Daily News 16 / 12 / 2020

President von der Leyen at the European Parliament plenary: “Let us start as soon as possible with the vaccination”

President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, delivered a speech this morning at the European Parliament plenary during which she debriefed Members on the positive outcomes of last week's European Council meeting, as regards the next long-term EU Budget and the new EU climate target of a 55% reduction in emissions by 2030. President von der Leyen also highlighted the importance of starting vaccination swiftly: “The Commission has negotiated the broadest portfolio of vaccine candidates. We have bought more than enough doses for everyone in Europe and we will be able to support our neighbours and our partners around the world through COVAX, so that no one is left behind. Let us start as soon as possible with the vaccination, together, as 27. As we have gone in unity through this pandemic, let us start the eradication of this horrible virus together and united.”  Watch the speech again on EbS and read it in full here. (For more information: Eric Mamer – Tel.: +32 229 94073; Dana Spinant – Tel.: +32 229 90150)

REUNION DU COLLEGE: Nouvelle stratégie de cybersécurité de l'UE et nouvelles règles visant à accroître la résilience des entités critiques physiques et numériques

La Commission et le haut représentant de l'Union pour les affaires étrangères et la politique de sécurité ont présenté aujourd'hui une nouvelle stratégie de cybersécurité de l'UE. Cette stratégie, qui constitue un élément clé de la stratégie « Façonner l'avenir numérique de l'Europe », du plan de relance pour l'Europe et de la stratégie de l'UE pour l'union de la sécurité, renforcera la résilience collective de l'Europe face aux cybermenaces et permettra de faire en sorte que tous les citoyens et toutes les entreprises puissent bénéficier pleinement de services et d'outils numériques sûrs et fiables. Lorsqu'ils utilisent des appareils connectés, le réseau électrique, les services bancaires ou les transports aériens ou qu'ils fréquentent des administrations publiques ou des hôpitaux, les Européens doivent pouvoir avoir l'assurance qu'ils sont protégés contre les cybermenaces. La nouvelle stratégie de cybersécurité permet également à l'UE de s'affirmer en tant que chef de file dans le domaine des normes et standards internationaux relatifs au cyberespace et de renforcer la coopération avec ses partenaires dans le monde entier pour promouvoir un cyberespace mondial, ouvert, stable et sûr, fondé sur l'État de droit, les droits de l'homme, les libertés fondamentales et les valeurs démocratiques. En outre, pour aborder à la fois les questions de cyber-résilience et de résilience physique des entités et réseaux critiques la Commission formule: une proposition de directive concernant des mesures destinées à assurer un niveau élevé commun de cybersécurité dans l'Union (directive SRI révisée ou «SRI 2») et une nouvelle directive sur la résilience des entités critiques. Elles couvrent un large éventail de secteurs et visent à apporter des réponses cohérentes et complémentaires face aux risques actuels et futurs en ligne et hors ligne, des cyberattaques jusqu'à la criminalité ou aux catastrophes naturelles. Plus d'informations sont disponibles dans ce communiqué de presse et dans ces questions et réponses. (Pour plus d'informations: Johannes Bahrke – Tél.: + 32 229 58615; Marietta Grammenou – Tél.: + 32 229 83583)

European Climate Pact launch event: Commission and Count Us In campaign launch partnership to mobilise EU citizens for climate change

This morning, Executive Vice-President Frans Timmermans participated in the launch event of the European Climate Pact. The event featured an introduction to the first EU Climate Pact Ambassadors, a discussion on upcoming Climate Pact pledges and contributions from special guests about the actions we can all take to combat climate change. Executive Vice-President Timmermans discussed climate action with the Pact's ambassadors and replied to questions from the audience. The Climate Pact will build upon numerous existing initiatives, networks and movements to maximise its impact. Today it is joining forces with global climate campaign Count Us In to mobilise millions of people across the EU to take concrete steps to reduce their environmental footprints. This collaboration was launched today by Executive Vice-President, Frans Timmermans, former Formula 1 Champion and sustainability entrepreneur Nico Rosberg and the former UN Climate Chief and co-founder of Global Optimism, Christiana Figueres. It will offer a way for European citizens to take practical and impactful action on climate change by taking one or more steps to reduce their own carbon footprint, from walking and cycling more or reducing food waste to insulating a home to save energy. As part of the partnership, a dedicated and multilingual version of the Count Us In platform will launch in summer 2021. For more information on the event and our new partnership, see here. You can watch back the launch event here and find photos here. (For more information: Tim McPhie – Tel: +32 229 58602; Lynn Rietdorf – Tel: +32 229 74959)

Coronavirus response: almost €110.7 million to support Italy fighting the pandemic

The European Commission has approved the modification of the last two EU cohesion policy operational programmes in Italy to address the effects of the pandemic on the health and socio-economic systems. These modifications will redirect almost €110.7 million, bringing a total of almost €5.3 billion of cohesion funds mobilised for the country since the beginning of the pandemic. In particular, the amendment of the national operational programme “Metropolitan Cities” concerns a request for a temporary increase of the EU co-financing rate to 100% for eligible actions, thus helping beneficiaries overcome liquidity scarcity in the implementation of their projects. The modification of the “Research and Innovation” national operational programme will redirect funds to support the health and the education sectors, especially tertiary education, with a prorogation by 2 months of scholarships for PhD students and vulnerable students. Commissioner for Cohesion and Reforms, Elisa Ferreira, said: “I congratulate Italy for taking full advantage of the flexibility measures under the Coronavirus Response Investment Initiative to address the effects of the coronavirus outbreak. Now that all cohesion policy programmes have been amended, Italian health workers and patients, citizens, students and businesses from all around the country will be more able to recover from the coronavirus effects.” Modifying cohesion policy 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 most exposed sectors to the pandemic. Further details are available here. (For more information: Stefan De Keersmaecker - Tel.: +32 229 84680; Veronica Favalli – Tel.: +32 229 87269)

Aviation: Commission proposal on airport slots offers much-needed relief to sector

The European Commission today adopted a new proposal on slot allocation that grants aviation stakeholders much-needed relief from airport slot use requirements for the summer 2021 scheduling season. While airlines normally have to use 80% of the slots awarded to them to secure their full slot portfolios for subsequent scheduling seasons, the proposal reduces this threshold to 40%. It also introduces a number of conditions aimed at ensuring airport capacity is used efficiently and without harming competition during the COVID-19 recovery period. Commissioner for Transport, Adina Vălean, said: “With today's proposal we seek to strike a balance between the need to provide relief to airlines, which continue to suffer from the significant drop in air travel due to the ongoing pandemic and the need to maintain competition in the market, ensure an efficient operation of airports, and avoid ghost flights. The proposed rules provide certainty for the summer season 2021 and ensure that the Commission can modulate further necessary slot waivers according to clear conditions to ensure this balance is maintained.” Looking at the traffic forecasts for summer 2021, it is reasonable to expect that traffic levels will be at least 50% of 2019 levels. A threshold of 40% will therefore guarantee a certain level of service, while still allowing airlines a buffer in the use of their slots. The proposal on slot allocation has been transmitted to the European Parliament and Council for approval. (For more information: Stefan De Keersmaecker – Tel.: +32 229 84680; Darragh Cassidy – Tel.: +32 229 83978)

Erasmus+ et le corps européen de solidarité: investir pour les générations futures

La Commission a publié aujourd'hui le rapport annuel d'Erasmus+ 2019, qui montre que le programme a pleinement atteint ses objectifs pour l'année, avec une utilisation efficace des fonds. Le budget total du programme Erasmus+ augmente d'année en année. En 2019, il s'élevait à 3,37 milliards d'euros, soit 547 millions d'euros de plus qu'en 2018, une augmentation de 20 %. À cette occasion, Erasmus+ a soutenu près de 940 000 expériences d'apprentissage à l'étranger et a investi dans quelque 25 000 projets et 111 000 organisations. Mariya Gabriel, commissaire chargée de l'innovation, de la recherche, de la culture, de l'éducation et de la jeunesse, a déclaré : « Erasmus est une réussite européenne qui prouve sa valeur depuis plus de trente ans. Le programme est un moyen efficace de relever nombre des défis sociétaux auxquels l'Europe est confrontée. À l'avenir, nous aurons un programme Erasmus + plus vaste, plus fort et de meilleure qualité, qui soutiendra également nos efforts visant à faire de l'espace européen de l'éducation une réalité d'ici 2025. » Aujourd'hui, la Commission a également publié le premier rapport sur la mise en œuvre du corps européen de solidarité, qui a débuté en octobre 2018. Il s'agit du premier programme de l'UE entièrement consacré à soutenir l'engagement des jeunes dans des activités de solidarité. Au cours des quinze premiers mois de son existence, le corps a apporté son soutien à 3 750 projets, offrant à plus de 27 000 jeunes la possibilité de participer au volontariat individuel ou en équipe, de faire des stages ou d'obtenir des emplois. Vous trouverez plus d'informations dans le communiqué de presse ainsi que dans les questions-réponses sur les rapports Erasmus+ 2019 et sur le corps européen de solidarité. (Pour plus d'informations: Sonya Gospodinova – Tél.: + 32 229 66953; Sinéad Meehan–van Druten – Tél.: + 32 229 84094)

The EU, Leonardo DiCaprio and Global Wildlife Conservation team-up to protect biodiversity

The European Union, environmentalist and Academy Award®-winning actor, Leonardo DiCaprio, and the Global Wildlife Conservation (GWC) launched today two initiatives to better protect the planet in 2021 worth €34 million. The first initiative is a Rapid Response for Ecosystems, Species and Communities Undergoing Emergencies (Rapid RESCUE) that will provide a quick answer to emerging biodiversity threats. The second aims to safeguard Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the most biodiverse protected area on the African continent, helping to reintroduce eastern lowland gorillas and other threatened species. Both initiatives exemplify the EU's commitment to delivering the EU's Green Deal around the world and GWC's mission to conserve the diversity of life on Earth. Commissioner for International Partnerships, Jutta Urpilainen, stated: “Biodiversity is under threat all over the world; the ongoing pandemic has only highlighted even more that protecting precious ecosystems is crucial for wildlife to flourish. Our own existence depends on this. I am glad GWC with Leonardo DiCaprio and the European Union are teaming up to increase our efforts in protecting biodiversity and securing a green recovery for people and planet after the COVID-19 crisis.” EU total funding for biodiversity and ecosystems through international cooperation stands up to €1 billion for the funding period 2014-2020. The European Union is also Virunga National Park's longest and most important donor, with €83 million in grants since 2014. More information is available in the press release. For more details, please consult the dedicated websites on the EU global action on preserving ecosystems and biodiversity and EU Response to COVID-19 crisis. (For more information: Ana Pisonero – Tel.: +32 229 54320; Gesine Knolle – Tel.: +32 229 54323)  

La Commission se félicite de l'accord final sur la qualité de l'eau et l'accès à l'eau potable

La Commission se félicite de l'adoption par le Parlement européen de la directive révisée relative à l'eau potable lors de sa séance plénière hier soir. La nouvelle directive garantira un accès plus sûr à l'eau pour tous les Européens. Dans le même temps, elle garantira les normes les plus élevées au monde pour l'eau potable, conformément à l'ambition «zéro pollution» pour un environnement exempt de substances toxiques, annoncée dans le pacte vert pour l'Europe. Elle se fonde sur la proposition présentée par la Commission en février 2018, dans le prolongement direct de la toute première initiative citoyenne européenne Right2Water à avoir abouti. M. Virginijus Sinkevičius, commissaire chargé de l'environnement, des océans et de la pêche, a déclaré à cet égard: «L'accès à une eau potable et à un assainissement plus sûrs est un droit humain fondamental. La crise sanitaire actuelle nous a rendus encore plus conscients de son importance vitale. L'approbation de la directive aujourd'hui par le Parlement envoie un message fort d'engagement en faveur d'une eau du robinet plus sûre pour tous les Européens». Le texte approuvé s'appuie sur les recommandations de l'Organisation mondiale de la santé en matière de normes de sécurité pour l'eau potable et va même au-delà de celles-ci. Il comprend des dispositions visant à contrôler non seulement l'eau du robinet, mais aussi les sources d'eau potable et les systèmes de distribution, afin de réduire au minimum le risque d'effets néfastes de la pollution sur la santé humaine et nos ressources en eau. À la suite de l'approbation de ce jour par le Parlement européen, la directive révisée relative à l'eau potable est désormais adoptée. Plus d'informations dans notre communiqué de presse. (Pour plus d'informations: Tim McPhie – Tél: +32 229-58602; Daniela Stoycheva – Tél.: +32 229 53664)

Commission welcomes the political agreement on the European Space Programme

The Commission welcomes the political agreement between the European Parliament and the EU Member States on the European Union Space Programme proposed by the Commission in June 2018. Trilogue negotiations have now concluded with the political agreement, pending the final approval of the legal texts by the European Parliament and the Council. The EU Space Programme will bring all existing and new space activities under the umbrella of a single programme. Commissioner for Internal Market, Thierry Breton, said: "I welcome the political agreement on the European Union Space Programme. Europe is the 2^nd space power in the world. But the global race is on. With this agreement, we now have the means to develop our leadership in space by consolidating our flagships – Galileo and Copernicus – and exploring new initiatives that will enhance Europe's resilience, notably in secure connectivity. "Thanks to the financial envelope of €13.202 billion agreed by the co-legislators, the EU Space Programme will ensure the further development of the current European flagship programmes, Copernicus for earth observation and Galileo/EGNOS for satellite navigation.  It will also enable the launching of European initiatives in satellite communication (GOVSATCOM) and on Space Situational Awareness (SSA) for the protection of space infrastructure from space debris. You can read the press release here. (For more information: Sonya Gospodinova – Tel. +32 229 66953; Célia Dejond – Tel.: +32 229 88199).

Commission welcomes the political agreement on the Technical Support Instrument

The Commission welcomed the political agreement reached yesterday between the European Parliament and the Council on the Technical Support Instrument (TSI). The trilogue negotiations are now concluded pending the final approval of the legal text by the European Parliament Plenary and the Council. Commissioner for Cohesion and Reforms, Elisa Ferreira, said: “I welcome yesterday's political agreement. The TSI represents a unique and useful instrument that can help Member States that ask for it in their long term resilience and recovery but also to make the EU green and digital transition a reality on the ground.” The TSI will replace the Structural Reform Support Programme (SRSP) that has supported over 1000 projects in 27 Member States since 2017. The TSI will continue to provide technical support to Member States, in particular to strengthen their institutional and administrative capacity in designing and implementing reforms as part of their efforts to support job creation and sustainable growth. The TSI will also play an important role in the context of the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF) where it will be deployed to support the implementation of the National recovery and resilience plans. With a dedicated budget of € 864 million for the next 7 years, the TSI will enter into force in January 2021. (For more information: Stefan De Keersmaecker – Tel.: +32 229 84680; Veronica Favalli - Tel.: +32 229 87269)

State aid: Commission approves €55 million German scheme to support roll-out of infrastructure for mobile communication services in German Land of Brandenburg

The European Commission has approved, under EU State aid rules, a €55 million German aid scheme to support the deployment of high-performance mobile networks in underserved areas of the German Federal State (Land) of Brandenburg. The scheme aims to support the provision of at least 4G mobile capabilities in areas where no mobile communication services are currently available or where only 2G mobile capabilities are in place, and where no private company is expected to invest within the next three years. Under the scheme, mobile networks operators (“MNOs”) as well as specialised construction companies will receive funds in the form of direct grants to build and/or operate the mobile infrastructure. The use of the supported infrastructure will be open to all interested MNOs on equal and non-discriminatory terms. Furthermore, the MNOs must commit to use the aid only in areas outside their current coverage obligations, which ensures the added value of the measure. As the measure will ensure that at least 4G mobile capabilities will be offered in areas where no more than 2G mobile connections are currently available, the scheme will also bring about a significant improvement in connectivity. On this basis, the Commission concluded that the scheme is in line with EU State aid rules, in particular Article 107(2)(c) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU), and contributes to the EU strategic objectives set out in the Communication "Towards a European Gigabit Society”. Executive Vice-President Margrethe Vestager, in charge of competition policy, said: “Today, we realise more than ever of the importance of reducing inequalities, bridging the digital divide and ensuring seamless mobile communication at all times. This €55 million scheme will support access to mobile services in remote, underserved areas of the Land of Brandenburg. We have worked closely with German authorities to enable public money being channelled into areas that are most in need of better connectivity, in line with the EU's ambition to achieve performant mobile voice and data connectivity everywhere in Europe.” The full press release is available online. (For more information: Arianna Podesta – Tel. +32 229 87024; Giulia Astuti – Tel.: +32 229 55344)

State aid: Commission approves amended Estonian scheme worth €450 million to support production of electricity from renewable sources

The European Commission has approved, under EU State aid rules, the modification of the existing aid scheme to support electricity production from renewable sources and efficient co-generation in Estonia. The measure will help Estonia reach its renewable energy targets and will contribute to the new European objective of achieving climate neutrality by 2050, without unduly distorting competition. The existing scheme was approved by the Commission in December 2017, and is due to expire at the end of 2020. The new modified scheme, with a budget of around €450 million, will be applicable for 10 years from the date of this decision. Renewables installations benefitting from the scheme will receive support in the form of a premium on top of the electricity market price. The Commission assessed the scheme under EU State aid rules, in particular the 2014 Guidelines on State aid for environmental protection and energy. The Commission found that the aid is necessary and has an incentive effect, as electricity prices do not fully cover the costs of generating electricity from renewable energy sources. The aid is also proportionate and limited to the minimum necessary, as it only covers the negative difference between the market price of electricity and the production costs. In this respect, the scheme ensures that this will be case even if market prices rise unexpectedly. Therefore, the Commission concluded that the Estonian measure is in line with EU State aid rules, as it promotes the generation of electricity from renewable sources, in line with the European Green Deal,  without unduly distorting competition. The full press release is available online. (For more information: Arianna Podesta – Tel. +32 229 87024; Giulia Astuti – Tel.: +32 229 55344)

Aides d'État: La Commission autorise une modification de 4.1 milliards d'euros du régime français de subventions salariales visant à soutenir les entreprises touchées par la pandémie de coronavirus

La Commission a estimé qu'une modification d'un montant de 4.1 milliards d'euros apportée à un régime français de subventions salariales visant à soutenir les entreprises touchées par la pandémie de coronavirus était conforme à l'Encadrement Temporaire des aides d'État. Le régime existant a été autorisé par la Commission le 29 juin 2020 sous le numéro de Décision SA.57754 et modifié en Octobre 2020 (SA.58978). Afin de soutenir les employeurs établis dans des régions plus durement touchées par la pandémie de coronavirus, la France a notifié une modification étendant le champ d'application des bénéficiaires éligibles pour recevoir de subventions salariales s'élevant à un taux maximal de 70 % des salaires bruts mensuels, au lieu du taux standard de 60 %. Le régime, tel que modifié par la mesure actuelle, sera aussi ouvert aux employeurs quels que soient la taille de leur entreprise, le secteur ou l'activité économique qu'ils exercent. Les bénéficiaires doivent être situés dans des zones où un état d'urgence a été déclaré et où des mesures locales de confinement ont été mises en œuvre, ce qui permet de soutenir une réduction significative de leurs activités commerciales. Ce régime vise à alléger les coûts supportés par les employeurs et à éviter les licenciements. Elle vise également à atténuer les pénuries de liquidités auxquelles les bénéficiaires sont confrontés et à assurer la continuité de leur activité économique pendant et après la pandémie. La Commission a constaté que cette mesure était conforme aux conditions énoncées dans l'Encadrement Temporaire. En particulier, le montant de l'aide sera inférieur à 80 % du salaire brut mensuel des salariés et sera accordé pour une période plus courte que 12 mois. La Commission a conclu que la mesure était 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 au titre des règles de l'UE en matière d'aides d'État. La version non confidentielle de la décision sera publiée sous le numéro SA.60095 dans le registre des aides d'État figurant sur le site web de la Commission consacré à la concurrence, dès que les éventuels problèmes de confidentialité auront été résolus. (Pour plus d'informations: Arianna Podesta – Tel. +32 229 87024; Maria Tsoni – Tel.: +3 229 90526; Giulia Astuti – Tel.: +32 229 55344)

State aid: Commission approves €40 million Bulgarian scheme to support small enterprises affected by coronavirus outbreak

The European Commission has approved a BGN 78.2 million (approximately €40 million Bulgarian scheme to support small enterprises affected by the coronavirus outbreak. The scheme was approved under the State aid Temporary Framework. The public support will take the form of direct grant of BGN 50,000 (approximately €25,565) per beneficiary, to cover part of their operating costs. The scheme, which will be co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund, will be accessible to small enterprises active in certain sectors and meeting certain requirements defined by Bulgaria, with an annual turnover of at least BGN 500,000 (approximately €250 000) in 2019, which experienced a decrease in turnover linked the coronavirus outbreak of at least 20% over three months since February 2020, compared to the same three months in 2019. The aim of the measure is to help beneficiaries overcome the economic consequences of the coronavirus outbreak and maintain employment. The Commission found that the Bulgarian scheme is in line with the conditions set out in the Temporary Framework. In particular, (i) the aid will not exceed the ceilings per company set out in the Temporary Framework; and (ii) aid under the scheme can be granted until 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 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.59704 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)

Mergers: Commission clears the acquisition of Metro by EPGC

The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of Metro AG of Germany by EP Global Commerce a.s. (‘EPGC') of Czechia. Metro is active in the wholesale of daily consumer goods. EPGC is an acquisition vehicle currently holding a non-controlling interest in Metro. EPGC is controlled by Mr Daniel Křetínský, who holds interests in companies active in the energy, utilities, media, and e-commerce sectors. The Commission concluded that the proposed acquisition would raise no competition concerns, given that the companies are not active in the same business areas. 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.9977. (For more information: Arianna Podesta – Tel. +32 229 87024; Maria Tsoni – Tel.: +32 229 90526)

ANNOUNCEMENTS

La présidente von der Leyen et le commissaire Wojciechowski ouvrent l'édition 2020 de la conférence européenne sur les perspectives agricoles

La présidente de la Commission européenne, Ursula von der Leyen, et le commissaire à l'agriculture, Janusz Wojciechowski, ouvriront cette après-midi à 14h00 l'édition 2020 de la conférence européenne sur les perspectives agricoles, qui abordera durant deux demi-journées les enjeux de l'après-crise liée au COVID-19 pour l'agriculture européenne. La présidente von der Leyen et le commissaire Wojciechowski prononceront les deux discours d'ouverture. Ils remercieront le secteur de l'agroalimentaire pour les efforts fournis tout au long de la crise du COVID-19 et aborderont le rôle de l'agriculture dans le pacte vert ainsi que la réforme de la politique agricole commune (PAC). Organisée par la Commission européenne, la conférence sur les perspectives agricoles de l'UE est devenue le principal rassemblement annuel d'acteurs européens désireux de s'engager et de discuter de l'avenir de l'agriculture en Europe et des défis à venir. Le matin, à la suite des discours, les participants discuteront et présenteront les leçons tirées de la crise du COVID-19, les perspectives d'une relance verte pour le secteur agroalimentaire ainsi que les résultats de l'étude prospective sur les agriculteurs du futur. L'après-midi du 16 et le matin du 17 décembre couvriront les perspectives des marchés agricoles de l'UE: cultures, cultures spécialisées, viande, produits laitiers et biocarburants. Le commissaire Wojciechowski tiendra une conférence de presse en ligne à 14h30 aujourd'hui, 16 décembre que vous pouvez suivre en direct ici. Pour la première fois, cette conférence se tiendra intégralement en ligne. Le programme complet de la conférence ainsi que le rapport présentant les perspectives agricoles de l'UE jusqu'en 2030 sont disponibles en ligne. (Pour plus d'informations: Miriam Garcia Ferrer – Tél.: +32 229 99075; Sophie Dirven – Tél.: +32 229 67228)

Eurostat press releases

Europe Direct Contact Centre: Brexit helpline for citizens

As we are approaching the end of the transition period on 1 January 2021, the Europe Direct Contact Centre (EDCC) – the EU's single phone number for citizens – will remain at the disposal of citizens, businesses and stakeholders to answer Brexit-related questions in all 24 official languages. Questions related to the UK will be treated as a matter of priority. This is part and parcel of the EU's overall readiness for the end of the transition period. The Contact Centre is available via free phone from all Member States and the United Kingdom (00 800 6 7 8 9 10 11) and by webform. For more information about the EDCC, see facts and figures, 2019 Annual Activity Report and audiovisual material).