Daily News 10 / 05 / 2022

NextGenerationEU: European Commission endorses positive preliminary assessment of Croatia's request for €700 million disbursement under the Recovery and Resilience Facility

Today, the European Commission endorsed a positive preliminary assessment of Croatia's payment request for €700 million in grants under the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF), the key instrument at the heart of NextGenerationEU. On 15 March 2022, Croatia submitted to the Commission a payment request for the first instalment, based on the 33 milestones and one target identified in the Council Implementing Decision. They cover reforms and investments in the areas of health, social policy, adult education, public administration, anti-corruption, audit and control, anti-money laundering, transport, water and waste management as well as energy efficiency of buildings. With their request, the Croatian authorities provided detailed and comprehensive evidence demonstrating the satisfactory fulfilment of the 33 milestones and one target. The Commission has now sent its positive preliminary assessment of Croatia's fulfilment of the milestones and targets required for this payment to the Economic and Financial Committee (EFC), asking for its opinion. Following the EFC's opinion, the Commission will adopt the final decision on the disbursement of the financial contribution, after which the disbursement to Croatia would take place. More information is available in a press release and Q&A online. (For more information: Veerle Nuyts – Tel.: +32 229 96302; Andrea Masini – Tel.: +32 229 91519; Tommaso Alberini – Tel.: +32 229 57010)

Commissioner Ferreira announces the disbursement of a first payment of €1.16 billion to Portugal under the Recovery and Resilience Facility

On a visit to Portugal yesterday, Commissioner Ferreira attended the Europe Day celebrations in the city of Évora, hosted by the Commission's Representation in the country. In front of an audience composed, among others, of Portuguese national and local authorities, MEPs and MPs, as well as EU Ambassadors and other members of the diplomatic corps, Commissioner Ferreira announced the disbursement of the first payment of €1.16 billion (excluding pre-financing) to Portugal under the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF), made up of €553.44 million in grants and €609 million in loans. Payments made to Portugal under the RRF are performance-based and depend on the implementation of the investments and reforms described in Portugal's recovery and resilience plan. On 25 January 2022, Portugal submitted to the Commission a first request for payment of €1.16 billion under the RRF covering 38 milestones and targets. These concern reforms and investments in the areas of health, social housing, social services, investment and innovation, qualifications and skills, forestry, the blue economy, bio-economy, renewable gases (including hydrogen), public finances and public administration. On 25 March 2022, the Commission adopted a positive preliminary assessment of Portugal's request for payment. The favourable opinion of the Economic and Financial Committee of the Council on the payment request paved the way for the Commission to adopt a final decision on the disbursement of the funds. More information on the RRF payment process can be found in this Q&A document. More information on the Recovery and Resilience Plan of Portugal can be found here. The amounts of payments made to Member States are published on the Recovery and Resilience Scoreboard, which shows the progress made in the implementation of the RRF as a whole and of the individual recovery and resilience plans. (For more information: Veerle Nuyts – Tel.: +32 229 96302; Andrea Masini – Tel.: +32 229 91519; Tommaso Alberini – Tel.: +32 229 57010)

Commission boosts Horizon Europe budget to support green, health and digital innovations and displaced researchers of Ukraine

Today, the Commission has adopted the amendment to the Horizon Europe Work Programme 2021-2022, increasing the budget by nearly €562 million to further support EU Missions towards innovative solutions to green, health and digital challenges and more actions to boost the European innovation ecosystem. The programme's budget for 2021 and 2022 now reaches a total of nearly €16 billion. Margrethe Vestager, Executive Vice-President for A Europe Fit for the Digital Age, said: “These additional investments in research and innovation will help us to deliver on key policies. Horizon Europe shows not only its forward looking vision to create a healthier, greener and digital Europe but also its solidarity to support displaced researchers of Ukraine.” Mariya Gabriel, Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth, said: “With this revision of the Work Programme we reinforce the impetus to address, through research and innovation, our greatest societal challenges with new and innovative tools, such as the EU Missions.  In addition, we will support the displaced researchers of Ukraine to continue their research and innovation work.” Of this additional amount €507.1 million is dedicated to the five EU Missions, a new and innovative way to bring solutions to some of our greatest challenges working together with people in Europe and beyond. Launched in September 2021, they aim to achieve ambitious goals in health, climate and the environment by 2030. Following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the amendment also includes actions to support researchers previously active in Ukraine. Under the new MSCA4Ukraine scheme, part of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA), €25 million will allow displaced researchers to continue their work at an academic or non-academic host organisation in the EU Member States or in countries associated to Horizon Europe, and support them re-establishing themselves in Ukraine when that becomes possible to rebuild the country's research and innovation capacity (see here the press release). Hundreds of Ukrainian scientists will also be able to benefit from an increased budget of €1 million to the Human Frontier Science Programme for the initiative of “scientists help scientists”, as part of Horizon Europe's Cluster 1 ‘Health'. More information is available in this press release. (For more information: Johannes Bahrke – Tel.: +32 229 58615; Sonya Gospodinova – Tel.: +32 229 66953; Marietta Grammenou – Tel.: +32 229 83583; Célia Dejond – Tel.: +32 229 88199)

La Commission européenne et la BEI signent un accord pour permettre de nouveaux investissements dans le monde

La Commission européenne et la Banque européenne d'investissement ont signé aujourd'hui un accord de garantie ambitieux grâce auquel la Commission européenne soutiendra les opérations financières de la BEI à hauteur de 26,7 milliards d'euros pour permettre la réalisation d'investissements publics cruciaux dans les pays partenaires de l'UE dans des secteurs tels que les énergies propres, les infrastructures numériques et de transport, la santé et l'éducation au cours des sept prochaines années, déployant Global Gateway dans le monde entier. Cet accord de garantie sera le plus important signé dans le cadre du nouveau Fonds européen pour le développement durable Plus (" EFSD+ "), établi par le règlement NDICI - Global Europe.  Il soutiendra la mise en œuvre de la stratégie du Global Gateway, notamment le paquet d'investissements Afrique-Europe du Global Gateway. L'accord de garantie permettra également à la Banque européenne d'investissement de financer la mise en œuvre d'investissements clés identifiés dans les plans économiques et d'investissement de l'UE pour les Balkans occidentaux et les régions du voisinage méridional et oriental. Le commissaire chargé de la politique de voisinage et de l'élargissement, Olivér Várhelyi, la commissaire chargée des partenariats internationaux, Jutta Urpilainen, et le président de la Banque européenne d'investissement, M. Werner Hoyer, ont tenu ce matin un point de presse qui peut être visionné sur EbS. Pour plus d'informations, veuillez consulter notre communiqué de presse. (Pour plus d'informations: Ana Pisonero – Tél : +32 2 295 43 20 ; Gesine Knolle – Tél : +32 229-54323 ; Zoï Muletier – Tél : +32 229-94306)

REACT-EU: €84.3 million to support the economic and social recovery in Finland and Germany and welcoming people fleeing the war in Ukraine in Latvia

Finland, Germany and Latvia will receive an additional €84.3 million in total under REACT-EU to support the post-pandemic recovery and the greening and digitalisation of their economy, as well as to support people in need, including people fleeing the war in Ukraine. In Finland, €36.4 million will support small and medium businesses (SMEs) with their post-coronavirus pandemic recovery, the implementation of new and green technologies, cyber-security and digitalisation. The funds will also be invested in the digitalisation of public and industrial sectors, green growth and new health care products. In Germany, in Saxony-Anhalt, an additional €23 million will help disadvantaged pupils to improve their digital skills. In addition, the Berlin operational programme (OP) receives €12.1 million to support SMEs with their networking and cooperation activities and the congress and conference industry which was hit hard by the pandemic crisis in the industry's transition to more hybrid and sustainable events. Finally, Rheinland-Pfalz will receive an additional €11 million for measures to strengthen the innovation and competitiveness of SMEs, support information and knowledge transfers between universities and SMEs, as well as accessible tourism and energy efficiency measures to reduce CO2 emissions. In Latvia, the Food and Basic Material Assistance OP will receive an additional €1.8 million to support people in need, including those who have been affected by the coronavirus crisis and people who have fled the Russian invasion in Ukraine. Around 70,000 people in need, including around 10,000 persons with disabilities, will benefit from material assistance, food parcels and warm meals. REACT-EU is part of NextGenerationEU and provides €50.6 billion in additional funding (in current prices) over the course of 2021 and 2022 to the 2014-2020 cohesion policy programmes. The 2021 tranche of REACT-EU had already allocated €40 billion. To help Member States manage the arrival of people fleeing the war in Ukraine, the Commission has recently increased the co-financing rate and has paid more than €3.5 billion in advance payments from REACT-EU. (For more information: Stefan de Keersmaecker – Tel.: +32 229 84680; Veerle Nuyts – Tel.: +32 229 96302)

Politique de cohésion de l'UE : 176 millions d'euros pour stimuler la durabilité et l'innovation dans l'Espace alpin

La Commission a adopté deux programmes Interreg d'une valeur de 176 millions d'euros pour rendre la région de l'Espace alpin plus compétitive et plus verte au cours de la période 2021-2027. La commissaire chargée de la cohésion et des réformes, Elisa Ferreira, a déclaré : « Les Alpes et les Préalpes sont une région magnifique mais aussi particulièrement fragile. La région alpine s'est réchauffée deux fois plus que la moyenne mondiale depuis la fin du XIXe siècle. Ces programmes aideront la région alpine à s'adapter aux effets du changement climatique et à soutenir la transition verte. De plus, ils favoriseront l'innovation et la numérisation pour rendre la région alpine plus compétitive. » Le programme Interreg Espace alpin reçoit une contribution de l'UE de 107 millions d'euros. Ce programme met fortement l'accent sur les investissements pour une région alpine plus résiliente et plus verte, en investissant dans les petites et moyennes entreprises dans les domaines de l'agriculture durable, de la bioéconomie et de la sylviculture. Le programme Interreg France-Suisse recevra une contribution de l'UE de 69 millions d'euros. Le programme portera sur la neutralité carbone, la transition écologique, une économie compétitive, la mobilité durable, le tourisme et la culture et sur la réduction des obstacles à la frontière franco-suisse dans le domaine de la formation tout au long de la vie. Enfin, les programmes Interreg pour l'Espace alpin contribueront à atteindre les objectifs de la stratégie de l'UE pour la région alpine. Le nouvel Interreg 2021-2027 est construit autour de quatre volets : transfrontalier (Interreg A), transnational (Interreg B), interrégional (Interreg C) et intégration des régions ultrapériphériques dans leur environnement voisin (Interreg D). (Pour plus d'informations: Stefan de Keersmaecker – Tél. : +32 229 84680 ; Veronica Favalli – Tél. : +32 229 87269)

Le Fonds européen d'investissement soutient le financement d'infrastructures maritimes durables

Le Fonds européen d'investissement (FEI) a réalisé un investissement initial de 70 millions d'euros dans le Fonds pour les infrastructures maritimes durables, géré par Eurazeo. L'investissement du FEI est soutenu par le Fonds européen pour les investissements stratégiques (EFSI), pilier principal du plan d'investissement pour l'Europe. Le Fonds pour une infrastructure maritime durable vise à soutenir la transition de l'industrie maritime mondiale vers une économie neutre en carbone d'ici 2050. Cela est conforme à l'objectif du pacte vert pour l'Europe de zéro émission nette de gaz à effet de serre d'ici 2050. Avec un total de 200 millions d'euros collectés, le fonds a déjà atteint plus de la moitié du volume ciblé à ce jour. L'investissement total contribuera à financer trois actifs principaux : des navires équipés de technologies respectueuses de l'environnement qui utilisent des carburants plus efficaces ou alternatifs, des équipements et infrastructures portuaires innovants visant à favoriser la transition écologique, ainsi que des actifs qui soutiennent le développement des énergies renouvelables en mer. Paolo Gentiloni, commissaire à l'économie, a déclaré : « Compte tenu de la grande quantité de marchandises transportées chaque jour sur nos océans, il est certain que le secteur maritime doit apporter une contribution majeure à notre objectif de neutralité carbone d'ici 2050. Le fait que le Plan d'investissement pour l'Europe contribue à soutenir ce fonds d'infrastructure maritime durable est une excellente nouvelle. Cette transaction pose les bases d'un financement solide en faveur de navires et d'infrastructures portuaires plus durables, visant à faire progresser le développement des énergies renouvelables en mer ». Jusqu'à présent, le plan d'investissement pour l'Europe a mobilisé 546,5 milliards d'euros d'investissements, à bénéfice de plus de 1,4 millions de petites et moyennes entreprises. Un communiqué de presse est disponible en ligne. (Pour plus d'informations: Veerle Nuyts – Tél.: +32 229 96302; Flora Matthaes – Tél.: +32 229 83951)

COVID-19: 17,7 millions d'euros au titre du Fonds européen d'ajustement à la mondialisation pour soutenir des travailleurs licenciés d'Air France

La Commission européenne propose aujourd'hui de soutenir 1 580 anciens travailleurs d'Air France qui ont perdu leur emploi en raison de la pandémie de COVID-19, à hauteur de 17,7 millions d'euros provenant du Fonds européen d'ajustement à la mondialisation en faveur des travailleurs licenciés (FEM). Ce financement aidera les personnes concernées à trouver un nouvel emploi grâce à des services de conseil et d'orientation adaptés, à développer de nouvelles compétences ou à créer leur propre entreprise. Le commissaire à l'emploi et aux droits sociaux, Nicolas Schmit, a déclaré : « La pandémie de COVID-19 a eu une profonde incidence sur les travailleurs du secteur des voyages et du transport aérien. Avec un soutien financier de 17,7 millions d'euros provenant du Fonds européen d'ajustement à la mondialisation, nous faisons preuve de solidarité avec près de 1 600 anciens salariés d'Air France, en les aidant à retrouver leur place sur le marché du travail. Ce soutien de l'UE les aidera à se reconvertir et à trouver de nouveaux emplois, ou à créer leur propre entreprise ». La France a demandé une aide au titre du FEM pour soutenir les travailleurs d'Air France licenciés à la suite d'une baisse du nombre de passagers et de vols en raison de la pandémie de COVID-19. Le soutien apporté aux travailleurs licenciés comprend des services de conseil, d'orientation professionnelle, d'aide à la recherche d'emploi et la possibilité d'acquérir de nouvelles compétences grâce à une formation professionnelle sur mesure. Les participants peuvent également recevoir des conseils sur la manière de démarrer leur propre entreprise et une subvention de démarrage d'un montant maximal de 15 000 EUR. Les mesures de soutien comprennent aussi des subventions à l'embauche, des indemnités différentielles de rémunération et des indemnités de reclassement rapide pour les travailleurs. Le coût total de ces mesures est estimé à 21 millions d'euros environ, dont 85 % (17,7 millions) seront pris en charge par le FEM. Air France financera les 15 % restants. Un communiqué de presse est disponible en ligne. (Pour plus d'informations : Veerle Nuyts – Tél.: +32 229 96302; Flora Matthaes – Tél.: +32 229 83951)

Syria and the region: Brussels VI Conference gathers more than 75 delegations in direct political and financial support

The ministerial meeting of the main annual pledging event for the Syrian people – the 6^th Brussels Conference “Supporting the Future of Syria and the Region” (#SyriaConf2022) – is ongoing today. Chaired by High Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell, it gathers more than 75 delegations from 55 countries and 22 international organisations, including the UN, in direct political and financial support for the Syrians and their host communities in neighbouring countries. The opening address of High Representative/Vice-President Borrell is published here. It will be followed by a speech by Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement, Olivér Várhelyi. The video of the press conference by High Representative/Vice-President Borrell can be watched on Ebs. The total Conference's pledge will be announced in the closing session at +/- 17:30. The Brussels Conference started yesterday with the Day of Dialogue, which allowed to produce valuable recommendations based on exchanges with civil society actors from Syria and the region and operational actors engaged in the response to the Syrian crisis. More information on the Conference, including the full programme and list of attendees, is available on the following webpage. Live webstreaming here. See also our factsheets on the EU and the Syria crisis and on the EU's support in Syria, in Lebanon, in Jordan and in Turkey. (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; Zoï Muletier – Tel.: +32 229 94306; Daniel Puglisi – Tel.: +32 229 69140)

Certificat COVID numérique européen: La Commission adopte des décisions d'équivalence pour l'Indonésie, les Seychelles et le Viêt Nam

La Commission européenne a adopté aujourd'hui trois nouvelles décisions d'équivalence certifiant que les certificats COVID-19 délivrés par l'Indonésie, les Seychelles et le Viêt Nam sont équivalents au certificat COVID numérique de l'UE. En conséquence, ces trois pays seront connectés au système de l'UE et l'UE acceptera leurs certificats COVID dans les mêmes conditions que le certificat COVID numérique. Cela signifie que les titulaires de certificats délivrés par l'Indonésie, les Seychelles et le Viêt Nam pourront les utiliser dans les mêmes conditions que les titulaires d'un certificat COVID numérique de l'UE. Dans le même temps, ces trois pays ont accepté d'accepter le certificat COVID numérique de l'UE pour les ressortissants de l'UE à l'arrivée. Didier Reynders, commissaire à la justice, a ajouté: « Avec l'adhésion de l'Indonésie, des Seychelles et du Viêt Nam, le nombre de pays et de territoires connectés au système de l'UE est porté à 67. En vue de l'été, le certificat de l'UE facilitera les déplacements des Européens dans l'UE et au-delà. Si nous sommes heureux de constater que la situation s'améliore, le certificat reste un outil utile pour de nombreuses destinations, par exemple, en cas d'exigences en matière de tests ». Les décisions de la Commission entreront en vigueur le 11 mai 2022. Toutes les décisions sont disponibles en ligne. De plus amples informations sur le certificat COVID numérique de l'UE sont disponibles sur le site web prévu à cet effet. (Pour plus d'informations: Christian Wigand — Tél.: +32 229 62253; Katarzyna Kolanko — Tél.: +32 229 63444; Cristina Torres Castillo — Tél.: +32 229 90679)

Hate speech: Rakuten Viber joins the EU Code of Conduct against illegal hate speech online

The European Commission welcomes the decision of Rakuten Viber, a cross-platform voice and instant messaging application, to join the EU Code of Conduct on countering illegal hate speech online. Didier Reynders, Commissioner for Justice, said: “The growing number of signatories shows that the Code of Conduct is an effective tool for fighting hate speech online. We strongly encourage businesses and platforms to join us in our engagement to create a safer digital space.” Rakuten Viber is the eleventh partner to join the Code of Conduct. Launched in 2016 together with Facebook, Microsoft, Twitter and YouTube, the Code was by now joined by Instagram, Snapchat, Dailymotion, Jeuxvideo.com, TikTok and LinkedIn. As underlined by the results of its sixth evaluation, published in October 2021, the Code of Conduct has achieved positive results. On average, IT companies reviewed 81% of the notifications within 24 hours and removed 62.5% of flagged content. Within the framework of the Digital Services Act, the Code of conduct contributes to creating a more robust EU-wide response against hate speech online. (For more information: Christian Wigand - Tel.: +32 229 62253; Katarzyna Kolanko – Tel.: +32 229 63444; Cristina Torres Castillo – Tel.: +32 229 90679)

Kick-off of the fifth edition of the Just Transition Platform Meeting

Today begins the fifth edition of the Just Transition Platform Meeting, hosted by the Commission. Until 12 May, the online meeting will gather representatives from coal, peat and shale oil and carbon-intensive regions around the EU to discuss the impact of the green transition on the most affected communities and how they can benefit from the transition, in line with the objectives of European Green Deal. Stakeholders will discuss available EU support and will exchange good practices on how to make best use of the different instruments that form the Just Transition Mechanism. The transition towards a climate-neutral economy shall leave no one behind. This year's edition will focus on challenges for coal and carbon-intensive regions on how to help workers and local communities and on the support to youth and entrepreneurship. The event will also update participants on the state of play of the Just Transition Fund programming negotiations and the Territorial Just Transition Plans. Commissioner for Energy, Kadri Simson has addressed the participants in the opening session and later today Commissioner for cohesion and reforms, Elisa Ferreira will be joined by Commissioner for Jobs and Social Rights, Nicolas Schmit in a debate with youth representatives that will set the tone for the closing of the conference. The Just Transition Platform offers EU countries and regions comprehensive technical and advisory support as a single access point and helpdesk. All details can be found in a revamped website and in the Just Transition Platform newsletter. You can still register here. (For more information: Stefan De Keersmaecker – Tel.: +32 229 84680; Veronica Favalli - Tel.: +32 229 87269)

Better Regulation: The Regulatory Scrutiny Board presents 2021 annual report

The Commission's Regulatory Scrutiny Board - an independent body, providing quality control and support at early stages of the legislative process - has published its 2021 annual report. The report assesses the quality of the impact assessments and evaluations carried out by the Commission in 2021. Given the increased legislative workload in recent years, the Regulatory Scrutiny Board is playing an ever more important role to ensure the coherence and effectiveness of our legislative proposals. Vice-President for Interinstitutional Relations and Foresight Maroš Šefčovič said: “In challenging such as these, it is more important than ever to legislate as efficiently as possible for the benefit of Europeans and European businesses. It also remains vital that we keep moving forward to deliver on our green and digital ambitions in a fair manner. The work of the Regulatory Scrutiny Board is playing an indispensable role in putting forward legislation that is of the highest quality, brings clear benefits to Europeans, and does so at minimum costs. I am proud of its strong reputation, while we will continue to strive for excellence.” The Board scrutinised 83 impact assessments (compared to 41 in 2020), 15 major evaluations including two fitness checks and four resubmissions from 2020. Despite the increased legislative work, the quality of impact assessments and evaluations is improving: the share of the negative opinions by the Regulatory Scrutiny Board declined from 46% in 2020 to 37% in 2021, while the initial positive opinions increased from 12% to 22%. The Board also continued to provide methodological advice to the Commission's departments throughout the year and advised the Secretariat-General on the further development of the Better Regulation agenda, notably the revised better regulation guidelines and toolbox. More information is available online.  (For more information: Daniel Ferrie – Tel: +32 229 86500; Célia Dejond – Tel: +32 229-88199)

Payments: Commission launches public consultation on the revised Payments Services Directive review and open finance

The European Commission has today launched a public consultation to gather evidence for the revised Payment Services Directive review and to inform its work on open finance. The revised Payment Services Directive (Directive 2015/2366/EC or “PSD2”) is the basis for payment rules in the EU. It includes rules to make online payments services easier and safer, promote innovative payment services, strengthen the rights of users and protect them against fraud and abuse. PSD2 also opened up access to customers' payment accounts data, enabling third-party providers to offer competing financial or information services and laying the ground for “open banking”. The Commission will report this year on the application and impact of PSD2, as announced in the retail payments strategy of September 2020. Today's consultation seeks views on whether the Directive has achieved its objectives and whether amendments are needed to ensure that its rules remain relevant. The Commission also seeks views on the broader concept of “open finance”, which could cover a range of financial services, such as investment in securities, pensions, and insurance. Data-driven finance is one of the priorities set out in the Commission's digital finance strategy, which announced an open finance framework proposal. The CMU Communication of November 2021 announced that this work would accelerate as part of the European financial data space. In the broader framework of the data strategy for Europe, the objective is to make the most of the data economy for EU capital markets, consumers and businesses. Mairead McGuinness, Commissioner for Financial Services, Financial Stability and Capital Markets Union, said: “The PSD2 has driven innovation in retail payments, to the benefit of consumers and financial service providers. It is now time to take stock with all stakeholders, and prepare our next steps. We want to boost innovation and increase consumer choice in payments and open finance, while keeping the companies and people who generate data in control.” The public consultation seeks views on both the PSD2 review and the open finance framework. It is available in all EU languages and will run for 12 weeks. You can have your say here. In addition, the Commission has also launched two targeted consultations on the PSD2 and the open finance framework. The targeted consultations require specialist knowledge. They will also run for 12 weeks and are available only in English. (For more information: Daniel Ferrie – Tel.: +32 229 86500; Aikaterini Apostola – Tel.: +32 229 87624)

Antitrust: Commission adopts new Vertical Block Exemption Regulation and Vertical Guidelines

The European Commission has adopted today the new Vertical Block Exemption Regulation (‘VBER') accompanied by the new Vertical Guidelines, following a thorough evaluation and review of the 2010 rules. The revised rules provide businesses with simpler, clearer and up-to-date rules and guidance. The new rules will help them to assess the compatibility of their supply and distribution agreements with EU competition rules in a business environment reshaped by the growth of e-commerce and online sales. The revised VBER and Vertical Guidelines will enter into force on 1 June 2022. The main changes to the previous rules focus on adjusting the safe harbour to ensure that it is neither too generous nor too narrow. The revised VBER rules have also been clarified and simplified, to make them more accessible to those who use them in their day-to-day business. In particular, the VBER rules have been updated as regards the assessment of online restrictions, vertical agreements in the platform economy and agreements that pursue sustainability objectives, among other areas. In addition the guidelines provide detailed guidance in a number of topics, such as selective and exclusive distribution and agency agreements. Executive Vice-President Margrethe Vestager, in charge of competition policy, said: “The revised Vertical Block Exemption Regulation and Vertical Guidelines are the result of a thorough review process. The new rules will provide companies with up-to-date guidance that is fit for an even more digitalized decade ahead. The rules are important tools that will help all types of businesses, including small and medium enterprises, to assess their vertical agreements in their daily business.” A press release is available online. (For more information: Arianna Podesta – Tel.: +32 229 87024; Maria Tsoni – Tel.: +32 229 90526)

State aid: Commission approves €45 million Irish support measure for fishery-processing sector in the context of Brexit

The European Commission has approved, under EU State aid rules, a €45 million Irish scheme to support the fish-processing sector affected by the effects of the withdrawal of the UK from the EU. The scheme will run until 31 December 2023. The beneficiaries are small and medium-sized enterprises active in the processing and preserving of fish, crustaceans and molluscs. The aim of the measure is to support these companies in improving their manufacturing processes, providing a stimulus to optimise the use of raw material inputs and add greater value to outputs, thereby helping reduce commodity exports. The measure is planned to be financed under the Brexit Adjustment Reserve ('BAR'), established to mitigate the economic and social impact of Brexit, subject to approval under the specific provisions governing funding from that instrument. The Commission has assessed the scheme under 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 or regions under certain conditions, and in particular the Guidelines for the examination of State aid to the fishery and aquaculture sector. The Commission found that the scheme will enhance the sustainability of the fishery-processing sector and its ability to adapt to new fishing and market opportunities post-Brexit. It also found that the scheme facilitates the development of an economic activity and does not adversely affect trading conditions to an extent contrary to the common interest. On this basis, the Commission approved the Irish measure under EU State aid rules. The non-confidential version of the decision will be made available under the case number SA.102249 in the State Aid Register on the Commission's Competition's website once any confidentiality issues have been resolved. (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 €25 million Irish support measure for fishery sector in the context of Brexit

The European Commission has approved, under EU State aid rules, the reintroduction of an Irish scheme to support the fishery sector affected by the effects of the withdrawal of the UK from the EU,. The original scheme, approved on 3 September 2021 (SA.64035) and amended in October 2021(SA.100045), had a planned budget of €12.5 million and expired on 31 December 2021.  Ireland notified the Commission of its intention to reintroduce the scheme, with an additional budget of €25 million. The scheme will run until 31 October 2022. The support will be available to Irish-registered vessels that commit to temporarily cease their fishing activities. Under the scheme, compensation will be granted in the form of a grant to cover for the losses for temporary ceasing of the fishing activity. The aim of the scheme is to mitigate the short-term impact of the quota reductions for the affected segment of Ireland's fishing fleet. The grant will be partly passed on to the vessels' crew. Each eligible vessel will be entitled to support for up to two months in the period between May and October 2022. The measure is planned to be financed under the Brexit Adjustment Reserve, established to mitigate the economic and social impact of Brexit, subject to approval under the specific provisions governing funding from that instrumentThe Commission assessed the measures under 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 or regions under certain conditions, and under the Guidelines for the examination of State aid to the fishery and aquaculture sector. The Commission found that the re-introduced scheme facilitates the development of an economic activity and does not adversely affect trading conditions to an extent contrary to the common interest. On this basis, the Commission approved the Irish measure under EU State aid rules. The non-confidential version of the decision will be made available under the case number SA.102242 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; Maria Tsoni – Tel.: +32 229 90526)

Aides d'État : la Commission approuve un régime d'aide français de 400 millions d'euros destiné à soutenir les exploitations agricoles et piscicoles d'élevage dans le contexte de l'invasion de l'Ukraine par la Russie

La Commission européenne a approuvé un régime d'aides français d'un montant de 400 millions d'euros visant à soutenir les exploitations agricoles et les exploitations piscicoles d'élevage dans le contexte de l'invasion de l'Ukraine par la Russie. Ce régime a été approuvé en vertu de l'encadrement temporaire de crise en matière d'aides d'État, adopté par la Commission le 23 mars 2022, fondé sur l'article 107, paragraphe 3, point b) TFUE et reconnaissant que l'économie de l'UE est confrontée à une perturbation grave. Dans le cadre de ce régime, l'aide prendra la forme de subventions directes. L'objectif de ce régime est de couvrir une partie de l'augmentation des coûts d'alimentation animale des exploitations agricoles et des exploitations piscicoles d'élevage. La Commission a estimé que le régime français était conforme aux conditions énoncées dans l'encadrement temporaire de crise. En particulier, l'aide ne dépassera pas 35 000 euros par bénéficiaire ; et ii) sera octroyée au plus tard le 31 décembre 2022. La Commission a conclu que le régime était nécessaire, approprié et proportionné pour remédier à une perturbation grave de l'économie d'un État membre, conformément à l'article 107, paragraphe 3, point b), du TFUE et aux conditions fixées dans l'encadrement temporaire de crise. Sur cette base, la Commission a autorisé la mesure en vertu des règles de l'UE en matière d'aides d'État. De plus amples informations sur l'encadrement temporaire de crise et les autres mesures prises par la Commission pour faire face aux effets de l'invasion russe de l'Ukraine sont disponibles ici. La version non confidentielle de la décision sera publiée sous le numéro SA.102784 dans le registre des aides d'État figurant sur le site web de la Commission consacré à la concurrence, une fois que les éventuels problèmes de confidentialité auront été résolus. (Pour plus d'nformations: Arianna Podesta – Tél.: +32 229 87024; Nina Ferreira - Tél.: +32 229 98163; Maria Tsoni – Tél.: +32 229 90526)

Mergers: Commission seeks feedback on proposed simplification measures regarding merger procedures

The European Commission has launched today a public consultation inviting all interested parties to comment on the draft revised Merger Implementing Regulation (‘Implementing Regulation') and the Notice on Simplified Procedure. In August 2016, the Commission launched a thorough review process of the merger procedural and jurisdictional rules. The aim of this process is to target and simplify the Commission's merger review process for cases that are unlikely to raise competition concerns which are treated under the simplified procedure, and to focus resources on the most complex and relevant cases. This process included an evaluation of the procedural and jurisdictional aspects of EU merger control rules and a public consultation on an Inception Impact Assessment. The proposed changes are set out in more detail in the background note accompanying the Implementing Regulation and the Notice on Simplified Procedure. Interested parties are invited to submit their comments on the draft rules by 3 June 2022. Executive Vice-President Margrethe Vestager, in charge of competition policy, said: “Our initiative aims to further ease administrative burden on both businesses and the Commission and will allow us to focus resources on the mergers that merit a detailed investigation. We invite all parties to provide us with their comments on our draft revised rules, which will feed into the preparation of the new rules planned to enter into force in 2023.” A press release is available online. (For more information: Arianna Podesta – Tel.: +32 229 87024; Maria Tsoni – Tel.: +32 229 90526)

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Le vice-président exécutif Dombrovskis se rend à Marrakech pour renforcer les relations commerciales marocaines et assiste à la 31e réunion annuelle de la BERD, qui se tiendra dans le cadre du forum des entreprises

Le vice-président exécutif Valdis Dombrovskis se rendra au Maroc du 10 au 12 mai pour rencontrer le premier ministre marocain et d'autres interlocuteurs sur le renforcement des liens commerciaux. Il représentera également la Commission européenne lors de la 31e réunion annuelle de la Banque européenne pour la reconstruction et le développement (BERD), la première jamais organisée en Afrique du Nord, qui sera axée sur la guerre en Ukraine. Mardi, il rencontrera la présidente de la BERD, Odile Renaud-Basso, suivi d'un bref point de presse commun. Mercredi, il assistera à la session plénière principale et prendra part à une table ronde de haut niveau sur l'impact de la guerre en Ukraine — les deux sessions seront retransmises en direct. Il prononcera également un discours  sur le rôle de la finance par le capital durable dans les économies émergentes. Le vice-président Dombrovskis organisera également une série de réunions bilatérales sur le commerce, notamment sur la modernisation de l'accord commercial bilatéral, l'environnement des entreprises et des investissements, ainsi que l'impact de la guerre en Ukraine. Il rencontrera le ministre marocain des affaires étrangères Nasser Bourita mardi et, mercredi, il rencontrera conjointement le chef de gouvernement marocain, Aziz Akhannouch, et le ministre de l'économie et des finances, Nadia Fettah Alaoui. Jeudi, il rencontrera le ministre de l'industrie et du commerce, Ryad Mezzour, et le ministre délégué auprès du chef du gouvernement, Mohcine Jazouli. Il participera à un dialogue avec la Confédération marocaine des entreprises GCEM et BusinessEurope, qui sera suivi d'un point de presse. La visite à Marrakech rappellera l'importance des relations entre l'UE et le Maroc et l'engagement de l'UE en faveur de relations fortes avec ses voisins, compte tenu notamment de l'impact de la guerre du Kremlin sur la sécurité alimentaire mondiale. L'UE a récemment annoncé une enveloppe de 225 millions d'euros pour aider nos partenaires du voisinage méridional à faire face aux conséquences de la hausse des prix des denrées alimentaires et des produits de base dans la région. (Pour plus d'informations: Miriam Garcia Ferrer – Tél.: +32 229 99075; Sophie Dirven – Tél.: +32 229 67228)

Commissioner Gabriel in Munich to highlight the importance of education, research, innovation and culture for the future of Europe

Today, Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth Mariya Gabriel will be in Munich to participate as a key speaker to the EU Week Conference of the Technische Universität München (TUM) School of Management. The aim of this visit is to insist on the importance of education, research, innovation and culture for the future of Europe, and present the following flagship initiatives: the European strategy for universities and the main priorities for European innovation in view of a new Innovation Agenda that addresses the new generation of innovators with a focus on deep tech start-ups, universities, industries and engineering talent. Innovation does need talents. The aim is to inspire young people to get involved, one of the main goal of the European Year of Youth. During the visit, there will also be a joint press conference with Commissioner Gabriel, President Hofmann and Dean Friedl on Innovation ecosystems in Europe and the promotion of a start-up culture, that can be followed here. For more audio-visual material, please consult EBS. (For more information: Sonya Gospodinova – Tel.: +32 229 66953; Célia Dejond – Tel.: +32 229 88199)

Tentative agendas for forthcoming Commission meetings

Note that these items can be subject to changes.

Upcoming events of the European Commission

Eurostat press releases