solutions. Clearlake is a private equity investment firm, with portfolio companies active in software and technology-enabled services, energy and industrials, and consumer. TA Associates is a private equity investment firm, with portfolio companies active in selected industries, including business services, consumer, financial services, healthcare and technologies. The Commission concluded that the proposed acquisition would raise no competition concerns, given the limited horizontal overlaps and the lack of any vertical relationships 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.9950. (For more information: Arianna Podesta – Tel. +32 229 87024; Giulia Astuti – Tel.: +32 229 55344; Maria Tsoni – Tel.: +32 229 90526)  

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Le vice-président Schinas, les commissaires Johansson et Reynders participeront à la visioconférence des ministres de la justice et des affaires intérieures

Margaritis Schinas, vice-président chargé de la promotion de notre mode de vie européen, Ylva Johansson, commissaire chargée des affaires intérieures, et Didier Reynders, commissaire chargé de la justice, participeront à la prochaine visioconférence informelle des ministres de la justice et des affaires intérieures, les 8 et 9 octobre. Jeudi, le vice-président Schinas et la commissaire Johansson présenteront le nouveau pacte sur la migration et l'asile aux ministres de l'intérieur et procéderont à un échange de vues sur la voie à suivre. Le vice-président et la commissaire débattront ensuite avec les ministres des partenariats en matière de migration avec les pays tiers, en particulier avec les partenaires d'Afrique du Nord et des Balkans occidentaux. Dans l'après-midi, la commissaire Johansson se concentrera sur la voie à suivre en matière de sécurité intérieure, et notamment sur le renforcement de la coopération policière dans l'UE. Une conférence de presse avec la commissaire Johansson aura lieu jeudi après-midi après la visioconférence vers 16h00. Elle sera diffusée en direct sur EbS. Vendredi, le commissaire Reynders participera à la réunion avec les ministres de la justice, au cours de laquelle il présentera les derniers développements intervenus dans la mise en place du Parquet européen et, avec la commissaire Johansson, l'état d'avancement des négociations législatives sur les preuves électroniques. Les participants procéderont ensuite à un échange de vues sur l'antisémitisme et les discours de haine, et débattront d'une série de deux conclusions sur « Accès à la justice — saisir les possibilités offertes par la numérisation » et sur la Charte des droits fondamentaux dans le contexte de l'intelligence artificielle et du changement numérique. Le commissaire Reynders informera également les ministres du suivi de l'arrêt Schrems II. La commissaire Johansson présentera la nouvelle stratégie de l'UE en faveur d'une lutte plus efficace contre les abus sexuels commis contre des enfants. Une conférence de presse avec le commissaire Reynders aura lieu vendredi après-midi après la réunion vers 13h30. Elle sera diffusée en direct sur EbS. (Pour plus d'informations : Adalbert Jahnz — Tél : + 32 229 53156; Christian Wigand — Tél : + 32 229 62253)

Commissioner Várhelyi travels to the Western Balkans to discuss the Economic and Investment Plan and Enlargement package

Neighbourhood and Enlargement Commissioner, Olivér Várhelyi, travels to the Western Balkans today to discuss the Economic and Investment Plan to boost the economic recovery of the region and convergence with the EU and  the 2020 Enlargement package, the annual reports assessing reforms in the different partner countries and the steps ahead, adopted by the College yesterday. This Wednesday, the Commissioner will first visit Skopje, where he will meet both President Pendarovski, Prime Minister Zaev, the leaders of opposition parties and will give a speech to the Parliament. Then, still the same day, he will visit Tirana and meet President Meta, Prime Minister Rama and opposition leaders, and also address the Parliament. The Commissioner will then move on to Kosovo and Serbia on Thursday. In Pristina, Commissioner Várhelyi will meet Prime Minister Hoti and other cabinet ministers, as well as opposition leaders. He will also address the Assembly and will then travel to Belgrade, where he will meet President Vučić, Prime Minister designate Brnabić, and opposition representatives, and will give a speech in front of Serbia's national convention on the EU. Commissioner Várhelyi will finish the trip with visits in Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH). In Podgorica, on Friday, he will meet President Đukanović, the newly appointed Parliament Speaker Bečić, as well as the Prime Minister designate Krivokapić and URA leader Abazović. He will also address the newly constituted Parliament. Closing the visit in Sarajevo, he will meet the Chairman of the Council of Ministers of BiH Tegeltija, as well as the Minister of Security Cikotić, and participate in a joint collegium of House of Representatives and the House of Peoples. Audiovisual coverage will be available on EbS. (For more information: Ana Pisonero – Tel.: +32 229 54320; Zoï Muletier – Tel.: +32 229 94306)

Eurostat: communiqués de presse