Daily News 26 / 09 / 2023

NextGenerationEU: Commission receives Slovakia's third payment request for an amount of €662 million in grants under the Recovery and Resilience Facility

The third payment, which is net of pre-financing, concerns 21 milestones and 6 targets. These cover a set of transformative reforms aimed at improving the legal framework for the promotion of renewables, boosting the green renovation of buildings, setting up an industry decarbonisation scheme and ensuring a more effective application of existing nature protection rules. The reforms also include the preparation of a strategy to guide the economy's digital transition, the launch of new calls to enhance the cooperation between academic researchers and private companies, and the improvement of the accessibility and quality of the education system, including pre-primary schools. The payment request covers important investments to create new Digital Innovation Hubs and to ensure the greening of the national police force vehicle fleet, by providing them with electric and hybrid vehicles.

Slovakia's overall plan will be financed by €6.4 billion in grants. Payments under the RRF are performance-based and contingent on Slovakia implementing the investments and reforms outlined in its recovery and resilience plan. The Commission will now assess the request and will then send its preliminary assessment of Slovakia's fulfilment of the milestones and target required for this payment to the Council's Economic and Financial Committee.

More information on the process of the payment requests under the RRF is available in this Q&A. More information on the Slovak recovery and resilience plan is available here.

(For more information: Veerle Nuyts – Tel.: +32 2 299 63 02; Tommaso Alberini - Tel: +32 2 295 70 10)

 

Sustainable transport: €7 billion available for key infrastructure projects under the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF)

Today the Commission launches a call for proposals under the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) for Transport. Over €7 billion is available for projects targeting new, upgraded and improved European transport infrastructure on the trans-European transport network (TEN-T), which involve  rail, inland waterways, maritime or inland ports, or roads. The projects selected for funding will help the EU deliver on its climate objectives.

Projects bolstering the EU-Ukraine Solidarity Lanes, set up to facilitate Ukraine's exports and imports, will also be eligible. For the first time, entities from Ukraine and Moldova can apply directly for EU funding with this call, since the signature of the CEF Association Agreements with the two countries earlier this year. 

Commissioner for Transport, Adina Vălean, said: “This call for proposals will be the largest in terms of available budget under the 2021-2027 Connecting Europe Facility. We are making available over €7 billion for projects that will support a smart and sustainable transport system, with a strong focus on cross-border projects between Member States. These challenging times have also reinforced the importance of having a strong transport network of railways, inland waterways and maritime routes which will increase our industry's competitiveness, bring citizens closer together, and anchor Ukraine and Moldova firmly into the EU.”  

Infrastructure projects funded under this call will improve safety and interoperability within the EU transport network. The call also covers projects improving the resilience of transport infrastructure against natural disasters. These investments will strengthen connectivity to bolster the competitiveness of the internal market for both passengers and freight, for higher quality of life and lower emissions.  

Applicants are invited to submit their proposals by 30 January 2024. Further information is available online.  

(For more information: Adalbert Jahnz – Tel.: +32 2 295 31 56; Giulia Bedini – Tel: +32 2 295 86 61)

 

La balance commerciale agroalimentaire de l'UE s'est encore améliorée en juin

Après que les échanges agroalimentaires de l'UE aient rebondi en mai, leur valeur a continué d'augmenter en juin, les importations ayant diminué et les exportations ayant légèrement augmenté, cela s'est traduit par une hausse de 30 % d'un mois à l'autre.

La balance commerciale de l'UE a atteint 32,9 milliards d'euros pour la période allant de janvier à juin 2023, soit 6,5 milliards d'euros de plus qu'entre janvier et juin 2022. Telles sont les principales conclusions du dernier rapport mensuel sur le commerce agroalimentaire publié aujourd'hui par la Commission européenne.

Les exportations agroalimentaires de l'UE se sont élevées à 19,6 milliards d'euros pour le mois de juin, tandis que les exportations cumulées au premier semestre de 2023 ont augmenté de 7 % par rapport à la même période en 2022, atteignant 115,3 milliards d'euros.

Les trois premières destinations des exportations agroalimentaires de l'UE entre janvier et juin de cette année étaient le Royaume-Uni, les États-Unis et la Chine. Les trois principaux pays d'origine des importations agroalimentaires de l'UE entre janvier et juin 2023 étaient le Brésil et le Royaume-Uni, suivis par l'Ukraine. De plus amples informations ainsi que des tableaux détaillés sont disponibles en ligne.

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

 

Digital Services Act: Commission launches Transparency Database

The Commission has launched the DSA Transparency Database, putting in action one of the many ground-breaking transparency features mandated by the DSA.

Under the DSA, all providers of hosting services are required to provide users with clear and specific information, so-called statements of reasons, whenever they remove or restrict access to certain content. The new database will collect these statements of reasons in accordance with Article 24(5) of the DSA. This makes  this database a first-of-its-kind regulatory repository, where data on content moderation decisions taken by providers of online platforms active in the EU are accessible to the general public at an unprecedented scale and granularity, enabling more online accountability.

Only Very Large Online Platforms (VLOPs) need to submit data to the database as part of their compliance with DSA already now. From 17 February 2024, all providers of online platforms, with the exception of micro and small enterprises, will have to submit data on their content moderation decisions.

Thanks to the Transparency Database users can view summary statistics (currently in beta version), search for specific statements of reasons, and download data. The Commission will add new analytics and visualisation features in the coming months and in the meantime welcomes any feedback on its current configuration. The source code of the database is publicly available on GitHub. Together with the Code of Practice on Disinformation, as well as further transparency enhancing measures under the DSA, the new database allows all users to act in a more informed manner on the spread of illegal and harmful content online.

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

 

Major online platforms report on first six months under the new Code of Practice on Disinformation

Today, the major online platforms which are signatories of the new Code of Practice  on Disinformation of 2022 (Google, Meta, Microsoft, TikTok) published new reports on how they turned their commitments to reduce the spread of disinformation into practice. Available to download on the Transparency Centre, the documents show further efforts by signatories to enhance transparency and provide relevant data. Having committed to report every six months, this is the first set of reporting that covers a full half-year period.

Věra Jourová, Vice-President for Values and Transparency, said: “Disinformation is still one of the greatest risks to the European democratic information space, including that related to Russia's war in Ukraine and elections. As Europeans will prepare to head to polling stations in 2024, all actors must do their part in fighting online disinformation and foreign interference to protect our online debate. The Code proves to be a useful exercise, but we all have to do more. I call for the platforms' full engagement in applying the commitments they took under the Code to help ensure resilience of democracy.”

Thierry Breton, Commissioner for Internal Market, added: “Integrity of election is one of our priorities for the enforcement of the Digital Services Act, as we are entering a period of elections in Europe. In this exercise we are building on our internal expertise, developed over the years also thanks to the experience with the Code of Practice on Disinformation. The reports published today provide important insights on how platforms are fighting online disinformation and will inform our assessment of the measures VLOPs put in place to comply with the DSA.” 

The reports show that platforms are making improvements in providing more granular and insightful data, closing some data gaps. However, further efforts are needed to provide more targeted, complete, and meaningful data. Additionally, signatories reported about their efforts to provide safeguards regarding new generative AI systems and features on their services. The reports also include a dedicated chapter on Ukraine-related disinformation. The next set, expected early 2024, will feature a specific chapter on countering disinformation around elections.

The reports are accompanied by a new initial set of Structural Indicators, providing additional insights into disinformation on online platforms and the Code's impact in reducing its spread. The Commission expects signatories to continue their work by expanding and fine-tuning reporting in the future.

More information is available here. The press statement of Vice-President Jourova on the meeting with the Code of Practice on Disinformation Signatories is here.

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

 

Le Mois européen de la cybersécurité met l'accent sur « l'ingénierie sociale »

Octobre est le Mois européen de la cybersécurité. Cette année marque la 11ème édition de la campagne annuelle de l'UE consacrée à la promotion de la cybersécurité auprès des citoyens et organisations de l'UE, et à la diffusion d'informations actualisées sur la sécurité en ligne grâce à la sensibilisation et au partage de bonnes pratiques. Aujourd'hui, un débat sur la préparation à la lutte contre les menaces en matière de cybersécurité donne le coup d'envoi de la campagne au Parlement européen.

La campagne de cette année porte sur « l'ingénierie sociale », un phénomène croissant dans lequel des fraudeurs tentent de manipuler les internautes pour qu'ils effectuent des actions en ligne ou fournissent des informations sensibles et/ou personnelles qui sont ensuite utilisées à des fins malveillantes. L'étude Threat Landscape publiée par l'Agence de l'Union européenne pour la cybersécurité (ENISA) révèle que le phishing est devenu la menace la plus courante pour accéder à une organisation. Une fois que les attaquants ont accès à l'intérieur d'une organisation, d'autres attaques peuvent être menées, comme des ransomware.

Margaritis Schinas, vice-président chargé de la promotion de notre mode de vie européen, a déclaré: «Le Mois européen de la cybersécurité vise à nous sensibiliser à la cybersécurité et à nous mettre au courant des cybermenaces. Cela nous rappelle que nous pouvons facilement renforcer notre propre cybersécurité en adoptant de bonnes habitudes numériques. En étant vigilants contre les fraudeurs, nous pouvons rester en sécurité. »

Thierry Breton, commissaire chargé du marché intérieur, a ajouté : « Les fraudeurs font preuve de plus de créativité dans leurs méthodes d'attaque contre les individus et les organisations. Il est donc essentiel de rester attentif aux nouvelles technologies et de prendre très au sérieux notre sécurité en ligne. Les cybermenaces évoluent à un rythme rapide et le comportement des citoyens peut jouer un rôle fondamental dans la façon dont nous préservons notre cybersécurité – c'est notre responsabilité partagée. »

Le Mois européen de la cybersécurité est organisé par l'ENISA, la Commission et les États membres de l'UE, avec des événements qui se déroulent dans toute l'Europe tout au long du mois d'octobre. Au cours du mois, la documentation promotionnelle la plus réussie et la plus innovante produite par les États membres de l'UE au fil des années sera également mise en avant. Les gagnants de cette année ainsi que de plus amples informations sur les événements dans les différents États membres sont disponibles ici.

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

 

Nagorno-Karabakh: EU provides €5 million in humanitarian aid

The EU is boosting its humanitarian funding with €5 million in response to the increasing needs resulting from the Nagorno-Karabakh crisis. The conflict escalation and subsequent ceasefire is expected to trigger a mass exodus of people from Nagorno-Karabakh to Armenia, with approximately 13 500 refugees having crossed the border already. At the same time, there is a major food shortage and lack of access to electricity and water within the Nagorno-Karabakh enclave.

The €5 million humanitarian funding includes €500 000 of emergency support of emergency support announced last week and €4.5 million new funding, which will assist people displaced from Nagorno-Karabakh to Armenia and vulnerable people inside Nagorno-Karabakh.

Commissioner for Crisis Management, Janez Lenarčič, stated: “We must be prepared to support the thousands who have fled Nagorno Karabakh, especially as the upcoming winter is likely to expose the refugees to additional challenges. The EU is drastically stepping up its humanitarian aid in the region to provide emergency relief to people in need, both within the Nagorno Karabakh enclave, and to people now displaced in Armenia. The EU is committed to coordinate humanitarian efforts on the ground to assist the people affected by this conflict.”

Including the new funding announced today, the European Commission has provided more than €25.8 million in humanitarian aid since the conflict escalation in Nagorno-Karabakh in 2020. At the outbreak of the 2020 conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh, the Commission promptly responded with €6.9 million in humanitarian support to address the needs of the most vulnerable among the civilians directly affected by the hostilities. More information is available in the press release published online here.

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

 

Lutte contre la pêche illicite : la Commission identifie Trinité-et-Tobago comme pays non-coopérant

La Commission a décidé hier de désigner la République de Trinité-et-Tobago comme pays ne coopérant pas en faveur de la lutte contre la pêche illicite, non déclarée et non réglementée (INN), en lui attribuant un «carton rouge».

L'inscription du pays sur la liste fait suite à l'absence de progrès dans la résolution des graves lacunes décrites dans la décision de désignation préalable de Trinité-et-Tobago en tant que pays non coopérant, adoptée en avril 2016. Malgré le soutien apporté par l'UE à Trinité-et-Tobago dans le cadre du dialogue sur la pêche INN, tant en ce qui concerne la révision du cadre juridique que le suivi, le contrôle et la surveillance, le pays n'a pas accompli de progrès suffisants pour satisfaire aux exigences de la législation INN.

La décision prise hier se fonde sur le règlement de l'UE relatif à la pêche INN, qui prévoit un cadre de coopération avec les pays afin de lutter contre la pêche INN, et garantit que seuls les produits de la pêche capturés légalement puissent accéder au marché de l'UE.

Pour plus d'informations, voir le communiqué de presse et les questions-réponses.

(Pour plus d'informations : Adalbert Jahnz - Tél : +32 2 295 31 56 ; Maëlys Dreux - Tél : +32 2 295 46 73)

 

Union européenne de la santé : la Commission salue l'accord politique sur les redevances de l'Agence européenne des médicaments

La Commission salue l'accord politique conclu entre le Parlement européen et le Conseil de l'UE hier sur le règlement relatif aux redevances perçues par l'Agence européenne des médicaments (EMA). Les nouvelles règles, proposées par la Commission en décembre 2022, garantiront que ces redevances reflètent mieux le travail que fournit l'EMA en matière d'évaluation de la qualité, de l'innocuité et de l'efficacité des médicaments avant leur autorisation dans l'UE, pour permettre à l'Agence de continuer à mettre son excellence scientifique au service de l'évaluation et de la surveillance des médicaments à usage humain et vétérinaire. En outre, les redevances couvriront plus adéquatement l'importante contribution scientifique des autorités des États membres à ce processus.

Lorsque des entreprises demandent une autorisation de mise sur le marché d'un médicament, elles versent une redevance à l'EMA pour l'évaluation scientifique rigoureuse de l'agence. Cette redevance comprend la compensation que l'EMA verse aux autorités nationales participant au processus d'évaluation.

L'accord conclu aujourd'hui simplifie la structure de redevances de l'EMA de sorte que les redevances reflètent mieux tous les coûts associés et que les montants versés aux autorités nationales soient plus transparents. Les nouvelles règles introduisent également un mécanisme de suivi des coûts et une certaine flexibilité permettant d'adapter les redevances en cas d'évolution importante des coûts sous-jacents. Les spécificités du secteur pharmaceutique vétérinaire sont aussi prises en compte grâce à l'inclusion de réductions ciblées des redevances visant à promouvoir la disponibilité des médicaments vétérinaires.

De plus amples informations sont disponibles dans le communiqué de presse.

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

 

Mergers: Commission clears acquisition of Chacrim Directorship by AP and Fremman

The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of sole control of Chacrim Directorship, S.L. of Spain by Apax Partners LLP (‘AP') and Fremman Partners Limited (‘Fremman'), both of the UK.

The transaction relates primarily to the sector of medical supplies' distribution in Spain, Italy and Portugal.

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 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.11260.

(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 Doppler Energie by ORLEN

The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of sole control of Doppler Energie GmbH of Austria by ORLEN S.A. of Poland. 

The transaction relates primarily to the wholesale and retail sale of motor fuels and automotive lubricants.

The Commission concluded that the notified transaction would not raise competition concerns, given the companies' limited combined market positions 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.11240.

(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 KKCG and Rockaway

The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the creation of a joint venture by KKCG and Rockaway, all of Czechia.

The transaction relates primarily to the sector of real estate development.

The Commission concluded that the notified transaction would not raise competition concerns, given the limited impact on the European Economic Area and that the companies are not active in the same or vertically related markets. 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.11037.

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

 

European Day of Languages celebrates language teachers and linguistic diversity

Today is the 2023 European Day of Languages (EDL), an annual opportunity to raise awareness about language learning and linguistic diversity, with a special focus on the role of language teachers.

Many language and cultural institutes, associations, universities and schools will take part in more than 70 local and national events organised throughout the EU.

The day will be opened with an online conference at 12:00 CEST on teaching language skills in which Commissioner for Budget and Administration Johannes Hahn will deliver a speech. It will be followed by a panel discussion with on multilingualism, EU's tools to help language teachers develop new skills, gather new ideas and make use of all the resources available, notably through Erasmus + and the European School Education Platform. Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth, Iliana Ivanova, said: “The European Day of Languages showcases Europe's commitment to multilingualism. This is a great opportunity to show how the European Commission and the Erasmus+ programme support innovation and excellence in language teaching and learning. Languages are a skill for life and at the heart of building the European Education Area.” Commissioner for Budget and Administration, Johannes Hahn, added: “Knowing other languages offers a window to other cultures, other civilisations, other ways of thinking, bringing respect of diversity, understanding and creativity. This is at the very heart of the European project and of the Commission as a public service. I applaud language teachers: they teach our children invaluable skills. By instilling a love for languages in young people, they contribute to a better future for Europe. Language skills have also become an indispensable tool for career development in a more and more interconnected world.” Check out the list of  #EDLangs events to see what is happening in your country. Since 2001, the Commission and the Council of Europe organise the EDL to raise awareness of the wide variety of languages in Europe; promote cultural heritage & linguistic diversity; encourage people of all ages to learn languages; promote translation, interpretation, other language-related professions.

(For more information: Johannes Bahrke - Tel.: +32 2 295 86 15 ; Balazs Ujvari - Tel.: +32 2 295 45 78;  Flore Boutier – Tel.: +32 2 296 60 43; Veronica Favalli – Tel.: +32 2 298 72 69)

 

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

 

Ukraine: EU and Norway host high-level meeting to improve effectiveness of humanitarian aid

Today, the EU is hosting a high-level humanitarian meeting in Oslo. Bringing together key humanitarian partners, donors and institutions operating in Ukraine, the meeting will focus on how to improve the effectiveness of humanitarian aid for the most vulnerable affected by the war. The EU as a major donor in Ukraine has been leading the coordination efforts on humanitarian response in the country.

Commissioner for Crisis Management, Janez Lenarčič, is participating at the meeting, where he will highlight the importance of sustaining humanitarian funding, partnership with local actors, humanitarian mine action, and the articulation between humanitarian aid and recovery. During his mission, the Commissioner will also hold bilateral meetings with Norwegian Foreign Minister Anniken Huitfeldt and Norwegian Minister of Justice and Public Security Emilie Enger Mehl.

Stressing the relevance to bring together humanitarian organisations ahead of the upcoming winter, Commissioner Lenarčič said: “We are in the second year of this horrendous war that keeps bringing suffering to the Ukrainian people. As a leading humanitarian donor in Ukraine, the EU has invited key humanitarian stakeholders to discuss the most pressing needs of Ukrainian people. Last year we witnessed how the harsh winter conditions affected the people as Russia relentlessly attacked Ukraine's energy infrastructure. With our partners we are already preparing for another difficult winter. Today here in Oslo I also want to recognise Norway – not only for hosting this meeting with us but for being one of the EU's key partner in providing aid to Ukraine. Norway's expertise and support has been crucial in establishing a smooth and coordinated medical evacuations scheme for Ukrainian patients whose access to medical treatment has been put at risk by Russia's invasion. Together, we are saving lives.”

Norway has been a crucial partner for the EU in providing medical emergency assistance to Ukraine. Notably, Norway is supporting the EU's medical evacuations scheme with pre-planned flights from the EU's MedEvac Hub in Rzeszow to destinations across Europe. More than 2,600 Ukrainian patients, approximately 40% transported by Norway, have been transferred for treatment to hospitals in 22 European countries. The medical evacuations of Ukrainian patients will continue given the immense medical needs.

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

 

 

 

Liste des points prévus à l'ordre du jour des prochaines réunions de la Commission

Veuillez noter que ces informations sont données sous réserve de modifications.

 

Prochains événements de la Commission européenne

Eurostat: communiqués de presse