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Daily News 12 / 12 / 2022
NextGenerationEU: La Commission approuve le plan pour la reprise et la résilience révisé du Luxembourg
La Commission a évalué favorablement la version révisée du plan pour la reprise et la résilience du Luxembourg vendredi.
Le 11 novembre 2022, le Luxembourg a présenté à la Commission un plan pour la reprise et la résilience actualisé afin de tenir compte de la révision à la baisse de sa contribution financière maximale de 93,4 millions d'euros à 82,7 millions d'euros, dans le cadre de la mise à jour de juin 2022 de la clé de répartition des subventions de la facilité pour la reprise et la résilience. En vertu du règlement établissant une facilité pour la reprise et la résilience, les États membres peuvent demander une révision de leur plan dans des cas limités et bien définis, y compris pour tenir compte de la mise à jour de leur contribution financière maximale. Les orientations de la Commission à l'intention des États membres de mai 2022 précisent quand et comment les États membres peuvent demander de telles révisions.
Compte tenu de sa contribution financière réduite, le Luxembourg a proposé de supprimer de ce plan révisé le programme de formation aux compétences numériques ciblant les travailleurs en régimes de chômage partiel, expliquant qu'il ne répondait pas aux attentes initiales en matière de demande. Cela s'explique principalement par un rebond plus marqué que prévu de l'économie luxembourgeoise au printemps 2021, avec un grand nombre de bénéficiaires ayant repris plus tôt que prévu des contrats à temps plein.
La Commission a évalué le plan actualisé sur la base des 11 critères d'évaluation énoncés dans le règlement établissant la facilité pour la reprise et la résilience. La Commission a conclu que le plan continuait à contribuer à relever efficacement les défis recensés dans le cadre du Semestre européen, à soutenir la transition écologique et numérique et à renforcer la résilience économique et sociale. Il continue de contenir d'importantes mesures numériques, notamment en ce qui concerne le renforcement des compétences et la reconversion professionnelle. À titre d'exemple, le programme « FutureSkills » fournit des compétences non techniques, numériques et de gestion aux demandeurs d'emploi, tandis que la réforme « Skillsdësch » vise à concevoir des programmes de formation professionnelle aidant les travailleurs et les demandeurs d'emploi à améliorer leur employabilité pendant les transitions écologique et numérique.
Le plan du Luxembourg s'élève au total à 82,7 millions d'euros de subventions. Le Luxembourg a déjà reçu 12,1 millions d'euros de préfinancement en août 2021.
Le Conseil disposera désormais, en règle générale, de quatre semaines pour adopter la proposition de la Commission approuvant le plan révisé.
(Pour plus d'informations: Veerle Nuyts — Tél.: + 32 229 96302 ; Laura Bérard — Tél: + 32 229 55721)
NextGenerationEU: Germany submits request to amend recovery and resilience plan
Germany submitted on Friday a request to amend its recovery and resilience plan to the Commission. The request concerns a limited set of targets. Under the Recovery and Resilience Facility Regulation, a Member State can request a revision of its plan in limited and well-defined cases, including where objective circumstances render particular milestones or targets no longer achievable. The Commission's guidance to Member States of May 2022 further details when and how Member States can request such revisions.
Germany has requested to amend two measures of its recovery and resilience plan. The first one is a measure supporting investments in the digitalisation of rail. Germany has requested to postpone the expected completion date of one of seven projects due to exceptional delays in construction. The second measure is a special programme to accelerate research and development of vaccines against SARS-CoV-2. For this measure, Germany has submitted an amendment to take into account the fact that one out of three participants under the programme was successful in both research and roll-out of the vaccine, whereas the two other participants did not submit a request for approval to the European Medicines Agency, leading to a lower total outflow of funds under the programme.
As set out in the Recovery and Resilience Facility Regulation, the Commission will now assess the objective circumstances and amendments put forward by Germany, and whether the amended plan still fulfils the 11 assessment criteria in the Regulation.
If the Commission's assessment is positive, it will make a proposal for an amendment to the Council implementing decision to reflect the changes to the German plan, ordinarily within two months from the date of the request's submission.
Germany's plan benefits from a grant allocation of €28 billion. Germany received €2.25 billion in pre-financing in August 2021.
(For more information: Veerle Nuyts — Tel.: + 32 229 96302; Laura Bérard - Tel: +32 229 55721)
Consular Protection: Commission adopts decision to unify EU rules on the Emergency Travel Document
Today, the European Commission has notified Member States about the newly adopted technical details of the EU Emergency Travel Document, including its design and security features.
The Commission's decision is the last step in the path for a clear and legally binding procedure for EU citizens to receive the document under the same, clear conditions, based on the Directive adopted in 2019. Since 1996, EU citizens who have their passports stolen or lose them while travelling abroad can obtain emergency travel documents from embassies or consulates of EU Member States other than their own. However, the old format did not meet modern security standards and as a result, some Member States stopped using it.
This new document – a single-journey document valid for 15 days – will be issued by Member States' embassies and consulates to unrepresented EU citizens who lose their passport when travelling outside the EU.
Commissioner for Justice, Didier Reynders, said: “The EU Emergency Travel Document will offer EU citizens a secure and reliable way of returning home should they lose their passport while travelling abroad. As the repatriations during the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic have shown, enjoying the full right to consular protection is an important aspect of what it means to be an EU citizen.”
Member States will also be able to issue the new EU Emergency Travel Document to their own citizens, reducing production costs and raising awareness of the document. Member States now have two years to transpose the Directive into national law, and they will start issuing the documents as of the end of 2025.
More information on Consular Protection outside the EU can be found here.
(For more information: Christian Wigand - Tel.: +32 229 62253; Katarzyna Kolanko - Tel.: +32 229 63444; Cristina Torres Castillo - Tel.: +32 2 299 06 79)
EU adopts new programmes in support to refugees and border management in Türkiye with a total of €1.2 billion this year
The European Commission has adopted today a €220 million package to improve border control at Türkiye's Eastern border, bringing to €1.235 billion the total EU assistance adopted in 2022 to continue support to refugees in Türkiye - basic needs, assistance for the most vulnerable and socio-economic support - and for border management. These funds are part of the additional €3 billion, announced in June 2021, following the European Council, to continue EU assistance to refugees in Türkiye between 2021 and 2023.
EU Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement, Olivér Várhelyi said: “This assistance package demonstrates that the EU continues to deliver on its commitment to cooperate with Türkiye host refugees and address illegal migration flows. We look forward to continuing this important work with Türkiye in line with the March 2016 Statement, including increased efforts to stop irregular migration flows, increase the number of resettlements, and resume returns from the Greek islands. As a new element, we will work on supporting to secure Turkey's Eastern borders to prevent irregular migration, mobilising €220 million, through the delivery of state-of-the-art surveillance equipment.”
Türkiye has been hosting the largest refugee community in the world, around 4 million refugees since 2015. This includes 3.6 million registered Syrian refugees and 330,000 registered refugees from other countries. Türkiye continues to make commendable efforts to receive, support and host refugees and migrants.
Since 2015, the EU has mobilised €9.5 billion for refugees and host communities in Türkiye. This includes as a key component of the 2016 EU-Turkey Statement, the €6 billion Facility for Refugees in Turkey, with €3 billion from the EU budget and €3 billion from the EU Member States. From the Facility envelope over €4.9 billion have been disbursed to date.
A joint press release is available online.
(For more information: Ana Pisonero – Tel. +32 2 295 43 20; Zoï Muletier – Tel. +32 2 299 43 06)
InvestEU: Commission signs agreement with Nordic Investment Bank to unlock €480 million in green investments
Today, the European Commission and the Nordic Investment Bank (NIB) have signed an InvestEU guarantee agreement worth up to €114 million. The agreement will unlock NIB financing of up to €480 million for investments in sustainable infrastructure, research, innovation and digitalisation across the Nordic and Baltic countries, as well as in Poland. This is expected to, in turn, mobilise public and private investments of around €2 billion in total.
With this agreement, NIB becomes an InvestEU implementing partner. NIB will use this guarantee agreement to mobilise investments in clean energy, the modernisation and decarbonisation of industry, critical raw materials supply, sustainable transport, environmental protection, bioeconomy, digital connectivity and sustainable data infrastructure. It will also support investments in projects relating to the sustainable blue economy, space, critical infrastructure, health and the development of innovative technologies across a range of sectors. These investments will help the EU to achieve its broader strategic objectives of securing the green and digital transitions.
At this stage, the EU guarantee under InvestEU can be used by NIB to support projects in Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland and Sweden. The first operations under the agreement are expected to be approved over the course of 2023.
Commissioner for the Economy, Paolo Gentiloni, said: “InvestEU is a crucial tool in our efforts to advance successfully with the green and digital transitions of our economies. I am delighted that with this agreement the Nordic Investment Bank has become our implementing partner. Together, we can harness the full potential of InvestEU to channel investment towards green and digital projects, supporting sustainable growth and creating high-quality jobs across the Nordic and Baltic region.”
InvestEU provides an EU budgetary guarantee to implementing partners to increase their risk-taking capacity and therefore contributes to mobilising public and private investment for the EU's policy priorities.
A press release is available online.
(For more information: Veerle Nuyts – Tel.: +32 2 299 63 02; ; Laura Bérard - Tel: +32 229 55721)
L'UE collabore avec ses partenaires africains sur les questions migratoires: lancement des initiatives de l'Équipe Europe
L'UE et ses partenaires africains ont lancé aujourd'hui deux initiatives de l'Équipe Europe (TEI) axées sur les routes migratoires de l'Atlantique et de la Méditerranée centrale et occidentale afin d'assurer que les États membres et l'UE unissent leurs efforts pour relever les défis migratoires auxquels l'UE et ses partenaires d'Afrique du Nord sont confrontés face à l'augmentation des arrivées irrégulières et des pratiques abusives des réseaux de passeurs. Ces initiatives contribueront à la mise en œuvre de la dimension extérieure du nouveau pacte sur l'immigration et l'asile et associeront les activités des États membres à la coopération et à la coordination au niveau de l'UE, à travers une approche globale.
Les deux initiatives rassemblent des pays africains et européens d'origine, de transit et de destination. Elles créeront de nouvelles possibilités de coordination avec les pays partenaires, les partenaires internationaux et les agences des Nations unies concernées. La TEI dédiée à la route migratoire de la Méditerranée centrale soutiendra le déploiement d'actions opérationnelles visant à maitriser les migrations, dans le cadre du plan d'action de l'UE pour la Méditerranée centrale.
Ces initiatives prévoient d'intensifier les travaux conjoints dans les cinq domaines prioritaires du plan d'action conjoint de La Valette, qui vise à soutenir les partenaires africains et européens en améliorant la gouvernance des migrations.
Un communiqué de presse avec plus d'informations est disponible en ligne.
(Pour plus d'informations : Anitta Hipper – Tél. : +32 22985691 ; Ana Pisonero – Tél. +32 2 295 43 20)
Commission encourages energy suppliers to enhance consumer protection this winter
Today, Commissioner for Justice and Consumer Protection, Didier Reynders, and Commissioner for Energy, Kadri Simson, hosted an online event where energy stakeholders agreed on a set of common principles to increase the support for consumers struggling to pay their energy bills.
The signatories include representatives of European consumer organisations, regulators, distributors and energy suppliers including Bureau Européen des Consommateurs (BEUC), the Council of European Energy Regulators, Eurelectric, Eurogas, European Energy Retailers (EER), EU DSO Entity and E. DSO. They formally endorsed a joint declaration encouraging suppliers, distributors, regulators and consumers organisations to put in place bill deferrals through payment plans, to avoid unilateral contract changes, to provide better information about consumption and optimised energy use, and to protect people from disconnection in case of financial struggles.
Over the past year, the Commission has provided guidance on a wide range of measures to help Member States tackle the impact of high energy prices on vulnerable consumers such as regulated prices, targeted tax reductions and direct support.
Today's event results from the Commission's engagement over the past weeks, through two roundtables, with representatives of European consumer organisations, regulators, distributors and energy suppliers to identify a common ground for additional voluntary consumer protection measures which go beyond the existing regulatory framework throughout this winter.
Commissioner for Justice Didier Reynders said: “The extraordinary situation requires joint efforts to ensure no consumers are left behind this winter. We must ensure that they benefit from the highest level protection, are sufficiently informed and have solutions at their disposal. As a matter of fact, since the outbreak of the energy crisis, a number of unfair practices have been identified in the energy sector, including unjustified price increases, aggressive advertising and undue pressure to switch providers. It is crucial that we come together to address such practices.”
Commissioner for Energy Kadri Simson added: “Many Europeans are struggling to pay their energy bills and we need to ensure that no one is left in the cold this winter. This requires more concerted action by energy suppliers, national regulators, system operators and consumer organisations to tackle the impact of the energy crisis created by Russia's atrocious war against Ukraine.”
The joint declaration and more information are available here.
(For more information: Tim McPhie – Tel.: +32 229 58602; Christian Wigand - Tel.: +32 229 62253; Giulia Bedini – Tel: +32 229 58661; Cristina Torres Castillo - Tel.: +32 2 299 06 79)
New Arrangement between the Commission and Panama to deliver higher quality and more precise Copernicus data
Today, the Commission signed an Arrangement with the National Authority for Government Innovation of Panama on Copernicus – the earth observation component of the EU Space Programme.
The aim of the arrangement is to share each other's earth observation data on the basis of reciprocity. Copernicus services delivering near-real-time data on a global level will be of a higher quality and more precise thanks to the additional data from Panama.
This arrangement will provide mutual benefits to both parties. On the one hand, end-users in the Panama region will benefit from a facilitated and simplified access to data from Copernicus. On the other hand, Panama intends to provide access to in-situ systems like ground-based sensors that will enrich Copernicus data on a global level. At the same time, the Commission is establishing in Panama a Copernicus Regional Data Centre, aimed at providing EU geospatial data to stakeholders in Central America and Caribbean to build capacities for emergency management and climate change mitigation. This Arrangement will provide the required data for the Copernicus Regional Data Centre.
More information about Copernicus international cooperation is available here. The list of existing Copernicus cooperation arrangements is available here.
(For more information: Sonya Gospodinova – Tel.: +32 2 296 69 53; Flore Boutier - Tel.: +32 2 296 60 43)
Successful 2022 European Film Awards: MEDIA-supported films won several awards, including best European film
The winners of the 35th edition of the European Film Awards were announced during the Award Ceremony held on 10 December 2022 in Reykjavík, Iceland, and movies supported by the EU's Creative Europe MEDIA Programme were very successful.
‘Triangle of Sadness', by Ruben Östlund, was the big winner of the night: it was crowned best European film and also brought the awards for best director and best screenwriter to Ruben Östlund, as well as best actor to Zlatko Burić. Additionally, ‘The Good Boss', by Fernando León De Aranoa won the award for best European comedy; ‘Small Body', by Laura Samani, was rewarded European Discovery with the Prix Fipresci; and ‘Granny's Sexual Life', by Urška Djukic and Émilie Pigeard, took home the award for best European short film. Finally, Vicky Krieps won the best actress award for her role in ‘Corsage', by Marie Kreutzer.
Overall, out of the 16 EU-supported films holding a total of 30 nominations, five titles won eight awards.
The EU supported the development, production and distribution of these 16 titles through the Creative Europe MEDIA programme.
(For more information: Johannes Bahrke – Tel.: +32 2 295 86 15; Marietta Grammenou – Tel.: +32 2 298 35 83)
Commission launches public consultation on the implementation of the Digital Markets Act
On Friday, the Commission launched a public consultation on the implementation of the Digital Markets Act (‘DMA'). The consultation will last one month and will help shape the final Commission implementing regulation.
The Digital Markets Act entered into force on 1 November 2022 and will start applying on 2 May 2023. It empowers the Commission to adopt procedural rules in relation to the enforcement of the Digital Markets Act.
The draft implementing regulation now available for public feedback details the procedural aspects related to the enforcement of the DMA, such as the right for parties to be heard and to access the file, as well as the elements included in notification forms, among others. It aims to ensure effective proceedings, as well as to provide legal certainty on procedural rights and obligations to the companies concerned, including those who will be designated as gatekeepers.
All interested parties can submit their views on the draft on the Commission's Have Your Say Portal until 9 January 2023.
For further details on the entry into force of the Digital Markets Act, check our press release.
(For more information: Arianna Podesta – Tel.: +32 2 298 70 24; Johannes Bahrke – Tel.: +32 2 295 86 15; Maria Tsoni – Tel.: +32 2 299 05 26; Charles Manoury – Tel.: +32 2 291 33 91)
State aid: Commission adopts revised State aid rules for broadband networks
The European Commission has adopted a revised Communication on State aid for broadband networks (‘Broadband Guidelines'). The revised Broadband Guidelines set out the rules under which the Commission will assess State aid measures notified by Member States to support the deployment and take-up of broadband networks in the EU. The new rules contribute to the EU's strategic objectives of ensuring gigabit connectivy for everyone and 5G coverage everywhere by the end of the decade, which is essential to achieve the digital transition of the Union.
The new Guidelines will enter into force the day following their publication in the Official Journal of the European Union, which is expected in January 2023.
Executive Vice-President Margrethe Vestager, in charge of competition policy, said: “The revised Broadband Guidelines adopted today are a major step towards a successful European digital transition. They will make it easier for Member States to support the deployment of performant broadband networks in insufficiently connected areas. This will benefit both consumers, businesses and the public sector. By reducing the digital divide, the new rules will further contribute to correcting social and regional inequalities across the EU.”
A press release and Q&A are available online.
(For more information: Arianna Podesta – Tel.: +32 229 87024; Nina Ferreira - Tel.: +32 229 98163)
State aid: Commission approves €250 million Slovak scheme to compensate energy-intensive companies for indirect emission costs
The European Commission has approved, under EU State aid rules, a €250 million Slovak scheme to partially compensate energy-intensive companies for higher electricity prices resulting from the impact of carbon prices on electricity generation costs (so-called ‘indirect emission costs'), incurred between 2021-2030, under the EU Emission Trading Scheme (‘ETS').
The measure will benefit companies active in sectors at risk of carbon leakage listed in Annex I to the ETS State aid Guidelines. Those sectors face significant electricity costs and are particularly exposed to international competition. The compensation will be granted to eligible companies through a partial refund of the indirect emission costs incurred in the previous year, with the final payment to be made in 2031. The deadline for the payments of 2021 will be 30 April 2023 due to the extraordinary circumstances related to the current energy crisis. The maximum aid amount per beneficiary will be equal to 75 % of the indirect emission costs incurred. To encourage energy savings, the aid amount is calculated based on electricity consumption efficiency benchmarks. In order to qualify for compensation, beneficiaries have to either (i) implement certain energy audit recommendations, or (ii) cover at least 30 % of their electricity consumption with carbon-free sources.
The Commission assessed the measure under EU State aid rules, and in particular the ETS State aid Guidelines. The Commission found that the scheme is necessary and appropriate to support energy-intensive companies to cope with the higher electricity prices and to avoid that companies relocate to countries outside the EU with less ambitious climate policies, resulting in an increase in global greenhouse gas emissions. Moreover, the Commission found that the scheme complies with the requirements set out in the ETS State aid Guidelines. It therefore supports the EU's climate and environmental objectives and the goals set in the European Green Deal. On this basis, the Commission approved the Slovak scheme under EU State aid rules.
The non-confidential version of the decision will be made available under the number SA.102712 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)
State aid: Commission approves €423 million Maltese measure to support Malta Development Bank
The European Commission has approved, under EU State aid rules, a €423 million Maltese measure to further support the Malta Development Bank (‘MDB') in providing access to finance for small and medium enterprises (‘SMEs') as well as infrastructure investments.
In August 2016, the Commission approved the creation of the MDB. The MDB's main objectives are (i) to improve access to finance for SMEs, and (ii) to provide funding for infrastructure projects in key areas throughout the EU. Malta notified the Commission of its intention to reinforce the operation of the MDB with: (i) a €409 million State guarantee on MDB's borrowings; (ii) State guarantees worth €12.9 million on MDB's assets; and (iii) tax benefits amounting to €1 million. In addition, Malta notified an enlargement of MDB's remit of activities, including investment aid and development of digital services. The measure will apply until 31 December 2027.
The Commission assessed the measure under EU State aid rules, in particular 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 or regions under certain conditions. The Commission concluded that the measure is necessary and appropriate to improve access to finance for sectors or companies that have difficulties in obtaining sufficient finance from the market. The Commission found that the measure is also proportionate as MDB will limit its interventions to addressing established market failures, notably investments areas identified in the General Block Exemption Regulation as suffering from insufficient private funding. In addition, MDB will only provide financing if beneficiaries demonstrate that they could not obtain sufficient financing on the market. Finally, the Commission concluded that the measure has sufficient safeguards to avoid undue negative effects on competition and trade in the EU. On this basis, the Commission approved the Maltese measure under EU State aid rules.
The non-confidential version of today's decision will be made available under the case number SA.62229 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)
State aid: Commission approves €200,000 Cypriot scheme to support wine producers in the context of Russia's war against Ukraine
The European Commission has approved a €200,000 Cypriot scheme to support the wine producers of the ‘Xinisteri' and ‘Dopio Mavro' varieties in the context of Russia's war against Ukraine. The scheme was approved under the State Aid State Temporary Crisis Framework, adopted by the Commission on 23 March 2022 and amended on 20 July 2022 and on 28 October 2022.
Under the scheme, the aid will take the form of direct grants. The purpose of the scheme is to provide liquidity to the eligible beneficiaries, which are heavily affected by the current geopolitical crisis and the consequent increase of energy and other input costs.
The Commission found that the Cypriot scheme is in line with the conditions set out in the Temporary Crisis Framework. In particular, the aid (i) will not exceed €250,000 per beneficiary; and (ii) will be granted no later than 31 December 2023. The Commission concluded that the scheme is necessary, appropriate and proportionate to remedy a serious disturbance in the economy of a Member State, in line with Article 107(3)(b) TFEU and the conditions set out in the Temporary Crisis Framework. On this basis, the Commission approved the scheme under EU State aid rules.
More information on the Temporary Crisis Framework and other actions taken by the Commission to address the economic impact of Russia's war against Ukraine can be found here. The non-confidential version of the decision will be made available under the number SA.105054 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)
State aid: Commission approves €1.9 million Slovenian scheme to support the beekeeping sector in the context of Russia's war against Ukraine
The European Commission has approved a €1.9 million Slovenian scheme to support the beekeeping sector in the context of Russia's war against Ukraine. The scheme was approved under the State Aid State Temporary Crisis Framework, adopted by the Commission on 23 March 2022 and amended on 20 July 2022 and on 28 October 2022.
Under the scheme, the aid will take the form of direct grants. The purpose of the scheme is to compensate the eligible beneficiaries for part of the additional costs incurred due to the energy and other inputs price increase and to help them overcome their financial difficulties linked to the current geopolitical crisis.
The Commission found that the Slovenian scheme is in line with the conditions set out in the Temporary Crisis Framework. In particular, the aid (i) will not exceed €250,000 per beneficiary; and (ii) will be granted no later than 31 December 2023. The Commission concluded that the scheme is necessary, appropriate and proportionate to remedy a serious disturbance in the economy of a Member State, in line with Article 107(3)(b) TFEU and the conditions set out in the Temporary Crisis Framework. On this basis, the Commission approved the scheme under EU State aid rules.
More information on the Temporary Crisis Framework and other actions taken by the Commission to address the economic impact of Russia's war against Ukraine can be found here. The non-confidential version of the decision will be made available under the number SA.105106 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)
State aid: Commission approves €20 million Greek aid measure to compensate Athens International Airport for the damage suffered due to the coronavirus pandemic
The European Commission has found a €20 million Greek aid measure in favour of the operator of Athens International Airport S.A. to be in line with EU state aid rules.
This measure aims at compensating the operator of the airport for the damage suffered during the period between 1 July and 31 December 2021 due to the coronavirus pandemic and the travel restrictions imposed by Greece and other countries to limit the spread of the virus. As a result, Athens International Airport experienced a steep decline in traffic and profitability over this period. The aid will take the form of a direct grant.
The Commission assessed the measure under Article 107(2)(b) TFEU, which enables the Commission to approve State aid measures granted by Member States to compensate specific companies or sectors for the damage directly caused by exceptional occurrences, such as the coronavirus outbreak. The Commission found that the Greek measure will compensate damage that is directly linked to the coronavirus pandemic. It also found that the measure is proportionate, as the compensation does not exceed what is necessary to make good the damage. The Commission therefore concluded that the damage compensation measure is in line with EU State aid rules.
More information on the 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.100264 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 creation of joint venture by SADCO and HACP
The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the creation of a joint venture by Saudi Aramco Development Co Ltd (‘SADCO') of Saudi Arabia and Honeywell Automation and Control Products Ltd (‘HACP') of the US.
The joint venture will develop, market, commercialise and operate an integrated manufacturing operations management system branded as ‘Plant.Digital', which will be active primarily in the Gulf Cooperation Council region and Iraq. SADCO, a subsidiary of Saudi Aramco Development, is mainly active in prospecting, exploring, drilling and extracting hydrocarbon substances as well as in its processing and marketing. HACP is a subsidiary of Honeywell, a multinational conglomerate operating in aerospace, building technologies, performance materials and technologies, among others.
The Commission concluded that the proposed transaction would raise no competition concerns, given that the joint venture has negligible actual and foreseen activities in the European Economic Area. 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.10913.
(For more information: Arianna Podesta – Tel.: +32 229 87024; Maria Tsoni – Tel.: +32 229 90526)
Mergers: Commission clears acquisition of CPC Partnership and NewCo by NBIM and PSPIB
The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of Longfellow Strategic Value UK I, LP (‘CPC Partnership') and Longfellow Strategic Value UK II, LP (‘NewCo'), both of the UK, by Norges Bank Investment Management (‘NBIM') of Norway and Public Sector Pension Investment Board (‘PSPIB') of Canada.
CPC Partnership owns a mixed-use real estate development known as Capital Park, located in Cambridge, UK. It will engage in leasing its real estate property to third parties in the UK. NewCo will invest, operate and manage real estate property assets in the UK. NBIM is the investment management division of Norges Bank and carries out the day-to-day management of the Government Pension Fund Global on behalf of the Norwegian Ministry of Finance. PSPIB is the pension investment manager of the pension plans of the Canadian Federal Public Service, the Canadian Forces, the Royal Mounted Police and the Reserve Force.
The Commission concluded that the proposed acquisition would raise no competition concerns, given the absence of current or foreseen activities in the European Economic Area. 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.10952.
(For more information: Arianna Podesta – Tel.: +32 229 87024; Maria Tsoni – Tel.: +32 229 90526)
Mergers: Commission clears creation of joint venture by Irish Life Wellbeing Limited and Centric Health Primary Care Limited
The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the creation of a joint venture by Irish Life Wellbeing Limited (‘ILW') and Centric Health Primary Care Limited (‘CH'), both of Ireland.
The joint venture, Carepath Connect Designated Activity Company (‘Carepath'), will design and implement treatment plans for primary healthcare, which will aim to improve patients' experience and reduce treatment costs in Ireland. ILW is part of the Irish Life Group, which provides life assurance, health insurance and wellbeing services, pensions and wealth management in Ireland. It belongs to the Power Corporation of Canada (‘PCC') group, an international management and holding company. CH provides primary healthcare services to patients, as well as medical recruitment services to general practitioner practices and hospitals in Ireland. It is part of Rothschild & Co Investment Managers group, a global financial services group.
The Commission concluded that the proposed acquisition would raise no competition concerns, because of its 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.10905.
(For more information: Arianna Podesta – Tel.: +32 229 87024; Maria Tsoni – Tel.: +32 229 90526)
ANNOUNCEMENTS
EU-ASEAN Commemorative Summit: Celebrating 45 years of diplomatic relations
On Wednesday 14 December, EU and ASEAN leaders will hold a Commemorative Summit in Brussels. The EU will be represented by President Ursula von der Leyen and President Charles Michel, accompanied by High Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell.
The Summit will celebrate 45 years of EU-ASEAN diplomatic relations based on shared values and principles such as a rules-based international order, effective multilateralism, as well as free and fair trade. In line with the EU's Global Gateway strategy, leaders will discuss closer cooperation between the EU and ASEAN in the fields of connectivity and the green transition. Among other deliverables, two Partnership and Cooperation Agreements with Malaysia and Thailand, respectively, will be signed by High Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell.
The EU and ASEAN elevated their ties to a Strategic Partnership in December 2020 and committed to jointly work towards enhancing prosperity, promoting security, strengthening resilience and improving sustainable connectivity. The 2021 EU Strategy for Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific reaffirmed the EU's commitment to the principle of ASEAN centrality.
President von der Leyen, President Michel, Prime Minister Hun Sen of Cambodia and President Ferdinand Marcos of the Philippines will hold a press conference following the Summit. You can follow it live on EbS.
Ahead of the Commemorative Summit, several side-events are taking place in Brussels and online. A Joint Photo Exhibition showcases the depth and breadth of 45 years of EU-ASEAN relations through 45 photos on joint projects on a number of areas. The community project “Weaving the Ocean” is at the core of this multimedia exhibition.
Today, Commissioner Jutta Urpilainen delivered a keynote speech at the event ‘Celebrating EU-ASEAN: People-to-People Cooperation on Higher Education' – a hybrid event which highlights the support of the EU-SHARE project in creating an ASEAN higher education mobility area.
On Tuesday 13 December, President Charles Michel, Executive Vice-President Valdis Dombrovskis and Commissioner Urpilainen will take part in the 10th ASEAN-EU Business Summit ‘Deepening ASEAN-EU Trade: Sustainable Development for All', which will discuss EU-ASEAN economic cooperation and highlight opportunities for future trade and investment.
That same day, Commissioner Urpilainen will also deliver opening remarks at the EU-ASEAN Youth Summit, which will conclude the EU-ASEAN Young Leaders' Forum (YLF) annual series of events and provide a platform for young leaders to discuss key issues and future priorities with EU and ASEAN representatives.
More information on EU-ASEAN relations is available on the EU-ASEAN Strategic Partnership Blue Book and the EU Delegation website.
(For more information: Eric Mamer – Tel.: +32 229 94073; Nabila Massrali – Tel.: +32 229 88093; Xavier Cifre Quatresols – Tel.: +32 2 297 35 82)
La commissaire Simson participera demain à la réunion extraordinaire du Conseil Énergie
Demain, mardi 13 décembre, la commissaire à l'énergie Kadri Simson représentera la Commission à la réunion extraordinaire du Conseil Énergie à Bruxelles.
Les ministres de l'énergie de l'UE auront pour objectif de s'accorder sur un règlement du Conseil établissant un mécanisme de correction du marché pour limiter les épisodes d'augmentation excessive des prix du gaz. La proposition a été mise sur la table par la Commission le 22 novembre afin de réduire la volatilité des marchés européens du gaz tout en préservant la sécurité de l'approvisionnement. Cette mesure temporaire complète celles déjà approuvées qui visent à assurer le remplissage des stockages, à réduire la demande de gaz et à renforcer la sécurité de l'approvisionnement par la diversification. Elle contribuerait à protéger les entreprises et les citoyens de l'UE contre les épisodes d'augmentation excessive des prix du gaz dans l'UE.
Avant la réunion avec les ministres, la commissaire Simson a déclaré : « L'Union européenne a beaucoup œuvré à l'unisson pour combattre cette crise énergétique en réduisant la demande de gaz, en diversifiant les approvisionnements et en stockant le gaz grâce à une approche commune. Mais nous ne sommes pas encore tirés d'affaire. Ce dont nous avons besoin pour l'année prochaine, c'est d'un outil qui protège spécifiquement nos citoyens et nos entreprises contre les hausses extrêmes des prix tout en assurant la sécurité de l'approvisionnement en gaz. J'espère que les États membres pourront bientôt trouver une solution largement consentie, basée sur la proposition de la Commission. »
Les « doorsteps » et la conférence de presse de clôture avec la commissaire Simson et la présidence tchèque du Conseil seront diffusées en direct sur EbS.
(Pour plus d'informations : Tim McPhie – Tél. : +32 229 58602 ; Giulia Bedini – Tél. : +32 229 58661)
Erasmus+: 35th anniversary event celebrates the programme
On Wednesday 14 December, a full-day celebratory event will end the 35th anniversary year of the Erasmus+ programme, and celebrate the programme. Erasmus+ has provided opportunities to study, train, work and volunteer abroad to nearly 13 million people since its creation in 1987 and it will continue to do so in the years to come.
Vice-President for the European Way of Life Margaritis Schinas and Commissioner for Education, Culture, Youth and Sport Mariya Gabriel will attend the event together with Czech Education, Youth and Sport Minister Vladimír Balaš and European Parliament Culture Committee Chair Sabine Verheyen. They will welcome and exchange with participants of Erasmus+, members of benefiting organisations and national agencies, as well as founders of the Erasmus+ programme.
The event features a wide range of activities, from sessions and workshops dedicated to Erasmus+ priorities, good practices examples and the history of the programme, to cultural highlights, including the unveiling of a DiscoverEU photo exhibition and a theatre performance by former Erasmus+ participants.
The event can be followed online through the event webpage, and registration for online participation is open until tonight 17:00CET.
More information on the anniversary and experiences from former participants are available here. Factsheets and statistics on Erasmus+ are available here.
(For more information: Sonya Gospodinova – Tel.: +32 2 296 69 53; Flore Boutier - Tel.: +32 2 296 60 43)
EU and China to discuss competition policy priorities during 24th Competition Week
Officials and experts from the EU and China will meet online from 12 to 16 December 2022 to discuss their cooperation on competition law and enforcement.
The discussions will focus on competition policy and legislative developments in the EU and China, enforcement of competition law in both sides, standardisation and innovation as well as novelties in the merger control assessment. Participants will also discuss the latest policy developments in EU State aid policy as well as the implementation of the Fair Competition Review System in China. In addition, Chinese officials will receive an introduction to EU competition law.
The EU-China Competition Week takes place biannually, providing a platform for exchanges on competition policy between the European Commission Directorate-General for Competition and the Chinese State Administration for Market Regulation.
The meeting is part of the Competition Cooperation project, a 5-year EU funded programme offering technical cooperation to competition authorities in Asia. The objective is to share experiences and strengthen convergence in competition policy, to the benefit of citizens and businesses in both the EU and in Asia.
More information about the European Commission' bilateral dialogue with China in the field of competition policy is available on the Commission's website.
(For more information: Arianna Podesta – Tel.: +32 229 87024; Maria Tsoni – Tel.: +32 229 90526)
Liste des points prévus à l'ordre du jour des prochaines réunions de la Commission
Veuillez noter que ces informations sont données sous réserve de modifications.
Prochains événements de la Commission européenne
Eurostat: communiqués de presse