Daily News 29 / 09 / 2021

RÉUNION DU COLLÈGE: nouveau pacte sur la migration et l'asile - compte-rendu de l'évolution de la situation et intensification de la lutte contre l'exploitation des migrants

Un an après avoir présenté un nouveau pacte sur la migration et l'asile, la Commission présente aujourd'hui un rapport sur la migration et l'asile. Le rapport, publié aujourd'hui, dresse le bilan des progrès accomplis et des principales évolutions de la politique en matière de migration et d'asile au cours de l'année et demie écoulée, recense les principaux défis et met en évidence les perspectives de progrès, en exposant les mesures qui permettront d'aboutir à une politique plus solide, viable et équitable dans le domaine de la migration et de l'asile. La Commission adopte également un plan d'action renouvelé de l'UE contre le trafic de migrants et une communication sur l'application de la directive sur les sanctions à l'encontre des employeurs. Dans le cadre de l'approche globale de la migration du nouveau pacte sur la migration et l'asile, ces initiatives visent à prévenir l'exploitation organisée des migrants et à réduire la migration irrégulière, conformément à l'objectif du nouveau pacte de promouvoir une gestion durable et ordonnée des migrations. Ces initiatives porteront à la fois sur les défis persistants liés au démantèlement des groupes criminels organisés et sur la nécessité de s'adapter aux nouveaux défis, y compris le trafic de migrants organisé avec le soutien d'un État, en réponse à la situation aux frontières extérieures de l'UE avec la Biélorussie. Un communiqué de presse, des questions et réponses et une fiche d'information sont disponibles en ligne. À titre de mesure immédiate, la Commission propose également aujourd'hui de suspendre partiellement l'accord UE-Biélorussie visant à faciliter la délivrance de visas pour les fonctionnaires du régime biélorusse. Un communiqué de presse ainsi que des questions et réponses sont disponibles en ligne. Suivez la conférence de presse avec le vice-président Schinas et la commissaire Johansson en direct sur EbS. (Pour plus d'informations: Adalbert Jahnz — Tél.: +32 229 53156; Laura Bérard — Tél.: +32 229 55721; Ciara Bottomley — Tél.: +32 229 69971).

Commission's technical support to Greece in tackling the structural reasons for wildfires crisis

The Commission has approved a new project to support to Greece through the Technical Support Instrument (TSI) to help the country tackle the natural disaster of the recent wildfires. The request for support has been submitted by the Natural Environment & Climate Change Agency (NECCA) of the Greek Ministry of Environment and Energy. The support aims at recovering and halting the potential biodiversity loss in the northern part of the Greek island of Evia. Commissioner for Cohesion and Reforms, Elisa Ferreira, said: “Wildfires have caused devastation in this part of Greece. The Commission is here to help and once again the Technical Support Instrument demonstrates its flexibility in helping Member States to recover from natural disasters and restore natural capital. This is a powerful instrument tailored on Member states' needs that can be used upon request on a variety of sectors and issues and that can help all Member States achieving their reform objectives.” In particular, support measures will include new guidelines to address wildfires' impact on Evia's ecosystems and the building up biodiversity hotspots based on EU good practices. Moreover, the project will produce useful recommendations for setting up a hub of experts to provide scientific and technical support in designing and implementing support measures to local authorities. The TSI offers expertise to all EU countries for the implementation of growth-enhancing reforms. The support offered by the Commission is based on request and is tailor-made for the beneficiary Member State. Since 2017, the Structural Reform Support Programme and the TSI have been supporting over 1,000 reform projects in all 27 Member States. (For more information: Vivian Loonela - Tel.: +32 229 66712; Daniela Stoycheva – Tel.: +32 229 53664)

The Single Market Task Force plays a key role in tackling barriers to the Single Market

Today, the Commission is presenting the first report on the work of the Single Market Enforcement Task Force (SMET). The report highlights the important role SMET has played in removing barriers introduced by some Member States during the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure in particular the availability of essential medical supplies and protective equipment across the Single Market. The Task Force also addressed restrictions that have challenged the functioning of the Single Market in the agri-food sector and restrictions affecting service providers. For instance, the Task Force succeeded in the removal of requirements for prior checks of professional qualifications in more than 160 professions. In addition, the report provides an overview of the working methods and actions taken by the Task Force so far and should serve as a basis for discussion on the future work of the Task Force. Commissioner Thierry Breton, responsible for the Internal Market, said: “We set up the Single Market Task Force as a practical forum to find quick and tangible solutions with the Member States to make sure goods and services can flow freely within the EU. The Task Force has not only shown its value during the COVID pandemic, but has become a facilitator for businesses and citizens to fully benefit from the Single Market and resolve also structural barriers.” This first SMET report will be presented to EU Ministers during the Competitiveness Council, taking place today. The Single Market Enforcement Task Force was set up following the Action Plan for Better Implementation and Enforcement of the Single Market adopted in March 2020 as part of the European Industrial Strategy. It has held regular meetings to identify and address priority barriers in the Single Market, to facilitate the removal of concrete obstacles hampering the freedom of our businesses and citizens to travel, live and do business in the EU. The SMET has contributed to improving the cooperation among national authorities, raising awareness about the central role of the Single Market in driving Europe's recovery and supporting the green and digital transitions of our economy. (For more information: Sonya Gospodinova – Tel.: +32 229 66953; Federica Miccoli – Tel.: +32 229 58300)

12th Baltic Sea Strategy Annual Forum

The 12th Annual Forum of the EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region (EUSBSR) organised by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Lithuania, Kaunas, Klaipėda, and the Union of the Baltic Cities, is taking place until 1 October. President von der Leyen delivered a keynote speech at the opening session stressing that the EUSBR priorities are well aligned with the NextGenerationEU recovery plan, the even stronger focus of the new Action Plan of the Strategy on climate action and cooperation with neighbours and the importance of joining forces as the EU had done on vaccines, on NextGenerationEU, on the European Green Deal or to address Belarus's hybrid attack. Commissioner for Cohesion and Reforms, Elisa Ferreira, said: “I am honoured to participate in the annual forum of the EU's first macro-regional strategy. This year, we will focus on green recovery including actions to revitalise, recover and recharge the whole area covered by the Strategy for a greener and more resilient Baltic Sea Region.” Commissioner for Environment, Oceans and Fisheries, Virginijus Sinkevičius, added: “The poor state of the Baltic Sea requires immediate action. Thus I look forward to hearing from stakeholders and discussing their ideas on how to protect our seas and increase prosperity in this region.” The Forum is an opportunity for open and thorough discussions on the three objectives of the Strategy: ‘Save the Sea', ‘Connect the Region', ‘Increase Prosperity'. Youth and cities play a key role in this year's edition, notably Kaunas, the European Capital of Culture 2022, and Klaipèda, the European Youth Capital 2021. The EUSBSR is the first EU macro-regional strategy. The Strategy was approved by the European Council in 2009 following a communication from the European Commission. It involves 12 countries: eight EU Member States (Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, and Sweden) and neighbouring countries. An updated Action Plan was adopted last February. (For more information: Vivian Loonela - Tel.: +32 229 66712; Daniela Stoycheva – Tel.: +32 229 53664)

Accidents industriels : le rapport de la Commission montre une amélioration de la prévention d'importants accidents mettant en cause des substances dangereuses

La Commission européenne a publié aujourd'hui son premier rapport sur la mise en œuvre et le fonctionnement efficace de la directive 2012/18/UE concernant la maîtrise des dangers liés aux accidents majeurs impliquant des substances dangereuses (directive Seveso III). Le rapport montre qu'entre 2015 et 2018, le nombre d'accidents industriels majeurs dans l'UE s'est stabilisé à un faible niveau : 25 par an pour environ 12 000 établissements auxquels la directive s'applique. Il souligne également que les États membres de l'UE appliquent mieux les dispositions de la directive, par rapport aux données communiquées les années précédentes. Virginijus Sinkevičius, commissaire chargé de l'environnement, de la pêche et des océans, a déclaré : « La prévention des accidents industriels est essentielle pour protéger la vie des personnes, leur santé et l'environnement, et constitue un engagement important énoncé dans le Pacte vert européen et le plan d'action pour une pollution zéro. La mise en œuvre de trois générations de directives Seveso a contribué de manière significative à la réduction du nombre d'accidents industriels majeurs. Cependant, Chaque accident est un accident de trop. Nous voulons unir nos forces et renforcer la coopération avec les États membres de continuer à réduire le risque d'accidents industriels. » La directive Seveso III est largement considérée comme une référence en matière de politique des accidents industriels. Des secteurs tels que l'industrie chimique et pétrochimique, ainsi que le commerce de gros et le stockage des carburants sont couverts par son champ d'application. Les accidents majeurs impliquant des produits chimiques dangereux constituent une menace importante pour l'homme et l'environnement. De plus, ces accidents entraînent des pertes économiques considérables et perturbent la croissance durable. À la suite du rapport, la Commission collaborera avec les États membres pour améliorer le respect des règles, notamment en ce qui concerne l'évaluation des risques des établissements et des conséquences de ces accidents. Elle développera également des synergies entre la directive Seveso III et le mécanisme de protection civile de l'Union, afin d'améliorer la prévention, la préparation et la réaction en cas d'accident industriel majeur. Vous trouverez plus d'informations dans le bulletin d'information. (Pour plus d'informations: Vivian Loonela - Tél.: +32 229 66712; Daniela Stoycheva – Tél.: +32 229 53664)

Agriculture: la Commission approuve une nouvelle Spécialité traditionnelle garantie de Roumanie

La Commission européenne a approuvé la demande d'inscription de la « Salată tradițională cu icre de crap » de Roumanie dans le registre des Spécialités traditionnelles garanties (STG). La « Salata tradițională cu icre de crap » est un produit obtenu à partir d'œufs de carpe salés, d'œufs salés de poissons d'eau douce, d'huile de tournesol, d'eau gazeuse et de jus de citron. Elle existe en deux variantes, avec ou sans oignons cuits à l'eau. Elle est produite à partir de matières premières ou d'ingrédients qui sont ceux traditionnellement utilisés. La dénomination « Salată tradițională cu icre de crap » indique qu'au fil des générations certaines matières premières et certains ingrédients ont toujours été utilisés pour l'élaboration du produit. La « Salată tradițională cu icre de crap » se caractérise par son aspect, sa consistance, sa couleur, son arôme et son goût. Ce caviar de carpe se présente sous la forme d'une crème homogène d'œufs de poisson et d'huile, dans laquelle on distingue un très grand nombre d'œufs. Cette nouvelle appellation va rejoindre 65 Spécialités Traditionnelles Garanties déjà protégées. La liste est disponible dans la base de données eAmbrosia. Pour plus d'informations, voir aussi les pages sur la politique de qualité. (Pour plus d'informations: Miriam Garcia Ferrer – Tél.: +32 229 99075; Thérèse Lerebours – Tél.: +32 229 63303)

State aid: Commission approves €1.2 million Romanian aid scheme for airlines starting regular international flights at Maramureș International Airport following the coronavirus outbreak

The European Commission has approved a €1.2 million Romanian scheme for airlines starting international flights to and from Maramureș International Airport following the coronavirus outbreak. The scheme was approved under the State aid Temporary Framework. Under the scheme, the aid will take the form of direct grants up to €800,000 per company. Maramureș International Airport plays an important role in the regional and international connectivity of Romania. The public support will be open to all interested airlines undertaking to operate at least two new international flights at Maramureș International Airport. The aid will be allocated based on an evaluation of the number of destinations, the frequency of flights and the estimated number of passenger generation in the first year of operation. The aim of the scheme is to support the activity of those airlines and the economic recovery and structural viability of the region in the context of the coronavirus outbreak. The Commission found that the Romanian scheme is in line with the conditions set out in the Temporary Framework. In particular, the aid (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 set out in the Temporary Framework. On this basis, the Commission approved the measure under EU State aid rules. More information on the Temporary Framework and other actions taken by the Commission to address the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic can be found here. The non-confidential version of the decision will be made available under the case number SA.64092 in the State aid register on the Commission's competition website once any confidentiality issues have been resolved. (For more information: Arianna Podesta – Tel.: +32 229 87024; Giulia Astuti – Tel.: +32 229 55344; Maria Tsoni – Tel.: +32 229 90526)

APPOINTMENTS

COLLEGE MEETING: The European Commission appoints two new Directors in DG DIGIT and DG TAXUD

Today, the European Commission has appointed Natalia Aristimuño Pérez as Director for ‘Digital Services' in the Directorate-General for Informatics (DG DIGIT), which is responsible for the management and coordination of information and telecommunication technology for the Commission's services. Having run a variety of large-scale projects in the digital field, Ms Aristimuño Pérez has robust management skills. Moreover, with over 20 years of experience at the European Commission in providing solutions that make users' life easier and public administrations more efficient, she is particularly well suited to lead a Directorate responsible for enabling digital services for public administrations in the European Commission and in the Member States. Natalia Aristimuño Pérez is currently Head of the Interoperability unit at DG DIGIT since March 2017, whose core task is to provide interoperability solutions for public administrations, businesses and citizens. Earlier in her career, she headed different units at DG DIGIT, delivering solutions on human resources, decision-making, document management and knowledge management domains. Prior to joining the Commission, she worked as computer scientist in the private sector. The European Commission has also appointed Maria Elena Scoppio as Director for ‘Indirect Taxation and Tax Administration' in the Directorate-General for Taxation and Customs Union (DG TAXUD). This Directorate-General aims to develop and implement tax policy across the EU while also managing customs. Her thorough knowledge of EU tax policies and the legal framework governing indirect taxation, her advanced negotiation skills as well as her management experience will help her to contribute to the design of new own resources of the EU budget and implement the tax elements of the European Green Deal in environment, transport and energy policy. Maria Elena Scoppio is currently coordinating the legislative proposals in the field of direct and indirect taxation and customs in the Cabinet of Commissioner Gentiloni. From 2004 until 2017, she served as a Member of Cabinet for the Commissioners Moscovici, Šemeta and Kovács and was supervising taxation issues. Previously, she was Head of Unit in DG TAXUD in charge of the elaboration and development of the EU policy in the field of VAT and of digital taxation. Before joining the Commission in 2002, she worked as a tax and legal adviser for Arthur Andersen. (For more information: Balazs Ujvari - Tel.: +32 229 54578; Claire Joawn - Tel.: + 32 229 56859)

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Vice-President Šuica represents the Commission at Athens Democracy Forum

Vice-President for Democracy and Demography, Dubravka Šuica, is today travelling to Greece to participate in the Athens Democracy Forum, which brings together international business leaders, academics, policymakers and experts to discuss the latest challenges facing democracy, as well as possible solutions. Participants will debate climate change, social inequality, increasingly polarised politics, challenges to economic systems following the COVID-19 pandemic and a fraught relationship with technology. The Forum will call on speakers and delegates to apply the lessons they have learned over the past years to real, actionable ideas for the future. Vice-President Šuica will refer to the deliberative democracy model of the Conference on the Future of Europe, which has now entered the key phase of the European Citizens' Panels. These panels bring European citizens to the heart of the Conference, and are a unique opportunity to debate Europe's challenges and priorities. Vice-President Šuica will also discuss teen democracy and highlight the importance of including children and youth in democratic processes. While in Athens, the Vice-President will also meet with Prime Minister of Greece, Kyriakos Mitsotakis; Minister for Labour and Social Affairs, Kostis Hatzidakis; Deputy Minister, Maria Syrengela, with responsibility for demography; and the Mayor of Athens, Kostas Bakoyannis. See the full programme of the 2021 Athens Democracy Forum here. (For more information: Daniel Ferrie – Tel.: +32 229 86500; Célia Dejond – Tel.: +32 229 88199)

Antarctica: EU leads efforts to designate new large-scale Marine Protected Areas

Today, Commissioner for Environment, Oceans and Fisheries, Virginijus Sinkevičius, will host a ministerial meeting to build further support for designating new Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in the Southern Ocean. The meeting takes place ahead of the 40th annual meeting of the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR, 18-29 October) and will serve to coordinate the actions of the co-sponsors. New co-sponsors will also be announced during the meeting. Commissioner Sinkevičius said: “At this ministerial meeting we are reaffirming EU's commitment to preserve the rich and vulnerable marine life of the Southern Ocean. It is now more imperative than ever to act to turn the tide, as biodiversity loss and climate change are affecting fragile ecosystems at an unprecedented pace. Many countries worldwide have acknowledged this urgency and have already become co-sponsor of the new Marine Protected Areas, but we need all CCAMLR members to join.” On 28 April 2021, the Commissioner hosted a first ministerial meeting, where new members joined as advocates of the East Antarctica and Weddell Sea MPA proposals. In the face of the current biodiversity loss and climate change crises, the EU once again calls on all CCAMLR members to take decisive action to conserve the unique and rich biodiversity and ecosystems of the Southern Ocean. (For more information: Vivian Loonela - Tel.: +32 229 66712; Daniela Stoycheva – Tel.: +32 229 53664)

Le vice-président exécutif Timmermans à Milan en vue des discussions préparatoires de la COP26

Le vice-président exécutif Frans Timmermans se rend demain à Milan pour participer jusqu'à samedi à des réunions préparatoires pour la prochaine Conférence des Nations Unies sur le climat (COP26). Demain matin, il interviendra lors de la plénière de clôture du sommet Youth 4 Climate (suivez la diffusion en direct ici). Il assistera ainsi à la table ronde ministérielle pré-COP et aux discussions consacrées au rapport du Groupe d'experts intergouvernemental sur l'évolution du climat (GIEC) présenté en août dernier. Vendredi, le vice-président exécutif Timmermans participera à des réunions en petits groupes sur l'adaptation au climat, les pertes et les dommages, le « Paris rulebook » et le financement climatique. En marge, il rencontrera Roberto Cingolani, ministre italien de la transition écologique, et tiendra des réunions bilatérales avec le ministre de l'Environnement, des Forêts et du Changement climatique du Bangladesh, Shahab Uddin; la ministre de l'Environnement de la République du Rwanda, Jeanne d'Arc Mujawamariya; la chef du Département fédéral de l'environnement, des transports, de l'énergie et des communications de la Suisse, Simonetta Sommaruga; et le ministre des Eaux, des Forêts, de la Mer et de l'Environnement, chargé du changement climatique, des Objectifs de développement durable (ODD) et de l'aménagement du territoire du Gabon, Lee White. Vendredi soir, le vice-président exécutif Timmermans accueillera à Milan une réunion de la Coalition de la haute ambition (CHA) sur le changement climatique avec la présidente de la CHA et l'envoyée pour le climat de la République des Îles Marshall, l'ambassadrice Tina Stege. Lors du dernier jour de la pré-COP26, samedi, il participera à la dernière plénière ministérielle. Dans l'après-midi, il rencontrera, en réunion bilatérale, John Kerry, l'envoyé spécial du président américain pour le changement climatique. (Pour plus d'informations: Tim McPhie – Tél.: +32 229 58602; Ana Crespo Parrondo – Tél.: +32 229 81325)

Commissioner Breton in South Korea to discuss digital and tech matters

On Thursday and Friday, Commissioner for Internal Market, Thierry Breton, will travel to South Korea to engage with officials and industry leaders on digital and tech matters. This will be an opportunity to discuss the upcoming European Chips Act and develop contacts on the broader digital partnership agreement with South Korea, which was announced in the EU Indo-Pacific Strategy. On 30 September, Commissioner Breton will meet the Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy, Sung Moon as well as Minister of Science and ICT, Hyesook Lim. He will visit a Samsung manufacturing line located in Pyeongtaek, which produces high-end chips (5 nanometers). On 1 October, Commissioner Breton will meet with Seok-hee Lee, CEO and President of SK Hynix, one of the world's largest semiconductor companies as well as Minister for Trade, Han-koo Yeo. (For more information: Johannes Bahrke – Tel.: +32 229 58615; Charles Manoury – Tel.: +32 229 13391)

Tentative agendas for forthcoming Commission meetings

Note that these items can be subject to changes.

Eurostat press releases

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