Daily News 22 / 09 / 2022

EU innovation performance continues to improve in spite of challenges

The Commission has published today the 2022 edition of the European Innovation Scoreboard, which reveals that the EU's innovation performance has grown by about 10% since 2015. Compared to 2021, innovation performance in 2022 has improved for 19 Member States, and declined for eight. Compared to the EU average, global competitors such as Australia, Canada, Republic of Korea, and the United States continue having a performance advantage over the EU. Nevertheless, the EU has closed its performance gap with these nations and has surpassed Japan since 2021. Mariya Gabriel, Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth, said: “Europe's commitment to innovation is shown by its continuous improvement in innovation performance. In support of Europe's innovation capacity, Horizon Europe promotes excellence and supports top researchers and innovators to drive the systemic changes needed to ensure a green, healthy and resilient Europe. The European Innovation Scoreboard 2022 demonstrates the importance of establishing a pan-European Innovation Ecosystem. The recently adopted New European Innovation Agenda will position Europe at the forefront of the new wave of deep-tech innovations and ensure that innovation reaches all regions of Europe, including rural areas.” Thierry Breton, Commissioner for Internal Market, said: “Europe's autonomy and competitiveness will depend on our capacity to become a technological and commercial leader in strategic areas such as space, defence, hydrogen, batteries, chips, quantum, and high performance computing. Europe's innovation agenda, our support to start-ups and innovative SMEs, industrial alliances or IPCEIs are already leading to highly innovative projects across Europe. This is how we translate our scientific excellence into technological and industrial leadership, and quality jobs in Europe”. The report covers the EU Member States and several other countries in Europe and around the world. Compared to the previous years, this year's edition included three additional countries, namely Albania, Chile and Mexico. More information is available in this press release. (For more information: Johannes Bahrke – Tel.: +32 229 58615; Marietta Grammenou – Tel.: +32 229 83583)

Espace européen de l'éducation: la Commission annonce les lauréats du Prix européen de l'enseignement innovant 2022

Aujourd'hui, la Commission annonce les lauréats du prix européen de l'enseignement innovant 2022, qui revalorise le travail des professionnels de l'éducation et célèbre les réalisations des enseignants et des écoles, y compris l'éducation et l'accueil de la petite enfance, les écoles primaires, secondaires, l'enseignement et la formation professionnels (EFP). La commissaire chargée de l'innovation, la recherche, la culture, l'éducation et la jeunesse, Mariya Gabriel, a déclaré: « Il existe de nombreux éducateurs novateurs dans les écoles européennes, de nombreux enseignants dévoués et créatifs et le prix européen de l'enseignement innovant est là pour les trouver. J'attends avec impatience la cérémonie de remise des prix et de pouvoir célébrer tous ceux qui font tout leur possible pour faire de l'apprentissage une expérience passionnante pour leurs élèves. » Au total, 98 projets venant de 29 pays parmi les États membres de l'UE et des pays tiers associés au programme Erasmus+ reçoivent le prix cette année. Le prix 2022 avait été organisé autour du thème « apprendre ensemble, promouvoir la créativité et la durabilité », établissant un lien avec l'initiative du Nouveau Bauhaus européen de la Commission. Le Prix européen de l'enseignement innovant a été lancé en 2021 par la Communication de la Commission sur la réalisation de l'Espace européen de l'éducation d'ici à 2025. (Pour plus d'nformations: Sonya Gospodinova – Tél.: +32 229 66953; Flore Boutier – Tél.: + 32 229 66043)

L'UE annonce une contribution historique de 715 millions d'euros en faveur du Fonds mondial pour protéger des millions de vies contre le sida, la tuberculose et le paludisme

La Commission européenne a annoncé hier, lors de la septième conférence de réapprovisionnement des ressources du Fonds mondial organisée à New York par le président américain, Joe Biden, qu'elle verserait en faveur de ce Fonds un nouveau montant record de 715 millions d'euros, provenant du budget de l'UE, pour la période 2023-2025. L'Équipe Europe confirme son ferme engagement en faveur du Fonds mondial, avec une contribution totale de plus de 4,3 milliards d'euros pour la période 2023-2025, provenant de la Commission européenne et des États membres de l'UE. Le Fonds mondial, un partenariat international créé pour lutter contre le sida, la tuberculose et le paludisme, a déjà permis de sauver 50 millions de vies au cours des 20 dernières années. La nouvelle contribution vient s'ajouter aux 150 millions d'euros mis à disposition cette année au titre du budget de l'UE pour soutenir le dispositif de riposte à la COVID-19 du Fonds mondial (C19RM) et aider ainsi les pays à couvrir les coûts des équipements de protection individuelle, des tests de diagnostic et des traitements. Annonçant la nouvelle contribution de l'UE pour la période 2023-2025, Ursula von der Leyen, présidente de la Commission européenne, a fait la déclaration suivante: « Après avoir uni nos forces pour lutter contre la COVID-19, nous devons reprendre nos efforts pour vaincre d'autres maladies mortelles. Le Fonds mondial de lutte contre le sida, la tuberculose et le paludisme contribue à sauver des millions de vies. C'est la raison pour laquelle nous allons augmenter la contribution de l'UE à ce fonds pour la porter à 715 millions d'euros. Ce montant constitue une aide vitale pour des millions de personnes supplémentaires et contribuera à améliorer la santé de tous. » Cette dotation s'inscrit dans la volonté ferme de la Commission européenne de promouvoir la santé au niveau mondial. Plus d'informations dans le communiqué de presse et dans la déclaration de la présidente von der Leyen. (Pour plus d'informations : Dana Spinant – Tél.: +32 229 90150 ; Ana Pisonero – Tél.: +32 229 54320)

Experts put forward recommendations on how to harness the power of culture for sustainable development

Ahead of UNESCO's World Conference on Cultural Policies and Sustainable Development, MONDIACULT 2022, taking place in Mexico from 28 to 30 September 2022, EU Member States' experts have issued a new report entitled “Stormy Times. Nature and humans: Cultural courage for change”, which focuses on the important role of culture as a driver for the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. With the support from the Commission, the experts formulated a set of recommendations to rethink the relationship between humans and nature, to fuel our cultural imagination for a liveable, sustainable future. The report shows that culture can be a powerful tool to better communicate the available scientific knowledge on issues such as social injustice, inequalities, lack of gender equality, loss of biodiversity, lack of food security, climate change and others, addressed in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The report also suggests that artists and cultural organisations play a full part in ensuring that objectives of the European Green Deal and the sustainable development are met. More information in a press release. (For more information: Sonya Gospodinova – Tel.: +32 229 66953; Flore Boutier – Tel.: + 32 229 66043)

State aid: Commission approves €96 million Italian scheme to support companies in Lombardy in the context of Russia's invasion of Ukraine

The European Commission has approved a €96 million Italian scheme to support companies in the region of Lombardy 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 and amended on 20 July 2022. The measure will be open to all companies active in Lombardy, regardless of their size and of the activity performed. Credit and financial institutions, as well as companies active in the primary agriculture and in the fisheries sectors are however excluded. The measure follows other Italian schemes to support the agricultural, forestry, fishery and aquaculture sectors, for instance the one that the Commission approved on 18 May 2022 (SA.102896). The scheme is aimed at ensuring that sufficient liquidity remains available to companies affected by the current geopolitical crisis and the subsequent sanctions and countersanctions, allowing them to continue their economic activity in this difficult context. Under the scheme, the eligible beneficiaries will be entitled to receive limited amounts of aid in the form of direct grants, guarantees and loans. The Commission found that the scheme is in line with the conditions set out in the Temporary Crisis Framework. In particular, the aid (i) will not exceed €500,000 per company; and (ii) will be granted no later than 31 December 2022. The Commission concluded that the Italian 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. The non-confidential version of the decision will be made available under case number SA.103947 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 sole control of Interpane by AGC Glass Europe

The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of sole control of Interpane International Glas GmbH and Interpane Glass Holding AG (together ‘Interpane') of Germany by AGC Glass Europe SA of Belgium. Interpane is a family owned, medium-sized European company that manufactures and processes architectural glass. AGC Glass Europe is a producer and processor of flat glass for the building industry, the automotive industry, the solar industry and specialist industries through a network of glass production and processing sites across Europe. ACG Glass Europe has had a jointly controlling stake in Interpane since 2012. The Commission concluded that the proposed acquisition would raise no competition concerns, given its very 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.10864. (For more information: Arianna Podesta – Tel.: +32 229 87024; Maria Tsoni – Tel.: +32 229 90526)

ANNOUNCEMENTS 

UNGA77: upholding the UN Charter and international humanitarian law

Today, High Representative Borrell will address the UN Security Council on behalf of the EU on maintenance of peace and security of Ukraine, which will be transmitted live on EbS at +/- 12:00 EST. He will then speak to the press in a media stakeout at the UN Security Council. High Representative/Vice-President Borrell will further participate in a meeting of the Group of Friends of Accountability in Ukraine organised by Denmark and the Netherlands, reiterating the EU's support to efforts by the Ukrainian Prosecutor and the International Criminal Court to bring to justice those responsible for the most heinous crimes in Ukraine. He will also host a ministerial breakfast meeting between the EU and the Gulf Cooperation Council and participate in a meeting of the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee on Palestine, organised by Norway. In the evening, High Representative Borrell will attend the traditional transatlantic dinner hosted by Secretary of State Antony Blinken. Commissioner Janez Lenarčič will co-chair with Indonesia and UNOCHA the high-level event ‘Tackling a “perfect storm” of humanitarian crises: expanding the resource base and building resilience in the face of exploding needs'. Read more about this event here. Throughout the day, EU representatives will hold several bilateral meetings. More details on their individual agendas can be found on their websites. Yesterday, President Ursula von der Leyen announced a pledge of €715 million to the Global Fund in support of its work to fight HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria worldwide. Read the President's speech here and, for more details, check the press release. High Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell co-chaired an extraordinary informal meeting of EU Foreign Ministers to discuss President Putin's recent announcements and threats in the context of Russia's aggression against Ukraine, with the participation of the Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba. EU Foreign Ministers decided to bring forward additional restrictive measures against Russia as soon as possible. Read the press remarks here. High Representative/Vice-President Borrell also represented the EU at a side event on nuclear safety, organised by France, which concluded with a joint statement. (For more information: Nabila Massrali – Tel.: +32 229 88093; Xavier Cifre-Quatresols – Tel.: +32 229 73582)

Executive Vice-President Timmermans travels to Washington, DC, for meetings with key lawmakers and US officials

Executive Vice-President for the European Green Deal, Frans Timmermans starts today a two-day trip to Washington, DC, to discuss with key lawmakers and administration officials, after his participation at high-level meetings and events during the UN General Assembly in New York earlier this week. Today, he will meet with the Chair of the House Select Committee on the Climate Crisis, Kathy Castor, followed by a meeting with the Senior Advisor to the President for Clean Energy Innovation and Implementation, John Podesta. In the afternoon, the Executive Vice-President will engage in a discussion regarding climate action in times of crisis with students at John Hopkins University. A livestream can be followed here. During the day, he will also meet jointly Senators Bill Cassidy and Chris Coons, and later with Representative John Curtis. On Friday, Executive Vice-President Timmermans will have a bilateral meeting with National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan. (For more information: Tim McPhie – Tel.: +32 229 58602; Ana Crespo Parrondo – Tel.: +32 229 81325)

Commissioner Kyriakides in Lithuania to discuss health, food safety, with a strong focus on Ukraine support

Today and tomorrow, Commissioner for Health and Food Safety, Stella Kyriakides, will be in Vilnius, Lithuania, to discuss priorities in the area of health and food safety, including the support provided to Ukraine in these areas. Commissioner Kyriakides will exchange with Minister of Agriculture Kęstutis Navickas on sustainable food systems and food security, sustainable use of pesticides, antimicrobial resistance, labelling, and animal welfare. She will also have a meeting with Minister of Health Arūnas Dulkys. They will address the current pressing health challenges: COVID-19 vaccinations and preparedness, Monkeypox, health support to Ukraine, the upcoming reform of the pharmaceutical legislation and Europe's Beating Cancer Plan.  Alongside Minister of Health Arūnas Dulkys, the Commissioner will also visit Santaros Clinics and Cancer Hospital, where she will meet with the CEOs of the Clinics, as well as doctors and patients. Ahead of the visit, Commissioner Kyriakides said: "I am very much looking forward to meeting with Minister of Agriculture Navickas and Minister of Health Dulkys to discuss important health and food safety files, building on the strong support Lithuania has already shown in these areas. I am also looking forward to meeting some of the healthcare staff who have been helping to take care of Ukrainian refugees in Vilnius. Lithuania and Member States have shown formidable solidarity towards Ukraine since the start of the war. Today, the conflict is still very much ongoing, and, more than ever, support is needed for refugees and patients arriving in the EU." A press point will take place at around 11:40 EEST on Friday with Commissioner Kyriakides and Minister of Health Arūnas Dulkys. (For more information: Stefan De Keersmaecker – Tel.: +32 2 298 46 80; Célia Dejond – Tel.: +32 2 298 81 99)

Tentative agendas for forthcoming Commission meetings

Note that these items can be subject to changes.

Upcoming events of the European Commission

Eurostat press releases