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Daily News 18 / 12 / 2023
Commission mobilises over €65 million for Member States to support people fleeing Russian aggression against Ukraine
The European Commission has decided last week to make available over €65 million from the Asylum Migration and Integration Fund (AMIF) to support Bulgaria, Czechia, Poland, and Romania in hosting people fleeing the Russian aggression against Ukraine.
This decision follows a targeted call for financing of the projects aiming to alleviate the pressure on the reception capacity of these Member States and to help them ensure that beneficiaries of temporary protection receive the necessary support, services and assistance.
The European Union is currently hosting more than 4.1 million people benefiting from temporary protection, which was triggered for the first time shortly after the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and in September this year further extended until March 2025. The Commission continues to take measures to support people fleeing Ukraine and Member States hosting them.
Bulgaria, Czechia, Poland, and Romania can now use this additional funding from the EU budget to help beneficiaries of temporary protection move out of collective accommodation towards private housing, by supporting them financially during the transition period, with language and vocational training, as well with as access to social and health services. Member States agencies, civil society organisations and international organisations can start implementing their projects already as of today. The funding will be subject to the respective monitoring and control systems of the EU financial framework.
(For more information: Christian Wigand Tel.: + 32 2 296 22 53; Elettra Di Massa – Tel.: +32 2 299 37 34)
2023 Atlas of Migration confirms continued strong EU support to Ukrainians fleeing the war
Today, on the occasion of International Migrants' Day, the Commission's Joint Research Centre (JRC) released a new edition of the Atlas of Migration, an online tool providing the latest harmonised and validated data on migration for the 27 EU Member States and for 171 countries and territories around the world.
The 2023 edition features a special thematic section on EU solidarity trends towards people displaced from Ukraine. It shows that the determination and resilience of Europeans to support Ukraine and the displaced people remains strong at EU level. This coincides with results of August 2023 Eurobarometer survey showing that 79% of people are in favour of welcoming people fleeing the war to the EU.
Margaritis Schinas, Vice-President for Promoting our European Way of Life, said: “The Atlas of Migration is an important tool to understand the dynamics of migration trends, not only at EU level but also worldwide. This information is key to grasp the complexity of migration, gives us a picture of where we stand, and helps us to take the best decisions at EU level. I am glad to see that the support of Europeans towards displaced people from Ukraine remained high since the start of the Russian aggression. This is EU solidarity in action.”
Iliana Ivanova, Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth, responsible for the Joint Research Centre, said: “Policies must be based on facts and evidence, and migration is no exception. This is why our Atlas of Migration is so valuable. It helps policymakers grasp the challenges and opportunities linked to migration. This year's edition focuses on people fleeing the Russian war of aggression in Ukraine, and it's heartening to see that the solidarity of Europeans remains high.”
With its wide range of information on key migration topics including on the evolution of migratory movements over time, the Atlas is a valuable reference tool for EU decision makers, researchers and others. Embracing scientific data and evidence enables them to navigate the complexities of migration more effectively, aiming for inclusive and sustainable policies that benefit both migrants and host communities in the EU and worldwide. The data is displayed in user-friendly interactive charts and visualisations.
(For more information: Johannes Bahrke – Tel.: +32 2 295 86 15; Flore Boutier – Tél: +32 2 296 60 43)
L'Académie du nouveau Bauhaus européen permettra de développer les compétences en matière de construction durable à l'aide de matériaux innovants
Aujourd'hui, le consortium paneuropéen NEBA Alliance est annoncé en tant que lauréat de l'appel à propositions pour le lancement de l'Académie du nouveau Bauhaus européen. L'Académie du nouveau Bauhaus européen, un réseau de formation annoncé pour la première fois par la présidente von der Leyen en Finlande en novembre 2022, visera à donner un élan décisif en faveur de nouvelles compétences et d'un enseignement à tous les niveaux du secteur de la construction. Il se concentrera sur les valeurs du nouveau Bauhaus européen que sont la durabilité, l'esthétique et l'inclusion, et soutiendra la mise en œuvre du Pacte vert pour l'Europe dans la bioéconomie circulaire. Il est financé par l'entreprise commune de l'UE « Une Europe fondée sur la bioéconomie circulaire ».
La présidente Ursula von der Leyen a déclaré : « Je salue la New European Bauhaus Academy Alliance, un moteur de 14 partenaires européens, prête à lancer son réseau de formation à l'échelle de l'UE. Cela constituera un soutien solide à l'industrie européenne de la construction, en remédiant aux pénuries de main-d'œuvre et en promouvant le partage des connaissances, y compris en ce qui concerne les solutions biosourcées durables, telles que l'utilisation circulaire du bois et d'autres matériaux innovants. »
Au cours des deux prochaines années, la NEBA Alliance développera une alliance internationale d'acteurs de l'éducation et de prestataires de formation, qui mettra en relation cinq pôles locaux et régionaux dans toute l'Europe. Ces pôles offriront, à travers une plateforme numérique, des services de formation, des programmes d'études et des programmes sur les solutions de construction durable sur mesure et de qualité, créés en commun.
Plus d'informations sont disponibles dans notre communiqué de presse.
(Pour plus d'informations : Adalbert Jahnz – Tél. : +32 2 295 31 56; Giulia Bedini – Tél. : +32 2 295 86 61)
Commission launches pilot of Deforestation Information System to help authorities, companies and traders prepare for EU Deforestation Regulation
The Commission is starting today pilot testing of the Deforestation Information System, a key step to operationalise the Regulation on deforestation-free products (EUDR). The system will help operators, traders, competent authorities and customs submit and process due diligence statements. Once the EUDR is fully in force, such statements will serve as proof that products are deforestation-free and can therefore be placed on the EU market or exported from it.
100 stakeholders from all relevant sectors concerned by the EUDR will participate in the pilot which will run until the end of January. Following this, the Commission will provide a training environment and “train-the-trainers” sessions to all interested companies in the summer of 2024, in coordination with Member States' authorities. The Commission will also make available user manuals and other relevant self-learning material such as video tutorials.
More information is available in the news item.
(For more information: Adalbert Jahnz – Tel.: +32 2 295 31 56; Daniela Stoycheva – Tel.: +32 2 295 36 64)
Commission calls on Member States to improve their National Energy and Climate Plans to ensure collective achievement of the EU´s 2030 targets
The Commission has today published its assessment of EU Member States' draft National Energy and Climate Plans (NECPs) and issued recommendations to assist Member States in raising their ambitions in line with EU targets for 2030. The draft updated NECPs bring us closer to meeting the EU's 2030 targets and to implementing recently agreed legislation. However, there is a clear need for extra efforts, also in light of the COP28 outcome and the global call to accelerate action this decade.
In today's assessment, the Commission calls on Member States to enhance their efforts on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reductions and set out clearer plans on how they intend to adapt to climate change. It also invites them to better prepare for an increased uptake of renewables and enhance energy efficiency measures. Additional measures are also needed to empower consumers, improve energy security, and support European companies in strengthening their competitiveness. Greater efforts will be necessary to ensure access to available sources of funding and stimulate the crucial investments required for the competitiveness of European industry. All Member States must submit their final updated NECPs by 30 June 2024, taking into account the Commission's recommendations and individual assessments.
Today's Communication on the EU-wide assessment of the draft NECPs is accompanied by 21 country-specific recommendations and individual assessments on the alignment with the energy and climate goals, the climate neutrality objective, and adaptation goals, for each of the Member States that submitted draft NECPs in time. At this stage, the 6 remaining Member States receive assessments and recommendations only on their adaptation policies and consistency with the Union's climate-neutrality objective, which are published (here and here). In addition, another Staff Working Document assesses progress on climate adaptation in all 27 Member States.
A full press release and Q&A are available online.
(For more information: Tim McPhie – Tel.: +32 2 295 86 02; Ana Crespo Parrondo – Tel.: +32 2 298 13 25; Giulia Bedini – Tel: +32 2 295 86 61
Green Deal implementation key to achieving EU 2030 climate and environment objectives, first progress report on 8th Environment Action Programme shows
The first progress report on the climate and environmental objectives of the 8th Environment Action Programme (8EAP) published by the European Environment Agency today highlights what needs to be done to achieve the EU's 2030 climate and environmental targets. The report underlines the need to conclude negotiations on the Green Deal proposals the Commission put forward and are still under negotiation, and to deliver systemic changes in key industrial sectors, in particular agriculture and mobility. This will be greatly helped by the effective implementation of Green Deal legislation on the ground.
The assessment shows progress in areas including greenhouse gas emissions reductions, air quality, greening finances and the overall economy. However, more effort is needed to achieve systemic change across systems (food, energy, mobility, trade, buildings etc.) and ensure wellbeing for all within planetary boundaries.
Some recommendations include shifting the taxation burden to those using more resources and causing more pollution and accelerating the phasing out of environmentally harmful subsidies, which can help increase public and private financing dedicated to the green transition. More progress is also needed on more sustainable production and consumption patterns, while boosting competitiveness, resilience and strategic autonomy. The EU economy is still using too many raw materials and energy sources associated with high levels of air, water and soil pollution, and thus putting significant pressures on ecosystems, biodiversity, land and water.
The progress report is based on the 8th EAP monitoring framework , presented by the Commission in 2022. It monitors and assesses progress in achieving climate and environmental objectives in the EU and its 27 Member States. Building on data evidence and expertise, the report assesses EU progress towards climate neutrality, resilience and global sustainability.
More information is in the news item.
(For more information: Adalbert Jahnz – Tel.: +32 2 295 31 56; Tim McPhie – Tel.: +32 2 295 86 02; Daniela Stoycheva – Tel.: +32 2 295 36 64; Ana Crespo Parrondo – Tel.: +32 2 298 13 25)
Commission receives payment requests of Cyprus, Romania and Slovakia under the Recovery and Resilience Facility
On Friday, the Commission received payment requests under the Recovery and Resilience Facility from three Member States - Cyprus, Romania, Slovakia.
Cyprus's second payment request is worth €152 million in grants (net of pre-financing) and concerns a total of 33 milestones and 5 targets. This payment request covers transformative reforms and important investments in areas including public health, education, energy efficiency and renewable energy, protection against forest fires and floods, water management, agriculture, research and innovation, financial support to businesses, digitalisation of public administration, taxation, and anti-corruption. Cyprus's overall recovery and resilience plan will be financed by €1.22 billion (€0.2 billion in loans and €1.02 billion in grants).
Romania's third payment request is worth €2 billion in grants and loans (net of pre-financing) and concerns a total of 68 milestones and 6 targets. This payment request covers transformative reforms and important investments in areas including energy efficiency, seismic risk reduction, cybersecurity, digital skills for public services, tax administration, urban mobility, road safety, reforestation, circular economy, and education, urban and regional public transport, electric vehicle charging infrastructure, and cycling infrastructure. Romania's overall recovery and resilience plan will be financed by €28.5 billion (€13.6 billion in grants and €14.9 billion in loans).
Slovakia's fourth payment request is worth €799 million in grants (net of pre-financing) and concerns a total of 15 milestones. This payment request covers transformative reforms in areas including sustainable transport, education, healthcare, the business environment, strengthening the fight against corruption and improving the sustainability of the pension system. Slovakia's overall recovery and resilience plan will be financed by €6.4 billion.
Payments under the RRF are performance-based and contingent on Cyprus, Romania and Slovakia implementing the reforms and investments outlined in their recovery and resilience plans. The Commission will now assess the requests and will then send its preliminary assessments of the fulfilment of the milestones and targets required for this payment to the 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 recovery and resilience plans of Cyprus, Romania and Slovakia can be found here.
(For more information: Veerle Nuyts — Tel.: + 32 229 96302; Saul Goulding - Tel: +32 229-64735)
Commission opens formal proceedings against X under the Digital Services Act
The European Commission has opened formal proceedings to assess whether X may have breached the Digital Services Act (DSA) in areas linked to risk management, content moderation, dark patterns, advertising transparency and data access for researchers.
On the basis of the preliminary investigation conducted so far, including on the basis of an analysis of the risk assessment report submitted by X in September, X's Transparency report published on 3 November, and X's replies to a formal request for information, which, among others, concerned the dissemination of illegal content in the context of Hamas' terrorist attacks against Israel, the Commission has decided to open formal infringement proceedings against X under the Digital Services Act.
Margrethe Vestager, Executive Vice-President, said: “The higher the risk large platforms pose to our society, the more specific the requirements of the Digital Services Act are. We take any breach of our rules very seriously. And the evidence we currently have is enough to formally open a proceeding against X. The Commission will carefully investigate X's compliance with the DSA, to ensure European citizens are safeguarded online - as the regulation mandates.”
Thierry Breton, European Commissioner for the Internal Market, said: “Today's opening of formal proceedings against X makes it clear that, with the DSA, the time of big online platforms behaving like they are “too big to care” has come to an end. We now have clear rules, ex ante obligations, strong oversight, speedy enforcement, and deterrent sanctions and we will make full use of our toolbox to protect our citizens and democracies. We will now start an in-depth investigation of X's compliance with the DSA obligations concerning countering the dissemination and amplification of illegal content and disinformation in the EU, transparency of the platforms and design of the user interface.”
These are the first formal proceedings launched by the Commission to enforce the first EU-wide horizontal framework for online platforms' responsibility, just 3 years from its proposal.
More information is available in our press release.
(For more information: Johannes Bahrke - Tel: +32 2 295 86 15; Thomas Regnier - Tel: +32 2 291 33 91)
The Digital Europe Programme makes €84 million available to strengthen AI and cybersecurity
The Commission has published a series of new calls for proposals for the Digital Europe Programme. A dedicated budget of €84 million is available for activities supporting Security Operation Centres with novel applications of AI and other enabling technologies, for the implementation of cybersecurity EU legislation such as the Cyber Resilience Act, as well as for the European transition to post-quantum cryptography.
Margrethe Vestager, Executive Vice-President for a Europe fit for the Digital Age, said: “With the magnitude of cyberthreats increasing exponentially, cybersecurity is a must-have. This call for supporting technologies will help the EU invest to protect us as citizens, our societies and our economy."
Commissioner for Internal Market, Thierry Breton said: “Detection speed is key to effectively respond to cyber threats. That is why we want to invest in novel AI applications and other enabling technologies to strengthen our European SOC infrastructure and achieve a true European cyber shield.”
The calls are open to businesses, SMEs, public administrations, and other entities from the EU Member States, EFTA/EEA countries, and countries associated to the Digital Europe Programme. The projects funded by this call will be managed by the European Cybersecurity Competence Centre (ECCC).
The call will open for applications on 16 January 2024 and the deadline to submit applications is 26 March 2024 at 17:00 CET.
(For more information: Johannes Bahrke – Tel.: +32 2 295 86 15; Roberta Verbanac – Tel.: +32 2 298 24 98)
New EU rules for online financial services will allow consumers to withdraw from contracts with a click as of today
The new EU rules on online financial services entered into force today. The Directive on financial services sold at a distance will strengthen consumer rights and foster the cross-border provision of financial services in the single market.
Consumers will now be able to withdraw from a contract with a click, thanks to a new ‘withdrawal button' which will be introduced by service providers. In addition to an obligation to provide clearer rules on pre-contractual information, they will also be obliged to provide human customer support in cases where chatbot communication is not satisfactory.
Commissioner for Justice and Consumer Protection, Didier Reynders, said: “Getting a financial service can be risky for many different reasons, if the consumer is not well informed about the product. That's why we have now made sure that consumers can be aware of the risks beforehand and be sufficiently protected, all the more when such services are bought online. We know that information provided by chatbots is not always clear enough or that the information about your right to withdraw from the contract needs to be more visible. The new rules will improve the situation for consumers with a series of protective and concrete measures, such as a visible and easy accessible button to withdraw from a contract.”
These new rules stem from the revised 2002 Directive and aim to better address the digitalisation of the sector, new types of financial services and online transactions. Member States are required to transpose the Directive into their national law by 19 December 2025. More information on distance marketing of financial services is available here.
(For more information: Christian Wigand - Tel.: +32 2 296 22 53; Cristina Torres Castillo - Tel.: +32 2 299 06 79)
La Commission ouvre les candidatures pour cofinancer des projets de lutte contre la criminalité organisée
La Commission européenne a publié la semaine dernière un appel à propositions au titre du Fonds pour la sécurité intérieure en vue de cofinancer des projets visant à lutter contre la criminalité organisée. Cet appel, doté d'un budget de 20 millions d'euros, soutiendra le travail des services répressifs, des organisations internationales, de la société civile et d'autres organismes publics et privés visant à démanteler les réseaux criminels et leurs modèles économiques. Le financement vise à mettre l'accent sur deux infractions spécifiques: trafic de drogue et traite des êtres humains. Cette initiative s'inscrit dans le cadre du programme de travail thématique du Fonds pour la sécurité intérieure pour la période 2023-25, qui contribue aux efforts déployés par les organisations et les États membres de l'UE pour lutter contre les réseaux de criminalité organisée et les démanteler. Cet appel à candidatures est ouvert jusqu'au 12 mars 2024.
(Pour plus d'informations: Christian Wigand — Tél.: + 32 2 296 22 53; Elettra Di Massa — Tél.: + 32 2 299 37 34)
The Commission provides emergency funding to Finland in relation to the damage of the Balticconnector pipeline
After the damage of the Balticconnector gas pipeline, the European Commission decided to provide emergency financial support to Finland. The activity of the pipeline, linking Estonian and Finnish gas grids and providing Finland with access to Latvia's gas storage, was disrupted by a pressure drop on 8 October 2023. Following an investigation by the Finnish authorities, it was revealed that the disruption to the pipeline was caused by an external interference in the Finnish Exclusive Economic Zone.
The emergency funding, €800,000 from the Internal Security Fund (ISF) will be awarded to the Finnish Border Guard and Navy. The funding will be used to cover expenses related to securing the incident area, as well as to investigating the disruption of the Balticconnector pipeline.
Following the sabotage on the Nord Stream pipeline, the Commission has accelerated its work on critical infrastructure resilience in three priority areas: preparedness, response and international cooperation. Since January 2023, new rules are in place on the resilience of critical entities and of the EU network and communication systems. To improve the EU response to disruptive critical infrastructure incidents with significant cross-border impact, the Commission proposed a Recommendation for a Critical Infrastructure Blueprint. Finally, the already existing cooperation between the EU and NATO has been strengthened. In January 2023, President von der Leyen and NATO Secretary General Stoltenberg launched a Task Force on the resilience of critical infrastructure.
(For more information: For more information: Christian Wigand Tel.: + 32 2 296 22 53; Elettra Di Massa – Tel.: +32 2 299 37 34)
L'UE prévoit 61 000 nouvelles places de réinstallation et d'admission humanitaire suite au Forum mondial sur les réfugiés
À l'occasion du Forum mondial sur les réfugiés qui s'est tenu la semaine dernière à Genève, les État membre de l'UE ont annoncé leur engagement collectif pour la période 2024-2025. Au total, 61 000 nouvelles places sont prévues pour la réinstallation et l'admission humanitaire des personnes ayant besoin d'une protection internationale, dont 31 000 pour la réinstallation (à mettre en œuvre en étroite coopération avec le Haut-Commissariat des Nations unies pour les réfugiés) et 30 000 pour l'admission humanitaire.
Au cours de ce Forum, la commissaire aux affaires intérieures, Ylva Johansson, a aussi rappelé l'importance de la contribution de l'UE pour répondre aux besoins mondiaux en matière de réinstallation. Dans le cadre de ces nouveaux engagements, l'UE s'est également engagée à promouvoir davantage de voies complémentaires d'admission à l'UE et de programmes de parrainage communautaire, ainsi qu'à poursuivre le financement des mécanismes de transit d'urgence.
Le fait d'ouvrir des voies d'accès sûres et légales aux personnes ayant besoin d'une protection internationale contribue également à la réduction de la migration irrégulière, en offrant à ces personnes des solutions durables leur permettant de se reconstruire une nouvelle vie en toute sécurité et dans la dignité.
Pour en savoir plus, voir le communiqué de presse en ligne.
(Pour plus d'informations: Christian Wigand Tél.: + 32 2 296 22 53; Fiorella Boigner — Tél.: + 32 2 299 37 34)
European Commission adds Italian wines from Emilia-Romagna region to Protected Designations of Origin (PDO) register
The European Commission has today added wines from the Emilia-Romagna region in Italy (covering municipalities within the provinces of Bologna, Modena and Ravenna) to the Protected Designations of Origin (PDO) register. Emilia-Romagna wines are produced in four categories: wine, sparkling wine, quality sparkling wine and semi-sparkling wine. The unique characteristics of these wines originate in the warm but breezy continental climate, in combination with soils of alluvial origin with a high pebble and silt content. The day-to-night temperature variation in summer also help the grapes to reach optimum ripeness, preserving their aromatic and acidic properties, ensuring a freshness in the wines. The expertise of local winegrowers also plays an important role. This includes the choice of rootstock and training system, canopy management, regulating of the water supply and innovative sparkling wine production techniques.
Emilia-Romagna wines are primarily based on the Pignoletto grape variety with a small addition of other grape varieties. The sparkling wines are moderately aromatic, fruity and have a perceptible acidity, while the still wines also have floral notes and appreciable minerality.
This new denomination will be added to the list of 1,640 wine products already protected. The list of all protected geographical indications can be found in the eAmbrosia database. More information is available online at Quality Schemes and on our GIView portal.
(For more information: Olof Gill – Tel.: +32 2 296 59 66; Myrto-Amaryllis Lappa— Tel.: +32 2 299 70 98)
La Commission autorise un régime d'aides d'État français de 420 millions d'euros en faveur des infrastructures hydrauliques agricoles
La Commission européenne a autorisé, en vertu des règles de l'UE en matière d'aides d'État, un régime d'aides français d'un montant de 420 millions d'euros visant à encourager les investissements en matière d'infrastructures hydrauliques agricoles.
La mesure vise à développer et moderniser les infrastructures hydrauliques permettant de fournir l'eau nécessaire aux exploitations agricoles, dans le but de les rendre plus résilientes face aux effets du changement climatique. Les aides au titre du régime permettront d'améliorer l'accès à l'eau des exploitations agricoles dans des conditions durables, respectueuses de la ressource et conformes aux objectifs de sobriété.
Dans le cadre du régime, l'aide prendra la forme de subventions directes, d'avances récupérables et de garanties. L'aide pourra être octroyée à des exploitations agricoles, des structures collectives de regroupement d'agriculteurs, des coopératives d'utilisation de matériel agricole, des organismes uniques d'irrigation, des associations syndicales de propriétaires, des sociétés anonymes d'économie mixte, des établissements publics ou bien des collectivités territoriales. En tout état de cause, les bénéficiaires finaux de l'aide seront les agriculteurs ayant l'usage des installations construites. Le régime s'appliquera jusqu'au 31 décembre 2029.
La Commission a apprécié le régime au regard des règles de l'UE en matière d'aides d'État, en particulier de l'article 107, paragraphe 3, point c) du traité sur le fonctionnement de l'UE, qui permet aux États membres de soutenir le développement de certaines activités économiques sous certaines conditions, et des lignes directrices concernant les aides d'État dans les secteurs agricole et forestier et dans les zones rurales. La Commission a estimé que la mesure est nécessaire et appropriée pour favoriser le développement durable du secteur agricole face au changement climatique. En outre, la Commission a constaté que le régime est proportionné, car il est limité au minimum nécessaire, et qu'il aurait des incidences limitées sur la concurrence et les échanges entre les États membres. Sur cette base, la Commission a autorisé le régime français, en vertu des règles de l'UE en matière d'aides d'État.
La version non confidentielle de la décision sera publiée sous le numéro SA.109250 dans le registre des aides d'État figurant sur le site web de la Commission consacré à la concurrence, dès que les éventuels problèmes de confidentialité auront été résolus.
(Pour plus d'informations: Lea Zuber– Tel.: +32 2 295 62 98; Nina Ferreira - Tel.: +32 2 299 81 63)
Commission approves amendment to 2022-2027 regional State aid map for Italy
The European Commission has approved, under EU State aid rules, an amendment to Italy's map for granting regional aid until 31 December 2027, within the framework of the regional aid guidelines.
On 2 December 2021, the Commission approved the 2022-2027 regional aid map for Italy. It was then amended twice by the Commission, first, on 18 March 2022, to designate the areas eligible for regional aid under the derogation of Article 107(3)(c) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (“‘c' areas”), and second, on 19 June 2023, to increase aid intensities for territories identified for support from the Just Transition Fund. On 30 May 2023, the Commission adopted a Communication regarding a possible mid-term review of the regional aid maps, taking into account updated statistics.
In this context, the amendment to Italy's regional aid map approved today includes some adjustments to the existing ‘c' areas, as proposed by Italy on the basis of the regional aid guidelines. To address regional disparities, following today's amendment, the non-predefined ‘c' areas will also include a new area in the region of Como, Campione d'Italia.
The maximum aid amount for large enterprises in the areas affected by the amendment can vary between 15% and 25% of the eligible investment costs, depending on the GDP per capita and the unemployment rate of the area. These amounts can be increased by 10 percentage points for investments made by medium-sized enterprises, and by 20 percentage points for investments made by small enterprises, for their initial investments with eligible costs up to €50 million.
The amended map will be in force from 1 January 2024 until 31 December 2027.
The non-confidential version of today's decision will be made available under the case number SA.109349 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 clears acquisition of Viessmann Climate Solutions and its subsidiaries by Carrier
The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of sole control of Viessmann Climate Solutions of Germany and its subsidiaries by Carrier Global Corporation of the US.
The transaction relates primarily to the manufacture and supply of heating, cooling and climate control solutions.
The Commission concluded that the notified transaction would not raise competition concerns, given its limited impact on competition in the markets where the companies are active. The notified transaction was examined under the normal merger review procedure.
More information is available on the Commission's competition website, in the public case register under the case number M.11160.
(For more information: Lea Zuber– Tel.: +32 2 295 62 98; Nina Ferreira - Tel.: +32 2 299 81 63)
La Commission autorise la création d'une entreprise commune par TotalEnergies et L'Air Liquide
La Commission européenne a approuvé, en vertu du règlement européen sur les concentrations, la création d'une entreprise commune par TotalEnergies SE et L'Air Liquide SA, toutes deux basées en France.
L'opération concerne principalement la création, le développement et l'exploitation d'un réseau de stations-service d'hydrogène pour véhicules utilitaires lourds en Allemagne, Belgique, France, Pays-Bas et Luxembourg.
La Commission a conclu que la concentration envisagée ne soulèverait pas de problème de concurrence, compte tenu de son impact limité sur la concurrence sur les marchés où les entreprises sont actives. L'opération notifiée a été examinée dans le cadre de la procédure normale du 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.11138.
(Pour plus d'informations: Lea Zuber– Tel.: +32 2 295 62 98; Nina Ferreira - Tel.: +32 2 299 81 63)
Commission clears creation of joint venture by Foxconn EV and ZF Friedrichshafen
The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the creation of a joint venture by Foxconn EV of Taiwan and ZF Friedrichshafen of Germany.
The transaction relates primarily to the assembly of axle systems for passenger cars.
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. 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.11316.
(For more information: Lea Zuber– Tel.: +32 2 295 62 98; Nina Ferreira - Tel.: +32 2 299 81 63)
La Commission autorise l'acquisition de Banque Degroof Petercam par CA Indosuez
La Commission européenne a approuvé, en vertu du règlement européen sur les concentrations, l'acquisition du contrôle exclusif de Banque Degroof Petercam, basée en Belgique, par CA Indosuez, contrôlée par le groupe Crédit Agricole, basée en France.
La transaction concerne principalement le secteur financier, en particulier les marchés de la gestion bancaire privée et de la gestion de patrimoine.
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 la transaction proposée. La transaction a été examinée dans le cadre de la procédure simplifiée du contrôle des concentrations.
De plus amples informations sont disponibles sur le site internet concurrence de la Commission, dans le registre public des affaires de concurrence de la Commission, sous le numéro d'affaire M.11311.
(Pour plus d'informations: Lea Zuber– Tel.: +32 2 295 62 98; Nina Ferreira - Tel.: +32 2 299 81 63)
Commission clears the creation of a joint venture by Rengo and by Mitsui Chemicals
The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the creation of a joint venture by Rengo Co., Ltd. and Mitsui Chemicals, Inc., both of Japan.
The transaction relates primarily to the manufacturing of packaging and of a broad range of chemicals, lubricants and resins for various applications.
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 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.11318.
(For more information: Lea Zuber– Tel.: +32 2 295 62 98; Nina Ferreira - Tel.: +32 2 299 81 63)
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Vice-President Schinas in Munich to meet with Minister-President Söder and representatives from the Jewish communities
Today, the Vice-President in charge of Promoting our European way of life, Margaritis Schinas, is in Munich.
Vice-President Schinas will meet with Markus Söder, Minister-President of Bavaria, with Florian Herrmann, State Minister for Media and with Eric Beißwenger, State Minister for European and International affairs, to exchange about the latest EU policy developments on migration, security, skills and organised labour mobility, and the contribution of Bavaria to the European way of Life portfolio priorities .
Vice-President Schinas will also meet with Charlotte Knobloch, President of the Jewish Community of Munich and Upper Bavaria and with representatives from the Conference of European Rabbi to support the German Jewish communities and to exchange about the Communication “No place for hate: a Europe united against hatred” adopted by the Commission and Hight Representative to step up efforts to tackle hatred in all its forms in the European Union.
(For more information: Christian Wigand - Tel.: +32 2 296 22 53; Cristina Torres Castillo - Tel.: +32 2 299 06 79)
Commissioner Simson to discuss prolongation of emergency measures with Ministers at Energy Council tomorrow
Tomorrow, 19 December, Commissioner for Energy, Kadri Simson, will represent the Commission at the final Energy Council of the year. The EU's Energy Ministers will seek political agreement on the Commission's proposal to prolong by 12 months a set of emergency energy measures introduced last year to tackle the energy crisis. The measures include the so-called Solidarity Regulation, which contains provisions on LNG market transparency and default rules for solidarity in case of shortages, the Market Correction Mechanism, and the emergency rules related to the acceleration of permitting for renewable energy projects.
Commissioner Simson will provide Ministers with information about how the EU is prepared for the 2023/2024 winter, including with Ukraine's Energy Minister German Galushchenko participating via videconference, and about recent developments in external energy relations. She will also underscore the urgent need to implement the revised Renewable Energy Directive and the Energy Efficiency Directive for the EU to make sure that citizens reap the benefits of the clean energy transition. The Commissioner will also present to the Ministers the Commission's assessment of the draft updated National Energy and Climate Plans, calling for more ambition for the EU to collectively reach its 2030 energy and climate targets and climate neutrality by 2050.
In the margins of the Energy Council, the Commissioner will also participate in a series of side events about key green transition initiatives either spearheaded or supported by the Commission, including on energy efficiency financing, wind power, and energy infrastructure in the Baltics and South-Western Europe.
A press conference with Commissioner Simson and Minister for the Ecological Transition and Demographic Challenge, Teresa Ribera, will take place at the end of the meeting and can be followed here. Doorsteps will also be broadcast live via Ebs.
(For more information: Tim McPhie – Tel.: +32 2 295 86 02; Giulia Bedini – Tel: +32 2 295 86 61)
Commissioner Hoekstra in Rome to discuss climate action efforts and COP28 outcome with national representatives and Italian Ambassadors
Tomorrow, Commissioner for Climate Action, Wopke Hoekstra, will be in Rome, Italy, to participate in the Annual Conference of Italy's Ambassadors on Sustainability and Ecological Transition for a more Competitive Europe.
The Commissioner will present the key outcomes of COP28 UN Climate Change Conference, where the EU and its international partners concluded the first Global Stocktake under the Paris Agreement which incorporated the Commission-championed goals of the Global Renewables and Energy Efficiency Pledge. He will also informally discuss the upcoming 2040 climate target.
During the day, Commissioner Hoekstra will also hold several bilateral meetings with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Antonio Tajani, Minister for Environment and Energy Security, Gilberto Pichetto Fratin, and Minister for EU Affairs, Southern Italy, Cohesion Policy, and the National Recovery and Resilience Plan Raffaele Fitto.
The Commissioner will also meet with the Mayor of Rome, Roberto Gualtieri, where he will highlight the commitment of the Commission to support cities in their efforts to reduce emissions and adapt to climate change. In particular, they will discuss Rome's involvement in the Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy which celebrated its 15th anniversary this year, and Rome's selection as one of Horizon Europe's 100 Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities by 2030 mission.
(For more information: Tim McPhie – Tel.: +32 2 295 86 02; Ana Crespo Parrondo – Tel.: +32 2 298 13 25)
Tentative agendas for forthcoming Commission meetings
Note that these items can be subject to changes.
Upcoming events of the European Commission
Eurostat press releases