Daily News 25 / 09 / 2023

InvestEU: Up to €1.7 billion financing from the European Investment Bank to construct new solar power plants in Spain, Italy and Portugal

The European Investment Bank has approved framework financing of up to €1.7 billion for Solaria to support the construction of some 120 photovoltaic power plants mostly located in Spain, as well as Italy and Portugal. The project is backed by the InvestEU programme.

The photovoltaic power plants will have a total capacity of approximately 5.6 GW and will produce an estimated 9.29 TWh a year. The power plants are expected to come into operation by the end of 2028. This operation will support the achievement of the EU's policy objectives under the European Green Deal and the REPowerEU Plan by providing electricity equivalent to the average annual demand of approximately 2.5 million households and reducing greenhouse gas emissions by around 3 million tonnes of CO2 a year. More than one-third of the installed capacity will be located in less developed regions. These are regions that have a GDP per capita that is less than 75% of the EU average. The project will significantly boost employment in the areas where the plants are to be built, creating around 11,100 jobs a year during the construction phase, according to EIB estimates.

The operation has a long-term project finance structure involving the signature of several loans, which financial institutions will be able to participate in under the framework financing. The first loan under this framework financing has been signed for a total amount of €278 million for the construction of photovoltaic power plants with a total capacity of approximately 1.08 GW.

Commissioner for the Economy, Paolo Gentiloni, said: “This important agreement is a great demonstration of InvestEU's ability to meaningfully support Europe's transition to climate neutrality and energy independence. It will make available up to €1.7 billion of financing for new photovoltaic power plants in Spain, Italy and Portugal. This is good news both for the climate and for our economy: it will not only help to power millions of households with clean energy, but also create thousands of jobs in the construction phase in the relevant regions.”

The InvestEU programme provides the EU with long-term funding by leveraging private and public funds in support of EU policy priorities. As part of the programme, 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: Veerle Nuyts - Tel.: +32 2 299 63 02; Flora Matthaes – Tel.: +32 2 298 39 51)

 

InvestEU: 68 millions d'euros de soutien injectés dans les secteurs de l'audiovisuel et de la création

La Commission européenne et le Fonds européen d'investissement (FEI) ont signé quatre accords d'investissement le dimanche 24 septembre lors du festival du film de San Sebastian. Ces accords, d'un montant de 68.25 millions d'euros, devraient mobiliser environ 500 millions d'euros de nouveaux financements en faveur d'entreprises et de projets audiovisuels et créatifs.

L'un des accords porte sur un investissement en fonds propres approuvé par le FEI pour un montant maximal de 25 millions d'euros dans le fonds français Logical Content Ventures, qui est la première opération au titre de l'instrument MediaInvest. L'accord vise à mobiliser jusqu'à 70 millions d'euros d'investissements en fonds propres dans les entreprises européennes de production et de distribution audiovisuelles. Annoncé dans le plan d'action pour les médias et l'audiovisuel et lancé lors du festival du film de Cannes en 2022, MediaInvest vise à mobiliser jusqu'à 400 millions d'euros d'investissements en fonds propres, afin de rendre le secteur audiovisuel plus compétitif au niveau mondial.

Trois autres accords avec deux entités espagnoles, ainsi qu'un avec une entité luxembourgeoise, d'un montant respectif de 20 millions d'euros, 15 millions d'euros et 8.25 millions d'euros, ont été signés dimanche au titre de la garantie des secteurs de la culture et de la création (SCC) d'InvestEU et devraient mobiliser un portefeuille pouvant atteindre 425 millions d'euros.

Thierry Breton, commissaire chargé du marché intérieur, a déclaré à ce propos: «Préserver une industrie audiovisuelle européenne solide et indépendante est l'un de nos meilleurs atouts pour défendre notre diversité culturelle. L'instrument MediaInvest, que j'ai lancé l'année dernière à Cannes, y répond. Je suis heureux de constater que le tout premier accord MediaInvest a été signé. Je me réjouis à la perspective de conclure davantage d'accords et d'atteindre notre objectif consistant à attirer jusqu'à 400 millions d'euros d'investissements privés afin de favoriser la production et la distribution audiovisuelles européennes et d'aider les entreprises à mieux exploiter leurs actifs de propriété intellectuelle.»

En outre, les films soutenus par l'UE ont recueilli 23 candidatures lors du festival du film de San Sebastian, avec 9 titres sélectionnés pour concourir au prix principal. Les lauréats seront annoncés lors de la cérémonie de remise des prix le 30 septembre. Plus d'informations sont disponibles ici.

(Pour plus d'informations: Johannes Bahrke - Tél: +32 2 295 86 15; Marietta Grammenou - Tél.: +32 2 298 35 83)

 

European strategy for data: Data Governance Act becomes applicable

The Data Governance Act entered into application on 24 September 2023. The Regulation creates a new European way of data governance based on increasing trust in data sharing.

It aims to create a safe environment for sharing data across sectors and Member States to benefit society and the economy. The Data Governance Act also allows novel data intermediaries to act as trustworthy actors in the data economy. Entities engaging in data altruism can register voluntarily as data altruism organisations. This will provide maximum trust with minimum administrative burden. The rules related to data altruism will help individuals and companies to donate data in a safe and trustworthy way in order to contribute to wider societal goals such as fighting a pandemic. The reuse of public sector data that cannot be made available as open data will also be enhanced. All of these tools will increase data flows, thereby supporting the development of common European data spaces, such as manufacturing, cultural heritage, agriculture and health.

The Regulation also establishes the European Data Innovation Board. It will issue guidelines on the development of common European data spaces and will identify standards and interoperability requirements for cross-sector data sharing.

Věra Jourová, Vice-President for Values and Transparency, said: “To become a truly innovative continent, we need a fair data-driven economy. The Data Governance Act will help build confidence so that any data will be shared in line with European values. The Act is a milestone for creating a safe and trustworthy digital single market.”.

Thierry Breton, Commissioner for Internal Market, added: “Today marks a milestone in building a European single market for data. With the Data Governance Act becoming applicable, we are increasing trust in data sharing and creating a data economy that is innovative and open on our conditions.”

The Data Governance Act was proposed in November 2020. A proposal for a Data Act, the second major legislative initiative under the European strategy for data, was adopted in February 2022 and a political agreement was reached on 28 June 2023. While the Data Governance Act creates the processes and structures to facilitate data sharing, the Data Act clarifies who can create value from data and under which conditions.

(For more information: Johannes Bahrke - Tel: +32 2 295 86 15; Marietta Grammenou - Tel: +32 2 298 35 83)

 

EU Mission ‘A Soil Deal for Europe': €90 million for 17 new projects to support healthy soils

The European Commission will invest €90 million in 17 new research projects  contributing to the EU Mission ‘A Soil Deal for Europe' . These projects will work on restoring and protecting soil health for the sustainable production of healthy food, protecting biodiversity, building climate resilience, and contributing to the European Green Deal objectives. The projects gather 314 participants from 32 countries and will deliver a wide variety of benefits for the restoration and protection of soil health by 2030.

The projects will be managed by the European Research Executive Agency (REA). More details on the projects, including budget and beneficiaries, can be found in the overview of projects and in the press release.

(For more information: Olof Gill – Tel.: +32 2 296 59 66; Sophie Dirven – Tel.: +32 2 296 72 28)

 

La deuxième édition des prix européens de l'agriculture biologique récompense huit gagnants de six pays de l'UE

La Commission a dévoilé aujourd'hui les huit lauréats de la deuxième édition des prix européens de l'agriculture biologique. Les lauréats de cette année sont des acteurs du secteur biologique européen qui représentent l'excellence tout au long de la chaîne de valeur biologique. Ils viennent d'Autriche, d'Allemagne, de Grèce, d'Irlande, du Portugal et d'Espagne. Cette événement marque également la célébration de la Journée européenne du bio lancée par le Parlement européen, le Conseil et la Commission européenne en 2021. L'agriculture biologique est l'une des réussites de l'agriculture européenne. Elle représente un secteur attrayant pour les agriculteurs de l'UE, car elle apporte des avantages environnementaux, économiques et sociaux. Clara Benito Pacheco, la lauréate du prix de la meilleure agricultrice biologique gère une exploitation de chèvre biologique extensive en Espagne, alimentée exclusivement par de l'herbe. Le pâturage libre de son troupeau écologique contribue à la biodiversité. Grâce aux technologies de clôtures virtuelles et à l'utilisation de colliers GPS, les animaux adultes peuvent pâturer librement car aucune clôture physique n'est plus nécessaire, contribuant ainsi à la séquestration du carbone dans les prairies. Thomas Moschos, le lauréat du prix du meilleur agriculteur biologique gère une exploitation d'élevage biologique spécialisée dans l'élevage ovin et la production de produits laitiers en Grèce. Il met en œuvre de nouvelles méthodes agricoles, améliorant les sols et la circularité, ce qui, en retour, entraîne une augmentation de la teneur en matières organiques et des rendements du sol.

De plus amples informations sont disponibles dans un article en ligne.

(Pour plus d'informations : Olof Gill – Tél.: +32 2 296 59 66; Sophie Dirven – Tél.: +32 2 296 72 28)

 

Protecting environment and health: Commission adopts measures to restrict intentionally added microplastics

Today, the Commission takes another major step to protect the environment by adopting measures that restrict intentionally added microplastics to products under the EU chemical legislation REACH. The new rules will prevent the release to the environment of about half a million tonnes of microplastics. They will prohibit the sale of microplastics as such, and of products to which microplastics have been intentionally added and that release those microplastics when used. When duly justified, derogations and transition periods for the affected parties to adjust to the new rules apply.

The adopted restriction uses a broad definition of microplastics – it covers all synthetic polymer particles below five millimetres that are organic, insoluble and resist degradation. The purpose is to reduce emissions of intentional microplastics from as many products as possible. Some examples of common products in the scope of the restriction are:

• The granular infill material used on artificial sport surfaces – the largest source of intentional microplastics in the environment;
• Cosmetics, where microplastics is used for multiple purposes, such as exfoliation (microbeads) or obtaining a specific texture, fragrance or colour;
• Detergents, fabric softeners, glitter, fertilisers, plant protection products, toys, medicines and medical devices, just to name a few.

Thierry Breton, Commissioner for Internal Market, said: This restriction contributes to the green transition of the EU industry and promotes innovative, microplastic-free products – from cosmetics to detergents to sport surfaces. EU citizens will gain access to safer and more sustainable products and the EU industry – especially SMEs – which invested in and developed such innovative products will be more competitive and resilient.

Virginijus Sinkevičius, Commissioner for Environment, Oceans and Fisheries said: Banning intentionally added microplastics addresses a serious concern for the environment and people's health.  Microplastics are found in the seas, rivers and on land, as well as in food and drinking water. Today's restriction concerns very small particles, but it is a big step towards reducing human-made pollution.

A press release and a Q&A are available online.

(For more information: Johannes Bahrke - Tel.: +32 2 295 86 15; Ana Martinez-Sanjurjo - Tel.: +32 2 296 30 66; Adalbert Jahnz – Tel.: +32 2 295 31 56; Daniela Stoycheva – Tel.: +32 2 295 36 64)

 

Pakistan: EU releases €1 million in humanitarian aid to respond to monsoon floods

The EU has released an additional €1 million in humanitarian aid to respond to the floods that have affected Pakistan in the past weeks, which have directly or indirectly affected some 900,000 people. The funding will help address the most pressing needs of vulnerable people in the provinces of Balochistan, Sindh, Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), as the areas hit the hardest. 

Commissioner for Crisis Management, Janez Lenarčič, said: “One year after the tragic floods that caused tremendous suffering in Pakistan, the EU remains committed to helping those most in need. As a new rain  season has again displaced thousands of people in parts of the country, this additional EU funding will help support vulnerable communities as they try to  recover their former lives.”

This allocation will be used to provide multi-sectoral humanitarian assistance to those who remain displaced, as well as those who have returned to their place of origin, given the level of damage to houses and key basic services such as water and sanitation or health. As the winter season approaches, multi-purpose cash assistance, shelter and non-food items will be prioritised. 

This new funding comes in addition to the €16.5 million already allocated in humanitarian assistance to Pakistan earlier this year, in order to assist the most vulnerable population affected by conflict and climate-induced disasters.  

(For more information: Balazs Ujvari - Tel.: +32 2 295 45 78; Jennifer Sanchez Da Silva - Tél : +32 2 295 83 16)

 

Éducation : les lauréats du Prix européen de l'enseignement innovant 2023 apportent de nouvelles idées pour les pratiques pédagogiques

Aujourd'hui, 93 projets ont reçu le Prix européen de l'enseignement innovant 2023, une initiative créée par la Commission. Ces 93 projets, récompensés dans plus de 30 pays de l'Union européenne et au-delà, couvrent un large éventail de sujets autour du thème de l'année « Éducation et innovation ». Ces projets couvrent notamment : l'utilisation innovante des technologies nouvelles et émergentes, l'intégration d'outils numériques dans les pratiques pédagogiques, l'utilisation des réalités virtuelles 3D, l'application de solutions mobiles dans l'éducation, et bien plus encore.

Les projets, sélectionnés par le réseau des agences nationales Erasmus+, ont été répartis en quatre catégories spécifiques : 15 projets dans la catégorie éducation et accueil de la petite enfance, 23 projets dans la catégorie enseignement primaire, 28 projets dans la catégorie enseignement secondaire et 27 projets dans la catégorie écoles d'enseignement et de formation professionnelle.

La présentation des projets lauréats sera interactive et disponible sur plusieurs plateformes, notamment le site Internet du Prix européen de l'enseignement innovant, les chaînes sociales Erasmus+, le portail de l'Espace européen de l'éducation, le portail de l'éducation des écoles européennes et les chaînes de l'Année européenne des compétences.

Les représentants des projets gagnants auront l'opportunité de partager des bonnes pratiques et de présenter leurs résultats à un public plus large lors d'un événement hybride qui aura lieu les 23 et 24 novembre à Bruxelles.

Vous pouvez suivre les dernières informations sur le Prix européen de l'enseignement innovant sur Facebook, Twitter ou Instagram.

(Pour plus d'informations : Johannes Bahrke - Tél.: +32 2 295 86 15; Flore Boutier – Tél.: +32 2 296 60 43)

 

Sport: Commission launches the 2023 European Week of Sport focusing on involvement, inclusion and innovation

On Saturday, the Commission officially opened the ninth edition of the European Week of Sport in Valencia, Spain. Every year from 23 to 30 September, the European Week of Sport promotes more active, healthier lifestyles to millions of people in Europe and beyond. The initiative allows sport organisations, enterprises, and experts to develop their strategies for increasing participation in sport-related activities, and for participants to celebrate sport in their communities.

The priorities and special messages of the 2023 European Week of Sport will focus on involvement, inclusion and innovation. These three “I”s reflect important pillars of sport, as well as the contemporary changes and directions our societies are going towards.

Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth, Iliana Ivanova said: “Physical activity, be it a swim, a walk, an active lunchbreak, or some exercise at the end of the day, can make a significant contribution to our health and wellbeing. This year, in the 9th edition of the European Week of Sport, we will build on the success and work of the previous editions to ensure that our passion for sport can be passed on to even more citizens.”

Since 2015, the European Week of Sport has helped tackle inactivity by encouraging Europeans to embrace a healthy and active lifestyle. The week is an invitation for everyone to #BeActive, regardless of age, social background, or fitness level.

In 2022, the European Week of Sport offered activities, contests and challenges taking place in 40 countries. The number of events achieved a total of 32,000 events and more than 13.2 million participants all over Europe and beyond. Find here an event close to where you live, and see how you can join the #BeActive community.

(For more information : Johannes Bahrke - Tel.: +32 2 295 86 15; Flore Boutier – Tel.: +32 2 296 60 43)

 

Mergers: Commission prohibits proposed acquisition of eTraveli by Booking

The European Commission has prohibited, under the EU Merger Regulation, the proposed acquisition of Flugo Group Holdings AB (‘eTraveli') by Booking Holdings (‘Booking'). The acquisition would have allowed Booking to strengthen its dominant position on the market for hotel online travel agencies (‘OTAs') in the European Economic Area (‘EEA'). Booking did not offer remedies that were sufficient to address these concerns.

Today's decision follows an in-depth investigation by the Commission of the transaction. The Commission found that the transaction would have strengthened Booking's dominant position in the hotel OTA market, leading to higher costs for hotels and, possibly, for consumers.

The Commission conducted an extensive analysis of the proposed commitments offered by Booking, including testing their efficacy with the relevant market participants. The feedback received indicates that the proposed remedies were not sufficiently comprehensive and effective and did not eliminate entirely the identified competition concerns.

Based on this, the Commission found that the remedies offered by Booking were not sufficient to address the competition concerns and to prevent the transaction's detrimental effect on competition. As a result, the Commission has decided to block the proposed transaction.

Commissioner Reynders, in charge of competition policy, said: “Europe is a world-leading tourism destination attracting millions of travellers every year. The travel industry plays a vital role for the local economy of many regions, cities, and rural areas. Booking's acquisition of eTraveli would strengthen Booking's dominant position in the online travel agencies market and likely lead to higher costs for hotels and, possibly, consumers. Our decision to block the merger means that European hotels and travellers will not be further limited in the options available to offer their services and book their trips. This also means that the drive for competitive prices and innovation will be preserved in this important part of the travel industry.”

A press release is available online.

(For more information: Arianna Podesta – Tel.: +32 2 298 70 24; Sara Simonini- Tel.: +32 2 298 33 67)

 

Mergers: Commission clears acquisition of Klöckner by SWOCTEM

The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of sole control of Klöckner & Co SE by SWOCTEM GmbH, both of Germany.

The transaction relates primarily to the distribution market of flat carbon steel products through steel service centres and to the market of enclosures.

The Commission concluded that the notified transaction would not raise competition concerns, given the companies' limited combined market position resulting from the proposed transaction. The notified 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.11114.

(For more information: Arianna Podesta – Tel.: +32 2 298 70 24; Marta Pérez-Cejuela – Tel.: +32 2 296 37 70)

 

Mergers: Commission clears acquisition of certain Liberty Global assets by Infosys

The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of sole control of certain IT assets, personnel and contracts, currently owned by Liberty Global of the UK, by Infosys of India.

The transaction relates primarily to IT outsourced services and platform services for connectivity and entertainment.

The Commission concluded that the notified transaction would not raise competition concerns, given the companies' limited combined market position resulting from the proposed transaction. The notified 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.11155.

(For more information: Arianna Podesta – Tel.: +32 2 298 70 24; Marta Pérez-Cejuela – Tel.: +32 2 296 37 70)

 

Concentrations : la Commission autorise l'acquisition de Coriance par Vauban et CDC

La Commission européenne a approuvé, en vertu du règlement européen sur les concentrations, l'acquisition du contrôle conjoint de Coriance Holding (« Coriance ») par Vauban Infrastructure Partners (« Vauban ») et la Caisse des dépôts et consignations (« CDC »), toutes trois basées en France.

La transaction concerne principalement la gestion de réseaux de chaleur et de froid en France et en Belgique.

La Commission a conclu que l'acquisition envisagée ne soulèverait pas de problème de concurrence car les chevauchements entre les activités des entreprises sont très limités.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.11192.

(Pour plus d'informations: Arianna Podesta – Tél.: +32 2 298 70 24; Marta Pérez-Cejuela – Tél.: +32 2 296 37 70)

 

Mergers: Commission clears acquisition of Dr. Schneider Group by Motherson Group

The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of sole control of Dr. Schneider Group's automotive business of Germany by Samvardhana Motherson Automotive Systems Group B.V. of the Netherlands, a subsidiary of Samvardhana Motherson International Limited (‘Motherson Group') of India.

The transaction relates primarily to the manufacture and supply of automotive components.

The Commission concluded that the notified transaction would not raise competition concerns, given the companies' limited combined market position resulting from the proposed transaction. The notified 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.11267.

(For more information: Arianna Podesta – Tel.: +32 2 298 70 24; Marta Pérez-Cejuela – Tel.: +32 2 296 37 70)

 

Mergers: Commission clears acquisition of LEB and LEK by EP Corporate Group

The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of sole control of Lausitz Energie Bergbau AG (‘LEB') and of Lausitz Energie Kraftwerke AG (‘LEK'), both of Germany, by EP Corporate Group, a.s. of Czechia.

The transaction relates primarily to the mining of lignite and the generation and supply of electricity.

The Commission concluded that the notified transaction would not raise competition concerns, given its limited impact on the European Economic Area. The notified 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.11242.

(For more information: Arianna Podesta – Tel.: +32 2 298 70 24; Marta Pérez-Cejuela – Tel.: +32 2 296 37 70)

 

Mergers: Commission clears creation of joint venture by Asahi Kasei and Mitsui Chemicals

The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the creation of a joint venture by Asahi Kasei Corp and Mitsui Chemicals Inc, all of Japan.

The transaction relates primarily to the sector of nonwoven textile fabric.

The Commission concluded that the notified transaction would not raise competition concerns, given that the joint venture has negligible activities in the European Economic Area and that the companies' combined market positions resulting from the proposed transaction are limited. The notified 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.11149.

(For more information: Arianna Podesta – Tel.: +32 2 298 70 24; Marta Pérez-Cejuela – Tel.: +32 2 296 37 70)

 

Gestion de la migration: le vice-président Schinas en Côte d'Ivoire, en Guinée et au Sénégal

Aujourd'hui, le vice-président Schinas a entamé une mission de sensibilisation en Afrique de l'Ouest, à commencer par la Côte d'Ivoire, la Guinée et le Sénégal, afin de discuter de la coopération régionale et bilatérale, notamment en matière de mobilité et de migration. Le vice-président Schinas est aujourd'hui à Abidjan, en Côte d'Ivoire, pour une série de réunions avec le Roi des N'Zima-Kotoko de Côte d'Ivoire, Awoula Tanoe Amon, le Premier ministre Patrick Achi, le ministre de l'intérieur et de la sécurité, Vagondo Diomandé, et d'autres membres du gouvernement. Plus tard aujourd'hui, il se rendra à Conakry, en Guinée, pour rencontrer le gouvernement de transition.

Demain, le vice-président Schinas se rendra à Dakar, au Sénégal, où il rencontrera le président Macky Sall, le Premier ministre Amadou Ba, la ministre de l'intérieur, Antoine Diome, et Annette Seck, ministre chargée des sénégalais à l'étranger.

Le vice-président conclura son programme par une visite sur place dans la division nationale de lutte contre la traite des êtres humains du Sénégal.

Cette mission de sensibilisation fait suite à l'annonce par la présidente von der Leyen d'un plan en 10 points pour Lampedusa en réponse à l'augmentation récente des arrivées irrégulières en Italie. L'objectif est également de renforcer la coopération avec les pays d'origine et de transit, en intensifiant les efforts communs pour lutter contre le trafic de migrants et prévenir les pertes de vies humaines en mer, tout en continuant à s'attaquer aux causes profondes de la migration grâce à des partenariats plus solides.

(Pour plus d'informations: Anitta Hipper — Tél.: + 32 2 298 56 91, Fiorella Belciu — Tél.: + 32 2 299 37 34)

 

 

 

Tentative agendas for forthcoming Commission meetings

Note that these items can be subject to changes.

 

Upcoming events of the European Commission

Eurostat press releases