Daily News 11 / 01 / 2022

EU-Catalyst Partnership: Request for proposals of pioneering green technology projects is launched

Today, Breakthrough Energy Catalyst published a request for proposals for large-scale deep green technology projects based in Europe. The request will trigger investments in a portfolio of high-potential projects in the areas of clean hydrogen, sustainable aviation fuels, direct air capture, and long-duration energy storage. It marks the first milestone of the EU-Catalyst partnership that the European Commission, the European Investment Bank and Breakthrough Energy Catalyst launched in November 2021 at COP26 in Glasgow, and which was presented by Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Bill Gates, the Founder of Breakthrough Energy and European Investment Bank President Werner Hoyer. The Partnership will mobilise $1 billion (around €820 million) between 2022-2026 to accelerate the deployment and commercialisation of innovative technologies that help deliver the European Green Deal ambitions and achieve Europe's climate goals by 2030 and climate neutrality by 2050. Mariya Gabriel, Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth, said:  “With the EU-Catalyst partnership we want to make a daring leap towards achieving our climate goals. We need technological revolution on a global scale, large investments, more financial risk taking and more game-changing innovations, as well as policies that support public-private partnerships across the globe.” EU funding for the EU-Catalyst Partnership comes from Horizon Europe and the Innovation Fund, managed under InvestEU. Each euro of public funds is expected to leverage three euros of private funds. More information is available here, as well as in this factsheet and Questions and Answers. (For more information: Johannes Bahrke – Tel.: +32 229 58615; Marietta Grammenou – Tel.: +32 229 83583)

Culture financière: la Commission et l'OCDE-INFE publient un cadre commun pour l'amélioration des compétences financières des particuliers

La Commission européenne et le Réseau international pour l'éducation financière de l'OCDE (OCDE-INFE) ont publié aujourd'hui le cadre commun UE/OCDE-INFE de compétences financières pour les adultes. Ce cadre vise à améliorer les compétences financières des particuliers, afin de leur permettre de prendre de saines décisions concernant leurs finances personnelles. Il soutiendra l'élaboration de politiques publiques, de programmes d'éducation financière et de matériel éducatif par les États membres, les établissements d'enseignement et le secteur financier. Il soutiendra également l'échange de bonnes pratiques entre décideurs politiques et parties prenantes dans l'UE. Mairead McGuinness, commissaire chargée des services financiers, de la stabilité financière et de l'union des marchés de capitaux, a déclaré: « Doter les personnes du savoir-faire nécessaire pour prendre des décisions éclairées concernant leurs finances personnelles favorise le bien-être financier et une participation plus confiante aux marchés financiers. C'est d'autant plus important que la finance se numérise de plus en plus. Les niveaux actuels de culture financière dans l'UE sont malheureusement faibles, et cela impacte de manière disproportionnée les personnes les plus vulnérables de notre société. L'annonce faite aujourd'hui et les travaux conjoints de la Commission et de l'OCDE-INFE marquent une avancée importante dans le renforcement de la culture financière, puisque les États membres et les autres parties prenantes disposeront à présent des outils nécessaires pour élaborer des politiques et programmes d'éducation financière. Le cadre produit constitue un volet essentiel de notre plan d'action pour l'union des marchés des capitaux et il nous rapproche de notre objectif de parachever un marché unique où les consommateurs puissent intervenir en toute sécurité sur les marchés des capitaux. » La Commission et l'OCDE vont désormais faire porter leurs efforts sur l'adoption du cadre commun UE/OCDE-INFE de compétences financières pour les adultes par les autorités nationales et les professionnels concernés. Des échanges avec les États membres et les parties prenantes, animés par les services de la Commission et l'OCDE, seront organisés dès le début de 2022. Parallèlement, la Commission et l'OCDE, travaillant en coopération avec les États membres, vont engager les travaux sur un cadre commun UE/OCDE-INFE de compétences financières pour les enfants et les jeunes, qui devrait être finalisé en 2023. Un communiqué de presse est disponible en ligne (Pour plus d'informations : Daniel Ferrie – Tél.: +32 229 86500; Aikaterini Apostola – Tél.: +32 229 87624)

Commission launches the European Capitals of Inclusion and Diversity Award

This year, for the first time the European sets out to reward towns, cities and regions for their work in promoting inclusion and helping to fight discrimination with the European Capitals of Inclusion and Diversity Award. The award, which is part of the Commission's Union of Equality framework and was launched in the Commission's Anti-racism Action Plan, aims to recognize local authorities' innovative activities enhancing the situation and experience of specific groups exposed to discrimination.,  aims to recognize local authorities' innovative activities enhancing the situation and experience of specific groups exposed to discrimination. Applications can focus on specific educational or cultural projects, improvement of the overall infrastructure and other initiatives fostering a diverse and inclusive environment for all their citizens. In addition, this year a special award for promoting Roma inclusion will be given. Helena Dalli, Commissioner for Equality said: “Cities and local communities contribute to fostering a sense of belonging and the sharing of common values. Diversity is also a source of richness and innovation. With the Inclusion and Diversity Awards, outstanding work implemented by communities and cities will be recognised and highlighted as an inspiration for others.” The award is open to all local authorities, including towns, cities and regions of the EU Member States. Best practices covering all grounds of discrimination under article 19 of TFEU and their intersectionality are eligible to take part. Applicants are welcome to submit their applications via the website by 15 February 2022, 12:00 CET. The award ceremony is to take place on the 28th of April 2022.  (For more information Christian Wigand - Tel.: +32 229 62253; Katarzyna Kolanko – Tel.: +32 229 63444; Jördis Ferroli - Tel.: +32 229 92729)

State aid: Commission invites comments on proposed revision of EU State aid rules for agriculture, forestry and fishery sectors

The European Commission is inviting all interested parties to comment on proposed revised State aid rules for the agricultural, forestry and fishery sectors. The purpose of the proposed revision is to align the current rules with the current EU strategic priorities, in particular the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP), as well as to the European Green Deal. Member States and other interested parties can respond to the consultation until 13 March 2022. The Commission has conducted an evaluation of the existing rules applicable to the agricultural and forestry sectors and is also performing an evaluation of the rules applicable to the fishery sector. The input gathered has been reflected in the proposals under consultation. On this basis, the Commission considers that the rules under scrutiny work well and are broadly fit for purpose. At the same time, the evaluation revealed that they need certain targeted revisions including clarifications of some concepts, further streamlining and simplification, as well as adjustments to further reflect market and technological developments and the current EU's strategic priorities. Furthermore, the rules need to be adapted to enable Member States to quickly enact the reformed Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and the new European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF). In this context, the Commission is proposing a number of changes to the different sets of rules. The adoption of the revised rules is planned for the end of 2022. Executive Vice-President Margrethe Vestager, in charge of competition policy, stated: ”Today's proposals aim to ensure that our rules on State aid for the agricultural, forestry and fishery sectors are fit for the green transition. The revised rules will also make it easier and faster for Member States to provide funding, without causing undue distortions of competition in the Single Market. We encourage all interested parties to share their views.” A press release is available online. (For more information: Arianna Podesta – Tel.: +32 229 87024; Giulia Astuti – Tel.: +32 229 55344)

State aid: Commission approves €100 million Flemish scheme to support companies affected by the coronavirus pandemic

The European Commission has approved a €100 million Flemish scheme to support companies affected by the coronavirus pandemic and the restrictions in place to limit the spread of the virus. The scheme was approved under the State aid Temporary Framework. The scheme, which goes under the name ‘Bridge loans in the Flemish region', will be open to micro, small and medium-sized enterprises active in all sectors, except the financial one. Under the scheme, the public support will take the form of loans. Eligible companies will receive up to two loans, at a subsidised interest rate of 1%. The total amount of the loans will range from €10,000 to €400,000 per beneficiary. The Commission found that the Belgian scheme is in line with the conditions set out in the Temporary Framework. In particular, the aid (i) will not exceed €290,000 per company active in the primary production of agricultural products, €345,000 per company active in fishery and aquaculture and €2.3 million per company in other sectors; and (ii) will be granted no later than 30 June 2022. The Commission therefore 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.101133 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)

Mergers: Commission clears acquisition of La Doria by Amalfi Invest Opportunities

The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of sole control of La Doria S.p.A. of Italy by Amalfi Invest Opportunities S.à r.l. (‘AIO'), of Luxembourg. La Doria produces and supplies food products, particularly in the vegetable and juice-processing sector. AIO, ultimately controlled by Investindustrial S.A., invests in medium-sized companies based in Europe, mainly focusing on consumer and leisure, healthcare and services, industrial manufacturing and technology. The Commission concluded that the proposed acquisition would raise no competition concerns given the limited overlaps between the activities of the companies and the moderate combined market positions resulting from the proposed transaction. 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.10551. (For more information: Arianna Podesta – Tel.: +32 229 87024; Maria Tsoni – Tel.: +32 229 90526)

Conférence sur l'avenir de l'Europe: Le panel de citoyens européens sur le changement climatique, l'environnement et la santé livre ses recommandations*

Du 7 au 9 janvier, le panel de citoyens européens sur le changement climatique, l'environnement et la santé a participé à sa troisième et dernière session. Les travaux du panel se sont déroulés au Collège d'Europe à Natolin (Varsovie, Pologne) et les sessions plénières de vendredi et de dimanche se sont tenues au Palais de la culture et de la science à Varsovie. Quelque 200 citoyens issus de tous les États membres, de tous âges et de tous horizons, ont adopté 51 recommandations sur les défis auxquels l'Europe est confrontée en matière de climat, d'environnement et de santé. Les recommandations des citoyens, issues des travaux des deux précédentes sessions à Strasbourg (1-3 octobre) et en ligne (19-21 novembre), se sont concentrées sur les thèmes suivants: protéger notre environnement et notre santé, réorienter notre économie et notre consommation, vers une société durable, et des soins pour tous. Pour revoir la réunion plénière de vendredi, cliquez ici. Pour celle de dimanche, cliquez ici. Les recommandations des panels de citoyens seront présentées et débattues à la plénière de la Conférence, où les propositions finales de la Conférence continueront d'être élaborées. 80 représentants des panels (20 de chacun des panels de citoyens européens, dont au moins un tiers ont entre 16 et 25 ans) sont membres de la plénière de la Conférence. C'est là qu'ils présenteront les conclusions des discussions au sein de leurs panels respectifs et débattront avec des eurodéputés, des représentants de gouvernements et de parlements nationaux, des commissaires européens et d'autres membres de la plénière issus d'organes de l'UE, des autorités régionales et locales, des partenaires sociaux et de la société civile. La prochaine plénière de la Conférence se tiendra les 21 et 22 janvier à Strasbourg. Les citoyens de toute l'UE peuvent par ailleurs continuer à participer à la Conférence via la plateforme numérique multilingue. Un communiqué de presse est disponible en ligne. (Pour plus d'informations: Daniel Ferrie – Tél.: +32 229 86500; Sinéad Meehan-van Druten – Tél.: +32 229 84094)

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.

UPDATED on 11-01-2022 at 12:35