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Daily News 09 / 07 / 2024
Commission proposes decisions establishing the existence of excessive deficit for seven Member States
As part of the European Semester Spring package of June 2024, the Commission presented a Report under Article 126(3) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU (TFEU). The Report found that the opening of a deficit-based excessive deficit procedure was warranted for seven selected Member States. The Economic and Financial Committee provided its opinion within the following two weeks.
Therefore, the Commission has proposed to the Council yesterday decisions establishing the existence of excessive deficits for Belgium, France, Italy, Hungary, Malta, Poland and Slovakia.
The next step is for the Council to decide on the existence of an excessive deficit in these Member States and, following a proposal from the Commission as part of the European Semester Autumn Package, to adopt its recommendation on the adjustment path and the deadline to end the excessive deficit situation. The relevant documents are available here.
(For more information: Veerle Nuyts – Tel.: +32 229 96302; Quentin Cortès – Tel.: +32 460 76 10 03)
La Moldavie signe l'accord de passation conjointe de marché de l'UE afin d'approfondir la coopération avec l'UE dans le domaine de la santé
Aujourd'hui, la Moldavie est devenue le 38ème pays à signer l'accord de passation conjointe de marché dans le domaine de la santé, lors d'une visite officielle à Chisinau par Stella Kyriakides, commissaire chargée de la santé et de la sécurité alimentaire. La Moldavie est désormais le 6ème pays candidat à l'adhésion à l'UE à faire partie de l'accord.
L'accord de passation conjointe de marché est un mécanisme juridique et opérationnel qui permet aux pays participants d'unir leurs forces face à une menace grave pour la santé et d'acheter conjointement des fournitures essentielles, telles que des médicaments et des équipements médicaux. Par exemple, pendant la pandémie de COVID-19, il a permis aux pays signataires d'acquérir sous les mêmes conditions des équipements de protection individuelle, des aiguilles et des seringues pour la vaccination contre le COVID-19, des respirateurs et des médicaments.
L'adhésion à l'accord de passation conjointe de marché permet à un pays de bénéficier du pouvoir d'achat combiné des États membres de l'UE et des pays participants, ce qui améliore l'accès et la sécurité de l'approvisionnement en contre-mesures médicales en cas d'urgence sanitaire grâce à la mise en commun des besoins et à la réalisation d'économies d'échelle.
La Commission, par l'intermédiaire de son Autorité de préparation et de réaction en cas d'urgence sanitaire (HERA), gère les procédures de passation de marchés au titre de l'accord de passation conjointe de marché en étroite collaboration avec les pays signataires. Ces pays peuvent alors acheter les produits contractés en fonction des besoins, en utilisant leurs budgets nationaux.
Plus d'informations sont disponibles dans le communiqué de presse en ligne et la cérémonie de signature peut être suivie en ligne sur EbS.
(Pour plus d'informations : Stefan De Keersmaecker – Tél. : +32 2 298 46 80 ; Anna Gray – Tél. : +32 2 298 08 73)
EU signs updated agreement for Türkiye's participation in the EU Civil Protection Mechanism
Today, the European Union and Türkiye signed an updated agreement on the participation of Türkiye in the EU Civil Protection Mechanism. Commissioner for Crisis Management, Janez Lenarčič, together with the Turkish Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mehmet Kemal Bozay, signed the agreement in Ankara.
Türkiye is an active participant in the EU Civil Protection Mechanism and has been a member since 2016. Today's updated agreement further strengthens the role of Türkiye in the mechanism.
Janez Lenarčič, Commissioner for Crisis Management said: “I am very pleased with the signature of the updated Agreement. This will continue to serve as a basis of our co-operation and assistance to each other, when disasters strike. Over the years, EU Civil Protection Mechanism has proven its worth. Türkiye can always count on the civil protection support from the Mechanism, and vice-versa other countries can also count on the support from Türkiye through the Mechanism.”
Türkiye is strongly involved in developing rescEU capacities and hosted the largest EU MODEX civil protection exercise to date. Türkiye also significantly benefited from support from the Mechanism, particularly following the 2023 earthquakes.
(For more information: Balazs Ujvari - Tel.: +32 2 295 45 78; Daniel Puglisi - Tel.: +32 2 296 91 40)
La performance de l'Europe en matière d'innovation s'améliore de façon constante, mais à des rythmes différents d'un État membre à l'autre
La performance de l'Union européenne en matière d'innovation continue de s'améliorer à un rythme constant, atteignant une hausse de 10 % depuis 2017 et une croissance de 0,5% entre 2023 et 2024. Selon l'édition 2024 du tableau de bord européen de l'innovation publié hier, la plupart des États membres de l'UE ont amélioré leurs performances en matière d'innovation, mais cette augmentation varie fortement d'un État à l'autre.
Entre 2023 et 2024, les performances nationales en matière d'innovation ont augmenté dans 15 États membres, et ont diminué dans 11 autres. Par rapport à la dernière édition du tableau de bord, le Danemark reste le pays le plus innovant de l'UE, suivi de la Suède, qui a été à la tête du classement entre 2017 et 2022. L'Estonie est devenue un « innovateur fort » après une croissance constante depuis 2017. Ces « champions de l'innovation » disposent de systèmes de recherche particulièrement attrayants et sont performants dans le domaine de la numérisation.
Le tableau de bord vise à aider les décideurs politiques, les chercheurs et les parties prenantes à comprendre le paysage de l'innovation, à identifier des forces et des faiblesses et à élaborer des politiques fondées sur des données probantes afin de renforcer l'innovation dans toute l'Europe.
Vous trouverez de plus amples informations, y compris sur la performance des États membres, dans notre communiqué de presse.
(Pour plus d'informations : Thomas Regnier — Tél. : + 32 2 299 10 99; Roberta Verbanac — Tél. : + 32 2 298 24 98)
La Commission approuve deux nouvelles indications géographiques d'Espagne et d'Italie
La Commission a approuvé l'addition des deux produits suivants dans le registre des Indications Géographiques Protégées (IGP) :
Les asperges « Espárrago verde de Guadalajara », produites dans la province de Guadalajara, en Espagne. Les caractéristiques particulières de l'aire de production, à savoir les niveaux d'altitude des exploitations productrices conjugués à la latitude de la province de Guadalajara, ont pour effet que pendant la période de production, l'asperge a une couleur verte et une teneur en matière sèche comprise entre 6,5% et 8,5%. La saveur de ces asperges est intense, juteuse, très peu fibreuse, avec des notes douces et amères.
Le chou-fleur « Cavolfiore della Piana del Sele », produit dans la province de Salerne, en Italie. La qualité reconnaissable du « Cavolfiore della Piana del Sele » et ses éléments distinctifs sont attribuables avant tout aux particularités environnementales présentes uniquement dans l'aire de culture. Les terres agricoles présentent une épaisse couche de sol superficielle de nature volcanique et alluviale, dont la formation est due aux nombreuses éruptions du Vésuve et à l'action alluviale du Sele et des autres cours d'eau superficiels qui coulent dans la région. En résultent des sols très riches en macro- et microéléments qui confèrent au produit ses caractéristiques uniques en matière de fermeté, d'adaptation aux différentes conditions de cuisson et de saveur.
Ces nouvelles appellations vont rejoindre la liste des 3 612 produits déjà protégés, 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)
Commission opens in-depth State aid investigation into Slovak support to NAJPI for setting up a glass sand extraction site
The European Commission has opened an in-depth investigation to assess whether public support granted to the Slovak company NAJPI a.s. (‘NAJPI') for setting up a glass sand extraction site is in line with EU State aid rules.
The Commission's assessment started on the basis of a complaint alleging that NAJPI benefited from State aid incompatible with the internal market. In 2013, Slovakia had granted NAJPI €4.99 million in regional aid to support its investment in a glass sand extraction site in the Slovak region of Trnavský kraj, Západné Slovensko.
On 20 July 2017, the Commission adopted a decision in which it concluded that the Slovak aid measure fulfilled the criteria laid down in the General Block Exemption Regulation (‘GBER'), and was therefore compatible with the TFEU and exempted from the requirement of prior notification and Commission approval.
In its judgment of 9 September 2020, the General Court annulled the Commission decision.
Following the General Court's judgment, the Commission will now carry out a more in-depth investigation in order to further assess the aid to NAJPI.
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 amendment of Denmark's and Sweden's commitments in SAS' recapitalisation
The European Commission has approved, under EU State aid rules, an amendment of the commitments submitted by Denmark and Sweden in the Commission decision of 29 November 2023 (SA.58342 and SA.57543) for Scandinavian Airlines System AB (‘SAS') recapitalisation.
On 29 November 2023, the Commission approved a recapitalisation of SAS amounting to approximately €833 million (SEK 9.5 billion) granted in October 2020. The Commission found that the recapitalisation aid by Denmark and Sweden was in line with Article 107(3)(b) of the TFEU and the conditions set out in the COVID Temporary Framework.
Despite the previous support, SAS did not manage to turn operations around and had to file for collective insolvency proceedings in the second half of 2022. On 28 June 2024, the Commission approved Denmark and Sweden's plans to grant SAS restructuring aid for up to €1.3 billion (SEK 15 billion). The Commission found that the restructuring aid was in line with Article 107(3)(c) TFEU after having assessed the aid under its Guidelines for rescuing and restructuring non-financial undertakings in difficulties. The restructuring of SAS includes the cancellation of the common shares and the write-off of the hybrid notes that were granted as recapitalisation aid.
Due to the recapitalisation instruments ceasing to exist, Denmark and Sweden have notified to the Commission their requests to lift the commitments concerning governance and measures for prevention of undue distortions of competition.
The Commission has assessed the amended measure under EU State aid rules, in particular under Article 107(3)(b) TFEU. The Commission found that the amendment to the commitments does not alter the previous assessment of compatibility, given that: (i) the recapitalisation instruments cease to exist; and (ii) the commitments are replaced by more stringent measures to limit distortions of competition in context of the restructuring aid Decision. On this basis, the Commission concluded that the measure is compatible with EU State aid rules.
The Commission has also concluded that, after the States have implemented a step-up mechanism, no further implementation of the mechanism will be necessary in the future since the underlying recapitalisation instruments are ceasing to exist due to the restructuring.
The non-confidential version of today's decision will be made available under the case number SA. 114648 and SA.114657 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)
La Commission autorise l'acquisition de Solvares par Cheetah et Five Arrows
La Commission européenne a approuvé, en vertu du règlement européen sur les concentrations, l'acquisition du contrôle conjoint de Solvares Group GmbH (« Solvares ») par Cheetah, Investment SARL (« Cheetah »), toutes les deux basées en Allemagne, et par Five Arrows Principal Investments IV Funds (« Five Arrows »), basée au Luxembourg.
La transaction concerne principalement le marché de logiciels pour entreprises.
La Commission a conclu que la concentration envisagée ne soulèverait pas de problème de concurrence, compte tenu des positions limitées des entreprises corncernées 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.11566.
(Pour plus d'informations: Lea Zuber – Tél.: +32 2 295 62 98; Sara Simonini - Tél.: +32 2 298 33 67)
Commission clears acquisition of KIKO by L Catterton
The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of sole control of KIKO S.p.A. of Italy by L Catterton Management Limited (‘L Catterton') of the US.
The transaction relates primarily to the manufacturing and sale of cosmetic 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.11574.
(For more information: Lea Zuber – Tel.: +32 2 295 62 98; Sara Simonini - Tel.: +32 2 298 33 67)
Commission clears acquisition of Greenergy by Trafigura
The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of sole control of Greenergy Halo Holdings III Limited (‘Greenergy') of the UK by Trafigura Group Pte. Limited (‘Trafigura') of Singapore.
The transaction relates primarily to the supply of biodiesel, ethanol, and bioethanol.
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.11514.
(For more information: Lea Zuber – Tel.: +32 2 295 62 98; Sara Simonini - Tel.: +32 2 298 33 67)
Commission clears acquisition of Ikano Bank by Ingka Investments
The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of sole control of Ikano Bank AB of Sweden by Ingka Investments B.V. of the Netherlands.
The transaction relates primarily to the financial sector.
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.11557.
(For more information: Lea Zuber – Tel.: +32 2 295 62 98; Sara Simonini - Tel.: +32 2 298 33 67)
ANNOUNCEMENTS
High Representative Borrell travels to Washington to boost Euro-Atlantic cooperation
High Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell will travel to Washington, DC, to participate in the NATO Summit from today to 11 July, together with the President of the European Council, Charles Michel. High Representative/Vice-President Borrell will also attend the Summit on behalf of the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen.
The Summit is an opportunity to reinforce the EU-NATO strategic partnership in the context of the ongoing Russian war of aggression against Ukraine, as well as to strengthen relationships with global partners, including in the Indo-Pacific region.
Today, High Representative/Vice-President Borrell will participate in a commemorative event on the 75th anniversary of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation. He will also deliver a keynote speech at the EU Defence night, gathering various stakeholders from the defence industry.
Tomorrow, he will attend a dinner hosted by the President of the United States Joe Biden at the White House.
On 11 July, High Representative/Vice-President Borrell will participate, together with Indo-Pacific partners, in the Summit session focused on security challenges in the Euro-Atlantic and Indo-Pacific regions. He will deliver doorstep remarks at ca. 8:00 EST. The same day, the High Representative will speak at the NATO Public Forum.
High Representative Borrell will also hold bilateral meetings with Allies and partners participating in the Summit.
Audiovisual material will be available on EbS. Follow the High Representative and the European External Action Service on social media for live updates.
(For more information: Nabila Massrali – Tel.: +32 2 298 80 93; Xavier Cifre Quatresols – Tel.: +32 2 297 35 82)
Commissioner Várhelyi travels to Moldova to launch the accession bilateral screening
Olivér Várhelyi, Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement, will undertake an official visit to the Republic of Moldova from today until 11 July 2024. This visit comes after the Intergovernmental Conference, which historically opened EU accession negotiations with Moldova on 25 June.
Commissioner Várhelyi will launch the EU accession bilateral screening procedure with Moldova, starting with the fundamentals area. The bilateral screening is the first step of the negotiations, whereby the candidate country is invited to present where it stands in its preparations to adopt and implement the EU acquis, as well as the steps it intends to undertake to further align its legislation with the EU's.
The Commissioner will discuss the next steps in the EU-Moldova cooperation and future support to Moldova in meetings with President Maia Sandu, Prime Minister Dorin Recean, Deputy Prime Ministers Cristina Gherasimov and Dumitru Alaiba, Minister of Energy Victor Parlicov and Minister of Interior Adrian Efros. He will also meet with the Speaker of the Parliament, Igor Grosu, and Members of Parliament.
Commissioner Várhelyi will also visit beneficiaries of EU-funded projects, underscoring the EU's commitment to supporting Moldova's development. This includes a visit to an apartment complex that was renovated to an energy efficient standard with EU funds, a tangible example of the €1.6 billion of investments planned under the EU's Economic and Investment Plan for Moldova. He will also hand over 40 EU-funded patrol cars and body cameras to the Moldovan police, clearly demonstrating the EU's support for Moldova's security.
Commissioner Várhelyi will participate in a press conference together with Prime Minister Recean after their bilateral meeting on Wednesday.
Photo and video coverage of the mission will be provided by EbS. More information on EU-Moldova relations is available here.
(For more information: Ana Pisonero – Tel.: +32 2 295 43 20; Piotr Cichocki – Tel.: +32 229-5844)
Tentative agendas for forthcoming Commission meetings
Note that these items can be subject to changes.
Upcoming events of the European Commission
Eurostat press releases