Daily News 15 / 11 / 2022

Commission welcomes agreement on EU Annual Budget 2023

The Commission welcomes the agreement reached by the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union on the EU budget for 2023, based on the Commission's proposal.

The agreement is for commitments of €186.6 billion, and payments of €168.7 billion. Once adopted, the budget would allow the EU to mobilise significant funds mitigate the severe consequences of Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine in the country but also in the southern neighbourhood and Member States. It would also support the ongoing sustainable recovery from the coronavirus pandemic, and protect and create jobs. It would trigger further investments into a greener, more digital and more resilient Europe, while protecting the most vulnerable in its neighbourhood and around the world.

Johannes Hahn, Commissioner for Budget and Administration said: “During these trying times, Europe shows that it can deliver for the benefit of all. The budget agreed today will help address the consequences from Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine through more funding, including for migration, solidarity lanes, sufficient energy supplies, defence but also support to the EU countries accepting the people fleeing Ukraine.

The press release is available online.

(For more information: Balazs Ujvari - Tel.: +32 2 295 45 78)

 

Digital rights and principles: a digital transformation for EU citizens

The Commission welcomes the agreement reached yesterday with the Parliament and the Council on the European declaration on digital rights and principles. The declaration, proposed in January, establishes a clear reference point about the kind of human-centred digital transformation that the EU promotes and defends, at home and abroad. It builds on key EU values and freedoms and will benefit all individuals and businesses. The declaration will also provide a guide for policymakers and companies when dealing with new technologies. The declaration focuses on six key areas: putting people at the centre of the digital transformation; solidarity and inclusion; freedom of choice; participation in digital life; safety and security; and sustainability.

Executive Vice-President for a Europe Fit for the Digital Age, Margrethe Vestager said: “The digital transformation is about ensuring that technologies are safe. That they work in our interests and respect our rights and values. The principles in the declaration of digital rights and principles will continue to be supported by EU legislation.”

Commissioner Thierry Breton said: “The declaration on digital rights and principles will ensure Europe is the continent people look to for guidance in the digital transformation. It enshrines values we are already working towards, such as top-class connectivity, access to public services, and a safe digital world.”

You will find more information on the digital rights and principles here.

(For more information: Johannes Bahrke – Tel.: +32 2 295 86 15; Charles Manoury – Tel.: +32 2 291 33 91)

 

The EU and International Partners launch ground-breaking Just Energy Transition Partnership with Indonesia

Today, President of Indonesia Joko Widodo, President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen on behalf of the EU, and leaders of the International Partners Group (IPG), co-led by the United States and Japan, and including Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Norway, and the United Kingdom, launched a Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP) with Indonesia during the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment (PGII) event at the G20 Summit in Bali.

In a Joint Statement, Indonesia and International Partners announced the commitment to groundbreaking climate targets and associated financing to support the Asian country in an ambitious and just energy transition, consistent with the Paris Agreement goals and contributing to keep 1.5 °C global warming limit within reach.

President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen said, “The Just Energy Transition Partnership for Indonesia will chart a roadmap to a greener, cleaner future in the country – and a future full of opportunities for the Indonesian people. They will be the ones reaping the benefits of the transformation of their economy, as Indonesia becomes a renewables hub.”

The aim of this long-term partnership with Indonesia is to mobilise an initial $20 billion (€19.4 billion approximately) in public and private financing over a three-to-five-year period. Half of this sum, $10 billion, will be mobilised by the IPG members. The EU and Member States which are part of the IPG intend to mobilise around $2.5 billion. From this amount, the EU will support the Partnership via the European Investment Bank (EIB) with €1 billion to support eligible projects that contribute to the decarbonisation of Indonesia's power system through the development and integration of renewable energy. In addition, the EU will earmark 25 million in grants and technical assistance.

A full press release is available online. The joint statement and joint release by Indonesia and International Partners can be found here and here, as well as trilateral statement by the EU, US and Indonesia on the G20 Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment event.

(For more information: Dana Spinant - Tel.: +32 229 90150; Tim McPhie – Tel.: +32 229 58602)

 

Security Union: The EU and the US review confirms that their cooperation on terrorist financing provided numerous concrete leads for terrorist investigations between 2019-2021

The Commission adopted the sixth implementation report on the cooperation between the EU and the US on transfer and processing of financial data under the Terrorist Finance Tracking Programme (TFTP). It shows that between 2019 and 2021 the tracking program facilitated more than 58,000 leads for investigations which were instrumental for Member States in bringing forward investigations, some of which on terrorist attacks on EU soil.

The report concludes that the TFTP between the EU and the US contributes significantly to our security and supports Member States in identifying and tracking terrorists and their networks.

The agreement has strong guarantees that ensure the protection of EU citizens' data. It has a regular review of the safeguards, controls, and reciprocity provisions between EU and the US. The next review of the agreement is foreseen in 2024. You can find more information about the fight against the financing of terrorism here.

(For more information: Anitta Hipper - Tel.: + 32 229 85691; Yuliya Matsyk – Tel.: +32 229 13173) 

 

Commission proposes action to fully harness the potential of algae in Europe for healthier diets, lower CO2 emissions, and addressing water pollution

Today, the Commission adopted the communication “Towards a strong and sustainable EU algae sector”, a pioneering initiative to unlock the potential of algae in the European Union. The communication proposes 23 actions to create opportunities for the industry to help it grow into a robust, sustainable and regenerative sector capable of meeting the growing EU demand.

The EU is one of the biggest importers of seaweed products globally, and the demand is expected to reach €9 billion in 2030, especially in food, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and energy production.

Commissioner for the Environment, Oceans and Fisheries, Virginijus Sinkevičius, said: “Stronger EU algae farming and processing sectors can respond to demand in a wide range of industries, starting with food, animal feed or bio-based plastic to cosmetics, pharmaceuticals or biofuels.  Algae biomass can serve as an alternative to raw materials that now are usually fossil-fuel-based, which is very much in line with the European Green Deal's decarbonisation ambition. With this initiative we approach the EU algae sector in such a holistic way as never before”.

With these actions, the Commission aims to improve business environments, increase social awareness and acceptance of algae and algae-based products by consumers, and close the knowledge, research, and technology gaps.

More information is in the press release and Q&A.

(For more information: Adalbert Jahnz – Tel.: +32 2 295 31 56; Daniela Stoycheva – Tel.: +32 2 295 36 64)

 

First EU-Türkiye high-level dialogue highlights the green and digital transformation and the enabling role of education, research and innovation

Today, Mariya Gabriel, Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth, and Mustafa Varank, Minister of Industry and Technology of Türkiye, met in Brussels for the first EU-Türkiye high-level dialogue on science, research, technology and innovation. The dialogue focused on Green Deal aspects such as green industrial production, renewable energy, and climate-neutral and smart cities. Emphasis has also been placed on the role of education and training in boosting innovation and technology transfer.

Commissioner Gabriel said: “Türkiye has been a key partner in EU research and innovation programmes over the last 20 years. Today, we have held the first EU-Türkiye high-level dialogue and agreed to deepen and broaden our joint efforts for the green and digital transitions.”

Minister Mustafa Varank said: “In the field of science and research, Türkiye, as a candidate country, has reached a good level of alignment with the EU. We value this dialogue mechanism as an opportunity to support the cooperation between Türkiye and the EU in science, technology and innovation. Türkiye and the EU share the ambition and have the assets to design and deploy cutting-edge technologies and transform the research and innovation outputs into industrial products.”

Türkiye is a key partner in EU research and innovation programmes since 2003. It is also associated to several EU programmes for the period 2021-2027: Horizon Europe, Erasmus+, and the European Solidarity Corps.

Both sides have confirmed their intention to strengthen their close cooperation in these areas for the mutual benefits stemming from the green and digital transition.  You will find a video of the press statement recording here, and more information here.

(For more information: Johannes Bahrke – Tel.: +32 2 295 86 15; Charles Manoury – Tel.: +32 2 291 33 91)

 

Setting out the path to make the EU's social economy and local businesses more resilient, green and digital

Today, the Commission published the transition pathway, co-created with relevant parties in the social economy sector, to help social economy entities and small local businesses become greener and more digital.

The report puts forward a set of 30 actions in 14 different areas. For instance, the pathway proposes actions to help social economy entities improve their energy efficiency in order to reduce their electricity consumption. It also encourages public authorities to support the creation of local green partnerships, for example to enhance local value chains in circular waste management, clean energy production or support local sustainable food markets. To improve digitalisation, the report lists actions such as supporting the development of a code of conduct for social economy entities and local businesses to better manage their data in a transparent manner.

The Commission is launching an open call for pledges, inviting all relevant parties to present their concrete commitments and to express interest in working together on the implementation of the EU's social economy and local businesses transition pathway.

After the pathway on tourism which was launched in February 2022, this transition pathway is the second one delivered under the Industrial Strategy Update, where the Commission called for industrial ecosystems to accelerate the green and digital transformation and increase the resilience of the European economy. More information is available here.

(For more information: Sonya Gospodinova – Tel.: +32 2 296 69 53; Federica Miccoli – Tel.: +32 2 295 83 00)

 

State aid: Commission seeks feedback on proposed revision of de minimis Regulation, setting exemptions from notification for small amounts of aid

The European Commission is consulting on the draft text of a proposed revision of the de minimis Regulation.

Under the current rules, Member States can grant support of up to €200,000 per beneficiary over a period of 3 years (‘de minimis threshold') without prior notification to the Commission for approval. Such amount is deemed to have no impact on competition and trade in the EU Single Market and therefore is not considered to be State aid. These rules are set to expire on 31 December 2023.

The evaluation carried out in 2020 in the context of the Fitness Check on State aid rules  showed that overall the de minimis Regulation has been fit for purpose. On 27 June 2022, the Commission has already published a ‘call for evidence' on this proposed revision on the Better Regulation Portal: 132 contributions were received between the date of publication and 25 July 2022.

In this context, the Commission proposes to revise the de minimis threshold to adapt it to the current economic context and to improve transparency requirements by introducing a mandatory register of beneficiaries, which will reduce the administrative burden for companies who currently use a self-declaration system.

All parties, in particular national authorities granting de minimis aid, can submit their views on the proposed revision in any official EU language on the Commission's webpage from 15 November 2022 until 10 January 2023.

(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 €1.23 billion Czech scheme to support the economy in the context of Russia's war against Ukraine

The European Commission has approved a €1.23 billion scheme to support the Czech economy in the context of Russia's war against 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 and on 28 October 2022, based on Article 107(3)(b) TFEU, recognising that the EU economy is experiencing a serious disturbance.

Under this measure, the aid will take the form of direct grants. The measure will be open to all large companies that do not benefit from an energy price cap and that are currently facing significant extra costs in light of the increase of electricity and natural gas prices. The scheme will cover the period from February to December 2022.

The Commission concluded that the Czech 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: “The Czech economy has been hit particularly hard by the current geopolitical crisis and the consequent increase of energy prices. This €1.23 billion scheme will enable Czechia to mitigate the impact of the rising input costs on its economy.”

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)

 

Concentrations: la Commission autorise l'acquisition du contrôle conjoint de Total Egypt par ADD et TotalEnergies

La Commission européenne a approuvé, en vertu du règlement européen sur les concentrations, l'acquisition du contrôle conjoint de TotalEnergies Marketing Egypt LLC (‘Total Egypt'), basée en Égypte, par Abu Dhabi National Oil Company for Distribution PJSC (‘ADD'), basée aux Émirats arabes unis, et TotalEnergies Marketing Afrique SAS (‘TotalEnergies'), basée en France, cette dernière contrôlant déjà Total Egypt avant l'opération.

Total Egypt est active dans la vente au détail de carburant et de produits alimentaires, les services de lavage automobile, les lubrifiants, le carburant d'aviation et la distribution de carburant en vrac en Égypte. ADD commercialise et distribue des produits pétroliers. TotalEnergies est active à l'échelle mondiale dans la recherche, l'industrie et le commerce des hydrocarbures et plus généralement dans le domaine de l'énergie.

La Commission a conclu que l'acquisition envisagée ne soulèverait pas de problème de concurrence, compte tenu de son impact très limité sur la structure du marché. L'opération a été examinée dans le cadre de la procédure simplifiée de 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 sous le numéro d'affaire M.10953.

(Pour plus d'nformations: Arianna Podesta – Tél.: +32 229 87024; Maria Tsoni – Tél.: +32 229 90526)

 

Mergers: Commission clears acquisition of Lyntia by AXA, SLAM and Sorolla

The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of Gunalta ITG, S.L.U. (‘Lyntia') of Spain by AXA PIE Lux 4 S.à.r.l. (‘AXA') of France, Swiss Life Investment S.à.r.l. (‘SLAM') of Switzerland and Sorolla Investment Co S.à.r.l. (‘Sorolla') of New Zealand.

Lyntia is an independent optic fibre operator in the telecommunications market, mainly providing services through optic fibre in Spain. AXA is a global insurance group, active in life, health and other forms of insurance, as well as in investment management. SLAM is an asset management company that is part of the Swiss Life group. Sorolla is part of the Morrison & Co Group, an investment company investing on behalf of sovereign wealth funds, pension funds and wholesale investors.

The Commission concluded that the transaction would raise no competition concerns given that there are no overlaps between the companies' activities and that the vertical relationships do not pose a risk of foreclosure of access to Lyntia's optic fibre. 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.10875.

(For more information: Arianna Podesta – Tel.: +32 229 87024; Maria Tsoni – Tel.: +32 229 90526)

 

 

STATEMENTS

 

 

Journée de l'égalité salariale: Transparence salariale essentielle pour combler l'écart de rémunération de 13 % entre les hommes et les femmes dans l'UE

Dans l'Union européenne, les femmes continuent de gagner moins que les hommes pour un emploi égal. L'écart salarial moyen entre les hommes et les femmes dans l'UE s'élevant à 13 %. Cela signifie que pour €1 qu'un homme gagne, une femme gagne €0,87. Les progrès sont constants, mais encore trop lents, avec une réduction de l'écart de 2,8 % en 10 ans.

Cette année, la Journée européenne de l'égalité salariale tombe le 15 novembre. Avant cette journée symbolique, Věra Jourová, vice-présidente pour les valeurs et la transparence et Helena Dalli, commissaire à l'égalité, ont déclaré : « À travail égal, salaire égal : c'est un principe fondateur de l'Union européenne. Résoudre l'injustice de l'écart de rémunération entre les femmes et les hommes ne peut se faire sans modifier les déséquilibres structurels de la société. C'est la raison pour laquelle cette Commission a doublé ses efforts en faveur de l'égalité entre les femmes et les hommes et des causes profondes de l'inégalité salariale. Nous devons autonomiser les femmes afin qu'elles puissent réaliser leur potentiel.

Cependant, il manque une pièce importante du puzzle : la transparence des rémunérations. Nous invitons le Parlement européen et le Conseil à adopter sans retard injustifié notre proposition de directive sur la transparence des rémunérations. »

La déclaration complète et la fiche d'information sont disponibles en ligne.

(Pour plus d'informations : Anitta Hipper - Tél. +32 2 298 56 91 ; Katarzyna Kolanko - Tél. : +32 2 296 34 44 ; Cristina Torres Castillo - Tél. : +32 2 299 06 79)

 

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

 

“New horizons for product safety”: International Product Safety Week starts today

Today, Commissioner for Justice, Didier Reynders kicks off the Commission's 2022 International Product Safety Week.

On this occasion, Commissioner Reynders said: “Digitalisation has increasingly become a solid catalyst for economic development, but we must stay on top of this fast-evolving trend so EU consumers do not fall victims to scams and dangerous products. Doing so, we can also ensure that consumers reap the benefits of these developments. The year's event is an excellent opportunity to bring together a broad range of to bolster international cooperation on product safety, no matter their nature, and where they are manufactured and sold”.

During today's events, Commissioner Reynders and the Chairman of the US Consumer Product Safety Commission, Alexander Hoehn-Saric, will discuss the first results of the EU-US informal dialogue on consumer product safety.

On 16 and 17 November, there will be sessions on the latest trends in e-commerce and new technologies, both in terms of new risks and opportunities for more effective product safety enforcement. The role of youth and civil society, as well as the impact of gender on product safety, are also part of the agenda.

The International SymposiumInternational Symposium of the International Consumer Product Health and Safety Organization on “Redefining Key Concepts of Product Safety”, will also take place during the event.

The different sessions can be followed online by registering here, and recordings will also be made available. (For more information: Anitta Hipper - Tel. +32 2 298 56 91; Katarzyna Kolanko - Tel.: +32 2 296 34 44; Cristina Torres Castillo - Tel.: +32 2 299 06 79)

 

Commissioner Várhelyi in Georgia to discuss EU support and priority reforms to advance on its EU path

Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Negotiations, Olivér Várhelyi is travelling to Tbilisi on 15 and 16 November. During his first official visit since Georgia was granted a European perspective, Commissioner Várhelyi will meet President Salomé Zourabichvili, Prime Minister Irakli Garibachvili, Speaker of the Parliament Shalva Papuashvili and members of the opposition in Parliament.

Discussions will focus on EU support and priority reforms identified in the Commission's Opinion on Georgia's membership application to the EU, as well as flagship projects under the Economic and Investment Plan. 

During his stay, the Commissioner will visit projects financed by the European Union. He will also co-chair the Meeting on the Economic and Investment Plan on 15 November with the Prime Minister, which will be attended by relevant government ministers and international financial institutions.

Pictures and videos of the mission will be available on EbS and the latest information on EU-Georgia relations can be found here.

(For more information: Ana Pisonero – Tel.: +32 2 295 43 20; Zoi Muletier – Tel.: +32 2 299 43 06)

 

Commissioner Ferreira attends the Conference of Presidents of the Outermost Regions

Tomorrow, Commissioner for Cohesion and Reforms, Elisa Ferreira, will attend and deliver a speech at the Annual Conference of Presidents of the Outermost Regions at the European Parliament. The event will be chaired by President of the Territorial Collectivity of Martinique, Serge Letchimy.

The Conference will be an occasion to take stock of the initiatives taken by the Commission following the Communication on a Renewed Strategy for the Outermost Regions adopted in May. The presidents will endorse a declaration to ask the Commission for continued assistance and support in overcoming some of their common challenges on issues such as irregular immigration, the impact of decarbonisation on their regions' connectivity and transport, as well as their economies overall. The event will also mark the passing of the presidency from Martinique to the Canary Islands.

Commissioner Ferreira said: “The Commission continues delivering on its commitments to the Outermost Regions by catering to their specific territorial and structural conditions, by adapting EU legislation and helping them with a range of capacity-building tools. Since the adoption of the Renewed Strategy, we have launched a number of new instruments, hence many other measures are in the pipeline. We are committed to a deepened dialogue with each of the Outermost Regions and cooperating closely with them on their future development.”

More information on the agenda is available here. The event will be live streamed and a press conference will take place at the end of the Conference at 17:00 CET.

(For more information: Stefan de Keersmaecker: Tel. +32 2 298 46 80; Veronica Favalli - Tel.: +32 2 298 72 69)

 

 

 

Tentative agendas for forthcoming Commission meetings

Note that these items can be subject to changes.

 

Upcoming events of the European Commission

Eurostat press releases