COLLEGE MEETING: European Commission recommends common EU approach to the security of 5G networks
Following the support from Heads of State or Government expressed at the European Council on 22 March for a concerted approach to the security of 5G networks, the European Commission is today recommending a set of concrete actions to assess cybersecurity risks of 5G networks and to strengthen preventive measures. The recommendations are a combination of legislative and policy instruments meant to protect our economies, societies and democratic systems. With worldwide 5G revenues estimated at €225 billion in 2025, 5G is a key asset for Europe to compete in the global market and its cybersecurity is crucial for ensuring the strategic autonomy of the Union. Today’s Recommendation sets out a series of operational measures at national and at EU level. For more information please see the press release and Questions & Answers. (For more information: Nathalie Vandystadt – Tel.: +32 229 67083; Marietta Grammenou- Tel.: +32 229 83583)
COLLEGE MEETING: Initiative citoyenne européenne: la Commission enregistre l’initiative « #NewRightsNow »
La Commission européenne a décidé aujourd’hui d’enregistrer une initiative citoyenne européenne intitulée « #NewRightsNow – Renforcer les droits des travailleurs “ubérisés” ». Les organisateurs demandent à la Commission de « créer une obligation pour les plateformes numériques de verser un revenu minimum garanti aux “indépendants” ou “auto-entrepreneurs” travaillant régulièrement pour leur compte. » Les organisateurs font valoir qu’une telle mesure permettrait de « sécuriser et stabiliser leurs revenus et […] agirait concrètement contre la précarisation de l’emploi des travailleurs dits “ubérisés”. » En vertu des traités, l’UE peut adopter des actes juridiques pour faciliter aux Européens l’accès aux activités non salariées et leur exercice. La Commission a dès lors considéré l’initiative comme recevable sur le plan juridique et décidé de l’enregistrer. À ce stade de la procédure, la Commission n’a pas analysé l’initiative sur le fond, mais s’est prononcée uniquement sur sa recevabilité juridique. L’enregistrement de cette initiative aura lieu le 1er avril 2019 et marquera le début d’un processus de douze mois au cours duquel les signatures de soutien seront collectées par ses organisateurs. Si, en l’espace d’un an, l’initiative recueille un million de déclarations de soutien, provenant d’au moins sept États membres différents, la Commission procédera à son analyse et disposera d’un délai de trois mois pour réagir. Le communiqué de presse et la liste des initiatives citoyennes européennes sont disponibles en ligne. (Pour plus d’informations: Natasha Bertaud – Tél.: +32 229 67456; Katarzyna Kolanko – Tél.: +32 229 63444)
COLLEGE MEETING: Commission continues modernising its way of working
The European Commission has today taken stock of the work done to further streamline its way of working and optimise the use of its scarce human resources, as called for by President Juncker at the start of his mandate. Today’s Communication draws the lessons from the 2016 synergies and efficiencies exercise. Its main takeaway is that substantial, serious and successful work has been done to make the Commission deliver even better on its priorities under very challenging circumstances, and in parallel to dealing with several crises and a number of new important tasks. The synergies and efficiencies initiative has allowed the Commission to redirect its resources and put staff to priority policy fields like financial services and migration and home affairs. Staff across the Commission are now working in a more linked-up and collaborative fashion, also thanks to the good use of the latest digital technologies. Of course, the Commission will not stop there – it will continue on its way to being the best possible public administration – modern, attractive, effective and efficient. (For more information: Alexander Winterstein – Tel.: +32 229 93265; Andreana Stankova – Tel.: +32 229 57857)
COLLEGE MEETING: European Commission appoints Mr David O’Sullivan as Special Adviser to the President on EU-US relations
The European Commission has today decided to appoint David O’Sullivan, former EU Ambassador to the United States of America, as Special Adviser to President Jean-Claude Juncker on EU-U.S. relations. In this capacity, he will advise the President on strategy and priorities in relations with the U.S. Mr O’Sullivan was the Ambassador of the European Union to the United States from 2014 to 2019. Previously, he was the Chief Operating Officer of the European External Action Service (EEAS), in charge of its establishment at the time. Mr O’Sullivan’s career includes a number of senior positions within the European Commission: Chief of Staff to Commission President Romano Prodi (1999-2000) and Secretary-General of the European Commission (2000-2005). He also has extensive experience in trade policy as Director-General for Trade (2005-2010) and Chief Negotiator for the Doha Development Round. (For more information: Alexander Winterstein – Tel.: +32 229 93265; Andreana Stankova – Tel.: +32 229 57857)
Le Plan Juncker soutient les petites et moyennes entreprises innovantes en France
Le Plan d’investissement pour l’Europe – le Plan Juncker – soutient le Groupe Banque européenne d’investissement (BEI)pour investir 100 millions d’euros dans le fonds Predirec ABL-2. Ce fonds permettra aux petites et moyennes entreprises d’obtenir un meilleur accès au financement. Pierre Moscovici, commissaire européen en charge des affaires économiques et financières, de la fiscalité et des douanes, a déclaré: « Je me réjouis de cet accord, car le coup de pouce financier que nous donnons aux PME françaises a un impact direct et positif sur la croissance et la compétitivité en France. C’est pourquoi le Plan Juncker s’attache tant à donner aux entrepreneurs les moyens de leur réussite, avec déjà plus de 237 000 PME soutenues par le fonds EFSI dans le pays. » Un communiqué de presse est disponible ici. Le Plan Juncker a déjà généré près de 390 milliards d’euros d’investissement, dont 64,3 milliards en France, et soutenu 929 000 entreprises dans toute l’Europe. (Pour plus d’informations: Annika Breidthardt – Tel.: +32 229-56153; Enda McNamara – Tel.: +32 229 58615)
Copyright reform: the Commission welcomes European Parliament’s vote in favour of modernised rules fit for digital age
Today, the European Parliament voted in favour of the new Copyright Directive designed to bring tangible benefits to citizens, all creative sectors, the press, researchers, educators, and cultural heritage institutions. Vice-President for the Digital Single Market, Andrus Ansip, and Commissioner for Digital Economy and Society, Mariya Gabriel, welcomed the outcome in a joint statement: “We welcome the approval of the Directive on copyright in the Digital Single Market by the European Parliament. This Directive protects creativity in the digital age and ensures that the EU citizens benefit from wider access to content and new guarantees to fully protect their freedom of expression online. The new rules will strengthen our creative industries, which represent 11.65 million jobs, 6.8% of GDP and are worth €915,000 million per year. Today’s vote ensures the right balance between the interests of all players – users, creators, authors, press – while putting in place proportionate obligations on online platforms.” You can read the full statement here. Questions & Answers are available here. (For more information: Nathalie Vandystadt – Tel.: +32 229 67083; Marietta Grammenou- Tel.: +32 229 83583; Inga Höglund – +32 229 50698)
Road safety: Commission welcomes agreement on new EU rules to help save lives
Early this morning, the EU institutions have reached a provisional political agreement on the revised General Safety Regulation. As of 2022 new safety technologies will become mandatory in European vehicles to protect passengers, pedestrians and cyclists. New technologies on the market can help reduce the number of fatalities and injuries on our roads, 90% of which are due to human error. In May 2018, the Commission proposed to make certain vehicle safety measures mandatory, including systems that reduce the dangerous blind spots on trucks and buses and technology that warns the driver in case of drowsiness or distraction. Commissioner Elżbieta Bieńkowska, responsible for Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs, said: “Every year, 25,000 people lose their lives on our roads. The vast majority of these accidents are caused by human error. We can and must act to change this. With the new advanced safety features that will become mandatory, we can have the same kind of impact as when the safety belts were first introduced. Many of the new features already exist, in particular in high–end vehicles. Now we raise the safety level across the board, and pave the way for connected and automated mobility of the future.” The measures, proposed under the Third “Europe on the Move” set of actions, could help save over 25,000 lives and avoid at least 140,000 serious injuries by 2038. This will contribute to the EU’s long-term goal of moving close to zero fatalities and serious injuries by 2050 (“Vision Zero”). In addition to protecting people on European roads, the new advanced safety features will help drivers get gradually used to the new driving assistance. A press release in all languages is available online. (For more information: Lucía Caudet– Tel.: +32 229 56282; Victoria von Hammerstein – Tel.: +32 229 55040; Mirna Talko – Tel.: +32 229 87278)
Clean Energy for All Europeans: Commission welcomes European Parliament’s adoption of new electricity market design proposals
New rules making the EU’s electricity market fit for the future and putting the consumer at the centre of the energy transition have been signed off by the European Parliament today – an important step in enabling the European Union and its Member States to embrace the clean energy transition, follow up on the already adopted 2030 climate legislation and meet the Paris Agreement commitments. With the completion of these last four legislative acts, the negotiations on the Clean Energy for All Europeans package are concluded and the EU is on the right path to decarbonise its economy in the second half of the century while maintaining its global competitiveness and creating growth and jobs. Commissioner for Climate Action and Energy Miguel Arias Cañete said: “I thank the European Parliament for its strong support for the clean and fair energy transition, taking the EU a step closer towards delivering the Energy Union with citizens at its core, one of the key priorities President Juncker set out for this Commission. Today’s approval of the new electricity market design will make energy markets more flexible and facilitate the integration of a greater share of renewable energy. An integrated EU energy market is the most cost-effective way to ensure secure and affordable supplies to all EU citizens. I am particularly pleased that we have agreed on a common framework for capacity mechanisms that will ensure such mechanisms will be in line with our climate objectives in the future while taking into account legitimate security of supply concerns.” Today the European Parliament completed the parliamentary approval of the new Electricity market Regulation and Electricity market Directive as well as of the Regulations on Risk Preparedness and on the Agency for the Cooperation of Energy Regulators (ACER). The Governance of the Energy Union Regulation the revised Energy Efficiency Directive, the revised Renewable Energy Directive and the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive have already entered into force last year. The full press release is available online. (For more information: Anna-Kaisa Itkonen – Tel.: +32 229 56186; Lynn Rietdorf – Tel.: +32 229 74959)
European Commission welcomes the Parliament’s endorsement to put an end to seasonal clock changes
The European Parliament endorsed today the Commission’s proposal to discontinue the seasonal changes of clocks. As announced in the State of the Union speech of President Juncker in September last year, the Commission proposed to end seasonal clock changes in Europe, giving Member States the freedom to decide whether they want to permanently apply summer- or wintertime. The proposal took into account a number of elements, including the results of a public consultation held by the Commission in July/August 2018 that received 4.6 million responses from all 28 Member States, the highest number of responses ever received in any Commission public consultation, with a wide majority in favour of stopping the seasonal change. Commissioner for Transport, Violeta Bulc said: “Members of the European Parliament sent a clear signal today: they want to stop seasonal clock changes by 2021. This will directly impact everyone living in the EU, and will make their lives easier. I fully understand the importance of ensuring a coordinated approach amongst different Member States on their final choice of standard time. I look forward discussing this with them at the Transport Council in June.” (For more information: Enrico Brivio – Tel.: + 32 229 56172; Stephan Meder – Tel.: +32 229 13917)
Connecting Europe: Commission is proposing to invest €421 million for safer, smarter and greener transport infrastructure
The European Commission is proposing to invest €421 million in 69 key projects that will improve mobility for citizens and businesses alike. The projects selected aim at promoting digitalisation, making roads safer, and fostering multimodal connections in line with the ‘Europe on the Move’ initiatives. This action to finance and modernise the EU’s transport infrastructure follows calls by the EU’s Innovation and Networks Executive Agency (INEA) and the projects will be supported via the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF), the EU’s financial mechanism supporting transport infrastructure. Commissioner for Transport, Violeta Bulc said: “We are delivering on the EU’s connectivity objectives. These projects, on strategic sections of Europe’s transport network, will help the transition towards safe, smart, inclusive and sustainable mobility. We expect our funding to trigger €1.3 billion in total investment in the EU economy.” The largest part of the funding will be devoted to supporting multimodal logistics platforms (€109 million), which make it possible to shift freight between different transport modes. Intelligent Transport Systems for road (ITS) (€80.2 million) and innovation and new technologies (€71.4 million) closely follow, further demonstrating the EU’s dedication to reducing congestion and emissions whilst at the same time increasing safety. In total, CEF has so far supported 688 projects, with a total of €22.9 billion. Please find a full press release here including factsheets on every Member State and a MEMO on the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) for transport. (For more information: Enrico Brivio – Tel.: + 32 229 56172; Stephan Meder – Tel.: +32 229 13917)
La Commission enregistre deux nouvelles spécialités traditionnelles garanties
La Commission européenne a approuvé la demande d’inscription du « Lait de foin de brebis » et du « Lait de foin de chèvre » dans le registre des Spécialités Traditionnelles Garanties (STG). Les dénominations sont protégées en allemand, anglais italien, français et anglais, à savoir « Schaf-Heumilch » / « Sheep’s Haymilk » / « Latte fieno di pecora » / « Lait de foin de brebis » / « Leche de heno de oveja » et « Ziegen-Heumilch » / « Goat’s Haymilk » / « Latte fieno di capra » / « Lait de foin de chèvre »/ « Leche de heno de cabra ». La production de lait de foin est la forme de production laitière la plus naturelle. Le lait provient d’animaux issus d’exploitations laitières traditionnelles durables et la production de lait de foin ne recourt à aucun aliment fermenté. Le label « Spécialité Traditionnelle Garantie » met l’accent sur la tradition plutôt que sur l’origine et désigne des produits dont la composition ou les moyens de production présentent un caractère traditionnel. Cette nouvelle appellation va rejoindre plus de 1445 produits déjà protégés dont la liste est disponible dans la base de données DOOR. Pour plus d’informations, voir aussi les pages sur la politique de qualité. (Pour plus d’informations: Daniel Rosario – Tél: +32 2 29 56185; Clémence Robin – Tél: +32 229 52 509)
Mergers: Commission approves Danish Agro’s acquisition of Konekesko’s Baltic and Finnish agrimachinery businesses, subject to conditions
The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition by Danish Agro of Konekesko’s agricultural machinery distribution businesses in Finland, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. Danish Agro and Konekesko are both active in the distribution of agricultural machinery implements, spare parts and the provision of related after-sales services. The Commission examined the effects of the proposed transaction on competition in the following markets, where the activities of Danish Agro and Konekesko overlap: (i) the distribution of agricultural machinery, (ii) the distribution of agricultural machinery implements, (iii) the distribution of agricultural machinery spare parts, and (iv) the provision of related after-sales services. The Commission was concerned that the transaction, as notified, was likely to lead to higher prices and lower service quality for Estonian customersof forage harvesters and combine harvesters.To address the Commission’s concerns, the companies offered to divest Danish Agro’s activities of distribution and sale of agricultural machinery implements, spare parts and provision of after-sales services in Estonia. The commitments fully address the Commission’s concerns in relation to the distribution of forage harvesters and combine harvesters in Estonia and ensure that the divestment business will be a viable competitor to the merged entity. Therefore, the Commission concluded that the proposed transaction, as modified by the commitments, would no longer raise competition concerns in Estonia. The decision is conditional upon full compliance with the commitments. The full press release is available online. (For more information: Ricardo Cardoso – Tel.: +32 229 80100; Maria Tsoni – Tel.: +32 229 90526)
Mergers: Commission opens in-depth investigation into Novelis’ proposed acquisition of Aleris
The European Commission has opened an in-depth investigation to assess the proposed acquisition of Aleris by Novelis under the EU Merger Regulation. Novelis and Aleris are both global manufacturers of aluminium flat rolled products with significant production facilities in the European Economic Area (EEA), in particular in Belgium, Germany, Italy and the United Kingdom. With the proposed transaction, Novelis would reinforce its strong market position as a supplier of various flat rolled products. The Commission’s initial market investigation raised several concerns resulting from the combination of both companies’ offer of aluminium automotive body sheets. At this stage, the Commission is concerned that, following the transaction, customers would face a reduced choice in suppliers,as well ashigher prices for aluminium automotive body sheets.The Commission will also further investigate whether the transaction could have an effect on the supply and prices of certain aluminium flat rolled products used in other industries,where the activities of the companies also overlap. The transaction was notified to the Commission on 18 February 2019. The Commission now has 90 working days, until 8 August 2019, to take a decision. The opening of an in-depth investigation does not prejudge the outcome of the investigation. Commissioner Margrethe Vestager, in charge of competition policy, said: “European industries should be able to access aluminium products at fair prices to be able to compete in global markets. Our in-depth investigation aims to ensure that the acquisition of Aleris by Novelis does not have a negative impact on effective competition in aluminium markets and does not lead to less choice and higher prices for European industrial customers.” The full press release is available online. (For more information: Ricardo Cardoso – Tel.: +32 229 80100; Maria Tsoni – Tel.: +32 229 90526)
Mergers: Commission clears acquisition of Luxoft by DXC
The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of Luxoft Holding, Inc. (“Luxoft”) of Switzerland by DXC Technology Company (“DXC”) of the US. Luxoft offers strategic consulting, custom software development services and digital solution engineering to clients in a number of industries.DXC provides end-to-end IT services to private and public sector clients from a diverse array of industries. The Commission concluded that the proposed acquisition would raise no competition concerns given the companies’ minimal combined market position 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.9280. (For more information: Ricardo Cardoso – Tel.: +32 229 80100; Maria Tsoni – Tel.: +32 229 90526)
ANNOUNCEMENTS
High Representative/Vice-President Mogherini in Afghanistan
High Representative/Vice-President Federica Mogherini visited Kabul today to discuss the current political situation, as well as the European Union’s initiatives to support to peace in Afghanistan. Federica Mogherini met with the President of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, Ashraf Ghani, together with the First Lady of Afghanistan, Rula Ghani, as well as with Chief Executive Officer, Abdullah Abdullah. During her visit, Federica Mogherini also had an exchange of views with Tadamichi Yamamoto, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General. The High Representative reconfirmed the European Union’s strong commitment to support an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace process, including through the five points outlined at the Geneva Ministerial Conference on Afghanistan last November. “Just a few years ago, talking about peace seemed to be completely out of the vocabulary. But today Afghanistan finds itself at a critical moment in its history. You are faced, with a unique window of opportunity to start discussing the prospects for peace in the country”, said Federica Mogherini at a joint press point with President Ghani. “We will be at your side in this difficult but important journey and will, as always, do all we can to accompany the Afghan people and their democratically elected institutions at this particular moment of their history.” The press conference, as well as additional coverage of the visit, is available on EbS. A full press release covering the High Representative’s visit is also available online. For more information on EU-Afghanistan relations, consult the dedicated factsheet and the website of the EU Delegation to Afghanistan. (For more information: Maja Kocijancic – Tel.: +32 229 86570; Adam Kaznowski – Tel.: +32 229 89359)
Commissioner Gabriel in the Vatican to discuss opportunities and challenges of digital technologies for society
Commissioner for the Digital Economy and Society, Mariya Gabriel, will travel to the Vatican tomorrow in order to exchange views with the Roman Catholic Church government about digital issues and how new technologies can advance human development and the society. She will meet with H. Eminence Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State and with H.E. Mgr Paul Richard Gallagher, Secretary for Relations with States and she will participate in a workshop on the effects of technological developments on solidarity, sovereignty and governance structures. Commissioner Gabriel stated “The EU and the Catholic Church share common values and we are proud to be allies in our goal to shape a more just digital world at the service of humankind. I am confident that we will be positively referred by future generations on our endeavours to build a digital future that puts people at the centre, respects their dignity and protects our values.” Finally, the Commissioner will speak about the EU’s efforts in fighting disinformation, in light of the European elections in May, at the inauguration of the 2019 academic year at the Luiss School of Journalism. (For more information: Nathalie Vandystadt – Tel.: +32 229 67083; Marietta Grammenou- Tel.: +32 229 83583)
Upcoming events of the European Commission (ex-Top News)
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