Daily News 06 / 07 / 2021

REUNION DU COLLEGE: La Commission présente une nouvelle stratégie pour rendre le système financier de l'UE plus durable et propose une nouvelle norme de l'UE en matière d'obligations vertes

La Commission européenne a adopté aujourd'hui un ensemble de mesures pour relever son niveau d'ambition en matière de finance durable. Tout d'abord, la nouvelle stratégie en matière de finance durable prévoit une série d'initiatives pour lutter contre le changement climatique et relever d'autres défis environnementaux, tout en renforçant les investissements – ainsi que l'inclusion des petites et moyennes entreprises (PME) – dans la transition de l'UE vers une économie durable. La proposition de norme de l'UE en matière d'obligations vertes, également adoptée aujourd'hui, vise ensuite à créer une norme d'application volontaire de haute qualité pour les obligations servant à financer des investissements durables. La Commission a enfin adopté aujourd'hui, sur le fondement de l'article 8 du règlement sur la taxinomie de l'UE, un acte délégué relatif aux informations que doivent publier les entreprises financières et non financières pour indiquer le degré de durabilité de leurs activités. Ces initiatives démontrent le leadership mondial de l'UE dans la définition de normes internationales en matière de finance durable. La Commission entend collaborer étroitement avec tous les partenaires internationaux, notamment dans le cadre de la plateforme internationale sur la finance durable, en vue de la mise en place d'un solide système international de finance durable. Un communiqué de presse, un document questions-réponses et une fiche d'information sont en ligne. (Pour plus d'informations: Daniel Ferrie – Tél.: +32 229 86500; Aikaterini Apostola – Tél.: +32 229 87624)

Cannes Film Festival 2021: 17 EU-supported films compete for awards

17 EU-funded films have been nominated for awards at the 74^th edition of the Cannes Film Festival, which has opened its doors today, for the first time in a physical format since 2019. Out of those 17 films that are supported by the MEDIA strand of the Creative Europe programme, 5 will be competing for the Palme d'Or: ‘The Story of my Wife' by Ildikó Enyedi, ‘Bergman Island' by Mia Hansen-Love, ‘Compartment No. 6' by Juho Kuosmanen, ‘Titane' by Julia Ducournau and ‘Tre Piani' by Nanni Moretti. Furthermore, 5 titles have been selected for the section ‘Un certain regard' and 3 more for the ‘Out of competition', ‘Cannes Premiere' and ‘Special screening', while the remaining 4 films are part of the renowned parallel competitions of the festival: the Directors' Fortnight and La Semaine de la Critique. The winners of this year's festival will be announced on Saturday 17 July during the closing ceremony. The EU has invested over €2.1 million through the MEDIA strand of the Creative Europe programme for the development and international distribution of these films. The productions will also be featured within the context of the 30 years of MEDIA campaign, which celebrates the EU's continued support to the audiovisual industry throughout the decades, highlighting the work of the industry behind the scenes and the impact of EU funding. At the same time, the Commission will participate in several events organised in the context of Le Marché du Film, including the launch of the ‘CharactHer' campaign, focused on fostering gender inclusion and diversity in the film and news media sectors. (For more information: Johannes Bahrke – Tel.: +32 229 58615; Marietta Grammenou – Tel.: +32 229 83583)

Berlin Summit: Western Balkans strengthen regional cooperation and foster closer ties with the EU

Yesterday, President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, and Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement, Olivér Várhelyi, met with Heads of State or Government from the Western Balkans for the eighth time in the context of the ‘Berlin Process' to advance on their regional cooperation and European integration agenda. During the virtual meeting, hosted by Chancellor Angela Merkel, the Commission reconfirmed its commitment to cooperation and support for the region in its post-pandemic recovery through the Economic and Investment Plan, focusing on green and digital transition investments. President von der Leyen said: “Our first priority is to accelerate the enlargement agenda across the region and support our Western Balkan partners in their work to deliver on the necessary reforms to advance on their European path. But our engagement with the Western Balkans goes beyond that, and the Berlin Process has served as an incubator for many initiatives that have now become an integral part of the EU's policy vis-à-vis the region. Together we have set the course for a more sustainable, more digital and more resilient Europe.” Commissioner Várhelyi emphasised: “Closing the socio-economic gap between the Western Balkans and the EU is crucial for the Enlargement process. We are bringing significant investment opportunities to the region through the Economic and Investment Plan. Now it is for the region to use them well by harnessing its full economic potential and establishing a Common Regional Market based on EU rules. Creating ‘Green Lanes' on the border crossings within the entire region first and now piloting this with an EU Member State is a perfect illustration of how this can work.” A press release is available online together with factsheets on the Economic and Investment Plan, COVID-19 support, Roma integration and Green Agenda, as well as the WBIF Annual Report summary. (For more information: Dana Spinant – Tel.: +32 229 90150; Peter Stano - Tel: +32 229 54553 ; Elisa Castillo Nieto – Tel.: +32 229 63803)

Agriculture : projections positives confirmées pour l'agriculture de l'UE

Aujourd'hui, la Commission européenne a publié le dernier rapport sur les perspectives à court terme des marchés agricoles de l'UE. Avec des progrès importants réalisés dans la campagne de vaccination contre la COVID-19 dans l'ensemble de l'UE, les services de restauration rouvrent et les restrictions de voyage sont progressivement levées. Cela devrait avoir un impact positif sur le tourisme cet été et sur la consommation alimentaire de l'UE en général. Les prix mondiaux des produits de base et de l'énergie ainsi que les coûts de transport augmentent, motivés par des perspectives améliorées de croissance mondiale et de l'UE. La demande massive d'importation d'aliments pour animaux en provenance de Chine contribue également à la flambée des prix des céréales (pour l'alimentation animale) et des graines oléagineuses. Cela devrait profiter aux producteurs de cultures arables de l'UE avec de bonnes perspectives de production confirmées. Le printemps froid a eu un impact limité sur les cultures arables et le secteur laitier mais heurte gravement le secteur des fruits. La demande des États-Unis et de la Chine devrait orienter les exportations de l'UE, en particulier dans les produits laitiers, la viande de porc, le vin et l'huile d'olive. En ce qui concerne le commerce avec le Royaume-Uni, après une baisse significative au début de 2021 suivant la période de transition Brexit, les exportations de l'UE commencent à récupérer. L'édition d'été 2021 du rapport sur les perspectives à court terme des marchés agricoles de l'UE présente un aperçu détaillé des dernières tendances et des perspectives pour chaque secteur agroalimentaire. Plus de détails et le rapport sont disponibles en ligne. (Pour plus d'informations: Miriam Garcia Ferrer – Tél.: +32 229 99075; Thérèse Lerebours – Tél.: +32 229 63303)

Rapport sur l'évolution de l'emploi et de la situation sociale en Europe montre que les effets de la crise COVID-19 sont divers

Aujourd'hui, les services de la Commission ont publié l'édition 2021 du rapport sur l'évolution de l'emploi et de la situation sociale en Europe (ESDE) qui s'intitule « Vers une Europe sociale forte après de la crise COVID-19: réduire les disparités et remédier aux effets distributifs ». Le rapport ESDE montre que l'impact social de la crise COVID-19 a été diversifié. Les principales conclusions du rapport ESDE sont les suivantes: L'emploi a augmenté dans les activités qui sont essentielles, qui peuvent être accomplies à domicile et qui nécessitent peu d'interaction sociale. L'effet géographique de la crise COVID-19 a été inégal et susceptible d'accroître des inégalités régionales qui existaient déjà avant la pandémie. Dans l'ensemble, les marchés du travail performants se sont révélés mieux protégés contre le ralentissement économique. L'impact de la crise sur le dialogue social national et les négociations collectives a varié d'un pays de l'UE à l'autre. Finalement, l'effet de la crise sur les inégalités entre les hommes et les femmes dépend de différentes dimensions, et la pandémie a mis en évidence des inégalités de longue date entre les hommes et les femmes. Nicolas Schmit, commissaire à l'emploi et aux droits sociaux, a déclaré: « Le rapport 2021 sur l'évolution de l'emploi et de la situation sociale montre que la pandémie a affecté les personnes et les régions de manières différentes. Nous devons garder cela à l'esprit pour élaborer un redressement qui est inclusif et durable. Avec d'importantes transitions encore à venir, nous avons besoin d'une politique du marché du travail qui favorise la mobilité, offre à tous les travailleurs les meilleures opportunités possible, crée des emplois de qualité et aide les entreprises à trouver les personnes les plus qualifiées. » Un communiqué de presse avec des informations plus détaillées sur les conclusions du rapport 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, technology-driven startups in Bavaria

With an investment from the European Investment Bank (EIB), additional venture capital from Wachstumsfonds Bayern 2 will be available for innovative, technology-driven startups in Bavaria, Germany, during their growth stage. The fund's resources will increase to €165 million thanks to the EIB's €50 million commitment, guaranteed by the European Fund for Strategic Investments (EFSI), which was already agreed on back in March. Wachstumsfonds Bayern 2 provides 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. The Bavarian fund has for instance invested into OroraTech, a company developing a nanosatellite-based early warning system for wildfires, and German Bionic Systems, developing robotic exoskeletons to help reduce the risk of musculoskeletal disorders for employees in physically demanding roles, such as those working in warehouses. Executive Vice-President for An Economy that Works for People, Valdis Dombrovskis, said: “I am glad that the Investment Plan for Europe is supporting Bavaria's Wachstumsfonds Bayern 2. This will offer venture capital to start-ups in areas like life science and medical technologies so they can grow and consolidate their operations. We need to support innovative ideas that are a key source of jobs and sustainable growth in Europe. This is forward-looking financing in action.” The European Fund for Strategic Investments (EFSI) is the main pillar of the Investment Plan for Europe, which 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 €14 million Greek scheme to support companies active in the art and entertainment sectors affected by coronavirus outbreak

The European Commission has approved a Greek scheme to support companies active in the art and entertainment sectors, in particular those managing theatres and other cultural venues, in the context of the coronavirus outbreak. The scheme was approved under the State aid Temporary Framework. Under the scheme, the support will take the form of direct grants to cover the loss of revenue from ticket sales suffered by the beneficiaries due to the closures and other restrictions that the Greek government had to impose to limit the spread of the virus. The scheme will be open to companies that experienced inter alia a minimum decline in turnover of 20% from March to September 2020 compared to the same period in 2019. The purpose of the scheme is to help the beneficiaries address their liquidity needs in order to ensure continuity of their activities. 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 company 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.62699 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; Maria Tsoni – Tel.: +32 229 90526)

Mergers: Commission clears acquisition of Alexion by AstraZeneca

The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of Alexion Pharmaceuticals Inc. (‘Alexion') of the US by AstraZeneca PLC (‘AstraZeneca') of the UK. Both are global pharmaceutical companies. Alexion focuses on the treatment of rare diseases, whilst AstraZeneca focuses on common diseases. The transaction gives rise to (i) horizontal overlaps between AstraZeneca's and Alexion's pipeline drugs for the treatment of lupus nephritis, follicular lymphoma and peripheral T-cell lymphoma and (ii) a vertical link related to the manufacture of Uplizna, a drug for the treatment of various rare diseases. The Commission found that the proposed acquisition would raise no competition concerns because of its limited impact on the markets concerned. 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 case number M.10165. (For more information: Arianna Podesta – Tel.: +32 229 87024; Maria Tsoni – Tel.: +32 229 90526)

APPOINTEMENTS

The European Commission appoints a new Head of Representation in Portugal

The European Commission has appointed today Ms Sofia Moreira de Sousa as the new Head of the Commission's Representation in Lisbon, Portugal. She will take office on 1 September 2021. With over 20 years of experience in EU affairs, Ms Moreira de Sousa, a Portuguese national, is the current EU Ambassador to Cabo Verde. In this context, she has been responsible for managing the bilateral relations of the EU and Cabo Verde and leading the Team Europe local response to the pandemic. Her professional experience gives her a robust experience in political representation, strategic communication and management. She was seconded to the Portuguese Ministry of Foreign Affairs during the Portuguese Rotating Presidency of the Council of the EU in 2007 and has intimate knowledge of the Portuguese political context. Prior to her current post, she served as deputy EU Ambassador to South Africa (2014-17), adviser to the Deputy Secretary-General of the European External Action Service and was Political Adviser to the EU Special Representative (EUSR)/EU Ambassador to the African Union in Addis Ababa as well as to the EUSR to South Caucasus. She also worked at the General Secretariat of the Council of the EU, at the European Space Agency and at the European Law Academy in Trier. The full press release is available online. (For more information: Balazs Ujvari - Tel.: +32 229 54578; Daniel Puglisi - Tel.: +32 229 69140)

Eurostat: communiqués de presse

On 1 July, the Spokesperson's Service re-opened the Berlaymont press room to a limited number of journalists. For more information, please see here.