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Daily News 16 / 12 / 2022
EU and Ukraine sign €100 million for the rehabilitation of war-damaged schools
Exactly three months after President von der Leyen's announcement in her 2022 State of the Union Address, the European Commission and the Government of Ukraine have signed a €100 million support package for the reconstruction and rehabilitation of schooling facilities damaged in Russia's full-scale war of aggression against Ukraine. Support will reach Ukraine through the EU's humanitarian partners and partly as budget support to the Government of Ukraine.
The European Commission has allocated around €14 million from an ongoing contract with the Polish Development Bank “Bank Gospodarstwa Krajowego” to purchase school buses and bring Ukrainian children safely to school. The Commission has also launched an EU-wide solidarity campaign for school buses donate school buses for Ukraine, channelled through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism. Overall, 240 buses are now on the way from the EU and its member states. More are coming.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, said: “Russia's targeted attacks against civilian infrastructure, especially as winter grips the country, are a deliberate crime against millions of innocent people. And they are a gross violation of international law. The EU's top priority is to bring back as soon as possible Ukrainian children back to school. Today we are delivering on our promise to support the rehabilitation of schools damaged and destroyed by Russia's brutal war. And by early 2023, we will also deliver school buses for Ukraine so children can actually travel to school in the best possible conditions. The future of Ukraine begins with its children back in schools.”
The EU has been providing humanitarian support to Ukraine in emergency education since the beginning of the war. This support aims to prevent and reduce disruption in education of crisis-affected children by promoting access to safe quality education.
A press release with more information is available online.
(For more information: Ana Pisonero – Tel. +32 2 295 43 20; Zoï Muletier – Tel. +32 2 299 43 06)
NextGenerationEU: Commission disburses first payment of nearly €1.4 billion to Bulgaria and second payment of €700 million to Croatia under the Recovery and Resilience Facility
Today, the Commission paid €1.37 billion to Bulgaria and €700 million to Croatia under the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF).
Today's payment of €1.37 billion of grants (excluding pre-financing) to Bulgaria was made possible thanks to Bulgaria's fulfilment of the 22 milestones and targets linked to the first instalment. They cover important first steps in reforms and investments towards decarbonising the energy sector, promoting large-scale deployment of digital infrastructure, reforming the judicial system, strengthening the anti-money laundering framework, digitalising the public sector, strengthening the adequacy and coverage of the minimum income scheme. Measures to ensure that the audit and control system for the implementation of the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF) is up to standard are also included. The implementation of these measures was required before the disbursement of the first payment.
Today's payment of €700 million of grants (excluding pre-financing) to Croatia was made possible by Croatia's fulfilment of the 25 milestones and targets linked to the second instalment. They cover several reforms and investments in the areas of public administration, the judiciary, social policy, employment, education, skills, energy and energy efficiency, water management and connectivity.
As for all Member States, payments under the RRF are performance-based and contingent on Bulgaria and Croatia implementing the investments and reforms described in their recovery and resilience plans.
The overall recovery and resilience plan of Bulgaria will be financed by €5.69 billion in the form of grants, while the overall recovery and resilience plan of Croatia will be financed by €5.5 billion in the form of grants. Croatia already received pre-financing payment of €818 million on 28 September 2021, followed by a first payment under the RRF of €700 million on 28 June 2022. The amounts of payments made to Member States are published on the Recovery and Resilience Scoreboard, which shows the progress made in the implementation of the RRF as a whole and of the individual recovery and resilience plans.
More information on the RRF payment claim process can be found in this Q&A document. More information on the recovery and resilience plan of Bulgaria can be found here, and of Croatia here.
(For more information: Veerle Nuyts — Tel.: + 32 2 299 63 02; Laura Bérard - Tel.: +32 2 295 57 21)
NextGenerationEU: La Commission approuve l'évaluation préliminaire positive de la deuxième demande du Portugal visant à obtenir 1,8 milliards d'euros au titre de la facilité pour la reprise et la résilience
Aujourd'hui, la Commission européenne a approuvé une évaluation préliminaire positive de la demande de paiement du Portugal de 1,8 milliards d'euros de subventions et de prêts au titre de la facilité pour la reprise et la résilience (FRR), l'instrument clé au cœur de NextGenerationEU.
Le 30 septembre 2022, le Portugal a présenté à la Commission une demande de paiement fondée sur la réalisation des 20 jalons et cibles indiqués dans la décision d'exécution du Conseil pour la deuxième tranche. Elles couvrent les réformes dans les domaines de la gestion des hôpitaux publics et de la transition numérique dans les secteurs privé et public. Plusieurs jalons et cibles concernent également des investissements importants dans les domaines de la santé, de la sylviculture, de la gestion de l'eau, de la protection sociale, de l'innovation, de la mobilité durable, des compétences numériques, de la culture, des finances publiques et de l'administration publique. Dans leur demande, les autorités portugaises ont fourni des éléments de preuve détaillés et complets démontrant que les 20 jalons et cibles avaient été atteints.
La Commission a maintenant envoyé au Comité économique et financier (CEF) son évaluation préliminaire positive du respect par le Portugal des jalons et cibles requis pour ce paiement, en lui demandant son avis. À la suite de l'avis du CEF, la Commission adoptera la décision finale sur le versement de la contribution financière, après quoi le versement au Portugal aura lieu.
De plus amples informations sont disponibles dans un communiqué de presse et dans le document questions-réponses en ligne.
(Pour plus d'informations: Veerle Nuyts — Tél.: + 32 2 299 63 02; Laura Bérard — Tél: + 32 2 295 57 21)
NextGenerationEU: La Commission reçoit de la Roumanie une deuxième demande de paiement d'un montant de 3,22 milliards d'euros au titre de la facilité pour la reprise et la résilience
Il s'agit de la deuxième demande de paiement de la Roumanie et concerne 51 jalons et cibles couvrant plusieurs réformes et investissements dans le marché de l'électricité, dans l'efficacité énergétique des bâtiments, dans les domaines de la mobilité durable, de la numérisation, de la bonne gouvernance, de la gestion de l'eau, du tourisme et de la culture, ainsi que dans les soins de santé, la fiscalité et les retraites, l'éducation, la justice et la lutte contre la corruption, ainsi que dans le soutien au secteur privé.
Le plan pour la reprise et la résilience de la Roumanie sera financé par 12,1 milliards d'euros sous forme de subventions et 14,9 milliards d'euros sous forme de prêts. Comme pour tous les États membres, les paiements au titre de la FRR sont fondés sur les performances et subordonnés à la mise en œuvre par la Roumanie des investissements et des réformes décrits dans son plan pour la reprise et la résilience.
La Commission va à présent examiner la demande et transmettra ensuite son évaluation préliminaire au Comité économique et financier (CEF) du Conseil. De plus amples informations sur le processus des demandes de paiement au titre de la facilité pour la reprise et la résilience sont disponibles dans document questions-réponses.
De plus amples informations sur le plan roumain pour la reprise et la résilience sont disponibles en ligne.
(Pour plus d'informations: Veerle Nuyts — Tél.: + 32 2 299 63 02 ; Tommaso Alberini — Tél.: + 32 2 295 70 10)
COP15: Commission, Member States and other donors commit to increase global biodiversity finance
Yesterday, at the United Nations Conference on Biodiversity (COP15) in Montreal, the EU together with a number of EU Member States and several other countries joined forces to significantly increase finance for biodiversity from all sources. In a Joint Donors Statement on International Finance for Biodiversity, they confirmed the intention to continue increasing finance and emphasise the role of aid for catalysing domestic and private investment in biodiversity.
The Joint Donors Statement includes a list of pledges by donors, inviting other parties to contribute.
In it, the Commission is confirming its unprecedented doubling of EU's international biodiversity financing to €7 billion for the period 2021-2027. In addition, several EU Member States are also doubling their financial support such as Germany, France, and Spain, and the Netherlands. With this step, the joint contribution by the EU and its Member states for nature represents a considerable share from the joint commitments by all donors. Other Member States are expected to announce their contributions in the following days.
Currently, there is a significant finance gap worldwide to address the biodiversity crisis. International public finance alone is not sufficient to bridge the biodiversity finance gap. All governments must mobilise more domestic resources for nature and put policies in place that help to unlock private funding.
The Joint Statement calls multilateral development banks to incorporate biodiversity across their actions and to scale up nature finance. Businesses also have a major role to play by aligning their activities and financial operations with biodiversity objectives and directing them away from activities that harm nature.
More information is in the press release.
(For more information: Adalbert Jahnz – Tel.: +32 2 295 31 56; Daniela Stoycheva – Tel.: +32 2 295 36 64)
New shipping fuel standards to reduce sulphur oxides in the Mediterranean by 80%
The Commission welcomes the agreement reached by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to step up protection of the Mediterranean, with a considerable tightening of the rules on exhaust gases from ships. This designation of the Mediterranean Sea as an Emission Control Area for sulphur oxides (SECA) will eventually cut emissions of these gases by almost 80% and will also cut emissions of harmful fine dust (PM2.5) by almost a quarter, with large benefits for human health and the environment.
Sulphur oxides are exhaust gases from ship engines that burn marine fuel containing sulphur. As well as harming human health, they also cause acidification of water and soil. The designation of the Mediterranean as an emission control area means that as of 1 May 2025, ships will be required to use marine fuel with reduced sulphur content. The permissible sulphur content of marine fuels will fall from the current limit of 0.5% to 0.1%. This drop should prevent at least 1,000 premature deaths per year and reduce new cases of child asthma by 2,000 every year.
Estimates point to around 300,000 premature deaths each year that are attributable to air pollution in the EU, a situation the Commission is addressing through a major revision of its air quality legislation, as part of the Zero Pollution Action Plan.
The Commission will continue to prepare for the implementation of the Mediterranean SECA, which should start immediately. Similarly, the Commission will also continue to support future initiatives by the littoral EU States aiming at creating additional Emission Control Areas to cover all EU waters, including through regional sea conventions.
For more information, please consult this page.
(For more information: Stefan De Keersmaecker – Tel.: +32 2 298 46 80; Célia Dejond – Tel.: +32 2 298 81 99)
La Commission salue l'accord politique intervenu sur de nouvelles règles de l'UE relatives à la transparence des rémunérations
La Commission européenne salue l'accord politique intervenu hier entre le Parlement européen et le Conseil sur la directive relative aux mesures de transparence concernant les rémunérations. Cette initiative constituait un élément important des orientations politiques de la présidente von der Leyen, et la Commission avait présenté sa proposition le 4 mars 2021.
Les nouvelles règles permettront de renforcer la transparence et de garantir l'application effective du principe de l'égalité des rémunérations entre les hommes et les femmes, ainsi que d'améliorer l'accès à la justice pour les victimes de discrimination salariale. De plus amples informations sont disponibles dans notre communiqué de presse.
(Pour plus d'informations : Christian Wigand - Tél. : +32 2 296 22 53 ; Katarzyna Kolanko - Tél. : +32 2 296 34 44)
Animal health: Fight against African Swine Fever pays off in Sardinia, reopening pork trade and relaxing measures for parts of the island
Today, and for the first time in decades, trade in pigs and pig products from Sardinia will be authorised in some areas without health restrictions, under the control of the competent authorities. These new measures also subject other areas to lighter restrictions than the previous ones, with a localised area still remaining subject to stricter conditions on movements from the island of pigs and pig products. These changes reflect the current epidemiological situation of the disease in Sardinia and stem from a Commission proposal, which today received the Member States' full support, to review the island's zoning measures.
Stella Kyriakides, Commissioner for Health and Food Safety said: "Today's vote is excellent news for Sardinia, but also for the entire EU. The fight against African Swine Fever has been a Commission priority for many years. The measures adopted today reward the efforts of the Italian national and regional authorities and demonstrate that the EU's approach has proven effective in curbing the spread of the virus. Nevertheless, the fight against ASF in the European Union is far from over, with the disease still being reported in 11 Member States, including continental Italy. The Commission remains committed to lead the EU's response to the fight against this disease with the ultimate goal of its eradication”.
The disease has been endemic on the island since 1978. Eradication programmes are in place for 40 years, and an “extraordinary plan” was launched in 2015. During the last seven years, disease control and eradication measures have mainly targeted the animals responsible for the persistence of the virus on the island: domestic pigs, wild boar, and illegal free-ranging pigs (a specific challenge in Sardinia). Measures have also been taken to address several Commission audit recommendations. As a result, the number of ASF outbreaks in Sardinia has drastically declined, as confirmed by the last Commission audit of 2021 and new data from the Italian authorities.
These measures will be published in the Official Journal and will enter into force in the coming days. For more details on African Swine Fever, please consult this page.
(For more information: Stefan De Keersmaecker – Tel.: +32 2 298 46 80; Célia Dejond – Tel.: +32 2 298 81 99)
EU Cohesion Policy: More than €258 million for a just climate transition in Slovenia
Slovenia will receive more than €258 million under the Just Transition Fund (JTF) following the adoption of the single Cohesion Policy programme that includes its Territorial Just Transition Plan (TJTP).
This EU support will help delivering a just climate transition in the Slovenian regions of Savinjsko-Saleška (SAŠA) and Zasavje. Investments from the JTF will support Slovenia to reach its goal of exiting coal by 2033.
The TJTPs identify the territories that will receive JTF support following a dialogue between the Commission and local partners in the framework of the negotiations of the 2021-2027 Partnership Agreements. The Partnership Agreement with Slovenia was approved in September 2022.
The TJTPs also allow for financing under InvestEU (a just transition scheme) and the Public Sector Loan Facility for Just Transition (a new tool combining Commission grants with European Investment bank loans for transition regions).
More details here.
(For more information: Stefan De Keersmaecker - Tel.: +32 229 84680; Veronica Favalli – Tel.: +32 229 87269)
112: new measures to improve effective access to emergency communications
The Commission has introduced new measures to improve emergency communications in support of efficient and quick responses to emergencies via the single, EU emergency number, 112.
A new delegated regulation, adopted today, establishes measures to improve caller location information, access for end-users with disabilities and routing emergency communications to the most appropriate public safety answering points. The aim is to take account of the latest technological developments and ensure consistent application in emergency communications in order to ensure that the safety and security of citizens is safeguarded across the EU. It also requires Member States to cooperate with the Commission to identify common interoperability requirements for emergency communication apps. The delegated regulation acknowledges the migration to all IP (Internet protocol) networks and requires Member States to provide their roadmap for upgrading the national systems in order to be able to receive, answer and process emergency communications through packet-switched technology.
Thierry Breton, Commissioner for Internal Market, said: “We need emergency communications to be reliable, quick, efficient and available for everyone across the EU. We call on all Member States to improve and ensure the continuity of access to emergency services, including when using the EU's single emergency number 112. It is essential in the context of migration to all IP networks.”
Technological developments have made it possible for end-users to access emergency services through a wider range of interpersonal communications services. Communications based on Internet protocol (voice, text and video communications) will allow for the provision of emergency communications and relevant contextual information making them more efficient. The delegated regulation is binding and directly applicable in all Member States. The latter have to report to the Commission and provide updates on the obligations that it establishes.
The Commission closely monitors the implementation of the 112 emergency number in the EU through regular reports given its importance in saving lives. The latest report shows that more than half of all total 270 million emergency calls placed in the EU are made through the EU single emergency number, 112.
(For more information: Johannes Bahrke – Tel.: +32 2 295 86 15; Marietta Grammenou – Tel.: +32 2 298 35 83)
Les professionnels de la culture adhèrent à la collaboration sur l'informatique en nuage du patrimoine culturel européen
À la suite de son annonce en juin 2022, le nuage collaboratif européen pour le patrimoine culturel a reçu un large soutien de la part du secteur du patrimoine culturel. Plus de 1 000 chercheurs et professionnels ont répondu à une enquête menée par la Commission, 46 % d'entre eux estimant que l'absence d'une plateforme de collaboration numérique dotée d'outils adaptés aux besoins des professionnels constitue le principal défi de la transition numérique du secteur.
Les répondants ont classé l'interaction numérique comme le principal besoin d'outils, y compris d'outils de création, de partage et de réutilisation de contenus interactifs sur le nuage (43,3 %), d'outils d'enrichissement des métadonnées assistés par l'IA (37 %), d'outils d'interaction avancée avec le contenu numérique du nuage (36,4 %) et d'outils d'analyse, de conception et de test des interactions avec les visiteurs (33,6 %).
Mariya Gabriel, commissaire à l'innovation, à la recherche, à la culture, à l'éducation et à la jeunesse, a déclaré: « Les parties prenantes du patrimoine culturel européen ont manifesté un vif intérêt pour une plateforme collaborative numérique pour le patrimoine culturel. Cette infrastructure numérique permettra une collaboration à grande échelle entre chercheurs et professionnels des musées, en aidant le secteur du patrimoine culturel à intégrer une nouvelle dimension numérique et à préserver les trésors culturels de l'Europe en fournissant un espace de travail sécurisé et hautement professionnel. Près de la moitié des répondants estimant que l'absence d'une plateforme numérique dotée d'outils adaptés aux besoins des professionnels du patrimoine culturel constitue un défi, nous sommes heureux qu'Horizon Europe réponde à ces besoins. »
Le nombre élevé de réponses à l'enquête et le niveau de soutien à l'initiative sur l'informatique en nuage, plus de 800 répondants ayant manifesté leur intérêt à faire partie du réseau de parties prenantes de l'informatique en nuage, démontrent la nécessité pour le secteur de disposer d'une plateforme de collaboration numérique et l'alignement de ces besoins sur les outils et services que la Commission entend proposer.
Le programme de travail d'Horizon Europe pour 2023 et 2024 couvrira ces besoins dans les appels relatifs à l'informatique en nuage sur la destination du patrimoine culturel, conformément également au rapport d'experts sur un nuage collaboratif européen pour le patrimoine culturel.
(Pour plus d'informations: Johannes Bahrke — Tél.: +32 2 295 86 15; Marietta Grammenou — Tél.: +32 2 298 35 83)
Agriculture: €186 million to promote high quality and sustainable EU agri-food products
The Commission will allocate €185.9 million in 2023 to fund promotion activities for sustainable and high quality EU agri-food products in the EU and worldwide. The Commission adopted today the 2023 promotion policy work programme which contributes to the realisation of the political priorities of the European Commission for 2019-2024, in particular the Farm to Fork strategy.
The promotion projects selected in 2023 are expected to highlight and favour products complying with objectives such as sustainability of EU agriculture, advancing animal welfare and promoting the consumption of fresh fruit and vegetables, and of healthy as well as sustainable diets.
Agriculture Commissioner Janusz Wojciechowski said: “European farmers have showed great resilience in the face of several disruptions and high costs in the last year. The promotion of European agri-food products and their quality, in the EU and worldwide, is an important dimension of the Commission's support to farmers and producers. Our promotion policy helps them in finding new markets and spreading the reputation of their products. The EU is the world's top exporter of agri-food products thanks to our productivity and recognised excellence.”
More information on the work programme and on the allocated budget in our press release.
(For more information: Miriam Garcia Ferrer – Tel. : +32 2 299 90 75 ; Thérèse Lerebours – Tel. : +32 2 296 33 03)
Agriculture: la Commission approuve une nouvelle indication géographique d'Espagne : la « Nuez de Pedroso »
La Commission a approuvé aujourd'hui une nouvelle appellation d'origine protégée (AOP) d'Espagne : la noix « Nuez de Pedroso », produite dans la communauté autonome de La Rioja.
La « Nuez de Pedroso » doit sa qualité et ses caractéristiques particulières à la région dans laquelle elles sont produites, stockées et conditionnées, en raison de facteurs naturels et humains. La sélection des semences, les pratiques culturales optimales, la récolte au moment propice, le séchage naturel et le stockage des noix dans des conditions appropriées sont des techniques qui ont été développées et transmises au fil des ans, pour finalement devenir un autre facteur important permettant d'obtenir des fruits de bonne qualité et de conserver toutes leurs caractéristiques.
Outre la méthode naturelle de séchage, la capacité antioxydante de la « Nuez de Pedroso » est supérieure à celle d'autres noix, ce qui lui confère une grande stabilité antioxydative et permet une plus longue conservation (plus d'un an dans de parfaites conditions) tout en réduisant le risque de rancissement. La noix peut donc se conserver jusqu'au 31 décembre de l'année suivant celle de la récolte.
Cette nouvelle dénomination sera ajoutée à la liste des 1 606 produits agricoles déjà protégés. La liste de toutes les indications géographiques protégées se trouve dans la base de données eAmbrosia. Plus d'informations sont disponibles en ligne sur les systèmes de qualité et sur notre portail GIView.
(Pour plus d'informations : Miriam Garcia Ferrer – Tél. : +32 2 299 90 75 ; Thérèse Lerebours – Tél. : +32 2 296 33 03)
La Commission se félicite d'un accord politique sur de nouvelles règles visant à garantir la sécurité des machines et des robots
La Commission se félicite de l'accord politique auquel sont parvenus le Parlement européen et le Conseil de l'Union européenne sur un nouveau règlement relatif aux machines et produits connexes. Ce règlement révise la directive « Machines » existante et adapte les règles en vue de faire face aux nouveaux risques et défis que posent les nouvelles technologies aux machines et produits connexes et d'en garantir le fonctionnement en toute sécurité.
Le règlement couvre des produits de consommation et des machines industrielles, ce qui va de machines de construction lourdes à des lignes de production industrielle entières, en passant par des produits hautement numérisés comme les robots ou les imprimantes 3D. Les nouvelles règles permettront de renforcer la confiance des citoyens dans la prochaine génération de machines, favoriseront l'innovation et stimuleront la compétitivité du secteur des machines et produits connexes au sein du marché unique et dans le monde.
Un communiqué de presse est disponible ici.
(For more information: Johannes Bahrke – Tel.: +32 2 295 86 15; Federica Miccoli – Tel.: +32 2 295 83 00)
State aid: Commission approves €1.2 billion Czech scheme to promote green district heating
The European Commission has approved, under EU State aid rules, a €1.2 billion Czech scheme to promote green and more efficient district heating mainly based on renewable energy. The measure will contribute to the implementation of Czechia‘s National Energy and Climate Plan and to the EU's strategic objectives relating to the EU Green Deal, in particular the EU's 2050 climate neutrality target. The scheme, which will run until 14 January 2026, will be financed by the EU Modernisation Fund.
The scheme will support: (i) the installation of new heat generation units based on renewable energy or high-efficiency cogeneration to replace existing installations, and (ii) the modernisation of existing heat generation unit to operate with biomass instead of coal. Under the scheme, the aid will take the form of direct grants to owners of existing heat generation units and district heating systems, as well as acquirers of new heat generation units.
The Commission assessed the scheme under EU State aid rules, in particular Article 107(3)(c) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (‘TFEU'), which enables EU countries to support the development of certain economic activities subject to certain conditions, under the 2022 Guidelines on State aid for climate, environmental protection and energy. On this basis, the Commission approved the Czech scheme under EU State aid rules.
Executive Vice-President Margrethe Vestager in charge of competition policy, said: "This €1.2 billion scheme will contribute to greening the district heating sector in Czechia, by supporting the modernisation and replacement of existing heat generation units with more efficient and less carbon-intensive ones. With this measure, Czechia will be able to increase the share of renewable energy in the heating sector, thereby considerably decreasing its emissions. Today's measure will contribute to achieving the EU Green Deal objectives and help Czechia meet its environmental targets, while limiting possible distortions of competition."
A press release is available online.
(For more information: Arianna Podesta – Tel.: +32 229 87024; Nina Ferreira - Tel.: +32 229 98163)
State aid: Commission approves €648 million German scheme to support sustainable agricultural practices in protected areas
The European Commission has approved, under EU State aid rules, a €648 million German scheme to support sustainable agricultural practices in protected areas. The aim of the scheme is to compensate farmers for additional costs and income foregone resulting from the prohibition of the use of certain products in areas that are subject to special protection to preserve biodiversity.
Under the scheme, the aid will take the form of direct grants to companies of all sizes active in the primary agricultural sector and which operate in the areas described in the Habitats Directive and the Birds Directive. The aid amount corresponds to the additional costs incurred and loss of income per hectare, and is based on average values of prices and yields for the financial years 2016/17 to 2020/21. The scheme will run until 31 December 2027.
The Commission has assessed the scheme 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 or regions under certain conditions, and in particular the Guidelines for State aid in the agricultural and forestry sectors and in rural areas. The Commission found that the scheme is necessary and appropriate to support the sustainable management of natural resources. Furthermore, the Commission concluded that the scheme is proportionate, as it is limited to the minimum necessary, and has a limited impact on competition and trade between Member States.
On this basis, the Commission approved the German measure under EU State aid rules. The non-confidential version of the decision will be made available under the case number SA.102118 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 €32 million Romanian scheme under the Recovery and Resilience Facility to promote afforestation
The European Commission has approved, under EU State aid rules, a €32 million Romanian scheme to support investments to promote afforestation. The scheme will be entirely funded through the Recovery and Resilience Facility ('RRF'), following the Commission's positive assessment of Romania's Recovery and Resilience Plan and its adoption by the Council.
The aim of the scheme is to improve the resilience and environmental value of forest ecosystems, in particular of species and ecotypes, in view of the future climatic conditions in Romania. In particular, the scheme will support (i) the establishment, development and upgrading of forest seedlings production capacities, and (ii) the production, processing and conditioning of afforestation seeds. Under the scheme, the support will take the form of direct grants covering between 70% and 90% of the eligible investment costs. The scheme will be open to public and private forest holders and authorised producers of forest reproductive material. The scheme will run until 30 September 2024.
The Commission assessed the scheme under EU State aid rules, Article 107(3)(c) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, which enables 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 found that the scheme is necessary and appropriate to improve the resilience and environmental value of forest ecosystems in Romania. Furthermore, the Commission concluded that the scheme is proportionate and will not have undue negative effects on competition and trade in the EU. On this basis, the Commission approved the Romanian 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.103805 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 prolongation of Belgian scheme to support maritime transport
The European Commission has approved, under EU State aid rules, the prolongation of a Belgian scheme to support the maritime sector. The aim of the scheme is (i) to encourage Belgian ship owners to register their vessels in the European Economic Area, and (ii) to maintain and develop maritime activities ashore on Belgian territory, such as the strategic management and commercial ships.
The measure was originally approved by the Commission in March 2003 (ex N 433/2002) and in June 2004 (C 20/2003), prolonged in 2017 (SA.41330), and is set to expire on 31 December 2022. Belgium notified the Commission of its intention to prolong the scheme until 31 December 2032, with a total budget of €718.1 million for the entire ten-year period.
The Commission assessed the scheme under the EU State aid rules, and in particular under Article 107(3)(c) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, which enables Member States to support the development of certain economic activities under certain conditions, and the Guidelines on State aid to maritime transport. The Commission found that the scheme continues to be necessary and appropriate to promote the attractiveness of the Belgian maritime sector and to enhance the competitiveness of Belgian ship operators. Furthermore, the Commission concluded that the measure continues to be proportionate, as it is limited to the minimum necessary, and to have a limited impact on competition and trade between Member States. On this basis, the Commission found that the prolongation of the scheme is in line EU State aid rules.
The non-confidential version of the decision will be made available under case number SA.103642 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 amendment to Italian scheme, including €800 million budget increase, to support the agricultural, forestry, fisheries and aquaculture sectors in the context of Russia's war against Ukraine
The European Commission has found the amendments to an existing Italian scheme to support the agricultural, forestry, fisheries and aquaculture sectors in the context of Russia's war against Ukraine to be in line with the State Temporary Crisis Framework, adopted by the Commission on 23 March 2022 and amended on 20 July 2022 and on 28 October 2022.
The Commission approved the original scheme on 18 May 2022 (SA.102896). Italy notified the following modifications to the existing scheme: (i) a budget increase by €800 million; (ii) an extension of the period, in relation to which aid may be granted, until 31 December 2023; and (iii) an increase of the maximum aid ceilings for limited amounts of aid in line with the Temporary Crisis Framework as amended on 28 October 2022.
The Commission found that the scheme, as amended, continues to be in line with the conditions set out in the Temporary Crisis Framework. In particular, the aid (i) will not exceed €250,000 per beneficiary active in the primary production of agricultural products, €300,000 per beneficiary active in the fishery and aquaculture sectors and €2 million per beneficiary active in all other sectors; and (ii) will be granted no later than 31 December 2023. The Commission found that the Italian scheme, as modified, remains 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 amended 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.105191 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 Czech guarantee scheme to support medium and large companies in the context of Russia's war against Ukraine
The European Commission has approved a €20 million (CZK 500 million) Czech guarantee scheme to support medium and large companies 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, recognizing that the EU economy is experiencing a serious disturbance.
Under the scheme, the aid will take form of guarantees on loans. The measure will be open to companies incorporated or registered in Czechia with more than 100 employees and for which exports amount to at least 25% of their total sales revenues. The purpose of the scheme is to support export-oriented companies that, due to the current crisis, need additional liquidity in terms of both working capital and investment.
The Commission found that the Czech scheme is in line with the conditions set out in the Temporary Crisis Framework. In particular, (i) the guarantees will not exceed 6 years; (ii) the guarantee premiums respect the minimum levels set out in the Temporary Crisis Framework; and (iii) the guarantees will be granted no later than 31 December 2023. Furthermore, the public support will come subject to conditions to limit undue distortions of competition, including safeguards to ensure that the advantages of the measure are passed on to the largest extent possible to the final beneficiaries via the financial intermediaries.
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.105065 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)
Aides d'État: la Commission approuve les modifications du régime français, notamment une augmentation budgétaire de 2 milliards d'euros, visant à soutenir les entreprises à forte intensité énergétique dans le contexte de la guerre menée par la Russie contre l'Ukraine
La Commission européenne a estimé que les modifications apportées à un régime français existant visant à soutenir les entreprises dans le contexte de la guerre menée par la Russie contre l'Ukraine étaient conformes à l'encadrement temporaire de crise adopté par la Commission le 23 mars 2022 et modifié le 20 juillet 2022 et le 28 octobre 2022.
Le 30 juin 2022, la Commission a autorisé le régime initial (SA.103280). La France a notifié les modifications suivantes au régime existant: i) une augmentation du budget de 2 milliards d'euros; ii) une prolongation de la période d'octroi des aides, jusqu'au 31 décembre 2023; iii) une augmentation des plafonds d'aide conformément à l'encadrement temporaire de crise tel que modifié le 28 octobre 2022; et iv) une simplification des contrôles d'éligibilité.
La Commission a estimé que le régime français, tel que modifié, était conforme aux conditions énoncées dans l'encadrement temporaire de crise. En particulier, i) le montant des aides individuelles ne dépassera pas 65 % des coûts admissibles pour un plafond d'aide de 50 millions d'euros. et ii) l'aide sera accordée avant le 31 décembre 2023. La Commission a conclu que le régime modifié restait nécessaire, approprié et proportionné pour remédier à une perturbation grave de l'économie d'un État membre, conformément à l'article 107, paragraphe 3, point b), du TFUE et aux conditions énoncées dans l'encadrement temporaire de crise. Sur cette base, la Commission a autorisé les modifications en vertu des règles de l'Union en matière d'aides d'État.
Pour plus d'informations concernant l'encadrement temporaire de crise et d'autres actions menées par la Commission pour endiguer les conséquences économiques de la guerre menée par la Russie contre l'Ukraine, veuillez consulter cette page. La version non confidentielle de la décision sera publiée sous le numéro SA.104958 dans le registre des aides d'État figurant sur le site web de la Commission consacré à la concurrence, dès que les éventuels problèmes de confidentialité auront été résolus.
(Pour plus d'informations: Arianna Podesta – Tél.: +32 229 87024; Nina Ferreira - Tél.: +32 229 98163; Maria Tsoni – Tél.: +32 229 90526)
Mergers: Commission clears acquisition of Uniper by BMF*
The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of Uniper SE of Germany by the Federal Republic of Germany, represented by the German Federal Ministry of Finance (‘BMF').
Uniper is globally active in the wholesale of natural gas and coal, as well as the generation and wholesale of electricity. In the gas markets in particular, Uniper is active in gas trading, as well as in the upstream and downstream wholesale of natural gas and its retail supply. BMF has currently no activities in the energy markets.
The transaction was prompted by the ongoing European energy crisis, in particular the cessation of Russian gas deliveries and the sharp rise in gas prices, which resulted in Uniper, Germany's largest importer of Russian gas, requiring significant capital injections to prevent its insolvency.
The Commission concluded that the proposed acquisition would raise no competition concerns, given that BMF and Uniper are currently not active on the same markets, or on markets that are vertically related.
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.10951.
Today's decision does not relate to the assessment of planned State support in favour of Uniper, which is ongoing in line with the principles set out under the State aid Temporary Crisis Framework. The Commission is in close contact with the German authorities on this matter, as it is committed to assess the compatibility of emergency measures in the context of the energy crisis resulting from Russia's unjustified attack on Ukraine as a matter of priority.
(For more information: Arianna Podesta – Tel.: +32 229 87024; Maria Tsoni – Tel.: +32 229 90526)
Mergers: Commission clears acquisition of SEFE by BMWK*
The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of SEFE Securing Energy for Europe GmbH (‘SEFE') of Germany by the Federal Republic of Germany, represented by the German Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Action (‘BMWK').
SEFE is a supplier of natural gas, present mainly in the German market. The company's main business areas include the downstream wholesale supply and trading of natural gas and LNG, as well as the operation of underground gas storage. BMWK has currently no activities in the energy markets.
The transaction was prompted by the ongoing European energy crisis, in particular the cessation of Russian gas deliveries and the sharp rise in gas prices, which resulted in SEFE requiring significant capital injections and the to prevent its insolvency.
The Commission concluded that the proposed acquisition would raise no competition concerns, given that BMWK and SEFE are currently not active on the same markets, or on markets that are vertically related. 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.10963.
Today's decision does not relate to the assessment of planned State support in favour of SEFE, which is ongoing in line with the principles set out under the State aid Temporary Crisis Framework. The Commission is in close contact with the German authorities on this matter, as it is committed to assess the compatibility of emergency measures in the context of the energy crisis resulting from Russia's unjustified attack on Ukraine as a matter of priority.
(For more information: Arianna Podesta – Tel.: +32 229 87024; Maria Tsoni – Tel.: +32 229 90526)
Mergers: Commission clears creation of joint venture by ISG and EEP
The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the creation of a joint ventureby InfraServ GmbH & Co. Gendorf KG (‘ISG') and E.ON Energy Projects GmbH (‘EEP'), both of Germany.
The joint venture, Bio Steam Gendorf GmbH (‘BSG') will plan, construct, and operate a biomass heating plant in Gendorf's industrial park, in Germany. The plant will replace in large parts an existing plant operated by ISG. It will generate and sell district heat to ISG, which, in turn, will distribute the heat to the companies residing in the industry park. ISG operates an industry park in Gendorf and supplies energy and district heat to companies residing therein. EEP offers planning, construction and operation of de-centralised electricity and heating plants for industrial clients.
The Commission concluded that the proposed acquisition would not raise competition concerns, given the limited overlaps between the companies' activities.
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.10853.
(For more information: Arianna Podesta – Tel.: +32 229 87024; Maria Tsoni – Tel.: +32 229 90526)
ANNOUNCEMENTS
President von der Leyen participates in high-level summit focused on energy security, energy partnerships and green energy development
Tomorrow, President Ursula von der Leyen will be in Bucharest, where she will participate in a high-level event on energy security and partnerships, hosted by the President of Romania, Klaus Iohannis, and the Prime Minister, Nicolae Ciucă.
The leaders will sign an agreement on a strategic partnership in the field of green energy development and transmission between Azerbaijan, Georgia, Hungary and Romania. The agreement will bring the EU closer to its partners in the South Caucasus and help both regions through the clean energy transition, while also boosting security of supply.
Cooperation with reliable partners is increasingly important, as Russia uses energy as a weapon and manipulates energy markets in the wake of its war of aggression against Ukraine.
In the margins of the event, President von der Leyen will hold a trilateral meeting with President Iohannis and Prime Minister Ciucă to discuss issues of bilateral interest.
You can follow the President's remarks live on EbS.
(For more information: Dana Spinant – Tel.: +32 2 299 01 50)
Conference on the Future of Europe follow-up: Commission hosts first European Citizens' Panel on food waste reduction
Today, the Commission is hosting the first European Citizens' Panel in Brussels allowing citizens to provide their input on how to step up action to reduce food waste in the EU. This is the first of a new generation of citizens' panels launched as a follow-up to the Conference on the Future of Europe.
The reduction of waste, and particularly food waste, is the subject of a legislative proposal included in the Commission's Work Programme for 2023, in line with the proposals from the Conference of the Future of Europe and the Farm to Fork Strategy.
The panel will meet between December 2022 and February 2023. The first session is taking place on 16-18 December in Brussels. It will be opened by Vice-President for Democracy and Demography, Dubravka Šuica, and Commissioner for Health and Food Safety, Stella Kyriakides. The second meeting of the panel will take place online on 20-22 January. The final session will be held on 10-12 February in Brussels, with the submission of the panel's report to the Commission.
A press release is available online.
(For more information: Daniel Ferrie – Tel.: +32 229 86500; Tommaso Alberini – Tel.: +32 229 57010)
La commissaire Simson participera au Conseil énergie ce lundi
Lundi, le 19 décembre, la commissaire à l'énergie Kadri Simson représentera la Commission au Conseil énergie à Bruxelles.
Les ministres de l'énergie de l'UE auront pour objectif de conclure les discussions sur un mécanisme de correction du marché, que la Commission a proposé le mois dernier afin de limiter les épisodes d'augmentation excessive des prix du gaz. Ils devraient ensuite approuver formellement deux propositions d'urgence présentées par la Commission au cours des derniers mois pour lutter contre les prix élevés de l'énergie et préserver la sécurité de l'approvisionnement. La première est le règlement d'urgence proposé le 18 octobre pour introduire des achats communs de gaz, de nouvelles mesures sur l'utilisation transparente des infrastructures et la solidarité entre les États membres, ainsi qu'une nouvelle référence complémentaire pour le GNL. La seconde est le règlement d'urgence sur la simplification des procédures d'autorisation afin d'accélérer le déploiement des énergies renouvelables, proposé par la Commission le 9 novembre.
Lors du Conseil de lundi, les ministres de l'énergie de l'UE tenteront également d'adopter une orientation générale sur un règlement visant à réduire les émissions de méthane dans le secteur de l'énergie, proposé par la Commission en décembre dernier dans le cadre de la deuxième série de mesures du paquet « Fit for 55 ». Ils chercheront également à s'accorder sur une orientation générale sur les éléments de la proposition REPowerEU visant à modifier la législation de l'UE sur les énergies renouvelables, en plus des propositions « Fit for 55 » de juillet 2021. Les ministres discuteront également, entre autres, des progrès réalisés jusqu'à présent dans les négociations sur le paquet sur l'hydrogène et le gaz décarboné, des développements récents dans les relations extérieures en matière d'énergie, ainsi que du programme de travail de la future présidence suédoise du Conseil. La Commission informera également les ministres de ses travaux en cours sur la réforme de l'organisation du marché de l'électricité.
Les déclarations à la presse avant la réunion du Conseil 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 2 295 86 02; Giulia Bedini – Tél. : +32 2 295 86 61 ; Ana Crespo Parrondo – Tél. : +32 2 298 13 25)
CALENDRIER – Déplacements et visites des commissaires
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
*Modified at 14.30 CET, on 16 December 2022