Daily News 10 / 03 / 2021

Coronavirus: Commission supports Member States in tackling coronavirus hotspots with offer of four million additional doses of BioNTech-Pfizer vaccine to be delivered this month

The European Commission has reached an agreement with BioNTech-Pfizer for the supply of four million more doses of COVID-19 vaccines for Member States in the next two weeks in order to tackle coronavirus hotspots and to facilitate free border movement. The President of the Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, said: “To tackle aggressive variants of the virus and to improve the situation in hotspots, quick and decisive action is necessary. I'm happy to announce today an agreement with BioNTech-Pfizer, who will offer to Member States to make available a total of four million doses of vaccines before the end of March which will be supplied in addition to the planned dose deliveries. This will help Member States in their efforts to keep the spread of new variants under control. Through their targeted use where they are most needed, in particular in border regions, these doses will also help ensure or restore free movement of goods and people. These are key for the functioning of health systems and the Single Market.” A press release is available online. (For more information: Stefan De Keersmaecker – Tel.: +32 229 84680; Darragh Cassidy – Tel.: +32 229 83978)

Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation comes into effect today, improving the quantity and quality of information about sustainable investments

The Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation (SFDR), a cornerstone of the European Commission's Action Plan on Sustainable Finance, comes into effect today, 10 March 2021. The Regulation aims to trigger changes in behavioural patterns in the financial sector, discouraging greenwashing, and promoting responsible and sustainable investments. The SFDR will set common EU rules on: i) how financial product manufacturers and financial advisers should inform end-investors about sustainability risks, ii) how the impact of investments on the environment and society should be disclosed, and iii) how financial products that are marketed as sustainability-related actually meet that ambition. This enhanced transparency will increase awareness of financial products' sustainability credentials. While there is growing recognition of the importance of sustainability and awareness of climate-related risks and opportunities, the type of information provided to investors in the financial sector has been limited up until now, and requirements have often differed across Member States. First proposed by the Commission in May 2018, these new rules will strengthen and improve how sustainability related information is disclosed in the financial sector. These rules are part of the EU's efforts under the Sustainable Development Agenda and Carbon Neutrality Agenda, as well as its commitment to the Paris agreement, to ensure that the financial sector throws its full weight behind the fight against climate change. The Regulation will be accompanied by Regulatory Technical Standards (RTS), which are being jointly developed by the European Supervisory Authorities, and which will be applicable at a later stage. (For more information: Daniel Ferrie – Tel.: +32 229 86500; Aikaterini Apostola – Tel.: +32 229 87624)

REUNION DU COLLEGE: Action humanitaire: de nouvelles perspectives pour la fourniture de l'aide mondiale de l'UE confrontée à la pandémie de COVID-19

La Commission a proposé aujourd'hui de renforcer l'impact humanitaire mondial de l'Union européenne afin de répondre aux besoins humanitaires en forte augmentation exacerbés par la pandémie de COVID-19. La Communication  propose une série d'actions clés visant à accélérer la fourniture d'aide humanitaire en élargissant la base des ressources, en favorisant la mise en place d'un environnement plus propice pour les partenaires humanitaires et en s'attaquant aux causes profondes des crises dans le cadre de l'approche de l'« équipe d'Europe ». Elle met un accent renouvelé sur le droit international humanitaire (et a également pour objectif de lutter contre les conséquences humanitaires dramatiques du changement climatique. Le haut représentant et vice-président, Josep Borrell, a fait la déclaration suivante : « Aujourd'hui, une crise humanitaire dure plus de neuf ans en moyenne, voire plus longtemps. Nombre d'entre elles risquent de sombrer dans l'oubli, comme au Yémen ou en Syrie. Mais l'UE n'oublie pas. L'aide humanitaire est l'un des exemples les plus tangibles de l'action extérieure de l'UE et la preuve de notre solidarité. Le respect du droit international humanitaire doit être plus que jamais au cœur de notre politique étrangère afin de soutenir une action humanitaire fondée sur des principes et de protéger les civils ainsi que les travailleurs humanitaires qui risquent leur vie pour les protéger dans le monde entier. » Le commissaire à la gestion des crises, Janez Lenarčič, a quant à lui déclaré : « Dans un monde où les crises se multiplient rapidement et où les principes de l'aide humanitaire sont remis en cause comme rarement auparavant, la responsabilité de l'UE en tant qu'acteur humanitaire à l'échelle mondiale n'a jamais été aussi importante. Force est de constater à regret que les besoins atteignent un niveau record, mais que la base mondiale des donateurs reste désespérément étroite. Nous devons obtenir de meilleurs résultats, en renforçant l'efficacité et l'impact de notre action humanitaire. Nous devons être en mesure de réagir avec toute la force nécessaire dès que les crises surviennent. Cette nouvelle vision stratégique explique comment l'UE peut intensifier son action pour venir en aide à ceux qui en ont le plus besoin et montrer la voie à suivre à un moment où la fourniture d'une aide fondée sur des principes est absolument nécessaire. » L'UE mettra en place, entre autres, une nouvelle capacité de réaction humanitaire européenne afin d'intervenir directement dans les crises humanitaires, lorsque les mécanismes traditionnels d'acheminement de l'aide humanitaire par l'intermédiaire de partenaires de l'UE ou leurs capacités risquent d'être inefficaces ou insuffisants. Dans la perspective de l'adoption de la communication d'aujourd'hui, la Commission a recueilli l'avis des citoyens sur l'aide humanitaire de l'UE dans les 27 États membres. Les résultats de l'enquête montrent un soutien clair en faveur de l'action humanitaire de l'UE, 91 % des répondants ayant exprimé des avis positifs sur les activités d'aide humanitaire financées par l'UE. Plus de détails figurent dans le communiqué de presse et un document questions-réponses. (Pour plus d'informations: Balazs Ujvari — Tél.: + 32 229 54578; Massrali Nabila – Tél. : +32 229 88093 ; Daniel Puglisi- Tél.: +32 229 69140)

La Commission lève 9 milliards d'euros supplémentaires avec la deuxième émission SURE en 2021

La Commission européenne a émis une obligation d'une tranche unique pour un montant de 9 milliards d'euros, à rembourser en juin 2036 dans le cadre de l'instrument SURE de l'UE visant à protéger les emplois et les travailleurs. Il s'agit de la cinquième émission d'obligations dans le cadre du programme et de la deuxième en 2021. L'obligation a suscité un vif intérêt de la part des investisseurs, ce qui a permis une fois de plus à la Commission d'obtenir de très bonnes conditions de prix, qui sont transmises directement aux États membres de l'UE. Johannes Hahn, commissaire chargé du budget et de l'administration, a déclaré à ce propos : « La cinquième obligation SURE de l'UE vient s'ajouter à une série de réussites de l'UE en tant qu'émetteur et emprunteur à grande échelle. C'est un autre signe de confiance qui promet que la levée de fonds en faveur de NextGenerationEU sera également couronnée de succès. L'émission d'obligations SURE sûres et durables ainsi que d'obligations NextGenerationEU est un élément central de nos efforts pour soutenir la reprise de l'UE et continuer à apporter une aide à nos entreprises et à nos citoyens. » La Commission a proposé un soutien financier total de 90.6 milliards d'euros en faveur de 19 États membres. À ce jour, la Commission a versé un montant total de 53,5 milliards d'euros à 15 États membres de l'UE: Italie, Espagne, Pologne, Grèce, Croatie, Lituanie, Chypre, Slovénie, Malte, Lettonie, Belgique, Roumanie, Hongrie, Portugal et Slovaquie, à la suite des quatre premières émissions de l'UE SURE. Plus de détails figurent dans le communiqué de presse. (Pour plus d'informations: Balazs Ujvari – Tel.: +32 460 760296; Claire Joawn – Tel.: +32 460 756859)

Coronavirus: EU support to innovators shows promising results

At a virtual media event today, Mariya Gabriel, Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth, presented how the European Innovation Council pilot and the European Institute of Innovation and Technology are supporting innovators to tackle the coronavirus pandemic and its societal impact. In the past year, the Commission has invested €226 million through both these EU bodies to support innovative start-ups and small and medium-sized businesses. Many of the projects have already generated promising results: ViruShield, from Germany, has developed a reusable, self-cleaning personal protective equipment that removes 95% of particles and droplets. Advitos, also from Germany, developed a blood purification therapy which reduces the need for ventilator support and increases the survival rate of patients with a severe infection by up to 30%. RapCo-19, from Ireland, has developed an antibody platform to help identify the optimal antibodies to treat severe cases. The Danish company BluSense Diagnostics developed a nanotechnology-based blood test platform for diagnosis of infectious diseases that works with a single drop of blood within minutes. Other Danish entrepreneurs developed a new respiratory suctioning system that can cut healthcare costs. An AI-based virtual management centre for hospitalised COVID-19 patients has demonstrated a 50% reduction in mortality rate. And a start-up from Hungary, Entremo, which was among the winners of the #EUvsVirus Hackathon, has developed a smart monitoring device that allows to monitor patients remotely. Commissioner Gabriel said: “The coronavirus pandemic has created unprecedented challenges that require innovative ideas. The rapid investments to innovative start-ups and projects through the European Innovation Council and the European Institute of Innovation and Technology have unlocked a range of breakthrough ideas to tackle the crisis and to speed up European and global recovery.” The support is part of the Commission's €1.4 billion pledge to the Coronavirus Global Response, launched last year by President Ursula von der Leyen. €1 billion comes from Horizon 2020 to develop vaccines, new treatments and diagnostic tools. These efforts also build on past and ongoing EU funded research related to coronaviruses and outbreaks. More information is available here and in a factsheet. (For more information: Johannes Bahrke – Tel.: +32 229 58615; Marietta Grammenou – Tel.: +32 229 83583)

La Commission salue l'adoption par le Parlement européen du programme « L'UE pour la santé » (EU4Health)

La Commission se félicite du vote intervenu aujourd'hui au Parlement européen sur le programme « L'UE pour la santé » (EU4Health), qui marque une étape importante vers la mise à disposition de 5,1 milliards d'euros pour accroître la résilience des systèmes de santé et promouvoir l'innovation dans ce secteur. Le programme « L'UE pour la santé » contribuera de manière significative à la relance post-COVID-19 en améliorant la santé de la population de l'UE, en soutenant la lutte contre les menaces sanitaires transfrontières et en renforçant l'état de préparation et la capacité de l'UE à réagir efficacement aux futures crises sanitaires, dans le cadre d'une future union européenne de la santé qui se veut forte. Vous trouverez de plus amples informations dans un communiqué de presse. (Pour plus d'informations: Stefan De Keersmaecker – Tél.: +32 229 84680; Darragh Cassidy – Tél.: +32 229 83978)

La Commission salue l'approbation du programme InvestEU par le Parlement européen

La Commission européenne salue le vote intervenu hier au Parlement européen, qui confirme l'accord politique sur le programme InvestEU dégagé en décembre 2020. Le programme InvestEU dotera l'UE d'un financement à long terme essentiel, mobilisant des investissements privés au soutien de la relance et contribuant à construire une économie européenne qui soit plus verte, davantage axée sur le numérique et plus résiliente. Grâce à une garantie budgétaire de l'UE, le programme InvestEU mobilisera des fonds privés et publics substantiels pour soutenir les investissements et créer des emplois, s'appuyant sur la mise en œuvre réussie du Fonds européen pour les investissements stratégiques (EFSI). Il procurera et attirera des financements à long terme en cohérence avec les politiques de l'UE et contribuera à la reprise après une profonde crise économique et sociale. InvestEU comprendra une garantie budgétaire de 26,2 milliards d'EUR financée par des ressources de l'instrument NextGenerationEU et par le cadre financier pluriannuel. Le total des investissements à mobiliser sur cette base est estimé à plus de 372 milliards d'euros dans l'ensemble de l'UE, dont 30 % contribueront à la réalisation des objectifs climatiques. Le Conseil doit à présent, lui aussi, approuver formellement l'accord conclu, avant que les présidents du Conseil ECOFIN et du Parlement européen puissent le signer. Un communiqué de presse, un document questions-réponses et un site web dédié à InvestEU sont disponibles en ligne. (Pour plus d'informations: Marta Wieczorek – Tél.: +32 229 58197; Flora Matthaes – Tél.: +32 229 83951)

Investment Plan for Europe supports new financing for the cultural and creative sectors in Hungary

The European Investment Fund has signed a guarantee agreement with Magyar Vállalkozásfejlesztési Alapítvány (MVA) that will provide €8.2 million (HUF 3000 million) to support Hungarian small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) in the cultural and creative sector sustain jobs and recover faster from the coronavirus pandemic.  The agreement is backed by the European Commission under the Cultural and Creative Sectors Guarantee Facility and the European Fund for Strategic Investments, a part of the Investment Plan for Europe. It will allow MVA to increase its lending to Hungarian SMEs and small public enterprises in the cultural and creative sectors, particularly hit by the coronavirus pandemic. It will also help smaller media businesses to obtain better access to finance and overcome the challenges they are facing due to the crisis. Commissioner for Internal Market, Thierry Breton, said: “The COVID-19 pandemic continues to heavily affect SMEs in the culture and creative sector. Today's agreement with Magyar Vállalkozásfejlesztési Alapítvány, supported by EFSI under the EU Cultural and Creative Sectors Guarantee Facility, will help the recovery and support jobs in Hungary's culture and creative sector. By enhancing their access to finance, cultural and creative businesses will be enabled to continue to contribute to Europe's rich creative landscape.” The EU Cultural and Creative Sectors Guarantee Facility benefits micro-businesses and SMEs in the cultural and creative sectors, which often face difficulties in accessing affordable debt financing for their projects. The initiative is expected to create more than €2 billion of new loans and other financial products for final beneficiaries through the guarantee's catalytic effect. The Investment Plan for Europe has so far mobilised €546.5 billion of investment across the EU. The press release is available here. (For more information: Johannes Bahrke – Tel.: +32 229 58615; Marietta Grammenou – Tel.: +32 229 83583)

Commission publishes 2020 General Report on the activities of the European Union

Today, the Commission has published the 2020 edition of the EU General Report, a year marked by the COVID-19 pandemic. The report details the EU's concerted response to the health and economic crisis, explaining the actions taken in Europe and across the world. Over 1,350 measures were adopted to mitigate the crisis, and protect lives and livelihoods. The EU budget was mobilised to its fullest to provide direct financial support to Member States in need, and through the SURE initiative, more than €90 billion of financial support was approved in 2020 to preserve jobs and support families. The EU agreed a reinforced long-term budget for 2021-2027, as well as NextGenerationEU, the temporary recovery instrument of €750 billion. Together, they form the largest stimulus package ever financed through the EU budget, of €1.8 trillion. In 2020, the EU rallied world leaders via the Coronavirus Global Response, the global action for universal access to affordable coronavirus vaccination, treatment and testing, strengthening health systems and supporting the global economic recovery. Almost €16 billion in pledges were raised. The Commission concluded agreements with six companies to secure a wide range of safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines for EU citizens, and vaccinations started before the end of 2020. In parallel, the Commission showed its solidarity with global partners by contributing to the COVAX Facility for equitable access to affordable COVID-19 vaccines. Together with the EU Member States and the European Investment Bank, Team Europe has so far allocated more than €2.2 billion to COVAX, making the EU its biggest donor from the start. The Report also shows how the EU delivered on its key political priorities in 2020, including progress towards making Europe the first climate-neutral continent by 2050 while also boosting growth, providing new and better jobs and improving people's well-being. With the European Digital Strategy, the EU announced new initiatives to make the digital transformation work for everyone while helping to achieve the EU's climate targets, and ensure that Europe maximises its full digital potential. In 2020, the EU also launched many new initiatives spanning healthcare, social integration and the fight against threats to European security, and has been actively engaged in achieving a Union of Equality. 2020 saw growing momentum in relations with Africa, with a new vision proposed for the future EU-Africa partnership. The EU also proposed a new EU-U.S. agenda for global change and concluded in principle the negotiations for a Comprehensive Agreement on Investment with China. It also reached an agreement with the United Kingdom on trade and cooperation. It is available in all official languages of the EU as a fully illustrated book and in an interactive online version. (For more information: Dana Spinant - Tel.: +32 2299 0150)

Aides d'État: la Commission autorise un régime d'aides français de 2 milliards d'euros à l'appui des coûts fixes non couverts des entreprises touchées par la pandémie de coronavirus

La Commission européenne a autorisé un régime d'aides français à l'appui des coûts fixes non couverts des entreprises touchées par la pandémie de coronavirus. Ce régime a été autorisé en vertu de l'encadrement temporaire des aides d'État. Le soutien public prendra la forme de subventions directes. La mesure permettra aux autorités françaises de soutenir les entreprises ayant subi entre janvier 2021 et novembre 2021 une baisse mensuelle de leur chiffre d'affaires d'au moins 30 % par rapport à la période correspondante précédant la pandémie de coronavirus. L'aide aidera les bénéficiaires à payer 70 % (90 % dans le cas des micro- et petites entreprises) de leurs coûts fixes qui ne sont pas couverts par les recettes, avec un plafond de 10 millions d'euros par entreprise. 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 en vertu des règles de l'UE en matière d'aides d'État. M^me Margrethe Vestager, vice-présidente exécutive chargée de la politique de concurrence, a déclaré: «De nombreuses entreprises françaises ont enregistré une baisse significative de leurs recettes en raison des restrictions qui ont dû être mises en place par la France pour limiter la propagation du coronavirus. Ce régime d'aides de 2 milliards d'euros permettra à la France de soutenir ces entreprises, en les aidant à couvrir les coûts fixes qui ne sont pas couverts par leurs recettes. Nous continuons à travailler en étroite coopération avec les États membres afin de trouver des solutions pratiques permettant d'atténuer les répercussions économiques de la pandémie de coronavirus, dans le respect de la réglementation de l'UE.» Le communiqué de presse est disponible en ligne. (Pour plus d'informations: Arianna Podesta – Tél.: +32 229 87024; Maria Tsoni – Tél.: +32 229 90526; Giulia Astuti – Tél.: +32 229 55344)

State aid: Commission approves €70 million German scheme to support roll-out of infrastructure for mobile communication services in German Land of Lower Saxony

The European Commission has approved, under EU State aid rules, a €70 million German aid scheme to support the deployment of high-performance mobile networks in unserved areas of the German Land of Lower Saxony. The scheme aims to support the provision of 4G or higher 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, public entities, mobile network operators (“MNOs”) as well as specialised construction companies (such as tower companies) will receive funds in the form of direct grants to build and/or operate the mobile infrastructure. The aid to the private entities will be awarded following open, transparent and non-discriminatory tenders. The use of the supported infrastructure will be open to all interested MNOs on equal and non-discriminatory terms. Furthermore, the MNOs commit to use the aid only in areas outside their coverage obligations, which guarantees 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 result in a significant improvement in connectivity. On this basis, the Commission has concluded that the measure is in line with EU State aid rules and will contribute to the EU's objectives of providing access to mobile services in homes and workplaces, including in remote rural areas. At the same time, the scheme will help reduce important inequalities and the digital divide in the Land of Lower Saxony. The non-confidential version of the decision will be made available under the case number SA. 56426 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)

State aid: Commission approves prolongation of Greek bank guarantee scheme

The European Commission has authorised, under EU State aid rules, the prolongation of the Greek guarantee scheme for credit institutions until 31 May 2021. The liquidity situation of the Greek banks is gradually improving, but challenges still remain, also in view of the coronavirus outbreak. In this context, the Commission has found that the prolongation of the guarantee scheme is in line with EU State aid rules, i.e. the 2013 Banking Communication, in particular because the prolonged measure is targeted, proportionate and limited in time and scope. The Commission is authorising guarantee schemes on banks' liabilities for successive periods of six months in order to be able to monitor developments and adjust conditions accordingly. The scheme is available for banks with no capital shortfall. The Greek guarantee scheme was initially approved in November 2008. The authorisation of the scheme was prolonged several times, the last time in June 2020. More information will be available on the Commission's competition website, in the public case register under the case number SA.59030. (For more information: Arianna Podesta – Tel. +32 229 87024; Giulia Astuti – Tel.: +32 229 55344)

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Commissioners Breton, Reynders and Johansson to participate in informal videoconference of Justice and Home Affairs Ministers, Justice Day 11 March

An informal videoconference of EU Justice Ministers will take place on Thursday 11 March. The first part of the meeting will focus on the digitalisation of justice, namely e-evidence and e-Codex, and judicial training. Following this, Commissioner Reynders will present a non-paper on the state of play of the setting up of the European Public Prosecutor's Office. In addition, Commissioner Reynders will be joined by Commissioners Breton and Johansson, who will intervene on illegal content online in the context of the Digital Services Act proposal, and the retention of electronic communication data, respectively. The informal ministerial meeting will also be an opportunity for Commissioner Reynders to debrief ministers on the progress of the Commission's work on the 2021 Rule of Law Report and the two draft adequacy decisions for transfers of personal data to the U.K. A press conference with Commissioner Reynders will take place after the meeting at +/- 16:45 which will be live on EbS. (For more information: Adalbert Jahnz - Tel.: + 32 229 53156; Christian Wigand – Tel.: +32 229 62253)

Commissioners Reynders and Johansson participate in the 17th European Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Terrorism event in Madrid

Tomorrow, the Commission is organising an event in Madrid to mark the 17th European Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Terrorism. As every year, this event brings together survivors of terrorism, including people who were the target of an attack and those who have lost loved ones, as well as victims' associations, first responders, and European and Member States' representatives, to share their stories and experiences. This year, the event will take place under the theme ‘Always United'. Commissioner for Justice, Didier Reynders, and Commissioner for Home Affairs, Ylva Johansson, will speak at the event, with Commissioner Reynders participating by video message and Commissioner Johansson travelling to Madrid. The audience will also hear speeches from representatives of the EU and Member States, civil society, as well as testimony from first responders. The European Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Terrorism is an annual event to commemorate the victims of terrorism worldwide. On this day in 2004, the Madrid bombings took place claiming the lives of 193 people and injuring thousands more. The Commission statement on the European Day of Remembrance for the Victims of Terrorism is available here. The event will start at 9.30 CET and will be broadcast on EbS and available to livestream on Twitter. (For more information: Christian Wigand - Tel.: +32 229 62253; Adalbert Jahnz – Tel.: + 32 229 53156)