Daily News 14 / 12 / 2023

La Commission verse des préfinancements REPowerEU à l'Estonie, à la France, à Malte, à la Slovaquie et à la Slovénie au titre de la facilité pour la reprise et la résilience

Hier, la Commission a versé 18 millions d'euros à l'Estonie, 14 millions d'euros à Malte, 80,5 millions d'euros à la Slovaquie, et 24,4 millions d'euros à la Slovénie, ainsi que 564,3 millions d'euros à la France le 7 décembre 2023 sous forme de préfinancements liés aux fonds REPowerEU au titre de la facilité pour la reprise et la résilience (FRR). Ces préfinancements contribueront à donner un coup d'accélérateur à la mise en œuvre des mesures essentielles d'investissement et de réforme décrites dans chaque chapitre REPowerEU.

Ceci contribuera à l'accélération de la réalisation des objectifs du plan REPowerEU consistant à économiser l'énergie, à produire de l'énergie propre et à diversifier les approvisionnements énergétiques, afin d'accélérer la transition écologique et de rendre l'UE indépendante des combustibles fossiles russes.

Les décaissements effectués font suite à l'approbation par le Conseil du plan révisé de chaque pays, qui comprend un chapitre REPowerEU, ainsi que la signature d'accords financiers. Les préfinancements, versés en deux étapes, représentent jusqu'à 20 % des fonds supplémentaires demandés pour financer le chapitre REPowerEU de chaque pays. Après le versement de la première partie du préfinancement, la deuxième partie doit être versée endéans les 12 mois suivant la signature de la convention de financement.

De plus amples informations sur les mesures incluses dans les chapitres REPowerEU des plans de l'Estonie,  Malte, la Slovaquie, la Slovénie, et la France sont disponibles en ligne. Pour de plus amples informations sur REPowerEU et son lien avec la FRR, veuillez consulter ce document questions-réponses.

(Pour plus d'informations : Veerle Nuyts — Tél.: + 32 2 29 96302; Saul Goulding — Tél: + 32 229-64735; Marajke Slomka — Tél.: + 32 229-82613)

 

Commission sends request for information to Apple and Google under the Digital Services Act

Today, the European Commission formally sent requests for information under the Digital Services Act (DSA) to Apple and Google. The Commission is requesting the providers of these services to provide more information on how they have diligently identified any systemic risks concerning the App Store and Google Play. In order to ensure more safety for users, the Commission also seeks more information from the App Store and Google Play on their compliance with the rules applicable to online marketplaces and to transparency related to recommender systems and online advertisements.

The requested information regarding the App Store and Google Play must be provided to the Commission by 15 January 2024. Based on the assessment of the replies, the Commission will assess next steps. This could entail the formal opening of proceedings pursuant to Article 66 of the DSA.

Pursuant to Article 74(2) of the DSA, the Commission can impose fines for incorrect, incomplete, or misleading information in response to a request for information. In case of failure to reply by Apple and Google, the Commission may decide to request the information by decision. In this case, failure to reply by the deadline could lead to the imposition of periodic penalty payments.

Following their designation as Very Large Online Platforms, Google's ‘Google Play' and Apple's ‘App Store' are required to comply with the DSA, including the diligent assessment and mitigation of any systemic risks relevant to their services, in particular those related to the dissemination of illegal and harmful content, any negative effects on the exercise of fundamental rights, as well as any negative effect on public security, public health, and minors.

(For more information: Johannes Bahrke - Tel: +32 2 295 86 15; Thomas Regnier - Tel: +32 2 291 33 91)

 

EU to invest more than €760 million in digital transition and cybersecurity

Today, the Commission has adopted the amendment of the Digital Europe work programmes for 2024, assigning €762.7 million in funding for digital solutions to benefit citizens, public administrations, and businesses.

Firstly, the amended main work programme with a 2024 budget of nearly €549 million will focus on deploying projects that use digital technologies such as data, cloud, and advanced digital skills. The work programme will roll out support for the smooth implementation of Digital Decade multi-country projects including opportunities for European Digital Infrastructure Consortia (EDICs). New actions will support the implementation of the AI Act and the development of a European AI ecosystem, including in particular SMEs.

The Commission has earmarked the remaining €214 million for 2024 for cybersecurity, to enhance the EU's collective resilience against cyber threats. The actions funded by this work programme will be implemented by the European Cybersecurity Competence Centre.

Executive Vice-President Margrethe Vestager said: “The Digital Europe Programme is key for pooling EU and national funding to achieve ambitious digital projects that no Member State can do alone. It is crucial that Europe continues to support our digital decade targets with enhanced focus on digital skills, excellence in artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity.”

Commissioner Thierry Breton said: “The Digital Europe Programme drives Europe's leadership and sovereignty in digital technologies. It will build on the recent agreement on the EU AI Act and boost the development of a thriving European AI start-up ecosystem. It will also allow us to jointly scale up our capabilities in cloud, data and cybersecurity, including necessary digital skills.”

The first calls for the Digital Europe Programme will be published in early 2024, with more to come in spring. You will find more information on the Work Programmes here and on how to get funding here.

(For more information: Johannes Bahrke – Tel.: +32 229 58615; Roberta Verbanac – Tel.: +32 229 82498)

 

The Commission welcomes the agreement on the reform of the EU's electricity market design

The Commission welcomes the provisional agreement reached today by the European Parliament and the Council on the reform of the EU's electricity market design.

This deal will help the EU build a renewables-based energy system, lower energy bills and better protect consumers from price spikes and empower them to benefit from the transition. It will ensure a sustainable and independent energy supply to the EU, in line with the European Green Deal  and the REPowerEU Plan. This reform, which was proposed by the Commission as part of the Green Deal Industrial Plan, will also make the European industry cleaner and more competitive thanks to better access to affordable renewable, non-fossil energy.

The reform provisionally agreed today by the EU co-legislators features revisions to several pieces of EU legislation – notably, the Electricity Regulation, the Electricity Directive, and the REMIT Regulation.

Building on the lessons of the energy crisis spurred by Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the agreed reform will bring more price stability to both consumers and suppliers thanks to a broader use of long-term contracts for clean power production and will bring more non-fossil flexible solutions into the system such as demand response and storage.

You can find more information in the press release available online.

(For more information: Tim McPhie – Tel.: +32 2 295 86 02; Giulia Bedini – Tel: +32 2 295 86 61)

 

La Commission encourage le partenariat en matière de compétences pour faire progresser la numérisation du secteur de l'énergie

Aujourd'hui, avec le soutien de la Commission européenne, des partenaires de l'industrie énergétique ont mis en place un partenariat à grande échelle dans le cadre du pacte de l'UE pour les compétences afin de stimuler le développement des compétences dans le cadre de la numérisation du secteur de l'énergie dans toute l'Europe. Il s'agit là d'une nouvelle étape dans la réponse de l'UE visant à remédier aux pénuries de compétences liées à la transition vers une énergie propre.

En s'appuyant sur les résultats de l'alliance pour le plan d'action Erasmus +, qui met l'accent sur les compétences pour la numérisation de la chaîne de valeur énergétique, les partenaires de l'industrie et des organismes de recherche uniront leurs forces pour concevoir, diffuser et mettre en œuvre des programmes de formation spécialisés s'attaquant aux défis liés à la numérisation du système énergétique. Les compétences connexes sont d'autant plus demandées que les entreprises se tournent de plus en plus vers l'automatisation et la numérisation pour obtenir un avantage concurrentiel, en particulier dans les technologies telles que l'énergie solaire photovoltaïque, l'éolien et les pompes à chaleur.

Ce nouveau partenariat pour les compétences est une action importante définie dans le plan d'action pour la numérisation du système énergétique et dans le plan REPowerEU visant à mettre en œuvre le pacte vert pour l'Europe et la transition numérique. Il complétera les partenariats existants en matière de compétences dans l'écosystème industriel des énergies renouvelables en ce qui concerne les énergies renouvelables sur terre et en mer, ainsi que le partenariat en matière de compétences pour les écosystèmes numériques.

Cette importante collaboration pour la numérisation du système énergétique représente le 20^e partenariat pour les compétences à grande échelle dans le cadre du pacte pour les compétences, qui est l'une des initiatives phares de la stratégie européenne en matière de compétences. À ce jour, le pacte a permis de former plus de 2 millions de travailleurs, avec 15 500 programmes de formation actualisés ou développés, et 160 millions d'euros ont été investis dans des programmes de formation. Il contribue également à l'Année européenne des compétences. De plus amples détails sont disponibles ici.

(For more information: Veerle Nuyts – Tel.: +32 2 299 63 02; Tim McPhie – Tel.: +32 2 295 86 02; Flora Matthaes – Tel.: +32 2 298 39 51; Giulia Bedini – Tel: +32 2 295 86 61)

 

La Commission se félicite de l'accord politique sur les règles visant à faire respecter les droits de l'homme et la durabilité environnementale dans les chaînes d'approvisionnement mondiales

La Commission européenne se félicite de l'accord politique conclu entre le Parlement européen et le Conseil sur la directive sur le devoir de vigilance des entreprises en matière de durabilité.

La proposition vise à favoriser un comportement durable et responsable des entreprises tout au long des chaînes de valeur mondiales. Les grandes entreprises seront tenues de recenser et, le cas échéant, de prévenir, d'éliminer ou d'atténuer les incidences négatives de leurs activités sur les droits de l'homme, tels que le travail des enfants et l'exploitation des travailleurs, et sur l'environnement – par exemple, la pollution et la perte de biodiversité.

Pour les entreprises, ces nouvelles règles apporteront sécurité juridique, des conditions de concurrence équitables et une compétitivité plus durable. Pour les consommateurs et les investisseurs, elles assureront une plus grande transparence. Les nouvelles règles de l'UE feront progresser la transition verte et protégeront les droits de l'homme en Europe et ailleurs.

Pour de plus amples informations, un communiqué de presse est disponible en ligne.

(Pour plus d'informations: Christian Wigand - Tél.: + 32 2 296 22 53; Cristina Torres Castillo — Tél.: + 32 2 299 06 79)

 

Commission welcomes political agreements on the review of the insurance rules

The Commission welcomes the political agreements reached between the European Parliament and the Council on 13 and 14 December on the Commission proposals to strengthen the insurance regulatory framework.

The review modernises the Solvency II Directive by giving better incentives to the insurance and reinsurance (i.e. insurance for insurance companies) sector to invest more in long-term capital in line with the Capital Markets Union objectives, while ensuring it remains solid in difficult economic times and protective of consumers' interests. The new rules take better account of certain risks, including those related to climate change, and make insurers' financial strength less sensitive to short-term market fluctuations. A new macroprudential toolkit will also better address the potential build-up of systemic risk in the insurance sector. Moreover, the revised framework introduces simplified and more proportionate rules including for small and non-complex insurance companies, and improves cooperation between supervisors to better protect policyholders across Member States.

The review also introduces a new (re)insurance undertakings' recovery and resolution directive (‘IRRD'). It will protect policyholders, financial stability and taxpayers in the event of a (re)insurer's failure. The directive will require larger and systematically important entities to formulate pre-emptive recovery plans to ensure they are prepared for crises. National authorities will have tools to tackle problems with failing (re)insurers, including by taking them off the market in an orderly way while preserving the continuity of the insurance coverage as much as possible. This will achieve the best possible outcome for insured consumers and businesses, in particular when (re)insurers operate in several Member States.

Executive Vice-President Valdis Dombrovskis said: "These revised rules will ensure that policyholders are better protected in future if their insurer runs into difficulties. We are also making rules simpler for smaller insurers. This agreement takes forward our work to complete the Capital Markets Union and will help to promote the EU's competitiveness.”

Commissioner Mairead McGuinness said: “The agreements reached will enable the insurance sector to step up and play its full part in the EU economy. This will foster the participation of insurance companies in the EU's capital markets, providing the long-term investment that is so vital for a sustainable future.”

(For more information: Daniel Ferrie – Tel.: +32 2 298 65 00; Marta Pérez-Cejuela – Tel.: +32 2 296 37 70)

 

The Commission welcomes provisional agreement on the revised Construction Products Regulation, which strengthens the Single Market and supports the green transition

The European Commission welcomes yesterday's provisional agreement by the European Parliament and Council on the revised Construction Products Regulation. The agreed rules will strengthen the single market for construction products and improve the competitiveness of the construction ecosystem as a whole. The industry counts around 430,000 construction product manufacturers with a yearly turnover of €800 billion.

The revised regulation modernises the rules in place since 2011, establishing a strategic framework essential to meet the EU's environmental goals and technological ambitions. It provides the construction sector access to reliable and up to date standards, which will deliver the information needed to assess the environmental performance of buildings, as required by the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive. Safety and circularity aspects are seamlessly integrated to ensure that architects, engineers, and construction companies can take informed decisions for their projects.

The agreement also marks an important step towards digitalisation of the construction ecosystem. Digital Product Passports will deliver all the information on construction products, including safety information, instructions of use and the declaration of performance and conformity. This facilitates the management and distribution of manufacturers' information throughout the value chain, establishing a reliable and harmonised system fully integrated in Building Information Modelling.

The new Construction Products Regulation supports small and medium-sized enterprises. It reduces administrative burdens and trade barriers, ensuring that the construction industry operates with clarity, efficiency, and inclusivity.

(For more information: Johanna Bernsel – Tel.: + 32 2 298 66 99; Ana Martinez Sanjurjo – Tel.: +32 2 296 30 66)

 

The Commission welcomes the provisional agreement on updating EU product liability rules for the digital age and circular economy

The Commission welcomes the provisional agreement reached today by the European Parliament and the Council to update and adapt the EU liability rules to new technologies, ensuring better protection for consumers and greater legal certainty for economic operators. The Product Liability Directive ensures that if a person suffers damage caused by a product, they can claim compensation from the manufacturer or another person that placed the product on the Single Market.

This update of the current set of rules adapts them to digital products, like software and artificial intelligence systems. It does so by taking account of software updates and machine learning. Since products are increasingly complex, the agreement allows victims' burden of proof to be made lighter when they face excessive difficulties.

Furthermore, considering that more and more products are manufactured outside the Union, the agreement ensures that victims always have an economic operator in the EU from whom to claim compensation. This strengthens the level-playing field between EU and non-EU manufacturers.

The new rules, which remain to be formally adopted by the European Parliament and the Council, have to be transposed into Member States' national law, and are expected to come into effect in 2026.

Commissioner Thierry Breton said: “The agreement on the revised Product Liability Directive is another milestone in our efforts to organise the digital space. Following last week's  historic agreement on the EU AI Act, today we have a deal on harmonised liability rules for the use of AI and software. This will give developers legal certainty across the Single Market, and allow citizens and businesses to use these new technologies safely and confidently.”

(For more information: Johanna Bernsel – Tel.: + 32 2 298 66 99; Ana Martinez Sanjurjo – Tel.: +32 2 296 30 66)

 

Les entreprises de l'UE ont doublé la croissance de leurs investissements en R&D en 2022

L'industrie européenne a considérablement augmenté ses investissements dans la recherche et le développement en 2022, selon l'édition 2023 du tableau de bord de l'UE sur les investissements dans la recherche et le développement industriels (R&D).

La croissance des investissements privés en R&D de l'UE a atteint le taux le plus élevé depuis 2015 et a plus que doublé par rapport à 2021, avec une augmentation de 13,6 % en 2022. En comparaison, la Chine a réduit sa croissance de plus de 25 % à un peu plus de 16 % et les entreprises américaines ont ralenti de 16 % à 12,6 %.

Les 2500 premiers investisseurs mondiaux en R&D ont établi un nouveau record en matière d'investissement total, atteignant près de 1250 milliards d'euros, soit 141 milliards d'euros de plus qu'en 2021. Dans l'ensemble, les entreprises américaines sont à l'origine de plus de 42 % des investissements en R&D des 2500 plus grands investisseurs en R&D, tandis que l'UE et la Chine se disputent étroitement la deuxième place (17,5 % et 17,8 %, respectivement).

La commissaire Iliana Ivanova a déclaré : « En dépit d'une conjoncture difficile, l'industrie européenne augmente régulièrement ses investissements dans la recherche et le développement dans un large éventail de secteurs. C'est très encourageant. L'investissement dans la recherche et l'innovation est la clé du succès de l'Europe dans la course mondiale à la technologie. »

Vous trouverez plus d'informations dans notre communiqué de presse.

(Pour plus d'informations : Johannes Bahrke - Tél : +32 2 295 86 15 ; Roberta Verbanac - Tél : +32 2 298 24 98)

 

L'UE s'attaque au « piège du développement des talents » en lançant un nouvel appel aux régions pour qu'elles exploitent les talents existants

La Commission offrira à 10 régions de l'UE une assistance technique pour les aider à attirer, à retenir et à développer les talents. Pour sélectionner ces régions, la Commission a lancé un appel à manifestation d'intérêt ciblant les régions qui subissent actuellement les effets du départ d'une population plus jeune.

Ces départs entraînent un déclin de la population en âge de travailler, un faible nombre de diplômés de l'université et de l'enseignement supérieur, et des difficultés à retenir les talents, une combinaison que l'on appelle le «piège du développement des talents».

Étant donné que plusieurs États membres continuent de faire face à ces défis, le présent appel vise 36 régions de 11 États membres (Finlande, France, Grèce, Italie, Lettonie, Lituanie, Pologne, Portugal, Roumanie, Slovaquie et Espagne) qui connaissent une émigration importante de leur population âgée de 15 à 39 ans. Les 36 régions ont été sélectionnées en fonction de leur taux de migration annuel moyen de la population âgée de 15 à 39 ans.

La date limite de dépôt des candidatures est fixée au 7 février 2024. Jusqu'à 10 régions seront sélectionnées pour recevoir ce soutien et ces conseils, qui seront fournis par des experts de l'OCDE. Un comité d'experts de la Commission sélectionnera ces régions, en examinant les défis et les besoins de chaque région, leur motivation à recevoir le soutien d'experts, et leurs efforts actuels et futurs pour utiliser les atouts régionaux afin de relever les défis démographiques.

Les régions bénéficieront d'analyses détaillées, de recommandations politiques et de plans d'action adaptés à leurs défis territoriaux spécifiques. Cette initiative s'appuie également sur les travaux plus vastes menés par la Commission dans le cadre de l'Année européenne des compétences 2023.

Cet appel s'inscrit dans le cadre du mécanisme de valorisation des talents à huit piliers mis en place par la communication intitulée «Mettre à profit les talents dans les régions d'Europe». Le mécanisme aide les régions de l'UE touchées par le déclin accéléré de leur population en âge de travailler, à former, retenir et attirer des personnes possédant les compétences nécessaires pour atténuer les effets de la transition démographique.

De plus amples informations sur l'appel sont disponibles ici.

(Pour plus d'informations : Stefan De Keersmaecker – Tél. : +32 2 298 46 80; Laetitia Close - Tél. : +32 2 296 70 73)

 

Commission launches competition for 2026 European Green Capital and Green Leaf Awards

Today, the Commission is launching a call for European cities committed to sustainability to apply for the 2026 edition of the European Green Capital and Green Leaf Awards. Cities are invited to register for the contest via this webpage and can send their applications until 30 April 2024.

A panel of independent urban sustainability experts will review and assess the performance of the competing cities against the following seven environmental indicators: air quality; water; biodiversity, green areas and sustainable land use; waste and circular economy; noise; climate change mitigation; and climate change adaptation. Based on the experts' recommendations and factual background checks, the Commission will select the finalist cities.

Commissioner Virginijus Sinkevičius said: “Our EU Green Deal work becomes a reality through greener cities that take up the right initiatives. And there is a chance to shine and get rewarded for that effort. It's our European Green Capital and Green Leaf Awards. I am calling on our European cities to pick up the challenge and apply for the 2026 titles. This is an opportunity not only to win the prestigious title, but also to share great stories and actions with other cities, inspiring one another in the process.”

With over two-thirds of European population living in cities, cities play a leading role in the social, environmental, and economic transformation prioritized by the European Green Deal. The European Green Capital Award was launched by the Commission to encourage cities to become greener and cleaner. The Awards promote and reward the efforts of European towns and cities that strive to reduce their impact on the local and global environment improving the quality of life for their inhabitants. 16 cities have won the European Green Capital Award and 17 smaller cities have won the European Green Leaf Award to date, forming an ever-growing network of leading European cities that share a common vision and expertise and inspire others to follow in their footsteps.

More information is in the news item.

(For more information: Adalbert Jahnz – Tel.: +32 2 295 31 56; Daniela Stoycheva – Tel.: +32 2 295 36 64)

 

Commission awards €41 million contract to develop infrastructure for Common European Data Spaces

The Commission has selected a consortium that will develop ‘Simpl' – a secure middleware platform that will support data access and interoperability among European data spaces, unleashing the power of data-driven innovation. It aims to create a secure, trustworthy platform for sharing data, and supporting cloud-to-edge federations and Common European Data Spaces. Common European Data Spaces will create data ecosystems that users in similar sectors will have access to. This needs to be done in an efficient and safe manner. Simpl will address this by giving data providers full control over who accesses their data. Moreover, it will facilitate the exchange of information between cloud infrastructures, systems, and applications in an easy, trustworthy, and secure manner.

The consortium was awarded a €41 million contract to develop Simpl. Led by Eviden Belgium, it consists of Aruba (Italy), Capgemini Nederland (The Netherlands), Engineering International Belgium (Belgium), IONOS (Germany), and COSMOTE Global Solutions (Belgium).

Over the next three years, the consortium will: develop Simpl-Open, the open-source software that will power data spaces and other cloud-to-edge federation initiatives; design Simpl-Labs, an environment for data spaces to test the open-source software and assess their ability to work with Simpl; design Simpl-Live, data spaces - the Public Procurement Data Space, the European eHealth Data Space, the Language Data Space, the Smart Communities Data Space, the European Open Science Cloud, and Destination Earth. 

Margrethe Vestager, Executive Vice-President for a Europe fit for the Digital Age, said: “I am pleased to see work on Simpl get started with the consortium. Simpl will help us achieve our goals in data sharing and beyond, giving us a trusted way to share data. In due course, this will unleash our potential across data-driven areas.”

You can find more information about Simpl here.

(For more information: Johannes Bahrke – Tel.: +32 229 58615; Roberta Verbanac – Tel.: +32 229 82498)

 

Commission approves €1 billion Slovak State aid scheme to support investments in equipment necessary to foster the transition to a net-zero economy

The European Commission has approved a €1 billion Slovak scheme to support investments for the production of equipment necessary to foster the transition towards a net-zero economy, in line with the Green Deal Industrial Plan. The scheme was approved under the State aid Temporary Crisis and Transition Framework, adopted by the Commission on 9 March 2023 and amended on 20 November 2023, to support measures in sectors which are key to accelerate the green transition and reduce fuel dependencies. 

Slovakia notified to the Commission, under the Temporary Crisis and Transition Framework, a €1 billion scheme to support investments for the production of relevant equipment necessary to foster the transition to a net-zero economy.  Under this measure, the aid, up to an amount of €350 million per company, will take the form of direct grants, income tax reliefs and transfers or leases of immovable property for a price below market value.

The measure will be open to companies producing relevant equipment, namely batteries, solar panels, wind turbines, heat-pumps, electrolysers, and equipment for carbon capture usage and storage, as well as key components designed and primarily used as direct input for the production of such equipment or related critical raw materials necessary for their production. The Commission found that the Slovak scheme is in line with the conditions set out in the Temporary Crisis and Transition Framework. In particular, the aid (i) will incentivise the production of relevant equipment for the transition towards a net-zero economy; and (ii) will be granted no later than 31 December 2025.

The Commission concluded that the Slovak scheme is necessary, appropriate and proportionate to accelerate the green transition and facilitate the development of certain economic activities, which are of importance for the implementation of the Green Deal Industrial Plan, in line with Article 107(3)(c) TFEU and the conditions set out in the Temporary Crisis and Transition Framework.

Executive Vice-President Margrethe Vestager, in charge of competition policy, said: "This €1 billion Slovak scheme will provide exceptional investment aid in sectors strategic for the transition to a climate-neutral economy. This is an important step towards Europe's ambitious climate targets while ensuring that any potential competition distortions are kept to the minimum."

A press release is available online.

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

 

Commission clears acquisition of Marketing Investment Group by JD Sports

The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of sole control of Marketing Investment Group Spółka Akcyjna (‘Marketing Investment Group') of Poland by JD Sports Fashion Plc (‘JD Sports') of the UK.

The transaction relates primarily to the retail sale and, to a limited extent, to the wholesale of sports goods.

The Commission concluded that the notified transaction would not raise competition concerns, given the companies' limited combined market position resulting from the proposed transaction and the limited impact on the market structure. 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.11244.

(For more information: Lea Zuber– Tel.: +32 2 295 62 98; Sara Simonini- Tel.: +32 2 298 33 67)

 

Commission clears acquisition of Raiffeisen Continuum Management by RBI and RH

The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of joint control of Raiffeisen Continuum Management GmbH by Raiffeisen Bank International AG (‘RBI') and Raiffeisen-Holding Niederösterreich-Wien reg. Gen mbH (‘RH'), through its subsidiary BROMIA Beteiligungs GmbH, all of Austria.

The transaction relates primarily to the Austrian banking and investment sectors.

The Commission concluded that the notified transaction would not raise competition concerns, given that the target company has negligible activities in the European Economic Area and its limited impact on competition in the markets where the companies are active. 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.11273.

(For more information: Lea Zuber– Tel.: +32 2 295 62 98; Sara Simonini- Tel.: +32 2 298 33 67)

 

La Commission autorise l'acquisition de Verkor par Meridiam et Macquarie

La Commission européenne a autorisé, en vertu du règlement européen sur les concentrations, l'acquisition du contrôle en commun de Verkor S.A.S. par Meridiam S.A.S., toutes deux basées en France, et par Macquarie Group Limited (‘Macquarie'), basée en Australie.

L'opération concerne principalement la fabrication d'éléments et de modules de batterie pour véhicules électriques.

La Commission a conclu que la concentration envisagée ne soulèverait pas de problème de concurrence, compte tenu des positions limitées des entreprises concernées sur le marché résultant de l'opération proposée. L'opération notifiée 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.11293.

(For more information: Lea Zuber– Tel.: +32 2 295 62 98; Sara Simonini- Tel.: +32 2 298 33 67)

 

 

STATEMENTS

 

 

Joint Statement by Executive Vice-President Šefčovič and Commissioner Kyriakides on health cooperation between the EU and Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway

Today, Executive Vice-President for the European Green Deal, Interinstitutional Relations and Foresight, Maroš Šefčovič; and the Commissioner for Health and Food Safety, Stella Kyriakides, issued a joint statement on health cooperation between the EU and Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway: “We welcome the wish by the EEA EFTA States, namely Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, to foster closer cooperation with the EU on health preparedness and response as part of a strong European Health Union, building on our existing close relationship. The European Commission will now intensify discussions with the EEA EFTA States on a framework for closer cooperation on the matter. Some elements can already be achieved through the incorporation of relevant EU legislation into the EEA Agreement. This work will now progress quickly according to the usual procedures for the adoption of EEA Joint Committee Decisions."

The full statement is available online.

(For more information: Balazs Ujvari - Tel.: +32 229 54578; Veronica Favalli – Tel.: +32 2 298 72 69)

 

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

 

Commissioner Johansson visits the Canary Islands jointly with Spanish and Belgian ministers to provide support on migration management

On 15 December, the Commissioner for Home Affairs, Ylva Johansson, will travel to the Canary Islands together with the Minister of the Interior of Spain, Fernando Grande-Marlaska; the Minister of Territorial Policy and Democratic Memory, Ángel Víctor Torres; the Minister of Inclusion, Social Security and Migrations, Elma Saiz; and the State Secretary of Asylum and Migration of Belgium, Nicole De Moor.

In view of the recent increases in irregular arrivals to the Canary Islands, Commissioner Johansson will discuss the situation with the regional President of the Canary Islands, Fernando Clavijo. Discussions will focus on strengthening cooperation on migration management, preventing irregular departures, and saving lives, while working closely with key partner countries. A joint press conference will take place at 12:30 GMT.

Commissioner Johansson will visit the Regional Coordination Centre of the Canary Islands, run by the Guardia Civil. A visit to the Centre for Temporary Attention for Foreigners will follow in the afternoon.

The visit builds on the ongoing work to implement the  EU Action Plan on the Western Mediterranean and Atlantic migration routes, including by strengthening partnerships with key countries of origin and transit along the route, in full coordination with the Member States. The EU also continues to provide financial and operational support for the Canary Islands to manage migration, including with the ‘Joint Operation Canary Islands' coordinated by Frontex and the support of the European Union Agency for Asylum.

(For more information: Christian Wigand - Tel.: +32 2 296 22 53, Elettra Di Massa– Tel.: +32 2 298 21 61)

 

Commissioner Wojciechowski calls for European producers and organisations to join EU Agri-business Mission to China

The Commissioner for Agriculture, Janusz Wojciechowski will visit China on 21-26 April 2024, accompanied by a business delegation from the EU agri-food sector. This mission aims to grow European agricultural food and beverage exports to China, and is organised in conjunction with the Commission hosting an EU pavilion at Anuga Select China Fair. Building on the successful track record of previous EU agri-business missions, the Commissioner is now inviting senior representatives from European and national producers' organisations and companies from all EU Member States to register their interest in this mission. Priority is given to sectors with strong export potential that preferably have not participated in such EU projects before. Business representatives from the following sectors are invited to apply: meat products, chocolate, cereals and pasta, confectionery and bakery, dairy, wines, beer and spirits, olive oil and vegetable oils, infant food and baby milk powder, geographical indication products, as well as commodities such as grains, oilseeds and animal feed, pet food, fruits and vegetables.

Registration is now open, and the deadline to apply is 19 December 2023. Practical questions can be addressed to the European Research Executive Agency at the following email address: REA-AGRI-EVENTS@ec.europa.eu

(For more information: Olof Gill – Tel.: +32 2 296 59 66; Myrto-Amaryllis Lappa — Tel.: +32 2 299 70 98)

 

 

Tentative agendas for forthcoming Commission meetings

Note that these items can be subject to changes.

 

Upcoming events of the European Commission

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