Daily News 05 / 11 / 2021

L'UE verse 90 millions d'euros d'assistance macrofinancière à l'Albanie pour lui permettre de faire face aux répercussions économiques de la pandémie

Au nom de l'UE, la Commission européenne a versé ce jour 90 millions d'euros d'assistance macrofinancière (AMF) à l'Albanie. Ce versement constitue la seconde et dernière tranche d'un programme d'aide de 180 millions d'euros en faveur de l'Albanie, qui s'inscrit dans le cadre d'un paquet d'AMF d'urgence de 3 milliards d'euros en faveur de dix pays partenaires de l'élargissement et du voisinage, destiné à les aider à contenir les retombées économiques négatives de la pandémie de COVID-19. Ce programme est une illustration concrète de la solidarité de l'UE envers ses partenaires et de sa volonté de les aider à faire face aux conséquences économiques de la pandémie. Le premier versement de 90 millions d'euros à l'Albanie au titre de ce programme d'AMF a été effectué en mars 2021. L'Albanie a rempli les conditions convenues avec l'UE pour le déblocage de cette seconde et dernière tranche de 90 millions d'euros. Après le versement effectué ce jour, l'Union a maintenant achevé huit des dix programmes d'AMF prévus dans le cadre de l'enveloppe de 3 milliards d'euros d'AMF adoptée en raison de la COVID-19. La Commission continue de travailler en étroite collaboration avec tous ses partenaires au titre de l'AMF pour la mise en œuvre sans retard des programmes convenus. Un communiqué de presse est disponible en ligne. (Pour plus d'informations: Daniel Ferrie Tel.: +32 229 86500; Andrea Masini Tel.: +32 229 91519)

State aid: Commission approves €73 million Italian scheme to support bus operators in the context of the coronavirus outbreak

The European Commission has approved a €73 million Italian scheme to support bus operators affected by the coronavirus outbreak. The measure was approved under the State aid Temporary Framework. The scheme consists of three different measures. Under all measures, the support will take the form of direct grants. Companies providing scheduled bus services, as well as companies providing occasional bus services, and not receiving a public service obligation ('PSO') compensation will be entitled to receive direct grants for the repayment of loans instalments and for the purchase of new buses. The Commission found that the 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 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.64342 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)

Mergers: Commission clears acquisition of joint control of MTS by DMK and Uelzena

The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of joint control of Milchtrocknung Südhannover eG (‘MTS') by Molkerei Niesky GmbH (‘Niesky'), ultimately controlled by DMK Deutsches Milchkontor Gmbh (‘DMK') and Uelzena eG, all of Germany. MTS produces whey protein concentrate and lactose. DMK and Niesky are active in the manufacture and distribution of a diversified range of dairy products, including milk, cheese, and whey-based products. Uelzena is active in the manufacture and distribution of raw dairy, whey, butter, cheese, and instant drinks, among others. The Commission concluded that the proposed transaction would not raise competition concerns given MTS negligible foreseen activities within the European Economic Area and the moderate overlaps among the activities of the parties. The transaction was examined under the simplified merger review procedure. More information will be available on the Commission's competition website, in the public case register under the case number M.10460. (For more information: Arianna Podesta – Tel.: +32 229 87024)

Mergers: Commission clears acquisition of joint control of H3I and Indosat by CKHH and Ooredoo

The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the merger between PT Hutchison 3 Indonesia (‘H3I') and PT Indosat TBK, both of Indonesia. The merged entity will be jointly controlled by CK Hutchison Holdings Limited (‘CKHH') of Hong Kong and Ooredoo Q.P.S.C. of Qatar. H3I, currently controlled by CKHH, provides cellular telecommunications services in Indonesia. Indosat, currently controlled by Ooredoo, provides telecommunication services in Indonesia. CKHH is a multinational conglomerate that has four core businesses: ports and related services, retail, infrastructure and telecommunications. Ooredoo is a telecommunications group, ultimately controlled by Qatar Investment Authority, which provides telecommunication services in Qatar and in the Asia and Middle East and North African region. The Commission concluded that the proposed acquisition would raise no competition concerns because the joint venture has no actual or foreseen activity in the European Economic Area. The transaction was examined under the simplified merger review procedure. More information is available on the Commission's competition website, in the public case register under the case number M.10508. (For more information: Arianna Podesta – Tel.: +32 229 87024)

Mergers: Commission clears acquisition of joint control of Livit by Willemen and Telenet

The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of joint control of Livit BV by Willemen Groep NV and Telenet BV, all of Belgium. Livit is a newly incorporated joint venture active in the rental of furnished living units and related services. Willemen is active in construction and real estate project development services concerning various types of buildings, including residential housing units. Telenet is active in retail audiovisual services and fixed and mobile communication services. The Commission concluded that the proposed acquisition would raise no competition concerns, because of the limited impact it would have on the market. The transaction was examined under the simplified merger review procedure. More information is available on the Commission's competition website, in the public case register under the case number M.10479. (For more information: Arianna Podesta – Tel.: +32 229 87024)

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Executive Vice-President Dombrovskis in Bishkek for EU-Central Asia Economic Forum

Executive Vice-President Valdis Dombrovskis is representing the EU at the first in-person meeting of the EU-Central Asia Economic Forum in Bishkek, the Kyrgyz Republic, today. This high-level gathering is planned to be the first in a series of events taking place in Central Asian countries in the coming years, within the framework of the EU Strategy on Central Asia adopted in 2019. Strengthening economic ties between the European Union and Central Asia is one of the prioritiy areas of the strategy. The three main areas of the Forum will be green recovery, digitalisation, and a better business environment. A press release will be available later in the day. (For more information: Balazs Ujvari - Tel.: +32 229 54578; Peter Stano – Tel.: +32 229 54553; Sophie Dirven - Tel.: +32 229 67228; Paloma Hall Caballero – Tel.: +32 229 68560)

EU at COP26: Commissioner Simson leads the EU Energy Day

Today, as part of the EU Energy Day organised at COP26 in Glasgow, Commissioner Kadri Simson is attending a series of high-level sessions highlighting EU leadership in the energy transition. In the morning, Commissioner Simson joined a conference co-hosted by the International Energy Agency on ‘Ensuring a just and people-centred transition', followed by a meeting with Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister for Natural Resources of Canada. She also participated in a panel discussion on the ‘Potential of Offshore Energy and Hydrogen to Power the Global Energy Transition', co-organised with the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA). In the afternoon, Commissioner Simson will join a session on ‘Driving Climate Action with Data – the role of the International Methane Emissions Observatory'. Established by the United Nations Environmental Programme, with the support of the EU, the International Methane Emissions Observatory is an independent observatory aimed creating a sound scientific basis for methane emissions calculations, while also being a key part of the EU Methane Strategy. This event is followed by a discussion on ‘The EU's Engagement in United Nations Energy Compacts'. Each session at the EU Energy Day will allow policy-makers, CEOs and civil society leaders to discuss initiatives advancing the global energy transition. The full agenda of EU side events is available here. More information on the EU Energy Day at COP26 is available here. (For more information: Tim McPhie – Tel.: +32 229 58602; Lynn Rietdorf – Tel.: +32 229 74959)

Conférence sur l'avenir de l'Europe:  les discussions sur l'avenir de l'Europe se poursuivent en ligne ce week-end

Les 5 et 7 novembre, 200 citoyens européens sélectionnés de manière aléatoire, issus de différents horizons et de toute l'UE, se réuniront pour la deuxième fois, cette fois virtuellement. Ils continueront leur discussion de la première session sur le renforcement de l'économie, de la justice sociale, de l'emploi, de l'éducation, de la culture, de la jeunesse, du sport et de la transformation numérique. Ils poursuivront leur travail ce week-end sur des recommandations concrètes dans chacun des cinq axes qu'ils ont identifiés: travailler en Europe, une économie pour l'avenir, une société juste, l'apprentissage en Europe et une transformation numérique éthique et sûre. Par exemple, ils discuteront de l'avenir de notre économie et de nos emplois, en particulier après la pandémie de COVID-19, de l'égalité des droits et de l'équité, de l'éducation numérique et de la cybersécurité, entre autres. Ces recommandations seront finalisées et approuvées lors du troisième et dernier cycle de délibérations en décembre, à Dublin, Irlande. Les trois autres panels de citoyens européens tiendront également leurs deuxièmes sessions en ligne dans le courant du mois. Les panels de citoyens européens sont l'un des principaux éléments de la Conférence sur l'avenir de l'Europe. Ils donnent aux citoyens européens un rôle central dans la définition de l'avenir qu'ils souhaitent pour l'UE et leur permettent de présenter leurs idées et d'en débattre avec des responsables politiques de toute l'Union. Le 23 octobre, 80 représentants des panels de citoyens européens, dont au moins un tiers de moins de 25 ans, ont siégé en tant que membres de la plénière, au cours de laquelle ils ont présenté le résultat de leurs discussions jusqu'à présent et en ont débattu avec les autres participants, dont des responsables politiques nationaux, des députés et commissaires européens. Vous pouvez suivre la retransmission en direct des séances plénières des délibérations des citoyens les vendredi et dimanche après-midi. Tous les Européens peuvent avoir leur mot à dire sur la manière de façonner notre avenir commun sur la plateforme numérique multilingue, qui, jusqu'à présent, a recueilli plus de 8 600 idées auprès de plus de 31 000 participants. (Pour plus d'informations: Daniel Ferrie – Tél.: +32 229 86500; Célia Dejond – Tél.: +32 229 88199)

EU at COP26: Executive Vice-President Dombrovskis participates in High-Level dialogue on sustainable trade

On Saturday, 6 November, Executive Vice-President Valdis Dombrovskis will participate in a virtual high-level dialogue on sustainable trade, climate and nature in the context of the COP26. The dialogue will address the following question: How can cooperation on trade support climate action and sustainable development? In addressing this question, speakers will focus on three key themes: multilateral approaches and the role of international organisations; opportunities for trade ministers to support action on climate mitigation and adaptation; and stakeholder perspectives on opportunities to align climate and trade agendas and strategies to build cooperation. Other speakers participating in the dialogue include Andrés Valenciano Yamuni, Minister of Foreign Trade of Costa Rica; Sandra Husbands, Minister in the Ministry of Foreign Trade of Barbados; Damien O'Conner, Minister for Trade and Export Growth of New Zealand; and James Shaw, Minister of Climate Change of New Zealand. You can join the live stream via this link. (For more information: Balazs Ujvari - Tel.: +32 229 54578; Sophie Dirven - Tel.: +32 229 67228)

La présidente von der Leyen et le commissaire Johannes Hahn ouvrent l'édition 2021 de la conférence annuelle du budget

Le lundi 8 novembre, la présidente de la Commission européenne, Ursula von der Leyen, et le commissaire chargé du budget et de l'administration, Johannes Hahn, ouvriront l'édition 2021 de la conférence annuelle du budget. Cette conférence portera sur les défis et les opportunités qui se présenteront avant l'adoption du budget de l'UE. Au nombre des autres orateurs de haut niveau, Kristalina Georgieva, directrice générale du Fonds monétaire international ; António Costa, premier ministre du Portugal ; la première vice-présidente du gouvernement espagnol et ministre de l'économie et de la transformation numérique, Nadia Calviño ; et le secrétaire d'État aux affaires européennes de la France, Clément Beaune. Cette conférence, qui s'inscrit dans le cadre de la conférence sur l'avenir de l'Europe, portera sur l'avenir du budget de l'UE, et comprendra des discussions sur l'UE en tant qu'émetteur de richesse, sur la manière dont les nouvelles ressources propres permettront au budget de l'UE d'évoluer et d'agir. L'événement sera retransmis en ligne ici. Le programme complet et la liste détaillée des intervenants sont disponibles ici. La diffusion d'EbS sera également disponible. (Pour plus d'informations: Balazs Ujvari - Tél.: +32 229 54578; Thérèse Lerebours Tél.: +32 229 63303)

Vice-President Schinas in Salamanca to participate in the ‘Dialogues of the future' and meet regional representatives

Margaritis Schinas, Vice-President for Promoting our European Way of Life, will be in Salamanca, Spain, on Monday, 8 November. The Vice-President will deliver an opening address at the ‘Dialogue on the Future of Education' together with the President of the Spanish Senate, Ander Gil; the Regional President of the Junta de Castilla y León, Alfonso Fernández Mañueco; the mayor of Salamanca, Carlos García Carbayo, and with the Chancellor of the University of Salamanca, Ricardo Rivero Ortega. You can follow it live here at 09:30 CET. This dialogue is part of a series jointly organised by the Spanish Government, the Representation of the European Commission and the European Parliament Liaison Office in Spain. The aim of this initiative is to have open exchanges on the challenges and opportunities that the EU and Spain will face in the coming decades. They take place in 17 cities representing the 17 Autonomous Regions of Spain between now and December. In the margins of the dialogue, Vice-President Schinas will visit the Stand of the Conference on the Future of Europe and will hold bilateral meetings with the President of the Regional Government of Castilla y León, and with the Mayor of Salamanca. He will then visit the University of Salamanca together with the Chancellor of the University, Ricardo Rivero Ortega. (For more information: Sonya Gospodinova – Tel.: +32 229 66953; Célia Dejond – Tel.: +32 229 88199)

CALENDRIER – Liste des activités hebdomadaires des commissaires

Liste des points prévus à l'ordre du jour des prochaines réunions de la Commission

Veuillez noter que ces informations sont données sous réserve de modifications.

Prochains événements de la Commission européenne

Eurostat: communiqués de presse

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