Daily News 30 / 04 / 2024
Commission opens formal proceedings against Facebook and Instagram under the Digital Services Act
Today, the European Commission has opened formal proceedings to assess whether Meta, the provider of Facebook and Instagram, may have breached the Digital Services Act (DSA).
Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said: "This Commission has created means to protect European citizens from targeted disinformation and manipulation by third countries. If we suspect a violation of the rules, we act. This is True at all times, but especially in times of democratic elections. Big digital platforms must live up to their obligations to put enough resources into this and today's decision shows that we are serious about compliance. Protecting our democracies is a common fight with our Member States. Today in Prague I want to thank Prime Minister Fiala for his active role in raising the issue at European level, along with the triggering by Belgium of the emergency mechanism for exchange of information between Member States.”
The suspected infringements cover Meta's policies and practices relating to deceptive advertising and political content on its services. They also concern the non-availability of an effective third-party real-time civic discourse and election-monitoring tool ahead of the elections to the European Parliament, against the background of Meta's deprecation of its real-time public insights tool CrowdTangle without an adequate replacement.
Further, the Commission suspects that the mechanism for flagging illegal content on the services (“Notice-and-Action”) as well as the user redress and internal complaint-mechanisms are not compliant with the requirements of the Digital Services Act and that there are shortcomings in Meta's provision of access to publicly available data to researchers. The opening of proceedings is based on a preliminary analysis of the risk assessment report sent by Meta in September 2023, Meta's replies to the Commission's formal Requests for Information (on illegal content and disinformation, data access, subscription for no-ads policy and generative AI), publicly available reports and the Commission's own analysis.
If proven, these failures would constitute infringements of Articles 14(1), 16(1), 16(5), 16(6), 17(1), 20(1), 20(3), 24(5), 25(1), 34(1), 34(2), 35(1) and 40(12) of the DSA. The Commission will now carry out an in-depth investigation as a matter of priority. The opening of formal proceedings does not prejudge its outcome.
After the formal opening of proceedings, the Commission will continue to gather evidence, for example by sending additional requests for information, conducting interviews or inspections.
You will find more information in our press release.
(For more information: Johannes Bahrke – Tel.: +32 2 295 86 15; Thomas Regnier – Tel.: +32 2 299 10 99)
Commission and national consumer protection authorities starts action against 20 airlines for misleading greenwashing practices
Following an alert from the European Consumer Organisation (BEUC), the European Commission and EU consumer authorities (Network of Consumer Protection Cooperation (CPC) Authorities) sent letters to 20 airlines identifying several types of potentially misleading green claims and inviting them to bring their practices in line with EU consumer law, notably the Directive concerning unfair business-to-consumer commercial practices in the internal market, within 30 days.
The CPC network, led by the Belgian Directorate General for Economic Inspection, the Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets, the Norwegian Consumer Authority and the Spanish Directorate General of Consumer Affairs, focused on claims made by airlines that the CO2 emissions caused by a flight could be offset by climate projects or through the use of sustainable fuels, to which the consumers could contribute by paying additional fees. The authorities are concerned that the identified practices can be considered as misleading actions/omissions, prohibited under Articles 5, 6 and 7 of the Unfair Commercial Practices Directive. On their part, the airlines are yet to clarify whether such claims can be substantiated based on sound scientific evidence.
More information on the key elements of the action is available in a press release online.
(For more information : Christian Wigand - Tel : +32 2 296 22 53 ; Jördis Ferroli - Tel : +32 2 299 27 29)
Les enchères de la Banque européenne de l'hydrogène fournissent 720 millions d'euros pour la production d'hydrogène renouvelable en Europe
Aujourd'hui, la Commission attribue près de 720 millions d'euros à sept projets d'hydrogène renouvelable, sélectionnés dans le cadre du premier appel d'offres lancé par la Banque européenne de l'hydrogène. Les enchérisseurs retenus produiront de l'hydrogène renouvelable en Europe, et recevront une subvention permettant de combler la différence de prix entre leurs coûts de production et le prix du marché de l'hydrogène, qui est actuellement déterminé par les producteurs d'hydrogène non renouvelables. L'hydrogène renouvelable qu'ils produiront sera utilisé par des secteurs tels que celui de l'acier, des produits chimiques, du transport maritime et des engrais.
Les sept projets sélectionnés sont les lauréats d'une vente aux enchères sursouscrite qui a attiré 132 offres au total. Les enchérisseurs retenus prévoient de produire simultanément 1,58 million de tonnes d'hydrogène renouvelable sur dix ans, ce qui permettra d'éviter plus de 10 millions de tonnes d'émissions de CO2. Les projets sélectionnés se situent dans quatre pays européens. Ils ont soumis des offres comprises entre 0,37 et 0,48 euro par kilogramme d'hydrogène renouvelable produit. La subvention que recevront ces sept projets s'échelonne de 8 millions à 245 millions d'euros. Les projets sélectionnés devront commencer à produire de l'hydrogène renouvelable dans un délai maximum de 5 ans. Ils percevront la prime fixe attribuée pour une durée maximale de 10 ans pour la production certifiée et vérifiée d'hydrogène renouvelable.
La Commission prévoit de lancer une deuxième vente aux enchères de la Banque européenne de l'hydrogène d'ici la fin de l'année. Les fonds nécessaires à ces ventes aux enchères proviennent des recettes du système d'échange de quotas d'émission de l'UE.
Un communiqué de presse est disponible en ligne.
(Pour plus d'informations: Tim McPhie – Tél.: +32 2 295 86 02; Ana Crespo Parrondo – Tél.: +32 2 298 13 25; Giulia Bedini – Tél: +32 2 295 86 61)
Commission invites funding applications for clean cross-border energy projects under the Connecting Europe Facility
The Commission has launched today a new call for proposals worth €850 million to support energy infrastructure projects under the Connecting Europe Facility.
This is the first funding call for the first list of Projects of Common Interest and Projects of Mutual Interest established under the revised Trans-European Networks for Energy Regulation (TEN-E). The revised Regulation and List are aligned with the European Green Deal and will help the EU to reach its ambitious climate and energy goals. This is the first time that projects on offshore electricity grids and hydrogen are eligible for support under the CEF, and that fossil fuel infrastructure is excluded.
Project promoters will be able to apply for EU co-financing in the form of grants for studies and construction works. The call is open until 22 October 2024, and on 14 May the Commission will organise a virtual info day to present the call and inform stakeholders about the application and evaluation process.
The Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) is a key EU funding instrument to promote growth, jobs and competitiveness through targeted infrastructure investments at European level. It is also central to delivering the European Green Deal. In the period 2014-2020, CEF Energy allocated €4.7 billion to studies and works supporting the implementation of 107 Projects of Common Interest. In the period 2021-27, €5.88 billion are available for CEF Energy.
You can find more information 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)
La Commission lance des outils de lancement d'alerte dans le cadre de la loi sur les services numériques et de la loi sur les marchés numériques
Aujourd'hui, la Commission a lancé deux outils de lancement d'alerte : un dans le cadre de la loi sur les services numériques (DSA) et l'autre dans le cadre de la loi sur les marchés numériques (DMA). Ces outils permettront aux parties intéressées de fournir, sans crainte de représailles, des informations permettant d'identifier et de mettre au jour les pratiques préjudiciables des très grandes plateformes en ligne (VLOP) ou des moteurs de recherche (VLOSE) désignés dans le cadre de la DSA, ou toute violation des obligations incombant aux contrôleurs d'accès dans le cadre du DMA.
Les lanceurs d'alerte pourront fournir des informations pertinentes de manière anonyme ou non, dans n'importe quelle langue officielle de l'UE et sous n'importe quel format pertinent (par exemple, des rapports, des mémos, des échanges de courriels, des métriques de données, des recherches internes, des décisions ou tout autre document pertinent).
Les outils de lancement d'alerte offriront un moyen sûr de signaler de telles informations. Toutes les données seront cryptées, ce qui garantira une protection solide et le respect des cadres juridiques standard. Les outils ont été certifiés par un tiers indépendant, ce qui garantira la confidentialité totale du lanceur d'alerte dans toutes ses communications avec la Commission.
Les personnes confrontées à des pratiques préjudiciables de la part de VLOP ou de VLOSE dans le cadre du DSA pourront également déposer des plaintes auprès de leur coordinateur national des services numériques. Tout cas de non-respect du DMA par les contrôleurs d'accès pourra être signalé au point de contact spécifique de la Commission ou aux autorités nationales de la concurrence de l'État membre dans lequel le plaignant est établi. De plus amples informations sont disponibles sur le site web de la Commission consacré aux outils de lancement d'alerte pour le DSA et le DMA.
(Pour plus d'informations : Johannes Bahrke – Tél.: +32 2 295 86 15 ; Lea Zuber – Tél.: +32 2 295 62 98 ; Thomas Regnier – Tél.: +32 2 299 10 99)
Commission launches first-stage consultation of social partners on fair telework and the right to disconnect
Today, the Commission launched the first-stage consultation of European social partners to gather their views on the possible direction of EU action on ensuring fair telework and the right to disconnect. Telework has become widespread, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic. The EU Labor Force Survey shows that the overall proportion of people working from home in the EU has more than doubled in the last few years, from 11.1% in 2019 to 20% in 2022.
Indeed, telework brings many opportunities to the world of work, but also some challenges. While it can allow for flexible work arrangements, it also raises questions on how to ensure workers' rights are respected in a more digitalised work environment. This has led to calls by different stakeholders for a ‘right to disconnect', to draw clear boundaries between one's professional and private life.
Today's consultation follows the European Parliament's 2021 resolution calling for a proposal to address these issues. In line with President von der Leyen's Political Guidelines as regards resolutions adopted by the European Parliament under Article 225 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU), the Commission is committed to respond with a legislative proposal in full respect of proportionality, subsidiarity and better law-making principles.
In the meantime, European cross-industry social partners launched negotiations to update their 2002 Framework Agreement on telework, supported by the Commission. Following their inconclusive negotiations, they asked the issue be addressed by the Commission. This is why the Commission is now launching the formal consultation of the EU social partners, as per the rules and procedure for social policy legislation. The consultation will be open until 11 June 2024.
A press release is available online.
(For more information: Veerle Nuyts – Tel.: +32 229 96302; Flora Matthaes – Tel.: +32 229-83951)
Austrian wine Ruster Ausbruch added to EU register of Protected Designations of Origin
The Commission has approved the addition of the traditional Austrian wine ‘Ruster Ausbruch' as a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO).
‘Ausbruch' has been produced mainly in the municipality of Rust on the banks of the Neusiedlersee in Burgenland. For that reason, protection is sought for the traditional term ‘Ausbruch' in combination with the designation of origin ‘Rust' as ‘Ruster Ausbruch'. The PDO ‘Ruster Ausbruch' is a special type of sweet wine made from one or more white quality wine grape varieties. The white grapes are affected by Botrytis cinerea while still on the vine. This fungus is formed particularly in areas where warm summers, mild autumns and the humidity caused by the formation of mist from a nearby waterbody create optimum conditions. The fungus softens the berries and results in raisin-like shrivelling, and thus in the concentration of acid, sugar, extract and aroma. The resulting increased glycerol content makes ‘Ruster Ausbruch' very dense and gives it its characteristic golden to amber-yellow colour. The botrytised grapes are selected by hand in several passes. Suitable bunches must therefore be targeted and ‘broken out' by hand, hence the name ‘Ausbruch' which can be directly translated to ‘breakout'. The concentration of sugar in the berries results in an exceptionally high natural sugar content in the must for ‘Ruster Ausbruch'. These wines are not fully fermented and are therefore also characterised by a high residual sugar content, giving ‘Ruster Ausbruch' its sweet taste. The smell and taste of ‘Ruster Ausbruch' are characterised by the aromas of dried fruit, honey, caramelised almonds, and exotic fruits, such as ripe bananas.
This new denomination will be added to the list of 1,644 agricultural 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; Myrto-Amaryllis Lappa - Tel.: +32 2 299 70 98)
La Commission vend 23 bâtiments à la Belgique pour rendre le quartier européen plus vert et plus diversifié
Hier, la Commission et la Belgique ont finalisé un accord en vertu duquel la Société Fédérale de Participations et d'Investissement (SFPIM), le 'fonds souverain belge', achète 23 bâtiments à la Commission pour un montant de 900 millions d'euros. Cette opération permettra de transformer le quartier européen en un espace moderne, attrayant et plus vert où les immeubles de bureaux coexisteront harmonieusement avec les logements, les commerces et les loisirs.
Cette vente jouera un rôle important dans les efforts déployés par la Commission pour réduire sa surface de bureaux de 25 % d'ici à 2030, ce qui permettra de moderniser et d'écologiser ses biens immobiliers, tout en réduisant son empreinte carbone. Cela permettra également de réaliser des économies d'échelle en regroupant le personnel dans des bâtiments moins nombreux, plus grands et plus économes en énergie. En outre, le remplacement des anciens bâtiments par des bureaux modernes et flexibles accroît l'attrait de la Commission en tant qu'employeur et permet d'aligner ses besoins en bureaux sur le nouveau mode de travail hybride.
Parallèlement, la SFPIM et la Région bruxelloise sont en train de revaloriser les principaux actifs du quartier européen. La SFPIM intégrera ces bâtiments dans son portefeuille. Ils seront rénovés pour devenir plus durables et remis sur le marché pour une affectation mixte (entreprises, logements, services). Enfin, cette vente répond à l'ambition du gouvernement fédéral de continuer à accueillir les institutions européennes, de les ancrer à Bruxelles et de faire de Bruxelles la capitale encore plus internationale, moderne et verte de la Belgique.
À la suite de la décision de la Commission de vendre 23 de ses immeubles à partir de 2023, un appel d'offres a été lancé en 2023. La SFPIM est l'attributaire du marché.
Plus de détails figurent dans communiqué de presse commun.
(Pour plus d'informations: Balazs Ujvari - Tél: +32 2 295 45 78; Veronica Favalli - Tél : +32 2 298 72 69)
Commission approves State aid to support construction of nuclear power plant in Czechia
The European Commission has approved, under EU State aid rules, a Czech support measure for the construction and operation of a new nuclear power plant in Dukovany in Czechia.
In March 2022, Czechia notified the Commission of its plan to support the construction and operation of a new nuclear power plant in Dukovany, with an electricity generation capacity of up to 1200 MW. The nuclear power plant is expected to be commissioned in 2036 for trial operations, while commercial operations are planned to commence in 2038. The plant will have an operating lifetime of 60 years and is planned to be decommissioned in 2096. Dukovany is already the site of an existing nuclear power plant.
The beneficiary of the measure is Elektrárna Dukovany II (‘EDU II'), a fully owned subsidiary of the ČEZ Group, the only nuclear power plant operator in Czechia. Czechia plans to grant direct price support in the form of a power purchasing contract with a State-owned Special Purpose Vehicle (‘SPV'). The contract will ensure stable revenues for the nuclear power plant for a period of 40 years. The beneficiary will also benefit of a subsidised State loan to cover a majority of the construction costs and a protection mechanism against unforeseen events or policy changes that may make the realisation of the project impossible.
Executive Vice-President in charge of competition policy Margrethe Vestager said: “Czechia will support the construction of a nuclear power plant in Dukovany. The Commission's role is to ensure that the State aid proposed is targeted, proportionate and does not unduly affect the EU energy market. During our investigation Czechia has modified the initial measure and submitted substantial commitments. This has allowed us to approve the aid."
A press release is available online.
(For more information: Lea Zuber – Tel.: +32 2 295 62 98)
Commission approves €95.3 million Romanian restructuring State aid for airline TAROM
The European Commission has approved, under EU State aid rules, Romania's plans to grant the Romanian state-owned flag carrier TAROM restructuring aid for up to €95.3 million (RON 473.69 million). The measure will enable the company to restore its long-term viability while minimising competition distortions.
On 28 May 2021, Romania notified to the Commission a plan for the restructuring of TAROM. The restructuring plan sets out a package of measures for streamlining TAROM's operations, renewing its ageing fleet and reducing costs.
In July 2021, the Commission opened an in-depth investigation to assess whether the Romanian restructuring measures in favour of TAROM would be in line with EU State aid rules. During the in-depth investigation, Romania updated the restructuring plan to address the concerns raised in the opening decision.
The notified restructuring measures now include: (i) a debt write-off of around €49.53 million (RON 246.19 million) corresponding to the rescue aid amount, approved by the C
Executive Vice-President in charge of competition policy Margrethe Vestager said: “The Romanian restructuring aid approved today will help maintain regional connectivity of Romanian citizens and businesses. Following our in-depth investigation, we concluded that TAROM's restructuring plan will ensure that the airline becomes viable in the long term. To limit any possible competition distortions triggered by the public support, TAROM will significantly downsize its number of routes and aircraft.”
A press release is available online.
(For more information: Lea Zuber – Tel.: +32 2 295 62 98)
STATEMENT
Déclaration du commissaire Schmit à la veille de la Journée internationale des travailleurs
À la veille de la Journée internationale des travailleurs, le commissaire Nicolas Schmit a fait la déclaration suivante:
« Le 1 mai, alors que nous célébrons la Journée internationale des travailleurs, nous réfléchissons aux progrès accomplis par l'UE au cours de l'année écoulée pour faire progresser les droits et les opportunités des travailleurs en Europe.
L'Année européenne des compétences a donné lieu à une révolution des compétences, orientant l'attention des décideurs politiques, des entreprises et des particuliers vers l'importance de la formation continue pour répondre aux besoins d'un marché du travail européen en pleine mutation. Grâce à des initiatives telles que le pacte pour les compétences, qui a permis de former 3,5 millions de travailleurs sur la seule période 2022-2023, nous tissons des partenariats pour investir dans les travailleurs de demain. Alors que l'Année touche officiellement à sa fin, nous devons continuer à alimenter la flamme de l'acquisition des compétences.
Nous avons fait des avancées significatives dans le domaine de la législation du travail : par exemple, de nouvelles règles européennes offriront de meilleures conditions aux personnes travaillant via des plateformes numériques, veillant ainsi à ce que des millions de travailleurs bénéficient des droits du travail et de la protection sociale qu'ils méritent. »
La déclaration complète est disponible en ligne.
(Pour plus d'informations : Veerle Nuyts — Tél.: +32 2 299 63 02; Flora Matthaes – Tél.: +32 2 298 39 51)
ANNOUNCEMENTS
20 years together: EU celebrates 2004 enlargement
This week, the European Union marks the 20th anniversary of the 2004 enlargement. On 1 May 2004, Cyprus, Czechia, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia and Slovenia joined the EU. In her speech before Parliament last week, President von der Leyen described this important moment in the EU's integration process as “the birth of a new era”. In the 20 years since, nearly 450 million Europeans have enjoyed freedom of movement across a larger Union. Citizens have stronger rights and freedoms. The economies of the then-new Member States have boomed, their agricultural production has tripled, and their unemployment rates have been cut by half. The countries that were already members at the time of the 2004 enlargement have also experienced growth and prosperity. This enlargement has provided more EU citizens and businesses with opportunities to study and work abroad, invest and export in a wider Union. The 2004 enlargement has also strengthened Europe's voice on the global stage.
To learn more about the 2004 enlargement, as well as the Commission's activities in celebration of the 20th anniversary, additional information can be found on our dedicated website, as well as in our new brochure.
(For more information: Eric Mamer – Tel.: +32 2 299 40 73)
Commissioner Ferreira visits Hungary to see how Cohesion Policy is benefitting people and regions on the ground
On Thursday and Friday, Commissioner for Cohesion and Reforms Elisa Ferreira will visit Hungary to discuss how Cohesion Policy funds are helping the country to deliver on key EU priorities on the ground and promote sustainable development and welfare.
On Thursday, Commissioner Ferreira will be in the village of Tarnabod to visit several EU-funded projects related to childcare, education, and family support for the Roma community. Tarnabod is also a founding member of the Emerging Settlements (FETE) programme, referred to as the ‘catching-up settlements programme', which has benefited from €200 million from Cohesion Policy funds. The Commissioner will then meet with local stakeholders to discuss the implementation of these projects and how to maximise their benefits.
Next stop for the Commissioner will be the Mátra Power Plant, Hungary's last lignite-fired power plant located in the Heves county. The region of Heves is due to receive over €250 million from the EU's Just Transition Fund (JTF) to support the diversification and modernisation of its economy in a just, fair, and inclusive way.
In the evening, the Commissioner will meet with the Minister for Public Administration and Regional Development, Tibor Navracsics, to discuss the implementation of Cohesion Policy funds in Hungary.
On Friday, Commissioner Ferreira will meet the Hungarian Minister for EU Affairs János Bóka to discuss the role of Cohesion Policy during the upcoming Hungarian Presidency of the Council, followed by a meeting with Hungarian civil society organisations working in the fields of rule of law and transparency.
Commissioner Ferreira will then meet with the Mayor of Budapest, Gergely Karácsony, to discuss the role of cities in delivering on the economic, social, and territorial goals of Cohesion Policy.
(For more information: Stefan De Keersmaecker – Tel.: +32 2 298 46 80; Laetitia Close – Tel.: +32 2 296 70 73)
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 | út 30.04.2024 12:04:00 |
|---|---|
| Zdroj | Evropská komise en |
| Originál | ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/api/documents?reference=MEX/24/2385&language=en |
| lang | en |
| guid | /MEX/24/2385/ |
