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Daily News 21 / 12 / 2022
European Green Deal: €4.11 billion from the Modernisation Fund to accelerate the clean energy transition in 8 Member States
In its second year of operation, the Modernisation Fund has disbursed a total of €4.11 billion in support of 61 projects in eight beneficiary countries. These projects will help modernise energy systems, reduce greenhouse gas emissions in energy, industry, transport and agriculture, and improve energy efficiency. Supporting these investments will help those Member States to meet their 2030 climate and energy targets and accelerate the EU's green transition.
Executive Vice-President Frans Timmermans said: “The Modernisation Fund is a crucial element for a fair transition. We are investing some of the revenues from the EU emissions trading system in the modernisation of the energy system in those Member States where greater efforts in this regard are needed, and where GDP per capita is lower than elsewhere in the EU. Together with the EIB, we have already provided substantial funding this year, and with the newly-strengthened EU ETS we will soon step up our support with a bigger investment in the future.”
Disbursements were made this year to Croatia (€119.8 million), Czechia (€1.34 billion), Estonia (€62.4 million), Hungary (€74.3 million), Lithuania (€85 million), Poland (€643.2 million), Romania (€1.39 billion), and Slovakia (€399.5 million). In June, €2.4 billion was already disbursed to support 45 investment proposals, and this is now complemented by a €1.71 billion disbursement today to back 16 more investment proposals.
Funded by revenues from the auction of emission allowances from the EU's Emissions Trading System, the Modernisation Fund aims to support ten EU countries with lower incomes in their transition to climate neutrality. The beneficiary countries are Bulgaria, Croatia, Czechia, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, and Slovakia. In the provisional deal reached on the strengthened EU Emissions Trading System on 18 December the Modernisation Fund will increase its size, providing financial assistance to three additional Member States with their transition (Portugal, Greece and Slovenia).
A full press release is available here.(For more information : Tim McPhie – Tel.: +32 2 295 86 02; Ana Crespo Parrondo – Tel.: +32 2 298 13 25)
EU transport infrastructure: speeding-up investment in military mobility
Today, the Commission is speeding up the financing of 35 military mobility projects to support the transport of troops and equipment along the trans-European transport network (TEN-T). With a budget, increased from €330 million to €616 million, these projects will help European armed forces to respond better, more rapidly and at a sufficient scale to crises erupting at and outside the EU's external borders.
Commissioner for Transport Adina Vălean said: “The results of our second call on military mobility under the Connecting Europe Facility reflect the need of the European Union's Member States to improve the dual use of our transport system. It was a highly competitive and oversubscribed call, with winning projects in 17 countries. I am pleased that some of the projects in Germany, Romania and Poland directly address improving the infrastructure on the Solidarity Lanes, our corridors used for Ukraine's imports and exports.”
As presented in the Action Plan on Military Mobility 2.0, the projects will support Member States and partners to develop a well-connected and secure military mobility network. Examples include the upgrade of six rail bridges and the construction of two low-speed track sections for longer and heavier trains in Germany on the North Sea - Baltic Corridor, the purchase of a multi-use hybrid propulsion ice-breaker to increase capacity in the port of Riga, the upgrade of two stretches of road along the Via Baltica close to the Lithuanian-Polish border, the modernisation of rail infrastructure at the Romanian port of Constanta, and the construction of a new bridge over the Prut river connecting Romania and the Republic of Moldova.
The 35 projects have been selected among those submitted under the second Military Mobility call for proposals issued by the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) programme, the funding instrument for strategic investment in EU transport infrastructure. The Commission will pay grants, which co-finance the total estimated project costs and which will be paid earlier than initially planned.
For further details, please consult this page.
(For more information: Adalbert Jahnz – Tel.: +32 229 53156; Célia Dejond – Tel.: +32 2 298 81 99)
Politique de cohésion de l'UE : plus de 465 millions d'euros pour une transition climatique juste en Finlande
La Finlande recevra plus de 465 millions d'euros du Fonds pour une transition juste (FTJ), grâce à l'adoption de son Plan pour un transition territoriale juste (PTTJ). Ce financement représente environ 24 % de l'allocation de la politique de cohésion pour la Finlande en 2021-2027 et soutient son ambition d'atteindre la neutralité climatique d'ici 2035 en rendant cette voie socialement juste et équitable pour tous les citoyens.
Ce fonds investira dans les 14 régions où la réduction de production de tourbe aura un impact économique et social substantiel.
La Finlande est l'un des principaux producteurs et consommateurs de tourbe en Europe. 90% de la tourbe produite est utilisée comme source d'énergie. L'intensité en CO2 de la production d'énergie à base de tourbe est équivalente à celle de la production à base de charbon. En Finlande, le fonds vise à réduire de moitié l'utilisation énergétique de la tourbe d'ici 2030. Le plan finlandais soutiendra environ 1 900 PME dans les régions en transition, qui souffrent du déclin économique et de défis spécifiques dus à leur situation périphérique.
Le Plan territorial pour une transition juste soutient les territoires qui sont particulièrement touchés par la transition vers une économie neutre pour le climat. Les PTTJ identifient ces territoires avec la Commission au cours des négociations des accords de partenariat 2021-2027 et des programmes associés. La Commission a approuvé l'accord de partenariat avec la Finlande en mai 2022.
L'approbation des TJTP ouvre la porte à un financement dédié au titre des deux autres piliers du mécanisme pour une transition juste (JTM): un régime de transition juste dans le cadre d'InvestEU et la facilité de prêt au secteur public pour une transition juste qui combine des subventions de la Commission avec des prêts de la Banque européenne d'investissement
Un communiqué de presse est disponible en ligne.
(Pour plus d'informations: Stefan De Keersmaecker – Tél.: +32 2 298 46 80; Célia Dejond – Tél.: +32 2 298 81 99)
Politique de cohésion de l'UE : près de 183 millions d'euros pour une transition climatique juste en Belgique
La Commission a adopté le Plan territorial pour une transition juste pour la Belgique, lui accordant un total de 182,6 millions d'euros au titre du Fonds pour une transition juste (FTJ), à investir dans le développement d'une économie à faible émission de carbone, circulaire et efficace énergétiquement, assurant la diversification économique et une transition climatique équitable dans le pays.
Ce fonds européen aidera la Wallonie, l'une des trois régions belges, à abandonner les combustibles fossiles et à décarboner son industrie lourde.
Tournai, Mons et Charleroi recevront un soutien du FTJ pour évoluer vers une production d'énergie propre, notamment en remplaçant les combustibles fossiles par l'hydrogène et le biométhane renouvelables. 40 millions d'euros seront consacrés aux énergies renouvelables et environ 68 millions d'euros à l'efficacité énergétique. La décarbonation de l'industrie régionale sera également soutenue par des subventions destinées à cofinancer les investissements pour leur reconversion économique et l'achat de matériaux technologiques performants. Le Fonds contribuera également à la décontamination d'anciens sites industriels. En outre, il allouera environ 14 millions d'euros à des activités de recherche et d'innovation.
Le Plan territorial pour une transition juste identifie les territoires qui bénéficieront du soutien du FTJ à la suite d'un dialogue entre la Commission et les partenaires locaux dans le cadre des négociations des accords de partenariat 2021-2027. La Commission a approuvé l'accord de partenariat avec la Belgique en décembre 2022. Les Plans territoriaux pour une transition juste permettent également d'obtenir des financements au titre d'InvestEU (un dispositif pour une transition juste) et de la facilité de prêt au secteur public pour une transition juste (un nouvel outil combinant des subventions de la Commission et des prêts de la Banque européenne d'investissement pour les régions en transition).
(Pour plus d‘informations: Stefan De Keersmaecker – Tél.: +32 2 298 46 80; Célia Dejond – Tél.: +32 2 298 81 99
InvestEU : la BEI s'engage pour la sécurité au travail et investit 15 millions d'euros pour le développement d'exosquelettes
La Banque européenne d'investissement (BEI), soutenue par le programme InvestEU, investit 15 millions d'euros dans la poursuite du développement de systèmes de machines humaines basés sur l'IA conçus et fabriqués par German Bionic, une entreprise technologique basée à Augsbourg. Ses combinaisons électriques intelligentes aident les travailleurs du secteur de la logistique et des soins à effectuer des tâches physiquement éprouvantes, en particulier à soulever et à porter des charges lourdes.
Le prêt d'amorçage de la BEI servira à la recherche et au développement de German Bionic. Un prêt d'amorçage est un financement en quasi-fonds propres qui répond aux besoins des entreprises innovantes à croissance rapide. Les rendements dépendent en grande partie du succès de l'entreprise. Les prêts d'amorçage complètent le financement existant de capital-risque sans diluer les parts des fondateurs.
Paolo Gentiloni, commissaire européen, a ajouté: « InvestEU joue un rôle important dans toute l'Europe pour aider les entreprises à accéder aux financements dont elles ont besoin pour mener des activités de recherche et de développement avancées. Cet accord est un excellent exemple de financement InvestEU destiné à soutenir la recherche, qui permettra à l'Europe de conserver sa position de chef de file mondial dans le développement de produits innovants ayant des applications réelles positives. »
Le programme InvestEU fournit à l'UE un financement à long terme en mobilisant des fonds privés et publics à l'appui des priorités stratégiques de l'UE, telles que le pacte vert pour l'Europe et la transition numérique. Le Fonds InvestEU est mis en œuvre par l'intermédiaire de partenaires financiers qui investiront dans des projets utilisant la garantie du budget de l'UE et mobiliseront ainsi au moins 372 milliards d'euros d'investissements supplémentaires. Un communiqué de presse est disponible en ligne.
(Pour plus d'informations: Miriam Garcia Ferrer – Tél.: + 32 2 299 90 75; Laura Bérard — Tél.: + 32 229 55721).
Sweden: EIB supports cancer research and development at leading European cell therapy company with €25 million venture debt loan
The European Investment Bank (EIB) is a leading player life science innovation in the European Union. In this life science project, the EIB is supporting Anocca, which specialises in developing next-generation T-cell immunotherapies for the treatment of solid tumours and in transitioning to clinical-stage development, using venture debt financing.
European Commissioner for Economy Paolo Gentiloni said: “This agreement is one of the first InvestEU investments in Sweden in life science. It is also an important contribution to the development of cutting-edge technologies which can help us fight cancer, in line with Europe's Beating Cancer Plan. Research and development endeavours need significant and sustained investment to make sure they deliver on the promises they hold for our future. InvestEU is helping build this bright future by giving innovative companies access to the finance they need to grow and continue to innovate.”
The InvestEU programme provides the EU with long-term funding by leveraging private and public funds in support of EU policy priorities, such as the European Green Deal and the digital transition. The InvestEU Fund is implemented through financial partners who will invest in projects using the EU budget guarantee and thus mobilising at least €372 billion in additional investment.
A press release is available online.
(For more information: Miriam Garcia Ferrer – Tel.: + 32 2 299 90 75; Laura Bérard — Tel.: + 32 229 55721).
Agriculture : augmentation du commerce agroalimentaire de l'UE en septembre 2022
La Commission a publié aujourd'hui le dernier rapport mensuel sur le commerce agroalimentaire, qui montre que les exportations et les importations agroalimentaires de l'UE ont augmenté en septembre 2022. Les exportations de l'UE ont augmenté depuis le début de l'année et ont atteint 20,9 milliards d'euros ce mois-là. La valeur des importations de l'UE était de 15,6 milliards d'euros, ce qui a entraîné une autre balance commerciale positive pour l'UE à 5,8 milliards d'euros.
En valeur, les exportations agroalimentaires de l'UE ont augmenté de 3,1 % par rapport à août 2022. L'augmentation des exportations a été largement due à l'augmentation des volumes de préparations de céréales, de vin et de préparations alimentaires composées expédiées, notamment vers le Royaume-Uni. Dans l'ensemble, les changements les plus importants ont été observés dans les exportations vers la Chine (+18 %), le Royaume-Uni (+7 %) et les États-Unis (+5 %). En septembre 2022, les exportations de protéagineux et de fruits (pommes, poires, pêches) de l'UE vers la région Moyen-Orient/Afrique du Nord (MENA) et vers l'Afrique subsaharienne ont considérablement augmenté, tandis que les exportations de blé ont diminué.
En septembre 2022, l'UE a continué d'importer principalement du Brésil (1,9 milliard d'euros), de l'Ukraine (1,4 milliard d'euros) et du Royaume-Uni (1,3 milliard d'euros). Depuis janvier 2022, les importations en provenance du Brésil ont augmenté de 47 % par rapport à la même période en 2021. Les importations en provenance d'Ukraine ont augmenté de 76 % tandis que celles en provenance du Royaume-Uni ont augmenté de 33 %. L'UE a importé des graines de soja, du café, des tourteaux de soja et du maïs du Brésil. Les principaux produits importés d'Ukraine sont le maïs, l'huile de tournesol, les graines de tournesol et le colza.
Le dernier rapport mensuel sur le commerce agroalimentaire met également l'accent sur les flux commerciaux entre l'UE et les États-Unis. Les États-Unis sont l'un des principaux partenaires commerciaux de l'UE pour les produits agricoles et alimentaires. Afin de coopérer davantage sur les questions agricoles, en particulier sur la durabilité, la Commission européenne et le ministère américain de l'Agriculture ont lancé en novembre 2021 une plateforme collaborative sur l'agriculture.
Plus de détails sont disponibles dans notre news item.
(Pour plus d'informations: Miriam Garcia Ferrer – Tél.: + 32 2 299 90 75; Thérèse Lerebours – Tél.: +32 2 296 33 03)
Iraq: EU allocates additional €4 million in humanitarian funding to help vulnerable facing food insecurity
Political instability, climate change, as well as rising food prices, spurred by the drought and further aggravated with the Russia's unprovoked aggression towards Ukraine, has left many vulnerable Iraqis not able to meet their basic needs. The funding announced today will help the most vulnerable people, particularly those internally displaced and living outside camps in informal settings in Iraq, to meet their basic needs.
Commissioner for Crisis Management, Janez Lenarčič said: “More and more vulnerable people, especially displaced, are being affected by the increasing food insecurity in Iraq. Russia's war against Ukraine is having an impact on many lives across the world, especially on people who are already facing hardship. The EU is committed to help those who are in need. This is why we allocated an additional €4 million to help Iraqis in need get through this difficult time. ”
The funding will help to support up to 4 000 displaced vulnerable families with monthly cash assistance as they go through the process of obtaining identity and civil documentation. In addition, cash assistance will also benefit up to 1 000 families with a chronically ill member, who are no longer able to meet their essential needs. Since 2014, the EU allocated €530.5 million in humanitarian aid to help people in Iraq.
(For more information: Balazs Ujvari - Tel.: +32 229 54578; Daniel Puglisi – Tel.: +32 229 69140)
Antitrust: Commission accepts commitments by Amazon barring it from using marketplace seller data, and ensuring equal access to Buy Box and Prime
The European Commission has made commitments offered by Amazon legally binding under EU antitrust rules. Amazon's commitments address the Commission's competition concerns over Amazon's use of non-public marketplace seller data and over a possible bias in granting to sellers access to its Buy Box and its Prime programme.
The Commission found that Amazon's final commitments will ensure that Amazon does not use marketplace seller data for its own retail operations and that it grants non-discriminatory access to Buy Box and Prime.
The final commitments will remain in force for seven years in relation to Prime and the display of the second competing Buy Box offer, and five years for the remaining parts of the commitments. Under supervision of the Commission, an independent trustee will be in charge of monitoring the implementation and compliance with the commitments.
Executive Vice-President Margrethe Vestager, in charge of competition policy, said: "Today's decision sets new rules for how Amazon operates its business in Europe. Amazon can no longer abuse its dual role and will have to change several business practices. They cover the use of data, the selection of sellers in the Buy Box and the conditions of access to the Amazon Prime Programme. Competing independent retailers and carriers as well as consumers will benefit from these changes opening up new opportunities and choice."
A press release and remarks by Executive Vice-President Vestager on the decision are available online.
(For more information: Arianna Podesta – Tel.: +32 229 87024; Maria Tsoni – Tel.: +32 229 90526)
State aid: Commission approves modification of German scheme to support electricity production from renewable energy sources
The European Commission has approved, under EU State aid rules, the modification of a German scheme to support the production of electricity from renewable energy sources. The scheme reflects a recent amendment by Germany to its Renewable Energy Act (Erneuerbare Energien Gesetz – ‘EEG 2023'), and will further contribute to achieving Germany's energy and environmental targets and the EU's strategic objectives relating to the European Green Deal.
The EEG 2023 support scheme, with an overall budget of €28 billion, aims at achieving a share of 80% of electricity produced from renewable energy sources by 2030, with a view to achieving climate neutrality by 2045. Under the scheme, the aid will generally take the form of a market premium paid by the network operator to the producer on top of the market price for the electricity.
The Commission assessed the modification of the German scheme under EU State aid rules, in particular the 2022 Guidelines on State aid for climate, environmental protection and energy (‘CEEAG'). On this basis, the Commission approved the modification of the German scheme under EU State aid rules.
Executive Vice-President Margrethe Vestager, in charge of competition policy, said: “The German Renewable Energy Act 2023 scheme will contribute to further decarbonise electricity production by increasing the share of renewable energy. At the same time, it will prevent overcompensating producers by phasing out support at times of negative prices. Typically, when demand is lower and prices drop. The scheme also contains safeguards to ensure that competition distortions are kept to the minimum.
A press release is available online.
(For more information: Arianna Podesta – Tel.: +32 229 87024; Nina Ferreira - Tel.: +32 229 98163)
State aid: Commission approves amendments to German scheme to support offshore wind energy generation
The European Commission has approved, under EU State aid rules, amendments to a German scheme to support offshore wind energy generation in Germany (German Offshore Wind Energy Act - 'WindSeeG'). The scheme complements the German Renewable Energy Act (Erneuerbare Energien Gesetz – ‘EEG 2023') and will further contribute to achieving Germany's energy and environmental targets and the EU's strategic objectives relating to the European Green Deal.
Germany notified the following amendments to the scheme, with a total budget of €1.5 billion: (i) an increase of expansion targets for electricity production from offshore wind; (ii) a new tender procedure for a different type of sites in the German Exclusive Economic Zone, and (iii) a dynamic bidding procedure for tenders for non-centrally pre-investigated sites. The amended scheme will continue to be applicable until the end of 2026.
The Commission assessed the amended scheme under EU State aid rules, in particular the 2022 Guidelines on State aid for climate, environmental protection and energy (‘CEEAG'). On this basis, the Commission approved the amended German scheme under EU State aid rules.
Executive Vice-President Margrethe Vestager, in charge of competition policy, said: “The amended scheme approved today is a very good example of how EU State aid rules enable Member States to support green energy projects, such as offshore wind energy generation. It will contribute to achieving the EU Green Deal's ambitious energy and climate targets, without unduly distorting competition in the Single Market.”
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 €12 million Cypriot scheme under the Recovery and Resilience Facility to support access to high-speed broadband services
The European Commission has approved, under EU State aid rules, a €12 million Cypriot voucher scheme, made available in part through the Recovery and Resilience Facility (‘RRF'), to help households access high-speed broadband services. The scheme is aimed at fostering the digitalisation of the country and will also contribute to the EU's strategic objectives relating to the digital transition.
Under the scheme, the aid will take the form of vouchers to households not having a subscription to a connection providing at least 100 megabits per second (Mbps) download speed. The scheme will cover part of the set-up costs and the first 12 months of subscription to broadband services providing at least 200 Mbps download speeds. The scheme will benefit approximately 82,000 households.
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, which allows Member States to support the development of certain economic activities or of certain economic areas under certain conditions. On this basis, the Commission approved the Cypriot scheme under EU State aid rules.
Executive Vice-President Margrethe Vestager, in charge of competition policy, said: “This €12 million Cypriot voucher scheme, partially funded via the Recovery and Resilience Facility, will ensure that citizens can have access to high-speed broadband services. This will contribute to the economic development and social cohesion in Cyprus, while ensuring that competition is not unduly distorted”.
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 prolongation of Austrian scheme to encourage freight traffic to shift from road to rail
The European Commission has approved, under EU State aid rules, the prolongation of an Austrian scheme to encourage freight transport to shift from road to rail, which is a greener mode of transport.
The measure was originally approved by the Commission in July 2012 (SA.33993). The Commission further approved a prolongation and amendment of the scheme in October 2017 (SA.48390) and December 2019 (SA.55507) respectively. As the scheme is set to expire in December 2022, Austria notified to the Commission the prolongation of the scheme until December 2027. The overall budget for the five-year period of the scheme is €1.4 billion.
The Commission assessed the prolongation of the aid scheme under EU State aid rules, in particular Article 93 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union and the Guidelines on State aid for railway undertakings. The Commission concluded that the scheme continues to be necessary and appropriate to promote the use of rail freight transport, in line with the objectives of the EU Sustainable and Smart Mobility Strategy and of the European Green Deal, without unduly distorting competition in the Single Market. In addition, the Commission found that the scheme continues to be 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 found that the prolongation of the Austrian scheme is in line with EU State aid rules.
The non-confidential version of the decision will be made available under the case number SA.104264 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 up to €34.5 billion German measure to recapitalise energy company Uniper SE in context of Russia's war against Ukraine
The European Commission has approved an up to €34.5 billion German aid measure to recapitalise energy company Uniper SE (‘Uniper').The measure was approved under Article 107(3)(b) of the TFEU, recognising that the EU economy is experiencing a serious disturbance, in coherence with the principles set out in the State aid Temporary Crisis Framework.
The recapitalisation of Uniper by Germany comprises: (i) an immediate cash capital increase of €8 billion, and (i) an authorised capital amounting to up to €26.5 billion.
The Commission concluded that the recapitalisation measure will contribute to prevent serious disruption on the German natural gas market. It 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 principles set out in Temporary Crisis Framework and the 2014 Rescue and Restructuring Guidelines. On this basis, the Commission approved the measure under EU State aid rules.
Executive Vice-President Margrethe Vestager, in charge of competition policy, said: "Many importers of Russian natural gas are currently not being served. This has severe consequences for customers and for the German economy. Today's decision to recapitalise Uniper will ensure that gas continues to flow and will avoid serious disruption on the German natural gas market, to the ultimate benefit of businesses and private households. At the same time, the public support will come with strings attached to limit undue distortions of competition, including a commitment to submit a clear exit plan."
A press release is available online.
(For more information: Arianna Podesta – Tel.: +32 229 87024; Nina Ferreira - Tel.: +32 229 98163; Maria Tsoni – Tel.: +32 229 90526)
State aid: Commission approves €6.3 billion German measure to recapitalise energy company SEFE GmbH in context of Russia's war against Ukraine
The European Commission has approved a €6.3 billion German measure to recapitalise energy company SEFE Securing Energy for Europe GmbH (‘SEFE GmbH'), previously known as Gazprom Germania GmbH.
The measure was approved under Article 107(3)(b) of the TFEU, recognising that the EU economy is experiencing a serious disturbance, in coherence with the principles set out in the State aid Temporary Crisis Framework.
Following Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine and the subsequent disruption of gas deliveries by Gazprom, SEFE GmbH has incurred serious losses. On 11 November 2022, the Commission allowed the German State to take the 100% ownership of SEFE GmbH, replacing Gazprom Export LCC, in order to safeguard the company's viability and the security of gas supply to the German economy. In November 2022, Germany notified the Commission its plans to grant a €6.3 billion cash capital injection for the recapitalisation of SEFE GmbH.
The Commission concluded that the recapitalisation measure will contribute to prevent serious disruption on the German natural gas market. It 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 principles set out in Temporary Crisis Framework and the 2014 Rescue and Restructuring Guidelines. On this basis, the Commission approved the measure under EU State aid rules.
Executive Vice-President Margrethe Vestager, in charge of competition policy, said: "Gazprom's disruption of gas deliveries shows Russia's unreliability as a supplier. Many EU companies who used to import Russian natural gas are facing difficulties. Today's decision to recapitalise SEFE GmbH will ensure continued supply of gas from other sources, by enabling it to continue participating in the gas market. At the same time, the measure ensures that competition distortions are kept to the minimum given the safeguards offered by Germany, including a commitment from the State to partly exit the capital of the company by 2028."
A press release is available online.
(For more information: Arianna Podesta – Tel.: +32 229 87024; Nina Ferreira - Tel.: +32 229 98163; Maria Tsoni – Tel.: +32 229 90526)
State aid: Commission approves €1.1 billion Polish scheme to support particularly affected energy intensive companies in the context of Russia's war against Ukraine
The European Commission has approved a €1.1 billion (PLN 5.1 billion) Polish scheme to support particularly affected energy intensive companies in the context of Russia's war against Ukraine. The scheme was approved under the State aid Temporary Crisis Framework.
Under this measure, the aid will take the form of direct grants. The measure will be open to small and medium-sized enterprises (‘SMEs') and large companies that qualify as energy intensive businesses and that are active in particularly affected sectors and sub-sectors listed in Annex 1 of the Temporary Crisis Framework. Credit and financial institutions will be excluded from the measure.
The Commission concluded that the Polish scheme is necessary, appropriate and proportionate to remedy a serious disturbance in the economy of a Member State, in line with Article 107(3)(b) TFEU and the conditions set out in the Temporary Crisis Framework. On this basis, the Commission approved the aid measure under EU State aid rules.
Executive Vice-President Margrethe Vestager, in charge of competition policy, said: "Energy intensive companies, especially those active in the sectors most affected by the current crisis, are currently faced with very high energy costs. This €1.1 billion scheme will enable Poland to cover at least part of these significant expenses, allowing them to continue their operations in this difficult context."
A press release is available online.
(For more information: Arianna Podesta – Tel.: +32 229 87024; Nina Ferreira - Tel.: +32 229 98163; Maria Tsoni – Tel.: +32 229 90526)
State aid: Commission approves amendments to Irish scheme, including €200 million budget increase, to further support companies in the context of Russia's war against Ukraine
The European Commission has found the amendments to an existing Irish scheme to further support companies in the context of Russia's war against Ukraine to be in line with 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.
The Commission approved the original scheme on 11 August 2022 (SA.103569). Under the scheme, the aid takes the form of: (i) limited amounts of aid to address current liquidity shortage; and (ii) aid for the additional costs that the eligible beneficiaries incurred due to exceptionally severe increases in natural gas and electricity prices.
Ireland notified the following modifications to the existing scheme: (i) an overall budget increase by €200 million; (ii) an extension of the period, in relation to which aid may be granted, until 31 December 2023; (iii) an increase of the maximum aid ceilings in line with the Temporary Crisis Framework as amended on 28 October 2022; and (iv) an adjustment of the eligibility conditions for the second measure, to include also non-energy-intensive companies.
The Commission found that the Irish scheme, as amended, continues to be in line with the conditions set out in the Temporary Crisis Framework. In particular, (i) the individual aid amount will not exceed €2 million for limited amounts of aid and €4 million for aid for additional costs due to exceptionally severe increases in natural gas and electricity prices; and (ii) the support will be granted before 31 December 2023. The Commission concluded that the modified scheme 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 amendments 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.105276 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 autorise un régime d'aides français visant à soutenir la capacité éolienne dans le contexte de la guerre menée par la Russie contre l'Ukraine
La Commission européenne a autorisé un régime d'aides français visant à soutenir la capacité éolienne dans le contexte de la guerre menée par la Russie contre l'Ukraine. Le régime a été autorisé en vertu de l'encadrement temporaire de crise en matière d'aides d'État adopté par la Commission le 23 mars 2022 et modifié le 20 juillet 2022 et le 28 octobre 2022, sur la base de l'article 107, paragraphe 3, point c), du TFUE, qui autorise les États membres à soutenir le développement de certaines activités économiques sous certaines conditions.
Dans le cadre de ce régime, l'aide prendra la forme d'un contrat pour différence avec une clause de recouvrement. Le régime vise à introduire un cadre contractuel autorisant le débridage d'éoliennes à ce jour limitées à 3 MW de puissance et ayant la possibilité technique de produire d'avantage d'électricité. La mesure sera en place jusqu'au 31 décembre 2023.
La Commission a estimé que le régime français était conforme aux conditions énoncées dans l'encadrement temporaire de crise. Plus précisément, i) l'augmentation de la puissance des installations concernées ne dépassera pas 1 MW par installation; et ii) l'aide sera accordée jusqu'au 31 décembre 2023 au plus tard. La Commission a conclu que le régime était nécessaire, approprié et proportionné pour accélérer et faciliter le développement de certaines activités économiques, qui sont importantes pour mettre en œuvre le plan REPowerEU, conformément à l'article 107, paragraphe 3, point c), du TFUE et aux conditions énoncées dans l'encadrement temporaire de crise. Sur cette base, la Commission a autorisé le régime français en vertu des règles de l'UE 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.104963 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 opens in-depth investigation into the proposed acquisition of VMware by Broadcom
The European Commission has opened an in-depth investigation to assess, under the EU Merger Regulation, the proposed acquisition of VMware by Broadcom. The Commission is particularly concerned that the transaction would allow Broadcom to restrict competition in the market for the supply of NICs, FC HBAs and storage adapters by: (i)degrading interoperability between VMware's server virtualisation software and competitors' hardware to the benefit of its own hardware, and/or (ii) foreclosing competitors' hardware.
In addition, the Commission will also examine whether Broadcom may hinder the development of SmartNICs by other providers, and whether Broadcom may start bundling VMware's virtualisation software with its own software.
Executive Vice-President Margrethe Vestager, in charge of competition policy, said:"Broadcom, a major supplier of hardware components, is acquiring VMware, a key server virtualisation software provider. Our initial investigation has shown that it is essential for hardware components in servers to interoperate with VMware's software. We are concerned that after the merger, Broadcom could prevent its hardware rivals to interoperate with VMware's server virtualisation software. This would lead to higher prices, lower quality and less innovation for customers and consumers."
A press release is available online.
(For more information: Arianna Podesta – Tel.: +32 229 87024; Maria Tsoni – Tel.: +32 229 90526)
Mergers: Commission clears the reorganisation of Stellantis' financing activities with Santander, BNP Paribas and Crédit Agricole Consumer Finance
The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation three related concentrations pertaining to the re-organisation of the financing activities of Stellantis N.V., of the Netherlands, with its partners.
The three concentrations relate to four transactions: (i) Banco Santander S.A. (‘Santander'), via Santander Consumer Finance, (‘SCF'), both of Spain, and Stellantis will operate a joint venture (JV) which will provide financing activities for all Stellantis brands in Belgium, France, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Poland, Spain and Portugal (M.10727); (ii) BNP Paribas S.A. (‘BNPP'), of France, and Stellantis will operate a JV which will provide financing activities for all Stellantis brands in Germany, Austria, and the UK (M.10726); (iii) Crédit Agricole Consumer Finance (‘CACF'), of France, and Stellantis will operate a JV mainly dedicated to business-to-business operational leasing for all Stellantis brands in all countries covered by the reorganisation (M.10728), and (iv) CACF will solely control FCA Bank, of Italy (M.10728)
Stellantis is a global group active in the development, manufacturing and distribution of automotive vehicles under several brands including Peugeot, Citroën, Opel, Alfa Romeo, Chrysler and Fiat. SCF is a wholly owned subsidiary of Santander, a banking group active in several EU Member States, as well as in the US and Latin America. CACF is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Crédit Agricole S.A., the central body of Group Crédit Agricole (‘GCA'), which is active in the consumer finance sector in France and several other European countries, as well as in China and Morocco. BNPP is a banking group active worldwide.
The Commission concluded that the proposed reorganisation would raise no competition concerns, given that there is limited impact on the market resulting from the proposed three transactions. The M.10726 transaction was examined under the simplified merger review procedure, whereas M.10727 and M.10728 under a normal merger review procedure.
More information is available on the Commission's competition website, in the public case register under the case numbers M.10726, M.10727 and M.10728.
(For more information: Arianna Podesta – Tel.: +32 229 87024; Maria Tsoni – Tel.: +32 229 90526)
Concentrations: la Commission autorise l'acquisition de CLC France Property par Bouygues Immobilier et CLC Holdings
La Commission européenne a approuvé, en vertu du règlement européen sur les concentrations, l'acquisition du contrôle conjoint de CLC France Property par Bouygues Immobilier, toutes deux basées en France, et CLC Holdings, basée au Luxembourg.
CLC France Property est une entreprise commune nouvellement créée, qui sera active dans le secteur des services d'hébergement « coliving » en France. Bouygues Immobilier est une filiale du groupe Bouygues actif dans les secteurs de la construction, des travaux publics, des télécommunications et des médias. CLC Holdings est une société détenue par Ares Management Corporation, ungestionnaire alternatif d'actifs au niveau mondial, opérant sur les marchés du crédit, du capital-investissement et des biens immobiliers.
La Commission a conclu que la concentration envisagée ne soulèverait pas de problème de concurrence, compte tenu de son impact très limité sur la structure du marché. La transaction a été examinée dans le cadre de la procédure simplifiée de contrôle des concentrations.
De plus amples informations sont disponibles sur le site internet concurrence de la Commission, dans le registre public des affaires sous le numéro d'affaire M.10954.
(Pour plus d'informations: Arianna Podesta – Tél.: +32 229 87024; Maria Tsoni – Tél.: +32 229 90526)
Mergers: Commission clears acquisition of Isuzu Sales Deutschland by Astara Western Europe, Mitsubishi Corporation and Isuzu Motors Limited
The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of joint control of Isuzu Sales Deutschland of Germany by Astara Western Europe of Belgium, Mitsubishi Corporation and Isuzu Motors Limited, both of Japan.
Isuzu Sales Deutschland is active in the import and distribution of new lightweight commercial vehicles and related spare parts and accessories. Astara Western Europe is active in import and wholesale distribution of four-wheel motor vehicles. Mitsubishi Corporation is active in industrial finance, energy and the distribution of motor vehicles, among other areas. Isuzu Motors Limited is active in the manufacture and distribution of motor vehicles.
The Commission concluded that the proposed acquisition would raise no competition concerns, given the limited overlaps between the activities of the companies in the markets where they are active.
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.10837.
(For more information: Arianna Podesta – Tel.: +32 229 87024; Maria Tsoni – Tel.: +32 229 90526)
Concentrations: la Commission autorise l'acquisition du contrôle conjoint d'un complexe immobilier par CURA et GENERALI
La Commission européenne a approuvé, en vertu du règlement européen sur les concentrations, l'acquisition du contrôle conjoint de T-C PEP PROPERTY, basée au Luxembourg, par les sociétés KG CURA Vermögensverwaltung GmbH & Co (« CURA »), basée en Allemagne, et Generali SCF S.àr.l. (« GENERALI »), basée au Luxembourg.
T-C PEP PROPERTY est le propriétaire d'un complexe immobilier hébergeant un centre commercial, le PEP Einkaufscenter Neuperlach, situé à Munich, en Allemagne. CURA est active dans l'immobilier, principalement en Europe. GENERALI appartient à un groupe international actif dans le secteur des assurances et le secteur financier.
La Commission a conclu que l'acquisition envisagée ne soulèverait pas de problème de concurrence, compte tenu de son impact limité sur la structure des marchés. La transaction a été examinée dans le cadre de la procédure simplifiée de contrôle des concentrations.
De plus amples informations sont disponibles sur le site internet concurrence de la Commission, dans le registre public des affaires sous le numéro d'affaire M.10957.
(Pour plus d'informations: Arianna Podesta – Tél.: +32 229 87024; Maria Tsoni – Tél.: +32 229 90526)
Mergers: Commission clears creation of joint venture by Olin and Mitsui
The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the creation of a joint venture by Olin Corporation (‘Olin') of the US and Mitsui & Co Ltd. (‘Mitsui') of Japan.
The joint venture, Blue Water Alliance (‘BWA') of the UK, is a greenfield venture that will be active as a trader in the procurement, sale, and marketing of caustic soda and ethylene dichloride worldwide. Olin is a global manufacturer and distributor of chemical products and a producer of ammunition. Mitsui is a trading, business management and project development company which operates worldwide through various segments, including chemicals.
The Commission concluded that the proposed acquisition would raise no competition concerns, given that BWA would not have the ability or incentive to foreclose competing suppliers or customers of caustic soda and ethylene dichloride. 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.10862.
(For more information: Arianna Podesta – Tel.: +32 229 87024; Maria Tsoni – Tel.: +32 229 90526)
Mergers: Commission clears acquisition of Autogrill by Dufry
The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of Autogrill S.p.A. of Italy by Dufry AG of Switzerland.
Autogrill is a global provider of food and beverage services to travellers, which operates at airports, motorways and other transport hubs. Dufry is a global travel retailer that operates retail outlets in airports and other transport hubs.
The Commission concluded that the proposed acquisition would raise no competition concerns, given 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.10880.
(For more information: Arianna Podesta – Tel.: +32 229 87024; Maria Tsoni – Tel.: +32 229 90526)
Mergers: Commission clears creation of joint venture by DSM and Fonterra
The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the creation of a joint venture by Royal DSM N.V. group (‘DSM') of the Netherlands and Fonterra Cooperative Group Limited (‘Fonterra') of New Zealand.
The joint venture, Tasman B.V., will be headquartered in the Netherlands and will develop, produce, and market fermentation-derived dairy protein. DSM is active in the production and sale of nutritional and biomedical ingredients worldwide. Fonterra is active in the production and sale of dairy products worldwide.
The Commission concluded that the proposed transaction would raise no competition concerns, given the companies' limited market positions in the relevant markets. 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 case number M.10874.
(For more information: Arianna Podesta – Tel.: +32 229 87024; Maria Tsoni – Tel.: +32 229 90526)
Tentative agendas for forthcoming Commission meetings
Note that these items can be subject to changes.
Upcoming events of the European Commission
Eurostat press releases