Daily News 25 / 07 / 2024

La Commission adopte ses procédures d'infraction du mois de juillet

Afin d'aider les citoyens et les entreprises à profiter pleinement des avantages qu'offre l'Union Européenne, la Commission entretient un dialogue constant avec les États membres afin de s'assurer du respect du droit de l'Union et d'ouvrir des procédures d'infraction à l'égard des pays membres en cas de non-respect de ses règles.

Les décisions prises aujourd'hui, dans le cadre de ce paquet de mesures d'infraction, incluent 86 lettres de mise en demeure et 34 avis motivés. Aujourd'hui, la Commission décide également de soumettre 14 affaires à la Cour de Justice de l'Union Européenne. Enfin, elle décide de clôturer 72 dossiers dans lesquels les États membres concernés, en coopération avec la Commission, ont mis fin à une infraction et assuré le respect du droit de l'Union. Le résumé des principales décisions est disponible ici et les principaux aspects des procédures d'infraction sont décrits ici.

Aujourd'hui, la Commission publie également un ensemble de décisions concernant plus spécifiquement le retard dans la transposition des directives de l'UE en droit national. Elle adresse des lettres de mise en demeure aux 26 États membres qui n'ont pas communiqué les mesures nationales de transposition de deux directives dans les domaines de la défense et le climat. Un communiqué de presse avec plus de détails est disponible en ligne.

La Commission européenne a aussi adopté aujourd'hui son rapport annuel sur le contrôle de l'application du droit de l'UE en 2023. Le rapport décrit les moyens que la Commission a mis en œuvre pour protéger les droits et les libertés des citoyens et des entreprises dans l'ensemble de l'UE. Pour plus d'informations, voici le communiqué de presse.

(Pour plus d'informations : Arianna Podestà – Tél.: +32 2 298 70 24; Ewelina Juszczak – Tél. : +32 2 299 17 45)

EU and Singapore conclude negotiations for landmark Digital Trade Agreement

Today, the EU and Singapore concluded negotiations for a Digital Trade Agreement (DTA). This deal is the first EU agreement of its kind, reflecting the EU's aspiration to be a global standard-setter for digital trade rules and cross-border data flows.  

The DTA will complement the 2019 EU-Singapore Free Trade Agreement, connecting both economies further and benefiting businesses and consumers that want to engage in digital trade. It will also provide binding rules that build consumer trust, ensure predictability and legal certainty for businesses, as well as removing and preventing the emergence of unjustified barriers to digital trade. In addition, it will unlock new economic opportunities while ensuring a safe online environment. The EU and Singapore will now follow their respective procedures to work towards formal signature and conclusion.  

Executive Vice-President and Commissioner for Trade, Valdis Dombrovskis, said: “Building smart, modern rules for digital trade with our global partners is crucial at a time when more than half of EU trade in services is delivered digitally. Today's deal with Singapore, the first agreement of its kind, will benefit businesses and consumers on both sides, bringing our economies closer together, while representing a significant step forward for the EU's ambition to be a global standard-setter in the domain of digital trade.”

More information is available in the joint statement and press release online, as well as in a study on the potential impacts of the DTA.

(For more information: Olof Gill – Tel.: +32 2 296 59 66; Ana Apse-Paese – Tel.: +32 2 298 73 48)

Latest EU agri-food trade balance remains higher than last year

The latest monthly agri-food trade report published today by the European Commission showed that in April 2024, the EU agri-food trade surplus reached €5 billion, still 4% higher than in April 2023, despite a reduction of 25% compared to the previous month. Exports reached €19.8 billion, mainly due to increased prices of olives and olive oil. Imports represented €14.8 billion. Close to 45% of EU imports are composed of a few product categories: coffee, tea, cocoa and spices; fruit and nuts; and oilseeds and protein crops.

EU agri-food exports were close to their value of the previous month but 10% higher than April 2023. Cumulative exports since January reached €77.8 billion. With an increase of €829 million, exports to the United States increased the most, a result largely explained by the high price of olives and olive oil. These products are driving total EU agri-food exports with an increase of 62% in value compared with 2023. Cereal preparations and milling products, dairy products, and wine and wine-based products represent 25% of the EU total agri-food export value.

EU agri-food imports represent a 10% increase from the previous month mainly explained by the high prices of cocoa. Cumulative imports from January to April 2024 are worth €54.9 billion, stable with the same period in 2023. Imports of cereals had the largest reduction, with a decrease of €1.5 billion (-33%), due to reduction in imported volumes and world prices. A similar decrease worth €1.3 billion was observed for oilseeds and protein crops because of lower prices. Côte d'Ivoire and Nigeria benefitted the most from higher EU import values of cocoa. Compared to 2023, the EU reduced its imports from Indonesia (mainly palm oil) and from Australia (mainly rapeseed).

More insights as well as detailed tables are available in the monthly EU agri-food trade report.

(For more information: Olof Gill – Tel.: +32 2 296 59 66; Ana Apse-Paese – Tel.: +32 2 298 73 48)

La Commission approuve la nouvelle indication géographique «Κασκαβάλι Πίνδου» de Grèce

La Commission a approuvé l'addition de «Κασκαβάλι Πίνδου / Kashkavali Pindou / Κασκαβάλ Πίνδου / Kashkaval Pindou» de Grèce dans le registre des Indications Géographiques Protégées (IGP).

«Κασκαβάλι Πίνδου / Kashkavali Pindou / Κασκαβάλ Πίνδου / Kashkaval Pindou» est un fromage à pâte semi-dure fabriqué selon la technique de la pâte chauffée. Il est de couleur blanchâtre à jaunâtre, de forme cylindrique. Sa saveur est légèrement acide et un peu salée, ce qui le distingue des fromages du même type. L'addition régulière de sel lors du processus de production et le lait utilisé, qui se caractérise par une teneur élevée en matières grasses et un arôme prononcé et puissant, contribuent à ses caractéristiques gustatives.

La région est le berceau d'éleveurs nomades de langue valaque qui ont développé un mode particulier de production du «Κασκαβάλι Πίνδου / Kashkavali Pindou / Κασκαβάλ Πίνδου / Kashkaval Pindou», qui est parfaitement adapté au relief difficile et montagneux de la région et qui a été la principale raison de son ancrage parmi les principaux produits de la région et de sa grande renommée.

Cette nouvelle appellation va rejoindre la liste des 3619 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 – Tel.: +32 2 296 59 66; Ana Apse-Paese – Tel.: +32 2 298 73 48)

The latest Commission report showed that the General Data Protection Regulation continues to deliver, though enforcement in key areas should be improved

Today, the Commission published its 2^nd report on the application of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). The report finds that the Regulation continues to deliver effectively for individuals and businesses, ensuring strong protection for data subjects and risk-based obligations for controllers and processors. It also outlines some priority areas to improve the application of the GDPR, such as a swift adoption of the Commission's proposal for a GDPR Procedural Regulation to ensure robust enforcement with quick remedies. It also calls for proactive support from data protection authorities, especially to SMEs and small operators; a consistent interpretation and enforcement of the GDPR across the EU, and an effective cooperation between regulators at national, EU and international levels to guarantee a coherent application of the growing body of EU digital rules.

Věra Jourová, Vice-President for Values and Transparency, said: “The GDPR is the crown-jewel of EU digital policy and it became a foundation for data protection worldwide. It is the solid basis  on which lies the set of initiatives that allow individuals to harness the benefits of the digital transition while fully respecting fundamental rights. We must continue working to guarantee the coherent application of the EU's digital rulebook.” 

Didier Reynders, Commissioner for Justice, added: “The GDPR has delivered strong protection for individuals and allowed businesses to reap the benefits of a level playing field and the free flow of data. The EU has also stepped out its cooperation with foreign partners to facilitate safe data flows and develop strong international standards. But more can be done to support the compliance efforts of businesses, especially SMEs. This is why our report provides for a concrete list of action points for the coming years, including practical guidance and tailor-made tools to help all concerned actors meeting their obligations.”

The report takes into account contributions from the Council, the European Data Protection Board, national data protection authorities, stakeholders, and a report of the Fundamental Rights Agency. More information about data protection can be found online.

(For more information: Christian Wigand — Tel.: + 32 2 296 22 53; Cristina Torres Castillo — Tel.: + 32 2 299 06 79; Jördis Ferroli – Tel.: +32 2 299 27 29) 

Commission closes antitrust investigation into EPEX Spot SE's conduct in the electricity intraday trading market

The Commission has decided to close its antitrust investigation into allegedly anticompetitive behaviour by EPEX Spot SE in the market for electricity intraday trading facilitation services in at least six Member States (Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Luxembourg and the Netherlands).

The Commission opened a formal investigation into EPEX Spot SE's practices on 30 March 2021, following a complaint lodged in May 2020. The Commission's investigation focussed on whether EPEX Spot SE may have adopted behaviours aimed at foreclosing its competitors by curtailing the ability of their customers to access the entire liquidity of the intraday market in the Member States concerned, in breach of Article 102 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union.

In June 2024, the complainant decided to withdraw its complaint following the adoption of Regulation (EU) 2024/1747, amending Regulations (EU) 2019/942 and (EU) 2019/943 as regards improving the Union's electricity market design. Article 2 of Regulation 2024/1747 introduces an obligation for market operators within a bidding zone to share the order books, also when the cross-zonal capacities are set to zero or after the gate closure time of the intraday market. This measure will improve liquidity in the intraday market and accommodate the participation of renewable energy technologies.

In view of this withdrawal, the Commission has decided to close its investigation. The closure of the investigation is not a finding that the conduct in question complies with EU competition rules. The Commission will continue to monitor business practices in the electricity intraday trading market.

More information will be available on the Commission's competition website, in the public case register under the case number AT.40700.

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

La Commission autorise un régime d'aides d'État français d'un montant de 1,5 milliard d'euros visant à soutenir la production de biométhane durable pour favoriser la transition vers une économie à zéro émission nette

La Commission européenne a autorisé un régime d'aides français d'un montant de 1,5 milliard d'euros visant à soutenir la production de biométhane durable pour favoriser la transition vers une économie à zéro émission nette. Le régime a été autorisé au titre de l'encadrement temporaire de crise et de transition (ci-après «l'ETCT») en matière d'aides d'État, adopté par la Commission le 9 mars 2023 et modifié le 20 novembre 2023 et le 2 mai 2024.

La mesure sera ouverte aux nouvelles installations ayant une production annuelle de biométhane estimée à plus de 25 GWh par an. Les bénéficiaires seront sélectionnés au moyen d'une procédure d'appel d'offres concurrentielle, transparente et non discriminatoire sur la base du prix d'exercice par MWh de biométhane proposé. Les installations doivent être achevées et opérationnelles dans les 36 mois suivant l'octroi des aides. La mesure devrait soutenir la production de 1,6 TWh de biométhane durable par an.

La Commission a estimé que le régime français était conforme aux conditions énoncées dans l'ETCT. En particulier, les aides i) seront octroyées sur la base d'un régime s'accompagnant d'un volume de capacité et d'un budget prévisionnels; ii) prendront la forme d'un contrat d'écart compensatoire bidirectionnel et iii) seront octroyées au plus tard le 31 décembre 2025.

Margrethe Vestager, vice-présidente exécutive chargée de la politique de concurrence, a dit: “Ce régime d'un montant de 1,5 milliard d'euros soutiendra la production de biométhane durable en France. Il contribuera à la réalisation des objectifs stratégiques de l'UE en réduisant la dépendance à l'égard des combustibles fossiles importés. Cette mesure constitue une étape importante dans la transition vers une économie à zéro émission nette, tout en préservant des conditions de concurrence équitables au sein du marché unique”.

Un communiqué de presse est disponible en ligne.

(Pour plus d'informations: Lea Zuber – Tél.: +32 2 295 62 98; Nina Ferreira - Tél.: +32 2 299 81 63)

Commission approves amendment to 2022-2027 regional State aid map for Bulgaria

The European Commission has approved, under EU State aid rules, an amendment to Bulgaria's map for granting regional aid from 1 January 2022 to 31 December 2027, within the framework of the Regional aid Guidelines.

On 15 December 2021, the Commission approved the 2022-2027 regional aid map for Bulgaria, and its amendment on 29 September 2023 in the context of the mid-term review. On 21 December 2023, the Commission approved Bulgaria's Territorial Just Transition Plans that identify the territories eligible for support from the Just Transition Fund. The territories are located in regions eligible for aid under Article 107(3)(a) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU (so-called 'a' areas), which allows aid to support the most disadvantaged regions.

In order to further address regional disparities, the amendment to Bulgaria's regional aid map approved today enables higher maximum amounts of aid to investments in those territories. The maximum amounts of aid will increase from 50% to 60% of the eligible investment costs in Stara Zagora and in parts of the regions of Sliven and Haskovo and from 60% to 70% in parts of the region of Yambol. 

The decision adopted today also approves the increased maximum amounts of aid for investment projects covered by the Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform, which Bulgaria introduced following the amendment of May 2024 to the Regional aid Guidelines.

The non-confidential version of the decision will be made available under the case number SA.114536 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 Alps Logistics by Logisteed and Alps Alpine

The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of joint control of Alps Logistics Co., Ltd. by Logisteed Ltd. and Alps Alpine Co., Ltd., all three of Japan.

The transaction relates primarily to the logistics sector.

The Commission concluded that the notified transaction would not raise competition concerns, given that Alps Logistics 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.11588.

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

Tentative agendas for forthcoming Commission meetings

Note that these items can be subject to changes.

Upcoming events of the European Commission

Eurostat press releases