Daily News 09 / 03 / 2021

REUNION DU COLLEGE: Décennie numérique de l'Europe: la Commission trace la voie européenne vers davantage d'autonomie numérique à l'horizon 2030

Aujourd'hui, la Commission présente une vision, des objectifs et des voies à suivre pour une transformation numérique réussie de l'Europe d'ici à 2030. Celle-ci est aussi cruciale pour réaliser la transition vers une économie neutre pour le climat, circulaire et résiliente. Ursula von der Leyen, présidente de la Commission, a déclaré : « L'Europe dispose aujourd'hui d'une occasion tout à fait unique de se reconstruire en mieux. Avec le nouveau budget pluriannuel et la facilité pour la reprise et la résilience, nous avons mobilisé des ressources sans précédent pour investir dans la transition numérique. La pandémie a révélé à quel point les technologies et les compétences numériques sont essentielles pour travailler, étudier et communiquer, ainsi que les points sur lesquels nous devons nous améliorer. Il nous faut maintenant réaliser cette décennie numérique de l'Europe afin que tous les citoyens et toutes les entreprises puissent accéder à ce que le monde numérique peut offrir de mieux. La boussole numérique que nous présentons aujourd'hui nous donne une vision claire de la manière d'y arriver. » L'ambition de l'UE est d'être souveraine sur le plan numérique dans un monde ouvert et interconnecté, et de mener des politiques numériques qui mettent les personnes et les entreprises en mesure de s'approprier un avenir numérique axé sur l'humain, durable et plus prospère. L'objectif est notamment de remédier aux vulnérabilités et aux dépendances, ainsi que d'accélérer les investissements. La communication propose de convenir d'un ensemble de principes numériques, de lancer rapidement d'importants projets multinationaux et de préparer une proposition législative établissant un cadre de gouvernance solide pour suivre les progrès – la boussole numérique. Vous trouverez de plus amples informations dans un communiqué de presse, un document de questions et réponses ainsi que sur une page d'information dédiée. (Pour plus d'informations : Johannes Bahrke – Tél.: +32 229 58615; Charles Manoury – Tél.: +32 229 13391)

Une enquête à l'échelle de l'Union montre que les Européens soutiennent le lancement de la conférence sur l'avenir de l'Europe

Le Parlement européen et la Commission européenne publient aujourd'hui la toute première enquête Eurobaromètre menée conjointement pour les deux institutions. L'enquête Eurobaromètre spécial sur l'avenir de l'Europe a été réalisée entre le 22 octobre et le 20 novembre 2020 dans les 27 États membres de l'UE. L'enquête, publiée en amont de la signature de la déclaration commune relative à la conférence sur l'avenir de l'Europe, révèle que la grande majorité des citoyens (92 %) dans tous les États membres souhaitent que leurs voix soient « davantage prises en compte dans les décisions relatives à l'avenir de l'Europe ». C'est précisément l'objectif de la conférence sur l'avenir de l'Europe: elle créera un nouveau forum public pour un débat ouvert, inclusif, transparent et structuré avec les Européens sur les questions qui les concernent et qui ont une incidence sur leur vie quotidienne. Trois quarts des Européens estiment que la conférence sur l'avenir de l'Europe aura une incidence positive sur la démocratie au sein de l'UE. De plus amples informations sont disponibles dans le communiqué de presse. (Pour plus d'informations : Daniel Ferrie – Tél.: +32 229 86500; Sinéad Meehan-van Druten – Tél.: +32 229 84094)

COLLEGE MEETING: The College appoints a new Director-General in DG DIGIT, a new Deputy Secretary-General and a new Deputy Director-General in DG ECFIN

Today, the European Commission has decided to appoint Mr Mario Campolargo as the new Director-General of the Directorate-General for Informatics (DIGIT) with immediate effect. Mr Campolargo, a Portuguese national, will draw on his excellent understanding of IT solutions management and provision as well as on his strong management skills in delivering on the commitments of the European Commission Digital Strategy. Since 2016, he has been Deputy-Director General of DG DIGIT where he was co-responsible for the overall strategic and operational coordination of the DG and led on digital workplace, data, innovation, interoperability of Public Administrations and inter-institutional relations. He played a key role in shifting the Commission to telework during the pandemic. Prior to that, he was Director of ‘Net Futures' in the Directorate-General for Communications Networks, Content and Technology (DG CONNECT), responsible for Future Internet (including 5th Generation systems and Internet of Things) and Cloud. Before joining the Commission in 1990, he was a research manager. Mr Campolargo brings in a solid experience and long-track record of driving the delivery of digital transformation. Ms Elisabeth Werner has been appointed as new Deputy Secretary-General. The date of effect of this appointment will be determined later. Ms Werner, an Austrian national, will bring her broad experience in the Commission to this challenging function, including an extensive knowledge of a variety of EU policies as well as leadership, management and negotiation skills. She is currently Director for Land Transport (rail and road) in the Directorate-General for Mobility and Transport (MOVE). Previously she was Head of Cabinet of Vice-President Georgieva and Member of Cabinet of Vice-President Kallas. She joined the Commission in 1996 and has held various posts in the European Commission dealing notably with budget, budget control and antifraud, including as Commission Spokesperson. Ms Elena Flores Gual will take on the function of Deputy Director-General for Investment and International in the Directorate-General for Economic and Financial Affairs (ECFIN). The date of effect of this appointment will be determined later. Ms Flores Gual, a Spanish national, will draw on her extensive knowledge of a broad range of economic policy areas, including global governance and international financial institutions, while also benefiting from her robust experience in strategic decision-making and leadership. She joined the Commission in 1987 in DG BUDG. Since 1990, she has always worked in DG ECFIN where she notably took up various Head of Unit and Director functions. Trained as an economist, Ms Flores Gual is currently Director for International economic, financial relations and global governance in DG ECFIN. (For information: Balazs Ujvari - Tel.: +32 229 54578; Claire Joawn - Tel.: +32 229 56859)

COLLEGE MEETING: The College appoints a Director, two Principal Advisors and two Heads of Representation

Today, the European Commission has also decided to appoint a Director, two Principal Advisors and two Heads of Representation. Ms Marja Hennessy will continue her career as the new Director for translation in the Directorate-General for Translations (DGT). The date of effect will be determined later. Ms Hennessy, a Finnish national, brings with her a broad range of experience in IT, compliance, programme management, and change management acquired during her 23 years of service in the European Commission. For the past three years, she has worked as Head of Department in DGT, managing a language department of 70 translators and administrative staff. The European Commission has also appointed two Principal Advisers. Ms Sutton, a British national, will work in the Internal audit service. Since 2019, she has been senior expert in the Secretariat-General, providing strategic analysis and policy development advice in the areas of corporate governance, audit and performance, as well as coordinating COVID-19 emergency support funding. The date of effect will be determined later. Mr De Rynck, a Belgian national, will take his duties in the Directorate-General for Communication (COMM) with immediate effect and will be transferred to the function of Head of Representation of Belgium as of 16 March. Since November 2019, he has been the Head of Unit for Coordination, Planning and Administrative Support of the UK Task Force. In addition to appointing Mr de Rynck as the new Head of Representation for Belgium, the Commission has also appointed a new Head of Representation for Greece, Ms Niovi Ringou, who will assume her duties on 16 May 2021. You will find more information on the appointments of the Heads of Representation in this press release. (For information: Balazs Ujvari - Tel.: +32 229 54578; Claire Joawn - Tel.: +32 229 56859)

State aid: Commission approves €39.7 million Latvian measures to recapitalise Riga International Airport

The European Commission has approved Latvian plans to grant up to €39.7 million for the recapitalisation of the State Joint Stock Company Riga International Airport (Riga International Airport). The measures, comprising a €35.2 million capital injection and €4.5 million of waived dividend payment for the 2019 financial year, were approved under the State aid Temporary Framework. Riga International Airport suffered substantial losses due to the coronavirus outbreak and the travel restrictions that Latvia and other countries had to impose to limit the spread of the virus. These measures, together with the significant drop in travel demand, continue to deteriorate the financial situation of the company. As a result, Riga International Airport currently risks not being able to maintain its viability, with severe consequences for the connectivity of Latvia with the rest of Europe and third countries. The Commission found that the recapitalisation measure notified by Latvia is in line with Article 107(3)(b) TFEU and the conditions set out in the Temporary Framework. The Commission concluded that the recapitalisation measures are necessary, appropriate and proportionate to remedy a serious disturbance in the economy of the Member States: the measure aims at restoring the financial position and liquidity of Riga International Airport in the exceptional situation caused by the coronavirus pandemic, while maintaining the necessary safeguards to limit competition distortions. On this basis, the Commission approved the measure under EU State aid rules. Executive Vice-President Margrethe Vestager, in charge of competition policy, said: “Airports are among the companies that have been hit particularly hard by the coronavirus outbreak. With this measure, Latvia will contribute up to €39.7 million to reinforce Riga International Airport's equity and support the company face the economic effects of the outbreak. At the same time, the State aid will come with strings attached to limit undue distortions of competition. We continue working closely with Member States to ensure that national support measures can be put in place in a coordinated and effective way, in line with EU rules.” The full press release is available online. (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 €60 million Greek scheme to support micro, small and medium-sized enterprises affected by coronavirus outbreak

The European Commission has approved a €60 million Greek scheme to support micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (‘SMEs') affected by the coronavirus outbreak. The measure was approved under the State aid Temporary Framework. The scheme will be open to SMEs registered on the National Startup Registry “Elevate Greece”, which have started their activity by 31 December 2020 and whose activity falls under thematic areas compatible with the Research & Innovation Strategy for Smart Specialization (RIS3) of Greece. The measure is open to all sectors except the financial, primary agriculture, fishery and aquaculture sectors. The public support will take the form of direct grants. The objective of the measure is to help ensure sufficient working capital for SMEs affected by the coronavirus outbreak. The amount of the grant corresponds to 80% of working capital expenses for the reference year 2019 or 2020. The Commission found that the Greek measure is in line with the conditions set out in the Temporary Framework. In particular, (i) the support will not exceed €1.8 million per company and (ii) the aid will be granted before 31 December 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.62098 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 €200 million Cypriot schemes to support companies and self-employed affected by coronavirus outbreak

The European Commission has approved two Cypriot schemes, with a total budget of €200 million, to support companies and self-employed that had to suspend their activities due to the restrictions that the the government had to impose to limit the spread of the coronavirus. The two schemes were approved under the State aid Temporary Framework. Under the first scheme, companies and self-employed will be entitled to receive direct grants of up to €300,000 (or €800,000 for hotels whose turnover in 2019 exceeded €20 million). Under the second scheme, which will be open to self-employed persons who carry out taxable transactions of less than €15,600 per year (i.e. the ceiling under which an undertaking does not need to register for VAT purposes in Cyprus) the aid will take the form of direct grants.  Both schemes aim at addressing the liquidity needs of the beneficiaries and to help them continue their activities during and after the outbreak. The Commission found that the two schemes are in line with the conditions set out in the Temporary Framework. In particular, (i) the support will not exceed €225,000 per company active in the primary production of agriculture products, €270,000 per company active in the fishery and aquaculture sector, and €1.8 million per company active in other sectors as provided by the Temporary Framework; and (ii) the aid will be granted before 31 December 2021. The Commission concluded that the two measures are 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.61839 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 sole control over Fiebig and Gerda Nückel by Sanacorp

The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of sole control over Leopold Fiebig GmbH & Co. KG (‘Fiebig') and Gerda Nückel GmbH (‘Gerda Nückel') by Sanacorp Pharmahandel GmbH (‘Sanacorp'), all of Germany. Fiebig and Sanacorp are both full-service wholesalers of pharmaceuticals. Sanacorp is active across Germany, whereas Fiebig's activities are focused in the region around Rheinstetten, Germany. Gerda Nückel is the general partner of Fiebig. The Commission concluded that the proposed acquisition would raise no competition concerns given the moderate combined market position of the companies involved and the remaining presence of sufficient alternative wholesalers in the relevant pharmaceutical wholesaling markets. The transaction was examined under the normal merger review procedure. More information is available on the Commission's competition website, in the public case register under the case number M.10141. (For more information: Arianna Podesta – Tel. +32 229 87024; Maria Tsoni – Tel.: +32 229 90526)

Mergers: Commission clears the acquisition of Nets by Nexi

The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of Nets A/S of Denmark by Nexi S.p.A. of Italy. Nets provides, among other product and services, merchant acquiring services, point-of-sale (‘POS') terminals and enabled payment gateways, card processing services, and smart payment cards. Nexi provides payment services for merchants, cardholders and banks. The Commission concluded that the proposed acquisition would raise no competition concerns given, on the one hand, the limited horizontal overlap between the companies' activities and, on the other hand, the limited vertical effects resulting from the combination of the activities of Nexi and Nets. The transaction was examined under the normal merger review procedure. More information is available on the Commission's competition website, in the public case register under the case number M.10075. (For more information: Arianna Podesta – Tel. +32 229 87024; Maria Tsoni – Tel.: +32 229 90526)

Mergers: Commission clears acquisition of Vivartia by CVC

The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of Vivartia Holdings S.A. (‘Vivartia') of Greece by CVC Capital Partners SICAV-FIS S.A. (‘CVC') of Luxembourg. Vivartia and its subsidiaries produce and sell dairy products, juices and mixed frozen and ready-to-cook vegetable combinations. They also own and franchise several branded restaurants and coffee shops. CVC is active in the management of investment funds and platforms. The Commission concluded that the proposed acquisition would raise no competition concerns, given the limited vertical links between the companies' activities. Furthermore, a number of strong players will remain in the market after the merger. 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.10111. (For more information: Arianna Podesta – Tel. +32 229 87024; Maria Tsoni – Tel.: +32 229 90526)

Eurostat press releases