Daily News 14 / 06 / 2022

HERA sécurise les vaccins pour les États membres de l'UE en réponse aux épidémies de monkeypox

Aujourd'hui, HERA, l'Autorité de préparation et de réponse sanitaire de la Commission européenne, a conclu un contrat avec la société Bavarian Nordic pour l'achat de 109 090 doses de leurs vaccins de troisième génération en réponse aux épidémies actuelles de monkeypox. Alors que le nombre de cas continue d'augmenter, cet accord rendra les vaccins rapidement disponibles pour tous les États membres de l'UE, la Norvège et l'Islande. L'Agence exécutive Santé et numérique de la Commission (HaDEA) a acheté le vaccin de troisième génération pour et au nom de l'Autorité de préparation et d'intervention en cas d'urgence sanitaire (HERA). HERA mettra ensuite les vaccins à la disposition des États membres de l'UE au prorata, en commençant par ceux qui en ont le plus besoin. C'est la première fois que le budget de l'UE est utilisé via le programme EU4Health pour acheter directement des vaccins pour les États membres. Sur la base du plus grand nombre de cas, les livraisons commenceront déjà d'ici la fin du mois pour les États membres prioritaires, qui ont accordé des exemptions nationales pour le vaccin. Depuis le 18 mai, environ 900 cas de monkeypox ont été signalés dans 19 États membres de l'UE et la Norvège et l'Islande. HERA est un pilier essentiel de l'Union européenne de la santé et un atout fondamental pour renforcer la réaction et la préparation de l'UE aux urgences sanitaires. Dans son évaluation des risques, le Centre européen de contrôle et de prévention des maladies (ECDC) a conseillé aux pays touchés d'envisager une vaccination post-exposition précoce pour prévenir la maladie ou rendre son évolution moins grave. Plus de détails dans le communiqué de presse. (Pour plus d'informations : Stefan de Keersmaecker – Tél. : +32 229 84680 ; Veronica Favalli – Tél. : +32 229 87269)

Turkey: EU provides additional €50 million humanitarian aid to support vulnerable refugees

Today, the European Commission announces €50 million to support vulnerable refugees and their host communities in Turkey. This humanitarian aid will go to specialised healthcare services and help address protection issues including legal counselling, psychosocial support, as well as access to civil documentation. This funding is provided in addition to the EU Emergency Social Safety Net (ESSN), which currently supports over 1.5 million people in Turkey though cash assistance. The ESSN helps them pay for the things they need most, such as rent, transportation, food, or medicine. Commissioner for Crisis Management, Janez Lenarčič, said: “The world's eyes are on Ukraine, but we will not forget the refugees in Turkey, many of whom have been displaced for over a decade now. The most vulnerable among them have been especially hard hit by the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and the worsening of their economic situation. The EU will continue to provide humanitarian aid to refugees in Turkey and offer a lifeline to those most in need.” The press release is available online. (For more information: Balazs Ujvari – Tel.: +32 229 54578; Daniel Puglisi – Tel.: +32 229 69140)

Certificat COVID numérique européen: La Commission se félicite de l'accord politique sur la prolongation d'un an

La Commission européenne se félicite de l'accord politique provisoire conclu hier par le Parlement européen et le Conseil sur la prolongation d'un an du certificat COVID numérique de l'UE, à la suite de la proposition de la Commission. Cette prolongation permettra aux personnes de continuer à utiliser leur certificat, qui devait initialement expirer le 30 juin 2022, pour voyager dans toute l'UE. Didier Reynders, commissaire à la justice, a déclaré: « Depuis le début de la pandémie de COVID-19, la situation évolue constamment, de même que nos outils. Avec plus de 1.8 milliards de certificats délivrés, deux choses sont claires: la situation épidémiologique peut évoluer rapidement, et le certificat COVID numérique de l'UE a été un instrument essentiel pour nous aider à faire face à l'évolution de la situation. Nous sommes déterminés à rétablir la libre circulation sans restriction et nous nous félicitons de la décision prise par certains États membres de lever toutes les restrictions en matière de déplacements, y compris la présentation d'un certificat COVID. L'accord conclu aujourd'hui nous aidera à continuer à faciliter des déplacements libres et sûrs si l'augmentation des infections obligeait les États membres à réintroduire temporairement des restrictions. » Le Parlement européen et le Conseil devront adopter formellement l'accord politique conclu hier. D'ici au 31 décembre 2022, la Commission publiera un rapport sur le certificat COVID numérique de l'UE, qui pourrait être accompagné d'une proposition visant à raccourcir la période d'application du règlement, en tenant compte de l'évolution de la situation épidémiologique. De plus amples informations sur l'accord figurent dans le communiqué de presse et concernant le certificat COVID numérique de l'UE sur le site web prévu à cet effet. (Pour plus d'informations: Christian Wigand — Tél.: +32 229 62253; Cristina Torres Castillo — Tél.: +32 229 90679)

Antitrust: Commission carries out unannounced inspections in the water infrastructure sector over alleged bid-rigging

The European Commission is conducting unannounced inspections in a Member State at the premises of companies active in the construction of networks and treatment plants for drinking water and wastewater. The Commission has concerns that certain companies may have violated EU antitrust rules that prohibit cartels and restrictive business practices (Article 101 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union). The inspections concern an alleged case of bid-rigging in tenders involving EU funds for the construction of networks and treatment plants for drinking water and wastewater. Unannounced inspections are a preliminary investigatory step into suspected anticompetitive practices. The fact that the Commission carries out such inspections does not mean that the companies are guilty of anti-competitive behaviour nor does it prejudge the outcome of the investigation itself. 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 500 million Finnish scheme to support companies in context of Russia's invasion of Ukraine

The European Commission has approved an €500 million scheme to support companies active 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. The measure will be open to companies of all sizes and active in all sectors affected by the current geopolitical crisis and the related sanctions, with the exception of the financial, primary agricultural, aquaculture and fisheries sectors. Under the scheme, the eligible beneficiaries will be entitled to receive limited amounts of aid in any of the following forms: (i) direct grants, (ii) tax and payment advantages, (iii) repayable advances, (iv) guarantees, (v) loans and (vi) equity. The Commission concluded that the Finnish 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: “With this up to €500 million scheme, Finland will support companies across almost all sectors affected by the current crisis and the related sanctions. This is an important step to mitigate the economic impact of Putin's war against Ukraine. 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 €92 million Maltese scheme to support companies in context of Russia's invasion of Ukraine

The European Commission has approved a €92 million Maltese scheme to support the liquidity of 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 form of guarantees on new loans and subsidised interest rates on the guaranteed loans. The Commission found that the Maltese scheme is in line with the conditions set out in the Temporary Crisis Framework. In particular, (i) the guarantee premiums respect the minimum levels (modulated in order to reflect the guarantee coverage and the duration of the guaranteed loans) set out in the Temporary Crisis Framework; (ii) the subsidised interest rates cannot exceed €35,000 per beneficiary active in the primary production of agricultural products, fishery and aquaculture sectors and €400,000 per company active in any other sector; and (iii) the aid will be granted by 31 December 2022 at the latest. 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.102970 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)

State aid: Commission approves prolongation of financing deadline under European Guarantee Fund

The European Commission has approved, under EU State aid rules, a prolongation of the deadline for banks to provide new financing to companies under the European Guarantee Fund (‘the Fund'). The Commission approved the establishment of the Fund in December 2020 and its subsequent amendment in November 2021. The Fund brings together support by Member States under the management of the European Investment Bank Group (‘EIBG'). Twenty-two Member States decided to participate in it (i.e. Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Lithuania, Luxemburg, Malta, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden). The Fund is aimed at addressing in a coordinated manner the financing needs of European companies, mainly small and medium-sized enterprises, affected by the coronavirus pandemic by providing guarantees on debt instruments and equity instruments. Until now, the deadline for banks to provide new financing to companies was 30 June 2022. The prolongation until 31 December 2022 will allow banks, which have already signed agreements with the EIBG, to include loans and other financing options under the Fund's guarantee. The Commission assessed the prolongation under EU State aid rules, in particular Article 107(3)(b) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU, which allows aid to be granted by Member States to remedy a serious disturbance in their economy. The Commission found that the prolongation is appropriate to allow banks to further address the financing needs of European companies. The Commission concluded that this exceptional prolongation does not affect the compatibility of the Fund's measures with the internal market. They therefore remain necessary, appropriate and proportionate to remedy a serious disturbance in the economies of the participating Member States. On this basis, the Commission has approved the prolongation under EU State aid rules. The non-confidential version of the decision will be made available under the case numbers SA.102928, SA.102943, SA.102951, SA.102969, SA.102989, SA.103007, SA.103011, SA.103018, SA.103036, SA.103039, SA.103044, SA.103049, SA.103078, SA.103100, SA.103106, SA.103118, SA.103139, SA.103140, SA.103157, SA.103158, SA.103160 and SA.103165 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 Greek calculation method for guarantee premiums on loans to large companies

The Commission has approved, under EU State aid rules, a Greek methodology to calculate the premiums on State guaranteed loans for large companies. The calculation methodology will serve the Greek granting authorities to calculate: (i) guarantee premiums in line with market prices ; or (ii) the aid amount in guarantees for the purpose of the application of the De Minimis Regulation or the General Block Exemption Regulation, which would exempt measures from the requirement of prior notification of the aid to the Commission if the amount is sufficiently small. Under the calculation methodology approved today, (i) guarantee premiums are linked to credit default swap indexes; and (ii) there will be consistency between guarantee premiums paid to the State and interest rates charged by the financial intermediary (i.e. higher interest rate on the guaranteed loan will imply a higher guarantee premium). The calculation methodology will apply until 21 April 2026. The Commission assessed the calculation methodology under EU State Aid rules, in particular the Commission's Notice on State aid in the form of guarantees ('Guarantee Notice') that determines if financial guarantees constitute State aid or not. The Commission concluded that the calculation methodology is in line with the Guarantee Notice. In particular, the Commission found that it (i) ensures that premiums on guaranteed loans are market conform; (ii) establishes the borrower's credit worthiness by reference to external credit ratings; (iii) adapts the premium depending on the offered real estate collateral; (iv) leads to guarantee fees that, regardless of the duration of exposure, will remain close to median credit spreads of European corporate bonds; and (v) ensures that lending banks will not benefit from the State guarantee. On this basis, the Commission approved the methodology under EU State aid rules. The non-confidential version of the decision will be made available under the case number SA. 102741 in the State aid register on the Commission's competition website once confidentiality issues have been resolved. (For more information: Arianna Podesta – Tel.: +32 229 87024; Nina Ferreira - Tel.: +32 229 98163)

State aid: Commission approves €14 million German scheme to support cultural and educational video games

The European Commission has approved, under EU State aid rules, a €14 million German scheme to support the development and the production of high-quality cultural and educational video games in the Berlin-Brandenburg capital region. The measure is aimed at encouraging projects that contribute to a varied cultural landscape and that enrich the European digital audiovisual sector. The measure will be open to all interested companies developing and producing high-quality digital games with a cultural or educational character. Under the scheme, the aid will take the form of direct grants up to €600,000 per project. The scheme will run until 31 December 2028. The Commission assessed the measure under EU State aid rules, in particular Article 107(3)(d) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, which enables Member States to grant aid to promote culture and heritage conservation. The Commission found that the scheme is necessary and appropriate to facilitate the development of cultural and educational video games. Furthermore, the measure will contribute to promoting culture. Finally, the Commission concluded that the measure is proportionate, i.e. limited to the minimum necessary, and will have a limited impact on competition and trade between Member States. 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 case number SA.101124 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 Dome by Itochu and Under Armour

The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of joint control of Dome Corporation (‘Dome') by Itochu Corporation (‘Itochu'), both of Japan, and Under Armour Europe (‘Under Armour') of the Netherlands. Dome is active in the sale, distribution and advertising of sports apparel and footwear of Under Armour's brand in Japan. Itochu is active in a wide range of industries, including textile manufacturing. Under Armour, currently a shareholder in Dome, is a publicly traded company active in the development, marketing and distribution of apparel, footwear and sport-related accessories. The Commission concluded that the proposed acquisition would raise no competition concerns, given Dome's limited foreseen activities in the European Economic Area. More information is available on the Commission's competition website, in the public case register under the case number M.10724. (For more information: Arianna Podesta – Tel.: +32 229 87024; Maria Tsoni – Tel.: +32 229 90526)

ANNOUNEMENTS

President von der Leyen in Egypt and Jordan

On Wednesday 15 June, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will travel to Cairo, Egypt. In the context of the broader EU-Egypt partnership, the visit will focus on two main objectives: boosting the energy cooperation between the EU, Egypt and the region and addressing the food price and supply crisis caused by the Kremlin's war in Ukraine. The President will meet Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi and they will both deliver press statements after the meeting, which you can watch live on EbS at 12:00 CEST. In the afternoon, President von der Leyen will travel to Amman, Jordan, where she will be received by His Majesty King Abdullah II. Commissioner for energy, Kadri Simson, will also travel to Cairo to participate in the Ministerial Meeting of the East Mediterranean Gas Forum and hold several bilateral meetings (see here). On Thursday, she will visit the Damietta LNG facility and Zohr Gas Processing Facility in the Port Said area. (For more information: Dana Spinant – Tel.: +32 2 299 01 50, Tim McPhie – Tel.: +32 229 58602)

Vision à long terme pour les zones rurales de l'UE: La présidente von der Leyen, la vice-présidente Šuica et les commissaires Ferreira et Wojciechowski participent à la conférence sur le pacte rural à Bruxelles

Les 15 et 16 juin, la conférence sur le pacte rural réunira 500 participants représentant des responsables politiques européens, nationaux et régionaux, ainsi que des autorités locales et des acteurs sociaux et économiques, afin de débattre et de concevoir la gouvernance du pacte rural et de recueillir des engagements en vue de la réalisation de la vision à long terme pour les zones rurales de l'UE. La présidente von der Leyen, la commissaire chargée de la cohésion et des réformes Elisa Ferreira et le commissaire à l'agriculture Janusz Wojciechowski participeront par des messages vidéo. Dubravka Šuica, vice-présidente chargée de la démocratie et de la démographie, prononcera un discours. Les zones rurales de l'UE abritent 137 millions de personnes, soit près de 30 % de sa population et plus de 80 % de son territoire. La vision à long terme pour les zones rurales de l'UE adoptée l'an dernier vise à créer des zones rurales plus fortes, plus connectées, plus prospères et plus résilientes. Elle était accompagnée d'un plan d'action rural, dont le pacte rural est une action clé. En décembre 2021, la vice-présidente Šuica, la commissaire Wojciechowski et la commissaire Ferreira ont encouragé toutes les autorités et organisations intéressées à exprimer leur soutien aux objectifs communs de cette vision et à jouer un rôle actif dans son développement. Le pacte rural constituera ce cadre commun de coopération entre les autorités et les parties prenantes aux niveaux européen, national, régional et local. En réunissant tous les niveaux de gouvernance et les parties prenantes, il complétera les mesures prises par la Commission européenne et contribuera à garantir la prise en compte des besoins spécifiques des différentes zones rurales d'Europe. La Commission européenne organise cette conférence en partenariat avec le Comité européen des régions, le Comité économique et social européen, le Parlement européen, la présidence du Conseil européen et le Parlement rural européen. Le programme complet est disponible en ligne. Les sessions plénières de la conférence seront retransmises en ligne les premier et deuxième jours. (For more information: Miriam Garcia Ferrer – Tél.: +32 229 99075; Thérèse Lerebours - Tél.: +32 229 63303)

Commissioner Ferreira in Lithuania to discuss the Partnership Agreement and the achievements of cohesion policy in the country since accession

On 15 and 16 June, Commissioner for Cohesion and Reform, Elisa Ferreira, will be in Lithuania to discuss the implementation of the newly adopted Partnership Agreement with Lithuania, laying down the country's €6.4 billion investment strategy in cohesion policy funding for the period 2021-2027. She will meet President Gitanas Nausėda, the Minister of Finance Gintarė Skaistė, the Minister of Social Security and Labour Monika Navickienė, and other government officials. Commissioner Ferreira will participate at the Cohesion Policy funds' launch event followed by the discussion ‘Cohesion Policy – a Key to Lithuania's Sustainable Development' with social and economic partners, regional authorities, NGOs, and ministries, which are actively involved in the programming and implementation. Ahead of the visit, Commissioner Ferreira, said: “Cohesion policy funding will guide Lithuania on the path to growth, becoming greener, more digital, more innovative and socially more cohesive. The involvement of citizens and local stakeholders in the implementation of the investments is an asset to fully reap the benefits of cohesion policy funding.” The Commissioner will also visit several EU funded projects in the surrounding municipalities of Vilnius and in Kaunas, the centre of the less developed region of Lithuania. A press point for local media is scheduled for tomorrow at 12:30 (local time) at the Vilnius University. (For more information: Stefan de Keersmaecker - Tel.: +32 229 84680; Veronica Favalli - Tel.: +32 229 87269)

Global Gateway: Commissioner Urpilainen visits Panama and Ecuador to strengthen the EU's partnership with Latin America 

Today, Jutta Urpilainen, Commissioner for International Partnerships, embarks on a three-day mission to Latin America to strengthen the EU's partnership with Panama and Ecuador and roll out the Global Gateway. The Global Gateway is the EU's new strategy to invest in smart, clean and secure infrastructure in digital, energy and transport sectors, and strengthen health, education and research systems across the world to tackle inequalities and put the Sustainable Development Goals back on track. The Commissioner's mission will be an opportunity to reinforce our strong cooperation with both partner countries, and address recent geopolitical developments and their impacts. Commissioner Urpilainen will launch concrete initiatives to support just green and digital transitions, as well as the multiannual indicative programming for Ecuador. In Panama City, on Tuesday 14 June, Commissioner Urpilainen will visit the EU-Panama Partnership Fair, which will showcase programmes and initiatives conducted in the country. In the evening, she will attend a high-level dinner hosted by Panamanian Minister for Foreign Affairs, Erika Mouynes. On Wednesday 15 June, Commissioner Urpilainen will be in Quito, Ecuador, where she will meet President Guillermo Lasso and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Juan Carlos Holguín. She will inaugurate the arrival of the BELLA-T cable and officially open the Centre for European Studies at the Universidad San Francisco de Quito. On Thursday 16 June, she will launch the Team Europe Initiative ‘Inclusive and open Economy in support of the ecological transition' and visit the EU and Team Europe supported programmes to promote social cohesion, including assistance to Human Rights Defenders, Venezuelan refugees, and representatives of the LGBTQI+ community. You can find the regional multiannual indicative programming for the Americas and the Caribbean for 2021-2027 here. (For more information: Ana Pisonero - Tel.: +32 229 54320; Gesine Knolle – Tel.: +32 229 54323)

Tentative agendas for forthcoming Commission meetings

Note that these items can be subject to changes.

Upcoming events of the European Commission

Eurostat press releases