Daily News 23 / 06 / 2022

European Commission mandates Scope to rate its creditworthiness

The European Commission has today mandated Scope, an EU-based credit rating agency (CRA), to rate its creditworthiness alongside its other mandated rating agencies. Through the appointment of Scope, the European Commission demonstrates its commitment to support competition in the market for credit ratings by inviting entrants. This is one of the objectives of the EU's Credit Rating Agency rules. With this mandate Scope's current AAA /Outlook stable unsolicited rating of the European Commission – which borrows on the capital markets on behalf of the EU – becomes a solicited rating. Commissioner Johannes Hahn in charge of budget and administration – and who is overseeing EU borrowing on capital markets, said: “With this decision, we are once again showing that we are living up to our principles and contribute to the strengthening of the European capital markets. The European Commission is using its prominence with regard to euro-denominated assets to strengthen the EU capital market.” Since October 2020, the European Commission has issued over €220 billion in highly-rated bonds to finance the SURE and NextGenerationEU programmes as well as back-to-back programmes to EU Member States and third countries. This includes €91.8 billion social bonds under the SURE programme and €28 billion of NextGenerationEU green bonds. The European Commission is currently rated AA /Outlook positive by Standard & Poor's, Aaa /Outlook stable by Moody's and AAA /Outlook stable by Fitch ratings, and has also been granted a AAA/Outlook stable unsolicited rating by DBRS. Thanks to its high credit rating, the Commission – on behalf of the EU – obtains favorable conditions for its issuances. The benefits are then being passed on to the EU Member States and third countries and lead to savings for the EU budget, depending on the nature and objectives of the funding programmes. (For more information: Balazs Ujvari - Tel.: +32 229 54578; Claire Joawn - Tel.: +32 229 56859)

Migration et asile: la Commission se félicite des progrès intervenus au Conseil sur le nouveau pacte sur la migration et l'asile

La Commission se félicite que les États membres aient convenu le 22 juin de commencer à mettre en œuvre un mécanisme de solidarité volontaire, en proposant des relocalisations, des contributions financières et d'autres mesures de soutien aux États membres qui en ont besoin. En outre, les États membres ont décidé l'ouverture de négociations avec le Parlement européen sur deux outils clés de gestion de la migration: le règlement révisé sur la base de données Eurodac et le règlement sur le filtrage. Ces progrès font suite à l'accord politique obtenu sur les propositions relatives à cette première phase du pacte, lors de la dernière session du Conseil justice et affaires intérieures du 10 juin. La plateforme de solidarité s'attachera à faire avancer le 27 juin l'accord intervenu aujourd'hui sur la déclaration de solidarité, en vue d'une mise en œuvre rapide et efficace. Le Parlement européen et les présidences actuelle et à venir du Conseil débattront, avec la Commission européenne, d'une feuille de route visant à faire avancer toutes les propositions formulées dans le cadre du nouveau pacte sur la migration et l'asile. Plus de détails figurent dans le communiqué de presse. (Pour plus d'informations: Anitta Hipper – Tel: +32 2 298 56 91 ; Fiorella Belciu - Tel: +32 2 299 37 34)

Afghanistan: EU mobilises €1 million in humanitarian assistance following devastating earthquake

In response to the powerful earthquake that struck southern Afghanistan early morning of 22 June, the European Commission is allocating €1million in humanitarian funding to address the most urgent needs by affected Afghans. Janez Lenarčič, Commissioner for Crisis Management said: “In Afghanistan, an already devastating humanitarian crisis has been now further aggravated by a deadly earthquake. With EU field staff on the ground still assessing the extent of the destruction, first reports indicate that more than 1,000 Afghans have lost their lives and an even greater number has been injured. An estimated 270,000 people living in the affected areas will require emergency assistance. In response, the EU is mobilising an initial €1 million in emergency support. Our trusted humanitarian partners will deliver the aid to those most affected in an already extremely fragile country. The EU stands ready to provide further assistance.”  In order to ensure a quick intervention in areas that are remote and difficult to access, EU humanitarian funding will be implemented by humanitarian partners who are already active in the country, including non-governmental organisations and the United Nations. The funding will address the most immediate needs of Afghans such as the provision of medical assistance, water, sanitation and hygiene services, shelter and protection services for the most affected and disadvantaged communities. (For more information: Balazs Ujvari - Tel.: +32 229 54578; Daniel Puglisi - Tel.: +32 229 69140) 

New pan-European partnership on Culture and Creativity announced

Today, the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) announced its Knowledge and Innovation Community (KIC) on Culture and Creativity, adding to the already existing eight Communities, which address a pressing societal challenge: climate, digital, energy, health, raw materials, food, manufacturing, urban mobility. The winning consortium ICE - Innovation by Creative Economy, led by Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft, consists of 50 partners from 20 countries, presenting a wide geographical coverage. Mariya Gabriel, Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth said: “Culture is not only our common language, it also an innovating ecosystem. The new EIT Culture and Creativity Innovation Community will capitalise on the unique richness of European diversity to guarantee that creatives are ingrained in the pan-European Innovation Ecosystem. I look forward to observing the growth of this sector's innovators and start-ups under EIT's innovative approach, which has had a significant impact on the lives of Europeans over the previous decade.” The mission is to unlock the innovation potential of the cultural and creative sectors and industries, and to contribute to their sustainable growth and recovery after the COVID-19 pandemic. This new pan-European partnership will bring key players in the field of education, research and business together, providing Europe with well-trained professionals and innovative entrepreneurs who will turn the results of cutting-edge research into innovation. To facilitate EIT Culture & Creativity's establishment, the EIT will provide the winning partnership with a start-up grant of up to €6 million to ensure they become fully operational as soon as possible. For more information, please consult our press release, and the factsheets on EIT Culture & Creativity and on the winning consortium.  (For more information: Sonya Gospodinova – Tel.: +32 229 66953; Célia Dejond – Tel.: +32 229 88199)

Agriculture: la Commission approuve une nouvelle indication géographique de France

La Commission a approuvé l'ajout du « Cidre du Perche / Perche » de France dans le registre des appellations d'origine protégées (AOP).  Le « Cidre du Perche / Perche » est un cidre effervescent demi-sec ou brut, obtenu par prise de mousse en bouteille, non pasteurisé et non gazéifié. Il est élaboré à partir de pur jus de pommes à cidre de variétés spécifiques. Il se distingue par sa couleur allant de jaune doré à orange, sa rondeur, l'équilibre des saveurs sucre, amertume et acidité et des notes fruitées. La culture du pommier est très ancienne en Normandie et les producteurs cidricoles du Perche mobilisent les savoir-faire traditionnels telle que l'utilisation de variétés tardives, la récolte des fruits à maturité ou encore les fermentations spontanées et lentes et la prise de mousse naturelle. Cette nouvelle dénomination vient s'ajouter à la liste des 1 626 produits vinicoles 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. (Pour plus d'information: Miriam Garcia Ferrer - Tel.: +32 229 99075; Therese Lerebours - Tel.: + 32 229 63303).

Partenariat UE-Amérique latine et Caraïbes : production de vaccins, médicaments et technologies de la santé et renforcement des systèmes de santé

À l'occasion des Journées européennes du développement, Ursula von der Leyen, présidente de la Commission européenne, et Pedro Sánchez, Premier ministre espagnol, ont lancé hier un nouveau partenariat entre l'Union européenne et l'Amérique latine et les Caraïbes en faveur de la production locale de vaccins, médicaments et autres technologies de la santé, et du renforcement de la résilience des systèmes de santé, qui viendra compléter et intensifier les liens sociaux, économiques et scientifiques entre les deux régions. Il renforcera les capacités de production de l'Amérique latine, favorisera l'accès équitable à des produits de santé de qualité, efficaces, sûrs et abordables, et contribuera à renforcer la résilience des systèmes de santé de la région afin de lutter contre les maladies endémiques et émergentes, et d'améliorer leurs capacités à faire face aux maladies non transmissibles. La présidente von der Leyen a déclaré : « L'Europe et l'Amérique latine sont des alliés solides, avec des liens historiques, commerciaux, économiques et sociaux forts. Dans le cadre de la stratégie Global Gateway de l'UE, nous approfondissons encore davantage notre coopération dans le domaine vital de la santé. Je crois au pouvoir de transformation de ce partenariat qui lie le talent et l'innovation du nouveau continent aux atouts de l'UE. L'investissement dans la santé est un investissement dans la prospérité et dans le bien-être. » Vous pouvez trouver plus d'informations dans notre communiqué de presse. (Pour plus d'informations : Dana Spinant – Tél.: +32 2 299 01 50 ; Ana Pisonero Hernandez – Tél. : +32 229 54320 ; Jennifer Sánchez Da Silva – Tél. : +32 229 58316)

30e Prix Lorenzo Natali pour les Médias : Annonce des lauréats

Lors d'une cérémonie organisée pendant les Journées européennes du développement 2022 à Bruxelles, la commissaire chargée des partenariats internationaux, Jutta Urpilainen, a annoncé aujourd'hui les lauréats de cette année du Prix Lorenzo Natali : Ritwika Mitra, pour avoir révélé des activités de trafic d'êtres humains en Inde, Rémi Carton et Paul Boyer, pour avoir mis au jour l'esclavage d'enfants en Haïti, et Vânia Maia, pour avoir dénoncé la situation précaire de travailleurs immigrés au Portugal. Les lauréats ont été sélectionnés par le Grand Jury du Prix Lorenzo Natali parmi plus de 800 candidatures provenant du monde entier. Célébrant son 30e anniversaire, le Prix Lorenzo Natali récompense des reportages captivants et courageux. La commissaire chargée des partenariats internationaux, Jutta Urpilainen, a déclaré : « La guerre sur le sol européen et la prolifération de la désinformation nous rappellent à tous que le journalisme de qualité est nécessaire afin d'ouvrir les yeux du monde sur les questions qui sont importantes. Mettre en lumière les injustices et donner la parole aux personnes vulnérables sont vos puissantes armes. Je félicite les journalistes courageux, tels que les lauréats de cette année du Prix Lorenzo Natali, pour leurs reportages saisissants. » Le prix, qui porte le nom de Lorenzo Natali, ancien commissaire européen au développement, a été décerné dans les catégories suivantes : Grand Prix, Prix Europe, et Prix du meilleur Journaliste émergent. Vous pouvez trouver plus d'informations sur le Prix Lorenzo Natali pour les Médias sur le site internet dédié, et dans notre communiqué de presse. (Pour plus d'informations : Ana Pisonero Hernandez – Tél. : +32 229 54320 ; Jennifer Sánchez Da Silva – Tél. : +32 229 58316)

State aid: Commission approves €1 million Croatian scheme to support maize seed producers in context of Russia's invasion of Ukraine

The European Commission has approved a €1 million (HRK 7.5 million) Croatian scheme to support maize seed producers 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 maize seed production sector 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 Croatian 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 Croatia to support maize seed 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)

Mergers: Commission opens in-depth investigation into the proposed acquisition of OMV Slovenija by MOL

The European Commission has opened an in-depth investigation to assess the proposed acquisition of OMV Slovenija by MOL under the EU Merger Regulation. At this stage, the Commission is concerned that the transaction may significantly reduce competition in the retail supply of motor fuels (gasoline and diesel) to individuals and businesses in Slovenia. The Commission's preliminary investigation shows that the parties compete head-to-head in many local areas throughout Slovenia. Furthermore, relatively high barriers to entry and expansion characterise the retail supply of motor fuels in Slovenia, and new entry seems unlikely on any significant scale in the short to medium run. The Commission will now carry out an in-depth investigation into the effects of the transaction to determine whether it is likely to significantly reduce effective competition. The opening of an in-depth investigation does not prejudge the outcome of the investigation. Executive Vice-President Margrethe Vestager, responsible for competition policy, said: “To ensure that fuel prices at the pump are not artificially inflated by lack of competition, we need to keep a close eye on consolidation. OMV Slovenija and MOL are two of the leading fuel suppliers in Slovenia which compete head-to-head in many local areas. We need to carefully assess whether the changes in the competitive landscape prompted by the proposed acquisition would have an impact on prices or the quality of services.” 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 €56.25 million Italian scheme to support travel agencies and tour operators in the context of the coronavirus pandemic

The European Commission has approved a €56.25 million Italian scheme to support travel agencies and tour operators in the context of the coronavirus pandemic. The measure was approved under the State aid Temporary Framework. Under the scheme, the aid will take the form of exemptions from the payment of social security contributions for the period between April and August 2022. The exact amount of the exemption per beneficiary will be calculated based on the number of employees over the reference period. If the total amount of the social security contributions due for that period exceed the overall budget of the scheme, the exemption will be recalculated and applied on a monthly basis. The Commission found that the Italian scheme is in line with the conditions set out in the Temporary Framework. In particular, the aid (i) will not exceed €2.3 million per beneficiary; and (ii) will be granted no later than 30 June 2022. The Commission therefore concluded that the measure is necessary, appropriate and proportionate to remedy a serious disturbance in the economy of a Member State, in line with Article 107(3)(b) TFEU and the conditions of the Temporary Framework. On this basis, the Commission approved the measure under EU State aid rules. More information on the Temporary Framework and other actions taken by the Commission to address the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic can be found here. The non-confidential version of the decision will be made available under the case number SA.103161 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 clears acquisition of certain assets of Auto-Holding Dresden by Volkswagen Group Retail Deutschland

The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of certain assets of Auto-Holding Dresden by Volkswagen Group Retail Deutschland GmbH (‘VGRD'), belonging to Volkswagen (‘VW') Group, all of Germany. The assets consist of six VW dealership outlets located in Dresden, Germany, mainly active in the retail distribution of new and used passenger cars, light commercial vehicles of the VW Group brands and VW-branded spare parts. VGRD operates several VW dealerships in Germany. VW Group is active in the development, manufacture, marketing and sale of passenger cars, light commercial vehicles, trucks, buses, and coaches, among other. The Commission concluded that the proposed acquisition would raise no competition concerns given that customers and competitors of VW would still be able to source VW-branded spare parts across Germany and the European Economic Area. The transaction was examined under the normal merger review procedure. More information is available on the Commission's competition website, in the public case register under the case number M.10714. (For more information: Arianna Podesta – Tel.: +32 229 87024; Maria Tsoni – Tel.: +32 229 90526)

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Commissioner Dalli visits Poland on 24 and 25 June

Commissioner for Equality, Helena Dalli, will be in Warsaw, Poland, on 24 and 25 June, where she will meet government representatives and civil society organisations. She will meet with Anna Schmidt, Secretary of State, Ministry of Family, Labour and Social Policy, to discuss gender equality files including the Pay Transparency Directive, the Proposal for a Directive on Combating Violence against Women and Domestic Violence, and the EU Work-Life Balance Directive, as well as the upcoming European Care Package. The Commissioner will exchange in the Polish Parliament with representatives of the parliamentary groups for LGBT+ Equality; for Women's Rights; and on Reproductive Rights. Commissioner Dalli will also meet with women's rights civil society organisations as well as with Ukrainian women refugees, and visit the Ukrainian House where organisations work with people fleeing Russia's war against Ukraine. On 25 June, the Commissioner will march in the Kyiv-Warsaw Pride, where she will deliver a speech, as well as meet with the Mayor of Warsaw, Rafał Trzaskowski. (For more information: Christian Wigand – Tel.:+32 2 296 22 53; Cristina Torres Castillo – Tel.: +32 2 29 90679)

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