Daily News 13/ 11 / 2024

Commission proposes a single digital declaration portal to reduce administrative burden for posting workers

Today, the Commission has proposed to establish a single digital declaration portal for companies providing services and temporarily sending workers to another Member State, known as ‘posted workers'. The EU Single Market counts 5 million posted workers. One of the main administrative barriers faced by their employers is to handle multiple and diverse documentation in each Member State. 

Member States will be able to use the public interface on a voluntary basis. In those that choose to do so, the new single digital declaration portal will reduce the administrative cost for businesses when posting their workers abroad. This will contribute to the Commission's objective of reducing companies' reporting burden by 25%, as outlined in its Communication on ‘Long-term competitiveness of the EU', while fully maintaining the existing high-level of protection of rights of posted workers enshrined in EU and national legislation. 

The proposal will also allow better compliance with existing rules, allowing the enforcement of fair mobility, in line with high worker protection standards. To increase transparency, Member States can also send a copy of the declaration to posted workers.  The tool proposed by the Commission will reduce the administrative burden for posting workers. A single digital declaration portal will allow service providers to use a single form instead of using 27 different national forms. This will facilitate businesses' compliance with declaration obligations to competent national authorities. The tool will also enhance cooperation among Member States and support protection of workers. More information is available in a press release, a Q&A and a factsheet.

(For more information: Johanna Bernsel – Tel.: +32 2 298 66 99; Veerle Nuyts — Tel.: + 32 2 299 63 02; Federica Miccoli — Tel.: + 32 2 295 83 00; Ignazio Cocchiere — Tel.: + 32 2 298 22 61)

EU launches roadmap with partners at COP29 to help reach the collective goal of reducing methane emissions by at least 30% by 2030

At COP29 in Baku, the European Commission has launched a new Methane Abatement Partnership Roadmap to further accelerate the reduction of methane emissions associated with fossil energy production and consumption, in collaboration with partner countries, the International Energy Agency and a number of non-governmental organisations (NGOs). This new Roadmap provides a blueprint for cooperation between fossil fuel importing and exporting countries, which will support companies in improving their monitoring, reporting and verification systems to reduce methane emissions.

Launching the Partnership Roadmap at an event yesterday, Commissioner for Climate Action, Wopke Hoekstra, said: “Reducing methane emissions from the energy sector is a low-hanging fruit for climate action. It makes economic sense. It indeed helps boost our energy security while reducing emissions. The Roadmap we are launching today shows the way ahead in terms of fostering cooperation between importing and exporting countries. For the EU, it is clear: we will only be able to tackle methane emissions effectively if we work together across global supply chains with everyone involved.”

Under the Global Methane Pledge, launched by the EU and the US, more than 150 countries are now implementing a collective goal of reducing global anthropogenic methane emissions by at least 30% by 2030, from 2020 levels.  This new Roadmap sets out a series of concrete actions to be undertaken, including a robust Monitoring, Reporting and Verification (MRV) system building on the Oil and Gas Methane Partnership 2.0 (OGMP 2.0) principles, as well as a project plan to abate emissions from existing assets, providing a clear timeline, investment plan and human resource needs.

These partnerships to accelerate the mitigation of methane emissions were announced by Commission President Ursula von der Leyen at COP28 in Dubai and build on the ‘Joint Declaration from Energy Importers and Exporters on Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Fossil Fuels' signed by the European Union, the United States, Japan, Canada, Norway and Singapore at COP27​. Following the launch of the Roadmap, the first examples of partnership implementation will be showcased at COP30 in Brazil.

Further information 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)

EU customs stopped fake and potentially dangerous goods worth nearly €3.4 billion from entering the single market in 2023

Today, the European Commission and the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) published their 2023 joint report on the EU enforcement of intellectual property rights (IPR). The report provides an overview of the work carried out by EU customs officials responsible for the enforcement of IPR and highlights the growing need for continued action against counterfeiters.

According to the report, around 152 million items infringing EU IPR worth an estimated €3.4 billion were seized in 2023. This represents an increase of 77% compared with the previous year. The most seized items include games, toys and packaging material. 

As the volume of trade increases, particularly in e-commerce, EU customs authorities operate under increasing pressure. Counterfeit goods not only undermine legitimate businesses, but also pose a threat to the health, safety and security of EU consumers.

This is why the Commission has put forward a proposal for the most ambitious and comprehensive reform of the EU Customs Union since its establishment in 1968. It establishes an EU Customs Authority, a new EU Customs Data Hub while it also equips EU customs authorities with a stronger regulatory framework and new tools. These measures will facilitate more fluid information exchange, easier identification of problematic supply chains and increase product safety across the Union. A common EU approach will allow for a more harmonious enforcement of EU rules and contribute to a safer and more competitive Single Market.

More information on the 2023 IPR report and the EU Customs Reform is available online.

(For more information: Francesca Dalboni – Tel.: +32 2 298 81 70; Saul Louis Goulding – Tel.: +32 2 296 47 35)

EU launches call for EU business to invest in Ukraine's recovery and reconstruction
At today's first European Union - Ukraine Investment Conference, the EU launched a call for expression of interest to mobilise private EU investment in critical areas to support Ukraine's rebuilding efforts. Proposals will be reviewed and connected to the best suited investment projects funded under the Ukraine Investment Framework, which is an integral pillar under the EU's €50 billion Ukraine Facility. The call will be open until 1 March 2025. By encouraging business partnerships and EU private sector engagement in Ukraine's recovery and reconstruction, the EU also supports further integration of Ukraine into the EU Single Market.

Olivér Várhelyi, Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement, said: “Ukraine's reconstruction requires both public funding and partnerships with the private sector. By bringing these efforts together, we can maximise investment, support the country's recovery and gradual integration into the EU Single Market. Indeed, fostering the private sector involvement in Ukraine's recovery and reconstruction processes will be key to its success.”

The first EU – Ukraine Investment Conference, organised on 13-14 November in Warsaw in the framework of the 4th ReBuild Ukraine International Exhibition brings together over 5,000 participants from Ukraine, the EU and beyond to mobilise private investment towards Ukraine's recovery, reconstruction and modernisation.

Since the start of Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine, the EU has made available almost €122 billion in financial, humanitarian, and military assistance to Ukraine and to cater for Ukrainians' needs in the EU. More information is available in the web release, and in the factsheets on solidarity with Ukraine and the investment framework.

(For more information: Ana Pisonero – Tel.: +32 2 295 43 20; Johanna Bernsel – Tel.: + 32 2 298 66 99)

Commission launches consultation on AI Act prohibitions and AI system definition

Today, the Commission's Artificial Intelligence (AI) Office is launching a targeted stakeholders consultation process on the future guidelines on the AI system definition and the implementation of AI practices that pose unacceptable risks under the AI Act. The guidelines will help national competent authorities as well as providers and deployers in complying with the AI Act's rules on such AI practices ahead of the application of the relevant provisions on 2 February 2025.

The AI Office invites stakeholders, including AI systems providers, businesses, national authorities, academia, research institutions and civil society to submit their input. The contributions received will feed into the Commission's guidelines on the definition of AI system and prohibited AI practices under the AI Act, to be published in early 2025.

The legal concepts regarding the AI system definition and prohibited AI practices are established in the AI Act. This consultation seeks additional practical examples from stakeholders to feed into the guidelines and provide further clarity on practical aspects and use cases.

Participants can find more information on the consultation here, which will be active later today. The consultation will remain open for 4 weeks, until 11 December 2024.

(For more information: Thomas Regnier – Tel.: +32 2 299 10 99; Roberta Verbanac – Tel.: +32 229 82498)

La Commission autorise l'acquisition du contrôle conjoint de Exclusive Networks par CD&R et Permira

La Commission européenne a approuvé, en vertu du règlement européen sur les concentrations, l'acquisition du contrôle conjoint de Exclusive Networks S.A. (« Exclusive Networks »), basée en France, par Clayton, Dubilier & Rice, LLC (« CD&R »), basée aux États Unis, et Permira Holdings Limited (« Permira »), basée à Guernesey. 

La transaction concerne principalement la distribution en gros de produits et solutions informatiques, y compris de produits et solutions liés à la sécurité tels que la cybersécurité.

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.11676.

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

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Le commissaire Schmit participe au Congrès international du travail à Madrid

Demain, Nicolas Schmit, commissaire à l'emploi et aux droits sociaux, sera à Madrid pour participer au Congrès international du travail. Cette conférence de haut niveau sur les droits du travail, organisée par le ministère espagnol du travail et de l'économie sociale, vise à susciter des réflexions sur la manière de protéger les travailleurs et de promouvoir la négociation collective dans un monde du travail en mutation.

Le commissaire Schmit discutera notamment de la manière de faire en sorte que les transitions numérique et écologique soient équitables dans le monde, et de la manière d'étendre les droits du travail face à une urgence climatique et aux défis croissants posés par l'intelligence artificielle (et les algorithmes en particulier) aux travailleurs et aux employeurs.

Alors que la conférence s'inscrira dans une perspective mondiale, le commissaire Schmit mettra en lumière la propre politique sociale et de l'emploi de l'UE visant à une transition écologique équitable qui ne laisse personne de côté. Il présentera également les nouvelles règles de l'UE visant à améliorer les conditions de travail des personnes travaillant par l'intermédiaire de plateformes de travail numériques, qui, une première au niveau mondial, délimitent également l'utilisation de la gestion algorithmique.

En marge de la conférence, le commissaire Schmit rencontrera Yankhoba Diémé, Sharat Singh Bhandari, Nomakhosazana Meth et Fernando Elísio Freire de Andrade, ministres du travail et des affaires sociales respectivement du Sénégal, du Népal, d'Afrique du Sud et du Cap-Vert.

Le commissaire Schmit rencontrera également Elma Saiz Delgado, ministre espagnole de l'inclusion, de la sécurité sociale et de la migration, pour discuter des conséquences des inondations et du rôle des fonds de l'UE dans la fourniture de secours et l'aide à la reconstruction.

La conférence sera retransmise en direct. Les journalistes peuvent s' inscrire ici pour participer à l'événement.

(Pour plus d'informations: Veerle Nuyts — Tél.: + 32 229 96302; Ignazio Cocchiere — Tél.: + 32 229 82261)

La commissaire Simson se rend à la COP29 en vue de stimuler l'action internationale en matière d'énergies renouvelables, d'émissions de méthane et de soutien au système énergétique ukrainien

La commissaire à l'énergie, Kadri Simson, sera à Bakou, en Azerbaïdjan, les 14 et 15 novembre pour participer à la COP29, conférence des Nations unies sur le changement climatique.  

Dans le cadre de la journée dédiée à l'énergie de la COP29, vendredi, la commissaire prononcera un discours lors de l'événement ministériel concernant l'engagement mondial sur le méthane, organisé conjointement par l'UE et les États-Unis, et s'exprimera à l'occasion du « OGMP 2.0 CEO Forum » sur les efforts déployés par l'industrie pour améliorer la surveillance, la déclaration et la vérification des émissions de méthane. Hier, la Commission a introduit une nouvelle feuille de route en faveur des partenariats sur la réduction du méthane afin de renforcer la coopération entre les pays importateurs et exportateurs de combustibles fossiles (voir ici).

Le soutien à l'Ukraine figure également en bonne place dans l'agenda de la commissaire Simson à Bakou. Jeudi, la commissaire coorganisera une réunion ministérielle avec la Communauté de l'énergie. Vendredi, elle prononcera un discours à l'occasion d'un événement intitulé « Relance de l'Ukraine vers un système énergétique vert, durable et résilient ».

La commissaire Simson tiendra également une réunion bilatérale avec la ministre britannique du climat, Kerry McCarthy.  

De plus amples détails sont disponibles en ligne sur les priorités de négociation de l'UE pour la COP29 et dans le calendrier des commissaires. Des vidéos et des photos de certains de ces événements sont disponibles sur notre portail EbS. Les discours seront disponibles sur la page web de la commissaire.

(Pour plus d'informations: Tim McPhie – Tél.: +32 2 295 86 02; Giulia Bedini – Tél: +32 2 295 86 61; Ana Crespo Parrondo – Tél.: +32 2 298 13 25)

APPOINTMENTS

The European Commission appoints a new Director for its department of Human Resources and Security

Today, the European Commission has appointed Christian Linder as Director ‘Finance, Legal and Partnerships' at the Directorate-General for Human Resources and Security (DG HR). This Commission department oversees recruitment policy, training and career management, social policies and working conditions for Commission staff as well as the EU Staff Regulations policy for the civil service of the EU. It is responsible for keeping Commission buildings and employees safe, and online security. This decision takes effect on 1 January 2025.

With over 20 years of experience at the Commission, Mr Linder has cultivated deep expertise in various policy areas ranging from human resources, ethic and transparency issues, budgetary and administrative matters, to interinstitutional relations as well as anti-fraud policy. His extensive and diverse background within the Commission has honed his ability to perform management duties effectively, align HR strategies with organizational goals, carry out legal risk analysis in developing policies, and establish and maintain partnerships with key stakeholders.

In his new role, Mr Linder, a German national, is well-positioned to further leverage his substantial experience and deep understanding of financial and legal aspects of human resources policy, which he has strengthened further over the past seven years as Head of Unit for Ethics, Good Administration, and Relations with the European Ombudsman in the Secretariat-General. In this capacity, he advised on the ethical obligations of Commissioners and addressed a variety of institutional, legal and administrative matters within the Commission Secretariat-General. Prior to this, he served for seven years as a Member of Cabinet for Vice-President Maroš Šefčovič, overseeing Energy Union, and previously Inter-Institutional Relations, and Administration. Mr Linder began his career at the Directorate-General for Personnel and Administration (now DG HR) in 2003, initially as a lawyer, later as an assistant to the Director-General, and subsequently as Head of Unit for EU Civil Service Law and Legal Affairs.

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

Tentative agendas for forthcoming Commission meetings

Note that these items can be subject to changes.

Upcoming events of the European Commission

Eurostat press releases