Daily News 31 / 01 / 2024

La Commission recommande de nouvelles mesures sur la prévention vaccinale des cancers dans le cadre du plan européen de lutte contre le cancer

Aujourd'hui, la Commission européenne présente une recommandation visant à soutenir les États membres dans leurs efforts de prévention du cancer par la vaccination. Il s'agit notamment d'encourager l'adoption de deux vaccins clés qui peuvent prévenir les infections virales susceptibles d'entraîner un cancer : le papillomavirus humain (HPV) et le virus de l'hépatite B (HBV), ainsi que d'améliorer le suivi des taux de couverture.

La recommandation s'inscrit dans le cadre du plan européen de lutte concre de cancer, un pilier essentiel de l'union européenne de la santé. On estime qu'environ 40 % des cas de cancer dans l'UE sont évitables. Toutefois, selon un nouveau rapport publié aujourd'hui, seuls environ 5 % du total des dépenses de santé ont été consacrées à la prévention dans les États membres de l'UE en 2021.

Dans de nombreux États membres, la couverture vaccinale contre le papillomavirus est nettement inférieure à 50 % chez les filles, les données disponibles pour les garçons et les jeunes adultes étant limitées, et il y a un manque important des données sur les taux de vaccination contre le virus de l'hépatite B. La recommandation adoptée aujourd'hui comprend une série de mesures que les États membres pourraient prendre pour améliorer l'utilisation de ces vaccins vitaux, ainsi que pour améliorer le suivi et l'établissement de rapports.

Plus d'informations disponibles en ligne dans le communiqué de presse et les questions-réponses.

(Pour plus d'informations : Stefan De Keersmaecker – Tél. : +32 2 298 46 80; Ana Apse-Paese – Tél. : +32 2 298 73 48)

 

Commission welcomes stronger marketing standards for honey, fruit juices, jams, and milk

The European Commission welcomes the political agreement reached by the European Parliament and Council to review and strengthen the existing marketing standards applicable to honey, fruit juices, jams, and milk.

The so-called Breakfast Directives lay down common rules on the composition, sales name, labelling, and presentation of these products to ensure their free movement within the internal market and help consumers make informed choices.

The revised Directives agreed upon by co-legislators will introduce changes on mandatory origin labelling for honey, innovation, and market opportunities for fruit juices in line with new consumers' demands, higher mandatory fruit content in jams, and simplified labelling for milk. For instance, the country, or countries of origin in case of blends or mixes of honey, will have to appear on the label. The political agreement reached by the European Parliament, Council, and Commission is now subject to formal approval by the co-legislators.

You may find more information in our press release.

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

 

La Commission européenne approuve une nouvelle indication géographique de France, le « Sel de Camargue » / « Fleur de sel de Camargue »

La Commission européenne a approuvé aujourd'hui l'inscription au registre des indications géographiques protégées (IGP) du « Sel de Camargue»/«Fleur de sel de Camargue », un sel de l'aire géographique située en Petite Camargue.

Le « Sel de Camargue » et la « Fleur de sel de Camargue » sont des sels marins, issus de l'évaporation naturelle de l'eau de mer, et cristallisant uniquement sous l'action du soleil et du vent. Aucun traitement, autre que le séchage, n'est autorisé.

Le « Sel de Camargue » et la « Fleur de sel de Camargue » sont exclusivement issus de l'aire géographique située en Petite Camargue. La production de sel, dans cette aire, remonte au Moyen-âge. Grâce à ses étés bien marqués et ses vents de nord et nord-ouest, le climat méditerranéen de cette zone est favorable à la cristallisation du sel et aux méthodes de récolte spécifiques. En effet, l'aire géographique, située en climat Méditerranéen, bénéficie d'un fort ensoleillement et de fortes chaleurs estivales, ce qui favorise une production de sel abondante. La nature des sols sablonneux sur lesquels circule l'eau de mer et le renouvellement fréquent de ces eaux permettent d'obtenir des saumures contenant très peu d'insolubles, d'où la couleur blanche du sel et de la fleur de sel de Camargue. Cette couleur blanche est une caractéristique de ces produits.

Cette nouvelle dénomination viendra s'ajouter à la liste des 1 686 produits agricoles déjà protégés. La liste de toutes les indications géographiques protégées se trouve dans la base de données eAmbrosia. De plus amples informations sont disponibles en ligne sur le site Quality Schemes et sur notre portail GIView.

(Pour plus d'informations : Olof Gill – Tél. : +32 2 296 59 66 ; Myrto-Amaryllis Lappa- Tél. : +32 2 299 70 98)

 

First EU-wide cybersecurity certification scheme to make European digital space safer

The Commission has today adopted the first-ever European cybersecurity certification scheme, in line with the EU Cybersecurity Act. The scheme offers a Union-wide set of rules and procedures on how to certify ICT products in their lifecycle and thus make them more trustworthy for users. Certification provides a formal recognition that ICT products can be trusted to protect both the hardware and software that citizens are using daily.

Thierry Breton, Commissioner for Internal Market, said: “In a highly dynamic cybersecurity threat landscape, we are making strides to raise our collective cyber resilience. Today, we launch a new framework to ensure that the products that we use in some of the most sensitive environments, like routers and ID cards, are cybersecure. We want our citizens, businesses, and the public sector to be able to trust the products they rely upon for securing their networks and for providing sensitive public services.”   

The voluntary scheme will complement the Cyber Resilience Act that introduces binding cybersecurity requirements for all hardware and software products in the EU. This major step contributes to fostering Europe's global digital leadership. Furthermore, the scheme will also boost the implementation of the NIS2 Directive.

The scheme will be published in the Official Journal of the EU shortly and will enter into force 20 days after publication. Together with the publication of the certification scheme in the Official Journal, the Commission will also publish the first Union Rolling Work Programme for European cybersecurity certification. This document sets out a strategic vision and reflections on possible areas for future European cybersecurity certification schemes considering recent legislative and market developments.

The adopted scheme is based on drafts prepared by the European Union Agency for Cybersecurity (ENISA) in close cooperation with industry experts and Member States, after technical and legal discussions, as well as public consultation. 

(For more information: Johannes Bahrke – Tel.: +32 2 295 86 15; Roberta Verbanac – Tel.: +32 2 298 24 98)

 

EU approves over €19 million in humanitarian aid for Myanmar in 2024

As conflict continues in most parts of Myanmar, the Commission has allocated over €19 million in humanitarian aid to address the most urgent needs of the population. This funding will support the large number of internally displaced people, which reached 2.6 million last year, as well as others affected by the ongoing fighting.

The main EU aid priorities will be food assistance, emergency shelter, and access to healthcare, water and sanitation, as well as protection activities such as mine risk education.

Out of the total allocation, €2 million is for education in emergencies. About a third of school-aged children in the country don't currently have access to education, with many schools closed or inaccessible due to the conflict.

Commissioner for Crisis Management Janez Lenarčič said: “The crisis in Myanmar remains one of the worst in the world and the EU will continue to help the country's population by providing humanitarian assistance. This €19 million will provide life-saving aid to the most vulnerable people, offering them access to food assistance, healthcare and education. Once again, we remind all parties of the need to respect humanitarian law and facilitate the delivery of aid across the country.”

All EU humanitarian funding is channelled via partner organisations such as international NGOs and UN agencies. In Myanmar, the EU's partners work with hundreds of local civil society organisations to deliver aid across the country. 

The press release is available online. (For more information: Balazs Ujvari - Tel.: +32 2 295 45 78; Daniel Puglisi - Tél.: +32 2 296 91 40).

 

L'Union Européenne annonce l'octroi, en 2024, d'une aide humanitaire de 117 millions d'euros au Tchad et au Soudan

Le Commissaire chargé de la Gestion des Crises, Janez Lenarčič, est actuellement en visite au Tchad pour constater la situation humanitaire dans le pays et rencontrer les autorités. Au cours de sa visite, le Commissaire annoncera un nouveau financement de 45 millions d'euros pour l'aide humanitaire de l'UE au Tchad.

Ce financement vise à répondre aux besoins humanitaires les plus pressants au Tchad, notamment ceux des réfugiés, des rapatriés et des populations hôtes touchés par le conflit Soudanais dans l'Est du pays, ceux des personnes déplacées internes touchées par le conflit du bassin du lac Tchad dans l'Ouest du pays, ainsi que les besoins des membres les plus vulnérables de la population souffrant des crises alimentaires et nutritionnelles. Ce nouveau financement d'aide humanitaire de l'UE permettra de répondre aux besoins les plus urgents en matière de protection et d'aide humanitaire, notamment dans les domaines de l'alimentation, de la santé, de la nutrition, de l'eau, assainissement et hygiène, de l'abri et de l'éducation des enfants en contexte d'urgence.

Parallèlement, l'UE octroie, en 2024, un montant initial de 72 millions d'euros au Soudan, afin d'aider le pays à faire face aux répercussions du conflit et aux besoins humanitaires considérables qui en découlent pour 24,8 millions de personnes, soit environ la moitié de la population Soudanaise. Ce financement permettra de fournir des services de première nécessité et une aide à la protection aux personnes déplacées par le conflit ou d'autres catastrophes. Il s'agira notamment de soutenir l'éducation en situation d'urgence, en aidant les élèves touchés par le conflit à poursuivre leur scolarité, un besoin particulièrement urgent dans la mesure où 3 millions d'enfants ont été déplacés, ce qui fait du Soudan le pays qui compte le plus grand nombre d'enfants déplacés dans le monde.

Plus de détails figurent dans le communiqué de presse.

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

 

Commission adopts proposal on a new EU-UK joint solution under the Windsor Framework on tariff-rate quotas for certain agri-food products, to benefit Northern Ireland businesses

Yesterday the Commission adopted a proposal setting out a new EU-UK joint solution under the Windsor Framework regarding the use of tariff-rate quotas (TRQs) by Northern Ireland businesses.

The proposed solution follows the public commitment back in February 2023 to work together on a solution so that Northern Ireland businesses could use TRQs for commodities originating from the rest of the world. At the time, both sides agreed that any solution needed to be based on available evidence and data, taking account of historic trade flows and providing appropriate protection to the EU Single Market.

The proposal delivers on this promise. It consists of a proposal to amend the section on ‘goods not at risk' of the decision of the Joint Committee of the EU-UK Withdrawal Agreement laying down arrangements relating to the Windsor Framework. The aim is to ensure that Northern Ireland businesses are able to make use of UK TRQs for imports from third countries of several agri-food products, such as New Zealand lamb. The solution is based on the needs of Northern Ireland businesses, while at the same time ensuring the protection of the EU Single Market.

Following in-depth technical discussions with the UK, the Commission is now putting forward a proposal to the Council. If the Council approves the proposal, the EU and the UK are expected to formally agree on the solution at the next meeting of the Joint Committee of the EU-UK Withdrawal Agreement.

A press release is available online.

(For more information: Daniel Ferrie – Tel.: +32 2 298 65 00; Francesca Dalboni – Tel: +32 2 298 81 70)

 

Commission carries out unannounced antitrust inspections in the tyres sector

The European Commission is carrying out unannounced inspections at the premises of companies active in the tyres industry in several Member States.

The Commission has concerns that the inspected companies may have violated EU antitrust rules that prohibit cartels and restrictive business practices (Article 101 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union).

The products concerned by the inspections are new replacement tyres for passenger cars, vans, trucks and busses sold in the European Economic Area. The Commission is concerned that price coordination took place amongst the inspected companies, including via public communications.

Unannounced inspections are a preliminary investigatory step into suspected anticompetitive practices. The fact that the Commission carries out such inspections does not mean that the companies are guilty of anti-competitive behaviour, nor does it prejudge the outcome of the investigation itself.

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 approves €550 million Italian State aid scheme to support investments for the use of hydrogen in industrial processes to foster the transition to a net-zero economy

The European Commission has approved a €550 million Italian scheme to support investments for the use of hydrogen in industrial processes 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 accelerating the green transition and reducing fuel dependencies.

Italy notified to the Commission, under the Temporary Crisis and Transition Framework, a €550 million scheme to support investments enabling the substitution of methane and other fossil fuels with renewable hydrogen, which can be combined with electrification or significant energy efficiency improvements in industrial processes, to foster the transition to a net-zero economy.

Under this measure, which will be funded through resources allocated to the Italian National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR), the aid will take the form of direct grants. 

The measure will be open to companies relying on the use of fossil fuels as energy source or feedstock for their production processes in industrial sectors in Italy. Eligible projects must lead to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from production processes by at least 40% or to reduce energy consumption by at least 20%, compared to today. In order to be eligible, companies need to switch from the use of fossil fuels to renewable hydrogen, and can combine this investment with investing in the electrification of their production processes or in significantly improving their energy efficiency.

Executive Vice-President Margrethe Vestager, in charge of competition policy, said: “This €550 million Italian scheme will help industries to significantly decarbonise industrial processes that depend on a switch to hydrogen for their green transition. The measure will also help Italy to reduce its dependence on imported fossil fuels, in line with the REPowerEU Plan, and ensure a full switch to hydrogen by 2036 in all supported investments.”

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 Wesii by Terna and DxT

The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of joint control of Wesii S.r.l. (‘Wesii') by Terna Rete Elettrica Nazionale S.p.A. (‘Terna') of Italy and DxT Commodities S.A. (‘DxT') of Switzerland.

The transaction relates primarily to the provision of multispectral inspection services in the photovoltaic sector.

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 market positions resulting from the proposed transaction. The notified transaction was examined under the simplified merger review procedure.

More information is available on the Commission's competition website, in the public case register under the case number M.11152.

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

 

Commission clears acquisition of Zhejiang Bao-Mit by Baosteel and Mitsui

The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of joint control of Zhejiang Bao-Mit Precision Steel Technology Co., Ltd. ('Zhejiang Bao-Mit') by Shanghai Baosteel International Economic & Trading Co., Ltd. (‘Baosteel'), both of China and Mitsui & Co., Ltd. (‘Mitsui') of Japan.

The transaction relates primarily to the production and distribution of iron and steel products in China.

The Commission concluded that the notified transaction would not raise competition concerns, given the limited impact on the European Economic Area. The notified transaction was examined under the simplified merger review procedure.

More information is available on the Commission's competition website, in the public case register under the case number M.11338.

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

 

Commission clears acquisition of Velvet Care by Partners Group AG

The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of sole control of Velvet Care of Poland by Partners Group AG of Switzerland.

The transaction relates primarily to the sector of tissue hygiene products.

The Commission concluded that the notified transaction would not raise competition concerns, given that the companies are not active in the same or vertically related markets. The notified transaction was examined under the simplified merger review procedure.

More information is available on the Commission's competition website, in the public case register under the case number M.11404.

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

 

 

STATEMENTS

 

 

EU and United States enhance cooperation on cybersecurity

The EU and the United States took an important step to further strengthen their mutual cyber resilience and foster a secure global cyberspace. During his visit to Washington D.C., Thierry Breton, Commissioner for Internal Market issued a joint statement with Alejandro N. Mayorkas, United States Secretary of Homeland Security, recalling the importance of cooperation between like-minded partners to address a constantly changing cyber threat landscape. They discussed the EU-US Joint Cyber Safe Products Action Plan, a deliverable of the EU-US Summit in October 2023, which outlines the steps for further collaboration between the Commission and relevant US regulatory agencies to prepare the ground to explore mutual recognition on cybersecurity requirements on Internet of Things (IoT) hardware and software consumer products. The Action Plan builds on the EU Cyber Resilience Act framework and the proposed US cybersecurity labelling programme Cyber Trust Mark Act.

The two sides also agreed to advance cooperation in the fields of critical infrastructure protection, crisis management, software security, post quantum cryptography and cybersecurity of artificial intelligence under the EU-US cyber dialogue. Furthermore, the EU announced that it would join the US-led global Counter Ransomware Initiative policy statement, committing the EU and its 27 Member States government authorities to not pay ransom to cyber criminals.

Commissioner Thierry Breton concluded: “Together with our American partners, we are acting with speed and ambition to counter the growing threat from malicious cyber actors on all fronts. Firstly, with the Joint Cyber Safe Product Action Plan in place, we will now work concretely together to foster a transatlantic market for trusted digital products and promote our high cybersecurity standards globally. Furthermore, we make a firm commitment that neither the EU institutions, bodies and agencies, nor our Member States' national government authorities, will pay ransom to such cyber criminals.”  

You will find more information on EU-US cooperation on cybersecurity here.

(For more information: Johannes Bahrke – Tel.: +32 2 295 86 15; Roberta Verbanac – Tel.: +32 2 298 24 98)

ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

 

Commissioner Simson in Moldova for the fifth EU-Moldova High-Level Energy Dialogue

On 1-2 February, Commissioner for Energy Kadri Simson will be in Chișinău, Moldova to co-chair the fifth High-Level Energy Dialogue between the EU and the Republic of Moldova with the Minister for Energy, Victor Parlicov.

The Commissioner will emphasise the EU's ongoing support for Moldova and its energy sector. The discussions will focus on the security of supply for the upcoming winters as well as developing renewable energy and energy efficiency. Reforms in the electricity, gas and renewable energy sectors will also be part of the dialogue, which will be a key opportunity to look at alignment with EU rules in the energy sector in view of the enlargement process. 

This High-Level Dialogue was launched in 2021 and the two parties have worked intensively together to increase energy security and cooperation on connectivity and energy market reforms, in particular since Russia's aggression against Ukraine and the ensuing energy crisis. Since February 2022, Moldova's electricity grid has been synchronised with the Continental European Grid to help keep its ystem stable while working to bolster Moldova's energy independence.

As part of her visit to Moldova and on the sidelines of the Energy Dialogue, Commissioner Simson will also hold a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Dorin Recean. At the end of the Energy Dialogue on Friday, at around 10:30 CEST, Commissioner Simson will hold a press conference alongside Minister Parlicov, which can be followed live on EbS.

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

 

 

APPOINTMENTS

 

 

The European Commission appoints an EU SME Envoy

Today, Markus Pieper has been appointed as EU small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) Envoy. He will report directly to President Ursula von der Leyen. Mr Pieper will take office in the Directorate-General for Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs (DG GROW) and he will also report to the Commissioner for Internal Market on all SME-related activities. The date of effect of his appointment will be determined later.

SMEs are the backbone of the EU economy. The Commission is determined to take bold action in support of SMEs, recognising the role they play in achieving the transition towards a green, digital and resilient economy as well as the contribution they make to the EU's long-term prosperity. It is against this background that the Commission adopted a Communication on an SME relief package, which includes the appointment of a dedicated EU SME Envoy, as also announced by President von der Leyen in her latest State of the Union speech, to provide guidance and advice to the Commission on SME issues and to advocate SME interests externally ensuring that the 'Think Small First' principle is applied effectively. The EU SME Envoy will also chair the SME Envoy Network, thus maintaining close contact with the national SME Envoys, and work together with business associations to advocate for the special concerns and needs of SMEs within the Commission, in line with the Commission`s Better Regulation Agenda. This includes, in particular, working towards bureaucratic burden reduction for our companies, and filtering upcoming SME-related EU legislation and signalling to the Commission those that merit close attention from an SME perspective, in a regular dialogue with the Regulatory Scrutiny Board.

Mr Pieper, a Member of the European Parliament since 2004, brings extensive experience and expertise in SME policies. He serves as a member of the Committee on Industry, Research, and Energy. Throughout his tenure, he has played a pivotal role in shaping and championing policies that benefit SMEs. In his capacity as the rapporteur on crucial SME-related matters, such as defining SMEs and improving regulations, Mr Pieper has demonstrated a commendable track record. He has successfully established and nurtured strategic relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders, showcasing strong leadership, advocacy, and negotiation skills. Prior to his role in the European Parliament, Mr Pieper served as the Managing Director of a regional Chamber of Commerce in Germany, showcasing his practical understanding of business dynamics.

Markus Pieper holds a Doctorate in Economic Geography and has shared his knowledge as a lecturer on European integration, EU energy, and industrial policy. His wealth of experience, both in legislative matters and hands-on business management, positions him as a valuable asset to any initiatives related to SMEs and industrial policy.

(For more information: Balazs Ujvari - Tel.: +32 2 295 45 78; Veronica Favalli - Tel.: +32 2 298 72 69)

 

The European Commission appoints a new Head of Representation in Croatia

Today, Zrinka Ujević has been appointed as the new Head of the European Commission Representation in Croatia. In this function, she will act as the official representative of the European Commission in Croatia under the political authority of President Ursula von der Leyen. The date of effect of her appointment will be determined later.

Zrinka Ujević, a Croatian national, will draw on her extensive diplomatic, negotiation, and representation skills consolidated throughout her former functions in Croatian diplomacy in the past 30 years. These exposures have systematically centred upon EU-related matters which has allowed her to amass a profound understanding of the intricacies of a range of EU policy areas together with the institutional landscape.

The Commission maintains Representations in all capitals of EU Member States, and Regional Offices in Barcelona, Bonn, Marseille, Milan, Munich and Wroclaw. The Representations are the Commission's eyes, ears and voice on the ground in EU Member States. They interact with national authorities, stakeholders and citizens, and inform the media and the public about EU policies. Heads of Representations are appointed by the President of the European Commission and are her political representatives in the Member State to which they are posted.

More details in our press release.

(For more information: Balazs Ujvari - Tel.: +32 2 295 45 78; Veronica Favalli - Tel.: +32 2 298 72 69)

 

 

 

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