Daily News 28 / 06 / 2024

Commission disburses an additional €1.9 billion to Ukraine in pre-financing

Today, the Commission has disbursed almost €1.9 billion of pre-financing to Ukraine under the Ukraine Facility. This brings to €7.9 billion the total EU support already transferred to Ukraine since it became operational in March.

The new funding will support Ukraine's macro-financial stability as it implements critical long-term structural reforms under the Ukraine Plan, Ukraine's reform and growth plan for the next four years, which has been positively assessed by the Commission and the Council.

Today's pre-financing represents an advanced disbursement of 7% of the loan support that Ukraine is eligible to receive under the Ukraine Facility to support the implementation of the Ukraine Plan. The plan sets out reforms and investments that can boost sustainable economic growth and attract investments, amplifying the country's growth potential in the medium-to-long term.

Quarterly payments under the Ukraine Facility will now follow, conditional on Ukraine meeting pre-agreed requirements, ensuring regular and predictable financial support to Ukraine.  

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said: “This week we have made a historic step with the formal opening of accession negotiations with Ukraine. And yesterday, we disbursed a new €1.9 billion under the Ukraine Facility, bringing to close to €8 billion the total disbursed so far. Now regular payments will follow on a quarterly basis. The EU is determined to continue helping Ukraine keep its state running as it fights for its freedom and takes forward reforms on its path to the EU. The Commission will support you every step of the way.”

Olivér Várhelyi, Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement said: “With the additional €1.9 billion we disburse today, Ukraine can maintain its critical services running for the civilian population and ensure macro-financial stability. Looking ahead, through the €50 billion Ukraine Facility, we will continue to support Ukraine's economy and the long-term structural reforms under the Ukraine Plan. Europe remains united in its support for Ukraine.”

For the period 2024-2027, up to €50 billion in grants and loans will be provided under the EU's Ukraine Facility to support Ukraine's efforts to sustain macro-financial stability, promote short-term recovery as well as rebuild and modernise the country whilst implementing key reforms for its EU accession path. The Ukraine Facility will support the transition towards green, digital and inclusive economy that is progressively aligned with EU rules and standards. More information on the EU solidarity with Ukraine is available online. A factsheet on the Ukraine Facility is also available online.

(For more information: Ana Pisonero – Tel.: +32 2 295 43 20; Piotr Cichocki – Tel.: +32 229-5844)

 

EU notifies exit from Energy Charter Treaty and puts an end to intra-EU arbitration proceedings

The EU has taken the final step to exit the Energy Charter Treaty (ECT), a multilateral trade and investment agreement applicable to the energy sector, which is not compatible with the EU's climate and energy goals under the European Green Deal and the Paris Agreement.

Two written notifications have been sent by the Council and Commission to the Government of Portugal, which is the official depositary of the Treaty, notifying respectively the withdrawal of the European Union and Euratom. The withdrawals will take effect in one year. These notifications follow the agreement between EU Energy Ministers last month on the Commission's proposals to pursue the withdrawal and Treaty modernisation in parallel.

This week, the Union and its Member States have also reached a formal agreement to put an end to the continuation of intra-EU arbitration proceedings under the ECT that are contrary to Union law. More specifically, the agreement is aimed at clarifying, for the benefit of courts and arbitral tribunals, that the arbitration clause provided in the ECT does not apply – and never has - in the relations between an EU investor and an EU country.
More information is available in our press release online.

(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)

 

Commission requests information from online marketplaces Temu and Shein on compliance with the Digital Services Act*

Today, the Commission has sent the online marketplaces Temu and Shein formal requests for information (RFIs) under the Digital Services Act (DSA). The Commission is requesting Temu and Shein to provide more information on the measures they have taken to comply with the DSA obligations related to the so-called ‘Notice and Action mechanism' (which allow users to notify illegal products), the online interfaces (which should be designed in a way that does not deceive or manipulate users via so called ‘dark patterns'), the protection of minors, the transparency of recommender systems, the traceability of traders and compliance by design.  

This enforcement action is also based on a complaint submitted to the Commission by consumer organisations.

Both Temu and Shein must provide the requested information by 12 July 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, 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, Temu and Shein are subject to the supervision of the Commission, including for the general obligations of the DSA, which entered into force on 17 February 2024 and are subject to the request for information sent today. Temu and Shein also continue to be supervised in respect of their general obligations under the DSA by the Coimsiún na Meán and the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission as the competent authorities of in Ireland. Temu and Shein have four months from the designation to comply with the more stringent rules under the DSA, notably the obligation to duly assess and mitigate any systemic risks stemming from their services, such as the dissemination of unsafe and counterfeited products.

(For more information: Thomas Regnier — Tel.: + 32 2 299 10 99; Patricia Poropat — Tel.: +32 2 298 04 85)

 

La Commission autorise le vaccin contre le chikungunya et finance un nouveau programme d'éradication des moustiques

La Commission a autorisé aujourd'hui le tout premier vaccin contre le virus du chikungunya, une maladie transmise par des moustiques infectés.

Bien que le chikungunya ne soit pas endémique dans l'UE, les effets du changement climatique ont entraîné une augmentation de la présence de moustiques qui transmettent des maladies graves en Europe. Un rapport récent du Centre européen de prévention et de contrôle des maladies (CEPCM) a confirmé la présence du moustique Aedes albopictus dans 13 pays de l'UE/EEE et du moustique Aedes aegypti à Chypre, moustiques qui peuvent contribuer à la propagation du chikungunya, du zika, de la dengue et de la fièvre jaune.

L'autorisation européenne du vaccin contre le chikungunya est destinée aux adultes de plus de 18 ans. Elle a été approuvée à l'unanimité par les États membres, à la suite d'une évaluation rigoureuse par l'Agence européenne des médicaments (EMA). Il appartient aux autorités nationales de chaque État membre de décider qui aura accès au vaccin, en tenant compte de la situation nationale et du statut de risque.

De plus, afin de réduire encore le risque de propagation des maladies transmises par les moustiques en Europe, la Commission a annoncé un financement de 500 000 euros au titre du programme EU4Health en faveur d'un projet pilote visant à éradiquer le moustique Aedes aegypti à Chypre, qui est actuellement le seul pays de l'UE où l'on trouve ce moustique.

Pour de plus amples détails, consultez le communiqué de presse en ligne.

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

 

La Commission approuve la modification du plan pour la reprise et la résilience de l'Allemagne de 30,3 milliards d'euros, comprenant un chapitre REPowerEU

La Commission a rendu hier une évaluation positive du plan pour la reprise et la résilience (PRR) modifié de l'Allemagne, qui comprend un chapitre REPowerEU. Le plan est désormais doté d'une enveloppe de 30,3 milliards d'euros sous forme de subventions, et couvre 17 réformes et 28 investissements.

Le chapitre REPowerEU de l'Allemagne comprend deux nouvelles réformes, deux nouveaux investissements et un investissement renforcé pour atteindre les objectifs du plan REPowerEU visant à rendre l'Europe indépendante des combustibles fossiles russes bien avant 2030.

Le plan modifié met fortement l'accent sur la transition écologique, avec 49,5 % des fonds destinés à des mesures en faveur du climat. L'ambition numérique du plan révisé de l'Allemagne reste également élevée, avec 47,5 % des fonds dédiés aux initiatives numériques. Le plan conserve également une dimension sociale ambitieuse.

Le Conseil dispose à présent, en principe, de quatre semaines pour approuver l'évaluation de la Commission. La Commission autorisera de nouveaux versements sur la base de la réalisation satisfaisante des jalons et cibles définis dans le plan révisé de l'Allemagne, reflétant les progrès accomplis dans la mise en œuvre des investissements et des réformes.

De plus amples informations sur le plan pour la reprise et la résilience de l'Allemagne sont disponibles ici et sur le tableau de bord de la reprise et de la résilience. De plus amples informations sur le processus des demandes de paiement au titre de la FRR sont disponibles dans le présent questionnaire.

Un communiqué de presse intégral est disponible en ligne.

(For more information: Veerle Nuyts – Tel.: +32 229 96302; Quentin Cortès — Tel.: + 32 229 32 83)

 

Commission receives Italy's sixth payment request under the Recovery and Resilience Facility

Today, the Commission has received Italy's sixth payment request for €8.5 billion, of which €1.6 billion in grants and €6.9 billion in loans.

It concerns 24 milestones and 13 targets, and covers reforms in public procurement, late payments, undeclared work, and social inclusion, as well as follow-up measures to sustain implementation efforts in the areas of justice, public administration and public accounting rules.  

The request also includes important investments in areas such as the digitalisation of businesses, security of gas supply, rail connections, and infrastructure works in the Special Economic Zone in the South of Italy.  

The Commission will now assess the request and will then send its preliminary assessment of Italy's fulfilment of the milestones and targets required for this payment to the Council's Economic and Financial Committee.  

Italy's overall recovery and resilience plan is financed by €71.8 billion in grants and €122.6 billion in loans. Italy is the first Member State to submit six payment requests. More information on Italy's recovery and resilience plan is available here, and on the recovery and resilience scoreboard. More information on the process of the payment requests under the RRF is available in this Q&A.

(For more information: Veerle Nuyts — Tel.: + 32 229 96302; Quentin Cortès — Tel.: + 32 229 32 83)

 

Un nouveau financement pour des alliances supplémentaires entre universités européennes pour stimuler la coopération dans l'enseignement supérieur

La Commission a annoncé aujourd'hui les résultats de l'appel Erasmus + 2024 en faveur de l'initiative « universités européennes », qui soutient les alliances entre établissements d'enseignement supérieur. Avec ces résultats, 14 nouvelles alliances entre universités européennes rejoignent les 50 alliances précédemment sélectionnées et recevront chacune jusqu'à 14,4 millions d'euros sur une période de quatre ans.

Ces 64 alliances entre universités européennes regroupent plus de 560 établissements d'enseignement supérieur de tous types, dans toutes les régions d'Europe. Les résultats marquent une étape importante dans la réalisation de l'objectif de la stratégie européenne pour les universités, qui est de disposer d'au moins 60 alliances entre universités européennes et plus de 500 universités concernées d'ici la mi-2024.

Les alliances entre universités européennes rassemblent une nouvelle génération d'Européens et leur permettent d'étudier et de travailler dans différents pays européens, dans différentes langues et dans différents secteurs et disciplines universitaires. Les étudiants peuvent obtenir un diplôme de haut niveau en combinant des études dans plusieurs pays européens, contribuant ainsi à l'attractivité et à la compétitivité internationales de l'enseignement supérieur européen. Ces alliances apportent également l'innovation aux régions d'Europe en permettant aux étudiants de collaborer avec des universitaires, des chercheurs, des entreprises, des villes, des autorités et des organisations de la société civile. La Commission continuera de soutenir les alliances entre universités européennes et tout autre type de partenariat entre établissements d'enseignement supérieur afin de fournir plus facilement des programmes de diplômes communs, comme l'indique également le projet de diplôme européen présenté en mars 2024.

Un communiqué de presse est disponible ici.

(Pour plus d'informations : Johanna Bernsel – Tél. : + 32 2 298 66 99 ; Federica Miccoli – Tél. : +32 2 295 83 00)

 

La Commission approuve la nouvelle Spécialité Traditionnelle Garantie « Vrbovečka pera » de Croatie

La Commission européenne a approuvé la demande d'inscription de la «Vrbovečka pera» dans le registre des Spécialités Traditionnelles Garanties (TSG).

La « Vrbovečka pera » est un produit de boulangerie sous la forme d'une tarte ronde salée ou sucrée, garnie de fromage de vache frais, de crème et d'œufs. Une cuillerée de sucre est ajoutée à la garniture de la variante sucrée. La « Vrbovečka pera » jouit d'une longue tradition de production, sa recette s'étant transmise de génération en génération en Croatie.

Cette nouvelle appellation va rejoindre la liste des 66 produits déjà protégés dans le registre des Spécialités Traditionnelles Garanties, disponible dans la database eAmbrosia. Pour plus d'informations, voir aussi les pages sur la politique de qualité et GIView.

(Pour plus d'informations : Olof Gill – Tél. : +32 2 296 59 66 ; Thérèse Lerebours – Tél. : +32 2 296 33 03)

 

2024 Competition Summer School for officials from Asian authorities to kick off next week in Bruges

Between 1 and 12 July, officials from ASEAN countries, India and China will participate in the Competition Summer School for officials from Asian competition authorities, organised by the European Commission in cooperation with the College of Europe in Bruges.

On 2 July, participants from all the partner countries will visit the Directorate General for Competition and will take part in several sessions to allow exchanges of experiences between the Asian and European Commission's officials.

The Competition Summer School facilitates cooperation amongst the participating authorities and deepens the contacts with European officials and professionals. This year's training programme will, among others, explore recent developments in EU competition law, including the new Horizontal Block Exemption Regulation and guidelines, the new Vertical Block Exemption Regulation, new forms of (algorithmic and labour) cartels, the new guidance on unilateral conduct, first steps in implementing the EU's Foreign Subsidies Regulation and the role of State aid in greening the economy as well as the Digital Markets Act.

The Competition Summer School is organised by the Commission under the Asia Partnerships Facility, an EU-funded programme offering technical cooperation among others to competition authorities in Asia. The objective is to strengthen convergence in competition policy, to the benefit of citizens and businesses in both the EU and Asia.

More information is available on the EU-Asia Competition Cooperation website.

(For more information: Lea Zuber – Tel.: +32 2 295 62 98)

 

Commission clears acquisition of Mannesmann Stainless Tubes by Cogne Acciai Speciali  

The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of sole control of Mannesmann Stainless Tubes GmbH of Germany by Cogne Acciai Speciali S.p.A. of Italy. 

The transaction relates primarily to the manufacturing of stainless-steel and nickel alloy products.  

The Commission concluded that the notified transaction would not raise competition concerns, given 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.11519.

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

 

Commission clears acquisition of Purmo by Apollo

The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of sole control of Purmo Group Plc (‘Purmo') of Finland by Apollo Global Management, Inc (‘Apollo') of the US.

The transaction relates primarily to the indoor climate comfort solutions sector.

The Commission concluded that the notified transaction would not raise competition concerns, given 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.11581.

(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 Perfesco par EDF et SGIF

La Commission européenne a approuvé, en vertu du règlement européen sur les concentrations, l'acquisition du contrôle conjoint de Perfesco SAS par Électricité de France S.A. (« EDF »), toutes deux basées en France, et par Sustainable Growth Infrastructure Fund SCSp SICAV-RAIF (« SGIF »), basée au Luxembourg.

La transaction concerne principalement le marché des services de gestion multi-technique visant à améliorer l'efficacité énergétique de bâtiments et d'installations industrielles. 

La Commission a conclu que la concentration envisagée ne soulèverait pas de problème de concurrence, compte tenu des activités limitées de Perfesco dans l'Espace économique européen, ainsi que des positions limitées des entreprises concernées sur le marché résultant de la transaction proposée. 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.11525.

(Pour plus d'informations: Lea Zuber – Tél.: +32 2 295 62 98; Sara Simonini  - Tél.: +32 2 298 33 67)

 

Commission clears acquisition of Dragon LNG by Shell and VTTI

The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of joint control of Dragon LNG Group Ltd (‘Dragon LNG') by Shell Plc, both of the UK, and by VTTI B.V. of the Netherlands.

The transaction relates primarily to the operation of an LNG regasification, import and storage terminal in the UK.

The Commission concluded that the notified transaction would not raise competition concerns, given that Dragon LNG 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.11572.

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

 

ANNOUNCEMENT

 

 

President von der Leyen travels to Cairo to advance the EU's Strategic partnership with Egypt at the joint Investment Conference

President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen travels to Cairo to participate in the EU-Egypt Investment Conference, where she will deliver the opening speech together with President of the Arab Republic of Egypt, H.E. Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, on 29th June.

The joint Investment Forum, which takes place in Cairo on 29th and 30th of June, is a first key deliverable of the Egypt-EU Strategic and Comprehensive Partnership agreed by the two Presidents in March 2024. The Partnership covers political relations, economic stability, investments and trade, migration and mobility, security and demography, and human capital.

President von der Leyen will be accompanied by Executive Vice-President Valdis Dombrovskis and Neighbourhood and Enlargement Commissioner Olivér Várhelyi. The Conference will bring together some 1,000 participants, including Egyptian and EU Ministers, senior officials, European financial institutions and CEOs from a wide range of sectors from both the EU and Egypt.

Executive Vice-President Dombrovskis will, on behalf of the EU, sign the Memorandum of Understanding for the short-term macro-financial assistance of up to €1 billion to support Egypt's economic reform programme designed to strengthen the Egyptian economy's resilience and potential. It is part of the €7.4 billion package announced by President von der Leyen in March to support the Strategic and Comprehensive partnership with Egypt. The conference will feature a large number of signatures of investment deals with European companies as well as bilateral cooperation agreements with the EU to advance employment and skills, vaccines manufacturing, food security and sustainable development.

The conference aims to further promote investment opportunities in key sectors such as renewable energy, including renewable hydrogen, circular economy, manufacturing (pharmaceutical, medical and automotive sectors), agriculture/food and water security, innovation and digitalisation. These sectors have been identified by both sides for their potential to contribute to Egypt's sustainable development and economic diversification.

Follow the opening address of the Investment Conference by President von der Leyen on EbS. Photo and video coverage will be provided by EbS of the event. More information is available in the Factsheet – EU-Egypt Strategic and Comprehensive, and the Joint Declaration on the Strategic and Comprehensive EU-Egypt Partnership.

For further information, please contact investegyeu@ceeba.org.

(For more information: Veerle Nuyts — Tel.: + 32 229 96302; Ana Pisonero – Tel.: +32 2 295 43 20)

 

 

 

Calendar - Commissioners' weekly activities

 

Liste des points prévus à l'ordre du jour des prochaines réunions de la Commission

Veuillez noter que ces informations sont données sous réserve de modifications.

 

Prochains événements de la Commission européenne

Eurostat: communiqués de presse

 

* Updated on 28 June 2024 at 13:00 CEST.