Daily News 05 / 05 / 2022

Commission puts forward guidelines to help Member States apply the partial suspension of Visa Facilitation Agreement with Russia for Russian officials and business people

Today, the Commission is putting forward guidelines to help Member States and their consulates implement the partial suspension of the Visa Facilitation Agreement with the Russian Federation, in place since 25 February 2022, in response to Russia's acts of aggression against Ukraine's territorial integrity. The partial suspension targets specific categories of persons close to the regime: it applies to Russian citizens who are members of the Russian Federation's official delegations; members of the Russian Federation's national and regional Governments and Parliaments; the Russian Federation's Constitutional Court and the Russian Federation Supreme Court; citizens of the Russian Federation holding valid diplomatic passports; as well as business people and representatives of business organisations. The suspension means that these groups no longer have privileged access to the European Union. As an example, the documentary evidence to be issued ahead of a journey is no longer waived, and the fees for processing of visa applications are no longer reduced, meaning that the standard €80 visa fee applies by default. The suspension does not affect ordinary Russian citizens, who continue enjoying the same benefits under the agreement as they currently do. Today's guidelines will help Member States and their consulates in applying the partial suspension, clarify the procedures and conditions for issuing visas to Russian citizens in any given consular location of the EU and ensure that visa issuance on humanitarian grounds should always remain possible. (For more information: Anitta Hipper - Tel.: + 32 229 85691; Laura Bérard – Tel.: + 32 229 55721; Ciara Bottomley – Tel.: +32 229 69971; Yuliya Matsyk – Tel: +32 229 13173)

L'UE annonce 52 millions d'euros supplémentaires pour soutenir la résilience, la reprise et les réformes à long terme en République de Moldavie.

L'Union européenne mobilisera 52 millions d'euros supplémentaires pour la République de Moldavie afin de consolider la résilience, la reprise et les réformes à long terme du pays, notamment via la mise en œuvre des initiatives phares prévues dans le plan économique et d'investissement du partenariat oriental, et de soutenir la mise en œuvre de l'accord d'association UE-Moldavie. Deux actions seront financées dans le cadre du programme annuel de soutien 2021 ; EU4Reforms qui soutiendra la Moldavie dans la mise en œuvre des réformes liées à l'Accord d'association et de la zone de libre-échange approfondi et complet UE-Moldavie, en particulier dans le domaine de la bonne gouvernance et de la communication stratégique pour lutter contre la désinformation. En outre, EU4Recovery and Resilience contribuera à un développement économique vigoureux, durable et inclusif en Moldavie, notamment en soutenant les PME, en améliorant le climat d'affaires grâce à la facilitation des échanges et l'amélioration de l'employabilité. Il soutiendra également un agenda vert transformateur pour la Moldavie. Ces actions viennent s'ajouter au soutien de crise déjà en cours et au soutien de l'UE à  la reprise et résilience de long terme, en particulier via le plan économique et d'investissement du partenariat oriental. Vous pouvez trouver plus d'informations ici. Le Commissaire Olivér Várhelyi a également fait une déclaration ce matin lors du débat au Parlement européen portant sur l'état des lieux de la coopération UE-Moldavie que vous pouvez lire ici. (Pour plus d'informations: Ana Pisonero - Tel.: +32 229 54320; Zoi Muletier – Tel.: +32 229 94306)

Eurobarometer: Europeans approve EU's response to Russia's war against Ukraine

A Eurobarometer survey in all Member States published today shows large support among EU citizens for the EU's response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Respondents are widely in favour of the EU's unwavering support to Ukraine and its people. In particular, 93% approve providing humanitarian support to the people affected by the war and 88% approve of welcoming in the EU people fleeing the war. Also, 80% approve the financial support provided to Ukraine, 66% agree that ‘Ukraine should join the EU when it is ready', 71% believe that Ukraine is part of the European family and 89% feel sympathy towards Ukrainians. A majority of Europeans think that since the war started, the EU has shown solidarity (79%) and has been united (63%) and fast (58%) in its reaction. Support for the sanctions imposed on Russia following its attack against Ukraine is also very high. 80% of those consulted approve the economic sanctions against Russia and 79% approve sanctions against Russian oligarchs. Furthermore, 67% approve that the EU finances the purchase and supply of military equipment to Ukraine and 75% consider that the war in Ukraine shows ‘we need greater military cooperation within the EU'. You can find more details in the press release. (For more information: Dana Spinant — Tel.: +32 229 90150)

Le Parlement européen confirme la bonne gestion du budget de l'Union en 2020

La Commission européenne se félicite de l'approbation finale par le Parlement européen de la manière dont le budget de l'UE a été exécuté en 2020. Le vote, qui accorde la « décharge » à la Commission pour sa gestion du budget de l'UE, est une reconnaissance du fait que, même dans le contexte difficile de la pandémie, le budget de l'UE est resté protégé et a continué à produire des résultats sur le terrain. C'est aussi également l'occasion de rappeler les réalisations de la Commission en 2020, année décisive pour le budget de l'UE. Grâce aux flexibilités et aux instruments mis en place au début de la crise du coronavirus, les fonds de l'UE ont été utilisés pour fournir du matériel médical, soutenir la recherche de traitements et de vaccins et protéger les emplois et les entreprises. Dans le même temps, le budget de l'UE a permis de continuer de mettre en œuvre ses priorités horizontales, en premier lieu en ce qui concerne les transitions écologique et numérique. À l'occasion du vote, le commissaire Johannes Hahn, chargé du budget, a déclaré: « Je remercie les députés du Parlement européen pour leur vote de confiance et les rapporteurs pour leur excellent travail. Leur décision d'approuver la manière dont la Commission a géré le budget 2020 est gratifiante, mais il ne s'agit pas d'un chèque en blanc. La Commission européenne continuera à faire tout ce qui est en son pouvoir pour faire en sorte que le budget de l'UE soit dépensé conformément aux règles et que les citoyens puissent en tirer le plus grand profit. Nous continuerons à renforcer les outils de contrôle et d'audit de la bonne utilisation des fonds de l'UE et nous veillerons également à disposer des méthodes appropriées pour évaluer la contribution de nos dépenses en faveur du climat, de la biodiversité, de la transition numérique et de l'égalité entre les hommes et les femmes. » La décharge budgétaire annuelle est l'approbation finale par le Parlement européen de la manière dont la Commission européenne, en coopération avec les États membres, a exécuté le budget de l'UE au cours d'une année donnée. Le vote de décharge est donc la clôture formelle de l'exercice budgétaire en question. Le Parlement européen accorde la décharge sur recommandation du Conseil. La procédure est l'occasion, pour le Parlement européen et le Conseil, d'exercer un contrôle démocratique sur la manière dont l'argent des contribuables est dépensé. (Pour en savoir plus: Balazs Ujvari - Tél.: + 32 229 54578; Claire Joawn - Tél.: + 32 229 56859)

Crise alimentaire : l'insécurité alimentaire atteint de nouveaux records selon le rapport mondial sur les crises alimentaires 2022

Le Réseau mondial contre les crises alimentaires (Global Network Against Food Crisis) - une alliance internationale entre les Nations unies, l'Union européenne et des agences gouvernementales et non gouvernementales - a publié hier son Rapport mondial sur les crises alimentaires 2022. Celui-ci fournit des informations et des chiffres clés sur les personnes confrontées à une insécurité alimentaire aiguë et nécessitant une aide alimentaire urgente. Il révèle qu'environ 193 millions de personnes dans 53 pays ou territoires ont connu une insécurité alimentaire aiguë en 2021, soit une augmentation de près de 40 millions de personnes par rapport aux chiffres déjà records de 2020. Le rapport note que les conflits restent le principal moteur de l'insécurité alimentaire. Bien que l'analyse soit antérieure à l'invasion de l'Ukraine par la Russie, le rapport constate que la guerre d'agression de la Russie a exposé la nature interconnectée et la fragilité des systèmes alimentaires mondiaux, avec de graves conséquences pour la sécurité alimentaire et nutritionnelle mondiale. Les pays qui font déjà face à des niveaux élevés de faim aiguë sont particulièrement vulnérables aux risques créés par l'invasion de l'Ukraine par la Russie, notamment en raison de leur forte dépendance aux importations de denrées alimentaires et d'intrants agricoles et de leur vulnérabilité aux chocs des prix alimentaires mondiaux. À l'occasion de ce lancement, lors duquel un appel a été lancé pour que l'action mondiale s'oriente vers une meilleure prévention des crises alimentaires et s'attaque à ses causes profondes, la commissaire chargée des partenariats internationaux, Jutta Urpilainen, a déclaré : « L'invasion de l'Ukraine par la Russie met en péril la sécurité alimentaire mondiale. La communauté internationale doit agir pour éviter la plus grande crise alimentaire de l'histoire et les bouleversements sociaux, économiques et politiques qui pourraient en découler. L'UE est déterminée à s'attaquer à tous les facteurs d'insécurité alimentaire : conflits, changement climatique, pauvreté et inégalités. S'il est nécessaire de fournir une assistance immédiate pour sauver des vies et prévenir la famine, nous devons continuer à aider les pays partenaires à effectuer la transition vers des systèmes agroalimentaires durables et des chaînes d'approvisionnement résilientes en exploitant tout le potentiel du Green Deal et du Global Gateway. » L'UE, conjointement avec l'Organisation pour l'alimentation et l'agriculture et le Programme alimentaire mondial, a cofinancé le Réseau mondial contre la crise alimentaire pour lutter contre la tendance préoccupante de la crise alimentaire dans les pays partenaires. L'UE a mis à disposition 120 millions d'euros pour le Réseau mondial depuis 2016. Vous pouvez trouver le rapport complet ici. (Pour plus d'informations : Ana Pisonero - Tél : +32 229 54320 ; Gesine Knolle - Tél : +32 229 54323)

#BeInclusive Sport Awards: Commissioner Mariya Gabriel announces the winners

The Commission announced the winners of its annual #BeInclusive EU Sport Awards. Every year, organisations whose work uses the power of sport to improve social inclusion for disadvantaged groups receive recognition from the Commission with the #BeInclusive EU Sport Awards. The three prize categories were “Breaking barriers”, won by the Italian Politecnico di Milano for Gift; “Celebrating diversity”, won by the Czech Cesta za Snem for Handy Cycling Marathon; and “Inspiring change”, won by Greek Orama neon youtharoma for A Ball for All. They have increased and fostered the social inclusion of disadvantaged groups through their sport activities. The #BeInclusive EU Sport Awards are dotted with a prize of €10,000 for each winner. Mariya Gabriel, Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth said: “Sport embodies universal values and bridges differences. With this award, we are proud to celebrate those that break barriers, celebrate diversity, and inspire change through sport. By recognising those who make real change, we renew our commitment to uphold our European values of solidarity, inclusion and peace.” More information about this year's winners is available online. (For more information: Sonya Gospodinova – Tel.: +32 229 66953; Célia Dejond – Tel.: +32 229 88199)

State aid: Commission approves €30 million Spanish scheme under the Recovery and Resilience Facility to support better connectivity for economically vulnerable citizens

The European Commission has approved, under EU State aid rules, a €30 million Spanish scheme to support social vouchers for the connectivity of economically vulnerable categories of citizens. The scheme will be funded through the Recovery and Resilience Facility ('RRF'), following the Commission's positive assessment of Spain's Recovery and Resilience Plan and its adoption by the Council. The aim of the scheme is to support individual consumers or households that encounter financial difficulties in acquiring new or better subscriptions to broadband internet access services providing download speeds of at least 30 Mbps. The support will take the form of vouchers granted to end-users each month, for a total annual amount of €240 per beneficiary.  The scheme will run until 31 December 2023. The Commission assessed the aid scheme under the EU State aid rules, and in particular Article 107(2)(a) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union which allows Member States to grant aid having a social character to individual consumers, provided that such aid is granted without discrimination related to the origin of the products concerned. The Commission found that the scheme is not discriminatory as any telecommunications provider capable of supplying broadband internet services at the required download speed will be able to offer them to the eligible end-users.  In addition, the Commission concluded that the scheme is necessary and appropriate to achieve the objective of reducing the digital divide of economically vulnerable users of broadband services in Spain. It will also contribute to the EU's strategic objectives relating to the digital transition. Furthermore, the Commission found that the measure is proportionate and that any negative effects on competition and trade in the EU will be limited in view of the limited aid amount and the characteristics of the sector. On this basis, the Commission approved the scheme under EU State aid rules. The Commission assesses measures entailing State aid contained in the national recovery plans presented in the context of the RRF as a matter of priority and has provided guidance and support to Member States in the preparatory phases of the national plans, to facilitate the rapid deployment of the RRF. The non-confidential version of the decision will be made available under the case number SA.100138 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)

State aid: Commission approves €450 million Spanish scheme to support private road transport companies in the context of Russia's invasion of Ukraine

The European Commission has approved a €450 million Spanish scheme to support private road transport companies 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) TFEU, recognising that the EU economy is experiencing a serious disturbance. Under the scheme, the aid will take the form of direct grants. The measure will be open to certain self-employed workers and private companies legally constituted in Spain, irrespective of their size, which are active in the road freight and passengers transport sectors and that are affected by the current geopolitical crisis. The Commission found that the Spanish scheme is in line with the conditions set out in the Temporary Crisis Framework. In particular, the aid (i) will not exceed €400,000 per beneficiary; and (ii) will be granted no later than 31 December 2022. The Commission concluded that the 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 scheme under EU State aid rules. More information on the Temporary Crisis Framework and other actions taken by the Commission to address the economic impact of Russia's invasion of Ukraine can be found here. The non-confidential version of the decision will be made available under the number SA.102615 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)

State aid: Commission approves €119 million Italian scheme to support cabotage and other maritime services in the context of the coronavirus pandemic

The European Commission has approved a €119 million Italian scheme to support cabotage and other maritime services in the context of the coronavirus pandemic. The measure was approved under the State aid Temporary Framework. The measure will be open to ship-owning companies active in the cabotage sector and other maritime services. Under the scheme, the aid will take the form of an exemption from the payment of social security and welfare contributions due for the period between 1 August 2020 and 31 December 2021. The aim of the measure is to reduce the labour costs of the beneficiaries thereby helping them address their liquidity needs and continue their activities during and after the pandemic. The Commission found that the Italian scheme is in line with the conditions set out in the Temporary Framework. In particular, the aid (i) will not exceed €2.3 million per beneficiary; 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 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.101428 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)

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Le vice-président exécutif Dombrovskis et les commissaires Schmit et Urpilainen participent à la conference « Économie sociale, le futur de l'Europe » à Strasbourg

Le vice-président exécutif Valdis Dombrovskis ; le commissaire Nicolas Schmit ; et la commissaire Jutta Urpilainen, participent à la conférence « Économie sociale, le futur de l'Europe », qui se tient à Strasbourg aujourd'hui et demain (5 et 6 mai). Parmi les thèmes que l'évènement abordera sont le rôle clé de l'économie sociale dans la réalisation du pacte vert pour l'Europe, la construction d'un mouvement mondial pour la reconnaissance de l'économie sociale et le financement de l'économie sociale. Il s'agit d'un évènement organisé par la ville de Strasbourg dans le cadre de la présidence française du Conseil de l'UE. Aujourd'hui, le vice-président exécutif Dombrovskis introduira la session par un discours d'ouverture à distance. Ensuite, le commissaire  Schmit participera à la session plénière intitulée « Tirer le meilleur du plan d'action de la Commission européenne sur l'économie sociale : le point de vue des acteurs de terrain » ; et demain, la commissaire Urpilainen enverra un message vidéo pour la session sur la dimension internationale de l'économie sociale. En décembre 2021, la commission a présenté un plan d'action visant à aider l'économie sociale européenne à prospérer, en exploitant tout son potentiel sur le plan économique, pour la création d'emplois ainsi que pour une reprise juste et inclusive et pour la transition écologique et numérique. De plus amples informations sur la conférence, y compris le programme, sont disponibles sur le site web de l'évènement. (Pour plus d'informations: Veerle Nuyts — Tél.: + 32 229 96302; Flora Matthaes — Tél.: + 32 229 83951)

Commissioner Gabriel engages in the Democracy Forum in Cyprus

Today and tomorrow, Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth Maryia Gabriel will be in Cyprus to participate in the opening of the Democracy Forum in Cyprus, a concrete deliverable of the European Year of Youth, This Forum showcases the challenges that democracy is currently facing. It is organised by the Presidency of the Republic of Cyprus and the House of Representatives at the Filoxenia Conference Center in Nicosia. The Democracy Forum is funded by a European Year of Youth National Coordination grant. During the visit, the Commissioner will meet the Minister of Education, Culture, Sport and Youth, Prodromos Prodromou. She will also visit the Innovation Centre accompanied by the Permanent Secretary of the Deputy Ministry for Research, Innovation and Digital Policy, Stelios Himonas. Commissioner Gabriel will also exchange with innovators working in the fields of cultural and creative media. For more audiovisual material, please consult EBS. (For more information: Sonya Gospodinova – Tel.: +32 229 66953; Célia Dejond – Tel.: +32 229 88199)

Commissioner Simson in Lithuania to inaugurate the Poland-Lithuania Gas Interconnector

Today, Commissioner for Energy, Kadri Simson, is in Lithuania to participate in the celebration ceremony for the commissioning of the Poland-Lithuania Gas Interconnection, the first gas interconnector between the Eastern Baltic Sea region and Continental Europe. Supported by more than €266 million through the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) Energy, the pipeline will integrate the gas systems of the Baltic Sea region into the EU's internal gas market. It will also boost the energy security of the region as Russia manipulates its gas supplies to Europe alongside its continued illegal attack against Ukraine. The Presidents of Lithuania, Poland and Latvia, Gitanas Nausėda, Andrzej Duda and Egils Levits, will also participate in the event, together with ministers and gas transmission system operators from the region. Commissioner Simson will hold a press point with the three Presidents that will be available on Ebs and her speech will be published here. You can read more on this project here. This inauguration, in the same week that work began on a new floating LNG terminal in Alexandroupolis, Greece, is a further step in the EU's efforts to diversify its energy security away from unreliable Russian fossil fuel. Later this month, the Commission will adopt its REPowerEU plan which will provide further details on how Europe will diversify its energy supplies and infrastructure in the coming years. (For more information: Tim McPhie – Tel.: +32 229 58602; Giulia Bedini – Tel: +32 229 58661)

Syria: EU to hold on 9 and 10 may Brussels VI Conference in continued support to Syrian people

In an effort to ensure continued international support for Syrian refugees and their host communities in neighbouring countries, the European Union will be hosting on 9 and 10 May the sixth Brussels Conference on “Supporting the future of Syria and the region”. The Conference will allow the international community to renew its commitment vis-à-vis the Syrian people and towards a political resolution of the conflict in line with UNSCR 2254, mobilise further financial assistance to meet the increasing needs, as well as to pursue dialogue with civil society. It will be the main pledging event for Syria and the region in 2022. On Monday 9 May, the Day of Dialogue will provide a unique platform for dialogue between civil society actors from inside Syria, the region as well as the diaspora, refugee-hosting countries, the EU and other key partners, including the UN. The Ministerial meeting will take place in person on Tuesday 10 May, chaired by High Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell. Commissioner for Crisis Management Janez Lenarčič and Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Olivér Várhelyi will also participate. Since 2011, the EU and its Member States have been the largest donors of humanitarian and resilience assistance to Syria and the region with €27.4 billion. You can find more information about the Brussels VI Conference in our press release and on the dedicated website. Audiovisual coverage will be available on EbS and via the Council. (For more information: Peter Stano – Tel.: +32 229 54553; Balazs Ujvari – Tel.: +32 229 54578 ; Ana Pisonero – Tel.: +32 229 54320; Lauranne Devillé – Tel: +32 229 80833)

Tentative agendas for forthcoming Commission meetings

Note that these items can be subject to changes.

Upcoming events of the European Commission

Eurostat press releases