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Daily News 04 / 03 / 2024
L'Italie présente une demande de révision ciblée de son plan de relance
Aujourd'hui, l'Italie a présenté à la Commission une demande de révision ciblée de son plan pour la reprise et la résilience. Les modifications proposées sont techniques et font suite à la révision complète de son plan, que le Conseil a adoptée le 8 décembre 2023.
Le plan italien pour la reprise et la résilience se compose de 194,4 milliards d'euros, dont 71,8 milliards d'euros sous forme de subventions et 122,6 milliards d'euros de prêts. Il comprend 66 réformes et 150 investissements. À ce jour, la Commission a décaissé plus de 50 % des fonds alloués à l'Italie au titre de la facilité pour la reprise et la résilience, soit plus de 102 milliards d'euros. De plus amples informations sur le plan de résilience de l'Italie sont disponibles ici.
Vous trouverez de plus amples informations sur le processus de révision des plans pour la reprise et la résilience dans notre document de questions-réponses ici.
(Pour plus d'informations : Veerle Nuyts — Tél. : + 32 229 96302 ; Marajke Slomka — Tél. : + 32 229 82613)
Bulgaria and Romania strengthen cooperation on border and migration management
Today, the European Commission is launching together with Bulgaria and Romania two Cooperation Frameworks on border and migration management. The Cooperation Frameworks build on the successful implementation by the two countries of the pilot projects for fast asylum and returns procedures initiated in March 2023 and allows for moving from ad hoc to sustainable solutions.
Bulgaria and Romania have given a new impetus to the joint efforts in managing the external borders and migration.
Through the Cooperation Frameworks agreed today, the two countries will further contribute to the joint European efforts to address EU security at external borders and migratory challenges.
The Cooperation Frameworks take into account that the Schengen acquis will be fully applicable in Bulgaria and Romania and that, as from 31 March 2024, controls at the internal air and sea borders shall be lifted. Against this background, it also includes actions to further reinforce cooperation between Member States, for instance, in the area of police cooperation, to address related cross-border challenges.
For more information, a press release is available online.
(For more information: Anitta Hipper – Tel.: +32 2 298 56 91 Fiorella Boigner - Tel.: +32 2 299 37 34)
EU steps up renewable energy cooperation with Azerbaijan
The 2nd Ministerial Meeting of the EU-Azerbaijan Green Energy Advisory Council took place in Baku last Friday, co-chaired by Commissioner for Energy Kadri Simson. The meeting was an important moment for strengthening our partnership in the field of renewable energy, bringing a new dimension to our overall energy relations.
To ensure a strong renewable energy dimension to our partnership, the Commission has notably worked to facilitate a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on wind energy cooperation between the Azeri Renewable Energy Agency and the European industry association WindEurope. On Friday, the Commissioner witnessed the signature of the MoU, which will pave the way for European renewable energy companies to tap the huge wind power potential of Azerbaijan, to help push forward the clean energy transition in the region, and to potentially generate new renewable energy supplies for Europe.
Commissioner for Energy, Kadri Simson, said: "The EU and Azerbaijan's strategic energy cooperation has shown all its flexibility and dynamism. In 2019, there was only gas on the horizon. Not today. The Southern Gas Corridor has evolved to become a forum for cooperation also on renewables and electrification. This is an extraordinary result and is proof of how this project is forward looking and open to the future. We have made clean energy a key part of EU-Azerbaijan bilateral relations. The signature of the Memorandum of Understanding with EU wind companies in the margins of this Ministerial is a very important step."
The Commissioner's full remarks at the inaugural session of the Southern Gas Corridor Advisory Council are available here. You can also find online her remarks at the closing press conference with Azerbaijan's Energy Minister, Parviz Shahbazov. A joint statement on the 10th ministerial meeting of the Southern Gas Corridor Advisory Council and 2nd ministerial meeting of the Green Energy Advisory Council is available here.
(For more information: Tim McPhie – Tel.: +32 2 295 86 02; Giulia Bedini – Tel: +32 2 295 86 61; Ana Crespo Parrondo – Tel.: +32 2 298 13 25)
Le programme Erasmus pour les jeunes entrepreneurs célèbre 15 ans de promotion de l'esprit d'entreprise en Europe
La Commission célèbre le 15ème anniversaire du programme Erasmus pour les jeunes entrepreneurs (EYE), une initiative unique destinée à façonner l'avenir de l'esprit d'entreprise dans toute l'Europe. Cette étape souligne le succès de la rencontre EYE pour encourager la collaboration internationale, enrichir les compétences entrepreneuriales et stimuler l'innovation.
À l'instar de ce qu'Erasmus+ fait dans les domaines de l'éducation, de la formation, de la jeunesse et du sport, le programme EYE offre aux nouveaux et potentiels entrepreneurs une occasion unique de bénéficier d'échanges internationaux visant à traduire des idées innovantes en réalité. Il contribue à surmonter les premiers obstacles à la création et à la gestion d'une entreprise tout en facilitant la croissance internationale et la création de partenariats commerciaux. Les participants acquièrent une inestimable formation sur le terrain et développent leurs compétences entrepreneuriales grâce à une collaboration gagnant-gagnant avec un entrepreneur d'accueil expérimenté à l'étranger, d'une durée d'un à six mois. L'UE propose un soutien financier pour couvrir les frais de voyage et de séjour, en garantissant l'accessibilité du programme.
Les entrepreneurs d'accueil expérimentés bénéficient de nouvelles perspectives et compétences offertes par de nouveaux entrepreneurs motivés. Cette collaboration ouvre la voie à l'exploration d'idées innovantes susceptibles de développer leurs entreprises, en permettant l'internationalisation, l'accès à de nouveaux marchés et la formation de nouveaux partenariats, renforçant ainsi leur avantage concurrentiel.
À ce jour, le programme a créé près de 12,000 échanges commerciaux dans plus de 45 pays. L'année 2023 a atteint un niveau historique avec plus de 5,000 candidatures, ce qui témoigne du succès remarquable du programme. Le programme EYE a obtenu un taux élevé de satisfaction : 98 % des nouveaux entrepreneurs le recommandent, et 92 % des participants entretiennent des contacts après leur échange. Par ailleurs, 20 % des entrepreneurs d'accueil prévoient de mettre en place des activités commerciales conjointes avec de nouveaux entrepreneurs.
La Commission s'engage à renforcer le programme EYE à l'avenir, en veillant à ce qu'il continue de soutenir les entrepreneurs émergents et contribue à un écosystème économique européen résilient et innovant.
Pour en savoir plus sur les modalités de candidature ou de participation, consultez le site web « Erasmus pour jeunes entrepreneurs ».
(Pour plus d'informations : Johanna Bernsel – Tél.: +32 2 298 66 99 ; Ana Martínez Sanjurjo – Tél: +32 2 296 30 66)
Booking, ByteDance and X notified that they meet gatekeeper thresholds under Digital Markets Act
The Commission has received notifications by end of Friday 1 March 2024 from Booking, ByteDance and X, about their core platform services potentially meeting the Digital Markets Act (DMA) thresholds as of 1 January 2024, which could make them subject to the new EU rules on gatekeeper platforms.
Companies may become subject to the DMA if they operate a so-called core platform service, such as, among others, search engines, app stores, messenger services, and also meet the following criteria: have 45 million monthly active end users and 10 000 yearly business users, have a significant impact on the market and have a stable market position. Six companies have already been designated as gatekeepers for 22 core platform services and the DMA rules will apply to them as of 7 March 2024.
The Commission now has 45 working days, i.e. until 13 May 2024, to decide whether to designate the companies as gatekeepers. The Commission will also assess any argument put forward by the companies to rebut the presumption that they should be designated as gatekeepers. If designated, gatekeepers will have six months to comply with the requirements in the DMA.
More information is available in the dedicated Q&A.
(For more information: Johannes Bahrke – Tel.: +32 2 295 86 15; Roberta Verbanac – Tel.: +32 2 298 24 98)
Commission approves €350 million Portuguese State aid scheme to support investments in equipment necessary to foster the transition to a net-zero economy
The European Commission has approved a €350 million Portuguese 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.
Under this measure, which will be fully financed through the Recovery and Resilience Facility, the aid will take the form of direct grants. The measure will be open to companies producing relevant equipment, namely batteries, solar panels, wind turbines, heat-pumps, electrolysers, 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 Portuguese 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 Portuguese 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.
On this basis, the Commission approved the aid measure under EU State aid rules.
Executive Vice-President Margrethe Vestager, in charge of competition policy, said: “This €350 million Portuguese scheme is funded through the Recovery and Resilience Facility. It will provide key support to the production of strategic equipment needed for the transition towards a net-zero economy. The scheme will support these investments without unduly disturbing competition.
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 IRIS by LGP and Hg
The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of joint control of Perennial Newco 2 Ltd (‘IRIS') of the UK by Leonard Green & Partners (‘LGP') of the US and Hg Capital (‘Hg') of the UK.
The transaction relates primarily to the provision of software solutions for businesses.
The Commission concluded that the notified transaction would not raise competition concerns, given (i) that IRIS has negligible activities in the European Economic Area; and (ii) 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.11455.
(For more information: Lea Zuber –Tel.: +32 2 295 62 98; Sara Simonini - Tel.: +32 2 298 33 67)
Commission clears creation of joint venture by Rheinmetall and KNDS
The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the creation of a joint venture (UAB Lithuanian Defense Services) by Rheinmetall AG of Germany and KNDS N.V. of the Netherlands.
The transaction relates primarily to the defence sector, in particular to the supply of maintenance services and spare parts for military vehicles.
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.11390.
(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 SD2 par Copeba
La Commission européenne a approuvé, en vertu du règlement européen sur les concentrations, l'acquisition du contrôle exclusif de SD 2 Holding B.V. (« SD2 »), basée aux Pays-Bas, par Cobepa SA, basée en Belgique.
La transaction concerne principalement la distribution de produits et systèmes de sécurité.
La Commission a conclu que la concentration envisagée ne soulèverait pas de problème de concurrence, compte tenu que les entreprises ne sont pas présentes sur les mêmes marchés ou sur des marchés verticalement liés. La transaction notifiée 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 sous le numéro d'affaire M.11480.
(Pour plus d'informations: Lea Zuber –-Tel.: +32 2 295 62 98; Sara Simonini - Tel.: +32 2 298 33 67)
Commission clears acquisition of CBM by EMC and OEP Hitch
The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of joint control of CBM by EMC, both of Italy, and OEP Hitch of the Netherlands.
The transaction relates primarily to the design and manufacturing of attachment systems for off-highway vehicles, in particular for tractors.
The Commission concluded that the notified transaction would not raise competition concerns, given the companies' limited combined market position resulting from the proposed transaction. The 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.11317.
(For more information: Lea Zuber –-Tel.: +32 2 295 62 98; Sara Simonini - Tel.: +32 2 298 33 67)
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Commission to host first international high-level meeting on safe data flows
Today, Commissioner Reynders will chair the first ever high-level meeting on safe data flows. He will be joined by Vice-President Jourová and the Chair of the European Data Protection Board (EDPB). This event will convene ministers and heads of data protection authority of the 15 countries for which the EU has adopted an adequacy decision. During the roundtable, participants will discuss ways to leverage this network of like-minded partners to maximise the benefits of safe and free data flows. Building upon the commonalities between their data protection rules, they will also explore possibilities for closer cooperation on the enforcement of these rules, including on guidance, compliance mechanisms and investigations.
Vice-President for Values and Transparency, Věra Jourová, said: “Strong data protection rules and its vigorous enforcement are a distinctive mark of democracies. I strongly believe we have to work together with our democratic partners on safe and free data flows, promote our cooperation and learn from each other. In digital era where the innovation is often powered by personal data we are facing similar challenges across the globe, this is why it would be mutually beneficial to work towards a ‘network effect' and common understanding of the challenges.”
Didier Reynders, Commissioner for Justice, said: “Cross-border data flows are an integral part of our economy and daily lives. We form, together with 15 other countries, the world's broadest networks for safe and free data flows. With the development of Artificial Intelligence and global challenges arising from new technologies, our cooperation to promoting the responsible use of data and trusted data flows is more important than ever. I look forward to discussing these opportunities in the first ever international summit between like-minded partners on privacy.”
Commissioner Reynders will open the high-level meeting at 15:00 CET. The discussions will then focus on how to maximise the benefits of safe data flows, followed by a discussion on how to use this network as a motor for cooperation between data protection authorities of the 15 countries.
More information on the Commission's policy on the international dimension of data protection can be found here.
(For more information: Anitta Hipper – Tel.: +32 2 298 56 91; Cristina Torres Castillo — Tel.: + 32 2 299 06 79)
Tentative agendas for forthcoming Commission meetings
Note that these items can be subject to changes.
Upcoming events of the European Commission
Eurostat press releases