Daily News 21 / 06 / 2022

Sécurité alimentaire : l'UE va renforcer son soutien aux pays d'Afrique, des Caraïbes et du Pacifique en réponse à l'invasion de l'Ukraine par la Russie

La Commission européenne a adopté aujourd'hui une proposition visant à mobiliser 600 millions d'euros des réserves du Fonds européen de développement afin de faire face à la crise actuelle de sécurité alimentaire, aggravée par l'invasion de l'Ukraine par la Russie. Ces fonds aideront les pays d'Afrique, des Caraïbes et du Pacifique à faire face à cette situation critique, grâce à une aide humanitaire de 150 millions d'euros, un appui en faveur de la production durable et la résilience des systèmes alimentaires à hauteur de 350 millions d'euros, ainsi qu'un soutien macroéconomique de 100 millions d'euros. Annonçant cette nouvelle mesure lors des Journées européennes du développement 2022 à Bruxelles, la présidente de la Commission européenne, Ursula von der Leyen, a déclaré : « La guerre d'agression de la Russie fait payer un lourd et insensé tribut, non seulement à la population ukrainienne, mais également aux populations les plus vulnérables du monde entier. La Russie continue de bloquer des millions de tonnes de céréales dont le monde a désespérément besoin. Afin d'aider nos partenaires, nous allons mobiliser 600 millions d'euros supplémentaires pour éviter une crise alimentaire et un choc économique. » La commissaire chargée des partenariats internationaux, Jutta Urpilainen, a déclaré : « La solidarité est au cœur des valeurs de l'Union européenne. Les plus vulnérables sont confrontés à d'immenses difficultés face à une crise alimentaire qui s'est aggravée suite à la guerre d'agression menée par la Russie contre l'Ukraine. Avec ces 600 millions d'euros supplémentaires, nous allons renforcer notre soutien pour faire face à cette crise, tout en contribuant à bâtir des systèmes alimentaires durables et résilients. » Le communiqué de presse est disponible en ligne. (Pour plus d'informations: Ana Pisonero Hernandez– Tél.: +32 229 54320; Jennifer Sanchez Da Silva – Tél.: +32 229 58316)

Ukrainian driving documents: Commission proposes to temporarily ease requirements

The Commission yesterday proposed temporary rules on Ukrainian driving documents to allow Ukrainian citizens residing in the EU under the temporary protection regime to continue to use their Ukrainian driving licence, without needing to exchange it for an EU driving licence or to sit a new driving test. The measure will also ease requirements for professional drivers. Commissioner for Transport Adina Vălean said: “People fleeing Ukraine and seeking refuge in the EU need to be able to move freely within the Union, and this means continuing to use their driving licences without the need to change them or sit additional tests. Ukrainian lorry drivers are at the forefront of transporting goods to and from Ukraine, including grain. We need to ensure that they can continue their work without having to go through lengthy administrative procedures regarding their driving documents. This is the aim of the Regulation we propose today.  It will further contribute to facilitating our EU-Ukraine Solidarity Lanes and increase exports of agricultural products on world markets.” Under certain conditions, Ukrainian lorry and bus drivers who benefit from temporary protection will be able to extend the validity of their Ukrainian-issued Certificates of Professional Competence, following a short training course and a test. This will enable them to work in the EU during the period of temporary protection and to help export Ukrainian goods. The proposal will now be considered by the European Parliament and the Council. (For more information: Adalbert Jahnz – Tel.: +32 229 53156; Anna Wartberger – Tel.: +32 229 82504)  

EU Consumer protection: TikTok commits to align with EU rules to better protect consumers

Following dialogues with the Commission and the network of national consumer protection (CPC) authorities, TikTok has committed to align its practices with the EU rules on advertising and consumer protection, namely, the Unfair commercial practices Directive, the Consumer rights Directive and the Unfair contract terms Directive.  This dialogue first originated from a complaint of the European Consumer Organisation (BEUC). In February 2021, BEUC raised the alarm regarding certain problematic practices of TikTok allegedly breaching EU consumer rules. For instance, BEUC had found that the social media platform was failing to protect children from hidden advertising and inappropriate content. Following the complaint, the Commission, together with the CPC, and led by the Irish and Swedish consumer authorities, launched a dialogue with TikTok. The series of concerns have now been addressed and TikTok committed to change its practices. A press release with more information and next steps is available online. (For more information: Christian Wigand - Tel.: +32 229 62253; Cristina Torres Castillo – Tel.: +32 229 90679)

La Commission et la Banque européenne d'investissement lancent deux nouveaux plans d'instruments financiers pour REPowerEU et pour le Nouveau Bauhaus européen

La Commission et la Banque européenne d'investissement (BEI) ont lancé deux nouveaux modèles d'instruments financiers combinant des subventions et des prêts à l'appui des objectifs du REPowerEU et du Nouveau Bauhaus européen. La commissaire chargée de la cohésion et des réformes, Elisa Ferreira, a déclaré : « Pour atteindre nos objectifs en matière de climat et d'efficacité énergétique, nous devons mobiliser les investissements privés. Ces nouveaux modèles d'instruments financiers sont un nouvel exemple de la contribution de la Politique de Cohésion au Pacte vert européen. La combinaison de subventions et de prêts dans ces modèles peuvent favoriser ces investissements et encourager des rénovations plus profondes et un développement territorial plus durable, inclusif et esthétique. J'invite les États membres et les autorités de gestion à utiliser ces modèles. » Ces derniers donnent aux autorités qui gèrent le financement de la Politique de Cohésion dans les États membres, ainsi qu'aux intermédiaires financiers, des options sur la manière de combiner des subventions de l'UE avec des prêts à des conditions favorables, pour financer des investissements en faveur de l'efficacité énergétique et des projets du Nouveau Bauhaus européen conformément aux stratégies de développement territorial. Les instruments financiers ont été développés conjointement sous Fi-compass. Les deux modèles sont disponibles en ligne : pour les investissements dans l'efficacité énergétique dans le cadre de REPowerEU et pour financer les projets du Nouveau Bauhaus européen. Pour plus d'informations, consultez le communiqué de presse de la BEI. La BEI est l'institution de prêt à long terme qui fournit des prêts pour des investissements sains qui contribuent aux objectifs politiques de l'UE. Fi-Compass est une plateforme de services de conseil sur les instruments financiers fournie par la Commission en partenariat avec la BEI. Pour plus d'informations sur le Nouveau Bauhaus européen, veuillez consulter cette page. (Pour plus d'informations : Stefan de Keersmaecker - Tél. : +32 229 84680 ; Veronica Favalli - Tél. : +32 229 87269)

EU launches €10 million call to support deep-tech start-ups led by women

The Commission has launched today the second Women TechEU call, which follows a successful first pilot in 2021. This year, up to 130 deep-tech start-ups led by women will receive funding worth €10 million, as well as business acceleration services to grow into tomorrow's female tech leaders. This scheme is funded under the European Innovation Ecosystems work programme of Horizon Europe, with support from the European Innovation Council (EIC). Mariya Gabriel, Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth said: “We received a very positive response to this first pilot, with nearly 400 applications from across the EU and Associated Countries. I am proud that we are now supporting 50 ambitious women-led companies from 16 countries. This is a huge step in the right direction to bridge the deep tech gender gap, and encourage women to fulfil their true potential. Women-led deep-tech companies should build EU's innovation DNA and this year we will support even more of them.” Women TechEU provides support to women-led startups at the earliest, riskiest stage of their company's growth. In addition to a €75 000 grant, the finalists receive mentoring and coaching through the EIC's Women Leadership Programme. Applications are open until 4 October 2022, 17:00 (Brussels time). Women TechEU is one of several EU initiatives aimed at supporting and empowering women in tech and innovation, including the annual EU Prize for Women Innovators and the EIC's new Women Leadership Programme. More information is available here. (For more information: Johannes Bahrke — Tel.: + 32 229 58615; Marietta Grammenou — Tel.: + 32 229 83583)

SMEs embracing sustainable and digital business models despite various challenges

The Commission published the 2022 SME Performance Report. It concludes that last year Europe's small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have been shifting to more sustainable and digital business models despite dealing with difficult challenges as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and now also with Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The report also highlights the risks of rapidly rising prices of energy and raw materials, new supply shortages and rising inflation at a time when implementing the green and digital transitions is particularly crucial.  Commissioner Thierry Breton, responsible for the Single Market, said: “Today's SME Report confirms that Europe's SMEs have remained firmly on the path of their green and digital transitions, drawing on the Single Market, while navigating subsequent crises and supply chain disruptions. To be better equipped for the next crisis, we will present this autumn a new emergency instrument to better support our businesses – including SMEs – in times of crisis, increase their resilience and protect the Single Market.” This year's report notes that in 2021, SMEs represented 99.8% of all companies in the EU, generating 51.8% of total value added in the non-financial business economy and accounted for 64.4% of total employment in the EU. This year's report confirms last year's trend, with growth recorded both in terms of their value added (by 8% in non-financial sector) and employment (by 0.5%). SMEs also continue investing in green and digital transformation processes and viewing sustainability as an opportunity, with almost 90% of SMEs reporting actions to improve their resource efficiency.  Since its launch in 2008, the SME Performance Review is the Commission's main tool to monitor and assess Member States' and partner countries' progress in implementing the EU SME Strategy. The report's findings will be presented at the Internal Market and SME conference organised jointly by the French Presidency of the Council of the EU and the Commission taking place in Paris today. The full 2022 Annual report and the SME country factsheets are available online. (For more information: Sonya Gospodinova – Tel.: +32 229 66953; Federica Miccoli – Tel.: +32 229 58300)

Commission publishes latest Eurobarometer on Europeans, Agriculture and the CAP

According to the latest Eurobarometer on agriculture and the CAP published today, nearly half of Europeans think that securing a stable supply of food in the EU at all times should be a main objective of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), an increase of 6 percentage points since 2020. This view developed in 22 EU countries, and increased by at least ten percentage points in six countries (Finland, Lithuania, Sweden, Greece, Spain and Italy). In addition, more than half of respondents (55%, +6 percentage points) add that the CAP should also contribute to ensuring reasonable food prices for consumers. Since 2020, this view has gained ground in 20 EU countries and was the most common reply in Greece (76%), Cyprus (75%), Bulgaria (62%), Hungary (61%), Czechia (58%), Latvia (57%), and Poland (52%). When asked if the CAP contributes effectively to these two objectives – stable food supply and reasonable prices- 79% and 65% of Europeans think so respectively. Providing safe, healthy and sustainable food of high quality remains, the CAP's core mission according to six in ten Europeans. This has remained stable over a period of several years. In addition, the Eurobarometer highlights the public perception that climate change is now affecting agricultural activity more and more. While a large proportion of respondents (58%, +3 percentage points) say that agriculture has already made a major contribution in fighting climate change, and that the CAP helps with protecting the environment and tackle climate change (65%), two-thirds (67%) consider that EU farmers could still do more by changing the way they work, even if this means EU agriculture being less competitive globally. These are the main findings of the latest Eurobarometer on Europeans, Agriculture and the CAP, the 7^th one since 2007. The survey was conducted in the 27 EU Member States between 21 February and 21 March 2022. Topics covered also include international trade in agricultural products, quality labels, special dietary needs and the EU school scheme. More information here. (For more information: Miriam Garcia Ferrer - Tel.: +32 229 99075; Therese Lerebours - Tel.: + 32 229 63303).

10 ans du service Copernicus de Gestion des Urgences

Aujourd'hui, le service Copernicus de Gestion des Urgences (CEMS) célèbre son 10^e anniversaire. Le CEMS offre des cartographies de situations d'urgence, et des outils d'alerte précoce et des informations en libre accès sur les catastrophes. Au cours des dix dernières années, plus de 5 500 cartes ont été produites. Le CEMS fournit des données précises sur les catastrophes prévues et en cours grâce à des produits géo-spatiaux basés sur des mesures satellitaires et terrestres qui prévoient, surveillent et analysent les catastrophes. Les composantes du CEMS peuvent analyser les changements d'une zone de la Terre sur une période pouvant aller de plusieurs jours à plusieurs semaines, mois ou années. Elles aident ainsi les autorités à identifier les zones touchées en montrant les changements survenus d'une période à l'autre. Les produits peuvent être rapidement partagés entre toutes les agences impliquées dans un incident, afin de permettre une réaction rapide et coordonnée. Un exemple de ces composantes est le système européen et mondial de sensibilisation aux inondations, qui fournit des informations sur les risques d'inondation et les prévisions d'impact pour l'Europe et le reste du monde. Il se concentre sur les inondations fluviales et crues soudaines, tout en assurant une surveillance continue des inondations à l'échelle mondiale. Ces deux composantes viennent d'être mises à jour et utilisent dorénavant un nouveau niveau de surveillance des risques de catastrophes à l'aide des données des réseaux sociaux. Pour de plus amples informations, vous pouvez suivre le CEMS sur Twitter et consulter leur site web. Vous trouverez également plus d'informations dans l'article dédié à l'anniversaire. (Pour plus d'informations: Johannes Bahrke — Tél.: + 32 229 58615; Célia Dejond – Tél.: +32 229 88199)

La commissaire Gabriel et le président des Comités olympiques européens Spyros Capralos signent un arrangement de coopération

À l'occasion de la 6^e édition de la Soirée européenne du sport, qui se tient aujourd'hui à Bruxelles, Mariya Gabriel, commissaire chargée de l'innovation, de la recherche, de la culture, de l'éducation et de la jeunesse, et Spyros Capralos, président des Comités olympiques européens (COE), signeront officiellement un « arrangement de coopération ». Dans le cadre de cet arrangement, l'UE et le COE conviennent de promouvoir les valeurs qu'ils partagent, notamment la tolérance, l'égalité, le respect et la solidarité, lors des Jeux européens qui seront organisés pour la première fois dans l'Union européenne, en Pologne en 2023, ainsi que d'autres événements tels que les festivals olympiques de la jeunesse européenne. L'arrangement contribuera également à préserver et à améliorer la manière dont le sport est organisé dans l'UE. Il pourrait s'agir de promouvoir les échanges entre jeunes et cultures, et de renforcer la coopération dans des domaines présentant un intérêt à long terme pour le sport, tels que la durabilité, l'égalité entre les hommes et les femmes, la lutte contre la discrimination, la bonne gouvernance, la participation et l'intégrité des athlètes, ainsi que les principes clés et les valeurs fondamentales du modèle européen du sport. Pour plus d'informations, veuillez consulter l'article dédié à ce sujet ici. (Pour plus d'informations : Sonya Gospodinova – Tél.: +32 229 66953; Célia Dejond – Tél.: +32 229 88199)

Commission joins forces with Member States to launch a Collaborative Cloud for Europe's cultural heritage

Today, the Commission will launch a dialogue with Member States on the joint creation of a Collaborative Cloud for Cultural Heritage to help safeguard European cultural treasures through a digital infrastructure. The Cloud aims at fostering cooperation and co-creation among cultural, creative and technology sectors. With an envisaged budget of €110 million until 2025 from Horizon Europe, the Collaborative Cloud will be a unique infrastructure that will enable unprecedented transdisciplinary and large-scale collaboration between specialists, such as cultural heritage scholars, curators, archivists and conservators. It will provide cutting-edge technologies for digitising artefacts, researching artworks, and documenting data, all of which will significantly advance and add a new digital dimension to cultural heritage preservation, conservation, and restoration. It aims to facilitate the access to advanced technologies and remove barriers for smaller and remote institutions. Mariya Gabriel, Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture Education and Youth, together with Ministers of Culture and Science, as well as high-level representatives from Member States and from the European Parliament have laid the groundwork for the European Collaborative Cloud for Cultural Heritage. Also today, Commissioner Gabriel and Christian Ehler, Member of the European Parliament and Rapporteur on Horizon Europe legislation, will hold a press point in BOZAR, Brussels at 13:30 (Brussels time). They will be accompanied by Magdalena Liskova, Head of Institutional Relations at BOZAR. More information will be available in this press release from 13:30 (Brussels time). (For more information: Johannes Bahrke — Tel.: + 32 229 58615; Marietta Grammenou — Tel.: + 32 229 83583)

Eliminating harmful chemicals: Commission welcomes political agreement reached on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) in waste

The European Parliament and the Council reached a political agreement last night on the Commission proposal to introduce stricter limits for some of the most harmful chemicals in waste – Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs). POPs show toxic properties and remain in the environment for a very long time, accumulate in food chains and can harm human health and nature. Although POPs are generally no longer used in new products, they can still be found in waste coming from some consumer products such as waterproof textiles, furniture, plastics and electronic equipment. The agreement paves the way to setting stringent limits for these chemicals in waste, preventing them from re-entering the economy through recycled materials. Commissioner for the Environment, Oceans and Fisheries Virginijus Sinkevičius said: “Last night the EU took a decisive step towards protecting our health and environment from persistent organic pollutants chemicals in waste. We are delivering on our promise to eradicate the most harmful chemicals from our daily lives. Ambitious limits for these substances are also needed to foster high-quality, toxic-free secondary materials that can be safely used in a growing circular economy.” Existing limits have been tightened for five substances and new limits have been agreed for four new substances that can be found for example in waterproof textiles and fire-fighting foams, in treated wood and others. An agreement was reached to include also a new substance – Perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS), which was listed less than 2 weeks ago as a POP substance in the Conference of the Parties of the Stockholm Convention. This swift action sends an extremely powerful message about the diligence and commitment of the EU to deal with POPs in waste, and to lead the way toward a toxic-free environment internationally.  The proposal is an important step in achieving a more circular economy as announced under the Circular Economy Action Plan. It contributes to the European Green Deal's Zero Pollution Action Plan and to the Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability with its associated action on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), often dubbed ‘forever chemicals'. More information is in the news item. (For more information: Adalbert Jahnz – Tel.: +32 229 53156; Daniela Stoycheva – Tel.: +32 229 53664)

Agriculture: la Commission approuve une nouvelle indication géographique de Suède

La Commission a approuvé l'ajout des Äkta Gränna Polkagrisar' de Suède dans le registre des indications géographiques protégés (IGP). Les « Äkta Gränna Polkagrisar » sont des confiseries traditionnelles à rayures rouges torsadées obtenues à partir de sucre aromatisé à l'huile de menthe poivrée naturelle. L'art de la fabrication des « Äkta Gränna Polkagrisar » a été inventé dans la ville de Gränna par Amalia Eriksson au milieu du 19e siècle. La recette et la méthode de cuisson se sont perpétuées depuis lors grâce à un système d'apprentissage dans le cadre duquel le nouveau confiseur bénéficie de l'enseignement d'un confiseur reconnu spécialisé dans la fabrication des « polkagrisar ». Cette nouvelle dénomination vient s'ajouter à la liste des 1 583 produits agricoles déjà protégés dont la liste est disponible dans la base de données eAmbrosia. Plus d'informations en ligne sur les systèmes de qualité et sur notre portail GIView. (Plus d'informations: Miriam Garcia Ferrer - Tél.: +32 229 99075; Thérèse Lerebours - Tel.: + 32 229 63303).

State aid: Commission approves €1.14 billion Hungarian scheme to support companies in context of Russia's invasion of Ukraine

The European Commission has approved a €1.14 billion (HUF 442.37 billion) Hungarian scheme to support companies across sectors in the context of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The scheme was approved under the State aid Temporary Crisis Framework, adopted by the Commission on 23 March 2022, based on Article 107(3)(b) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union ('TFEU'), recognising that the EU economy is experiencing a serious disturbance. Under this measure, the aid will take the form of: (i) direct grants, (ii) tax reductions, (iii) equity and (iv) loans. The measure will be open to companies of all sizes and active in all sectors, with the exception of the financial sector, that are negatively affected by the economic effects of the current geopolitical crisis and the related sanctions. 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: “With this more than €1 billion scheme, Hungary will support companies across sectors affected by the current geopolitical crisis and the related sanctions. This is an important step to mitigate the economic impact of Russia's invasion of 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; Maria Tsoni – Tel.: +32 229 90526)

State aid: Commission approves €1.7 billion Italian scheme to support investment towards a sustainable recovery

The European Commission has approved a €1.7 billion Italian scheme aimed at providing investment support towards a sustainable recovery. The scheme was approved under the State aid Temporary Framework. Under this measure, the aid will take the form of direct grants and loans with below-market interest rates. The public support will be used to finance investments in tangible and intangible assets, in particular (i) development contracts supporting large-scale investments related to industrial, tourism, and environmental protection activities; (ii) renewables and batteries; (iii) electric and connected vehicles; and (iv) the revitalization of areas affected by the industrial crisis. The scheme is expected to benefit between 100 and 500 companies. The Commission concluded that the Italian measure is necessary, appropriate and proportionate to foster investment for certain economic activities of importance for a sustainable recovery, in line with Article 107(3)(c) TFEU. 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 €1.7 billion scheme will help Italy set the path for a faster and more sustainable recovery, in line with State aid rules and the Italian Recovery and Resilience Plan. It represents an important step to bridge the investment gap left behind by the crisis. We continue working in close cooperation with Member States to ensure that national support measures to kick-start and crowd-in private investment can be put in place as quickly and effectively as possible, in line with EU rules”. 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 €374 million Italian scheme to compensate rail freight transport companies for the damage suffered due to the coronavirus pandemic

The European Commission has approved, under EU State aid rules, €374 million Italian support to compensate rail freight transport companies for the damage suffered during the period between 12 March and 31 May 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic and the restrictions that Italy and other countries had to implement to limit the spread of the virus. Under the notified scheme, eligible beneficiaries will be entitled to receive compensation in the form of direct grants for the damage suffered during the relevant period. The measure will be open to companies active along the rail freight transport and logistics chain, including: (a) rail freight carriers; (b) wagon keepers, whose main business is to lease out rail freight wagons; and (c) freight forwarders and multimodal transport operators, which organise transport and logistics on behalf of freight owners. The Commission assessed the measure under Article 107(2)(b) TFEU, which enables the Commission to approve State aid measures granted by Member States to compensate specific companies or specific sectors for the damages directly caused by exceptional occurrences. The Commission found that the Italian aid scheme will compensate damages that are directly linked to the coronavirus pandemic. It also found that the measure is proportionate, as the envisaged compensation does not exceed what is necessary to make good the damage. The Commission therefore concluded that the scheme is in line with EU State aid rules. Executive Vice-President Margrethe Vestager, in charge of competition policy, said: “This €374 million measure will enable Italy to compensate rail freight transport companies for the damage suffered as a result of the coronavirus pandemic and the related restrictions. We continue working closely with all Member States to ensure that national measures to support all sectors that were hit by the crisis, including the rail sector, can be implemented as quickly as possible, in line with EU rules”. 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 €45.9 million Portuguese scheme to support companies active in the sector of road freight transport for hire or reward in the context of Russia's invasion of Ukraine

The European Commission has approved a €45.9 million Portuguese scheme to support companies active in the sector of road freight transport for hire or reward in the context of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The scheme was approved under the State Aid Temporary Crisis Framework, adopted by the Commission on 23 March 2022, based on Article 107(3)(b) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (‘TFEU'), recognising that the EU economy is experiencing a serious disturbance. Under the scheme, the aid will take the form of direct grants. The measure will be open to companies legally constituted in Portugal active in the sector of road freight transport for hire or reward, irrespective of their size, which are affected by the current geopolitical crisis. The Commission found that the Portuguese scheme is in line with the conditions set out in the Temporary Crisis Framework. In particular, the aid (i) will not exceed €400,000 per beneficiary; and (ii) will be granted no later than 31 December 2022. The Commission concluded that the scheme is necessary, appropriate and proportionate to remedy a serious disturbance in the economy of a Member State, in line with Article 107(3)(b) TFEU and the conditions set out in the Temporary Crisis Framework. On this basis, the Commission approved the scheme under EU State aid rules. More information on the Temporary Crisis Framework and other actions taken by the Commission to address the economic impact of Russia's invasion of Ukraine can be found here. The non-confidential version of the decision will be made available under the number SA.103207 in the State aid register on the Commission's competition website once any confidentiality issues have been resolved. (For more information: Arianna Podesta – Tel.: +32 229 87024; Maria Tsoni – Tel.: +32 229 90526)

State aid: Commission approves €11.2 million Irish scheme to support producers of tillage and protein crops in the context of Russia's invasion of Ukraine

The European Commission has approved a €11.2 Irish scheme to support the agriculture sector, in particular producers of tillage and protein crops, in the context of Russian 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 direct grants. The purpose of the scheme is to provide liquidity support to the beneficiaries affected by the current geopolitical crisis. The Commission found that the Irish scheme is in line with the conditions set out in the Temporary Crisis Framework. In particular, the aid (i) will not exceed €35,000 per beneficiary; and (ii) will be granted no later than 31 December 2022. The Commission concluded that the scheme is necessary, appropriate and proportionate to remedy a serious disturbance in the economy of a Member State, in line with Article 107(3)(b) TFEU and the conditions set out in the Temporary Crisis Framework. On this basis, the Commission approved the scheme under EU State aid rules. More information on the Temporary Crisis Framework and other actions taken by the Commission to address the economic impact of Russia's invasion of Ukraine can be found here. The non-confidential version of the decision will be made available under the number SA.102990 in the State aid register on the Commission's competition website once any confidentiality issues have been resolved. (For more information: Arianna Podesta – Tel.: +32 229 87024; Maria Tsoni – Tel.: +32 229 90526)

State aid: Commission approves €20 million Cypriot VAT deferral scheme to support businesses affected by the coronavirus pandemic

The European Commission has approved a €20 million Cypriot VAT deferral scheme to support businesses affected by the coronavirus pandemic and the restrictive measures in place to limit the spread of the virus. The scheme was approved under the State aid Temporary Framework. Under the scheme, the aid will take the form of deferrals of VAT with the exclusion of interests and penalties related to the deferred amounts. The aim of the scheme is to enhance the liquidity of the beneficiaries and to help them continue their activities during and after the pandemic. The Commission found that the Cypriot scheme is in line with the conditions set out in the Temporary Framework. In particular, (i) the aid will be  granted no later than 30 June 2022; and (ii) the payment of VAT will be deferred until no later than 30 June 2023. The Commission concluded that the measure is necessary, appropriate and proportionate to remedy a serious disturbance in the economy of a Member State, in line with Article 107(3)(b) TFEU and the conditions set out in 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.102435 in the State aid register on the Commission's competition website once any confidentiality issues have been resolved. (For more information: Arianna Podesta – Tel.: +32 229 87024; Maria Tsoni – Tel.: +32 229 90526)

State aid: Commission approves prolongation of Finnish State aid measure to support Finnair in the context of the coronavirus pandemic

The European Commission has approved a prolongation of a Finnish aid measure consisting of a State guarantee covering 90% of a €600 million loan to Finnair in the context of the coronavirus pandemic. The measure was approved under the State aid Temporary Framework. The Commission approved the original measure on 18 May 2020 (SA.56809). Finnair is a major network airline operating in Finland. Due to the coronavirus pandemic and the travel restrictions that Finland and other countries had to impose to limit the spread of the virus, Finnair incurred significant operating losses and experienced a steep decline in traffic and profitability. In order to help Finnair securing its finances, Finland notified the prolongation of the State guarantee by additional three years. This will enable Finnair to prolong the €600 million loan for the same period of time. The Commission found that the measure is in line with the conditions set out in the Temporary Framework. In particular, (i) the maximum duration of the State guarantee is limited to six years; (ii) the guarantee premiums respect the minimum levels set out in the Temporary Framework; and (iii) the prolongation of the State guarantee will be granted by 30 June 2022 at the latest. The Commission therefore concluded that the measure is necessary, appropriate and proportionate to remedy a serious disturbance in the economy of a Member State, in line with Article 107(3)(b) 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.103101 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)

Concentrations: la Commission autorise l'acquisition de FutureLife par Hartenberg Holding et CVC

La Commission européenne a approuvé, en vertu du règlement européen sur les concentrations, l'acquisition de FutureLife par Hartenberg Holding, toutes deux basées en Tchéquie, et CVC Capital Partners (« CVC ») basée au Luxembourg. FutureLife est active dans la médecine reproductive en Europe, en particulier dans les traitements de fécondation in vitro. Hartenberg Holding est une société d'investissement et actuellement le seul actionnaire de contrôle de FutureLife. CVC est un fonds de capital-investissement. La transaction concernait principalement des marchés de services médicales de reproduction assistée. Les activités de FutureLife en Finlande, où une des sociétés de portefeuille de CVC propose des traitements de fécondation in vitro, et en Estonie ne feront pas partie de la transaction. La Commission a conclu que l'acquisition envisagée ne soulèverait pas de problème de concurrence, car les chevauchements entre les activités des entreprises sont très limités. La transaction a été examinée dans le cadre de la procédure simplifiée du contrôle des concentrations. De plus amples informations sont disponibles sur le site internet concurrence de la Commission, dans le registre public des affaires de concurrence de la Commission, sous le numéro M.10635. (Pour plus d'nformations: Arianna Podesta – Tél.: +32 229 87024; Maria Tsoni – Tél.: +32 229 90526)

Liste des points prévus à l'ordre du jour des prochaines réunions de la Commission

Veuillez noter que ces informations sont données sous réserve de modifications.

Prochains événements de la Commission européenne

Eurostat: communiqués de presse