Daily News 20 / 06 / 2022

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

The European Commission welcomes the decision of Twitch, an interactive live video streaming service, to join the EU Code of Conduct on countering illegal hate speech online. Věra Jourová, Vice-President for Values and Transparency, said: “What is illegal offline, must be illegal online. It is good news that Twitch joins our common fight to make online space free of illegal hate speech. Younger people are particularly vulnerable to hate and abuse and we owe it to them to make the Internet a safer space for them.” Didier Reynders, Commissioner for Justice, said: “Twitch joining the Code, as a platform which speaks to the younger generations, is a step in the right direction, as we continue our work to build a safer digital space. I therefore welcome this commitment and look forward to extending the Code of Conduct to other companies. Online hate speech can be found anywhere online. The more we are to commit to this objective, the greater the impact.” The Code of Conduct continues to attract new companies. Shortly after announcing the participation of Rakuten Viber to the Code, Twitch became the twelfth partner, joining Facebook, Microsoft, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, Snapchat, Dailymotion, Jeuxvideo.com, TikTok, and LinkedIn. As underlined by the results of its sixth evaluation, the Code of Conduct has already achieved positive results. On average, IT companies reviewed 81% of the notifications within 24 hours and removed 62.5% of flagged content. Twitch also recently joined the 2022 Code of Practice on disinformation. The Code of Conduct complements other EU initiatives, such as the Digital Services Act, contributing to create a more robust EU-wide response against hate speech online. (For more information: Christian Wigand - Tel.: +32 229 62253; Cristina Torres Castillo – Tel.: +32 229 90679)

Agriculture: Commission approves two new geographical indications and one traditional speciality guaranteed, from Portugal and Turkey

The Commission has approved today the addition of ‘Maranho da Sertã' in the register of Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) and of ‘Sopa da Pedra de Almeirim' as a Traditional Speciality Guaranteed (TSG), from Portugal. The Commission also approved today the addition of ‘Giresun Tombul Fındığı' from Turkey in the register of Protected Designation of Origin (PDO). ‘Maranho da Sertã' is a sausage exclusively produced in the Sertã municipality, central Portugal. The sausage is made using a goat or sheep stomach and is stuffed with goat or sheep meat, rice, mint, pork fat and ham. ‘Sopa da Pedra de Almeirim' is a thick and chunky soup, owing to the presence of ingredients such as beans, potatoes and sausages. These physical characteristics serve as the inspiration for the dish's name, as they are reminiscent of the stones that pave oldest streets of the Portugese city of Almeirim. ‘Giresun Tombul Fındığı' is a Turkish type of premium hazelnut grown in various municipalities of the Giresun and Trabzon provinces, close to the Black Sea. Growing of hazelnuts in the Giresun and Trabzon provinces dates back to ancient times. The list of all protected geographical indications can be found in the eAmbrosia database. More information online on quality schemes and in our GIView portal. (For more information: Miriam Garcia Ferrer - Tel.: +32 229 99075; Therese Lerebours - Tel.: +32 229 63303)

Toxic-free environment, circular economy and biodiversity: EU welcomes outcomes of three UN COPs on chemicals and waste, and pushes COP15 negotiations towards a new global deal for nature and people

The EU took part in meetings of the Conferences of the Parties (COPs) to the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm conventions in Geneva from 6 to 17 June. The EU made key contributions to several important decisions adopted at this ‘Triple COP' that contribute to sound management of chemicals and waste. These include a milestone decision under the Basel Convention to control global trade of electronic waste and prevent its uncontrolled dumping. The EU supported work on plastic waste under the same Convention, and successfully proposed that it starts to develop global standards on the management of used tyres, an important source of microplastics. Under the Stockholm Convention, it was decided to have PFHxS - a substance from the PFAS family, known as ‘forever chemicals' – listed as a Persistent Organic Pollutant (POP), allowing for its inclusion in the evolving EU rules on POPs, currently in trilogues. Commissioner for Environment, Oceans and Fisheries Virginijus Sinkevičius said: “The outcomes of this triple COP show that the EU and its international partners are committed to secure a toxic-free and circular future for us all. Now more than ever, global cooperation and multilateralism are crucial. The EU is determined to continue to lead the way internationally and work with all countries towards ambitious outcomes in line with the EU's commitments under the European Green Deal.” With text proposed by the EU, the Stockholm Convention also renewed calls to eliminate PCBs, chemicals widely present in old electrical equipment and used as oils, by 2025. The Basel Convention further adopted state of the art guidelines on the management of mercury waste, lead-acid batteries waste, or waste containing persistent organic pollutants (POPs). Based on an EU proposal, it will also start work on the management of batteries other than lead-acid batteries, notably lithium batteries, which are increasingly important for our efforts to achieve climate neutrality and digitalisation. EU's efforts internationally continue this week, with the final round of negotiations ahead of the UN Biodiversity Conference of the Parties (COP15) kicking off tomorrow. The Open-ended Working Group will meet in Nairobi from 21 to 26 June to finalize progress on the development of the post2020 global biodiversity framework. Under the Convention on Biological Diversity, the Commission negotiates on behalf of the EU and its Member States. The Commission's commitment to protecting and restoring biodiversity in Europe and globally is set out in the 2020 European Biodiversity Strategy, a key component of the European Green Deal. (For more information: Adalbert Jahnz – Tel.: +32 229 53156; Daniela Stoycheva – Tel.: +32 229 53664)

Eurobaromètre 2022 : les citoyens de l'UE soutiennent massivement la coopération internationale pour réduire la pauvreté et forger des partenariats internationaux

La dernière enquête Eurobaromètre sur la coopération pour le développement fait apparaitre un large soutien à la collaboration avec les pays du monde entier. La guerre d'agression menée par la Russie contre l'Ukraine n'a pas affecté le soutien des citoyens à l'action de l'UE en matière de développement international. Les résultats confirment une tendance durable au cours des dernières années, qui montre que la coopération avec les pays partenaires demeure l'une des politiques de l'UE les mieux perçues. La commissaire chargée des partenariats internationaux, Jutta Urpilainen, a déclaré : « L'invasion de l'Ukraine par la Russie remet en question l'ordre mondial international et menace de diviser le monde en deux. Mais nous ne tournons pas le dos à nos partenaires. Le soutien continu des citoyens européens à la coopération internationale démontre la solidarité et les valeurs fortes de l'Europe avec ses partenaires du monde entier. La nouvelle stratégie de l'UE en faveur des investissements durables dans les infrastructures, Global Gateway, renforcera encore davantage nos partenariats internationaux, et contribuera à réduire les inégalités et à atteindre les Objectifs de Développement Durable. Nous discuterons de Global Gateway lors des Journées européennes du développement les 21 et 22 juin, et je me réjouis de pouvoir échanger avec tous les participants autour de notre politique. » La politique de l'UE en matière de partenariats internationaux et les engagements financiers pour la soutenir restent forts : l'UE et ses États membres demeurent collectivement le plus grand donateur mondial d'aide publique au développement (APD). L'APD de Team Europe en 2021 a augmenté de 4,3 % par rapport à 2020, passant de 67,3 milliards d'euros à 70,2 milliards d'euros. En tant que premier donateur mondial avec 43 % de l'APD mondiale, Team Europe se tient fermement aux côtés des pays partenaires, conformément au soutien des citoyens à la coopération internationale. Vous pouvez trouver ici des fiches d'information spécifiques pour chaque pays dans les langues de tous les États membres de l'UE, ainsi que des fiches sur les résultats globaux de l'UE et sur les jeunes en tant que groupe cible. Le communiqué de presse est disponible en ligne. (Pour plus d'informations: Ana Pisonero – Tél.: +32 229 54320; Jennifer Sánchez Da Silva – Tél.: +32 229 58316)

Global Gateway: the EU's strategy to build a better connected world at the heart of the European Development Days 2022

 The leading global forum on development cooperation, the European Development Days (EDD), will start tomorrow. This year's edition will focus on Global Gateway, the EU's 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, which tackle inequalities and put the Sustainable Development Goals back on track. European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen, will address the opening ceremony on 21 June. She will be joined by European Council President Charles Michel; European Investment Bank President Werner Hoyer; and European Bank for Reconstruction and Development President Odile Renaud-Basso. They will speak alongside Queen Mathilde of Belgium, UN SDG Advocate; HM King Lettie III of Lesotho; Nana Akufo-Addo, President of the Republic of Ghana and Chairman of ECOWAS; Mohamed Ould Ghazouani, President of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania; José Maria Neves, President of the Republic of Cabo Verde; Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila, Prime Minister of the Republic of Namibia; John Briceño, Prime Minister of Belize; Anatole Collinet Makosso, Prime Minister of the Republic of Congo, and Aziz Akhannouch, the Head of Government of the Kingdom of Morocco. During the event, participants can take part in more than 90 sessions, including high-level panels, around the five key themes of the Global Gateway: digital, climate and energy, transport, health, and education and research. The Global Village will allow participants to showcase innovative projects related to EDD's themes, and share experience about their initiatives. Commissioner for International Partnerships, Jutta Urpilainen, will host the closing ceremony and participate in sessions on Global Gateway in Central Asia, Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, and the Indo-Pacific region. She will also take part in the Lorenzo Natali Media Prize Ceremony. The EDDs, Europe's leading forum on international partnerships for the past 15 years, gathers stakeholders across all sectors to take stock on today's most pressing challenges. More information on the EDDs and the programme is available here. (For more information: Ana Pisonero Hernández– Tel.: +32 229 54320; Jennifer Sanchez Da Silva – Tel.: +32 229 58316)

Antitrust: Commission opens investigation into possible anticompetitive disparagement by Vifor Pharma of iron medicine

The European Commission has opened a formal antitrust investigation to assess whether Vifor Pharma has restricted competition by illegally disparaging its closest – and potentially only – competitor in Europe on the market for intravenous iron treatment, Pharmacosmos. Vifor Pharma's conduct appears to be aimed at hindering competition against its blockbuster high-dose intravenous iron treatment medicine, Ferinject. The Commission is concerned that Vifor Pharma pursued a misleading communication campaign, primarily targeting healthcare professionals, which may have unduly hindered Monofer's uptake in the European Economic Area (‘EEA'). If the Commission's concerns are proven, Vifor Pharma's behaviour may amount to an abuse of dominant position and infringe Article 102 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (‘TFEU') and Article 54 of the EEA Agreement. The Commission will now carry out its in-depth investigation as a matter of priority. The opening of formal proceedings does not prejudge the outcome of the investigation. Executive Vice-President Margrethe Vestager, in charge of competition policy, said: “Competition in the pharmaceutical sector is important. It provides access to affordable and innovative medicines to patients. The dissemination of misleading information regarding the safety of Pharmacosmos' iron deficiency treatment, Monofer, may have delayed its uptake. This would ultimately harm patients by stifling competition from an innovative medicine. Today we launched an in-depth investigation to assess whether this is the case”. 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 Romanian scheme under Recovery and Resilience Facility to support the establishment of new forest areas

The European Commission has approved, under EU State aid rules, a €500 million Romanian scheme made available through the Recovery and Resilience Facility ('RRF') to support the growth of new forest areas. The measure is part of Romania's strategy to ensure the protection of forests and biodiversity. The scheme will also contribute to the EU's strategic objectives relating to the green transition. Under the scheme, which will run until 30 June 2026, the support will take the form of direct grants to private and public owners of land suitable for afforestation, including municipalities, as well as their associations. In order to benefit from the aid, agricultural land owners must establish forest areas of at least 0.5 ha, or forest belts (i.e. rows of trees and shrubs to protect agricultural land from wind erosion and drought) of an area of at least 0.1 ha. In addition, beneficiaries must ensure that the land on which the forest areas or forest belts are planted is suitable for afforestation. The Commission assessed the scheme under EU State aid rules, and in particular under the 2014 Guidelines for State aid in the agricultural and forestry sectors and in rural areas and Article 107(3)(c) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, which enables Member States to support the development of certain economic activities under certain conditions. On this basis, the Commission approved the measure under EU State aid rules. Executive Vice-President Margrethe Vestager, in charge of competition policy, said: “The €500 million scheme approved today will enable Romania to establish new forest areas. These forests will contribute to the prevention of erosion and floods, help cleaning the air and combatting climate change. The measure will not only contribute to EU Green Deal objectives, but also support the economic development of rural areas in Romania.” 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 €3.9 million Estonian scheme to support agricultural producers in context of Russia's invasion of Ukraine

The European Commission has approved a €3.9 million Estonian scheme to support the beef, poultry and horticulture sectors in the context of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The scheme was approved under the State aid Temporary Crisis Framework, adopted by the Commission on 23 March 2022, based on Article 107(3)(b) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (‘TFEU'), recognising that the EU economy is experiencing a serious disturbance. Under this scheme, the eligible beneficiaries will be entitled to receive limited amounts of aid in the form of direct grants. The measure will be open to companies of all sizes active in the beef, poultry and horticulture sectors affected by the price increase of electricity, animal feed and fuel caused by the current geopolitical crisis and the related sanctions. The Commission concluded that the Estonian scheme is necessary, appropriate and proportionate to remedy a serious disturbance in the economy of a Member State, in line with Article 107(3)(b) TFEU and the conditions set out in the Temporary Crisis Framework. On this basis, the Commission approved the aid measure under EU State aid rules. Executive Vice-President Margrethe Vestager, in charge of competition policy, said: “This scheme will enable Estonia to support agricultural producers affected by the input costs increase caused by Russia's invasion of Ukraine and the related sanctions. We continue to stand with Ukraine and its people. At the same time, we continue working closely with Member States to ensure that national support measures can be put in place in a timely, coordinated and effective way, while protecting the level playing field in the Single Market.” A press release is available online. (For more information: Arianna Podesta – Tel.: +32 229 87024; Maria Tsoni – Tel.: +32 229 90526)

State aid: Commission approves €226 million Hungarian scheme to support SMEs in context of Russia's invasion of Ukraine

The European Commission has approved a €226 million (HUF 90 billion) Hungarian scheme to support small and medium-sized enterprises (‘SMEs') across sectors in the context of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The scheme was approved under the State aid Temporary Crisis Framework, adopted by the Commission on 23 March 2022, based on Article 107(3)(b) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (‘TFEU'), recognising that the EU economy is experiencing a serious disturbance. Under this measure, which will be administered by the Rural Credit Guarantee Foundation AVHGA, the aid will take the form of guarantees on new loans. The measure will be open to companies across sectors, with focus on the agriculture, food industry and along the bio-economy value chain. The credit and financial institutions will be excluded from the measure. The eligible beneficiaries will be entitled to receive new loans that will be covered by a State guarantee not exceeding 90% of the loan. Losses will be sustained proportionally by credit institutions and the State. The Commission concluded that the Hungarian scheme is necessary, appropriate and proportionate to remedy a serious disturbance in the economy of a Member State, in line with Article 107(3)(b) TFEU and the conditions set out in the Temporary Crisis Framework. On this basis, the Commission approved the aid measure under EU State aid rules. Executive Vice-President Margrethe Vestager, in charge of competition policy, said: “This €226 million scheme will enable Hungary to mitigate the economic impact of the war in Ukraine and the liquidity shortages that SMEs across sectors are facing due to the current geopolitical crisis and the related sanctions. We continue to stand with Ukraine and its people. At the same time, we continue working closely with Member States to ensure that national support measures can be put in place in a timely, coordinated and effective way, while protecting the level playing field in the Single Market.” A press release is available online. (For more information: Arianna Podesta – Tel.: +32 229 87024; Maria Tsoni – Tel.: +32 229 90526)

State aid: Commission approves €85.3 million Croatian recapitalisation scheme to support the civil aviation sector affected by the coronavirus pandemic

The European Commission has approved a €85.3 million (HRK 646 million) Croatian scheme to support large companies active in the civil aviation sector affected by the coronavirus pandemic. The scheme was approved under the State aid Temporary Framework. Due to the coronavirus pandemic and the travel restrictions that Croatia and other countries had to impose to limit the spread of the virus, companies active in the civil aviation sector incurred significant operating losses and experienced a steep decline in traffic and profitability. The purpose of the measure is to support the activity of the beneficiaries and their economic recovery and structural viability. Under the scheme, the public support will take the form of a recapitalisation through the issuance of ordinary shares. The Commission found that the Croatian scheme is in line with the conditions set out in the Temporary Framework. In particular, (i) the capital injection will not exceed the minimum needed to ensure the viability of the beneficiaries and will not go beyond restoring their capital position compared to before the coronavirus pandemic; (ii) the issuance of the shares to the State will be conducted at market value; and (iii) the aid will be granted no later than 30 June 2022. Furthermore, the public support will be granted subject to certain conditions in order to prevent undue distortion of competition. 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) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union 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.103028 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)

Mergers: Commission approves Ali Group's acquisition of Welbilt, subject to conditions

The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the proposed acquisition of Welbilt by Ali Group. The approval is conditional on full compliance with commitments offered by Ali Group. Following the transaction, the combined entity would become the largest manufacturer and supplier of ice-making machines in the EEA and would have faced limited competitive pressure from competitors. Following extensive discussions with the Commission during the pre-notification phase, and to ascertain that the business would be viable in the long run, the parties ultimately decided to divest the entirety of Welbilt's global ice-making machine business. Following the market test, the Commission concluded that the transaction, as modified by the commitments, would no longer raise competition concerns. The parties also proposed to divest the business to Pentair plc, a US based manufacturer of water treatment systems for a wide range of applications. The Commission's decision is conditional upon full compliance with the commitments. Executive Vice-President Margrethe Vestager, in charge of competition policy, said: “Ali Group and Welbilt are leading global suppliers of ice-making machines used in the hospitality and industrial sectors. At the time of spiking inflation, it is important that all inputs to the food supply chain remain at competitive prices. The commitments offered in this case make sure that a new player on the market will continue to exert competitive pressure on the merged entity while customers will preserve choice of suppliers.” A press release is available online. (For more information: Arianna Podesta – Tel.: +32 229 87024; Maria Tsoni – Tel.: +32 229 90526)

Mergers: Commission clears acquisition of Mooney and the Compendio by Enel and Intesa

The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of Mooney S.p.A. (‘Mooney') and PayTipper S.p.A., CityPoste Payment S.p.A., Enex X Financial Services S.r.l. and Junia Insurance S.r.l. (together ‘the Compendio') by Enel X S.r.l. (‘Enel') and Intesa Sanpaolo S.p.A. (‘Intesa'), all of Italy. Mooney provides payment services through retail outlets and its own digital platforms in Italy. The Compendio provides tax and utility payment services. Enel is an energy group active in the generation, trading, distribution, and supply of electricity and natural gas. Intesa is a banking group active in retail, corporate banking and wealth management. The Commission concluded that the proposed acquisition would raise no competition concerns, given the companies' moderate combined market positions resulting from the proposed transaction and the presence of several alternative providers of payment services in the market. The transaction was examined under the normal merger review procedure. More information is available on the Commission's website, in the public case register under the case number M.10624. (For more information: Arianna Podesta – Tel.: +32 229 87024; Maria Tsoni – Tel.: +32 229 90526)

Mergers: Commission clears creation of a joint venture by Indomobil, Mitsui, and PTL

The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the creation of a greenfield joint venture in Indonesia by PT Indomobil Sukses International (‘Indomobil') of Indonesia, Mitsui & Co Ltd. (‘Mitsui') of Japan and Penske Truck Leasing CO (‘PTL') of the US. The joint venture will provide commercial vehicle leasing services in Indonesia. Indomobil is a vehicle manufacturer and provider of transportation and vehicle rental services. Mitsui is active in business management and project development. PTL provides transportation and supply chain services. The Commission concluded that the proposed acquisition would raise no competition concerns, given its limited impact on the market. The transaction was examined under the simplified merger review procedure. More information is available on the Commission's competition website, in the public case register under the case number M.10698. (For more information: Arianna Podesta – Tel.: +32 229 87024; Maria Tsoni – Tel.: +32 229 90526)

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Le commissaire Breton participe à l'Assemblée numérique 2022 afin de mobiliser le soutien numérique en faveur de l'Ukraine

Demain, Thierry Breton, commissaire chargé du marché intérieur, participera en ligne à l'assemblée numérique annuelle, l'occasion de débattre et d'échanger des points de vue entre des experts, des représentants de l'administration et de l'industrie, des chercheurs et d'autres parties prenantes de la politique numérique. Il ouvrira l'événement par un discours d'orientation sur les nouvelles évolutions technologiques et la double transition écologique et numérique. Plus tard dans l'après-midi, avec le ministre ukrainien de la transformation numérique, Mykhailo Fedorov, le commissaire prendra la parole lors d'un événement de haut niveau visant à mobiliser un soutien financier et des dons d'équipements essentiels pour le secteur numérique ukrainien. L'Assemblée numérique 2022 est une manifestation de haut niveau organisée conjointement par la Commission et la présidence française du Conseil de l'Union européenne, qui se tiendra les 21 et 22 juin à Toulouse, en France. Outre le soutien à l'Ukraine, les thèmes de discussion porteront notamment sur l'avenir de l'internet, la chaîne de valeur numérique de l'Europe, la transition climatique, la protection des mineurs en ligne, ainsi que les compétences numériques. Le programme complet, les inscriptions et le livret sont disponibles ici. (Pour plus d'informations: Johannes Bahrke — Tél.: + 32 229 58615; Marietta Grammenou — Tél.: + 32 229 83583)

Commissioner Lenarčič in Ethiopia to support the humanitarian response

Commissioner for Crisis Management, Janez Lenarčič is visiting Ethiopia on 20 and 21 June to see first-hand the humanitarian situation in the north of the country and the repercussions of the severe drought affecting the Horn of Africa. He will meet with Ethiopian authorities and visit the country's Tigray and Somali regions to meet and discuss with humanitarian partners operating on the ground and beneficiaries. Upon arrival today in Ethiopia, Commissioner Lenarčič stressed: “The EU remains committed to helping tackle the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Ethiopia, where people in need are facing multiple overlapping challenges. I will visit the Somali region, which has been severely affected by the drought, before travelling to the Tigray region. The EU continues to advocate for full and unhindered access to the region. Without full access, not only to Tigray but also to other hard-to-reach areas, the humanitarian community is not able to provide assistance and protection to people in need. The EU remains committed to providing humanitarian aid to Ethiopia's most vulnerable.” In 2022, the EU mobilised over €58 million for humanitarian projects across Ethiopia. (For more information: Balazs Ujvari - Tel.: +32 229 54578; Daniel Puglisi - Tel.: +32 229 69140).

Tentative agendas for forthcoming Commission meetings

Note that these items can be subject to changes.

Upcoming events of the European Commission

Eurostat press releases