Daily News 18 / 10 / 2023

Commission welcomes Solidarity Lanes Memorandum of Understanding between Romania and Ukraine

The European Commission welcomes the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of Romania and the Government of Ukraine which will further contribute to increasing the capacity of Solidarity Lanes, especially considering the damage caused to the transport infrastructure of Ukraine due to the Russian aggression. Romania has a pivotal role in the functioning of the Solidarity Lanes and is engaging constructively with all the parties concerned, including through the EU-Ukraine Solidarity Lanes Joint Coordination Platform. The Commission encourages such close cooperation between the EU Member States and Ukraine.

The Commission continues to support the implementation of EU-Ukraine Solidarity Lanes and the Ukrainian Action Plan in the export of Ukrainian cereals notably by facilitating cross-border links and transport operations.

Improved border crossing between Ukraine and Romania as covered by this Memorandum will serve not only the immediate import and export needs of Ukraine but will also firmly anchor it into the EU transport area. Financing is already available from the EU budget, the European Investment Bank (EIB) and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), while the future Ukraine Facility will further contribute to the reconstruction and development of Ukraine's transport infrastructure and its connections to the EU.

(For more information: Adalbert Jahnz – Tel.: +32 2 295 31 56; Deborah Almerge-Ruckert – Tel.: +32 2 298 79 86)

 

Deadline extension for Horizon Europe calls following Hamas' terrorist attacks across Israel

In light of the disruptions caused by the fallout of Hamas' terrorist attacks across Israel, the Commission has carefully assessed the challenges experienced by partner organisations in the region. These circumstances make it difficult to timely complete and submit proposals to some Horizon Europe calls with deadlines in the coming days and weeks.

In line with the EU's commitment to foster inclusivity and collaboration among the research community members, the Commission has decided for an exceptional extension of several Horizon Europe call cut-off dates, allowing more time to submit applications.

This extension is meant to provide extra time and assistance to help overcome difficulties individual applicants may be facing in the present context, without unduly delaying the implementation of Horizon Europe actions. The deadlines will be extended for several calls of the European Research Council and the European Innovation Council, for all applicants, irrespective of the country where the organisation is based.

Iliana Ivanova, Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth, said: “With this extension, we offer our support to those affected by the recent hostilities. Our research community believes in inclusivity, resilience, and collaboration, and we are devoted to ensuring that each organisation has equal chances. Our thoughts are with you, and we wish you safety and peace, above all.”

All eligible organisations are encouraged to take advantage of these extensions, allowing additional time for review, to make any necessary adjustments to their proposals, and thereby to ensure the successful submission of their applications.

More information is available here.

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

 

The Commission reports on three years of progress on the Security Union*

The Commission is adopting today the sixth progress report on the implementation of the EU Security Union Strategy for 2020-2025. Three years after its adoption, the report shows that the EU has made strong progress under all four pillars of the Strategy – delivering landmark legislation in everything from critical entities protection and enhancing cyber resilience, to combatting terrorism, organised crime and corruption. In the meantime, as the security threat landscape in Europe and our neighbourhood continues to evolve, the Strategy has continuously been adapted to respond to ongoing security challenges. The response to recent events involving an undersea gas pipeline and data cable in Estonia and Finland have demonstrated the progress made by the EU in preparedness, infrastructure resilience and sharing of information between Member States and the EU. The terrorist attacks in one of our schools in France and in the streets of Brussels in recent days are a stark reminder of the urgency of continuing to adapt and reinforce our security architecture.

The sixth progress report also outlines crucial legislative and non-legislative files proposed by the Commission for which more progress is needed before European elections in June 2024 and current parliamentary term coming to an end.  

The priority is to deliver on these outstanding files. This report also highlights areas where the Member States and EU agencies, whose responsibilities have developed over the past years, is essential to fully deliver on the Security Union Strategy.  

(For more information: Anitta Hipper - Tel.: +32 229 85691; Elettra Di Massa – Tel.: +32 229 82161)

 

L'UE lance une opération de pont aérien humanitaire pour le Niger pour pallier aux pénuries en approvisionnement médical

L'UE a lancé une nouvelle opération de pont aérien humanitaire pour le Niger, transportant des médicaments essentiels et des fournitures médicales vers la ville de Niamey. Ils seront utilisés pour renforcer la réponse humanitaire dans le pays, où les stocks de produits vitaux s'épuisent rapidement et où l'accès est sévèrement limité. 

À la suite du coup d'État du 26 juillet et des sanctions prises par la Communauté économique des États de l'Afrique de l'Ouest (CEDEAO) et l'Union économique et monétaire ouest-africaine (UEMOA), les partenaires humanitaires opérant au Niger ont connu des perturbations dans la chaîne d'approvisionnement en produits essentiels, tandis que la population locale a été confrontée à des hausses de prix considérables. Ce contexte difficile a creusé l'écart entre les besoins et la réponse disponible.

Pour atténuer cette situation, l'UE organise un pont aérien humanitaire composé de quatre vols, transportant un total de 58 tonnes de fournitures sanitaires essentielles. Le premier vol est arrivé à Niamey. 

Le commissaire chargé de la gestion des crises, Janez Lenarčič, a déclaré : « L'UE reste pleinement engagée dans l'assistance aux plus vulnérables au Niger. Répondant à l'appel de nos partenaires sur le terrain, nous lançons un pont aérien humanitaire transportant des fournitures vitales vers Niamey, pour les aider à assurer une assistance médicale aux Nigériens dans le besoin. Combiné aux 36,6 millions d'euros d'aide humanitaire alloués par la Commission européenne, ce pont aérien humanitaire permettra d'atteindre le plus grand nombre de personnes possible. »

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

 

La Commission adopte ses procédures d'infraction du mois de octobre *

Afin d'aider les citoyens et les entreprises à profiter pleinement des avantages qu'offre l'Union Européenne, la Commission dialogue de façon permanente avec les États membres dans le but de s'assurer du respect du droit de l'Union et d'ouvrir des procédures d'infraction à l'égard des pays membres en cas de non-respect de ses règles.

Les décisions prises aujourd'hui, dans le cadre de ce paquet d'infraction, incluent 17 lettres de mise en demeure et 16 avis motivés. Enfin, la Commission décide de clôturer 58 dossiers dans lesquels les États membres concernés, en coopération avec la Commission, ont mis fin à une infraction et assuré le respect du droit de l'Union.

Le résumé des principales décisions et les références des communiqués de presse correspondants sont disponibles ici. Les principaux aspects des procédures d'infraction sont décrits ici.

(Pour plus d'informations : Arianna Podesta – Tél.: +32 2 298 70 24; Kristyna Eeckels – Tél. : +32 2 295 10 65)

 

Commission approves €25.6 million Irish State aid scheme to support the fishery sector in the context of Brexit

The European Commission has approved, under EU State aid rules, a €25.6 million Irish scheme to support the fishery sector affected by the effects of the withdrawal of the UK from the EU.

The aim of the scheme is to compensate owners of certain Irish-registered vessels for losses of turnover experienced in 2021 and 2022 because of reduced mackerel quota following Brexit. The aid will take the form of direct grants. The scheme will run until 31 December 2023.

The measure is planned to be financed under the Brexit Adjustment Reserve, established to mitigate the economic and social impact of Brexit, subject to approval under the specific provisions governing funding from that instrument.

The Commission has assessed the scheme under Article 107(3)(c) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, which allows Member States to support the development of certain economic activities or regions under certain conditions, and under the  Guidelines for State aid in the fishery and aquaculture sector. The Commission found that the scheme facilitates the economic activity of fishing at sea in line with the Common Fisheries Policy objectives, increases sustainability and does not adversely affect trading conditions to an extent contrary to the common interest. On this basis, the Commission approved the Irish scheme under EU State aid rules.

The non-confidential version of the decision will be made available under the case number SA.108080 in the State aid register on the Commission's competition website once any confidentiality issues have been resolved.

(For more information: Lea Zuber– Tel.: +32 2 295 62 98; Nina Ferreira - Tel.: +32 2 299 81 63)

 

Commission approves €16 million Belgian State aid scheme to support the fishery sector in the context of Brexit

The European Commission has approved, under EU State aid rules, a €16 million scheme to support the Flemish fishery sector affected by the effects of the withdrawal of the UK from the EU.

The aim of the scheme is to compensate owners of Belgian-registered fishing vessels for income losses and additional costs related to the Brexit induced fish quota reductions, lack of access to UK waters and landing fish in alternative ports following Brexit. The maximum amount of aid per beneficiary will be equal to €200,000 in the small fleet segment and €500,000 in the large fleet segment. The scheme will run until 31 December 2023.

The measure is planned to be financed under the Brexit Adjustment Reserve, established to mitigate the economic and social impact of Brexit, subject to approval under the specific provisions governing funding from that instrument.

The Commission has assessed the scheme under Article 107(3)(c) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, which allows Member States to support the development of certain economic activities or regions under certain conditions, and under the  Guidelines for State aid in the fishery and aquaculture sector. The Commission found that the scheme facilitates the development of the economic activity of fishing at sea in line with the Common Fisheries Policy objectives and does not adversely affect trading conditions to an extent contrary to the common interest. On this basis, the Commission approved the Belgian scheme under EU State aid rules.

The non-confidential version of the decision will be made available under the case number SA.109114 in the State aid register on the Commission's competition website once any confidentiality issues have been resolved.

(For more information: Lea Zuber– Tel.: +32 2 295 62 98; Nina Ferreira - Tel.: +32 2 299 81 63)

 

Commission approves €7 million Irish State aid scheme to compensate fish processing sector in the context of Brexit

The European Commission has approved, under EU State aid rules, a €7 million Irish scheme to support the fish processing sector affected by the effects of the withdrawal of the UK from the EU.

The aim of the scheme is to compensate fish processing companies for the loss of turnover experienced in 2021 due to (i) reduced supply of fish directly impacted by quota reductions following Brexit and (ii) increased operational costs for logistics and administration associated with Brexit. The aid will take the form of direct grants and be set at a maximum of 35 % of the first €500,000 of turnover losses and 20 % of the remaining balance of losses. The maximum aid amount per beneficiary will be equal to €300,000. The scheme will run until 31 December 2023.

The measure is planned to be financed under the Brexit Adjustment Reserve, established to mitigate the economic and social impact of Brexit, subject to approval under the specific provisions governing funding from that instrument.

The Commission assessed the scheme under Article 107(3)(c) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, which allows Member States to support the development of certain economic activities or regions under certain conditions, and under the Guidelines for State aid in the fishery and aquaculture sector. The Commission found that the scheme facilitates the development of an economic activity and does not adversely affect trading conditions to an extent contrary to the common interest. On this basis, the Commission approved the Irish scheme under EU State aid rules.

The non-confidential version of the decision will be made available under the case number SA.108134 in the State aid register on the Commission's competition website once any confidentiality issues have been resolved.

(For more information: Lea Zuber– Tel.: +32 2 295 62 98; Nina Ferreira - Tel.: +32 2 299 81 63)

 

Commission approves €100 million Austrian State aid scheme to support companies facing increased energy costs in the context of Russia's war against Ukraine

The European Commission has approved a €100 million Austrian scheme to support small and medium-sized enterprises (‘SMEs') 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 guarantees on new loans from credit institutions to SMEs to finance the exceptionally high costs of electricity and gas incurred during 2023 due to the current crisis.

The Commission found that the Austrian scheme is in line with the conditions set out in the Temporary Crisis and Transition Framework. In particular, (i) public guarantees are provided on new loans; (ii) the maximum loan amount per beneficiary respects the conditions set out in the Temporary Crisis and Transition Framework; (iii) the duration of the guarantees is limited to a maximum of 5 years; and (iv) the guarantees will be granted no later than 31 December 2023.

The Commission concluded that the Austrian 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 aid measure 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.108877 in the State aid register on the Commission's competition website once any confidentiality issues have been resolved.

(For more information: Lea Zuber– Tel.: +32 2 295 62 98; Nina Ferreira - Tel.: +32 2 299 81 63)

 

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

 

Le commissaire Thierry Breton se rend en France pour échanger sur la décarbonisation de l'industrie chimique européenne

Aujourd'hui, le Commissaire Breton, en charge du marché intérieur, visite les installations de l'entreprise Arkema, groupe chimique français, à Carling (Moselle). L'usine de Carling emploie directement 380 salariés et est l'une des principales usines d'acrylique en Europe. Cette visite a pour but d'échanger sur l'état de l'industrie chimique européenne, et notamment des efforts de décarbonation de ce secteur. Le 27 septembre dernier, l'entreprise annonçait un investissement de 130 millions d'euros pour décarboner la production d'acryliques sur son site mosellois. Ce projet a bénéficié du soutien de l'État français dans le cadre du programme France 2030, opéré par l'ADEME, et financé par NextGenerationEU.

L'accroissement de la production de technologies propres est une priorité pour l'UE. Le règlement pour une industrie « zéro net », présenté par la Commission en mars 2023, et découlant du plan industriel du pacte vert pour l'Europe, poursuit cet objectif. Il convient pour cela d'augmenter la capacité de l'UE à produire des technologies qui soutiennent la transition vers une énergie propre et dont le fonctionnement entraine des émissions de gaz à effet de serre extrêmement faibles ou nulles, voire négatives.

(Pour plus d'informations : Johanna Bernsel – Tél. : +32 2 298 66 99 ; Ana Martínez Sanjurjo – Tél. : +32 2 296 30 66)

 

Vice-President Schinas, Commissioners Reynders and Johansson to attend the Justice and Home Affairs Council on 19 and 20 October

Tomorrow, Vice-President for Promoting our European Way of Life, Margaritis Schinas and Commissioner for Home Affairs, Ylva Johansson, will participate in the meeting of EU Home Affairs Ministers that will take place in Luxembourg. In the morning, together with Ministers of Schengen Associated countries, Home Affairs Ministers will discuss the state of the Schengen area, exchange views on fighting cross-border crime, including migrant smuggling, and the implementation of interoperability of EU information systems. Commissioner Johansson will present the EU Roadmap to fight drug trafficking and organised crime adopted today. The lunchtime discussion will focus on the implications of the situation in Israel and the region for the EU's internal security. In the afternoon, the Ministers will discuss the state of play of legislation to prevent and combat child sexual abuse and will exchange views on preventing the online radicalisation of minors. The ministers will also discuss the progress on the New Pact on Migration and Asylum, the external dimension of migration and the amendment to the EU Civil Protection Mechanism regarding equipment to fight forest fires. A press conference with Commissioner Johansson and Spanish Minister of the Interior, Fernando Grande-Marlaska Gómez representing the Presidency of the Council will take place at +/- 17:45 CEST and will be transmitted live on EbS.

On Friday, Commissioner for Justice, Didier Reynders will participate in the meeting of Justice Ministers. Ministers will debate proposed measures to harmonise certain aspects of insolvency law, an important step towards completing the Capital Markets Union. They will also take stock of their ongoing work to assume accountability for crimes committed in connection with Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine. Discussions will focus on tackling organised crime, particularly with respect to judicial cooperation with Latin America.  Commissioner Reynders will provide an update on EU-U.S. negotiations on access to e-evidence. Ministers are also expected to approve Conclusions on digital empowerment and fundamental rights. The working lunch will focus on improving the efficiency and quality of national justice systems. A press conference with Commissioner Reynders and Spanish Minister for Justice Pilar Llop Cuencca will take place at +/-15:30 CEST and will be live on EbS.

(For more information: Anitta Hipper - Tel.: +32 2 298 56 91, Christian Wigand - Tel.: +32 2 296 22 53; Yuliya Matsyk – Tel.: +32 2 291 31 73)

 

Commissioners Urpilainen and Simson travel to Nigeria to strengthen bilateral and regional partnership and launch digital, energy and connectivity programmes 

From 18 to 20 October, Commissioner for International Partnerships, Jutta Urpilainen, and Commissioner for Energy, Kadri Simson, will be in Nigeria to boost the EU-Nigeria partnership.  

The visit will be an opportunity to deepen the bilateral partnership, discuss regional priorities ahead of the upcoming European Union – African Union Ministerial on 20 November 2023 and launch the Global Gateway campaign in Nigeria, as well as several digital, energy and connectivity programmes part of it.  

The Commissioners will meet with their Nigerian counterparts as well as with several representatives of ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States), including the President of the ECOWAS Commission, Omar Touray, to discuss the regional context and broader geopolitics and also sign a number of financing agreements.

More specifically, on 19 October, Commissioners Urpilainen and Simson will hold a joint strategic dialogue with the Nigerian Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Abubakar Bagudu, and other relevant ministerial counterparts to discuss EU-Nigeria cooperation and tangible deliverables under the EU's Global Gateway strategy, the EU's positive offer for delivering trusted and sustainable connections with partner countries. They will also discuss matters related to peace and security, trade, investments and sustainable finance, energy, digital economy, innovation, science and technology and migration.  

During the visit, Commissioner Urpilainen will also hold exchanges with young people in the context of the expected launch of the Education and Youth Empowerment project for Western Nigeria. Together with Commissioner Simson, they will meet opinion leaders, Tony Elumelu, and other private sector representatives and the Nigerian Youth Sounding Board. 

On 19 October, Commissioner Simson will meet with the Nigerian President's Special Adviser on Energy, Olu Verheijen, and visit the ECOWAS Energy Information System. She will also visit the N-LNG facilities on the Bonny Island on 20 October.

Audiovisual coverage of the visit and meetings will be available on EbS.

(For more information: Ana Pisonero – Tel. +32 2 295 43 20; Tim McPhie – Tel.: +32 2 295 86 02;)

 

Commissioner Schmit to attend conference and sign tripartite statement on the European Year of Skills to implement effective skills policies

Commissioner for Jobs and Social Rights, Nicolas Schmit, travels to Barcelona on Thursday to attend the conference ‘Active labour market policies, pillar of the European Year of Skills', organised by the Spanish Presidency of the Council.

Participants include representatives of the EU and national governments, as well as of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the International Labour Organization (ILO), the European Network of Public Employment Services, social partners, and companies. They will discuss and analyse current labour market changes and their impact on skills requirements, as well as measures that businesses, social partners and public employment services can take to tackle labour shortages and skills mismatches in Europe.

On Thursday morning, Commissioner Schmit will open the conference with a speech highlighting the importance of smart active labour market policies. Later, social partners, the Commission, the Spanish Presidency of the Council of the EU, as well as representatives of the Swedish and the Belgian governments are expected to sign a tripartite statement on the European Year of Skills, committing to implementing effective skills policies.

The conference can be followed via a livestream. A press conference with Commissioner Schmit and Spain's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Work and the Social Economy, Yolanda Diaz, is scheduled to take place at 12:00 CEST.

After the conference, Commissioner Schmit will meet with the Mayor of Barcelona, Jaume Collboni, and the President of the Catalan regional government, Pere Aragonès. The Commissioner will also visit a European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) co-funded vocational training project in Barcelona.

(For more information: Veerle Nuyts — Tel.: + 32 2 299 63 02; Flora Matthaes — Tel.: + 32 2 298 39 51)

 

 

 

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

 

* UPDATED on 18 October 2023 at 14:00 CEST