Daily News 24 / 04 / 2023

European Green Deal: New EU-Norway Green Alliance to deepen cooperation on climate, environment, energy and clean industry

Today, the EU and Norway have established a Green Alliance to strengthen their joint climate action, environmental protection efforts, and cooperation on the clean energy and industrial transition. The agreement was signed in Brussels by the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, and Norway's Prime Minister, Jonas Gahr Støre.

President von der Leyen said: “Norway is a long-standing and reliable partner to the EU and we share a common vision for building a climate-neutral continent. We want our societies and economies to prosper together while reducing emissions, protecting nature, decarbonising our energy systems, and greening our industries. This Green Alliance makes our bond even stronger and allows us to design a better future together.”

Both sides reiterate their commitment to their respective 2030 targets of at least 55% greenhouse gas emission reductions compared to 1990, and to achieving climate neutrality at the latest by 2050. They aim to keep global temperature rise within the 1.5C limit under the Paris Agreement while ensuring energy security, environmental protection and human rights. The EU and Norway will work closely together to ensure the successful implementation of the Paris Agreement and the historic biodiversity agreement reached at the UN Biodiversity conference COP15.

The EU-Norway Green Alliance, which is the most comprehensive form of bilateral engagement established under the European Green Deal, has been prepared and negotiated under the auspices of Executive Vice-President for the European Green Deal, Frans Timmermans.

A press release with more information is available online and the statement by President von der Leyen at the signing ceremony of the Green Alliance with Norwegian Prime Minister Støre is available here.

(For more information: Tim McPhie – Tel.: +32 2 295 86 02; Ana Crespo Parrondo – Tel.: +32 2 298 13 25)

 

EU Cohesion Policy: More than €190 million for a better railway infrastructure in Slovakia

Slovakia will have the opportunity to complete the railway infrastructure connecting the Žilina-Teplička marshalling yard railway, a core Trans-European Transport Network, thanks to a newly adopted investment of more than €190 million from the Cohesion Fund 2014-2020.

The EU funding will support the rebuilding and upgrade of a total of 7.85 km of railway. In the first phase of the project, earthworks will be completed, the old track will be dismantled and supporting structures underneath the railway tracks on the Strážov-Žilina and Budatín-Žilina railway sections and at the Žilina station will be laid.

Two platforms and extended noise barriers will be completed and six railway bridges, four road bridges as well as one new road bridge and six underpasses will be built or rebuilt. Finally, five pedestrian and cyclist underpasses will be built and extended, and an electronic interlocking signalling system together with a European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS) signalling equipment will be set up for the Žilina railway node.

Overall, the project will increase the capacity of the rail network and the travelling speed shortening journey times and improving the safety and reliability of rail services. The use of the train will also lead to reductions in nitrogen dioxide and particulate matter emissions. Moreover, a new alternating current power supply will ensure railway interoperability and reduce energy costs. Finally, the funding will also support the improvement of access to stations and trains for people with reduced mobility.

Commissioner for Cohesion and Reforms, Elisa Ferreira, said: “This project strengthens the railway infrastructure in the Žilina region of Slovakia and will have a direct benefit for citizens thanks to a faster, safer and greener travel by train. Once again Cohesion Policy improves concretely the life of citizens on the ground.”

For more information on Cohesion Policy projects in Slovakia, please visit Kohesio and the Cohesion Open Data Platform.

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

 

rescUE : plus de 106 millions d'euros pour le premier hôpital de campagne paneuropéen

La Commission alloue 106,2 millions d'euros à l'Allemagne, à la Belgique, à la France, à l'Italie, au Luxembourg, au Portugal, à la Roumanie et à la Turquie afin qu'ils développent la nouvelle capacité EMT (équipe médicale d'urgence) de rescEU. L'objectif est de renforcer l'aide médicale d'urgence apportée aux populations touchées par des catastrophes naturelles ou d'origine humaine de grande ampleur.

Le projet mettra en place trois équipes médicales d'urgence de type 2 (EMT2), qui comprendront des services de chirurgie et de diagnostic. En outre, 17 équipes de soins spécialisées, proposeront des services de soins intensifs, de traitements des brûlures, de transport de patients, de diagnostics avancés, d'aide à la mère et à l'enfant, de rééducation, de soutien en santé mentale, de traitement orthopédique, de laboratoire, d'approvisionnement en oxygène et de soutien aux télécommunications.

Cette capacité rescEU deviendra progressivement opérationnelle à partir de 2024 et permettra de réagir à un large éventail de scénarios de catastrophe. Les équipes seront en mesure de fonctionner de manière autonome et de soutenir les établissements de soins de santé nationaux existants lorsque ceux-ci ne sont pas en mesure de faire face à une situation d'urgence donnée. Cette nouvelle structure viendra compléter le rôle essentiel que jouent déjà les 15 équipes médicales d'urgence mises à disposition par les États membres et les États participants à la réserve européenne de protection civile dans le cadre de l'intervention d'urgence.

Plus de détails figurent dans le communiqué de presse.

(Pour plus d'informations: Balazs Ujvari - Tél.: +32 2 295 45 78; Daniel Puglisi - Tél.: +32 2 296 91 40)

 

Global Gateway: EU and Togo strengthen partnership in sustainable agribusiness, energy and connectivity

As part of Global Gateway, the EU is announcing today a new contribution of €70 million for two Team Europe Initiatives to boost agri-businesses, energy and connectivity in Togo in line with the country's 2025-development plan, in partnership with France and Germany and the European Investment Bank. In addition, the EU also is supporting the decentralisation process in Togo as part of the strengthened partnership.

Commissioner for International Partnerships, Jutta Urpilainen, said: “Through today's signatures, we reinforce the EU–Togo partnership to clearly demonstrate how our positive offer to partners, the Global Gateway, brings more opportunities for families and businesses alike. The Team Europe Initiative on Sustainable Agribusiness will help transform value chains for key exports and boost job creation, while more than one million people will benefit from improved access to electricity thanks to the Team Europe initiative on Energy and Connectivity.”

Meeting in Brussels, Commissioner Urpilainen and Victoire Tomegah Dogbé, Prime Minister of Togo, signed today two agreements strengthening the partnership between the European Union and Togo to (1) develop agro-industries and enhance the management of natural resources amounting to €30 million EU contribution; and (2) a budget support programme of €40 million supporting access to basic social services, agriculture, as well as the decentralisation process. The agreements will contribute to increase agricultural productivity – including through solar irrigation, access to finance and the development of sustainable value chains – while improving basic social services, specifically electricity, and support to reinforce the capacity and resources of Togolese municipalities in support of local services.

A press release with more information is available online.

(For more information: Ana Pisonero - Tel.: +32 2 295 43 20; Jennifer Sánchez da Silva - Tel.: +32 2 295 83 16)

 

Agriculture: The Commission approves a new geographical indication,  ‘Rökt Vättersik' from Sweden

Today, the Commission approved the addition of ‘Rökt Vättersik' from Sweden as Protected Designation of Origin (PDO).

‘Rökt Vättersik' is a whitefish from Lake Vättern that is smoked in a smokehouse. The cold water of Lake Vättern provides a good habitat for typical coldwater species, such as the Lake Vättern whitefish, and for the glacial relict crustaceans that constitute its main source of food. When the whitefish is smoked, the smoking must be adjusted to a number of factors for the product to achieve the characteristics of ‘Rökt Vättersik'. The smoking process must be adapted to factors such as the season, climate and air pressure. The fishing grounds and fishing period – the time of the year at which the whitefish is caught – also affect the smoking process, as the fat content of the fish varies.

From a historical perspective, the production of ‘Rökt Vättersik' has been of great importance for the people living by Lake Vättern. Traditionally fishermen smoked and sold ‘Rökt Vättersik' themselves. Fishing and smoking whitefish is a traditional craft based on knowledge of such factors as the behaviour of Lake Vättern whitefish and how to smoke lean fish, gained over the generations and often passed down within families.

This new denomination will be added to the list of 1,623 agricultural products already protected. The list of all protected geographical indications can be found in the eAmbrosia database. More information is available online at Quality Schemes and on our GIView portal.

(for more information: Miriam Garcia Ferrer – Tel.: +32 2 299 90 75; Thérèse Lerebours – Tel.: +32 2 296 33 03)

 

Le panel de citoyens propose 23 recommandations pour des mondes virtuels équitables et centrés sur l'humain dans l'UE

Du 21 au 23 avril, la Commission a accueilli à Bruxelles la session de clôture du panel de citoyens européens sur les mondes virtuels, qui a permis aux citoyens de formuler des recommandations sur les valeurs et les actions à mener pour créer des mondes virtuels européens attrayants et équitables. Ces recommandations soutiendront les travaux de la Commission sur les mondes virtuels et sur l'avenir de l'internet.

Après trois week-ends de délibérations, le panel, composé d'environ 150 citoyens choisis au hasard pour représenter la diversité de la population européenne, a formulé 23 recommandations sur les attentes des citoyens pour l'avenir, les principes et les actions visant à garantir que les mondes virtuels dans l'UE soient équitables et adaptés aux citoyens. Ces recommandations s'articulent autour de huit valeurs et principes : la liberté de choix, la durabilité, centré sur l'humain, la santé, l'éducation, la sûreté et la sécurité, la transparence ainsi que l'intégration.

Cette nouvelle génération de panels de citoyens est un élément clé de la Conférence sur l'avenir de l'Europe, qui vise à encourager la participation des citoyens au processus d'élaboration des politiques de la Commission européenne dans certains domaines clés.

La Commission prépare actuellement une nouvelle initiative sur les mondes virtuels, qui décrira la vision de l'Europe, conformément aux droits et principes européens du numérique. L'initiative à venir se concentrera sur la manière de relever les défis sociétaux, d'encourager l'innovation pour les entreprises et d'ouvrir la voie à une transition vers le Web 4.0.

Outre ce panel de citoyens, la Commission a lancé un appel à contribution pour permettre aux citoyens et aux parties prenantes de faire part de leurs réflexions sur le sujet. Les contributions peuvent être apportées jusqu'au 3 mai.

(Pour plus d'informations: Johannes Bahrke – Tél.: +32 2 295 86 15; Thomas Regnier - Tél: +32 2 299 10 99)

 

State aid: Commission approves €450 million Spanish scheme to support gas-intensive manufacturing companies in the context of Russia's war against Ukraine

The European Commission has approved a €450 million Spanish scheme to support gas-intensive manufacturing companies in the context of Russia's war against Ukraine. The scheme was approved under the State aid Temporary Crisis and Transition Framework, adopted by the Commission on 9 March 2023 to support measures in sectors which are key to accelerate the green transition and reduce fuel dependencies. The new Framework amends and prolongs in part the Temporary Crisis Framework, adopted on 23 March 2022 to enable Member States to support the economy in the context of the current geopolitical crisis, already amended on 20 July 2022 and on 28 October 2022.

Under the scheme, the aid will take form of direct grants. The purpose of the scheme is to mitigate the exceptionally large increases in the price of natural gas incurred by companies operating in gas-intensive sectors, which cannot be passed on to final consumers or with which the beneficiaries are unable to cope.

The Commission found that the Spanish scheme is in line with the conditions set out in the Temporary Crisis and Transition Framework. In particular, the aid (i) will not exceed 50% of the eligible costs for the maximum aid ceiling of €4 million or 40% of the eligible costs for the maximum aid ceiling of €25 million; and (ii) will be granted before 31 December 2023. The Commission concluded that the scheme is necessary, appropriate and proportionate to remedy a serious disturbance in the economy of a Member State, in line with Article 107(3)(b) TFEU and the conditions set out in the Temporary Crisis and Transition Framework. On this basis, the Commission approved the scheme under EU State aid rules.

More information on the Temporary Crisis and Transition Framework and other actions taken by the Commission to address the economic impact of Russia's war against Ukraine and foster the transition towards a net-zero economy can be found here. The non-confidential version of the decision will be made available under the number SA.106016 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 2 298 70 24; Nina Ferreira - Tel.: +32 229 9 81 63; Maria Tsoni – Tel.: +32 2 299 05 26)

 

 

STATEMENT

 

 

Déclaration commune de la commissaire Kyriakides, de l'OMS et de l'UNICEF lors de la semaine européenne de la vaccination 2023 et au-delà

Afin de marquer le début de la semaine européenne de vaccination 2023, Stella Kyriakides, commissaire européenne chargée de la santé et la sécurité alimentaire ; Hans Henri P Kluge, directeur régional de l'OMS pour l'Europe ; et Afshan Khan, directeur régional de l'UNICEF pour l'Europe et Central, ont publié une déclaration exprimant leur engagement commun à continuer de protéger nos sociétés, en particulier les plus vulnérables, des effets les plus graves du COVID-19 par la vaccination :

« Il est dans notre intérêt commun de se protéger mutuellement des maladies; à cet égard, il est essentiel de s'adresser aux personnes afin de les encourager à se faire vacciner, de respecter les calendriers nationaux de vaccination et de rattraper les vaccinations qui ont été manquées. La vaccination est une pierre angulaire de la santé publique. Chaque dose du programme national d'immunisation d'un pays est programmée pour constituer ou maintenir une protection contre une ou plusieurs maladies. Chaque dose manquée ou retardée expose quelqu'un à un risque accru d'infection. »

Le texte intégral de la déclaration se trouve ici et de plus amples détails sur le sujet ici.

(Pour plus d'informations : Stefan De Keersmaecker – Tél.: +32 2 298 46 80; Célia Dejond – Tél.: +32 2 298 81 99)

 

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

 

President von der Leyen and Commissioner Simson at the North Sea Summit

This afternoon, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Commissioner for Energy, Kadri Simson, are in Ostend, Belgium, to attend the Leaders' Summit on offshore wind in the North Sea, hosted by the Prime Minister of Belgium, Alexander De Croo.

This second edition of the North Sea Summit will bring together Heads of State or Government and the Energy Ministers of Belgium, Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, France, Ireland, Norway and the United Kingdom. They will sign two documents – the Ostend Declaration on the North Seas as a Green Power Plant of Europe, and the Ostend Declaration of Energy Ministers on the North Seas as a Green Power Plant of Europe. These declarations commit the signatory countries to increase their ambition in combined offshore energy production.

President von der Leyen will first visit an offshore construction and cable-laying vessel in the Port of Ostend, together with the other leaders. They will then hold a leaders press conference at 17:00 CEST, which will be broadcast live on EbS. The President's remarks will be available here shortly afterwards.

In the evening, the President will chair one of the Summit roundtables, alongside Prime Minister of Luxembourg, Xavier Bettel, focused on competitiveness and supply chains.

Commissioner Simson will participate in the ministerial meeting with the ministers of Belgium, Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, France, Ireland, Norway and the United Kingdom. She will also hold a meeting with the Norwegian Minister of Petroleum and Energy, Terje Aasland, and participate in a roundtable with stakeholders on grid infrastructure investments. A press conference with the energy ministers will take place at 18:00 CEST and will also be live on EbS. Commissioner Simson's remarks will be available here shortly afterwards.

(For more information: Eric Mamer – Tel.: +32 2 299 40 73; Tim McPhie – Tel.: +32 2 295 86 02)

 

HR/VP Josep Borrell travels to Colombia

As part of the EU's priority to strengthen relations with Latin America and the Caribbean, and ahead of the EU-CELAC Summit to be held in Brussels in July this year, High Representative/Vice President Josep Borrell will be in Colombia from 25-30 April.

On 25 April, HR/VP Borrell will represent the EU in the International Conference on Venezuela in Bogota (broadcast on EbS) at +/- 16:00 CEST [TBC]. The EU is a major partner of Venezuelan migrants and refugees in the region as well as a supporter of political dialogue efforts to address the Venezuela crisis. The HR/VP will also meet with the Head of the UN Verification Mission in Colombia.

On 26 April, HR/VP Borrell will meet with Gustavo Petro, President of the Republic of Colombia, and hold a joint press conference (broadcast on EbS - timing to be announced). The EU has been a strong partner of the peace process in Colombia and fully supports initiatives at bringing about a lasting peace in the country.

During his visit, he will hold several bilateral meetings, such as with Vice-President of Colombia, Francia Marquez; Álvaro Leyva, Minister for Foreign Affairs; Danilo Rueda, High Commissioner for Peace; Alfonso Prada, Minister of the Interior; Iván Velasquez, Minister for National Defence; Susana Muhamad, Minister of Environment; and Juan Manuel Santos, former President of the Republic of Colombia.

The HR/VP will also meet with representatives from Colombian civil society and with government and international community, including an EU-funded project to reintegrate former child combatants and a migrant attention centre for Venezuelan population in Bogota. He will also hold a meeting with the Episcopal Conference of Colombia.

HR/VP Borrell will also visit the El Testigo cultural exhibition, where he will meet with human rights defenders and representatives of the victims of the armed conflict.

On 28 April, HR/VP Borrell will travel to Cartagena where he will open the dialogue América Latina, el Caribe y Europa: Recalibrar nuestra asociación estratégica, organised by the EEAS and the EU-LAC Foundation, and deliver a keynote speech on EU-LAC relations at +/- 23:30 CEST (broadcast on EbS). The HR/VP will lead this conference, that will take place on 29-30 April.

(For more information: Peter Stano – Tel.: +32 2 295 45 53; Daniel Puglisi - Tel.: +32 2 296 91 40)

 

 

 

Tentative agendas for forthcoming Commission meetings

Note that these items can be subject to changes.

 

Upcoming events of the European Commission

Eurostat press releases