Daily News 28 / 10 / 2022

Zero emission vehicles: first ‘Fit for 55' deal will end the sale of new CO2 emitting cars in Europe by 2035

The European Commission welcomes the agreement reached last night by the European Parliament and Council ensuring all new cars and vans registered in Europe will be zero-emission by 2035. As an intermediary step towards zero emissions, the new CO2 standards will also require average emissions of new cars to come down by 55% by 2030, and new vans by 50% by 2030. This agreement marks the first step in the adoption of the ‘Fit for 55' legislative proposals tabled by the Commission in July 2021, and demonstrates ahead of COP27 the EU's domestic implementation of its international climate commitments. Executive Vice-President for the European Green Deal, Frans Timmermans, said: “The agreement sends a strong signal to industry and consumers: Europe is embracing the shift to zero-emission mobility. European carmakers are already proving they are ready to step up to the plate, with increasing and increasingly affordable electric cars coming to the market. The speed at which this change has happened over the past few years is remarkable. It is no wonder that this file is the first one in the entire Fit for 55 package where Member States and the European Parliament have come to a final deal.” This clear signal to manufacturers and citizens will accelerate the production and sale of low- and zero-emission vehicles and put road transport on a firm path to climate neutrality by 2050. This new legislation will make the EU's transport system more sustainable, provide cleaner air for Europeans and marks an important step in delivering the European Green Deal. Yesterday's provisional agreement now requires formal adoption by the Parliament and the Council. More information is available here and the initial Commission proposal can be found here. (For more information: Tim McPhie – Tel.: +32 2 295 86 02; Ana Crespo Parrondo – Tel.: +32 2 298 13 25)

Common Agricultural Policy 2023-27: strategic plans for Croatia, Slovenia and Sweden worth almost €9 billion in total approved

Today, the CAP strategic plans for Croatia, worth around €3.4 billion; Slovenia, around €1.2 billion; and Sweden, around €4.5 billion, were approved by the Commission. The three plans represent a budget of close to €9 billion, including €2.7 billion dedicated to environmental and climate objectives and eco-schemes, and €227 million for young farmers. All three plans have a strong environmental dimension. Slovenian's plan will support, among other things, the production of renewable energy from agriculture, enabling farmers to invest in biogas, biomethane and geothermal wells for their own needs. The Croatian plan decided to address the agricultural emissions that are mainly stemming from soil and manure management, while the Swedish plan puts a strong focus on carbon sequestration, biodiversity and valuable grasslands, as well as increasing knowledge about sustainable production. The new Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), set to start on 1 January 2023, is designed to shape the transition to a sustainable, resilient and modern European agricultural sector. Under the reformed policy, funding will be more fairly distributed among farms, with emphasis on small and medium-sized family farms, as well as young farmers. Moreover, farmers will be supported to take up new innovations, from precision farming to agro-ecological production methods. By supporting concrete actions in these and other areas, the new CAP can be the cornerstone for food security and farming communities in the European Union. The CAP will benefit from €270 billion in funding for the 2023-2027 period. More information on each Plan as well as the breakdown of their CAP budget is available in the “at a glance” documents and more information are available online. (For more information: Miriam Garcia Ferrer – Tel.: +32 2 299 90 75; Thérèse Lerebours – Tel.: +32 2 296 33 03)

L'Atlantique, le Kattegat et le Skagerrak : La Commission propose des opportunités de pêche pour 2023 avec une augmentation des limites de capture pour les plus grands stocks

La Commission a publié aujourd'hui sa proposition de limites de capture pour les stocks de poissons dans les eaux de l'UE dans l'océan Atlantique, le Kattegat et le Skagerrak pour 2023, y compris pour les stocks d'eau profonde pour 2023 et 2024. La proposition concerne 17 totaux admissibles de captures (TAC) pour la pêche opérant sur des stocks gérés uniquement par l'UE. La reconstitution des plus grands stocks, notamment le chinchard, permet à la Commission de proposer une augmentation de quotas. La proposition sera mise à jour après la conclusion des consultations bilatérales (avec la Norvège et le Royaume-Uni) et multilatérales avec les États côtiers, et l'achèvement des processus décisionnels dans les Organisations régionales de gestion de la pêche (ORGP). Le commissaire à l'environnement, aux océans et à la pêche, Virginijus Sinkevičius, a déclaré : « Notre proposition d'augmentation des captures des stocks de l'Atlantique gérés par l'UE est une bonne nouvelle pour nos pêcheurs et elle arrive au bon moment étant donné la situation économique désastreuse à laquelle ils sont confrontés, avec la hausse des prix du carburant et l'impact sur la rentabilité du secteur. La proposition montre que la gestion scientifique de la pêche est rentable. Toutefois, je suis très préoccupé par la situation de l'anguille européenne. Nous devons faire preuve de détermination en renforçant les mesures en mer et j'appelle les États membres à agir sans délai contre les autres pressions exercées sur ce stock. » La proposition est fondée sur l'avis scientifique du Conseil international pour l'exploration de la mer (CIEM). Vous trouverez plus d'informations dans notre communiqué de presse. (Pour plus d'informations : Adalbert Jahnz - Tél. : +32 2 295 31 56; Veronica Favalli – Tél. : +32 2 298 72 69)

Customs: new agreement to improve trade flows between the EU and Moldova enters into force on 1 November

A new agreement between the EU and Moldova will enter into force on 1 November 2022, improving trade facilitation for businesses. The new arrangements mean that both the EU and Moldova will mutually recognise each other's Authorised Economic Operators (AEOs) programmes, bringing together traders who meet certain criteria and who can therefore benefit from simplified customs arrangements. As of 1 November, both the EU and Moldova will provide reciprocal benefits to each other's AEOs, such as fewer customs controls and priority treatment at customs clearance. The agreement is a major step forward in the EU-Moldova trade relationship. It will further boost trade opportunities and contribute to the smooth flow of goods between both sides, without compromising high security standards. At a time when businesses need all the support they can get to overcome the ongoing crisis due to the war in Ukraine, the agreement will make trade easier and less expensive for many EU and Moldovan traders. The relationship between the EU and Moldova is guided by the Association Agreement, including a Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA). The EU cooperates with Moldova in the framework of the European Neighbourhood Policy and its eastern regional dimension, the Eastern Partnership, with the key goal of bringing Moldova closer to the EU. The EU is Moldova's biggest trade partner, accounting for 52.2% of its total trade. EU exports to Moldova amounted to €3.8 billion in 2021. More information is available. More information is available here. (For more information: Daniel Ferrie – Tel.: +32 2 298 65 00; Aikaterini Apostola – Tel.: +32 2 298 76 24)

Anti-money laundering: the latest assessment of money laundering and terrorist financing risks across the Single Market is now available

The Commission has adopted the Supranational Risk Assessment (SNRA) Report, a tool to help Member States identify and address money laundering and terrorist financing risks. The report shows that while most recommendations of the previous assessments (the last such report dates from 2019) have already been implemented, it underlines the fact that weaknesses in identifying beneficial ownership continue to remain a considerable threat to the financial system, as anonymity remains a critical vulnerability for all sectors and activities. The report also re-calculates the risk levels of certain areas where changes have been detected since 2019, e.g. crypto-assets and online gambling, where risks are now higher. The Commission remains committed to protecting EU citizens and the financial system from money laundering and terrorist financing. The recent anti-money rules (AML) rules proposed in the 2021 legislative package, aim at improving the detection of suspicious transactions and activities, and close loopholes used by criminals to launder illicit proceeds or finance terrorist activities through the financial system. Today's report recognises the importance of this package, which is currently being discussed by the European Parliament and the Council. The full report is available here.(For more information: Daniel Ferrie – Tel.: +32 2 298 65 00; Aikaterini Apostola – Tel.: +32 2 298 76 24)

Anti-money laundering: new guidance on the use of public-private partnership paves the way for a more efficient prevention of money laundering

The European Commission has published guidance on the use of public-private partnerships (PPP) to prevent and fight money laundering and terrorist financing. In recent years, PPPs have developed to exchange either strategic information, such as trends in criminal activities, money laundering, and terrorist financing risk indicators, or operational information, for instance related to specific cases, known persons and specific transactions. Today's guidance aims to improve stakeholders' general understanding of what PPPs are, and to encourage, where possible, their role in the effective fight against money laundering and terrorism financing. The document provides guidance on the main features and the associated opportunities, specific legal considerations, as well as observed best practices of PPPs. The Commission has emphasised the importance of the effective exchange of information in the fight against these crimes in its 2020 Action Plan for a comprehensive Union policy on preventing money laundering and terrorist financing. In preparation of this document, the Commission carried out a public consultation with stakeholders from the public and private sector. Member States, EU agencies and bodies, academic organisations, research institutions, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and the general public were all consulted. The aim was to learn from existing experiences but also to collect views, opinions, as well as facts and figures on the functioning of PPPs in order to fight financial crime. The PPP guideline is available here.(For more information: Daniel Ferrie – Tel.: +32 2 298 65 00; Aikaterini Apostola – Tel.: +32 2 298 76 24)

Valencia, Elsinore, and Velenje win 2024 European Green City Awards

Last night, the winners of the European Green Capital and Green Leaf 2024 Awards were announced at a ceremony in Grenoble, France, this year's European Green Capital. The city of Valencia (Spain) will become the European Green Capital for 2024 and the title of European Green Leaf 2024 will be shared by Elsinore (Denmark) and Velenje (Slovenia). Announcing the winners, Commissioner for Environment, Oceans and Fisheries, Virginijus Sinkevičius, said: “I would like to warmly congratulate Valencia, Elsinore, and Velenje and welcome them to the European Green City club! These cities are working hard to build a healthier and greener environment for their residents and are an inspiration to others. Cities are at the forefront of the green transition and with the progress made so far, I truly believe that we can build a greener and fairer Europe for all.” Valencia earned the title due to its past and current achievements in sustainable tourism, climate neutrality, and a fair and inclusive green transition. The city also impressed with its work to improve air quality and restore natural ecosystems. Elsinore addresses high energy prices by speeding up building renovation and heat source conversion, including by new district heating systems. The city has also rebuilt the sewage system to separate rainwater and waste water, which improves water quality and helps adapt to changing climate. Velenje is working to phase out coal while opening up new employment opportunities in the green job sectors. The city was one of the first in Slovenia to install a separate waste collection system and has been improving waste management ever since. The prizes will support the cities' planned green work: Valencia will receive €600,000 and Elsinore and Velenje, €200,000 each. The award comes right after the Commission proposed new rules on the way to zero pollution in the EU, where the winning cities show exemplary efforts. More information is in the news item. (For more information: Adalbert Jahnz – Tel.: +32 2 295 31 56; Veronica Favalli – Tel.: +32 2 298 72 69)

L'UE finance à hauteur d'un million d'euros le Bureau de l'Envoyé pour la technologie du Secrétaire général des Nations unies

L'UE fournira un million d'euros pour soutenir le travail du Bureau de l'Envoyé du Secrétaire général des Nations unies pour les technologies au cours des deux prochaines années. Cette somme contribuera au financement des travaux du Bureau ainsi qu'aux activités de sensibilisation de l'envoyé. Cet accord reflète l'engagement de l'UE et de ses États membres à soutenir l'envoyé des Nations unies pour la technologie dans la mise en œuvre des aspects numériques du « programme commun » du secrétaire général des Nations unies, notamment l'élaboration d'un pacte numérique mondial et la promotion du modèle multipartite de gouvernance de l'internet. Les États membres de l'UE offriront également leur soutien au bureau de l'envoyé pour la technologie dans l'esprit de Team Europe. Pour plus d'informations, lisez le communiqué de presse. (Pour plus d'informations: Nabila Massrali – Tel.: +32 2 298 80 93; Marietta Grammenou – Tel.: +32 2 298 35 83; Xavier Cifre Quatresols – Tel.: +32 2 297 35 82)

Agriculture: la Commission approuve l'« Oktoberfestbier » comme nouvelle indication géographique protégée d'Allemagne

La Commission a approuvé aujourd'hui une nouvelle indication géographique protégée (IGP) d'Allemagne : l' « Oktoberfestbier ». Le processus de fabrication de la bière, qui se déroule sur le territoire de la ville de Munich, commence par le broyage du malt et la macération et se termine, après un entreposage d'environ quatre à onze semaines au cours duquel la bière jeune s'enrichit naturellement en gaz carbonique et mûrit jusqu'au moment où elle a acquis son goût définitif. L'une des particularités de la bière réside dans l'utilisation d'eau puisée dans des sources profondes de la ville de Munich, prenant naissance dans les couches tertiaires (jusqu'à environ 250m de profondeur). La réputation et la particularité de l' « Oktoberfestbier » sont dues à une méthode de production traditionnelle cultivée au fil des siècles et à l'extraordinaire renommée de l'Oktoberfest de Munich qui a lieu chaque année entre la mi-septembre et le début du mois d'octobre. Elle débute par la mise en perce du premier fût d'« Oktoberfestbier » par l'Oberbürgermeister, le maire en exercice de la ville de Munich. La renommée mondiale dont jouit aujourd'hui l'« Oktoberfestbier » repose entre autres sur le fait qu'à Munich, des innovations ont été introduites très tôt dans le processus brassicole, influençant de manière décisive la qualité de la bière. Le fait que l'« Oktoberfestbier » soit brassée spécialement pour l'Oktoberfest a grandement contribué à la réputation exceptionnelle de cette bière. Produit vedette, l'« Oktoberfestbier » est également vendue dans le monde entier sous l'étiquette « Oktoberfestbier ». La nouvelle dénomination sera ajoutée à la liste des 1 598 produits alimentaires déjà protégés. La liste de toutes les indications géographiques protégées se trouve dans la base de données eAmbrosia. Plus d'informations sont disponibles en ligne sur les systèmes de qualité et sur notre portail GIView. (Pour plus d'informations: Miriam Garcia Ferrer – Tél.: +32 2 299 90 75; Thérèse Lerebours – Tél.: +32 2 296 33 03)

State aid: Commission approves €1.5 billion Belgian scheme to support energy suppliers in the context of Russia's war against Ukraine

The European Commission has approved a €1.5 billion Belgian guarantee scheme to support gas and electricity suppliers in the context of Russia's war against Ukraine. The scheme was approved under the State aid Temporary Crisis Framework, adopted by the Commission on 23 March 2022, and amended on 20 July 2022, based on Article 107(3)(b) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (‘TFEU'), recognising that the EU economy is experiencing a serious disturbance. The measure will be open to natural gas and electricity suppliers as well as to their intermediaries holding a license for the supply of electricity and/or natural gas to end-users in Belgium. In order to be eligible, these companies should not be in financial difficulties at the moment they apply for aid. Under the scheme, the guarantees will be granted by the Ministry of Energy and will cover new working capital loans for a maximum of two years. The Commission concluded that the Belgian guarantee 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 Temporary Crisis Framework. On this basis, the Commission approved the aid measure under EU State aid rules. Executive Vice-President Margrethe Vestager, in charge of competition policy, said: “In the context of economic uncertainty caused by the current geopolitical crisis, this €1.5 billion guarantee scheme will enable Belgium to provide liquidity support to natural gas and electricity suppliers and to their intermediaries, allowing them to continue their activities. We continue to stand with Ukraine and its people. At the same time, we continue working closely with Member States to ensure that national support measures can be put in place in a timely, coordinated and effective way, while protecting the level playing field in the Single Market.” A press release is available online. (For more information: Arianna Podesta – Tel.: +32 229 87024; Nina Ferreira - Tel.: +32 229 98163; Maria Tsoni – Tel.: +32 229 90526)

State aid: Commission approves €120 million Italian measure to support newspaper publishers

The European Commission has approved, under EU State aid rules, a €120 million Italian scheme to support publishers of newspapers and periodicals. The scheme aims to ensure the availability of newspapers and periodicals in Italy and to protect the quality of the Italian language in printed publications. Under the scheme, newspaper and periodical publishers will be entitled to tax credits covering up to 30% of the paper costs incurred in 2021 and 2022. The measure will be applied for the fiscal years 2022 and 2023. The Commission assessed the scheme under EU State aid rules, in particular Article 107(3)(c) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, which enables Member States to support the development of certain economic activities or areas. The Commission found that the measure is necessary and appropriate to achieve the objectives pursued, namely the development of the news media sector, wide access to newspapers and periodicals, and promotion of media pluralism. The Commission concluded that the measure is proportionate, i.e. limited to the minimum necessary, and will have a limited impact on competition and trade between Member States. On this basis, the Commission approved the scheme under EU State aid rules. The non-confidential version of the decision will be made available under the case number SA.103737 in the State aid register on the Commission's competition website once any confidentiality issues have been resolved. (For more information: Arianna Podesta – Tel.: +32 229 87024; Nina Ferreira - Tel.: +32 229 98163)

State aid: Commission approves prolongation and modification of German scheme to encourage freight traffic to shift from road to inland waterways and rail

The European Commission has approved, under EU State aid rules, the prolongation and modification of a German scheme to encourage to freight transport to shift from road to inland waterways and rail. The measure originally approved by the Commission in October 2002 (N 406/2002) and prolonged in six occasions, most recently in April 2022 (SA.101664), is set to expire in December 2022. The purpose of the scheme is to promote the modal shift of freight transport from road to inland waterways and rail, which are a greener mode of transport, and to contribute to the reduction of CO2 emissions and road congestion. Germany notified to the Commission the following amendments to the scheme: (i) a prolongation until the end of 2026; (ii) a budget increase of €388.5 million, bringing the overall budget to ca. €1.5 billion; and (iii) modifications to the scope of eligible costs, in particular the introduction of the possibility to support the replacement of existing transshipment facilities and equipment. The Commission assessed these amendments under EU State aid rules, in particular Article 93 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union. The Commission concluded that the scheme continues to be necessary and appropriate to promote the use of inland waterways and rail freight transport, in line with the objectives of the EU Sustainable and Smart Mobility Strategy and of the European Green Deal, without unduly distorting competition in the Single Market. On this basis, the Commission found that the prolongation of the scheme is in line with EU State aid rules. The non-confidential version of the decision will be made available under the case number SA.104018 in the State aid register on the Commission's competition website once any confidentiality issues have been resolved. (For more information: Arianna Podesta – Tel.: +32 229 87024; Nina Ferreira - Tel.: +32 229 98163)

State aid: Commission approves prolongation of Belgian scheme to exempt seafarer employers from social security contributions

The European Commission has approved, under EU State aid rules, the prolongation of a Belgian scheme exempting employers of certain seafarers from the payment of social security contributions. The aim of the scheme is to increase the attractiveness for shipping companies to employ seafarers, thereby enhancing the competitiveness and the expertise of the shipping sector. The measure was originally approved by the Commission in June 2007 (NN 132/2000 and NN 73/2003), prolonged in 2015 (SA.38336), and is set to expire on 31 December 2022. Belgium notified the prolongation of the scheme until 31 December 2032 with a budget increase of approximately €11.7 million per year, bringing the overall budget to €450 million. Under the scheme, the aid takes the form of an exemption for employers from the payment of social security contributions. This exemption applies with respect to seafarers working on board eligible merchant vessels and liable to social security contributions in a Member State. The Commission assessed the scheme under the EU State aid rules, and in particular under Article 107(3)(c) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union and the Guidelines on State aid to maritime transport. The Commission found that the scheme continues to be necessary and appropriate to promote the attractiveness of the employment of seafarers in Belgium and enhancing the competitiveness of Belgian ship operators. Furthermore, the Commission concluded that the measure continues to be proportionate, as it is limited to the minimum necessary, and to have a limited impact on competition and trade between Member States. On this basis, the Commission found that the prolongation of the scheme is in line EU State aid rules. The non-confidential version of the decision will be made available under case number SA.103643 in the State aid register on the Commission's competition website once any confidentiality issues have been resolved. (For more information: Arianna Podesta – Tel.: +32 229 87024; Nina Ferreira - Tel.: +32 229 98163)

Mergers: Commission renews interim measures to ensure Illumina and GRAIL continue to be kept separate following the prohibition decision

The European Commission has renewed and adjusted, under the EU Merger Regulation, the interim measures that ensure that Illumina and GRAIL remain separate following the Commission's decision to block the merger. The interim measures aim to prevent the potentially irreparable detrimental impact of the transaction on competition, as well as possible irreversible integration of the merging parties. On 6 September 2022, the Commission blocked Illumina's acquisition of GRAIL over concerns that the merger would have stifled innovation and reduced choice in the emerging market for blood-based early cancer detection tests. Pending the Commission's review, in August 2021, Illumina completed its acquisition of GRAIL. As a result, on 29 October 2021 the Commission put in place interim measures to restore and maintain the conditions of effective competition for the duration of 12 months, namely ordering to hold GRAIL separate from Illumina. Today's decision renews and adjusts the existing interim measures which provide that: (i) GRAIL shall be kept separate from Illumina and be run by independent Hold Separate Managers, exclusively in the interest of GRAIL (and not of Illumina); (ii) Illumina and GRAIL are prohibited from sharing confidential business information, subject to very limited exceptions and safeguards; (iii) Illumina has the obligation to provide the funds necessary for the operation of GRAIL and the development of its pipeline cancer detection tests; (iv) the business interactions between the parties shall be at arm's length, in line with industry practice, without unduly favouring GRAIL to the detriment of its competitors; and (v) Illumina and GRAIL shall actively work to prepare for a potential order to unwind the transaction. The measures are legally binding on both Illumina and GRAIL. They will remain applicable until the Commission notifies any possible decision under Article 8(4) of the EU Merger Regulation, ordering the unwinding of the transaction. Their compliance will be monitored by a Monitoring Trustee already approved by the Commission. Should the parties fail to comply with any of the measures, they would face the risk of penalty payments of up to 5% of their average daily turnover. More information is available on the Commission's competition website, in the public case register under the case number M.10938. (For more information: Arianna Podesta – Tel.: +32 229 87024; Maria Tsoni – Tel.: +32 229 90526)

Mergers: Commission clears acquisition of Tenneco by Apollo

The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of Tenneco Inc. (‘Tenneco') by Apollo Management, L.P. (‘Apollo'), both of the US. Tenneco is a manufacturer and global supplier of components for motor vehicles. Apollo is active in global asset management and portfolio investments. Through its portfolio company MAFTEC Co. Ltd (‘MAFTEC') of Japan, Apollo is active in the manufacture and supply of various products made of polycrystalline alumina fiber wool (‘PCW'), including substrate supporting mats, which are used by Tenneco as an input for the manufacture of automotive exhaust systems. The Commission concluded that the proposed acquisition would raise no competition concerns, given that MAFTEC is not an important supplier of substrate supporting mats made of PCW. The transaction was examined under the normal merger review procedure. More information is available on the Commission's competition website, in the public case register under the case number M.10712. (For more information: Arianna Podesta – Tel.: +32 229 87024; Maria Tsoni – Tel.: +32 229 90526)

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Level Up! Bootcamp rassemble 1 400 jeunes venant de tout le continent et au-delà pour discuter de l'Europe et de son avenir

Les 28 et 29 octobre, le Forum européen de la jeunesse, en coopération avec la Commission, le Parlement européen et d'autres partenaires, organise le Level-Up! Bootcamp. L'événement, qui s'inscrit dans le cadre de l'Année européenne de la jeunesse, rassemblera 1 400 jeunes âgés de 18 à 30 ans, venant de plus de 35 pays et se tiendra au Parlement européen à Bruxelles. Le stand de l'Année européenne de la jeunesse mettra à disposition une cabine d'enregistrement vocal permettant aux participants de laisser leurs messages vocaux sur la nouvelle plateforme numérique de la Commission. Ces voix alimenteront les discussions politiques. L'objectif est de créer une plate-forme d'échange sur le présent et l'avenir de l'Europe, sous neuf catégories et en 29 langues. Au cours des deux jours, plus de 30 ateliers de renforcement des capacités se dérouleront autour des trois thèmes suivants : « Monde de la mobilisation: revendiquer notre place dans la politique », « Monde de l'organisation: se rassembler pour faire changer les choses » et « Monde de la communication: faire entendre notre voix ». La commissaire à l'innovation, la recherche, la culture, l'éducation et la jeunesse, Mariya Gabriel, a déclaré: « The Level Up! Bootcamp donnera la parole à nos jeunes et leur permettra d'exprimer leurs espoirs et leurs ambitions, mais sera aussi l'opportunité de les aider concrètement à faire une vraie différence et à accélérer le changement pour un avenir meilleur, plus vert et plus inclusif. Je souhaite à tous les participants une expérience enrichissante et divertissante. » Des activités plénières réunissant des panels de haut niveau et quatre Youth Talks seront organisés et diffusés ici et ici durant les deux jours. Les participants auront la possibilité d'échanger avec des fonctionnaires de la Commission lors d'un « café avec des décideurs politiques », parmi plusieurs autres activités divertissantes et éducatives. Plus d'informations sur l'événement sont disponibles ici. (Pour plus d'informations: Sonya Gospodinova - Tél.: +32 2 296 69 53; Flore Boutier - Tél.: +32 2 296 60 43)

Executive Vice-President Dombrovskis in Prague for the informal Foreign Affairs Trade Council and to engage with civil society

Executive Vice-President and Commissioner for Trade, Valdis Dombrovskis, will travel to Prague for the informal Foreign Affairs Council on Trade, hosted by the Czech Presidency of the Council on 30 and 31 October. On the agenda are the geopolitical importance of trade, specifically in connection with the ongoing Russian aggression against Ukraine, EU digital trade policy, as well as discussions on EU-US trade relations with United States Trade Representative (USTR) Katherine Tai in light of the approaching third Trade and Technology Council. On the margins of the informal Foreign Affairs Trade Council, Executive Vice-President Dombrovskis will hold bilateral meetings with USTR Katherine Tai; with the Belgian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hajda Lahbib; and with the Swedish Minister for Trade, Johan Forssell. On Monday, around 14:05 CET, the Executive Vice-President will participate in the official press conference organised by the Czech Presidency, which you can follow live on EbS. Following the Council meetings, Executive Vice-President Dombrovskis and Czech Minister of Industry and Trade, Jozef Síkela, will participate in a Civil Society Dialogue organised in the context of the Czech Presidency of the Council. The discussion will focus on the role of open trade in the current geopolitical context. You will find more details and a livestream here. (For more information: Miriam Garcia Ferrer – Tel.: +32 2 299 90 75; Sophie Dirven – Tel.: +32 2 296 72 28)

CALENDAR - Commissioners' weekly activities

Tentative agendas for forthcoming Commission meetings

Note that these items can be subject to changes.

Upcoming events of the European Commission

Eurostat press releases