Daily News 04 / 05 / 2022

Commission welcomes Council's approval of recovery and resilience plans of Bulgaria and Sweden

The European Commission welcomes the Council's approval of its assessments of the recovery and resilience plans of Bulgaria and Sweden. These plans set out the measures that will be supported by the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF). The RRF is at the heart of NextGenerationEU, which will provide €800 billion (in current prices) to support transformative investments and reforms across the EU. The Council's approval paves the way for the Commission's disbursements to Bulgaria and Sweden under the RRF. Bulgaria's recovery and resilience plan amounts to €6.3 billion in grants, whereas Sweden's amounts to €3.3 billion in grants. The Commission will authorise the disbursements based on the satisfactory fulfilment of the milestones and targets outlined in each of the Council Implementing Decisions approving the plans, reflecting progress on the implementation of the investments and reforms covered in the plans. (For more information: Veerle Nuyts – Tel.: +32 2 299 63 02; Tommaso Alberini – Tel.: +32 229 57010; Andrea Masini – Tel.: +32 229 91519)

Jeunesse pour les régions ultrapériphériques : 1 million d'euros pour soutenir les jeunes dans les régions ultrapériphériques

La Commission met en œuvre aujourd'hui la première action concrète de la stratégie renouvelée pour les régions ultrapériphériques de l'UE qui a été adoptée hier, en lançant un appel à propositions d'un million d'euros pour aider les jeunes locaux à créer projets pour développer leurs régions. La commissaire à la cohésion et aux réformes, Elisa Ferreira, a déclaré : « Les jeunes peuvent devenir des agents du changement, des entrepreneurs et des innovateurs dans leurs communautés locales. Nous avons besoin de la vision, de l'engagement et de la participation des jeunes pour façonner l'avenir de l'UE, en ne laissant personne ni région de côté. Nous voulons donner aux jeunes des régions ultrapériphériques la possibilité d'être les artisans de leur propre avenir. C'est l'occasion de développer des actions qui feront la différence dans ces régions particulièrement reculées et vulnérables ». Cet appel à propositions est la première étape d'un projet de deux ans qui, dans le cadre de l'Année européenne de la jeunesse 2022, soutiendra au moins 70 actions de jeunes de 15 à 24 ans. Il sélectionnera une entité située dans une région ultrapériphérique qui sera chargée de la mise en œuvre du projet. L'objectif est d'aider les jeunes de ces régions vulnérables et éloignées à développer des actions adaptées à leurs régions afin d'améliorer la qualité de vie, le développement et la croissance. Les jeunes devront développer des idées et actions en faveur de la communauté liées aux priorités de l'UE telles que la transition verte et numérique, la relance socio-économique, et l'égalité et l'inclusion. Un appel à l'action pour que les jeunes bénéficient de ces bourses sera publié d'ici la fin de l'année. Plus de détails sont disponibles ici. Les régions ultrapériphériques ont un statut spécial en vertu du Traité sur le fonctionnement de l'Union européenne (article 349) qui prévoit des mesures spécifiques pour les soutenir, y compris par l'application adaptée du droit de l'UE et dans l'accès aux programmes de l'UE. Les régions ultrapériphériques de l'UE sont la Guadeloupe, la Guyane française, la Martinique, Mayotte, la Réunion, Saint-Martin, les Açores, Madère et les îles Canaries. (Pour plus d'informations : Stefan de Keersmaecker - Tél. : +32 229 84680 ; Veronica Favalli - Tél. : +32 229 87269)

Nouveau Bauhaus européen: cinq projets phares à financer dans toute l'Europe

La Commission annonce aujourd'hui les cinq projets sélectionnés pour l'appel de 25 millions d'euros concernant le développement de projets phares du Nouveau Bauhaus européen. Ces projets permettront la création d'espaces plus durables, plus inclusifs et plus esthétiques dans toute l'UE, et associeront les citoyens à la transition écologique au niveau local. La présidente de la Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, a déclaré : « Je me réjouis que ces projets du nouveau Bauhaus européen soient mis en œuvre. Ils donnent une bonne illustration de l'avenir, et feront entrer le pacte vert dans notre vie quotidienne et nos espaces de vie. Ces projets devraient devenir le point de départ d'un réseau européen et mondial de projets du nouveau Bauhaus européen. » Les cinq projets présélectionnés recevront un financement d'environ 5 millions d'euros chacun pour se développer dans 11 États membres (Belgique, Tchéquie, Allemagne, Danemark, Grèce, Croatie, Italie, Lettonie, Pays-Bas, Slovénie et Portugal), ainsi qu'en Norvège et en Turquie. Ils aborderont des sujets tels que la rénovation des bâtiments, la circularité, les arts, le patrimoine culturel, l'éducation, les villes intelligentes, la régénération urbaine et rurale, etc. Les projets contribueront également aux missions de l'UE. Les missions partagent de nombreuses valeurs avec le Nouveau Bauhaus européen. En effet, elles ont pour ambition de relever de grands défis dans les domaines de la santé, du climat et de l'environnement grâce à un dialogue plus étroit avec les citoyens et de tirer parti du pouvoir de la recherche et de l'innovation. Pour de plus amples informations sur les projets retenus, veuillez consulter notre communiqué de presse. (Pour plus d'informations: Adalbert Jahnz – Tél.: + 32 229 53156; Célia Dejond – Tél.: +32 229 88199)

State aid: Commission approves German umbrella scheme to support companies in context of Russia's invasion of Ukraine

The European Commission has approved a German umbrella scheme with a budget of around €11 billion to support companies across sectors in the context of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The scheme was approved under the State aid Temporary Crisis Framework, adopted by the Commission on 23 March 2022, based on Article 107(3)(b) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (‘TFEU'), recognising that the EU economy is experiencing a serious disturbance. Under the German umbrella scheme, which will be administered by federal, regional and local authorities, the aid will take the form of (i) guarantees on loans (‘guarantee scheme'); and (ii) subsidised loans (‘subsidised loan scheme'). The scheme is aimed at ensuring that sufficient liquidity is available for the companies in need. The measure will be open to all sectors except credit and financial institutions. The Commission concluded that the German umbrella scheme 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 Crisis Framework. On this basis, the Commission approved the aid measure under EU State aid rules. Executive Vice-President Margrethe Vestager, in charge of competition policy, said: “This umbrella scheme will enable Germany to mitigate the economic impact of Putin's war in Ukraine and to further support companies across sectors affected by the current crisis and the related sanctions. We continue to stand with Ukraine and its people. At the same time, we continue working closely with Member States to ensure that national support measures can be put in place in a timely, coordinated and effective way, while protecting the level playing field in the Single Market.” A press release is available online. (For more information: Arianna Podesta – Tel.: +32 229 87024; Nina Ferreira - Tel.: +32 229 98163; Maria Tsoni – Tel.: +32 229 90526)

State aid: Commission approves Danish short-term export credit scheme

The European Commission has approved, under EU State aid rules, the reintroduction of a Danish short-term export credit scheme. Under the scheme, the Danish State can cover risks of single export transactions. The scheme was originally approved in April 2013, prolonged in December 2015 and expired in December 2020. In February 2022, Denmark notified its intention to reintroduce the scheme, which will run until 31 December 2025. The Commission assessed the scheme under EU State aid rules, in particular the 2021 Short-term export credit Communication. The Commission found that the measure is necessary, as there is a lack of private insurers covering single export transactions (i.e. insurance provided on a transaction-by-transaction basis rather than on the entire export portfolio of a company). The Commission concluded that the scheme is proportionate, as it ensures that Denmark will cover only transactions for which private cover is not available in the market. On this basis, the Commission approved the scheme under EU State aid rules. The non-confidential version of the decision will be made available under the case number SA.102071 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; Nina Ferreira - Tel.: +32 229 98163)

State aid: Commission approves €44 million Italian aid measure to support modernisation of Mutti S.p.A. food processing activities

The European Commission has approved, under EU State aid rules, a €44 million Italian aid measure in favour of food company Mutti S.p.A. The aid will support Mutti S.p.A's project aimed at enhancing its food processing technological and environmental standards, in particular in terms of reduced water and energy consumption. The investment aims also at digital transformation, specifically at using data and digital technologies to improve business processes and production systems in the manufacturing sector. The total budget of the investment project amounts to €105 million, of which €44 million will be covered by Italy by means of direct grants. The project will be implemented over a period of three years (2022-2024). The Commission assessed the measure under EU State aid rules, and in particular Article 107(3)(c) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, which allows Member States to support the development of certain economic activities under certain conditions, as well as under the Guidelines for State aid in the agricultural and forestry sectors and in rural areas for 2014-2020, which were prolonged until 31 December 2022. The Commission found that the scheme is appropriate and necessary for achieving the objectives of the investment project. The Commission also concluded that the scheme is proportionate, i.e. limited to the minimum necessary, and will not have undue negative effects on competition and trade in the EU. On this basis, the Commission approved the measure under EU State aid rules. The non-confidential version of the decision will be made available under the case number SA.101691 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; Nina Ferreira - Tel.: +32 229 98163)

Mergers: Commission clears acquisition of joint control of a logistics facility in Bleiswijk by PLD and NBIM

The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of joint control of a real estate property in Bleiswijk by Prologis, L.P. (‘PLD') of the US and Norges Bank Investment Management (‘NBIM') of Norway. The real estate property is located in Bleiswijk, the Netherlands, and is used as a logistics facility. PLD owns, operates and develops real estate properties, mainly for industrial purposes, in Asia, Europe and the US. NBIM manages Norway's Government Pension Fund Global on behalf of the Norwegian Ministry of Finance, focusing on worldwide investments including real estate investments in Europe, Japan and North America. The Commission concluded that the proposed acquisition would raise no competition concerns, because of its limited impact 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.10716. (For more information: Arianna Podesta – Tel.: +32 229 87024; Maria Tsoni – Tel.: +32 229 90526)

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Education for Climate Coalition Policy Forum: bringing green skills into classrooms

Tomorrow, the annual Education for Climate Coalition Policy Forum will bring together policy experts and education stakeholders to discuss the role of education in the green transition. The debate will focus on the skills learners must be equipped with. A policy panel, with Commissioner for Education, Youth, Culture and Sport, Mariya Gabriel, Assistant Director General for Education of UNESCO, Stefania Giannini, and two young practicians from the European School and the Trinity College Dublin respectively will provide their perspective. Ahead of the event, Commissioner Gabriel said: “A green Europe requires green skills- better knowledge about climate change and sustainability, new skills and a change in behaviour. Making Europe green is a substantial challenge for the education systems in the Member States, which calls for a strategic common approach. I am looking forward to this exchange about the promising work being done across Europe to help children, young people and adults learn about, and take action on climate change, biodiversity and sustainability.” The Forum will also come up with concrete examples of how education can actively contribute to the green transition by deepening people's understanding, developing necessary skills and promote behavioural change. The Education for Climate Coalition enables primary and secondary schools, vocational education and training and higher education institutions across the EU to cooperate in learning initiatives and projects on climate action, sustainability and the environment. It contributes to achieving the European Education Area by 2025. To register to the event, please click here. (For more information : Sonya Gospodinova – Tel.: +32 229 66953; Célia Dejond – Tel.: +32 229 88199

Commissioners Ferreira at the annual Technical Support Instrument conference focused on Member States' resilience

Tomorrow, Commissioner for Cohesion and Reforms, Elisa Ferreira, will open the Conference ‘Building resilience of Member States' - organised by the Commission. During the conference, high-level representatives from the Commission, Member States and other Institutions will discuss key challenges and opportunities faced by EU public administrations along with how the Technical Support Instrument (TSI) can support them for the successful design and implementation of resilience-enhancing reforms, in particular in the context of the recent crises, COVID-19 pandemic and the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Commissioner Ferreira said: “The Recovery and Resilience Facility, the cohesion funds and the TSI are important opportunities the Commission put forward for Member States to achieve a recovery along with the digital and green transition. In the context of the current crisis, Member States should further enhance their administrations' resilience and reinforce their capacity to anticipate, face and recover from crises. I look forward to presenting how the Commission is ready to help them in this endeavour.” The conference will also highlight the main priorities for the TSI for 2023, notably: providing continuous support for the implementation of the recovery and resilience plans; ensuring the implementation of EU priorities; and encouraging the design and the implementation of multi-country and multi-regional projects. The Commission has been actively cooperating with Member States to increase the quality of their public administration through the identification of critical issues, the support to the design and deployment of reforms, the provision of capacity-building tools and of guidance, the facilitation of exchange of knowledge and experience, financial support and the promotion of research and innovation. The conference programme is available here, its outcome will be available here and you can watch it live. (For more information: Veronica Favalli - Tel: +32 229 87269 Stefan de Keersmaecker - Tel.: +32 229 84680)

Hydrogen: Commissioner Breton meets European electrolysers industry

Tomorrow, Commissioner for Internal Market Thierry Breton will meet the CEOs of twenty European electrolyser manufacturers in Brussels, a sector in which Europe benefits from a technological leadership. Organised in the framework of the European Clean Hydrogen Alliance, they will discuss how to ramp up Europe's electrolysers capacity, which are used to produce clean hydrogen. Meeting the EU climate objectives and strengthening Europe's independence from Russia's fossil fuels requires a significant contribution from hydrogen. The Commission, in its REPowerEU Communication adopted on 8 March, doubled its target with a view to have in place 10 million tons of domestically-produced renewable hydrogen in the EU by 2030, requiring additional electrolyser capacities and the mobilisation of the EU's industrial policy toolkit. The event is also part of the Commission's work to achieve the objectives set out in series of Commission's legislative proposals to deliver the European Green Deal and the EU hydrogen strategy. (For more information : Sonya Gospodinova – Tel.: +32 229 66953; Federica Miccoli – Tel.: +32 2 29 58300)

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