Daily News 30 / 10 / 2020

Commission awards €508 million to 75 health research projects

The Commission awards €508 million in grants to 75 projects to tackle cancer, brain-related diseases, infectious diseases, complex chronic conditions, antimicrobial resistance and other important areas of health research. These projects are to receive money following the official signatures of grant agreements in the coming weeks. They were short-listed after evaluation and will involve 1,158 participants from 58 countries. In this final year of Horizon 2020, the EU research and innovation programme, it marks the largest total award for collaborative research for health. Mariya Gabriel, Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth, said: “EU-funded research and innovation is a key part of our response to the COVID-19 pandemic, but, at the same time, we are not neglecting other vital issues for our health and well-being. The EU has a crucial role to play through the scale of investments, including in key European research infrastructures, its attention to major challenges, such as cancer, antimicrobial resistance and environmental impacts on health, the coordination of national efforts and international collaboration.” The investments will also enable the development of digital diagnostics and various new interventions, including treatments and vaccines. More information is available here and a list of the selected projects here. (For more information: Sonya Gospodinova – Tel.: +32 229 66953; Charles Manoury – Tel.: +32 229 13391)

Procédures d'infraction du mois d'octobre : la Commission prend des mesures en vue d'une mise en œuvre complète, correcte et en temps utile du droit de l'Union dans l'intérêt des citoyens et des entreprises

Pour aider les citoyens et les entreprises à pleinement profiter du marché intérieur, la Commission européenne est en dialogue permanent avec les États membres qui ne respectent pas le droit européen et, au besoin, ouvre des procédures d'infraction à leur égard. Les décisions prises aujourd'hui, dans le cadre des décisions régulières d'infraction, comprennent 62 lettres de mise en demeure. Plus précisément, il s'agit de 55 mises en demeure and 7 mises en demeure complémentaire, 36 avis motivés et 1 avis motivé complémentaire, et 7 renvois à la Cour de justice de l'UE, dont 1 renvoi au titre de l'article 258-260(3) du Traité sur le fonctionnement de l'Union européenne (TFUE) et 6 au titre de l'article 258 du TFUE. Elle clôt également 216 dossiers en cours lorsque l'État membre concerné, en coopération avec la Commission, a résolu le problème et assuré le respect du droit de l'Union et que, dès lors, une saisine de la Cour de justice de l'Union européenne n'est pas nécessaire. Un résumé des principales décisions et les références des communiqués de presse correspondants figurent ici. Les aspects essentiels des procédures d'infraction de l'UE sont décrits ici. (Pour plus d'informations : Eric Mamer – Tél.: + 32 229 94073; Ewelina Juszczak – Tél.: +32 229 91745)

Boosting Europe's railways: new harmonised procedures across EU will make rail more attractive and competitive

As of Saturday 31 October, the European rail sector will benefit from new harmonised procedures reducing costs and administrative burdens. These new rules complete the Fourth Railway Package, a series of measures to make European railways more efficient and competitive. Commissioner for Mobility and Transport Adina Vălean said: “Tomorrow marks an important day for the European rail sector – the transposition deadline for the rail safety and interoperability directives. The full implementation of Fourth Railway Package across the whole EU is key to boost rail transport. Therefore, I count on the Member States which haven't transposed it yet to do their outmost to fulfil this obligation very soon. The implementation of its technical pillar will significantly simplify procedures and reduce costs for railway undertakings operating across Europe. We are making rail more efficient, safe, affordable and thus more competitive vis-à-vis other modes of transport. This is a big step on our way to decarbonise Europe's transport sector and to make rail more attractive ahead of 2021 - the European Year of Rail.” The new rules will contribute to higher levels of interoperability, greater reliability and network capacity of the European rail sector. For example, the new simplified processes will create more competitiveness and innovation in the sector by making it easier for rail companies and manufacturers to operate or sell innovative technology in more than one Member State. Additionally, it foresees a stronger role for the European Union Agency for Railways (ERA), which will become Europe's single certification body for rail vehicles and railway traffic operators as of 31 October. Within its new role, the Agency will take responsibility for vehicle authorisation, safety certification, and European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS) trackside approval across all Member States. More information is available here. (For more information: Tim McPhie - Tel.: +32 229 58602; Stephan Meder – Tel.: +32 229 13917) 

Investment Plan supports development of therapies for rare genetic diseases

The European Investment Bank (EIB), backed by the European Fund for Strategic Investments (EFSI), will provide €25 million of financing to Minoryx Therapeutics. Minoryx is a biotech company specialising in the advancement of treatments for rare central nervous system disorders. The newly available funding will thus benefit Minoryx' research and development activities in orphan genetic diseases for which there are currently no approved drugs available. Commissioner for the Economy, Paolo Gentiloni, said: “This EU support will help Minoryx to develop breakthrough therapies for genetic diseases and treatments for diseases of the central nervous system. The coronavirus pandemic has shown how important it is to continue to push scientific boundaries and deliver medication for rare diseases. The European Commission will continue to support companies' efforts in this sense at every opportunity.” The press release is available here. So far, the Investment Plan for Europe has mobilised €535 billion of investment across the EU, a quarter of which is supporting research, development and innovation projects. (For more information: Marta Wieczorek – Tel.: +32 229 58197; Flora Matthaes – Tel.: +32 229 83951)

Aide humanitaire : L'UE alloue 8,1 millions d'euros aux plus vulnérables en Asie du Sud et du Sud-Est

Aujourd'hui, la Commission a alloué une aide humanitaire de 8,1 millions d'euros aux Philippines, au Népal et à des pays de l'Asie du Sud-Est en vue d'aider les populations frappées par la pandémie du coronavirus. Ce financement sera consacré à des projets humanitaires, destinés à accroître la sécurité alimentaire et à renforcer l'éducation. Les fonds serviront aussi à consolider la préparation et la réaction face aux catastrophes naturelles dans la région, qui est l'une des plus exposées du monde face au changement climatique. Le commissaire chargé de la gestion des crises, Janez Lenarčič, a déclaré : « L'UE contribue à fournir une aide vitale aux populations les plus exposées aux répercussions des catastrophes naturelles en Asie du Sud et du Sud-Est, dont la fréquence augmente d'année en année. Ce dispositif d'aide renforcera aussi la préparation et la réaction des pays de la région à la pandémie de coronavirus, ainsi que les opérations humanitaires. L'UE est prête à aider les plus vulnérables en Asie du Sud et du Sud-Est. » De plus amples informations sont disponibles dans le communiqué de presse. (Pour plus d'informations: Balazs Ujvari - Tél.: +32 229 54578 ; Daniel Puglisi – Tél.: +32 229 69140)

Nagorno Karabakh: additional €400,000 in emergency aid for civilians affected by the hostilities

The EU has allocated an additional €400,000 in humanitarian aid to cover the most urgent needs of civilians affected by the conflict in and around Nagorno Karabakh. With this emergency support to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, the Red Cross of Armenia and Red Crescent of Azerbaijan will deliver food packages, blankets, hygiene items and other urgently needed help to civilians who were forced to flee due to the hostilities. Commissioner for Crisis Management, Janez Lenarčič, said: “The EU calls for an immediate end to the hostilities that have already claimed civilian lives. We are extremely concerned about the deterioration of the humanitarian situation, given the upcoming winter and the aggravating coronavirus pandemic.” This funding brings EU emergency humanitarian aid to €900,000 since early October when the hostilities started. EU humanitarian aid is provided solely based on needs, without discrimination, and in line with the humanitarian principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality and independence. (For more information: Balazs Ujvari - Tel.: +32 229 54578; Daniel Puglisi – Tel.: +32 229 69140)

Rapport annuel de la Commission sur les incendies de forêt: La nature de l'Europe menacée

Le Centre commun de recherche de la Commission a présenté aujourd'hui la 20^e édition de son rapport annuel sur les incendies de forêt en Europe, au Moyen-Orient et en Afrique du Nord pour l'année 2019. Plus de 400 000 hectares (ha) d'espaces naturels ont brûlé en Europe et un nombre record de zones naturelles protégées ont été touchées par des feux de forêt en 2019 - la pire année en matière d'incendies de forêt que le monde ait connue dans l'histoire récente. Selon les conclusions du rapport, le changement climatique a continué d'influer sur la durée et l'intensité du danger d'incendie en Europe. En mars 2019, la superficie totale ayant brûlé dans l'Union se trouvait déjà au-dessus de la moyenne annuelle des 12 dernières années. Les rapports nationaux ont montré que l'Espagne, le Portugal et la Pologne avaient enregistré le plus grand nombre d'incendies en 2019, tandis que la Roumanie a été le pays dont les zones protégées ont été les plus touchées. Malgré l'ampleur des dommages causés à la nature, l'année 2019 a été l'une des plus positives en matière de prévention des accidents et des pertes de vies humaines liées aux incendies de forêt, grâce à une meilleure préparation et à une intervention plus efficace. Les données proviennent du système européen d'information sur les feux de forêts (géré dans le cadre de Copernicus, le programme d'observation de la Terre de l'UE) et des pays membres du Groupe d'experts sur les incendies de forêts. De plus amples informations et les principales conclusions sont disponibles ici et dans le communiqué de presse, ou consulter le rapport complet ici. (Pour plus d'informations: Balazs Ujvari — Tél.: + 32 229 80236; Sinéad Meehan-van Druten — Tél.: + 32 229 84094)

Chemicals: The EU steps up action against hazardous chemicals in clothing, textiles and footwear

The Commission is taking another important step to protect EU consumers from hazardous substances in frequent contact with human skin, which are known to cause cancer and reproductive health problems. On Sunday, 1 November, a restriction limiting consumers' exposure to 33 Carcinogenic, Mutagenic or Toxic for reproduction (CMR) chemicals will come into effect. It will ensure that everyday clothing, textiles and footware bought by Europeans are safer, no matter which EU country they shop in and whether the products are EU-made or imported. Commissioner Thierry Breton, responsible for the Internal Market, said: “The health and well-being of our citizens is of paramount importance, now more than ever. The Commission is continuously ensuring the safety of chemicals used in everyday products and is today restricting the use of 33 dangerous substances in textiles and footware. The restriction is the result of good cooperation between the Commission, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA), the chemical and textile industries, NGOs and medical specialists aiming to ensure the safety of these products for our citizens.” The restriction specifies maximum concentration limits established for individual substances or groups of substances potentially present in these products, including for substances such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), cadmium, chromium, lead and its compounds and phthalates, among others. It also contributes to reducing the environmental emissions of these hazardous substances, which can occur for example during washing, and enhance the quality of recycled textile materials. The restriction is based on the EU's REACH Regulation, which provides the world's highest protection of human health and the environment. More information, including an explanatory guide aimed to support the implementation and enforcement by the Member States on the restriction, is available here. (For more information: Sonya Gospodinova – Tel.: +32 229 66953; Federica Miccoli – Tel.: +32 229 58300)

Les commissaires Breton et Schmit président des tables rondes sur le Pacte européen pour les compétences avec des représentants des écosystèmes du tourisme et de l'économie sociale

Cette semaine, les commissaires Breton et Schmit ont présidé des tables rondes de haut niveau sur le Pacte européen pour les compétences avec des représentants des écosystèmes du tourisme et de l'économie sociale. Ces tables rondes font partie d'une série de tables rondes sectorielles préparant le pacte pour les compétences, pacte annoncé dans le cadre de la stratégie européenne pour les compétences adoptée par la Commission le 1^er juillet 2020. L'objectif du pacte est de fournir un cadre pour mobiliser toutes les parties prenantes concernées – partenaires industriels, sociaux, régionaux et éducatifs – afin d'aider les personnes à développer le bon ensemble de compétences pour une reprise durable, sociale et résiliente après la pandémie de coronavirus. Les partenariats établis dans le cadre du pacte bénéficieront du soutien de la Commission, par exemple sous la forme d'une plateforme de partenariat ou encore de conseils sur les options de financement de l'UE. Les secteurs du tourisme et de l'économie sociale ont été identifiés comme des secteurs industriels importants avec lesquels s'associer dans le cadre du pacte, en raison des graves conséquences de la pandémie et de la nécessité de doter la main-d'œuvre des compétences nécessaires à la reprise. L'écosystème touristique continue d'être gravement touché par la pandémie et la promotion des compétences numériques et vertes contribuerait à sa reprise. L'économie sociale présente un grand potentiel pour aider la relance économique et sociale, car elle s'efforce de relever les défis économiques et sociétaux de la manière la plus innovante et la plus résiliente possible. L'amélioration des compétences existantes et le développement des nouvelles compétences sont des moteurs importants pour la relance économique ainsi que pour la restructuration à long terme du secteur. Au cours des réunions, les représentants des deux secteurs ont fait preuve d'un engagement fort et positif à travailler ensemble pour assurer la requalification et le perfectionnement des travailleurs pour une reprise numérique et durable. (Pour plus d'informations: Sonya Gospodinova - Tél .: +32 229 66953; Marta Wieczorek - Tél .: +32 229 58197)

State aid: Commission publishes results of evaluation of EU State aid rules

The European Commission has published a Commission Staff Working Document summarising the results of an evaluation of the State aid rules adopted as part of the State Aid Modernisation package. The evaluation concludes that, overall, the State aid control system and rules are fit for purpose. However, individual rules will need some adaptation, also in the light of the recent European Green Deal and the EU's Industrial and Digital Strategies. As part of the Commission's ongoing review of competition rules to ensure they are fit for the changing market environment, the evaluation of these State aid rules was launched in January 2019. The assessment took the form of a ‘fitness check', involving internal analyses by the Commission and public consultations as well as, in some cases, studies prepared by external consultants or targeted consultations of specific stakeholders. As State aid rules are a vital part of the green transition, in line with the Commission Communication on the European Green Deal and the results of the ‘fitness check', the Commission plans to anticipate the review of the relevant State aid guidelines to the end of 2021. These include the Regional aid Guidelines, IPCEI Communication, RDI Framework, Risk Finance Guidelines, Environmental and Energy Guidelines and relevant provisions of GBER. The other rules that were part of the “fitness check” will be revised in the medium term. Public consultations on these rules are taking place between the second half of 2020 and the beginning of 2021. The press release is available online. (For more information: Arianna Podesta – Tel. +32 229 87024; Giulia Astuti – Tel.: +32 229 55344)

Pratiques anticoncurrentielles : la Commission adresse une communication des griefs à České dráhy pour pratiques présumées de prix prédateurs

La Commission européenne a informé l'opérateur ferroviaire historique public tchèque České dráhy (ČD) de son avis préliminaire selon lequel celui-ci aurait enfreint les règles de concurrence de l'UE en appliquant des prix inférieurs aux coûts. À la suite d'une plainte, la Commission a mené des inspections dans les locaux de ČD en avril 2016. En novembre 2016, la Commission a ouvert une enquête formelle afin d'examiner les pratiques prédatrices présumées de ČD en ce qui concerne la fourniture de services de transport ferroviaire de passagers en Tchéquie, et en particulier sur la ligne Prague-Ostrava, qui constitue la colonne vertébrale du réseau ferroviaire tchèque. La Commission est parvenue à la conclusion préliminaire qu'entre 2011 et 2019, ČD s'est livrée à des pratiques de prix prédateurs sur la ligne Prague-Ostrava. En vertu des règles de concurrence de l'UE, les entreprises en position dominante sont tenues de ne pas abuser de leur pouvoir de marché en restreignant la concurrence. Dans des conditions spécifiques, l'application de prix inférieurs aux coûts peut constituer un tel abus. Les pratiques de prix prédateurs constituent une infraction grave aux règles de concurrence de l'UE. Le comportement de ČD, s'il se confirme, s'apparenterait à une pratique de prix prédateurs, qui constitue une infraction à l'article 102 du traité sur le fonctionnement de l'Union européenne (TFUE). L'envoi d'une communication des griefs ne préjuge pas de l'issue de l'enquête. Margrethe Vestager, vice-présidente exécutive chargée de la politique de concurrence, s'est exprimée en ces termes : « La concurrence dans le secteur du transport ferroviaire de passagers peut conduire à une baisse des prix et à une hausse de la qualité des services, au bénéfice des consommateurs. Elle bénéficiera aussi à l'environnement, à mesure que les voyageurs opteront pour le transport ferroviaire, conformément aux objectifs du pacte vert pour l'Europe. En l'espèce, nous craignons que České dráhy se soit livrée à des pratiques de prix prédateurs, qui sont contraires aux règles de concurrence 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 prolongation of Irish credit union restructuring scheme

The European Commission has approved, under EU State aid rules, the twelfth prolongation of an Irish scheme aimed at restructuring credit unions. The scheme was initially approved in October 2014 and last prolonged in May 2020. The objective of the scheme is to underpin the stability and long-term viability of credit unions and the credit union sector in Ireland at large. Restructuring involves merging credit unions with ample reserves with credit unions with a gap, providing, if necessary, a capital injection to make up any shortfall in the capital reserve requirements of the merged credit union. Stabilisation involves assisting fundamentally viable credit unions that have temporarily slipped below the regulatory reserve requirements. The Commission found that the measure ensures that the beneficiaries become viable in the long-term through restructuring or merging with sound credit unions, and that they contribute to the cost of restructuring. Moreover, the impact on competition is limited because credit unions are small and do business only with members. Until now, the Irish authorities have managed to restructure credit unions without granting any aid under this scheme. Today's authorisation is granted until 30 April 2021. More information will be available on the Commission's competition website, in the public case register under the reference SA.58819. (For more information: Arianna Podesta – Tel. +32 229 87024; Giulia Astuti – Tel.: +32 229 55344)

State aid: Commission approves €378 million Slovenian scheme to support farmers and other self-employed affected by coronavirus outbreak

The European Commission has approved a €378 million Slovenian scheme to support the self-employed affected by the coronavirus outbreak. The scheme was approved under the State aid Temporary Framework. The aid, which will take the form of direct grants, will be open to beneficiaries active in all sectors. The aim of the scheme is to preserve jobs, avoid lay-offs and provide liquidity support for the self-employed, including farmers and managers of micro-enterprises, by providing a partial reimbursement of the income lost due to the emergency measures put in place to limit to spread of the virus. The measure is expected to support more than 1,000 beneficiaries. The Commission found that the Slovenian scheme is in line with the conditions set out in the Temporary Framework. In particular, (i) the aid will not exceed €100 000 per undertaking active in the primary production of agricultural products, €120 000 per undertaking in the fishery and aquaculture sector and €800 000 per company in other sectors (ii) the aid is granted no later than 30 June 2021. 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.59149 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 €13 million Polish scheme to support companies active in the wood sector affected by coronavirus outbreak

The European Commission has approved an approximately €13 million (PLN 60 million) Polish scheme to support companies active in the wood sector affected by the coronavirus outbreak. The scheme was approved under the State aid Temporary Framework. The support, which will take the form of debt cancellation, will be open to companies of all sizes. The aim of the scheme is to ease the liquidity constraints of companies who purchase wood from the State agency “State Forests” and who are affected by the economic impact of the coronavirus outbreak. The measure is expected to benefit 6,500 companies. The Commission found that the Polish scheme is in line with the conditions set out in the Temporary Framework. In particular, (i) the aid will not exceed €800,000 per company and (ii) the scheme will run until 31 March 2021. 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.58185 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 €99.4 million Danish scheme to support cafés, restaurants, nightclubs, discotheques, venues and their suppliers in context of coronavirus outbreak

The European Commission has approved an approximately €99.4 million (DKK 740 million) Danish scheme to support cafés, restaurants, nightclubs, discotheques and venues that are restricted on their opening hours, as well as their suppliers, 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. Beneficiaries will receive an amount aid equivalent to a percentage of their fixed costs in proportion to the decline in turnover experienced between 1 September 2020 and 31 December 2020, compared to the same period in 2019. Beneficiaries can apply for compensation until 30 April 2021. The purpose of the measure is 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 Danish 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 30 June 2021. The Commission concluded that the scheme 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 of the Temporary Framework. 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.59048 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 i-HUB by BGL and POST

The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of joint control over i-Hub S.A. by BGL BNP Paribas (‘BGL') and Post Luxembourg (‘POST'), all of Luxembourg. i-HUB provides compliance support services, which involve assisting companies conducting Know Your Customer (‘KYC') checks in order to comply with their anti-money laundering obligations. BGL is a credit institution providing a range of banking services in Luxembourg, including retail banking, international financial services and corporate and institutional banking. POST is a provider of postal, telecommunication, ICT and banking services in Luxembourg. The Commission concluded that the proposed acquisition would raise no competition concerns, because of the limited scope of i-HUB'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.9875. (For more information: Arianna Podesta – Tel. +32 229 87024; Maria Tsoni – Tel.: +32 229 90526)

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Online Citizens' Dialogue with Executive Vice-President Vestager and Commissioner Sinkevičius

Executive Vice-President Margrethe Vestager, responsible for a Europe Fit for the Digital Age, and Commissioner for Environment, Oceans and Fisheries, Virginijus Sinkevičius, are today hosting an online Citizens' Dialogue on the topic ‘Europe: Towards a Digital and Green Future'. Organised together with Bertelsmann Stiftung, the event is part of a bigger three-day transnational online Citizens' Dialogue. The debate with citizens will focus on the twin green and digital transition. The European Green Deal and a Europe fit for the digital age have been identified by President von der Leyen as key priorities in EU's recovery and future path. The debate can be followed live on EbS starting at 15:20 CET. Comments and questions can be posted here. (For more information: Arianna Podesta – Tel. +32 229 87024; Vivian Loonela - Tel.: +32 229 66712; Sonya Gospodinova – Tel.: +32 229 66953)

Executive Vice-President Dombrovskis engages with stakeholders on Trade Policy Review

Executive Vice-President and Trade Commissioner, Valdis Dombrovskis, is today hosting discussions with a wide range of stakeholders in Latvia on the EU's ongoing Trade Policy Review (TPR). This is part of an ongoing consultation process and outreach, with events held in 20 EU Member States so far. The Executive Vice-President will be discussing key elements of the review, such as how to increase the EU's resilience, how to create opportunities for EU businesses, trade policy's contribution to the green and digital transitions, and how to ensure open and fair trade. The consultation on the TPR closes on 15 November and the Commission will put forward its strategy in early 2021, taking on board all the feedback received so far. (For more information: Balazs Ujvari – Tel.: +32 460 760296; Therese Lerebours – Tel.: +32 229 13963)

Citizens' Initiative: Commission receives organisers of 'End the Cage Age' Initiative

Today, Věra Jourová, Vice-President for Values and Transparency, and Stella Kyriakides, Commissioner for Health and Food Safety, are meeting the organisers of the European Citizens' Initiative ‘End the Cage Age', after they collected and submitted to the Commission close to 1.4 million signatures. This is the 6th successful European Citizens' Initiative so far. As is the case for all successful initiatives, and in line with the Citizens' Initiative rules, the Commission has invited the organisers to present their ideas in more depth. The ‘End the Cage Age' Initiative calls on the European Commission to end the "inhumane treatment of farm animals" kept in cages and to propose legislation to prohibit the use of: cages for laying hens, rabbits, pullets, broiler breeders, layer breeders, quail, ducks and geese; farrowing crates for sows; sow stalls and individual calf pens, where not already prohibited. A public hearing will also be organised in the European Parliament. Based on a thorough assessment, the Commission will then present a Communication explaining its reasoning for the next steps, i.e. whether to propose legislation; not act at all; or take other non-legislative actions. More information on the European Citizens' Initiative and European Citizens' Initiative Week (16-20 November) is available online. (For more information: Christian Wigand - Tel.: +32 229 62253; Stefan De Keersmaecker - Tel.: +32 229 84680)

CALENDAR – Commissioner's weekly activities

Eurostat press releases