Daily News 08 / 10 / 2020

Coronavirus : la Commission approuve un troisième contrat pour l'accès à un vaccin potentiel

La Commission européenne a approuvé aujourd'hui un troisième contrat avec une société pharmaceutique, Janssen Pharmaceutica NV, l'une des sociétés pharmaceutiques Janssen de Johnson & Johnson. Une fois que le vaccin se sera révélé sûr et efficace contre la COVID-19, le contrat permet aux États membres d'acheter des vaccins pour 200 millions de personnes. Les États membres auront également la possibilité d'acheter des vaccins pour 200 millions de personnes de plus. Les États membres peuvent également décider de donner le vaccin aux pays à revenu faible et intermédiaire ou de le réorienter vers d'autres pays européens. La présidente de la Commission européenne, Ursula von der Leyen, s'est exprimée en ces termes : « Étant donné que le coronavirus continue de se propager de manière inquiétante dans toute l'Europe, il est essentiel de trouver rapidement un vaccin. Je me réjouis que nous ayons pu trouver un accord avec Johnson & Johnson en vue de l'acquisition de 200 millions de doses de vaccins. Il s'agira de notre troisième contrat avec une entreprise pharmaceutique. Notre objectif est de fournir aux citoyens de l'UE des vaccins sûrs et efficaces dès qu'ils seront disponibles. » Stella Kyriakides, commissaire à la santé et à la sécurité alimentaire, a poursuivi en ces termes : « La garantie d'un vaccin sûr et efficace est au cœur de notre stratégie européenne du vaccin. Aujourd'hui, nous avons passé notre troisième contrat de vaccin, élargissant ainsi notre portefeuille de candidats vaccins et, par conséquent, nos chances de trouver une solution efficace contre le virus. D'autres accords suivront et nous restons déterminés à rechercher un vaccin efficace et sûr afin de lutter contre cette pandémie mortelle. » La Commission a déjà signé un contrat avec AstraZeneca et Sanofi-GSK et a conclu des entretiens préliminaires avec CureVac, BioNTech-Pfizer et Moderna. Plus d'informations sont disponibles dans le communiqué de presse en ligne. (Pour plus d'informations: Stefan De Keersmaecker – Tél.: +32 229 84680; Darragh Cassidy – Tél.: +32 229 83978)

President von der Leyen received Empress Theophano Prize for the Erasmus programme

Yesterday evening, President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, accepted the Empress Theophano Prize, awarded to the Erasmus programme, during a ceremony held at the Rotunda Monument in Thessaloniki, Greece, which she attended via videoconference. The Prize rewards individuals or organisations who make an outstanding contribution to deepening European cooperation and improving the understanding of the diverse historic interdependencies in Europe. Upon receiving the Prize, the President said she was honoured to receive the Prize “for the ten million Europeans who have taken part in the Erasmus programme since its inception” and dedicated it “to the students, the teachers, the dreamers who have made this European miracle come true”. In her acceptance speech, President von der Leyen also drew parallels between the European recovery plan and Erasmus+: “Just as Erasmus was then, NextGenerationEU is now. It is a program of unprecedented scale and scope. And it can become the next great unifying project for our Union. We are investing together not only in a collective recovery, but also in our common future. Solidarity, trust and unity have to be built and rebuilt time and time again. I do not know whether NextGenerationEU can change Europe as profoundly as the Erasmus programme did. But I know that once again Europe has chosen to master and shape its future - together.” Read the President's full speech online in English or French, and watch it back here. More than 4 million people will have had the opportunity to study, train, and gain experience abroad between 2014 and 2020 thanks to the Erasmus+ programme. Learn more about Erasmus here. (For more information: Eric Mamer – Tel.: +32 229 94073; Dana Spinant – Tel.: +32 229 90150; Susanne Conze – Tel.: +32 229 80236)

Coronavirus: Commission signs a joint procurement contract with Gilead for the supply of Remdesivir  

The Commission has signed a joint procurement framework contract with the pharmaceutical company Gilead for the supply of up to 500,000 treatment courses of Veklury, the brand name for Remdesivir, and the opportunity to increase supply beyond the 500,000 treatment courses. There are 36 signatories of the Joint Procurement Agreement participating in this joint procurement, including all EU countries, the EEA countries of Norway and Iceland, the UK, as well as six candidate countries and potential candidates. All participating countries can now place their orders to procure Veklury directly. Veklury is at this stage the only medicine with a conditional marketing authorisation in the EU for the treatment of COVID-19 patients needing oxygen supply. Stella Kyriakides, Commissioner for Health and Food Safety, said: “Today we secure access to Remdesivir for the treatment of up to 500,000 patients in need. We are leaving no stone unturned in our efforts to ensure that safe and efficient therapeutics are available against COVID-19. Through our EU Joint Procurements, we are empowering countries across Europe to join forces and get access to vital equipment and medicines. We are always stronger together, and this is European solidarity in action against COVID-19.” A full press release is available online. (For more information: Stefan De Keersmaecker – Tel.: +32 229 84680; Darragh Cassidy – Tel.: +32 229 83978)

Investment Plan in Poland: €67.5 million for sustainable development of chemical company

Thanks to the guarantee by the European Fund for Strategic Investments (EFSI), the European Investment Bank (EIB) can now increase its loan agreement with Polish chemical company PCC Rokita to €67.5 million. The newly unlocked funding will further support the company's upgrade towards a more environmentally friendly and sustainable production as well as the building of its new innovation centre and demonstration plant. It will also help maintaining jobs and growth during the COVID-19 crisis. Paolo Gentiloni, Commissioner for the Economy, said: “Thanks to the Investment Plan for Europe, the EIB will build on its successful cooperation with Polish chemical company PCC Rokita. The additional funding will help the company to continue shifting its production towards renewable and low-emission materials and expanding its innovation and development activities. In short, yet another European investment that is good for the climate and good for jobs.” The press release is available here. The Investment Plan for Europe has so far mobilised €535 billion of investment across the EU, including €22.8 billion in Poland. (For more information: Marta Wieczorek – Tel.: +32 229 58197; Flora Matthaes – Tel.: +32 229 83951)

Agriculture : la Commission approuve deux nouvelles indications géographiques de Grèce et de Chypre

La Commission européenne a approuvé la demande d'inscription de la « Ρόδι Ερμιόνης » (Rodi Ermionis) de Grèce dans le registre des appellations d'origine protégées (AOP) et du « Χοιρομέρι Πιτσιλιάς » (Hiromeri Pitsilias) de Chypre dans le registre des indications géographiques protégées (IGP). La « Ρόδι Ερμιόνης » (Rodi Ermionis) est une grenade cultivée dans la municipalité d'Ermionida, dans la région du Péloponnèse. Le fruit se caractérise par un goût sucré et par une peau élastique qui va du jaune pâle au rouge. Les conditions environnementales d'Ermionida et le savoir-faire local issu d'une culture pérenne ont conféré à la « Rodi Ermionis » ses caractéristiques particulières qui lui ont permis de se distinguer des autres grenades. « Χοιρομέρι Πιτσιλιάς » (Hiromeri Pitsilias) est un produit affiné à base de viande séchée, saumurée, fumée et marinée dans du vin. Il est produit dans la région montagneuse de Pitsilia. Le développement des caractéristiques du « Χοιρομέρι Πιτσιλιάς/Hiromeri Pitsilias » résulte du savoir-faire de ses fabricants et en particulier: le choix du vin, lequel doit être rouge et sec et provenir des vignobles de la variété locale Mavro qui est la variété prédominante dans la région, ainsi que les étapes du fumage et de la marinade, qui détermineront la couleur, l'arôme et le goût. Ces nouvelles appellations vont rejoindre plus de 1490 produits alimentaires déjà protégés dont la liste est disponible dans la base de données eAmbrosia. Pour plus d'informations, voir aussi les pages sur la politique de qualité. (Pour plus d'informations: Miriam Garcia Ferrer – Tél.: +32 229 99075; Thérèse Lerebours – Tél.: +32 229 13963)

State aid: Commission approves one-year prolongation of tax exemption for biofuels in Sweden

The European Commission has approved, under EU State aid rules, the prolongation of the tax exemption measure for biofuels in Sweden. Sweden has exempted liquid biofuels from energy and CO₂ taxation since 2002. The scheme was prolonged following the Commission decision in case SA. 48069 in 2017 until 31 December 2020. By this decision, the Commission approves a one-year prolongation of the tax exemption (from 01 January 2021 to 31 December 2021). The objective of the tax exemption measure is to increase the use of biofuels and to reduce the use of fossil fuels in transport. The Commission assessed the measures under EU State aid rules, in particular the Guidelines on State Aid for environmental protection and energy 2014-2020. The Commission found that the tax exemptions are necessary and appropriate for stimulating the production and consumption of domestic and imported biofuels, without unduly distorting competition in the Single Market. In addition, the scheme will contribute to the efforts of both Sweden and the EU as a whole to deliver on the Paris agreement and move towards the 2030 renewables and CO₂ targets. The support to food-based biofuels should remain limited, in line with the thresholds imposed by the revised Renewable Energy Directive. Furthermore, the exemption can only be granted when operators demonstrate compliance with sustainability criteria, which will be transposed by Sweden as required by the revised Renewable Energy Directive. On this basis, the Commission concluded that the measure is in line with EU State aid rules. More information will be available on the Commission's competition website, in the State Aid Register under the case number SA.55695. (For more information: Arianna Podesta – Tel. +32 229 87024; Giulia Astuti – Tel.: +32 229 55344)

State aid: Commission finds €12.5 million Czech scheme to support SMEs' participation in capital markets involves no aid

The European Commission has found that a Czech scheme to foster the financing of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) through capital markets (the so-called ‘IPO Fund') does not involve State aid within the meaning of EU rules. The IPO Fund will facilitate initial public offerings (IPOs) launched by SMEs, by acquiring up to 30% of such offerings. The IPOs will be launched on multilateral trading facilities to be selected in an open call. The IPO Fund, which will be managed by a subsidiary of the Czech national promotional bank in exchange for a market conform management fee, will be funded by the Czech government using EU Structural Funds managed by Czechia. The indicative budget of the scheme amounts to CZK 334 million (approximately € 12.5 million) until the end of 2023. Under EU State aid rules, if a Member State chooses to intervene on terms that a private operator would have accepted under market conditions (the market economy operator principle - MEOP), then such an intervention does not constitute State aid and falls outside of EU State aid control. The Commission found that the IPO Fund will participate in the public offerings launched by the SMEs at the same time and at the same terms of private investors. On this basis, the Commission concluded that the measure does not constitute State aid within the meaning of EU State aid rules.The non-confidential version of the decision will be made available under the case number SA.57590 in the State aid register on the Commission's competition website. (For more information: Arianna Podesta – Tel. +32 229 87024; Giulia Astuti – Tel.: +32 229 55344)

State aid: Commission approves €10.5 million Danish scheme to support companies affected by restrictive measures implemented to limit the spread of coronavirus

The European Commission has approved a €10.5 million (approximately DKK 78 million) Danish scheme to support companies that have been prevented from operating in the context of the coronavirus outbreak. The scheme was approved under the State aid Temporary Framework. The scheme will be open to companies active in sectors, which, from March 2020 onwards, were covered by a total operation ban implemented to limit the spread of the coronavirus, and for which the total ban was lifted after 1 September 2020 and replaced by general safety and health measures limiting customer access. The support will take the form of direct grants. The purpose of the measure is to facilitate access to finance by the beneficiaries and to mitigate the liquidity shortages that they are still facing as a result of the current crisis. The Commission found that the Danish scheme is in line with the conditions set out in the Temporary Framework. In particular, the support will not exceed €800,000 per company. The Commission concluded that the measure is necessary, appropriate and proportionate to remedy a serious disturbance in the economy of a Member State, in line with Article 107(3)(b) TFEU and the conditions set out in the Temporary Framework. On this basis, the Commission approved the measures under EU State aid rules. More information on the Temporary Framework and other actions taken by the Commission to address the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic can be found here. The non-confidential version of the decisions will be made available under the case numbers SA.58780 in the State aid register on the Commission's competition website. (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 over 20 Station Road by PSP and Aviva

The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of joint control over 20 Station Road by Public Sector Pension Investment Board (‘PSP') of Canada and Aviva Plc Group (‘Aviva') of the UK. 20 Station Road is a commercial real estate property situated on 20 Station Road in Cambridge, UK. PSP manages a diversified global portfolio including stocks, bonds and other fixed-income securities as well as investments in private equity, real estate, infrastructure, natural resources and credit investments. Aviva provides a broad range of insurance, savings and investment products. The Commission concluded that the proposed acquisition would raise no competition concerns, because of the limited impact it would have on the market. 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.9955. (For more information: Arianna Podesta – Tel. +32 229 87024; Maria Tsoni – Tel.: +32 229 90526)

STATEMENTS

Joint Statement following the videoconference between Greek Prime Minister Mitsotakis and President von der Leyen

Due to the constraints and precautions imposed by the coronavirus pandemic  Prime Minister of Greece Mitsotakis and Commission President von der Leyen held a videoconference today instead of their meeting initially scheduled to take place in Athens. They issued a Joint Statement after their meeting, in which they agreed that Europe needs a predictable, fair and resilient migration management system, with the right balance between responsibility sharing and solidarity, and fully protecting European values and fundamental rights including the right to asylum. They committed to working together in this direction on the basis of the Commission's proposals for the New Pact on Migration and Asylum. The Greek side stressed the need for the New Pact to adequately address the pressures imposed to front line states. Both sides stressed the continued urgency of the situation on the island of Lesvos following the fires in the Moria camp. They recalled the significant joint efforts in the last 9 months to alleviate overcrowding and improve the conditions on the islands. In this respect, they committed to support the work of the Task Force created by the Commission to put in place a joint pilot to manage migration and asylum processes, including by setting up appropriate new facilities on Lesvos. This is a reflection of the proposals in the New Pact, recalling both the need for continued strengthening of the Greek migration and asylum system in line with European principles, and for European solidarity. Their discussion also focused on the strategy to ensure that Greece and the entire EU can emerge stronger, both economically and socially from the current pandemic. As other Member States, Greece will greatly benefit from NextGenerationEU, including the Recovery and Resilience Facility that aims to support the EU's common priorities along with the member states' specific requirements. They welcomed the continued close cooperation between Greece and the Commission, and looked forward to the presentation of the draft proposal of the Greek recovery and resilience plan in the coming weeks. Finally, the two Leaders also discussed the situation in the Eastern Mediterranean, especially in light of the latest disturbing developments related to Varosha and reiterated that full respect of UN Security Council Resolutions remains essential. They expressed their resolve to act on the basis of the European Council Conclusions of 2 October, reiterating that Turkey has to undertake the necessary steps to reduce the tensions in the region, and to engage in a constructive dialogue with Greece, Cyprus and the EU. The Joint Statement is available online in English, and will shortly be available in Greek, French and German. (For more information: Eric Mamer – Tel.: +32 229 94073; Dana Spinant – Tel.: +32 229 90150)

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Visit to Ethiopia by High Representative/Vice-President Borrell and Commissioner Lenarčič to strengthen EU-Africa Partnership

High Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell, and Commissioner for Crisis Management, Janez Lenarčič, are on an official visit to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from today until tomorrow, where they will have a number of exchanges with their counterparts from the African Union and the Ethiopian Government. The mission aims to keep up the momentum of a strengthened EU-AU partnership and coincides with a new delivery of 7.5 tons of coronavirus testing kits donated by Germany as part of ‘Team Europe' efforts to help partners to deal with the pandemic. In total, the EU has made available almost 1.4 million tests for the extraction and the detection of the virus to African countries. “Africa is our natural partner and neighbour. To face common challenges, we need a strong Africa, and Africa needs a strong Europe. This visit is an opportunity for exchanges with the African Union and the Ethiopian Government. In these difficult times strained by the pandemic, the EU, together with its Member States, has demonstrated solidarity by mobilising an unprecedented Team Europe effort with Africa. Delivering these testing kits shows yet again that we are tackling the pandemic on all fronts”, said the High Representative Borrell. Commissioner Lenarčič added: “This final delivery of life-saving testing equipment to the African Union wraps up the first phase of the EU Humanitarian Air Bridge, which has provided crucial support these past months to vulnerable countries amidst the coronavirus pandemic. In 2020, the EU is providing close to €47 million for humanitarian projects in Ethiopia, including assistance to internally displaced people uprooted by violence or natural disasters. We stand by the Ethiopian people and will continue to help those in need.” Audiovisual footage of the visit will be provided by EbS. More information is available in the full press release. For more details, consult the dedicated factsheets on the EU Delegation to Ethiopia, the EU Delegation to the African Union, the EU Humanitarian Air Bridge and the EU Humanitarian Aid in Ethiopia. (For more information: Nabila Massrali – Tel.: +32 229 8093; Balazs Ujvari – Tel.: +32 229 54578; Gesine Knolle – Tel.: +32 229 54323; Daniel Puglisi – Tel.: +32 229 69140) 

Artificial intelligence: stock-taking and way forward during the second AI Alliance Assembly

Tomorrow, the second AI Alliance Assembly will take place. This full day of debate, on topics from the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) against coronavirus to biometric identification, will contribute to the future policy and legislation in the field of AI to create an ecosystem of excellence and trust. Executive Vice-President Margrethe Vestager said: “We want to develop European AI with clear rules and innovative solutions to boost our economic growth and societal welfare. This event is a great opportunity to deepen the debate with a view to our upcoming proposal next year.” Commissioner for Internal Market, Thierry Breton, who will deliver an introductory keynote speech, said: “Europe has a strong position in AI research, but we need to increase our efforts to remain at the cutting edge of industrial developments by increasing support for research, deployment and investment in AI. We need to leverage the wealth of industrial data that Europe is generating offers to stimulate AI made in Europe and that respects our rules and values. That will be our competitive advantage.” The event will build on the results of a public consultation on the Commission White Paper on which over 1,250 public and private stakeholders provided their feedback. It will bring together the members of the European AI Alliance, a multi-stakeholder forum launched in the frame of the European AI Strategy and currently counting over 4,000 members. The High-Level Expert Group on AI will also discuss its finalised work on ethics, policy and investment recommendation. More information, including the web streaming link, are available here. (For more information: Johannes Bahrke – Tel.: +32 229 58615; Charles Manoury – Tel.: +32 460 755243) 

Eurostat press releases