Daily News 26 / 07 / 2024

First transfer of €1.5 billion of proceeds from immobilised Russian assets made available in support of Ukraine today

Today, the EU makes available in support of Ukraine the first payment of €1.5 billion generated from immobilised Russian assets. These extraordinary revenues generated by EU operators and held by central securities depositories (CSDs) from immobilised Russian sovereign assets were made available by Euroclear to the Commission as a first instalment on 23 July. The money will now be channelled through the European Peace Facility and to the Ukraine Facility to support Ukraine's military capabilities as well as to support the country's reconstruction.

The immobilisation of the Russian Central Bank's assets is a result of EU sanctions against Russia, adopted in the wake of its war of aggression against Ukraine. The extraordinary revenues generated in this context by the EU operators do not belong to Russia and are held by CSDs. The EU has now started to channel these revenues to Ukraine.

Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission; said: “The EU stands with Ukraine. Today we transfer €1.5 billion in proceeds from immobilised Russian assets to the defence and reconstruction of Ukraine. There is no better symbol or use for the Kremlin's money than to make Ukraine and all of Europe a safer place to live.”

More details in the press release and questions and answers available online.

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

 

Commission disburses fourth payment of €9.9 billion to Spain under the Recovery and Resilience Facility

Today, the Commission is disbursing to Spain the fourth payment for €9.9 billion (net of pre-financing) in grants, under the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF).

As for all Member States, payments made to Spain under the RRF are performance-based and depend on the implementation by Spain of the investments and reforms described in its recovery and resilience plan.

On 20 December 2023, Spain submitted to the Commission the fourth payment request of €10 billion under the RRF covering 44 milestones and 17 targets. These cover several reforms in areas including the green and digital transition, smart, sustainable and inclusive growth, and economic, institutional and social resilience and territorial cohesion, such as pension reform and unemployment support. The payment also covers investments in areas including the digital and green transition, research, development and innovation, as well as education and vocational training.

On 12 June 2024, the Commission endorsed a positive preliminary assessment of Spain's payment request, having found that all but one target had been successfully fulfilled. The opinion of the Economic and Financial Committee on the payment request has paved the way for the Commission to adopt a decision on the disbursement of the funds linked to the 60 milestones and targets that have been assessed as satisfactorily fulfilled, i.e. €9.9 billion.

In relation to the outstanding target relating to business digitalisation, the Commission acknowledges the first steps already taken by Spain, though further work remains to be done. Spain now has a period of six months to fulfil this target.

Spain's overall recovery and resilience plan will be financed by €163 billion, of which €80 billion in grants and €83 billion in loans. You can find more information on Spain's recovery and resilience plan on this page, which features an interactive map of projects financed by the RRF, as well as on the Recovery and Resilience Scoreboard. More information on the process of payment requests under the RRF can be found in this document of questions and answers. 

(For more information: Veerle Nuyts — Tel.: + 32 229-96302; Quentin Cortès — Tel.: +32 2 291 32 83)

 

La Commission reçoit la deuxième demande de paiement de la Belgique pour un montant de 909 millions d'euros au titre de la facilité pour la reprise et la résilience

La Commission a reçu hier la deuxième demande de paiement de la Belgique dans le cadre de la Facilité pour la reprise et la résilience (FRR), pour un montant de 909 millions d'euros (hors préfinancement), dont 869 millions d'euros de subventions et 40 millions d'euros de prêts.  

Cette deuxième demande de paiement comprend un total de 38 jalons et 8 cibles.  

Elle couvre des réformes dans des domaines tels que la rénovation énergétique, l'administration en ligne, la connectivité numérique, le transport routier à zéro émission, l'apprentissage tout au long de la vie, l'optimisation des procédures d'autorisation environnementale, l'innovation, l'économie circulaire et la revue des dépenses.  

La demande couvre également d'importants investissements dans des domaines tels que la numérisation du secteur public et de la justice, la cybersécurité, l'intelligence artificielle, les énergies renouvelables (y compris une première étape vers la construction d'un îlot énergétique en mer, à savoir la finalisation des études de conception et d'environnement), la rénovation énergétique, l'hydrogène et l'industrie à faibles émissions de carbone, les infrastructures ferroviaires, le transport routier à émissions nulles, l'éducation, l'inclusion numérique, l'apprentissage des adultes, la recherche et le développement, les chaînes agroalimentaires durables et l'économie circulaire.  

La Commission va maintenant examiner cette demande. Elle enverra ensuite son évaluation préliminaire du respect, par la Belgique, des jalons et cibles requis pour ce paiement au comité économique et financier du Conseil.  

L'ensemble du plan pour la reprise et la résilience de la Belgique sera financé par 5,3 milliards d'euros, dont 5 milliards d'euros de subventions et 264 millions d'euros de prêts. De plus amples informations sur le plan pour la reprise et la résilience de la Belgique sont disponibles sur cette page, qui contient notamment une carte interactive des projets financés par la FRR, ainsi que sur le tableau de bord pour la reprise et le résilience. De plus amples informations sur la procédure relative aux  demandes de paiement de la FRR sont disponibles dans ce document de questions-réponses. 

(Pour plus d'informations: Veerle Nuyts — Tél.: + 32 229 96302; Quentin Cortes  — Tél.: + 32 460 76 10 03)

 

Commission welcomes text of global E-Commerce Agreement negotiated at the WTO

The European Commission welcomes the publication today of the text of an E-commerce Agreement negotiated in the World Trade Organization (WTO). The publication follows five years of dedicated negotiations by over 90 WTO Members. The EU played an active role in the negotiation of these first global rules on digital trade.

Once integrated into the WTO legal framework, the E-commerce Agreement will be the basis for global rules on digital trade among a broad range of WTO Members. The agreement will benefit both consumers and businesses, and support digital transformation among participating WTO Members by: facilitating cross-border electronic transactions; reducing barriers to digital trade; and promoting innovation in e-commerce.  

In addition, it will bolster digital inclusivity and the economic growth of developing and least developed participating Members. The EU endorses this outcome and looks forward to working with participants to incorporate the Agreement into the WTO legal framework.

Executive vice-president Valdis Dombrovskis said: “We are happy to endorse this E-commerce Agreement which represents the first-ever set of global digital trade rules in the WTO. These rules, once integrated into the WTO framework, will be fundamental for the development of global digital trade, setting a common ground and avoiding fragmentation. This agreement will benefit businesses and consumers, contribute to integrating developing and least developed countries in the global digital economy, and help bridge the digital divide. The EU sees great value in the agreement published today, and will work with all involved parties towards its incorporation into the WTO framework. We call on all WTO Members to do the same.”

More information is available in the press release online.

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

 

Selon Eurobaromètre, les Européens voient la démocratie et la puissance économique comme les principales forces de l'UE

Une nouvelle enquête Eurobaromètre publiée aujourd'hui révèle que les Européens considèrent que le respect de la démocratie, des droits de l'homme et de l'état de droit (38 %) et la puissance économique, industrielle et commerciale (34 %) constituent les principales forces de l'UE, devant les bonnes relations et la solidarité entre les États membres (28 %).

En ce qui concerne les domaines dans lesquels l'UE devrait agir en priorité, les personnes interrogées citent le plus souvent l'environnement et le changement climatique (33 %) et la migration illégale (33 % également), puis viennent la sécurité et la défense (29 %) et la guerre en Ukraine (25 %).

Parallèlement, mentionnée par 50 % des personnes interrogées, la guerre en Ukraine figure en tête des défis auxquels l'UE doit faire face. La migration illégale et les questions environnementales et le changement climatique arrivent ensuite, aux deuxième et troisième places, cités par, respectivement 41 % et 35 % des personnes interrogées.

Interrogés à propos des valeurs que l'UE incarne le mieux par rapport à d'autres pays du monde, les Européens mettent clairement en avant le respect des droits fondamentaux et les valeurs et la liberté de parole et d'expression (53 % dans les deux cas).

58 % des Européens sont plutôt optimistes quant à l'avenir de l'UE, tandis que 37 % sont plutôt pessimistes.

Le communiqué de presse avec plus d'informations est disponible en ligne.

(Pour plus d'informations: Arianna Podestà — Tél.: +32 2 298 70 24; Francesco Tricarico — Tél.: +32 2 299 25 18)

 

La Commission approuve la protection de nouveaux produits de Belgique et Suède*

La Commission a approuvé l'addition de l'indication géographique protégée (IGP) ‘Saucisson gaumais', de Belgique. Le ‘saucisson gaumais' est légèrement fumé et séché. Il est obtenu par fermentation de la viande de porc.

Les ingrédients obligatoires pour la préparation du mélange sont la viande maigre et la graisse de porc, le sel et le poivre. La graisse est ajoutée dans la limite de 25 % du poids de la viande maigre à 100 %, à l'exception de la « pipe », dont la teneur maximale en graisse est de 30 %. Des épices et des arômes peuvent également être incorporés au mélange : ail, échalote, graines de moutarde, laurier, macis, muscade, oignon et thym.

La Commission a aussi approuvé l'addition de l'appellation d'origine protégée (AOP) « Hjälmargös », de Suède. Le « Hjälmargös » est un sandre frais pêché à l'état sauvage (Sander lucioperca) dans le lac Hjälmaren.

Les personnes ayant une formation sensorielle décrivent souvent le goût du « Hjälmargös » comme délicatement poissonneux et propre. Cru, le « Hjälmargös » a une saveur tendre. On peut distinguer un léger goût de noisette et de cantarel. L'arrière-goût est métallique. La cuisson du « Hjälmargös » fait ressortir la graisse du poisson et révèle une palette de saveurs. Celle-ci comprend un soupçon de douceur et une certaine salinité. Un léger goût de noisette est encore perceptible, ainsi que des notes de crustacés.

Ces nouvelles appellations vont rejoindre la liste des 3 619 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 ; Ana Apse-Paese – Tél. : +32 2 298 73 48)

 

Commission provides guidance on Foreign Subsidies Regulation

The European Commission has published today a Staff Working Document (‘SWD') clarifying how it will determine when a foreign subsidy distorts the internal market and how it will apply the balancing test under the Foreign Subsidies Regulation (‘FSR').

The SWD consists in questions and answers providing initial clarifications on the assessment of the existence of a distortion caused by a foreign subsidy on the internal market and on the application of the balancing test. In particular, the SWD provides initial clarifications on the interpretation and the assessment of concept of distortion both for concentrations and public procurements procedures. It also clarifies the Commission's approach to subsidies most likely to distort the single market, notably unlimited guarantees. The SWD further clarifies the Commission approach to the balancing test and its impact on the outcome of an investigation.

The initial clarifications set out in the SWD will be further developed through case practice and the Union courts' case law. The Commission will also publish guidelines on the application of certain provisions of the FSR at the latest by 12 January 2026.

The FSR started applying on 12 July 2023. It enables the Commission to address distortions caused by foreign subsidies and allows the EU to ensure a level playing field for all companies operating in the Single Market, while remaining open to trade and investment.

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

 

Commission approves €2 billion Dutch measure to support production of medical radioisotopes for cancer diagnosis and treatment

The European Commission has approved, under EU State aid rules, a €2 billion Dutch measure to support the PALLAS project aimed at producing medical radioisotopes for cancer diagnosis and treatment. The measure contributes to ensuring security of supply of essential and live-saving medicines in line with the Pharmaceutical Strategy for Europe.

The Netherlands notified the Commission of its plan to support the PALLAS project, which consists in the construction of a reactor and a nuclear health centre in Petten, the Netherlands. Today's decision follows a 2013 Commission's decision approving aid to the preparatory phase of the PALLAS project.

The new reactor will replace the existing high flux reactor, one of the world leaders in the production of medical isotopes, in operation since 1961. The new reactor is envisioned to start operating in the early 2030s. The nuclear health centre will process the medical isotopes produced by the reactor into radiochemicals, which will then be further processed into radiopharmaceuticals that can be administered to patients for the diagnosis and treatment of several diseases including cancer.

Executive Vice-President Margrethe Vestager, in charge of competition policy, said: ”This €2 billion measure enables the Netherlands to support a strategic project contributing to the securing of supply of essential medicines and to the development of breakthrough innovation in the field of nuclear technology to the benefit of European citizens. Our assessment has confirmed that the measures proposed by the Dutch authorities will limit any possible distortions of competition triggered by the public support.”

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 €1.2 billion Spanish State aid scheme to support investments in the production of renewable hydrogen to foster the transition to a net-zero economy

The European Commission has approved a €1.2 billion Spanish scheme to support investments in the production of renewable hydrogen to foster the transition to a net-zero economy. The scheme was approved under the State aid Temporary Crisis and Transition Framework (‘TCTF'), adopted by the Commission on 9 March 2023 and amended on 20 November 2023 and on 2 May 2024.

The scheme will be fully funded through the Recovery and Resilience Facility (‘RRF') following the Commission's positive assessment of Spain's Recovery and Resilience Plan and its adoption by the Council.

The scheme will support investments in the production of renewable hydrogen with an installed capacity of at least 100 MW. Investments supported may encompass (i) the production of renewable hydrogen-derived fuels, (ii) renewable hydrogen storage, and (iii) the production of renewable electricity. To be eligible under the measure, applicants should have secured agreements with off-takers to cover at least 60% of the renewable hydrogen or renewable hydrogen-derived fuel expected to be produced. Under the scheme, the aid will take the form of direct grants covering the investment costs of the projects supported. The aid amount for each beneficiary will be determined on the basis of a competitive bidding process.

Executive Vice-President Margrethe Vestager, in charge of competition policy, said: “This €1.2 billion scheme will enable Spain to accelerate the deployment of renewable hydrogen capacities, in line with the EU Hydrogen Strategy and the European Green Deal. The scheme will also help Spain reduce its dependence on imported fossil fuels, while minimising any potential distortions to 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 approves €750 million Dutch State aid scheme to support the decarbonisation of industrial processes to foster the transition to a net-zero economy

The European Commission has approved a €750 million Dutch scheme to support investments in the decarbonisation of industrial production processes to foster the transition towards a net-zero economy. The scheme was approved under the State aid Temporary Crisis and Transition Framework (‘TCTF') adopted by the Commission on 9 March 2023 and amended on 20 November 2023 and on 2 May 2024.

The scheme will incentivise companies in the Netherlands to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from industrial production processes by at least 40% compared to today. The aid will take the form of direct grants that will be awarded following one or more calls for proposals.

The measure will be open to companies operating an industrial installation in the Netherlands, for investments enabling the substitution of fossil fuels through the electrification of industrial processes. To be eligible, beneficiaries have to reduce by 2030 their annual greenhouse gas emissions by at least 0.1 million tonnes below the minimum thresholds set by the national CO₂ levy. The scheme will make a significant contribution to the Dutch strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by the industry by 4 million tons by 2030.

The Commission found that the Dutch scheme is in line with the conditions set out in the TCTF. In particular, the aid (i) will not exceed €200 million per beneficiary; and (ii) will be granted no later than 31 December 2025. Furthermore, the aid will be subject to conditions to secure actual emissions savings.

Executive Vice-President Margrethe Vestager, in charge of competition policy, said: “This €750 million Dutch scheme will help the Netherlands accelerate the uptake of cleaner production technologies by the industry. It will provide an incentive to companies to adapt their industrial processes by using less polluting equipment and move away from fossil fuels. This will contribute to the achievement of the EU's and the national climate goals”.

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 €25 million Slovak State aid scheme to support livestock producers in the context of Russia's war against Ukraine

The European Commission has approved €25 million Slovak scheme to support livestock producers in the context of Russia's war against Ukraine. The scheme was approved under the State aid Temporary Crisis and Transition Framework (‘TCTF'), adopted by the Commission on 9 March 2023 and amended on 20 November 2023 and on 2 May 2024.

Under the scheme, the aid will consist in limited amounts of aid in the form of direct grants. The measure will be open to livestock producers that are at risk of losing financial liquidity due to the difficulties in the agricultural market provoked by Russia's war against Ukraine.

The Commission found that the Slovak scheme is in line with the conditions set out in the TCTF. In particular, the aid (i) will not exceed €280,000 per beneficiary; and (ii) will be granted no later than 31 December 2024. The Commission concluded that the scheme is necessary, appropriate and proportionate to remedy a serious disturbance in the economy of a Member State, in line with Article 107(3)(b) TFEU and the conditions set out in the TCTF. On this basis, the Commission approved the scheme under EU State aid rules.

More information on the TCTF can be found here. The non-confidential version of the decision will be made available under the case number SA.115132 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 closes State aid investigation into Hungarian advertisement tax

The European Commission has closed its in-depth investigation opened in March 2015 into the Hungarian advertisement tax. 

In November 2016, the Commission found that the Hungarian advertisement tax introduced with the 2014 Advertisement Tax Act was in breach of EU State aid rules because of its progressive tax rates: companies with a low advertisement turnover were either fully exempted or taxed at 1 %, whereas companies with a high advertisement turnover were taxed at a higher progressive rate between 10 % and 50 %. The Commission ordered Hungary to remove the discrimination between companies and to restore equal treatment in the market. When applicable, Hungary had to recover the advantage from each company.

In March 2021, the Court of Justice of the EU confirmed the judgment of the General Court which found that the progressive tax rates on turnover did not entail a selective advantage to companies with low turnover over their competitors, and annulled the 2016 Commission decision.

As a consequence of the judgment of the Court of Justice, the Commission's investigation into the advertisement tax remained open. Pending the Court proceedings, in May 2017, Hungary retroactively repealed the advertisement tax introduced in 2014. As a result, the Commission's investigation has become without object and the Commission therefore closed its investigation.

The non-confidential version of the decision will be made available under the case number SA.39235 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 Ascometal Fos-sur-Mer par Marcegaglia Steel

La Commission européenne a approuvé, en vertu du règlement européen sur les concentrations, l'acquisition du contrôle exclusif de Ascometal Fos-sur-Mer, basée en France, par Marcegaglia Steel, basée en Italie.

La transaction concerne principalement la production de produits enacier.

La Commission a conclu que la concentration envisagée ne soulèverait pas de problème de concurrence, compte tenu que les entreprises concernées 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.11583.

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

 

Commission clears acquisition of ASNS by LATRAPS and Pfeifer & Langen

The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of joint control of ASNS Ingredient SIA (‘ASNS') by Lauksaimniecības pakalpojumu kooperatīvā sabiedrība LATRAPS (‘LATRAPS'), both of Latvia, and by Pfeifer & Langen GmbH & Co. KG (‘Pfeifer & Langen') of Germany. ASNS was previously solely controlled by LATRAPS.

The transaction relates primarily to the manufacturing and supply of pea protein isolate.

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.11544.

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

 

Commission clears acquisition of SWS by ALSO

The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of sole control of SWS, a.s. of Czechia by ALSO Holding AG (‘ALSO') of Switzerland.

The transaction relates primarily to the information and communications technology sector, in particular to the wholesale distribution of consumer electronics and printing consumables.

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.11499.

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

 

Commission clears acquisition of FoxPost by CVC and EMMA

The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of joint control of FoxPost Zrt. of Hungary by CVC Capital Partners plc (‘CVC') of Jersey and EMMA Alpha Holding Ltd. (‘EMMA') of Cyprus.

The transaction relates primarily to the sector of parcel delivery services.

The Commission concluded that the notified transaction would not raise competition concerns, given that FoxPost 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.11613.

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

 

 

 

Calendar – Updates on Commissioners' weekly activities will resume on Friday, 23 August.

 

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 26 July 2024 at 14:51 CEST.