Daily News 23 / 03 / 2021

SURE: Commission welcomes Council decision to approve €230 million to Estonia

The European Commission welcomes the Council's decision to approve its proposal to provide €230 million in financial assistance to Estonia under the SURE instrument. This support will assist Estonia in covering the costs related to its short-time work scheme, other similar measures, and some health-related measures that have been introduced in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Council has now approved a total of €90.6 billion in financial assistance to 19 Member States, based on proposals from the Commission. SURE is a crucial element of the EU's comprehensive strategy to protect jobs and workers, and mitigate the severely negative socio-economic consequences of the pandemic. The Commission has already disbursed €62.5 billion to 16 Member States under SURE, and it expects to undertake most of the remaining borrowing operations in the first half of 2021. (For more information: Marta Wieczorek – Tel.: +32 229 58197; Enda McNamara – Tel.: +32 229 64976; Flora Matthaes – Tel.: +32 229 83951)

Dual food quality: Commission releases study on sensory differences in food products

Today, the Commission published the results of the second part of an EU-wide quality comparison of food products marketed under the same branding, a study conducted by the Joint Research Centre (JRC). The first part of the study, published in 2019, focused on differences in composition of food products. It found differences - for about one-third of products tested - not immediately apparent from the front-of-pack information, but from the ingredients. The aim of the second part of the study, presented today, was to find out if these compositional differences can be perceived by human senses. Today's findings did not alter what the first part of the study found: differences in food products did not follow a geographical pattern. At the same time, the results presented today demonstrate that sensory differences are clearly noticeable, where there are large differences in product composition. For example, significant differences in sugar content in breakfast cereals can be perceived influencing the overall sweetness of the product. By contrast, when compositional differences were small, experts could not perceive them, for example, smaller variations in fat content in potato crisps. Overall, sensory differences were found in 10 out of the 20 products tested. For more information, a press release is available on line. (For more information: Christian Wigand — Tel.: + 32 229 62253; Katarzyna Kolanko — Tel.: + 32 229 63444; Jördis Ferroli — Tel.: + 32 229 92729) 

Stabilité financière : la Commission lance une consultation publique sur la désignation d'un taux de remplacement légal de l'indice de référence pour le LIBOR en franc suisse

La Commission européenne a lancé aujourd'hui une consultation sur la désignation éventuelle d'un taux de remplacement légal de l'indice de référence du LIBOR en franc suisse (LIBOR CHF) dans les contrats de crédit hypothécaire. Les indices de référence, tel que le LIBOR CHF, font partie intégrante des marchés financiers : ces indices sont utilisés pour valoriser les instruments et les contrats financiers (y compris les prêts hypothécaires des ménages) ou pour mesurer la performance d'un fonds d'investissement. La Commission a récemment proposé des modifications aux règles de l'UE sur les indices de référence financiers, qui l'habilitent à désigner un indice de référence de remplacement lorsqu'un indice doit être supprimé. L'objectif est d'éviter toute perturbation de l'économie ou tout préjudice à la stabilité financière de l'UE. Étant donné que l'indice de référence LIBOR CHF cessera d'être publié en décembre 2021, la Commission consulte actuellement les acteurs de marché afin d'évaluer s'il est nécessaire de désigner un successeur au LIBOR CHF dans les prêts hypothécaires aux particuliers et dans les prêts aux petites entreprises. L'objectif est de recueillir les points de vue d'un large éventail d'acteurs du marché, en particulier les consommateurs et les associations de consommateurs, sur le taux de remplacement approprié du LIBOR CHF. Mairead McGuinness, commissaire chargée des services financiers, de la stabilité financière et de l'Union des marchés des capitaux, a déclaré : « L'Union européenne a été la première juridiction au monde à adopter une législation pour accompagner la fin du LIBOR dans les cas où le marché ne peut être laissé seul à renégocier des contrats. En contribuant à cette consultation, vous pouvez avoir votre mot à dire sur la manière dont les individus et les petites entreprises doivent être aidés afin d'assurer la continuité des contrats. » La consultation durera huit semaines. Le document est disponible en ligne et vous pouvez soumettre vos commentaires ici. (Pour plus d'informations : Daniel Ferrie – Tél. : +32 229 86500; Aikaterini Apostola – Tél. : +32 229 87624)

La Commission lance le Forum européen des médias d'information avec un dialogue sur la sécurité des journalistes

La Commission lance aujourd'hui un dialogue sur la protection des journalistes dans l'UE avec un large panel de parties prenantes, dont des journalistes et leurs associations, des entreprises de médias d'information, des représentants des conseils des médias, du Parlement européen, des États membres, des autorités de régulation ainsi que des partenaires internationaux. Věra Jourová, la vice-présidente chargée des valeurs et de la transparence qui ouvrira l'évènement, a déclaré: « Les assassinats des journalistes d'investigation Daphne Caruana Galizia et Ján Kuciak auraient dû être un signal d'alarme pour l'Union européenne. Toutefois, les menaces et les attaques contre les journalistes sont de plus en plus nombreuses, ce sont des menaces et des attaques contre la démocratie dans son ensemble. Pour la toute première fois, la Commission travaille sur une initiative consacrée à la sécurité des journalistes qui devrait apporter des améliorations tangibles sur le terrain ». Thierry Breton, commissaire chargé du marché intérieur a ajouté : « La liberté des médias ne peut être tenue pour acquise, nous devons activement la défendre, notamment à l'ère du numérique et du risque accru d'attaques en ligne. Nous devons veiller à ce que les journalistes puissent jouer leur rôle crucial dans nos démocraties en nous assurant qu'ils travaillent en pleine sécurité. Aujourd'hui nous lançons un débat sur comment accroître leur protection, faciliter leur coopération et les aider à se doter des compétences numériques requises ». Le dialogue se poursuivra jusqu'au 25 mars dans le cadre du Forum européen des médias d'information. Il s'agit d'une étape essentielle dans l'élaboration de la recommandation de la Commission aux États membres visant à assurer la protection des journalistes (en ligne et hors ligne) et à lutter contre les attaques fondées sur le sexe et les minorités dans l'UE. Celle-ci sera présentée plus tard dans l'année. Le forum et la recommandation s'inscrivent dans le cadre d'un ensemble plus large d'initiatives visant à faire face aux menaces qui pèsent sur la liberté et le pluralisme des médias dans l'UE, comme annoncé dans le plan d'action pour la démocratie européenne et pour les journalistes en particulier, avec une initiative visant à enrayer le recours abusif aux poursuites stratégiques contre la mobilisation publique ou « poursuites-bâillons ». Ce plan va de pair avec le plan d'action visant à soutenir la relance et la transformation des secteurs des médias et de l'audiovisuel de l'UE. (Pour plus d'informations: Johannes Bahrke — Tél.: + 32 229 58615; Charles Manoury — Tél.: + 32 229 13391).

Nepal, Philippines and South East Asia: EU allocates €11 million for disaster preparedness and humanitarian aid

Today the European Commission has announced it will allocate €11 million for disaster preparedness and humanitarian aid in Nepal, the Philippines, and other countries in the South East Asian region to support those affected by natural disasters, the coronavirus pandemic and conflicts. Commissioner for Crisis Management, Janez Lenarčič said: “The EU is stepping up its support to the most vulnerable affected by natural hazards in Nepal, the Philippines, and several countries in South East Asia. It is a region which is one of the most affected by natural disasters and climate change impacts globally. We also support those affected by the protracted conflict in the Philippines, while strengthening the preparation and response to the coronavirus pandemic. This aid package demonstrates the EU's continued commitment to help those in need.” Of this funding, €9 million will target disaster preparedness actions and contingency response plans in the mentioned countries; €2 million will also go for humanitarian assistance for those affected by the protracted conflict in the Philippines, strengthen the support against the coronavirus pandemic, as well as other humanitarian operations in the country. The full press release is available here. (For information: Balazs Ujvari - Tel.: +32 229 54578; Daniel Puglisi- Tel.: +32 229 69140)

Strengthening the EU's autonomy – Commission seeks input on a new anti-coercion instrument

Today, the European Commission launched a 12-week public consultation to seek input from businesses, organisations and individuals in shaping a new legal instrument to deter and counteract coercive practices by non-EU countries. This instrument would empower the Commission to apply trade, investment or other restrictions towards any non-EU country unduly interfering in the policy choices of the EU or its Member States. Executive Vice-President and Commissioner for Trade, Valdis Dombrovskis, said: “As part of our new EU trade policy approach, we have committed to being more assertive in defending our interests. The new anti-coercion instrument could be a critically important part of this approach. It could give us a strong autonomous tool to take action when our partners do not play by the rules. We strongly encourage stakeholders, in the EU and outside, to share their views on coercive practices and how best to tackle them. We need to strengthen the EU's resilience, protect our economic interests, and enhance our legitimate rights to impose countermeasures, where necessary. This is what the initiative stands for and we look forward to receiving a wide range of contributions.” More information is available here. (For more information: Miriam Garcia Ferrer – Tel.: +32 229 99075; Sophie Dirven – Tel.: +32 229 67228)

Biodiversity: Commission launches virtual Pollinator Park

Pollinator Park is an interactive digital tool to raise awareness about the alarming decline of pollinators and mobilise global action to address it. Conceived as part of the EU Pollinators Initiative, Pollinator Park should raise awareness, engage society at large and promote collaboration on wild pollinators. It helps ongoing European Green Deal efforts to address the nature and pollinator crises, notably as highlighted in the EU Biodiversity Strategy and the Farm to Fork Strategy. In particular, members of the EU's Global Coalition “United for Biodiversity” are invited to use Pollinator Park as part of their own campaigns around biodiversity loss ahead of the Fifteenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CoP 15) later this year. Commissioner for Environment, Oceans and Fisheries Virginijus Sinkevičius said: “The alarming decline of insects that pollinate crops and wild plants puts food security at risk and threatens our survival. The EU is already working hard to reverse the loss of pollinators with the European Green Deal, but we need a broad effort across the society, with contributions from scientists and experts, businesses and citizens. Pollinator Park aims to show the dangers of ‘business as usual', inviting us all to strengthen our efforts to protect pollinators and ensure a better future for ourselves and future generations.” Designed in collaboration with world-renowned ‘archibiotect' Vincent Callebaut, Pollinator Park offers a glimpse of the bleak future that awaits unless we radically change our relationship to nature. Publicly available as a web version and in virtual reality, it invites visitors to learn about pollinators, try their hand at pollination, shop for groceries in a pollinator-deprived world, and find out how they can help avoid this possible future. This new initiative attempts to harness the power of the fastest-growing media platform in the world – the world's two billion video gamers - and thus targets younger generations in particular. The Commission is currently reviewing the EU Pollinators Initiative, with a view to further strengthening actions to reverse the decline of these precious insects and a public consultation is foreseen during the second half of this year. The Zero Pollution Action Plan expected in the following months is also going to make significant contributions to halt and reverse the loss of pollinators. More information is in the news release. Visit the Pollinator Park here. (For more information: Vivian Loonela - Tel.: +32 229 66712; Daniela Stoycheva – Tel.: +32 229 53664)

Le Plan d'investissements pour l'Europe soutient la construction d'un parc éolien au large des côtes françaises

La Banque européenne d'investissement (BEI) cofinance la construction du parc éolien situé au large de Courseulles-sur-Mer en Normandie à hauteur de 350 millions d'euros. La participation de la BEI est garantie par le Fonds européen pour les investissements stratégiques, le pilier central du Plan d'investissement pour l'Europe. Le projet prévoit la construction de 64 éoliennes avec une capacité de 450 MW qui produiront l'équivalent de la consommation annuelle en électricité de 630 000 personnes, soit plus de 90% de la population du Calvados. Sa mise en service est prévue en 2024. Le chantier mobilisera plus de 1 000 emplois directs en Normandie, notamment au Havre où seront fabriquées puis assemblées les éoliennes. Le projet permettra également la création d'une centaine d'emplois durables sur le port de Caen-Ouistreham afin d'assurer les opérations de maintenance. Paolo Gentiloni, commissaire chargé de l'économie, a déclaré : « Le plan d'investissement pour l'Europe soutient la construction d'un nouveau parc éolien dans l'ouest de la France. Ce projet permettra de fournir de l'énergie propre à quelque 630 000 personnes et de créer ainsi plus de 1 000 emplois. Il s'agit d'une nouvelle étape vers la réalisation de notre objectif de neutralité climatique d'ici à 2050 et cette opération met en évidence tout le potentiel économique des mesures en faveur de l'écologie. » Jusqu'à présent, le Plan d'investissement pour l'Europe a mobilisé plus de 546,5 milliards d'euros d'investissement dans l'ensemble de l'UE, dont plus de 90 milliards en France. Le communiqué de presse est disponible en ligne. (Pour plus d'informations : Marta Wieczorek – Tél. : +32 229 58197; Flora Matthaes – Tél. : +32 229 83951)

Investment Plan for Europe backs venture capital fund investing in innovative start-ups in Germany 

The European Investment Bank (EIB) will provide up to €50 million in risk financing to venture capital fund Wachstumsfonds Bayern 2 in Bavaria, Germany. The EIB contribution is backed the European Fund for Strategic Investments (EFSI), the main pillar of the Investment Plan for Europe. Wachstumsfonds Bayern 2 has an overall target size of €165 million and will provide financial support to Bavaria's innovative start-ups, for example in robotics, digitisation, industrial manufacturing processes, artificial intelligence or life sciences, enabling them to maintain their early-mover advantage, scale up their business and continue their expansion. Executive Vice-President for An Economy that Works for People, Valdis Dombrovskis, said: “I am glad to see the support from the European Fund for Strategic Investments for Bavaria's Wachstumsfonds Bayern 2, a venture capital fund that will help finance innovative German start-ups in fields like robotics, digitisation, industrial manufacturing, artificial intelligence or life sciences to grow their operations and maintain their competitive edge. Start-ups and innovations remain central to Europe's future prosperity and a key source of new jobs.” The Investment Plan for Europe has so far mobilised €546.5 billion of investment, supporting over 1.4 million SMEs and start-ups across the EU. The press release is available online. (For more information: Marta Wieczorek – Tel.: +32 229 58197; Flora Matthaes – Tel.: +32 229 83951)

State aid: Commission approves €146.5 million Austrian support in favour of companies joining research and innovation project in microelectronics

The European Commission has approved, under EU State aid rules, €146.5 million in Austrian support in favour of three companies joining the existing Important Project of Common European Interest (‘IPCEI') in microelectronics approved by the Commission in 2018. The public funding is expected to unlock an additional €530 million of private investments, i.e. more than three and a half times the public support.  In December 2018, the Commission approved, under EU State aid rules, an IPCEI to support research and innovation in the field of microelectronics (the ‘2018 IPCEI Microelectronics'). In December 2020, Austria notified to the Commission its plans to join the 2018 IPCEI Microelectronics, by providing €146.5 million of public support to three companies (Infineon Austria, AT&S Austria and NXP Semiconductors Austria) that will carry out additional research and innovation falling within the scope and contributing to the objectives of the existing IPCEI. The joining of an already established and ongoing IPCEI by an additional Member State and projects is an exceptional circumstance. It requires a complex assessment by the Commission, to verify that the new individual projects are properly integrated in the existing roadmap and structure of the IPCEI and are genuinely adding significant value to the IPCEI in order to reach its objectives. The Commission assessed Austria's plans under EU State aid rules, more specifically its Communication on Important Projects of Common European Interest (IPCEI). It found that the projects will add significant value to the 2018 IPCEI Microelectronics and will contribute to and enhance the integration of the existing IPCEI. On this basis, the Commission concluded that the Austrian plans to join the 2018 IPCEI Microelectronics are in line with EU State aid rules. Executive Vice-President Margrethe Vestager, in charge of competition policy, said: “To deliver on the digital and green transition, we will need highly innovative and sustainable microchips and sensors for many products in our economy, ranging from mobile phones to aircraft. The Important Project of Common European Interest in microelectronics that we approved in 2018 has been supporting the development of important cutting-edge technologies in this field. The IPCEI's integration is very important for its success – we have approved additional support by Austria to three projects because they meet the high bar of adding significant value to the existing IPCEI, with important collaborations with the existing participants.” The full press release is available online. (For more information: Daniel Ferrie – Tel. +32 229 86500; Giulia Astuti – Tel.: +32 229 55344)

Aides d'État: la Commission autorise l'indemnisation d'EDF pour la fermeture anticipée de la centrale nucléaire de Fessenheim en France

La Commission européenne a autorisé, en vertu des règles de l'UE en matière d'aides d'État, la compensation accordée par la France à EDF suite à la fermeture anticipée de la centrale de Fessenheim. En 2015, la France a décidé de plafonner la capacité de production d'énergie nucléaire pour diversifier ses sources d'énergie. EDF était contraint à procéder à la fermeture de la centrale de Fessenheim, et le préjudice lié au plafonnement a été couvert par un protocole compensatoire entre l'État et l'exploitant. Le protocole prévoit plusieurs mécanismes d'ajustement du montant de la compensation: la partie fixe, d'un montant de 370.2 millions d'euros, a été intégralement versée le 14 décembre 2020; le montant de la partie variable, déterminé par des paramètres fixés dans le protocole, sera versé ultérieurement. Après avoir analysé le protocole, la Commission a conclu qu'un avantage sélectif au profit de l'exploitant (au sens de l'article 107, paragraphe 1, du Traité sur le fonctionnement de l'Union européenne (TFUE)) ne pourrait être exclu. Sans se prononcer sur l'existence d'aide, la Commission a confirmé le caractère proportionné de la mesure, pour autant que cette dernière visait à couvrir l'anticipation des coûts dument établis et justifiés. La Commission a constaté que la mesure permet de diversifier le bouquet énergétique français en stimulant la production d'électricité par d'autres sources que le nucléaire et d'optimiser les opérations de démantèlement de la centrale de Fessenheim. Elle est nécessaire et appropriée, puisqu'elle permet à la France de mettre en œuvre une politique de diversification des sources de production d'électricité, en accord avec le TFUE. La Commission a conclu que les effets positifs de la mesure l'emportent sur les éventuelles distorsions de concurrence et des échanges. Sur cette base, la Commission a autorisé la mesure en vertu des règles de l'UE en matière d'aides d'État. La version non confidentielle de la décision sera publiée sous le numéro SA.61116 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: Daniel Ferrie – Tel. +32 229 86500; Giulia Astuti – Tél.: +32 229 55344)

State aid: Commission approves €21 million Greek scheme to support operators of tourist buses and trains affected by coronavirus outbreak

The European Commission has approved a €21 million Greek scheme to support operators of tourist buses and trains affected by the coronavirus outbreak. The measure was approved under the State aid Temporary Framework. The support, which will take form of direct grants, is intended to mitigate the impact on the beneficiaries of the restrictive measures that the Greek government had to implement to limit the spread of the virus, such as ceilings in the seating capacity on trains and buses. Under the scheme, operators of tourist buses will receive a fixed amount of support per bus, depending on the seating capacity, while operators of tourist trains will be entitled to receive a fixed amount of aid per train regardless of the seating capacity. The Commission found that the Greek scheme is in line with the conditions set out in the Temporary Framework. In particular, (i) the support will not exceed €1.8 million per beneficiary as provided by the Temporary Framework; and (ii) the aid will be granted no later than 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 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.62171 in the State aid register on the Commission's competition website. (For more information: Daniel Ferrie – Tel. +32 229 86500; Giulia Astuti – Tel.: +32 229 55344; Maria Tsoni – Tel.: +32 229 90526)

State aid: Commission approves a €3.7 million Slovenian scheme to support the wine production sector affected by coronavirus outbreak

The European Commission has approved a €3.7 million Slovenian scheme to support wine producers and grape growers affected by the coronavirus outbreak. The scheme was approved under the State Aid Temporary Framework. Under the scheme, the public support will take the form of direct grants of up to €20,000 per beneficiary, to partially compensate them for their loss of income caused by the coronavirus outbreak. The aim of the scheme is to help the beneficiaries address their liquidity needs and continue their activities during and after the outbreak. The Commission found that the Slovenian scheme is in line with the conditions of the Temporary Framework. In particular, (i) the aid does not exceed €225,000 per beneficiary active in the primary agricultural sector (grape growers), and €1.8 million for all other beneficiaries; and (ii) the scheme will run 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 scheme 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.62332 in the State aid register on the Commission's competition website once any confidentiality issues have been resolved. (For more information: Daniel Ferrie – Tel. +32 229 86500; Giulia Astuti – Tel.: +32 229 55344; Maria Tsoni – Tel.: +32 229 90526)

State aid: Commission approves €38.5 million Danish scheme to support companies active in culture sector and small non-professional sporting activities affected by coronavirus outbreak

The European Commission has approved, under EU State aid rules, an approximately €38.5 million (DKK 286.6 million) Danish scheme to support companies active in the culture sector and small non-professional sporting activities affected by the coronavirus outbreak. Under the scheme, companies active in the culture sector and small non-professional sporting activities can receive a grant covering 50% of the ticket prices for activities taking place between 27 June and 9 August 2020, if they provided a 50% discount to their customers with respect to their prices on 15 June 2020. Companies organising summer camps offering culture or sports related activities to clients under 18 years old during the same period are eligible for a compensation of 25% of the participation fee if they granted a 25% discount on such fees to their customers. The Commission assessed the scheme under EU State aid rules, and in particular Article 107(3)(b) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU), which enables the Commission to approve State aid measures to remedy a serious disturbance to the economy of a Member State. The Commission found that the Danish scheme is in line with the conditions set out in the State aid Temporary Framework, as applicable at the time when the aid was granted. In particular, (i) the support does not exceed €800,000 per company; and (ii) the aid was not granted later than 31 December 2020. 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.62035 in the State aid register on the Commission's competition website once any confidentiality issues have been resolved. (For more information: Daniel Ferrie – Tel. +32 229 86500; Giulia Astuti – Tel.: +32 229 55344; Maria Tsoni – Tel.: +32 229 90526)

ANNOUNCEMENTS

President von der Leyen, Executive Vice-Presidents Timmermans and Dombrovskis and Commissioner McGuinness take part in Investing in Climate Action event

The make-or-break decade for our planet has begun. In an event co-hosted with the European Investment Bank, the President and other College members will discuss the steps to be taken between now and 2030 to avert the most devastating effects of climate change. If we act in the right way, this undertaking will yield high returns: a sustainable and resilient economy that delivers prosperity, fairness, and quality of life for all. The climate challenge demands determined action and significant investment – going far beyond current levels. But the costs of not acting will be far greater. The Investing in Climate Action conference will discuss how public and private investment mechanisms can be used to achieve a just transition to a “net-zero” emissions economy, both in the European Union and around the world. President von der Leyen, Executive Vice-Presidents Timmermans and Dombrovskis, and Commissioner McGuinness will deliver keynote speeches, which you can watch live on EbS. You can find the full agenda of the event here and read President von der Leyen and EIB President Hoyer's joint op-ed here. (For more information: Tim McPhie – Tel: +32 229 58602)

Tentative agendas for forthcoming Commission meetings - Note that these items can be subject to changes.

Eurostat press releases