Daily News 10 / 10 / 2022

Solidarity with Ukraine: EU takes new steps to provide certainty and access to employment to beneficiaries of Temporary Protection

The Commission announced a series of measures to continue supporting those fleeing the unprovoked Russian aggression. A new online job-search tool launched today will help people fleeing Russia's invasion of Ukraine to successfully find a job in the European Union. After registering with the EU Talent Pool pilot initiative, those under temporary protection can upload their CVs, so that their profiles are available to more than 4,000 employers, national public employment services and private employment agencies. Ensuring a swift and effective integration into the labour market is important both for host communities, and for those fleeing the war to rebuild their lives. A press release is available online (For more information: Anitta Hipper – Tel.: +32 229 85691; Veerle Nuyts – Tel.: +32 229 96302)

20e Semaine européenne des régions et des villes : La politique de cohésion fait une véritable différence

Aujourd'hui, lors de la conférence de presse de lancement de la 20e Semaine européenne des régions et des villes, la commissaire à la cohésion et aux réformes, Elisa Ferreira, ainsi que le président du Comité des régions, Vasco Alves Cordeiro, ont rappelé l'importance de la réponse d'urgence apportée par la politique de cohésion aux crises auxquelles l'Europe est confrontée. Ils ont souligné le caractère central de la politique de cohésion pour l'avenir du modèle de croissance européen. Selon le 8e Rapport sur la cohésion et le nouveau Document de travail sur l'impact de la politique de cohésion au cours de la période 2014-2020, la politique de cohésion a un impact significatif sur la croissance régionale. Grâce à son soutien, en 2019, l'écart de PIB entre les pays d'Europe centrale et les pays d'Europe orientale devenus membres après 2004 a diminué de moitié (de 59% de la moyenne de l'UE à 77%). Le financement de la cohésion va augmenter le PIB par habitant des régions en retard de développement de 5% d'ici 2023. Sur le long terme, la politique de cohésion bénéficie également aux régions développées grâce à son effet de propagation interrégionale. Chaque euro dépensé pour des projets soutenus par la politique a généré 2,70 euros de PIB supplémentaire dans l'ensemble de l'UE. En outre, la politique de cohésion a été un élément clé de la lutte contre des crises telles que la pandémie de Covid-19 et l'invasion de l'Ukraine par la Russie. Elle stimule la transition énergétique grâce à d'importants investissements dans des projets énergétiques importants et des infrastructures critiques dans le domaine du gaz et de l'électricité, ainsi que dans le mécanisme pour une transition juste qui contribue à atténuer l'impact de la crise énergétique. La politique de cohésion est la principale politique d'investissement de l'UE et représente environ un tiers du budget de l'UE. L'objectif de cette politique est de réduire les disparités économiques, sociales et territoriales au sein de l'UE. Plus de détails ici. (Pour plus d'informations : Stefan de Keersmaecker – Tél : +32 229 84680 ; Veronica Favalli – Tél : +32 229 87269)

EU Cohesion Policy: Commission welcomes the inauguration of one of the biggest EU-funded projects in the EU and Greece

Today one of the biggest Cohesion Policy-funded projects in the EU and in Greece, the extension of metro line in Athens, is inaugurated. This project received an EU contribution of €470 million. Commissioner for Cohesion and Reforms, Elisa Ferreira, said: “Thanks to Cohesion Policy funds the life of citizens in the greater area of Athens and Piraeus will be improved. The metro will reach the city of Pireaus, the third biggest city in Greece and will connect the country's largest airport to the largest port in less than an hour. This major project will also foster growth and create substantial benefits to the national economy of Greece.” This project completes metro line 3 from Athens to Piraeus and drastically improves accessibility of the urban transportation network in the urban area of Attica. With three new stations – Maniatika, Piraeus port and Municipal Theater - for the first time citizens can reach the administrative, commercial and business center of Piraeus from its suburbs, Maniatika, Nikaia, Korydallos and, by extension, Neapoli in a matter of just a few minutes. The expected mobility changes will be fundamental to reduce the traffic in the central axes of the city and the wider region. With the completion of the project, an additional population of 174,000 persons is expected to have easy access to the Metro network. This will reduce the use of private vehicles and the carbon dioxide emissions. This project is part of the wider Cohesion Policy investments in public transport infrastructures in the region of Attica, which notably include metro, tram, bus and suburban rail networks. On March 2017, the Commission approved the second phase of the EU financing of the metro. More on EU funded projects in Greece here.  (For more information: Stefan De Keersmaecker – Tel.: +32 229 84680; Veronica Favalli – Tel.: +32 229 87269)

Commission supports Member States to foster gender equality in policy-making and public expenditure

Today the Commission launched a project to help Member States implement gender equality policies tackling gender-based discrimination. This project, financed by the Technical Support Instrument (TSI), will support both national and regional administrations to improve their capacity to take decisions and invest public money in a way that benefits equally both men and women. Through workshops, conferences, training sessions and study visits, participants from public administrations will gain new tools, skills and knowledge to plan laws and budget not to directly or indirectly exclude citizens based on their gender. The project will involve 9 national and regional administrations from 7 Member states that have submitted their request for support: France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Portugal and Romania. It will produce useful recommendations for policymakers on the so-called ‘gender-budgeting' – structuring spending and taxation in ways that advance gender equality. Effective policies could, for example, include paid parental leave, equal pay, gender-related pension reforms. This TSI project will last until December 2024 and will produce results that may be replicated and shared across the EU. The TSI offers expertise to all EU countries for the implementation of growth-enhancing reforms. The support offered by the Commission is based on request and is tailor-made for the beneficiary Member State. Since 2017, the Structural Reform Support Programme and the TSI have been supporting over 1,400 reform projects in all Member States. For more details here. (For more information: Stefan De Keersmaecker – Tel.: +32 229 84680; Veronica Favalli – Tel.: +32 229 87269)

Data protection: Commission welcomes US Executive Order for a new EU-US Data Privacy Framework

On 25 March 2022, President von der Leyen and President Biden announced that they had reached an agreement in principle on a new EU-U.S. Data Privacy Framework. The framework will foster trans-Atlantic data flows and address the concerns raised by the Court of Justice of the European Union in the Schrems II decision of July 2020. Following that, the EU and US teams worked intensively to finalise the details of this agreement and translate it into a legal framework. On 7 October, President Biden signed an Executive Order on ‘Enhancing Safeguards for United States Signals Intelligence Activities'. Along with the Regulations issued by the Attorney General, the Executive Order implements into US law the agreement in principle announced in March. The Executive Order introduces new binding safeguards to address all the points raised by the Court of Justice of the EU, limiting access to EU data by US intelligence services and establishing a Data Protection Review Court. On that basis, the European Commission will now prepare a draft adequacy decision, as well as launch its adoption procedure. For more information, a Q&A is available online. (For more information: Christian Wigand – Tel.: +32 229 62253; Katarzyna Kolanko – Tel.: +32 229 63444; Cristina Torres Castillo – Tel.: +32 229-90679)

Culture Moves Europe: the largest EU mobility scheme provides new opportunities for artists and cultural professionals

Today, the Commission launches Culture Moves Europe, its new permanent mobility scheme for artists and cultural professionals, as well as a first call for individual mobility, during a high-level event in Brussels, Belgium. Benefiting from a total budget of €21 million under the Creative Europe programme for a three-year-period (2022-2025), Culture Moves Europe becomes the largest European mobility scheme for artists and cultural professionals targeting all Creative Europe countries and sectors covered by the Culture Strand of the programme. Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth, Mariya Gabriel, said: “With Culture Moves Europe, the Commission paves the way for the future of the cultural and creative sectors. And it offers enhanced opportunities for emerging artists and cultural professionals to gear up their skills and their ties with European partners. It acknowledges how mobility exchanges shape our present and influences the future of our intertwined communities. It bridges mobility with sustainability and inclusion, as promoted by the European Green Deal.” Implemented by the Goethe-Institut on behalf of the Commission, Culture Moves Europe comprises two actions: individual mobility and residencies. Through mobility grants, it will offer an opportunity to around 7,000 individual artists and cultural professionals to go abroad, in the EU and beyond, for professional development or international collaborations, to take part in artistic residencies or to host artists and cultural professionals. The residencies action will be launched in early 2023. A press release is available online. (For more information: Sonya Gospodinova – Tel.: +32 229 66953; Federica Miccoli – Tel.: +32 229 58300)

Eurobaromètre: Les citoyens européens conviennent qu'une transition écologique équitable est essentielle et qu'il reste encore beaucoup à faire

La Commission a publié aujourd'hui un Eurobaromètre spécial sur les « perceptions de l'équité de la transition écologique », sur la base d'une enquête réalisée entre mai et juin 2022. L'enquête révèle que la majorité des Européens — près de neuf répondants sur dix (88 %) — s'accordent sur le fait que la transition écologique ne devrait laisser personne de côté et la plupart (77 %) se sent personnellement responsable d'agir. La moitié des Européens (50 %) estiment que l'UE fait suffisamment pour garantir que la transition écologique soit équitable, 50 % disent la même chose de leurs autorités publiques régionales, municipales ou locales, 47 % de leur gouvernement national et 43 % du secteur des entreprises. Concernant les possibilités offertes par la transition écologique, près de six répondants sur dix conviennent que les politiques de lutte contre le changement climatique créeront davantage de nouveaux emplois qu'ils n'en supprimeront et 61 % pensent que ces emplois seront de bonne qualité. Toutefois, seulement un peu plus de la moitié déclarent que leurs compétences actuelles leur permettent de contribuer à la transition écologique. En ce qui concerne les prix de l'énergie, le caractère abordable de l'énergie, des produits et des services durables est une préoccupation majeure. 93 % des personnes interrogées estiment que le niveau actuel des prix de l'énergie pour les citoyens de leur pays constitue un problème grave. La Commission a déjà présenté une série d'actions en faveur d'une transition écologique équitable et continuera de placer les citoyens au centre des efforts politiques. Le Pacte vert pour l'Europe vise à améliorer le bien-être et la santé des citoyens et des générations futures et ses principes fondamentaux sont l'équité et la solidarité. Des fonds importants de l'UE sont disponibles pour soutenir les États membres, par exemple par l'intermédiaire de la Facilité pour la reprise et la résilience, du Fonds social européen plus et du Mécanisme pour une transition juste, ainsi que un certain nombre d'initiatives politiques visant à lutter contre les prix élevés de l'énergie.  La Recommandation du Conseil visant à assurer une transition équitable vers la neutralité climatique fournit des orientations concrètes aux États membres en vue de l'adoption de mesures portant sur les aspects sociaux et d'emploi. L'Année européenne des compétences 2023 que la Présidente von der Leyen a proposée dans son discours sur l'état de l'Union donnera une nouvelle impulsion pour continuer à doter les Européens des compétences nécessaires à la transition écologique. La dimension sociale de la transition écologique sera le thème principal du Forum européen sur l'emploi et les droits sociaux des 16 et 17 novembre. Le rapport complet des résultats de l'Eurobaromètre ainsi qu'une infographie et des fiches d'information par pays sont disponibles en ligne. (For more information: Veerle Nuyts – Tel.: +32 229 96302; Flora Matthaes – Tel.: +32 229 83951)

World Mental Health Day: Commission's report on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on young people's mental health

Today, on the occasion of World Mental Health Day, the Commission's Youth Wiki network has published the report ‘The Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of young people – Policy responses in European countries'. This report examines the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on young people's mental health and the policy measures that have been put in place by Member States to mitigate the impact of lockdowns, which resulted in loneliness and isolation for many young Europeans. Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth, Mariya Gabriel, said: “Young people have been hit particularly hard by the pandemic. They saw their lives turned upside down. We must continue to support our youth with concrete interventions. Opportunities to re-engage and participate in the community, dedicated support services and inclusion of those most vulnerable must be at the core of our efforts.” This report identifies the main factors that have affected young people's mental health during the pandemic and develops a detailed overview of the policies, initiatives and programmes established to address them. It also offers examples of good practices to support young people's mental health and suggests future directions in policy making. Among the measures taken, some countries made investments to strengthen mental health services, to provide psychological support both at school and at home. Other countries chose to foster digital inclusion and avoid the isolation of students. Reinforcing young people's wellbeing is also a priority of the 2021 EU Health Award. Mental health is also a thematic area in the new European Solidarity Corps (2021-2027). Since 2005, the Commission has devoted increased attention to mental health and wellbeing, notably through the Healthier Together initiative on non-communicable diseases. For more information on our latest work on mental health, please consult this page. Read the full report here. (For more information: Sonya Gospodinova – Tel.: +32 229 66953; Federica Miccoli – Tel.: +32 229 58300)

European Citizens' Initiative: successful ‘Save bees' initiative presented to the Commission

Today, the ‘Save bees and farmers! Towards a bee-friendly agriculture for a healthy environment' initiative has become the seventh successful European Citizens' Initiative (ECI). It has reached over one million statements of support from EU citizens, the organisers confirmed. The initiative calls on the Commission to propose legal measures to phase out synthetic pesticides by 2035, to restore biodiversity and to support farmers in this transition. The Commission will meet the organisers to discuss the initiative in detail in the next weeks. A public hearing will then be organised by the European Parliament. The Commission has until 7 April 2023 to present its official reply, outlining the actions it intends to take: whether to propose legislation, take other non-legislative actions or not act at all. This initiative is the seventh ECI to have successfully collected the threshold of one million signatures from at least seven Member States, demonstrating that European citizens can help create European policies. More information on the other successfully concluded ECIs are available on this website. (For more information: Christian Wigand – Tel.: +32 229 62253; Cristina Torres Castillo – Tel.: +32 229-90679)

Antitrust: Commission sends Statement of Objections to Teva over misuse of the patent system and disparagement of rival multiple sclerosis medicine

The European Commission has informed Teva of its preliminary view that the company has breached EU antitrust rules by engaging in practices intended to delay competition to its blockbuster medicine, Copaxone. These consisted in artificially extending patent protection of Copaxone and by systematically spreading misleading information about a competing product with a view to hinder its market entry and uptake. If the Commission's preliminary views were confirmed, Teva's behaviour would infringe Article 102 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, which prohibits the abuse of a dominant position. Executive Vice-President Margrethe Vestager, in charge of competition policy, said: "Until today, there is not yet a treatment for the chronic illness of multiple sclerosis. So innovative medicines can make a major difference to patients' quality of life. Effective protection of intellectual property is key to this scientific progress. Our concern is that Teva may have misused the patent system to shield itself from competition. It may have spread misleading information to discredit its closest competitor, to the detriment of patients and public health systems across the EU.” 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 €1.1 billion Slovakian aid schemes partially funded under Recovery and Resilience Facility to help industry decarbonise production processes and become less energy-intensive

The European Commission has approved, under EU State aid rules, two Slovak schemes with a total budget of over €1.1 billion to help companies subject to the EU Emission Trading System (‘ETS') decarbonise their production processes and improve their energy efficiency. The schemes will be made available in part through the Recovery and Resilience Facility ('RRF') and in part through the EU Modernisation Fund. The measure contributes to the achievement of the European Green Deal targets, while helping reduce dependence on imported Russian fossil fuels and fast-forward the green transition, in line with the REPowerEU Plan.  The measures supported under the schemes range from electrification projects to the installation of industrial waste heat recovery technologies. The beneficiaries of the measures will be companies active in sectors subject to the EU ETS, which include, among others, energy-intensive industries (i.e. refineries, steel works, and companies active in the production of heavy metals, construction and chemical products). The schemes are expected to avoid the release of 5.233 million tons of CO₂ annually, which more than 12% of Slovakia's 2030 target. The Commission assessed the schemes under EU State aid rules, in particular Article 107(3)(c) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, which enables EU countries to support the development of certain economic activities subject to certain conditions, and the Guidelines on State aid for climate, environmental protection and energy (‘CEEAG'), which allow Member States to support measures reducing or removing CO₂emissions. The Commission found that the schemes are necessary and appropriate to support decarbonisation and energy efficiency projects and have an “incentive effect”. Moreover, the schemes have a limited impact on competition and trade within the EU and will be subject to a common ex-post evaluation. On this basis, the Commission approved the measure under EU State aid rules. Executive Vice-President Margrethe Vestager, in charge of competition policy, said: “These €1.1 billion schemes will help Slovak industries to decarbonise their industrial processes and achieve greater energy efficiency. The measures will also help Slovakia reduce its dependence on imported fossil fuels, in line with the REPowerEU Plan, while ensuring that any potential competition distortions are kept to the minimum.” A press release is available online. (For more information: Arianna Podesta – Tel.: +32 229 87024; Nina Ferreira - Tel.: +32 229 98163; Maria Tsoni – Tel.: +32 229 90526)

State aid: Commission approves €100 million Italian scheme under Recovery and Resilience Facility to support modernisation of oil mills

The European Commission has approved, under EU State aid rules, a €100 million Italian scheme to support the modernisation of oil mills. The scheme will be funded through the Recovery and Resilience Facility ('RRF'), following the Commission's positive assessment of the Italian Recovery and Resilience Plan and its adoption by Council. The aim of the scheme is to encourage undertakings of all sizes producing extra-virgin olive oil to increase the efficiency of their mills. Under the scheme, the support will take the form of direct grants. The aid per beneficiary will not exceed 50% of the eligible costs. The scheme will run until 31 December 2026. The Commission assessed the scheme under EU State aid rules, and in particular under Article 107(3)(c) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, which allows Member States to support the development of certain economic activities under certain conditions, and the Guidelines for State aid in the agricultural and forestry sectors and in rural areas. The Commission concluded that the scheme is necessary and appropriate to ensure a sustainable growth of the agricultural sector. Furthermore, the Commission found that the measure is proportionate and that any negative effects on competition and trade in the EU will be limited in view of the size of the projects, the aid amounts and the characteristics of the sector. In addition, the Commission concluded that the aid will have an 'incentive effect' as the beneficiaries would not carry out the same investments in the absence of the public support. On this basis, the Commission approved the scheme under EU State aid rules. The Commission assesses measures entailing State aid contained in the national recovery plans presented in the context of the RRF as a matter of priority and has provided guidance and support to Member States in the preparatory phases of the national plans, to facilitate the rapid deployment of the RRF. The non-confidential version of the decision will be made available under the case number SA.103933 in the State aid register  on the Commission's competition website once any confidentiality issues have been resolved. (For more information: Arianna Podesta – Tel.: +32 229 87024; Nina Ferreira - Tel.: +32 229 98163)

Aides d'État: la Commission autorise un régime français de 450 millions d'euros visant à soutenir le transport ferroviaire par wagons isolés

La Commission européenne a autorisé, en vertu des règles de l'UE en matière d'aides d'État, un régime français d'un montant total estimé de 450 millions d'euros destiné à soutenir les services de transport par wagons isolés. Le régime, applicable jusqu'à 31 décembre 2025, vise à promouvoir le transfert du transport de marchandises de la route vers le rail, particulièrement en encourageant le transport de wagons isolés, en tant que moyen de transport plus respectueux de l'environnement. Le transport par wagons isolés permet l'envoi et la réception de petits volumes de marchandises qui autrement ne seraient pas transportés par rail mais par route. L'aide prendra la forme de subventions directes destinées à indemniser les entreprises de fret ferroviaire pour la différence de coût entre le transport routier et le transport ferroviaire. Le régime sera ouvert aux entreprises ferroviaires actives dans le secteur du transport par wagons isolés. La Commission a évalué la mesure au regard des règles de l'UE en matière d'aides d'État, et en particulier les lignes directrices sur les aides d'État aux entreprises ferroviaires. La Commission a conclu que la mesure est nécessaire et proportionné pour promouvoir le transport ferroviaire, qui est moins polluant que le transport routier et réduit la congestion routière. La mesure sera donc bénéfique tant pour l'environnement que pour la mobilité. De plus, l'aide constitue une incitation efficace étant donné qu'à défaut de financement public, les bénéficiaires n'exerceraient pas d'activités liées au transport de wagons isolés. Finalement, la Commission a constaté que la mesure contribuera à la coordination des transports et facilitera le transfert du transport de marchandises de la route vers le rail, conformément aux objectifs du pacte vert pour l'Europe, sans fausser indûment la concurrence. Sur cette base, la Commission a conclu que l'aide est conforme aux règles de l'UE en matière d'aides d'État. Plus d'informations sont disponibles sur le site web de la Direction Générale de la Concurrence de la Commission dans le registre des aides d'État, sous la référence SA.62529, dès que les éventuels problèmes de confidentialité auront été résolus. (Pour plus d'informations: Arianna Podesta – Tel.: +32 229 87024; Nina Ferreira - Tel.: +32 229 98163)

State aid: Commission approves €1 million Maltese aid measure to support fast ferry passenger transport between Malta and Gozo in context of Russia's war against Ukraine

The European Commission has approved a €1 million aid scheme to support companies active in fast ferry passenger transport between the islands of Malta and Gozo in the context of Russia's war against Ukraine. The measure aims at compensating these companies for part of the additional costs incurred due to the price increase of fuel due to Russia's war against Ukraine and the related sanctions and countersanctions. Under the scheme, the aid will take the form of direct grants. The individual aid amount per beneficiary will be calculated based on the fuel price increase over the period between 1 February and 31 December 2022, compared January 2022. The Commission found that the Maltese 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 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 Maltese measure 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 war against Ukraine can be found here. The non-confidential version of the decision will be made available under the number SA.104238 in the State aid register on the Commission's competition website once any confidentiality issues have been resolved. (For more information: Arianna Podesta – Tel.: +32 229 87024; Nina Ferreira - Tel.: +32 229 98163; Maria Tsoni – Tel.: +32 229 90526)

Mergers: Commission clears acquisition of sole control of Beiersdorf by Scintia

The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of sole control of Beiersdorf AG by Scintia Vermögensverwaltungs GmbH (‘Scintia'), both of Germany, and Scintia's ultimate solely controlling shareholder, a natural person. Beiersdorf is a globally active producer and supplier of skin, body and hair care products, as well as self-adhesive products. Scintia is an investment company. The Commission concluded that the proposed acquisition would raise no competition concerns, given that Scintia and its shareholder already have joint control of Beiersdorf and there are no overlaps between the companies' activities. 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.10827. (For more information: Arianna Podesta – Tel.: +32 229 87024; Maria Tsoni – Tel.: +32 229 90526)

Mergers: Commission clears acquisition of sole control of TCHIBO Group by Trivium

The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of sole control of TCHIBO Anlagen-Verwaltungsgesellschaft mbH and TCHIBO GmbH, together TCHIBO Group, (‘TCHIBO') by Trivium Vermögensverwaltungs GmbH (‘Trivium'), both of Germany, and its ultimate solely controlling shareholder, a natural person. TCHIBO is a provider of coffee, coffee solutions and other consumer goods. Trivium is an investment company. The Commission concluded that the proposed acquisition would raise no competition concerns, given than Trivium and its shareholder already have joint control of TCHIBO. 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.10885. (For more information: Arianna Podesta – Tel.: +32 229 87024; Maria Tsoni – Tel.: +32 229 90526)

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Vice-President Schinas in Vienna to participate in the Vienna Migration Conference

Today, Vice-President Schinas is participating in the Vienna Migration Conference. The Vice-President will meet with Chancellor Karl Nehammer, as well as with Interior Minister Gerhard Karner to discuss latest challenges, in particular as regards migration. The 2022 Vienna Migration Conference is organised by the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD) and the discussions will focus on the impact of the Russia's invasion against Ukraine, on how the shifting of the regional, global geopolitical and economic situation might influence migration dynamics, and what international cooperation and policy responses are needed. (For more information: Anitta Hipper - Tel.: +32 229 85691; Yuliya Matsyk – Tel.: +32 229 13173)

Commissioner McGuinness on first official visit to the United States to meet high-level officials and discuss digital finance, sustainable finance, energy crisis and sanctions

Commissioner for Financial Services, Financial Stability and Capital Markets Union, Mairead McGuinness, will be in the United States for her first official visit from 10 to 15 October. On Tuesday, 11 October, the Commissioner will attend a New York stock exchange (NYSE) public event to discuss sustainable finance, financial stability, digital finance, and sanctions against Russia. Following the event, she will meet Jeff Sprecher, CEO/Chairman of ICE/NYSE and Stuart Williams, COO of ICE. Commissioner McGuinness will then meet US CEOs of European banks to discuss about regulatory requirements for foreign banks, Basel III implementation, and sustainable and digital finance. In the afternoon, she will meet with John Williams, President of the New York Fed to discuss about the sanctions against Russia, digital finance, sustainable finance and financial inclusion. On Wednesday, 12 October, Commissioner McGuinness will attend an event at the DC Fintech Week, where she will engage with major fin tech firms and discuss about innovation in finance. In the course of the same day, the Commissioner will attend a roundtable organised by the BPI Global Regulatory Policy Committee, where she will meet and discuss with the CEOs of internationally active banks the current environment and challenges for policymakers. On Thursday 13 October, Commissioner McGuinness will have a series of meetings in the US Congress to discuss markets in crypto assets (MiCA), Basel III and sanctions. Commissioner McGuinness will also be present at the The Institute of International Finance (IIF) Annual Membership Meeting moderated by Clay Lowery, Executive Vice-President, to discuss “The search for stability in an era of uncertainty, realignment and transformation.” On Friday, 14 October, Commissioner McGuinness will attend an Informal Eurogroup meeting with US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen. Later in the day, she will meet Jay Powell, Chair of the US Federal Reserve (FED) to discuss Basel III, sustainable finance, and central bank digital currency (CBDC). She will then meet Jamie Dimon, CEO and Chairman of JP Morgan Chase, to discuss the macro-economic situation in Europe, and sustainable and digital finance. (For more information: Daniel Ferrie – Tel.: +32 229 86500; Aikaterini Apostola – Tel.: +32 2 298 76 24)

Commissioner Simson in Prague to participate in informal meeting of EU energy ministers

As of tomorrow evening, Commissioner for Energy, Kadri Simson, will be in Prague to participate in the informal meeting of EU energy ministers hosted by the Czech Presidency of the Council of the EU until Wednesday, 12 October. The meetings will be opened by Director-General of the International Energy Agency Fatih Birol's address on the future of energy security on Tuesday evening. On Wednesday, the Commissioner will discuss with the EU ministers and Director-General Birol the roadmap on further action to tackle high energy prices presented by President von der Leyen at the meeting with the EU Leaders in Prague on Friday. They will also hold a discussion on potential avenues for a reform of the EU's electricity market in the presence of Director of ACER, the Agency for Cooperation of Energy Regulators, Christian Zinglersen. The Vice-President of the European Investment Bank, Thomas Östros, will deliver remarks on ways to finance the energy transition. In Prague, Commissioner Simson and the ministers will have a working lunch with the Energy Community Contracting Parties. At the margins of the broader meeting, the Commissioner will hold bilateral exchanges with Moldova's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Regional development, Andrei Spînu, and Ukraine's Minister of Energy, German Galushchenko. At the end of the meeting on Wednesday, Commissioner Simson will hold a press conference with the Czech Minister of Energy, Jozef Síkela, which you can follow on EbS.(For more information: Tim McPhie – Tel.: +32 229 58602; Giulia Bedini – Tel: +32 229 58661; Ana Crespo Parrondo – Tel.: +32 229 81325)

Tentative agendas for forthcoming Commission meetings

Note that these items can be subject to changes.

Upcoming events of the European Commission

Eurostat press releases