Statement by European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker following the attack in Barcelona
“It is with profound sorrow and anguish that I have learnt of the terrorist attack that has struck at the heart of Barcelona. I send my deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims, as well as to Prime Minister Rajoy and the people of Spain. My thoughts are with the people of Barcelona. I hold a special thought for the heroic people who responded by running towards danger to help others and to the security forces who are working to keep the population safe. The Commission is at the full disposal of the authorities for any help or assistance necessary. This cowardly attack has deliberately targeted those enjoying life and sharing time with family and friends. We will never be cowed by such barbarism.” The full statement is available here. (For more information: Annika Breidthardt – Tel.: + 32 229 56153)
World Humanitarian Day: EU a global leader in helping those in need
Ahead of World Humanitarian Day tomorrow, High Representative/Vice-President Federica Mogherini and Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management Christos Stylianides, have issued a statement commending the efforts of humanitarian workers worldwide and paying tribute to those killed whilst working to save others: “We live in a world increasingly marked by countless attacks and violence against innocent people globally. This should never become the new normal, something we leave unchallenged. Humanitarian workers who risk their lives to save others are often the targets. We saw this last week in Central African Republic or in Syria countless times. (…) we pay tribute to and honour all those who risk their lives while bringing assistance to victims of wars and natural disasters worldwide. (…) Humanitarian workers should be able to operate freely, to help those that need it most.” The statement also highlights the EU’s strong global humanitarian contribution. Last year, the EU provided €2.1 billion helping over 120 million people in over 80 countries around the world. This was the largest ever EU humanitarian aid budget to help those most in need. The full statement is available in all EU languages here. The Commission also helps those affected by crises both within and outside EU, such as for the ongoing forest fires in Europe. A memo is available with details on the EU’s crisis response tools and funding for these kind of events. (For more information: Carlos Martin Ruiz De Gordejuela – Tel.: +32 229 65322; Catherine Ray – Tel.: +32 229 69921; Daniel Puglisi – Tel.: +32 229 69140)
La politique de Cohésion investit dans l’extension du métro de Bucarest, en Roumanie [Updated on 18/08/2017 at 12:29]
34.2 millions d’euros du Fonds de Cohésion vont financer des travaux sur la ligne 4 du métro de Bucarest, dans le premier secteur de la capitale, entre le Parc Bazilescu et le quartier de Străulești. Le projet comprend la construction de près de 2 km de ligne et de deux stations de métro, Laminorului et Străulești. La Commissaire à la politique régionale Corina Creţu a commenté: “Ce projet financé par l’UE promeut une mobilité urbaine durable à Bucarest, où les habitants profiteront d’une meilleure qualité de vie et d’une meilleure qualité de l’air. L’extension du métro aura également des effets positifs pour les entreprises locales et le tourisme dans la ville. J’espère sincèrement que la décision d’aujourd’hui conduira à accélérer les travaux, de sorte que les citoyens de Bucarest puissent bénéficier des services de métro Bazilescu-Străulești au plus tard en mars 2018.” Plus d’informations sur les investissements de la politique de Cohésion en Roumanie sont disponibles sur la plateforme Open Data. (Pour plus d’informations: Johannes Bahrke – Tel.: +32 229 58615; Sophie Dupin de Saint-Cyr – Tel.: +32 229 56169)
Eurostat: La production dans le secteur de la construction en baisse de 0,5% dans la zone euro
En juin 2017 par rapport à mai 2017, la production dans le secteur de la construction, corrigée des variations saisonnières, a diminué de 0,5% dans la zone euro (ZE19) et de 0,2% dans l’UE28, selon les premières estimations d’Eurostat, l’office statistique de l’Union européenne. En mai 2017, la production dans le secteur de la construction avait baissé de 0,2% dans la zone euro et de 0,5% dans l’UE28. En juin 2017 par rapport à juin 2016, la production dans le secteur de la construction a progressé de 3,4% dans la zone euro et de 3,6% dans l’UE28. Un communiqué de presse est disponible ici. (Pour plus d’informations: Lucía Caudet – Tel.: +32 229 56182)
Mergers: Commission clears acquisition of a portfolio of 48 European infrastructure companies by APG
The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of a portfolio of 48 European infrastructure companies (the Portfolio), currently controlled by DIF Management B.V., by APG Asset Management N.V. (APG), of the Netherlands. The Portfolio comprises project companies active in the infrastructure sector, such as wind farms, solar plants, motorways, hospitals, waste treatment, public buildings or housing projects. The companies in the Portfolio are active in Belgium, France, Germany, Ireland, the Netherlands and the UK. APG is the asset management business unit of APG GROEP N.V., a collective pension scheme provider. The Commission concluded that the proposed acquisition would raise no competition concerns given the transaction’s limited impact on the market structure. 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.8567. (For more information: Ricardo Cardoso – Tel.: +32 229 80100; Maria Sarantopoulou – Tel.: +32 229 13740)
Mergers: Commission clears acquisition of sole control over Sapa by Norsk Hydro
The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of sole control over Sapa by Norsk Hydro. Sapa is a worldwide producer of aluminium products with core activities in soft alloy aluminium extrusions, building systems and precision welded tubing. Norsk Hydro is a global supplier of aluminium with activities throughout the value chain. The Commission concluded that the proposed acquisition would raise no competition concerns given that Norsk Hydro already held joint control over Sapa prior to the transaction. Therefore, the transaction would not bring any significant changes in the markets concerned. The operation was examined under the simplified merger review procedure. More information will be available on the Commission’s competition website, in the public case register under the case number M.8577. (For more information: Ricardo Cardoso – Tel.: +32 229 80100; Maria Sarantopoulou – Tel.: +32 229 13740)
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