Daily News 19 / 01 / 2021

REUNION DU COLLEGE : la Commission définit des actions clés pour créer un front uni dans la lutte contre la COVID-19

Deux jours avant la réunion des dirigeants européens sur une réaction coordonnée à la crise de la COVID-19, la Commission a défini un certain nombre de mesures nécessaires pour renforcer la lutte contre la pandémie. Dans une communication adoptée aujourd'hui, elle invite les États membres à accélérer le déploiement de la vaccination dans l'ensemble de l'UE: d'ici mars 2021, chaque État membre devrait avoir vacciné au moins 80 % des personnes âgées de plus de 80 ans et 80 % des professionnels de la santé et des services sociaux. Et d'ici l'été 2021, les États membres devraient avoir vacciné au moins 70 % de la population adulte. La présidente de la Commission européenne, Ursula von der Leyen, a déclaré : « La vaccination est essentielle pour sortir de cette crise. Nous avons déjà obtenu suffisamment de vaccins pour l'ensemble de la population de l'Union européenne. Nous devons à présent accélérer la fourniture et passer à la vitesse supérieure pour la vaccination. Notre objectif est de faire vacciner 70 % de notre population adulte d'ici l'été. Cela pourrait marquer un tournant dans notre lutte contre ce virus. Cependant, nous ne mettrons fin à cette pandémie que lorsque toute la population mondiale aura accès aux vaccins. Nous intensifierons nos efforts pour aider nos voisins et nos partenaires dans le monde à obtenir des vaccins. » Vous trouverez plus d'informations dans un communiqué de presse et vous pouvez suivre la conférence de presse en direct via EbS. (Pour plus d'informations: Stefan De Keersmaecker – Tél.: +32 229 84680; Darragh Cassidy – Tél.: +32 229 83978)

COLLEGE MEETING: European Commission reorganises the ‘Task Force for Relations with the United Kingdom' into the ‘Service for the EU-UK Agreements'

The conclusion of the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement on 24 December 2020 means that the very successful mandate of the Task Force for Relations with the United Kingdom (UKTF) will come to an end. The UKTF will cease to exist on 1 March 2021. To support the efficient and rigorous implementation and monitoring of the Agreements with the UK, the European Commission has decided to establish a new Service for the EU-UK Agreements (UKS). The UKS will be part of the presidential services' Secretariat-General and will be operational as of 1 March 2021. The mandate and duration of the newly created service will be reviewed on a continuous basis. The UKS will closely cooperate with the HR/VP. Michel Barnier will become Special Adviser to President von der Leyen as of 1 February 2021. He will advise the President on the implementation of the EU-UK Withdrawal Agreement and provide expertise in view of the finalisation of the EU's ratification process of the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement. Vice-President Maroš Šefčovič, the Vice-President in charge of interinstitutional relations and foresight, has been appointed as the Member of the Commission to co-chair and represent the European Union in the Partnership Council, established by the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement. A press release is available online. (For more information: Daniel Ferrie – Tel.: +32 229 86500)

La Commission lance une consultation publique sur l'avenir de Schengen

La Commission a lancé aujourd'hui une consultation publique sur l'avenir de l'espace Schengen. Les citoyens, les entreprises, les organisations de la société civile et toutes les autres parties prenantes intéressées par l'avenir de Schengen sont invités à apporter leur contribution. La consultation restera ouverte jusqu'au 16 mars. Ses résultats informeront la stratégie sur l'avenir de Schengen que la Commission présentera au cours du premier semestre de cette année et qui comprendra des initiatives en faveur d'un espace Schengen plus fort et plus complet. La consultation publique lancée aujourd'hui complète les consultations menées avec des membres du Parlement européen et les ministres de l'intérieur lors du premier forum Schengen qui s'est tenu le 30 novembre de l'année dernière. La commissaire Johansson a également publié aujourd'hui un blog. (Pour plus d'informations : Adalbert Jahnz — Tél.: + 32 229 53156; Ciara Bottomley — Tél.: + 32 229 69971; Laura Bérard — Tél.: + 32 229 55721)

COLLEGE MEETING: The European Commission appoints two new Directors and a Principal Adviser

Today, the European Commission has decided to appoint Mr Jan Panek as Director for Nuclear energy, safety and ITER in the Directorate-General for Energy (ENER) and Mr Alexander Gemberg-Wiesike as Director for the Paymaster Office (PMO). Mr Jan Panek, a Czech official, brings with him his analytical, communication and management skills as well as his sound knowledge of the European energy policy, including in the nuclear field, which will help him lead an effective planning, coordination and implementation of DG ENER's work on nuclear safety, decommissioning, radioprotection as well as in the supervision of EU's participation in the ITER project. He has a longstanding career in the European Commission (since 2005), working currently as Head of Unit in charge of the consumer policy in the Directorate-General for Justice and Consumers (JUST). Prior to that, he headed the ITER, Internal market – retail markets, and Coal, Oil & Energy Observatory units of DG ENER. Mr Alexander Gemberg-Wiesike, a German native, will draw on his good financial and administrative knowledge of the Institution and his strong expertise in the field of human resources in his new function. He joined the European Commission in 2003. Since 2016, the trained lawyer has served as Head of Unit for Organisational Performance, Resource Allocation & Structures in the Directorate-General for Human Resources and Security (HR), after having been Assistant to the Director-General for 6 years. Ms Géraldine Dufort will continue her career as Principal Adviser and will head up the newly created Office for Diversity and Inclusion in DG HR. The Office will implement the diversity policy in the field of human resources and act as a “one stop shop” for all experts and services that contribute to advancing diversity, equality and inclusion for our staff across all Commission departments. Diversity will be one of the priority areas of the Commission's new human resources strategy. Ms Dufort's 15 years of experience in developing human resources policies, notably recruitment, career management as well as learning and development, with 7 years of management experience at Head of Unit level in DG HR will help her act as a corporate expert for all questions relating to diversity and inclusion. She is currently seconded from the Commission, working in the Cabinet of the General Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Spain. The date of effect in all cases remains to be determined. (For more information: Balazs Ujvari – Tel.: +32 460 760296; Claire Joawn – Tel.:+32 460 756859)

Fair Taxation: Commission launches a public consultation on the digital levy

The European Commission has yesterday launched a public consultation on a new digital levy. This initiative aims to ensure fair taxation in the digital economy, while at the same time contributing to Europe's recovery. Fair taxation and ensuring that Europe is fit for the Digital Age are top priorities for the European Commission, as stated by President von der Leyen in her Political Guidelines. Tax systems have been lagging behind global technological developments over the past number of years. This has resulted in digital companies paying much less tax than they should. The COVID-19 crisis has also exacerbated this situation as it has accelerated the transition towards a more digital world and boosted profits and revenues for many online companies. The digital levy would help to ensure that EU rules are fit for purpose in the digital economy, and that companies, whether digital or not, compete in Europe on fair terms, and in doing so contribute to the recovery. Commissioner for the Economy, Paolo Gentiloni, said: “Today's public consultation marks an important step towards our ultimate goal of ensuring the fair taxation of the digital economy. Achieving this goal is even more important in the current context. COVID-19 has caused an unprecedented economic shock and as we work to build a sustainable recovery, it is vital that all companies make a sufficient contribution to this effort.” The launch of the consultation follows the mandate given by the European Council in July 2020  to come up with a proposal for a new own resource by June 2021. The levy will be designed in a way that is consistent with the ongoing work at the OECD, and in the G20, and will be compliant with WTO and other international obligations. The public consultation will run for 12 weeks. All interested parties are invited to share their views. (For more information: Daniel Ferrie – Tel.: +32 229 86500; Nerea Artamendi Erro – Tel.: +32 229 90964)

Investment Plan for Europe backs additional lending for businesses in Austria and Germany

The EIB Group has provided a guarantee for a securitisation transaction of around €130 million to the Bank für Tirol and Vorarlberg AG (BTV). The transaction was made possible with support from the European Fund for Strategic Investments (EFSI), the main pillar of the Investment Plan for Europe. As a result of this transaction, BTV will create a new portfolio of eligible loans to SMEs and mid-caps of up to €435 million, mainly in Tirol, Vorarlberg, Vienna and southern Germany. This operation is a direct response to the COVID-19 pandemic, as the current crisis puts a particular strain on SMEs and mid-caps, which are experiencing shortages in liquidity and funding lines. Commissioner for the Economy, Paolo Gentiloni, said: “The agreement between EIB Group and BTV, backed by the Investment Plan for Europe, will make available a new portfolio of loans to Austrian and German SMEs and mid-caps. This will help them to access finance in the very difficult current context. We will continue to support businesses of all sizes as they navigate the crisis caused by this terrible pandemic.” The Investment Plan for Europe has so far mobilised €535 billion of investment across the EU, benefitting over 1.4 million SMEs. The press release is available here. (For more information: Marta Wieczorek – Tel.: +32 229 58197; Flora Matthaes – Tel.: +32 229 83951)

Aides d'État: la Commission autorise un régime d'aide autrichien d'un montant de 300 millions d'euros en faveur des organisateurs d'événements touchés par la pandémie de coronavirus

La Commission européenne a autorisé, en vertu des règles de l'UE en matière d'aides d'État, un régime d'aide autrichien d'un montant de 300 millions d'euros en faveur des organisateurs d'événements touchés par la pandémie de coronavirus. Ce régime a été autorisé en vertu de l'encadrement temporaire des aides d'État. La décision de ce jour confirme l'accord de principe conclu au mois de décembre 2020. Après l'autorisation de plusieurs régimes d'aides d'État autrichiens destinés à soutenir les entreprises confrontées à des difficultés économiques en raison de la flambée de coronavirus, l'Autriche a notifié à la Commission un régime visant à fournir une aide supplémentaire aux organisateurs d'événements au titre de l'encadrement temporaire. Dans le cadre de ce régime, l'Autriche prévoit d'apporter une aide économique à l'ensemble des entreprises (y compris aux travailleurs indépendants, aux associations et aux institutions) qui organiseront des événements dans le pays entre le 1^er février 2021 et le 31 décembre 2022 si ceux-ci doivent être annulés ou organisés avec des restrictions importantes en raison de la pandémie de coronavirus. Les entreprises du secteur de la production primaire de produits agricoles, de la pêche et de l'aquaculture, du charbon, de l'acier, des fibres synthétiques et de la construction navale, ainsi que les établissements financiers sont exclus de la mesure. L'aide publique prendra la forme de subventions directes et le régime est doté d'un budget prévisionnel de 300 millions €. L'aide sera octroyée avant la date prévue pour l'événement sur présentation, par le demandeur, d'un plan d'entreprise et de financement démontrant que l'événement a des chances de pouvoir être organisé. Toutefois, elle ne sera versée que si l'événement est annulé ou organisé avec des restrictions importantes en raison de la pandémie de coronavirus. Le montant maximal total de l'aide est limité à 800 000 € par bénéficiaire, quel que soit le nombre d'événements pour lesquels un même bénéficiaire reçoit une aide. La mesure vise à encourager les organisateurs d'événements à recommencer à planifier et à organiser des événements, même dans le climat d'incertitude actuel. La Commission a estimé que le régime autrichien était conforme aux conditions énoncées dans l'encadrement temporaire La Commission a conclu que la mesure est 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 d'aide 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 fait la déclaration suivante : « Les organisateurs d'événements ont été particulièrement touchés par la pandémie de coronavirus et les mesures restrictives imposées par le gouvernement pour limiter la propagation du virus. Ce régime d'aide de 300 millions d'euros permettra à l'Autriche de soutenir ces entreprises si un événement est annulé ou ne peut être organisé qu'avec des restrictions en raison du coronavirus. Nous continuons d'œuvrer étroitement avec les États membres pour faire en sorte que des mesures nationales de soutien puissent être mises en place de façon rapide, 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 – Tel. +32 229 87024; Giulia Astuti – Tél.: +32 229 55344; Maria Tsoni – Tél.: +32 229 90526)

State aid: Commission approves €5 million Latvian scheme to support organisers of cultural events affected by the coronavirus outbreak

The European Commission has approved a €5 million Latvian scheme to support organisers of cultural events who had to cancel announced public cultural events due to the restrictive measures that the Latvian government had to implement to limit the spread of the coronavirus. The scheme was approved under the State aid Temporary Framework. Under the scheme, the support will take the form of direct grants. Beneficiaries will receive up to 80% of the total amount of ticket money reimbursed to spectators and ticket reversal costs, such as bank or ticket sales network commission fees. The purpose of the measure is to mitigate the sudden liquidity shortages that these companies are facing due to the coronavirus outbreak. The Commission found that the Latvian scheme is in line with the conditions set out in the Temporary Framework. In particular, (i) the support will not exceed €800,000 per company; and (ii) the aid will be granted at latest by 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 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.60528 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 €3.4 million Danish scheme to support TV producers affected by coronavirus outbreak

The European Commission has approved, under EU State aid rules, a €3.4 million (approximately DKK 25 million) Danish scheme to support TV producers affected by the coronavirus outbreak. The scheme was approved under the State aid Temporary Framework. Under the scheme, the support will take the form of direct grants. The scheme will be open to TV production companies registered in the Danish Central Business Register (CVR), regardless of the location in which the TV productions were planned to take place. The support is expected to benefit around 20 production companies that were affected by the restrictive measures that the Danish government had to impose to limit the spread of the coronavirus, which led to cancellation and postponement of a number of TV productions in the period from 11 March to 22 May 2020. The aim of the scheme is to mitigate the sudden liquidity shortages that the beneficiaries are facing, and to ensure continuity of their economic activity. The Commission found that the scheme is in line with the conditions set out in the Temporary Framework. In particular, the support (i) will not exceed €800,000 per beneficiary; and (ii) aid will be granted before 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 the 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.60074 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 €156 million Lithuanian tax deferral scheme to support businesses affected by coronavirus outbreak

The European Commission has approved a €156 million Lithuanian aid scheme for enterprises affected by the coronavirus outbreak. The scheme was approved under the State aid Temporary Framework. The public support will take the form of tax deferrals and tax-related liquidity measures (payment in instalments of tax arrears, interest free periods, as well as the suspension of tax debt recovery). The scheme will be open to businesses affected by the containment measures imposed by the Lithuanian government to limit the spread of the coronavirus. The aim of the scheme is to address the liquidity needs of the beneficiaries and help them continue their activities during and after the outbreak. The Commission found that the Lithuanian scheme is in line with the conditions set out in the Temporary Framework. In particular, (i) the aid will be granted before 30 June 2021; and (ii) the deferred contributions will be paid no later than 31 December 2022. 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.60632 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 acquisition of E2E by Pizarreño and Maderas Arauco

The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of E2E S.A. by Pizarreño S.A. and Maderas Arauco S.A., all of Chile, by extending the product and geographic scope of the pilot joint venture E2E.  E2E develops, manufactures, assembles and installs 2D panelised and 3D modular units. Pizarreño manufactures, distributes and markets finished construction products, using cement and plaster or colpa. Maderas Arauco is active in the manufacture and sale of wood and forest products, namely fiberboard panels, plywood and sawn timber, as well as the operation of sawmills in, Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Mexico and the U.S. The Commission concluded that the proposed acquisition would raise no competition concerns, given E2E's negligible actual and foreseen activities within 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.10034. (For more information: Arianna Podesta – Tel. +32 229 87024; Maria Tsoni – Tel.: +32 229 90526)  

Eurostat: communiqués de presse