Daily News 27 / 09 / 2023
Ahead of Granada Summit, Commission takes stock of achievements and identifies areas for action to build a more resilient, competitive and sustainable Europe
In a Communication adopted today, the Commission provides a contribution to the forthcoming leaders' debate in Granada on the future-oriented approach to the EU's open strategic autonomy and on priority policy objectives for the EU in the years ahead. It takes stock of achievements and remaining challenges to build a more resilient, competitive and sustainable economy, to protect EU citizens, and to guarantee their well-being. This follows the Versailles Declaration adopted by EU leaders on 11 March 2022.
The Communication points to specific areas where more efforts are needed, such as building a more innovative and interconnected Single Market, preserving internal cohesion, fostering alliances with international partners and building the EU's capacity as a security provider for its citizens and region. The EU must continue work to de-risk and reinforce its economic and industrial base while protecting its economic security and its unique social model.
Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, said: “Europe has reacted decisively to a rapidly changing geopolitical and economic environment. The new reality requires that we strengthen our capacity to protect Europe's strategic interests, and to provide security for our citizens and partners. Since Versailles, the EU stays the course and is transforming into a more resilient, competitive, and sustainable economy. We will continue to stand together and further deepen ties with partners and those that share our concerns and interests.”
On 10 and 11 March 2022, EU Heads of State or Government met in Versailles. They committed to take more responsibility for Europe's security, to bolster defence capabilities, and to take further steps towards building European sovereignty, reducing dependencies, and designing a new growth and investment model. The informal meeting of EU Heads of State and Government takes place in Granada on 6 October.
A press release and a factsheet are available online.
(For more information: Johannes Bahrke – Tel.: +32 2 295 86 15; Ana Martínez Sanjurjo – Tel.: +32 2 296 30 66)
First report on the State of the Digital Decade calls for collective action to shape the digital transition
The first report on the State of the Digital Decade, published today, provides a comprehensive look at progress towards achieving the digital transformation to empower a more digitally sovereign, resilient, and competitive EU. It includes an assessment of the EU's performance towards Europe's 2030 objectives and targets focusing on four main pillars: digital skills, digital infrastructure, digitalisation of businesses, including the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI), and digitalisation of public services. It also includes the monitoring of the European Declaration on Digital Rights and Principles, which reflects the EU's commitment to a secure, safe and sustainable digital transformation, putting people at the centre.
The 2023 report, which is the first of a series of annual reports, is a call to Member States for collective action to address the current investment gaps, accelerate digital transformation in Europe and intensify efforts to reach the objectives of the Digital Decade Policy Programme (DDPP). The DDPP was adopted by the European Parliament and the Council and entered into force on 9 January 2023, and includes a system of collaborative governance between the EU and national authorities.
The 2023 report's horizontal recommendations and the country-specific recommendations present a clear and operational way forward. The recommendations will be the basis for discussion and collaboration between the Commission and the Member States on how to achieve our common goals. This work will be supported through the implementation of large-scale multi-country projects, including the newly introduced European Digital Infrastructure Consortia (EDICs).
More information is available in this press release, Q&A and factsheet.
(For more information: Johannes Bahrke – Tel.: +32 2 295 86 15; Marietta Grammenou – Tel.: +32 2 298 35 83)
NextGenerationEU: Latvia submits request to modify recovery and resilience plan and add a REPowerEU chapter
Yesterday, Latvia submitted a request to the Commission to modify its recovery and resilience plan, to which it also wishes to add a REPowerEU chapter.
The REPowerEU chapter contains a reform to facilitate the development of renewable energy communities and energy self-generation. The reform also aims at increasing the uptake of sustainable biomethane. The chapter further contains three investment measures. Two of the three investments seek to improve the electricity grid by increasing its capacity (so that more renewable energy sources can be connected), by digitalising and securing it, and by synchronising it with the EU grid. The third investment aims at increasing the share of sustainable biomethane in final energy consumption by creating a regional centre, where sustainable biomethane can be injected into existing infrastructures, building a regional biomethane ‘injection point'.
Latvia is also proposing to modify 44 measures included in its plan. These amendments are based on the need to factor in the very high inflation experienced in 2022 (one of the highest in the euro area) and the supply chain disruptions caused by Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine, which have made investments more expensive and caused delays.
The amendments are also based on the need to factor in the revision of Latvia's maximum Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF) grant allocation, from €1.9 billion to €1.8 billion. The revision is part of the June 2022 update to the RRF grants allocation key and reflects Latvia's comparatively better economic outcome in 2020 and 2021 than initially foreseen. However, as the value of the original Latvian plan is below the maximum RRF grant allocation, Latvia can still receive an additional €8.5 million after the June 2022 update is taken into account.
Latvia has requested to transfer part of its share of the Brexit Adjustment Reserve (BAR), amounting to €10.9 million, to its recovery and resilience plan. Together with Latvia's REPowerEU grant allocation (€124 million), these additional funds make the submitted modified plan worth almost €2 billion.
The Commission has now up to two months to assess whether the modified plan fulfils all the assessment criteria in the RRF Regulation. If the Commission's assessment is positive, it will make a proposal for an amended Council Implementing Decision to reflect the changes to the Latvian plan. Member States in the Council will then have up to four weeks to endorse the Commission's assessment.
More information on the process concerning REPowerEU chapters and the revision of recovery and resilience plans can be found in this Q&A.
(For more information: Veerle Nuyts – Tel.: +32 2 299 63 02; Tommaso Alberini - Tel: +32 2 295 70 10)
Éducation financière : un cadre commun pour contribuer à améliorer l'éducation financière des jeunes
La Commission européenne a publié aujourd'hui un cadre commun de compétences financières de l'UE et de l'OCDE pour les enfants et les jeunes. Ce cadre vise à améliorer leur éducation financière et ainsi à les préparer à prendre des décisions personnelles éclairées en matière de finances aujourd'hui et, surtout, plus tard dans la vie.
L'objectif du cadre est d'établir une compréhension commune entre les États membres et les acteurs concernés par les compétences essentielles en matière d'éducation financière, dont les enfants et les jeunes ont besoin. Sur cette base, le cadre peut soutenir l'élaboration de politiques, de programmes et de matériel pédagogique en matière d'éducation financière par des acteurs publics, privés et à but non lucratif.
Mairead McGuinness, commissaire aux services financiers, à la stabilité financière et à l'union des marchés des capitaux, a déclaré : « Notre relation à l'argent commence à un très jeune âge, et certaines habitudes créées lorsque nous sommes jeunes restent avec nous toute notre vie. C'est pourquoi le cadre d'aujourd'hui est si important. Il s'agit d'équiper les jeunes de compétences leur permettant d'entretenir un rapport sain et éclairé à l'argent, afin qu'ils puissent prendre des décisions financières qui soient dans leur meilleur intérêt. À l'ère de la numérisation croissante des finances publiques et des défis économiques majeurs, et notamment la persistance d'une inflation élevée, il est d'autant plus important d'être avisé sur le plan financier. Ce cadre fait partie intégrante de notre plan d'action pour l'union des marchés des capitaux et nous rapproche de la réalisation d'un marché unique où les consommateurs — jeunes et âgés — peuvent naviguer en toute confiance sur les marchés des capitaux ».
La Commission et l'OCDE s'emploieront désormais à promouvoir et appuyer l'adoption du cadre par les autorités nationales, les professionnels du domaine et les autres parties prenantes. Un événement d'inauguration du cadre aura lieu le 2 octobre 2023 à Bruxelles. De plus amples informations sur ce dernier sont disponibles ici.
Un communiqué de presse est disponible en ligne.
(Pour plus d'informations: Daniel Ferrie — Tél.: + 32 229 86500; Aikaterini Apostola — Tél.: + 32 229 87624)
An additional 42 EU and Japanese geographical indications protected for both sides
In the framework of the EU-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement, both parties will protect as from today an additional 42 geographical indications (GIs), such as Raclette de Savoie, Vinagre de Jerez for the EU and sanuki shiro miso (miso paste), or Osaka wine for Japan.
This is the third time that the list of geographical indications protected in Japan and in the EU is extended, following the additions of 56 GIs in February 2021 and 56 in February 2022. The EU-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement, which entered into force on 1 February 2019, protects the listed agri-food names against imitation and usurpation, bringing mutual trade benefits and introducing consumers to guaranteed, authentic products from two regions with a rich culinary and cultural tradition. The EU and Japan also agreed to add up to 6 GIs from Japan by the end of this year and to decide in 2025 on another extension of the list of protected GIs. Japan is the 5th largest outlet for EU's agrifood exports. The main products exported by the EU to Japan include pork, wines and spirits, cigars and cigarettes, cheese, chocolate and sugar confectionery and other processed agricultural goods. The EU imports mainly soups and sauces, vegetable products, as well as food and cereal preparations. More information as well as the list of new registered products is available here.
(For more information: Olof Gill – Tel.: +32 2 296 59 66; Sophie Dirven – Tel.: +32 2 296 72 28)
Agriculture: Commission approves new Geographical Indication from Sweden - ‘Allåkerbär från Norrland'
The Commission approved the addition of ‘Allåkerbär från Norrland' as a Geographical Indication (GI) from Sweden. ‘Allåkerbär från Norrland' is the name given to Arctic raspberries grown in open fields in the counties of Norrbotten and Västerbotten in Sweden. There are currently seven varieties of ‘allåkerbär', four of which can be included in ‘Allåkerbär från Norrland' – ‘Anna', ‘Linda', ‘Sofia' and ‘Beata'. At least two varieties must always be included because different varieties are needed for the plants to produce fruit. The taste of the fully ripe berries is complex, with notes of lingonberry, redcurrant, sherry, earth cellar, sea buckthorn and blackberry. It is a unique taste with a high flavour intensity. Because allåkerbär is self-sterile and a crop needs to include different varieties, the cross-fertilisation contributes to the complex taste. The geographical area with its long hours of daylight combined with a mild climate during the growing season allows the berries to ripen fully before harvest, while the local knowledge of the berries also means that they are harvested only once fully ripe. This new denomination will be added to the list of 1,655 food products already protected. The list of all protected geographical indications can be found in the eAmbrosia database. More information is available online at Quality Schemes and on our GIView portal.
(For more information: Olof Gill – Tel.: +32 2 296 59 66; Sophie Dirven – Tel.: +32 2 296 72 28)
New Eurobarometer shows positive attitude of EU citizens toward the digitalisation of travel documents and facilitation of travel
Today, the Commission has published the Special Eurobarometer on digitalisation of travel documents and facilitation of travel.
The report explores EU citizens' views and perceptions of travel policies, as well as the introduction and possible use of digital travel credentials.
According to the survey, 68% of Europeans consider that digitalisation of travel documents is an important step to accelerate border checks, increase security and facilitate travelling to or from the Schengen area.
Furthermore, 66% of Europeans would prefer having one single application for a Schengen visa at EU level, rather than one for each Member State.
The Eurobarometer was launched in view of the upcoming Commission proposal on the digitalisation of travel documents and facilitation of travel. The results of this survey, that targeted over 26,000 people in the 27 EU Member States, will feed into the impact assessment in view of the upcoming proposal.
For more information please consult this webpage.
(For more information: Anitta Hipper - Tel.: +32 2 298 56 91; Yuliya Matsyk – Tel.: +32 2 291 31 73)
The EU continues to provide much needed assistance to refugees and host communities in Türkiye
In 2022, the European Union, through the Facility for Refugees in Turkey, continued to support refugees and host communities in Türkiye. As the Seventh Annual Report of the Facility recently published concludes, important progress has been made in key areas such as basic needs, education, health, socio-economic support, municipal infrastructure and strengthening border management, in close cooperation with the Turkish authorities.
The report showcases significant achievements since the establishment of the Facility in the following priority areas: basic needs, education, health, municipal infrastructure, vocational training and border management.
Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement, Olivér Várhelyi, said: “Türkiye continues to make significant efforts in hosting millions of refugees. The EU has shown great solidarity with close to €10 billion provided in vital assistance to refugees and host communities since 2011 to access education, health, employment opportunities, also supporting the local economy, and to strengthen border protection. Our latest report shows that the EU is delivering. The EU will continue to stand by the refugees and host communities in Türkiye: the Commission has made a proposal to Member States to continue to mobilise support beyond 2023 – fit for the current realities on the ground, and as a major investment in stability and security – and I hope discussions among Member States on the matter can be finalised swiftly.”
Since 2011, the EU has directed close to €10 billion to assist refugees and host communities in Türkiye. It has disbursed over €5 billion since 2016 under the Facility for Refugees in Turkey, whilst €2.2 billion from the additional €3 billion allocated until 2023 have already been committed. The remaining will be programmed in 2023 and will also address the consequences of the devastating earthquakes of February 2023.
A press release with more information is available online.
(For more information: Ana Pisonero – Tel. +32 2 295 43 20; Zoï Muletier – Tel. +32 2 299 43 06)
Mergers: Commission clears acquisition of Worldpay by GTCR
The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of sole control of New Boost Holdco, LLC (together with its subsidiaries, ‘Worldpay') by GTCR LLC, both of the US.
The transaction relates primarily to the sector of financial services, in particular merchant acquiring services and related technology services to merchants.
The Commission concluded that the notified transaction would not raise competition concerns, given that the companies are not active in the same or vertically related markets. The notified transaction was examined under the simplified merger review procedure.
More information is available on the Commission's competition website, in the public case register under the case number M.11245.
(For more information: Arianna Podesta – Tel.: +32 2 298 70 24; Marta Pérez-Cejuela – Tel.: +32 2 296 37 70)
Mergers: Commission clears acquisition of P7S1 by MFE
The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of sole control of ProSiebenSat.1 Media SE (‘P7S1') of Germany by MFE-MEDIAFOREUROPE N.V. (‘MFE') of the Netherlands.
The transaction relates primarily to the media and broadcasting sectors as well as the markets for offline and online advertising.
The Commission concluded that the notified transaction would not raise competition concerns, given the companies' limited individual and combined 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.11229.
(For more information: Arianna Podesta – Tel.: +32 2 298 70 24; Marta Pérez-Cejuela – Tel.: +32 2 296 37 70)
Mergers: Commission clears acquisition of Mopet by Ingka and Morsano
The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of joint control of Mopet Beheer B.V. (‘Mopet') by Ingka Holding B.V. (‘Ingka') and Morsano B.V. (‘Morsano'), all of the Netherlands.
The transaction relates primarily to the sector of recycled raw materials.
The Commission concluded that the proposed acquisition would not raise competition concerns, given the companies' limited combined market positions resulting from the proposed transaction. The 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.11199.
(For more information: Arianna Podesta – Tel.: +32 2 298 70 24; Marta Pérez-Cejuela – Tel.: +32 2 296 37 70)
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Vice-President Schinas and Commissioner Johansson to participate at the Justice and Home Affairs Council
Tomorrow, Vice-President for Promoting our European Way of Life, Margaritis Schinas and Commissioner for Home Affairs, Ylva Johansson, will attend the Justice and Home Affairs Council meeting in Brussels. Vice-President Schinas, Commissioner Johansson and the Spanish Minister for Home Affairs, Fernando Grande-Marlaska, will also welcome 14 Ministers from Latin America for the Latin-American Internal Security Committee (CLASI).
In the morning, the discussions will focus on the progress of the negotiations on the New Pact on Asylum and Migration, followed by exchange views on the external dimension of migration, where Vice-President Schinas will debrief Ministers on his engagement with partners in West Africa. During a working lunch with Latin-American counterparts, Ministers will discuss operational cooperation on the fight against transnational organised crime and drug trafficking.
In the afternoon, EU Ministers will discuss Commission's proposal for the extension of temporary protection for people fleeing Russian aggression against Ukraine, as well as the implications of the war on the EU's internal security.
A press conference with Commissioner Johansson and the Minister for Home Affairs of Spain, Fernando Grande-Marlaska, will follow at +/-17:30 CEST and will be transmitted online on EbS. The EU-CLASI Joint Declaration will be published following the meeting.
(For more information: Anitta Hipper - Tel.: +32 2 298 56 91; Yuliya Matsyk – Tel.: +32 2 291 31 73)
Les commissaires Ferreira et Wojciechowski en Espagne pour la conférence sur le thème « Façonner l'avenir des zones rurales »
Demain, Elisa Ferreira, commissaire chargée de la cohésion et des réformes, et Janusz Wojciechowski, commissaire chargé de l'agriculture, prononceront un discours d'ouverture lors du Forum de haut niveau sur la politique rurale sur le thème « Façonner l'avenir des zones rurales». Cette conférence de deux jours est organisée conjointement par la Commission et la présidence espagnole du Conseil de l'UE, dans la ville rurale historique de Sigüenza, en Castilla-La-Mancha, l'une des régions espagnoles souffrant de dépeuplement.
L'évènement réunira plus de 200 participants, y compris des représentants des États membres participant à la gestion des fonds de l'UE, couvrant notamment la politique agricole commune (PAC) et la politique de cohésion de l'UE, ainsi que des parties prenantes de la communauté du pacte rural. L'évènement alimentera les discussions sur les zones rurales des ministres de l'agriculture et du Conseil des affaires générales (Cohésion).
Les zones rurales de l'UE abritent 137 millions de personnes, soit 30% de la population et couvrent 83% du territoire de l'UE. Les investissements de la politique de cohésion pour la période 2014-2020 dans ces domaines s'élèvent à 35 milliards d'euros. Depuis leur lancement en 2021, la vision à long terme pour les zones rurales de l'UE (LTVRA) et le pacte rural ont gagné une dynamique politique au niveau de l'UE, les institutions de l'UE et les parties prenantes ayant débattu de l'avenir des zones rurales européennes.
Vous trouverez de plus amples informations sur la conférence ici.
(Pour plus d'informations: Olof Gill – Tél.: +32 2 296 59 66; Stefan De Keersmaecker; Sophie Dirven – Tél.: +32 2 296 72 28; Veronica Favalli – Tél. : +32 2 298 72 69)
APPOINTEMENTS
COLLEGE MEETING: The European Commission appoints a new Director at the Directorate-General for Defence Industry and Space
The European Commission has decided today to appoint Christoph Kautz as Director for ‘Satellite Navigation and Earth Observation' at the Commission's Directorate-General for Defence Industry and Space (DG DEFIS). This Commission department is responsible for upholding the competitiveness and innovation of the European defence and space industry. The date of effect will be determined later.
Throughout his 23 years of experience in the Commission, he has refined his skills in a variety of areas including coordination, international and multilateral cooperation, inter-institutional relations, budgetary procedure and human resources matters. In addition to being equipped with management experience, Mr Kautz will also draw on his extensive experience in policy development in the field of space and security, contributing to the further consolidation of DG DEFIS as a key actor in this domain.
Christoph Kautz, a German national, is currently Head of Unit for ‘Secure Connectivity, Space Surveillance and Applications' at DG DEFIS. Previously, he was acting Head of Unit for ‘Development and Applications' and ´Space Research, Innovation and Start-ups'.
Mr Kautz joined the Commission in 2000 through the Directorate-General for Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs responsible for a variety of Internal Market issues. Previously he worked in the private sector responsible for European Public Affairs in several consultancies. He holds a Master's Degree in History and a Master's Degree in EU policies.
(For more information: Balazs Ujvari - Tel.: +32 2 295 45 78; Veronica Favalli – Tel.: +32 2 298 72 69)
COLLEGE MEETING: The European Commission appoints a new Director at the Directorate-General for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries
The European Commission has decided today to appoint Jürgen Müller as Director for ‘General Affairs and Resources' at the Commission's Directorate-General for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (DG MARE). This Commission department is responsible for ensuring that the ocean resources are used sustainably and that coastal communities and the fishing sector have a prosperous future, promoting maritime policies and stimulate a sustainable blue economy and ocean governance at international level. The date of effect will be determined later.
Mr Mueller has taken up various management positions in the Commission in the past two decades, contributing to the successful closure of a series of complex interinstitutional negotiations, such as the finalisation of the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund 2021-2027. As a result, he brings with him excellent communication prowess, along with a deep understanding of a broad variety of procedures in the interinstitutional, legal and budgetary field. In his new capacity, he will also build on his advanced strategic sense and established representation skills.
He was Head of Cabinet of Commissioner for Environment, Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, Karmenu Vella, and member of the Cabinet of Commissioner for Climate action, Connie Hedegaard.
Juergen Mueller, a German national, is currently holding the position of Head of Unit ‘Interinstitutional matters, strategic programming and communication' at DG MARE. Between 1999 and 2004, he worked as Parliamentary Research Assistant and Head of Office to a German Member of the European Parliament notably in the area of fisheries and agriculture.
Mr Mueller joined the Commission in 2004 and holds Master's Degree in European Political and Administrative Studies.
(For more information: Balazs Ujvari - Tel.: +32 2 295 45 78; Veronica Favalli – Tel.: +32 2 298 72 69)
COLLEGE MEETING: The European Commission appoints a new Director at the Directorate-General for Health and Food Safety
The European Commission has decided today to appoint Marco Marsella as Director for ‘Digital, EU4Health and Health Systems Modernisation' at the Commission's Directorate-General for Health and Food Safety (DG SANTE). This Commission department is responsible for EU policy on food safety and health and for monitoring the implementation of related laws. The date of effect will be determined later.
With more than 23 years of outstanding experience in senior management positions at the Commission in various policy areas, Mr Marsella is particularly well-suited to take on the many challenges incurred by his new position. He is endowed with established skills in providing effective leadership and management and has a demonstrated capacity for implementing sound strategic coordination across Commission structures. In addition to being equipped with key management skills, Mr Marsella will also draw on his unique expertise in the development and changing nature of digital technologies and innovation in the area of health.
Mr Marsella, an Italian national, is currently holding the position of Deputy Director for ‘Digital Society, trust and Cybersecurity' in the Directorate-General Communications Networks, Content and Technology (DG CONNECT). He is also Head of Unit ‘Ehealth, wellbeing and ageing' in the same DG, were he had a leading role for the development of the EU Digital COVID Certificate.
Mr Marsella joined the Commission in 2000, he holds a Degree in Computer Science.
(For more information: Balazs Ujvari - Tel.: +32 2 295 45 78; Veronica Favalli – Tel.: +32 2 298 72 69)
COLLEGE MEETING: The European Commission appoints a new Director at the Directorate-General for Health and Food Safety
The European Commission has decided today to appoint Rainer Becker as Director for ‘Medical Products and Innovation' at the Commission's Directorate-General for Health and Food Safety (DG SANTE). This Commission department is responsible for EU policy on food safety and health and for monitoring the implementation of related laws. The date of effect will be determined later.
Throughout his almost 20 years of service in the Commission, Mr Becker has held positions of gradually increasing responsibilities. This career path has allowed him to consolidate his experience in a range of areas and industries, ranging from the handling of complex antitrust and merger cases, high profile legislative files to managing vaccine supply contracts in the pharmaceutical field. In addition to being equipped with robust management experience, Mr Becker will also draw on his demonstrated capacity of steering the development and implementation of EU health and competition policies and working with Member States and the other EU institutions.
Mr Becker, a German national, is currently holding the position of Head of Unit for ‘European Competition Network and Private Enforcement' at DG Competition (DG COMP). Previously, he was Acting Head of Unit for the central Policy and Coordination Unit for Antitrust, and Head of the unit in charge of Pharmaceuticals and Health Services in DG COMP.
Before joining the Commission in 2004, Rainer worked for several years as a lawyer in a major international law firm in EU matters and taught law and EU law at university.
(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
| Zařazeno | st 27.09.2023 12:09:00 |
|---|---|
| Zdroj | Evropská komise en |
| Originál | ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/api/documents?reference=MEX/23/4653&language=en |
| lang | en |
| guid | /MEX/23/4653/ |
