Daily News 16 / 04 / 2021

Système d'échange de quotas d'émission de l'UE : Les émissions de gaz à effet de serre ont baissé de 13,3 % en 2020

Les émissions de gaz à effet de serre des opérateurs couverts par le système d'échange de quotas d'émission de l'UE (SEQE-UE) ont diminué de 13,3 % en 2020 par rapport à 2019. La réduction globale résulte d'une baisse de 11,2 % des émissions des installations fixes et d'une baisse extraordinaire de 64,1 % des émissions de l'aviation. Le secteur de l'électricité a connu une baisse de 14,9 % des émissions, reflétant à la fois la réduction de la consommation d'électricité due à la pandémie et la transition entre la production d'électricité à partir du charbon vers celle à base de gaz naturel, ainsi que le remplacement des combustibles fossiles par des sources d'énergie renouvelables. Si cette forte réduction des émissions est en partie due à la pandémie de COVID-19, elle distingue le SEQE comme l'un de nos outils de politique climatique les plus efficaces. La Commission fera des propositions pour renforcer et éventuellement étendre le SEQE en juin, lors de la présentation du paquet législatif « Fit for 55 », afin d'adapter notre panoplie de mesures à notre ambition climatique accrue. Le SEQE constitue la pierre angulaire de la politique de l'UE en matière de lutte contre le changement climatique. Il couvre les émissions de plus de 10 000 centrales électriques, installations industrielles et compagnies aériennes qui, ensemble, génèrent environ 40 % des émissions de gaz à effet de serre de l'UE.  Les données relatives aux émissions vérifiées pour 2020, communiquées par les opérateurs, sont disponibles sur le site Web du journal des transactions de l'Union européenne. Plus d'informations sur les données SEQE pour 2020 sont disponibles ici. (Pour plus d'informations: Tim McPhie – Tél: +32 229 58602; Lynn Rietdorf – Tél: +32 229 74959; Ana Crespo Parrondo – Tél: +32 229 81325)

EU Cohesion policy: support measures for recovery and green and digital transition approved for Bulgaria, Finland, France and Lithuania

The Commission has approved the modification of four Operational Programmes (OPs) that will increase the funding available for investments from REACT-EU by nearly €562.5 million. The funds continue and extend the crisis response and repair measures delivered through the Coronavirus Response Investment Initiative. The Commissioner for Cohesion and Reforms, Elisa Ferreira said: “The resources that the four countries will receive will help them create a bridge towards long-term recovery. I encourage other countries to take advantage of the opportunities provided by REACT-EU to help ensure a fair and inclusive recovery as well as the green and digital transitions.” In Bulgaria, the amendment to the Regions in Growth Operational Programme will support long-term infrastructure changes, as well as investments in modern health care services. In Finland, the modification of the Sustainable Growth and Jobs Operational Programme will support research and innovation, SME resilience, and workers' skills for the digital and green transition. Åland's structural funds programme modification will target youth employment and SMEs. In France, the amendment of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur (PACA) Operational Programme will finance research & development projects related to the pandemic, invest in SMEs, ensure sustainable mobility, and boost the digital economy. In Lithuania, the changes to the Operational Programme for EU Funds will expand e-business models and invest in research and development of new anti-COVID 19 products. It will also provide better access to efficient and innovative healthcare and boost active labour market policy measures. As part of NextGenerationEU, REACT-EU provides a top-up of €47.5 billion (€50.5 billion in current prices) to Cohesion policy programmes in 2021 and 2022. Measures focus on supporting labour market resilience, jobs, SMEs and low-income families, as well as the green and digital transitions and a sustainable socio-economic recovery. (For more information: Tim McPhie – Tel: +32 229 58602; Marta Wieczorek – Tel.: +32 229 58197; Claire Joawn - Tel: +32 229 56859; Enda McNamara – Tel.: +32 229 64976)

Crédit à la consommation: Plus d'un tiers des sites web examinés en violation potentielle du droit

Aujourd'hui, la Commission européenne et les autorités nationales chargées de la protection des consommateurs ont publié les résultats d'un examen à l'échelle de l'UE de 118 sites web proposant des crédits à la consommation en ligne. L'objectif de cet examen était de vérifier les offres sur des appareils tels que les tablettes ou les smartphones, et de vérifier si les marchands respectent les règles de l'UE en matière de protection des consommateurs en ce qui concerne les informations standard dans le domaine de la publicité en ligne pour le crédit à la consommation. Il a été constaté que plus d'un tiers (36 %) des sites web examinés enfreignaient potentiellement le droit de la consommation de l'UE. Des informations clés telles que le coût du crédit, les taux d'intérêt ou l'existence d'une assurance obligatoire étaient soit manquantes, soit peu claires. En outre, les sites web n'indiquaient pas toujours s'il existait des mesures extraordinaires liées à la COVID-19 affectant le crédit à la consommation, telles que la possibilité de demander un délai de remboursement des acomptes. Les autorités nationales chargées de la protection des consommateurs assureront le suivi des cas signalés d'irrégularités potentielles sur la base de leurs règles nationales. Didier Reynders, commissaire chargé de la justice, a déclaré: «Les solutions de crédit rapide prospèrent en ligne. Bien que cela soit pratique pour les consommateurs, nous constatons qu'environ un tiers de ces offres n'informent pas les consommateurs de manière appropriée. Le droit à l'information est devenu encore plus important, compte tenu également de la crise de la COVID-19. En vertu du droit de l'Union, les consommateurs ont droit à des informations complètes et claires sur le coût et les conditions des contrats.» Dans le cadre du Nouvel agenda du consommateur, la Commission travaille à la révision de la Directive sur le crédit à la consommation, qui a fait l'objet d'une évaluation en novembre 2020. Plus d'informations sur l'examen des offres de crédit en ligne à l'échelle de l'UE sont disponibles en ligne, ainsi que des données récentes sur l'appréciation des marchés du crédit à la consommation par les consommateurs. (Pour plus d'informations : Christian Wigand — Tel. + 32 229 62253; Katarzyna Kolanko — Tel.: + 32 229 63444; Jördis Ferroli — Tel.: + 32 229 92729)

EU allocates an additional €9 million to support the most vulnerable in Myanmar following the coup d'état

Today the EU has stepped up its response to assist those in need in Myanmar in the context of the recent military coup, with the allocation of an additional €9 million in emergency humanitarian aid to support the most vulnerable. The critical reinforcement of the EU's response comes on top of a funding package of €11.5 million provided at the start of 2021, to support key humanitarian and disaster preparedness needs in the country, bringing EU humanitarian assistance in Myanmar to a total of €20.5 million in 2021 so far. Commissioner for Crisis Management, Janez Lenarčič, said: "The violent military junta that has overthrown the legitimate government in Myanmar has been merciless in killing innocent civilians, in egregious violations of International Humanitarian Law that exacerbates the already dire humanitarian crisis faced by displaced and conflict-affected populations. The EU condemns the despicable acts of violence by the coup d'état, and meanwhile reaffirms its will to continue providing strong humanitarian support through its humanitarian partners directly to the most vulnerable population, who also face recurrent natural hazards that further increase their needs. At this crucial and pressing time, the EU is showing up for the people of Myanmar by significantly stepping up its support in humanitarian assistance.” The funding will be used to respond to urgent humanitarian needs in the sectors of emergency health support, protection, food security, and multi-sector emergency assistance. Via this additional allocation, the EU is stepping up its response in the conflict-affected areas, and also in urban settings, where indiscriminate violence has been used by the Myanmar security forces. You can access the full press release here and consult the Myanmar Factsheet (For more information: Balazs Ujvari – Tel.: +32 229 54578; Gesine Knolle – Tel.: +32 229 54323)

Conclusion des négociations post-Cotonou sur un nouvel accord de partenariat UE - Afrique-Caraïbes-Pacifique

La commissaire aux partenariats internationaux, Jutta Urpilainen, et le ministre togolais des affaires étrangères, Robert Dussey, les négociateurs en chef, ont paraphé hier le nouvel accord de partenariat entre l'UE et les membres de l'Organisation des États d'Afrique, des Caraïbes et du Pacifique (OEACP, anciennement groupe des États ACP). Ceci marque la conclusion officielle des négociations de l'accord post-Cotonou, qui fixe le cadre de coopération politique, économique et sectorielle pour les vingt prochaines années. La commissaire aux partenariats internationaux et négociatrice en chef de l'UE, Jutta Urpilainen, a déclaré à cet égard: « Ce nouveau partenariat global conclu avec le plus grand groupe de pays partenaires constitue une avancée politique majeure et marque un tournant. Au plus près des réalités et défis internationaux les plus récents, l'accord devrait changer la donne en ce qui concerne le renforcement des relations bilatérales que l'UE entretient avec chacun des États OEACP et leurs régions respectives, érigeant le partenariat OEACP-UE en une force internationale pour faire progresser les ambitions communes des parties sur la scène mondiale. » Les partenaires ont renforcé leurs engagements dans des domaines prioritaires tels que les droits de l'homme, la démocratie et la gouvernance, la paix et la sécurité, le développement humain, qui englobe la santé, l'éducation et l'égalité entre les hommes et les femmes, ainsi que la viabilité environnementale, le changement climatique, le développement et la croissance durables, la migration et la mobilité. L'accord devrait être signé au second semestre de 2021. Un communiqué de presse est disponible en ligne avec un document questions-réponses. Vous pouvez également retrouver sur EbS le point presse tenu hier par la commissaire Urpilainen et le ministre Dussey, la cérémonie de paraphe et des photos. (Pour plus d'informations : Nabila Massrali — Tél.: + 32 229 88093; Gesine Knolle — Tél.: + 32 229 54323)

Commissioners Schmit and Breton host Pact for Skills roundtable with industry and other stakeholders' representatives from the retail ecosystem

Yesterday, Commissioners Schmit and Breton hosted a high-level roundtable on the Pact for Skills with the retail ecosystem. This is part of a series of sectoral roundtables to foster stakeholder involvement under the Pact for Skills. Announced under the European Skills Agenda adopted by the Commission on 1 July 2020, the Pact was launched on 10 November. The objective of the Pact is to mobilise all relevant actors – industrial, social, regional and education partners – to assist businesses in developing the right skill-set for their employees to ensure a sustainable, social and resilient recovery from the coronavirus pandemic. Skills Partnerships established under the Pact will benefit from support services for networking, expertise and guidance, including information on EU funding opportunities. Retail and wholesale have been identified as an important industrial ecosystem that could form a large-scale skills partnership under the Pact because of the severe consequences the pandemic had on these sectors, the impact of the digital transition on the evolution of the ecosystem. There are already good examples of successful initiatives on skills implemented by the industrial players, such as an EU-funded exchange programme of French vocational high schools with other European schools and a big furniture retailer. Upskilling (improving existing skills) and reskilling (training in new skills) are important drivers for the recovery from the pandemic and for the long-term restructuring of the sector. The meeting showed a strong engagement from all parties to work together to ensure the reskilling and upskilling of employees in the retail ecosystem. Participants underlined the importance of the retail sector in local economies, as it provides jobs in the community. They also highlighted how technology is transforming the sector and requiring workers to continuously upskill and reskill. (For more information: Marta Wieczorek – Tel.: +32 229 58197; Sonya Gospodinova – Tel.: +32 229 66953; Enda McNamara – Tel.: +32 229 64976; Célia Dejond – Tel.: +32 229 88199) 

Aides d'État: La Commission autorise un régime d'aide français d'un montant de 120 millions d'euros destiné à soutenir les médias d'information

La Commission européenne a autorisé, en vertu des règles de l'UE en matière d'aides d'État, un régime français de soutien à la presse d'information. La mesure prévoit la création d'un crédit d'impôt sur le revenu correspondant à 30% du prix d'un premier abonnement à toute publication (journal quotidien, périodique ou service presse en ligne) d'information politique et générale («IPG»). Le régime d'aide, doté d'un budget estimé à 120 millions d'euros, prendra fin le 31 décembre 2022. Les montants agrégés des recettes afférentes à ces nouveaux abonnements reçus par chaque éditeur constituent une aide d'État au sens des règles de l'UE. La Commission a analysé la mesure au regard de l'article 107(3)(c) du traité sur le fonctionnement de l'Union européenne (TFUE), qui autorise les aides d'État lorsqu'elles facilitent le développement de certaines activités ou de certaines régions économiques. La Commission a constaté que la mesure facilitera le développement du secteur des médias d'information, en particulier les médias d'information politique et générale, et contribuera à promouvoir le pluralisme des médias et l'indépendance éditoriale, qui sont essentiels au fonctionnement d'une société démocratique. La Commission a conclu que les effets positifs de la mesure l'emportent sur les éventuels effets négatifs en termes de distorsion de la concurrence. Sur cette base, la Commission a autorisé le régime d'aide 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.59065 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. (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 €50 million Hungarian ‘umbrella' scheme to support companies affected by the coronavirus outbreak

The European Commission has approved a €50 million (approximately HUF 18 billion) Hungarian ‘umbrella' scheme to support companies in the context of the coronavirus outbreak. The scheme was approved under the State aid Temporary Framework. The scheme consists of two measures: (i) support in the form of direct grants; and (ii) support for uncovered fixed costs to companies that suffered a decline in turnover during the eligible period (i.e. all or part of the period between 1 March 2020 to 31 December 2021) of at least 30%, compared to the same period in 2019. The scheme is open to companies of all sizes active in all sectors except for the financial sector and covers the entire territory of Hungary. The aim of the scheme is to help the beneficiaries to address their liquidity needs and continue their activity during and after the outbreak. The Commission found that the Hungarian scheme is in line with the conditions set out in the Temporary Framework. In particular, with respect to the first measure, the aid will not exceed €225,000 per company active in the primary production sector of agricultural products, €270,000 per company active in the fisheries and aquaculture sector and €1.8 million per company active in all other sectors. With respect to the second measure, (i) the aid will not exceed €10 million per company; and (ii) the aid intensity will not exceed 90% of the uncovered fixed costs of micro and small companies, or 70% of all other companies. Aid under both measures will be granted no later than 31 December 2021. The Commission concluded that the 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 of 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.62363 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)

State aid: Commission approves €150 million Portuguese scheme to support companies in Azores region affected by coronavirus outbreak

The European Commission has approved under EU State aid rules a €150 million Portuguese scheme to support companies in the region of the Azores, which have been affected by the coronavirus outbreak. The scheme was approved under the State aid Temporary Framework. The support, which will take the form of a direct grant, is intended to mitigate the negative impact on companies active in the region of the Azores due to the restrictive measures imposed by the Portuguese authorities to limit the spread of the virus. According to the scheme, companies that were the beneficiaries of the credit lines decided at the national level and approved by the Commission in April 2020 (SA.56873) and December 2020 (SA.59795) will receive a fixed amount of aid. This will be calculated on the basis of the regional minimum wage for each full-time employee and of the size of the companies concerned. The aid will only be granted to the applicant who can prove that it has maintained at least 90% of its net employment level between March 2020 and December 2020 included. The maximum amount of aid should not exceed €750.000 per individual company or €1 million per group of companies belonging to the same corporate group. The Commission found that the Portuguese scheme is in line with the conditions set out in the Temporary Framework in particular the support (i) will not exceed €1.8 million per beneficiary, and (ii) 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.62090 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)

ANNOUNCEMENTS

EU-Africa Business Forum 2021 on green energy transition: almost 2,000 participants registered

The 2021 EU-Africa Business Forum, as a key platform of our renewed EU-Africa relationship, is taking place online on 16, 20 and 21 April. It will feature high-level speakers and assemble over 2,000 registered participants, from regional bodies, public administrations, trade associations and energy businesses. Together they will focus on a top priority for governments and businesses in both Africa and Europe – the transition to green energy and clean energy access. The Forum will combine high-level public-private dialogue with concrete business opportunities, matching demand for project financing with supply from both public and private sources. It will comprise two events co-hosted with the African Union Commission and the Portuguese Presidency of the Council of the EU. On 16 April, Executive Vice-President Frans Timmermans will represent the European Commission at the High-Level Green Talk on Accelerating the EU-Africa Partnership for Green Energy Transition in Africa. On 20 and 21 April, the Forum will host a virtual marketplace for African and EU green energy project promoters and 34 public and private partner organisations. Company representatives will be able to exchange ideas, explore partnerships and seek funding for green energy projects in Africa. The EU-Africa Business Forum events will close the recent series of Green Talks organised by the Portuguese EU Council Presidency, in the run-up to a High-Level EU-Africa Green Investment Forum on 23 April, at which Jutta Urpilainen, Commissioner for International Partnerships will deliver a speech in the first panel. The key outcomes and recommendations of these events will feed into the political discussions ahead of the next EU-AU Summit. To register for the Green Talk on 16 April, click here. To register for the digital marketplace on 20-21 April, click here. (For more information: Nabila Massrali — Tel.: + 32 229 88093 ; Ana Pisonero — Tel.: +32 2 295 43 20; Gesine Knolle – Tel.: +32 229 54323)

The European Cybersecurity Competence Centre and Network moves forward: future Governing Board meets for the first time

Today, the European Commission is organising an informal virtual meeting of the future Governing Board of the European Cybersecurity Competence Centre, gathering representatives from Member States, the Commission and the European Union Agency for Cybersecurity, ENISA. The meeting is focusing on the preparations for the establishment of the Centre and will discuss the next steps, including practical aspects and the rules of procedure. It follows the political agreement in December on the Cybersecurity Competence Centre and Network, an initiative that aims to improve technology and industrial cybersecurity capacities of the EU and help create a safe online environment. The Competence Centre, which will be located in Bucharest, together with the Network of National Coordination Centres will contribute to strengthening European cybersecurity capacities as well as boosting research excellence and the competitiveness of the Union's industry in this field. It will also manage part of the funding that is dedicated to cybersecurity from the Digital Europe Programme and Horizon Europe, as well as funds contributed by the Member States. The European Cybersecurity Competence Centre and Network is expected to be officially launched in June, subject to formal approval by the European Parliament and the Council of the EU. The Governing Board of the Centre will be composed of representatives from the Member States (27 members), the Commission (two members) and ENISA (one member). The Commission will set up and run the Centre until it can operate independently. More information is available here. (For more information: Johannes Bahrke – Tel.: +32 229 58615; Marietta Grammenou – Tel.: +32 229 83583) 

Supervisory convergence and the single rulebook: Commission hosts online event on European financial supervision

The Commission will host tomorrow a virtual event dedicated to European financial supervision. Since 2011 when the three European Supervisory Authorities (ESAs) were created, considerable progress has been made on both supervisory convergence and the single rulebook. Nevertheless, continued and appropriately targeted efforts are required to ensure further progress. The conference will be an opportunity to discuss the impact of the recent changes in the ESAs regulations and remaining challenges in order to foster more supervisory convergence and enhance the single rulebook. Commissioner McGuinness will open the event with a keynote speech, followed by a discussion between five panellists from EU institutions, finance ministries, national supervisors and a think-tank. Participants are welcome to ask questions to @EU_Finance using the hashtag #CMUsupervision. You can find out more via the Conference's webpage. On 12 March, the Commission launched a consultation to seek views on the functioning of the ESAs, on certain aspects related to the 2019 ESAs review and more widely on supervisory convergence and the single rulebook. (For more information: Daniel Ferrie – Tel.: 32 229 86500; Aikaterini Apostola – Tel.: +32 229 87624)

CALENDRIER – activités hebdomadaires des Commissaires

Eurostat: communiqués de presse