Le président Juncker participe à l’ouverture de la Semaine européenne des Régions et des Villes 2018 lundi à Bruxelles

Du lundi 8 au jeudi 11 octobre, 6000 participants – des décideurs et des experts locaux, régionaux, nationaux et européens – se réuniront à Bruxelles pour débattre et échanger au cours de ce qui est devenu “l’événement” annuel de la politique de cohésion à l’échelle européenne. Plus de 600 intervenants et 200 journalistes pourront également participer à plus de 150 ateliers au cours de cette édition de la Semaine européenne des Régions et des Villes consacrée à la politique de cohésion après 2020. Le Président Juncker ouvrira la Semaine lundi à 14h30, aux côtés de la Commissaire en charge de la politique régionale, Corina Creţu, du Président du Comité des Régions, Karl-Heinz Lambertz et du député européen Pavel Telička. «Cette édition de la Semaine européenne des Régions et des Villes n’est pas comme les autres”, a déclaré la Commissaire Creţu avant l’événement, “puisqu’il s’agit de la première après la présentation par la Commission de sa proposition sur la politique de cohésion 2021-2027. Je suis fière de ce que nous avons accompli: une politique radicalement modernisée, plus flexible et simplifiée. Et je suis impatiente d’entendre les impressions de ceux qui consacrent leur vie à la réussite de cette politique sur le terrain.» Parmi les temps forts de la Semaine, citons la cérémonie annuelle des RegioStars Awards, le mardi 9 au soir, et l’annonce des lauréats du troisième appel d’offre pour les Urban Innovative Actions, le mercredi 10. La session d’ouverture avec le président Juncker sera retransmise en direct et les journalistes accrédités sont invités à participer au programme média de la Semaine qui se tiendra au Square (Bruxelles 1000, près de la Gare Centrale). (Pour plus d’informations: Johannes Bahrke – Tél.: +32 229 58615; Sophie Dupin de Saint-Cyr – Tél.: +32 229 56169)

EU and Western Balkans strengthen cooperation on border management, counter-terrorism and organised crime

Today, Commissioner for Migration, Home Affairs and Citizenship Dimitris Avramopoulos participated in the EU-Western Balkans Justice and Home Affairs Ministerial Forum in Tirana, Albania, where he reaffirmed strong cooperation between the EU and Western Balkan partners on border management, counter-terrorism and organised crime. An important milestone was reached on border management with Albania with the signature of an agreement allowing for operational cooperation between the European Border and Coast Guard Agency and Albania. The agreement, signed by Commissioner Avramopoulos, Austrian Minister of the Interior, Herbert Kickl and Albanian Minister of the Interior Fatmir Xhafaj, is the first one to be concluded with a third country. Commissioner Avramopoulos and Western Balkans partners also signed the Joint EU–Western Balkans Action Plan on Counter-Terrorism, which sets out concrete steps for enhanced cooperation in countering terrorism and preventing radicalisation over the next two years. It is a key deliverable under the Commission’s strategy for ‘A credible enlargement perspective for and enhanced EU engagement with the Western Balkans’ of February 2018. Finally, the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA) tightened its cooperation on drugs monitoring with Albania initialling a working arrangement. More information on the European Border and Coast Guard agreement with Albania, Joint EU–Western Balkans Action Plan on Counter-Terrorism and European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction cooperation with Albania is available online. The press conference in which Commissioner Avramopoulos participated can be followed on EBS.  In the margins of the meeting, Commissioner Jourová attended the  signing ceremony of the Eurojust – Albania cooperation agreement by the Albanian Minister of Justice, Etilda Gjonaj, and the President of Eurojust, Ladislav Hamran. This agreement will facilitate the cooperation between Albanian judicial authorities and Eurojust to better fight crime.  More information is available on Eurojust’s website.A joint EU-Western Balkans statement will be signed at the end of the meeting and will be available later online. (For more information: Natasha Bertaud – Tel.: +32 229 67456; Christian Wigand– Tel.: +32 229 62253; Katarzyna Kolanko – Tel.: 32 229 63444; Mélanie Voin – Tel.: +32 229 58659)

Juncker Plan supports clean energy in Belgium and cohesion projects in Hungary 

In Belgium, the European Investment Bank (EIB) has signed an agreement to support the construction of the Northwester 2 wind farm off the Belgian coast with a loan of €210 million. Upon completion, its 23 wind turbines will deliver an estimated 219 Megawatts, enough to supply green energy to hundreds of thousands of Belgian homes. In Hungary, the EIB is providing €100 million to Magyar Villamos Muvek (MVK) Zrt, the major player in the Hungarian power and gas sectors, to modernise the power transmission network, improving the reliability of the network and increasing interconnections with neighbouring Slovakia. This is the first direct EFSI corporate loan in Hungary. The EIB is also providing a €25 million loan to Budapest Bank, the first EFSI operation with a local commercial bank in Hungary, to provide better access to finance for small and medium businesses, particularly in the country’s rural areas. All these projects are guaranteed under the European Fund for Strategic Investments (EFSI), the central pillar the Juncker Commission’s Investment Plan for Europe. In addition, the EIB is lending €225 million to Hungary under the “Cohesion Fund Framework Loan IV”, a loan programme that covers the national financing part in infrastructure projects (water, transport and energy) co-funded by Cohesion Policy funds. In September 2018, the Juncker Plan had already mobilised €344 billion of investment in the EU, including €1.8 billion in Hungary and €8.3 billion in Belgium. (Full press release are available here. For more information: Christian Spahr – Tél.: +32 229 50055; Sophie Dupin de Saint-Cyr – Tel.: +32 229 56169)

 

Cohesion Policy backs €230 million for better water service and infrastructure in Bulgaria

The Commission welcomes the signature yesterday of an agreement between the Fund Manager of Financial Instruments in Bulgaria (FMFIB) and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), setting the first Cohesion Policy backed financial instrument for the water and wastewater sector in Bulgaria. With €115 million from the Cohesion Fund and national co-financing, together with additional resources from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and private sources, this agreement is expected to trigger up to €230 million of investment, to provide 16 regional water operators with access to finance for the delivery of quality service to citizens. With the funding, operators will be able to run and upgrade their water supply, waste water and water treatment facilities. Commissioner for Regional Policy Corina Creţu said: “This agreement shows that financial instruments have the power to multiply the benefits of Cohesion Policy investments, also in public services. Thanks to this agreement, 220,000 Bulgarian citizens will have access to better water supply and 1.5 million to improved waste water treatment.” In the 2014-2020 period, over €1 billion from the Cohesion Fund will be invested in better water supply and water treatment in Bulgaria. (For more information: Johannes Bahrke – Tel.: +32 229 58615; Sophie Dupin de Saint-Cyr – Tel.: +32 229 56169)

 

Alliance Afrique-Europe: La Commission mobilise 5 millions d’euros pour soutenir les autorités douanières africaines dans leur travail afin de mettre en œuvre des règles mondiales et à faciliter les échanges 

La Commission européenne mobilise 5 millions d’euros en faveur d’un nouveau projet de renforcement des capacités visant à soutenir les pays africains à mettre en œuvre et à appliquer les règles mondiales en matière de douane et de facilitation des échanges, à la suite d’un accord signé hier avec l’Organisation mondiale des douanes (OMD). Le projet, qui sera mis en œuvre par l’OMD, vise principalement à promouvoir le “Système harmonisé” ou SH actualisé. Ce système est un élément fondamental du commerce mondial et de l’application des règles douanières mondiales. Il permet aux autorités de reconnaître et de classer les marchandises à leur entrée et à leur sortie des territoires douaniers. Plus généralement, le système aide les pays à coordonner et à harmoniser leurs règles douanières tout en réduisant les coûts liés au commerce international. Ce nouveau financement devrait soutenir les pays africains, les communautés économiques régionales et la Commission de l’Union africaine à utiliser la dernière version du SH de façon coordonnée sur tout le continent, permettant ainsi aux marchandises de circuler plus facilement et plus rapidement. Ce projet est lié à la mise en œuvre du Plan d’investissement extérieur de l’UE et de la Communication pour une nouvelle Alliance Afrique-Europe pour des emplois et des investissements durables, annoncée par le Président Juncker dans son discours sur l’état de l’Union 2018 et adoptée le même jour par la Commission. Cette action vient en soutien à la création de la zone de libre-échange continentale africaine (ZLEC), officiellement créée par l’Assemblée de l’Union africaine lors de sa dixième session extraordinaire le 21 mars 2018 à Kigali, au Rwanda.  Elle est ainsi ancrée dans les engagements communs pris lors du 5e sommet Union africaine –  Union européenne en novembre 2017 à Abidjan. (Pour plus d’informations: Johannes Bahrke – Tel.: +32 2 29 58615; Patrick McCullough – Tel.: +32 229 87183) 

EU Code Week 2018 kicks-off – more than 1 million participants expected

Tomorrow, the ‘EU Code Week 2018’ will start on 6 October with thousands of events taking place in over 45 countries in and outside the EU until 21 October. This year’s edition, which is like previous years run by volunteers, has a special focus on schools. More than 1 million people are expected to participate in interactive activities, including children, parents and teachers.Commissioner for Digital Economy and Society Mariya Gabriel said: “EU Code Week is a remarkable grassroots initiative where people of all ages can learn about programming, computers and other tech-related activities in an engaging way. My aim is that significantly more schools, pupils and teachers participate and equip themselves with digital skills that are necessary to thrive in an increasingly digitised world.” Events being organised include for instance Code Hunting Games developed by a team at the University of Urbino, Italy in which groups of players compete in solving coding puzzles. In France, the Limoges Resistance Museum invites visitors of all ages to become an undercover agent solving enigmas based on computer science and cryptograph while in Romania, the IT & hope for kids with autism workshop will promote interactive learning with the help of technology. The EU Code Week is a yearly grassroots movement supported by the European Commission as part of its strategy for a Digital Single Market. The full list and map of events is available on the EU Code Week website which also lists the “Code week ambassadors” who have been promoting the initiative in their home countries. (For more information: Nathalie Vandystadt – Tel.: +32 229 67083; Joseph Waldstein – Tel.: +32 229 56184)

Food: further steps taken to cutting down presence of fatty acids

The Commission launched a feedback mechanism to seek stakeholders’ views on setting a maximum limit of trans fats of 2 grams per 100 grams of fat in the food intended for the final consumer. Commission’s proposed Regulation comes as a follow-up of the Report adopted in 2015 and of discussions with stakeholders (notably NGOs, industry…) which have been taking place since.  The proposal is also based on a number of scientific studies, such as the recent one from the European Food Safety Authority which stresses again that dietary intakes of trans fatty acids should be as low as possible in order to avoid health risks. Despite health warnings in some Central and Southern European countries, industrial trans fats levels in pre-packaged biscuits, cakes and wafers have not dropped meaningfully since mid-2000. Commissioner Vytenis Andriukaitis, in charge of Health and Food Safety said: “For many years now, scientific studies have shown that a high intake of trans fats undoubtedly increases the risk of heart disease. With the proposed Regulation, the Commission acts on its commitment to deliver on the matter. I look forward to constructive input during this feedback mechanism so that the Regulation can be adopted as soon as possible for the benefit of our citizens’ health”. (For more information: Anca Paduraru – Tel.: +32 229 91269; Aikaterini Apostola – Tel.: +32 229 87624)

World Teachers’ Day: bringing Europe’s cultural heritage to the classroom

Today is UNESCO World Teachers’ Day, and EU Commissioner for Education, Culture, Youth and Sport, Tibor Navracsics,is launching a cultural heritage toolkit for teachers in all 24 official EU languages. The initiative is part ofthe European Year of Cultural Heritage 2018. It creates opportunities for children and young people to discover and explore the value of Europe’s shared heritage – be it literature, art, monuments, or crafts and traditions.  Commissioner Navracsics said: “Our motto for the European Year is ‘Cultural heritage – where the past meets the future’ – what better way to support this than to enable children and young people to learn about and appreciate their cultural heritage? I am delighted that today, on World Teachers’ Day, we are providing our educators with the tools to do so.”  The educational resources presented today have been created to help teachers of any subject or discipline to introduce and discuss cultural heritage in the classroom and outside, targeting students between 10 and 15 years old. The playful and engaging activities are an invitation to reflect on the following questions:  What is cultural heritage and why is it important to cherish and preserve it?  Why is cultural heritage shared beyond national borders? The toolkit in 24 languages is available here. A new online game “Cultural Heritage Detectives” is available here. The Commission is also publishing the annual report by its Eurydice Network today, showing the evolution in teachers’ pay in 2016/2017, as well as differences in salary conditions and salary progression across Europe. (For more information: Nathalie Vandystadt – Tel.: +32 229 67083; Joseph Waldstein – Tel.: +32 229 56184)

Eurostat: Le prix des logements en hausse de 4,3% dans la zone euro, également en hausse de 4,3% dans l’UE (Deuxième trimestre 2018 comparé au deuxième trimestre 2017)

Le prix des logements, tel que mesuré par l’indice des prix des logements, a augmenté de 4,3% tant dans la zone euro que dans l’UE au deuxième trimestre 2018 par rapport au même trimestre de l’année précédente. Par rapport au premier trimestre 2018, les prix des logements ont progressé de 1,4% tant dans la zone euro que dans l’UE au deuxième trimestre 2018. Un communiqué de presse Eurostat est disponible en ligne. (Pour plus d’informations: Lucía Caudet – Tel. +32 229 56182)

Concentrations : la Commission autorise l’acquisition d’Imerys par Lone Star Funds

La Commission Européenne a approuvé, en vertu du règlement européen sur les concentrations, l’acquisition d’Imerys TC, société par actions simplifiée basée en France, par LSF10 Impala Investments S.a.r.l., société basée au Luxembourg contrôlée par Lone Star Fund X basée aux U.S.A (ensemble “Lone Star Funds”). Imerys conçoit et fournit des produits de toiture, notamment des tuiles en terre cuite, des solutions photovoltaïques, des toitures thermiques et des accessoires. Lone Star Funds est une société de capital-investissement qui investit dans l’immobilier, le crédit, des actions et d’autres actifs financiers dans le monde entier. La Commission a conclu que la concentration envisagée ne soulèverait pas de problème de concurrence, car les chevauchements entre les activités des entreprises sont très limités. La transaction a été examinée dans le cadre de la procédure simplifiée de contrôle des concentrations. De plus amples informations sont disponibles sur le site internet concurrence de la Commission, dans le registre public des affaires sous le numéro d’affaire M.8977. (Pour plus d’informations: Lucía Caudet – Tel. +32 229 56182; Maria Tsoni – Tel.: +32 229 90526)

ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

High Representative/Vice-President Mogherini and Commissioner Hahn at the third Regional Forum of the Union for the Mediterranean

On Monday 8^th October, High Representative/Vice-President Federica Mogherini will co-chair, together with Jordan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, Ayman Safadi, the third meeting of the Regional Forum of the Union for the Mediterranean (UfM) in Barcelona. Johannes Hahn, Commissioner for European Neighbourhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations will also participate. Hosted by Spanish Foreign Minister Josep Borrell, the meeting, which marks the 10^th anniversary of the organisation, will gather Ministers from the 43 UfM member countries and observers, including the League of Arab States, the Anna Lindh Foundation, the Parliamentary Assembly of the UfM, the Euro-Mediterranean Regional and Local Assembly (ARLEM), the European Investment Bank (EIB) and the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC), in the presence of the recently appointed Secretary General of the UfM Secretariat, Nasser Kamel.The Regional Forum will be an opportunity to review the organisation’s achievements in its first decade, exchange views on the way forward and discuss the potential of this unique platform for dialogue and cooperation in the Euro-Mediterranean region. High Representative/Vice-President Mogherini will open the Forum and participate in the press conference. Commissioner Hahn will open the event Mediterranean Initiative for Jobs (Med4Jobs), on the engagement and the impact of the private sector in the region and will hold a series of bilateral meeting including with UfM Secretary General Mr Nasser Kamel. Audio-visual coverage of the Forum will be available on EbS. (For more information: Maja Kocijančič – Tel.: +32 229 86570; Lauranne Devillé – Tel.: +32 229 80833; Alceo Smerilli – Tel.:+32 229 64887)

Commissioner Mimica discussed development partnership with Latin America and Caribbean

During his official trip to Chile, Commissioner for Development and Cooperation Neven Mimica addressed the High Level Dialogue on future development cooperation between the EU, Latin America and the Caribbean that took place in Santiago. The event focused on development challenges in Latin America and the Caribbean, such as growing inequalities, climate change and security. Commissioner Mimica said: “This meeting is an excellent opportunity to explore how to innovate our development cooperation with the more advanced developing countries in Latin America and the Caribbean.  We want to adapt our tools to the more diverse, dynamic and local circumstances. We want to support the transition of our partners through triangular cooperation, exchanging good practices, knowledge transfers, and bringing in private investments – with the ambition to deliver the Sustainable Development Goals”. The EU is committed to an innovative engagement with more advanced developing countries in the context of the implementation of the 2030 Agenda – as reflected in the new “European Consensus on Development”. In order to support smooth and successful countries’ transitions to higherincome levels, the EU is implementing the Regional Facility for Development in Transition for Latin America and the Caribbean.(For more information: Carlos Martin Ruiz De Gordejeula – Tel.: +32 229 65322; Daniel Puglisi – Tel.: +32 229 69140)

 

Vice-President Katainen in Finland to attend the Ministerial Conference on Artificial Intelligence

Vice-President Jyrki Katainen, responsible for Jobs, Growth, Investment and Competitiveness, will be in Helsinki, Finland, on 8-9 October. On Monday 8 October he will meet Ms Sanni Grahn-Laasonen, Minister of Education of Finland, over a working lunch to discuss the European Education Area, together with rectors and stakeholders. The Vice-President will also participate in a Citizens’ Dialogue on the same topic; the event can be followed live from 13.30-15.00 (Finnish time). Vice-President Katainen will then deliver a keynote address at the event on “Trade Policy in a changing World” at the Finnish Chamber of Commerce, meet Mr Nenad Popovic, Minister for Innovation and Technological Development of Serbia and attend the working dinner of the Ministerial Conference on future of Artificial Intelligence in Europe (AI Forum 2018). On Tuesday 9 October, Vice-President Katainen will attend the working breakfast of the Directors’ Institute Finland and EVLI Bank to deliver a keynote address on “EU and Artificial Intelligence from growth and competitiveness perspective”.  Then, he will participate in a panel discussion about “Tech unicorns born in Europe” at the Ministerial Conference on future of Artificial Intelligence. He will meet Mr Antero Vartia, Member of the Finnish Parliament and Ms Suvi Haimi, CEO and Co-founder of Sulapac. Finally the Vice-President will deliver a keynote address on “EU investment supporting growth in Finland” at the Grannenfelt Finance event. (For more information: Christian Spahr – Tel.: +32 229 50055; Sophie Dupin de Saint-Cyr – Tel.: +32 229 56169)

 

Calendar – Commissioners’ weekly activities

 

Upcoming events of the European Commission (ex-Top News)

(Susceptible de modifications en cours de semaine)

Déplacements et visites

 

Lundi 8 octobre 2018

President Jean-Claude Juncker delivers the opening speech at the European Week of Regions and Cities.

Mr Frans Timmermans hosts the Annual High-Level Meeting with Religious Leaders, in Brussels.

Ms Federica Mogherini in Barcelona, Spain: delivers a speech at the Regional Forum of the Union for the Mediterranean.

Ms Federica Mogherini in Lisbon, Portugal: meets with António Costa, Prime Minister of Portugal.

Mr Maroš Šefčovič receives Mr Anton Anton, Minister of Energy of Romania.

Mr Maroš Šefčovič delivers the opening speech for the launch of the inter-regional partnership (smart specialisation) for batteries, in Brussels.   

Mr Maroš Šefčovič together withMs Corina Creţu, participate in the event “Towards an Interregional Partnership on Batteries”, in Brussels.

Mr Jyrki Katainen in Helsinki, Finland (until 09/10): attends a working lunch on the European Education Area with Ms Sanni Grahn-Laasonen, Minister for Education of Finland, together with rectors and stakeholders; participates in a Citizens’ Dialogue on the European Education Area 2025; delivers a keynote address at the event on “Trade Policy in a changing World” at the Finland Chamber of Commerce; meets Mr Nenad Popovic, Minister without Portofolio for Innovation and Technological Development of Serbia; and attends a working dinner at the Ministerial Conference on Artificial Intelligence.

Mr Johannes Hahn in Barcelona, Spain: participates in the Regional Forum of the Union for the Mediterranean.

Ms Cecilia Malmström receives representatives of the European Steel Association (EUROFER).

Mr Miguel Arias Cañete receives representatives of the European Steel Association (EUROFER).

Mr Miguel Arias Cañete receives Mr Sergio Costa, Minister for Environment of Italy.

Mr Miguel Arias Cañete receives Mr Anton Anton, Minister for Energy of Romania.

Mr Miguel Arias Cañete receives Mr Gabriel Company, President of People’s Party of the Balearic Islands.

Mr Karmenu Vella receives Mr Sergio Costa, Minister for the Environment of Italy.

Mr Vytenis Andriukaitis in Budapest, Hungary: participates in the LIFE Food Waste Platform Meeting “Effective solutions for prevention and treatment”; meets Mr Pál Péter Schmidt, Deputy State Secretary in charge of coordination of EU affairs in the Office of Prime Minister of Hungary.

Mr Dimitris Avramopoulos and Mr Julian King in Lyon, France: attend the working dinner of the G6 Interior Ministers.

Ms Marianne Thyssen attends the 2^nd trilogue on Work Life Balance, at the European Parliament, in Brussels.

M. Pierre Moscovici reçoitM. Roberto Fico, Président de la chambre des députés italienne à Bruxelles.

Mr Phil Hogan and Mr Tibor Navracsics in Gödöllö, Hungary: participate in a Citizens’ Dialogue on Smart Villages.

Mr Phil Hogan in Budapest, Hungary: meets Mr István Nagy, Minister of Agriculture of Hungary; and meets the Hungarian Chamber of Agriculture.

Ms Violeta Bulc in Italy: (Genoa) meets Mr Danilo Toninelli, Minister for Infrastructures and Transports of Italy; meets with Mr Giovanni Toti, President of the Liguria Region, Mr Marco Bucci, Mayor of Genoa, and local authorities; visits Genoa bridge affected areas (Cernobbio); delivers a speech at the 4^th Conftrasporto International Forum; and participates in the signature of the first agreement between the transport enterprises and the Catholic University, implementing the agreement between Conftrasporto and the University on youth employment, with Mr Fabrizio Palenzona, Conftrasporto President, Mr Paolo Uggè, Conftrasporto Vice President, and Mr Franco Anelli, Rector of the Catholic University.

Ms Elżbieta Bieńkowska in Luxembourg participates in the ceremony on the occasion of the partial renewal of the European Court of Justice (ECJ).

Ms Vĕra Jourová receives representatives of NGOs.

Mr Tibor Navracsics in Budapest, Hungary: participates in a panel discussion on ‘European Action for Smart Villages’ with Commissioner Phil Hogan, MEP Tibor Szanyi and MEP Franc Bogovič.

Ms Corina Creţu delivers a keynote speech at the official opening of the European Week of Regions and Cities 2018, organised by the European Commission, in Brussels.

Ms Corina Creţu delivers a speech at the Inauguration of the Agora and Regiostars exhibition, in Brussels.

Ms Margrethe Vestager in Esbjerg, Denmark: meets students of the Esbjerg Business Academy; meets representatives of the VL business networks in Esbjerg; visits the port of Esbjerg; and gives a keynote speech at Esbjerg FOF – adult liberal education provider.

Mr Carlos Moedas attends the High Level Group (HLG) Plenary meeting of the EC “Research, Innovation, and Science Policy Experts” (RISE).

Mr Carlos Moedas receives Mr Carlos Torres Vila, CEO of the Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria (BBVA).

Mr Julian King in Lyon, France: meets Mr Jürgen Stock, Secretary General of Interpol.

Ms Mariya Gabriel in Podgorica, Montenegro: meets with Ms Suzana Pribilović, Minister for Public Administration of Montenegro, Mr Duško Marković, Prime Minister of Montenegro,  a delegation of Ministers from the Western Balkans region, Mr Darko Grgurović, Executive Director of the Agency for Electronic Communications and Postal Services.

 

Mardi 9 octobre 2018

9/10 Environment Council

College meeting

President Jean-Claude Juncker receives Mr Roberto Fico, President of the Chamber of Deputies of Italy.

Mr Frans Timmermans receives Ms Marijke Van Hees, President of the Dutch Advisory Board on Regulatory Burden, in Brussels.

Ms Federica Mogherini in Lisbon, Portugal: meets Mr José Alberto Azeredo Lopes, Minister of Defence of Portugal and Mr Augusto Santos Silva, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Portugal.

Ms Federica Mogherini in Frankfurt, Germany: opens the Frankfurt Book Fair with Mr Mamuka Bakhtadze, Prime Minister of Georgia, and delivers an opening speech.

Mr Andrus Ansip in Cyprus:receives Mr Averof Neofytou, President of the governing Democratic Rally (DISY).

Mr Maroš Šefčovič delivers a keynote speech at the Clean Air Challenge event, in Brussels.         

Mr Maroš Šefčovič delivers the keynote opening speech at the Coal Region in Transition event, in Brussels.

Mr Maroš Šefčovič delivers a speech at the “Energy Union in motion- Cohesion Policy supporting Coal Regions in Transition” event.

Mr Jyrki Katainen in Helsinki, Finland: delivers a keynote address on “EU and A.I. from growth and competitiveness perspective” at the working breakfast of the Directors’ Institute Finland and EVLI Bank; participates in a panel discussion on “Tech unicorns born in Europe” at the Ministerial Conference on Artificial Intelligence; meets Ms Suvi Haimi, CEO and Co-founder of Sulapac; delivers a keynote address on “EU Investment supporting growth in Finland” at the Grannenfelt Finance event; and meets Mr Antero Vartia, Member of the Finnish Parliament.

Ms Cecilia Malmström receives representatives of the European Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam.

Mr Neven Mimica attends the meeting of the European Parliament FEEM (Women’s Rights and Gender Equality) Committee to present the “EU-UN Spotlight Initiative to eliminate violence against women and girls”.

Mr Miguel Arias Cañete in Luxembourg: holds several meetings at the margins of the Environment Council: with Mr François de Rugy, Minister for Ecology of France, Ms Svenja Schulze, Minister for Environment of Germany, Mr Jure Leben, Minister for Environment of Slovenia.

Mr Karmenu Vella in Luxembourg: represents the Commission at the Environment Council meeting, and participates at the 2^nd Ministerial meeting on Environment and Climate Change of the Eastern Partnership.

Mr Vytenis Andriukaitis participates in the launch of the European Patients’ Forum’s Elections Campaign on “Collaboration on health at EU level that matters to patients” in the European Parliament, in Brussels.

Mr Vytenis Andriukaitis gives a speech at the European Committee of the Regions Conference “Global challenges, territorial answers: the future of Health in Europe”, in Brussels.

Mr Vytenis Andriukaitis receives Mr Hyoung-zhin KIM, Ambassador and Head of the Mission of the Republic of Korea to the EU.

Mr Vytenis Andriukaitis receives Mr Lawrence MacAulay, Minister for Agriculture and Agri-Food of Canada.

Mr Vytenis Andriukaitis receives Mr Jiří Milek, Minister for Agriculture of the Czech Republic.

Mr Dimitris Avramopoulos and Mr Julian King in Lyon, France: attend the G6 meeting of Interior Ministers.

Mr Phil Hogan receives representatives of the European Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam.

Phil Hogan,receives Mr Lawrence MacAulay, Minister for Agriculture and Agri-Food of Canada.

Mr Phil Hogan receives Mr Philippe Mauguin, CEO of the French National Institute for Agricultural Research (INRA).

Ms Violeta Bulc in Milan, Italy: meets Mr Attilio Fontana, President of the Lombardy Regional government, and Ms Claudia Maria Terzi, Regional Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Sustainable Mobility; participates in a Citizens’ Dialogue on Digitalisation and Decarbonisation in Transport; meets Mr Giuseppe Sala, Mayor of Milan and Mr Marco Granelli, Transport Municipality Councillor; and delivers a keynote speech at the “A Decade of Road Pricing in Milan” conference, at Bocconi University.

Ms Elżbieta Bieńkowska attends the reception and participates in the debate of the European Internet Forum.

Ms Vĕra Jourová deliversa speech at the 2018 European Platform for Roma inclusion, in Brussels.

Mr Tibor Navracsics in Brussels: holds a Citizens‘Dialogue with MEP Eva Maydell, co-organised with the Erasmus Student Network at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel.

Mr Tibor Navracsics together with Commissioner Phil Hogan: attends a ceremony for beneficiaries of the ‘Darkness Into Light’ initiative, in Brussels.

Mr Tibor Navracsics in Brussels: participates in a workshop on youth and workforce migration “Brain Drain: A one way ticket?” Organised in the framework of the European Week of Regions and Cities.

Mr Tibor Navracsics in Brussels: gives a speech at the VIP reception organised for the event ‘Generation Code: Born at the Library’ in the European Parliament.

Ms Corina Creţu delivers a speech at the joint meeting of the Committee on Regional Development of the European Parliament Committee and the Commission for Territorial Cohesion Policy and EU Budget (COTER)of the Committee of Regions, dedicated to the Future of Cohesion Policy.

Ms Corina Creţu delivers the opening speech at the RegioStars Awards Ceremony, in Brussels.

Ms Corina Creţu delivers a speech at the “Energy Union in motion- Cohesion Policy supporting Coal Regions in Transition” event.

Mr Carlos Moedas receives Mr Basílio Horta, Mayor of Sintra.

Ms Mariya Gabriel in Helsinki, Finland: attends the AI Forum 2018; delivers the opening remarks in the plenary session; participates in the meeting of the High-level Expert Group on AI; meets with Mr Nenad Popović, Minister without portofolio of the Republic Serbia for Innovation and Technological Development; meets with Mr Rene Tammist, Minister for Entrepreneurship and Information Technology of Estonia.  

 

Mercredi 10 octobre2018

Meeting of the College of Commissioners

President Jean-Claude Juncker receives Mr Marjan Šarec, Prime Minister of Slovenia.

President Jean-Claude Juncker participates in a dinner hosted by the Austrian Presidency of the Council of the EU and Mr Étienne Davignon, President of Friends of Europe.

Mr Frans Timmermans delivers a keynote speech at the Global Girls’ Summit, organised by Plan International, in Brussels.

Ms Federica Mogherini in Tampere, Finland: delivers a lecture upon receipt of the honorary doctorate at the University of Tampere.

Ms Federica Mogherini in Helsinki, Finland: meets Mr Juha Sipilä, Prime Minister of Finland, Mr Timo Suoni, Foreign Minister of Finland, Mr Martti Ahtisaari, former President of Finland and founder of the Crisis Management Initiative (CMI), and Mr Alexander Stubb, former Prime Minister of Finland and Chairman of CMI; and delivers a speech at the Gala Dinner on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of President Ahtisaari’s Nobel Peace Prize.

Mr Andrus Ansip together with Mr Neven Mimica, Mr Christos Stylianides, Mr Phil Hogan and two other commissioners,attends the High-Level group of personalities for strategic and effective EU-Africa relations, in Brussels.

Mr Andrus Ansip receives Mr Ricken Patel, CEO of Avaaz.

Mr Jyrki Katainen delivers a keynote speech at the City-to-City event on local sustainable development, in Brussels.

Mr Jyrki Katainen receives a delegation from the Helsinki Region.

Mr Jyrki Katainen receives Mr Averof Neofytou, President of the Democratic Rally party (DISY).

Mr Günther Oettinger meets with Ms Martha Schultz, Vice-President of the Austrian Economic Chamber and a President of Eurochambres’ women network, together with a group of business women.

Mr Johannes Hahn in Bali Nusa Dua, Indonesia (until:12/10): participates in the 2018 Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund and World Bank Group.

Mr Neven Mimica receives Bono, co-founder of the NGO ONE.

Mr Miguel Arias Cañete announces the winners of Covenant of Mayors awards for “Covenant City in the Spotlight”, in Brussels.

Mr Miguel Arias Cañete receives members of Covenant of Mayors.

Mr Miguel Arias Cañete receives representatives of Shannon LNG project.

Mr Karmenu Vella delivers a speech at the kick-off meeting of the High-Level Group of personalities for strategic and effective EU-Africa relations “EU-Africa: Jobs, Growth and the Challenge of Youth Unemployment”, in Brussels.

Mr Vytenis Andriukaitis participates in the debate on “Trade and Food Law” in the European Parliament, Brussels.

Mr Vytenis Andriukaitis receives representatives of the European Consumer Organisation BEUC.

Mr Vytenis Andriukaitis participates in the official opening of the new European Food Bank office, in Brussels.

Mr Dimitris Avramopoulos receives Professor Niels Thygesen, chairman of the European Fiscal Board.

Mr Dimitris Avramopoulos receives Mr Averof Neofytou,President of the Democratic Rally of Cyprus.

M. Pierre Moscovici à Bali, Indonésie (jusqu’au 14/10) : participe à une conférence intitulée “How Global Trade Can Promote Inclusive Growth” organisée par le Fonds monétaire international (FMI) et participe aux réunions du G20 des Ministres des Finances et des Gouverneurs de la Banque centrale; participe à l’Assemblée annuelle du Fonds monétaire international (FMI) et du Groupe de la Banque mondiale.

Mr Christos Stylianides receives Mr Oscar Urbina, President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Colombia.

Mr Phil Hogan receives Ms Marijke Mars, Co-owner and Strategic Initiative Director at Mars Incorporated.

Ms Elżbieta Bieńkowska attends the Women’s European Council.               

Ms Elżbieta Bieńkowska delivers the Opening Speech at the annual SAAB-EU seminar.

Ms Věra Jourová deliversa speech at the Debt-Advice Stakeholders Forum, in Brussels.

Mr Tibor Navracsics in Brussels: receives Mr Ángel Garrido, President of the Region of Madrid.

Mr Tibor Navracsics in Brussels: receives a business delegation led by the European Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam on cooperation in education, culture, youth and sport.

Mr Tibor Navracsics in Brussels: speaks at the event “A global perspective on the future of work – how to get it right?” organised by the American Chamber of Commerce to the EU.

Ms Věra Jourová in Luxembourg: meets Mr Jan Kněžínek, Minister for Justice of the Czech Republic, in the margins of the Justice and Home Affairs Ministerial meeting.

Ms Corina Creţu delivers a speech at The State of Europe high-level roundtable at the Parallel Session II on” The Politics of the Future”, in Brussels.

Ms Corina Creţu delivers a speech at the Closing Session of the European Week of Regions and Cities 2018, in Brussels.

Mr Carlos Moedas receives Ms Marijke Mars, Co-owner and Strategic Initiative Director at Mars Incorporated.

Mr Carlos Moedas delivers a keynote speech at the Inaugural Law Alumni Conference of NYU (New York University).

Mr Julian King receives Mr Louis Gautier former French General Secretary for Defence and National Security.

Mr Julian King delivers a speech at the Network of Heads of EU Agencies meeting, in Brussels.

Mr Julian King meets Lord Willy Bach, Police and Crime Commissioner for Leicestershire, in Brussels.

Mr Julian King participates at the Friends of Europe annual President’s Gala Dinner, in Brussels

Ms Mariya Gabriel participates in an exchange of views with the FEMM Committee in the European Parliament.

Ms Mariya Gabriel receives H.R.H. Princess Abze Djigma, Chair of the H.R.H. Princess Abze Djigma Foundation and Ambassadress for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency of Burkina Faso.

Ms Mariya Gabriel participates in discussion on “Challenges and opportunities of election observation: ICT, tackling disinformation and the use of social media”  at the High-level Conference “The future of international election observation” organised by the European Parliament’s Democracy Support and Election Coordination Group (DEG) and the European External Action Service.

 

Jeudi 11 octobre 2018

Justice and Home Affairs Council

President Jean-Claude Juncker delivers the keynote speech at the conference “L’avenir de l’Europe est entre nos mains“, organised by the University of Liege in the framework of the Cycle of European Conferences Jean Rey, in Liege, Belgium.

Mr Frans Timmermans chairs the High-Level Multi-Stakeholders Platform on Sustainable Development Goals, in Brussels.

Ms Federica Mogherini receives Mr Ghassan Salamé, Special Representative and Head of the UN Support Mission in Libya.

Ms Federica Mogherini delivers a speech at the High Level Conference on the Future of International Election Observation co-organised by the European External Action Service and the European Parliament’s Democracy Support and Election Coordination Group (DEG) at the European Parliament, in Brussels.

Mr Andrus Ansip receives Members of the Polish National parliament.

Mr Andrus Ansip together with Mr Jyrki Katainen receives the Executive Council of the American Chamber of Commerce to the European Union (AmchamEU).

Mr Andrus Ansip receives Mr Rene Tammist, Minister for Entrepreneurship and Information Technology of Estonia.

Mr Maroš Šefčovič in Bratislava, Slovakia: participates in the panel discussion on “State of the EU in 2018 and beyond” at the Economic University.                                                                                           

Mr Jyrki Katainen attends the meeting of the High-Level multi-stakeholder platform on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), in Brussels.

Mr Jyrki Katainen receives a group of members of the Polish Parliament.

Mr Jyrki Katainen receives Ms Marijke Mars, Co-owner and Strategic Initiative Director at Mars Incorporated.

Mr Jyrki Katainen delivers a keynote speech at the conference on “A Collaborative Economy for the Single Market” at the Single Market Forum, in Brussels.

Mr Jyrki Katainen receives representatives of the American Chamber of Commerce to the European Union (AmChamEU).

Mr Johannes Hahn in Bali Nusa Dua, Indonesia: participates in the 2018 Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund and World Bank Group.

Ms Cecilia Malmström in Gothenburg, Sweden: gives a lecture on “EU Trade Policy Between Cooperation and Confrontation” at Brännpunkt Europa, Gothenburg University; visits the Chalmers University of Technology for a presentation on graphene.

Mr Miguel Arias Cañete gives a keynote speech at the EPP-KAS High Level Conference “EU’s leadership in global climate action: Opportunities for international cooperation in preview of COP 24”, in Brussels.

Mr Vytenis Andriukaitis participates in the EU Diabetes Working Group event “Diabetes in Europe: The Challenges Ahead”, in the European Parliament, in Brussels.

Mr Vytenis Andriukaitis meets the members of the Team Europe Junior network from Lithuania, in Brussels.

Mr Dimitris Avramopoulos and Mr Julian King in Luxembourg, attend the Justice and Home Affairs Council.

Mr Dimitris Avramopoulos in Luxembourg: delivers the keynote speech at the 3^rd Radicalisation Awareness Network (RAN) High-Level Conference.

Mr Phil Hogan in Linz, Austria: addresses the European Farmers (Copa) and European Agri-Cooperatives (Cogeca) Congress of European Farmers 2018; meets with the Austrian Agriculture Chamber.

Ms Elżbieta Bieńkowska delivers a speech at the Conference on Collaborative Economy.

Ms Elżbieta Bieńkowska receives Mr Bogdan Gheorghe Trif Minister for Tourism of Romania.

Ms Elżbieta Bieńkowska receives POLIS Network (Innovation in transport solutions cities and regions network).

Ms Elżbieta Bieńkowska receives the Board of the European Brands Association.

Ms Věra Jourová in Luxembourg: meets Mr Dzintars Rasnačs, Minister for Justice of Latvia and Mr David Gauke, Secretary of State for Justice of the United Kingdom in the margins of the Justice and Home Affairs Ministerial Meeting.

Mr Tibor Navracsics in Paris, France: participates in and speaks at the conference ‘Religious Heritage – Europe’s Legacy for the Future” organised by FRH (Future of Religious Heritage – The European network for historic places of worship).

Ms Margrethe Vestager in Copenhagen, Denmark: delivers closing speech at the E-commerce Conference and Exhibition 2018 of FDIH e-commerce organisation.

Mr Carlos Moedas delivers a keynote speech at the Friends of Europe’s State of Europe 2018 High-Level roundtable.

Mr Carlos Moedas attends a working lunch with the Members of the EC Scientific Advise Mechanism (SAM) High-Level Group.

Mr Julian King in Luxembourg, opens the 3^rd Radicalisation Awareness Network (RAN) High-Level Conference.

Ms Mariya Gabriel in Frankfurt, Germany: attends the Frankfurt Book Fair; meets with representatives of the Federation of European Publishers, of the STM (association of academic and professional publishers), of the Frankfurt Book Fair and of the German Publishers and Booksellers Association; meets with Mr Frank Sambeth, CEO of Random House Germany; meets with representatives of Bulgarian publishers; and meets with representatives of French publishers.  

Vendredi 12 octobre 2018

Justice and Home Affairs Council

Informal meeting of gender equality ministers

Mr Frans Timmermans delivers a keynote speech at the IPO (organisation of Dutch regions) annual conference, in Brussels.

Mr Frans Timmermans in Nijmegen, the Netherlands: delivers the ‘Prof. mr. W.C.L. van der Grinten’ lecture, at the Radboud Universiteit.

Ms Federica Mogherini receives Ms Louise Arbour, UN Special Representative for International Migration.

Ms Federica Mogherini receives Mr Sebastián Piñera, President of Chile.

Ms Federica Mogherini receives Mr David Beasley, Executive Director of the World Food Programme.

Ms Federica Mogherini receives Mr Rashit Meredov, Foreign Minister of Turkmenistan.

Mr Andrus Ansip in Tallinn,Estonia, visits CybExer Technologies.

Mr Maroš Šefčovič receives Mr Raşit Meredow, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan.        

Mr Maroš Šefčovič receives a delegation of the European Union Affairs committee of the Polish Parliament (SEJM).                                                                                                                                              

Mr Valdis Dombrovskis in Bali, Indonesia (until 14/10): participates in the 2018 Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund and World Bank Group; meets Mr Jerome Powell, Chair of the Federal Reserve of the United States; participates in a panel discussion on ‘Promoting Good Practice in Impact Investing’; meets Ms Oksana Markarova, Acting Minister for Finance of Ukraine; takes part in the Introductory Session on Global Developments and Prospects of the International Monetary and Financial Committee (IMFC); and meets Mr Steven Mnuchin, Secretary of the Treasury of the United States.

Mr Günther Oettinger will open the event and lead the political debate at the conference “EU budget for the future – The road ahead”, the fourth edition of the annual European Commission conference on the EU budget.

Mr Johannes Hahn in Bali Nusa Dua, Indonesia: participates in the 2018 Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund and World Bank Group.

Mr Vytenis Andriukaitis in Germany: visits a livestock farm in Schwienau – Linden, together with Ms Barbara Otte-Kinast, Minister of Food, Agriculture and Consumer Protection of Lower Saxony; in Celle: attends the meeting of the Steering Committee of the Lower Saxonian on Livestock Strategy.

Mr Dimitris Avramopoulos and Mr Julian King in Luxembourg, attend the Justice and Home Affairs Council.

Ms Marianne Thyssen attends a Conference on the Employment and Social Development (ESDE) Report 2018 on the future of work, in Brussels.

Ms Marianne Thyssen meets Ms Christa Schweng, President of the Employment, Social Affairs and Citizenship Section (SOC) of the European Economic and Social Committee, in Brussels.

Mr Phil Hogan in Grodno, Poland: addresses a conference organised on behalf of the European Fund for the Development of Polish villages – renewable energy sources and air quality.

Ms Elżbieta Bieńkowska in Lodz, Poland: meets with Mr Witold Stepien, Marshal of Lodz Region; and visits the rail terminal hub that connects the Chinese city of Chengdu with Łódź.

Ms Elżbieta Bieńkowska in Katowice, Poland (until 13/10): attends the Family Business Congress.

Mr Tibor Navracsics in Budapest, Hungary: participates in ‘Pact 4 Youth’ event to discuss European youth policy with the National Youth Council of Hungary.

Mr Tibor Navracsics in Budapest, Hungary: gives a speech at an event marking the 100th Anniversary of the Gellért Bath.

Ms Margrethe Vestager inDenmark: in Hillerod: gives a keynote speech in the Grundtvigs High School; and in Helsinge: speaks at the Gribskov University event on “Future of Europe”. 

Mr Carlos Moedas in Lisbon, Portugal: delivers a keynote Speech at the Conference ‘Is there market growth without innovation?’ organised by Centromarca.

Mr Carlos Moedas delivers a keynote speech at the Opening ceremony on celebrations of the Instituto Superior de Ciências do Trabalho e da Empresa – Superior Institute of Business and Labour Sciences(ISCTE-IUL) research 2018.

Mr Julian King in Venice, Italy (12-14/10): attends theAspen Seminar for Leaders.

Ms Mariya Gabriel in Prishtina, Albania: meets with representatives from ICT businesses telecom operators and ICT associations; meets with Mr Enver Hoxhaj, Deputy Prime Minister, Mr Besim Beqaj, Minister for Innovation and Entrepreunership and Mr Lluka Valdrin, Minister for Economic Development; delivers opening remarks and participates in the ministerial panel “Digital Economy – the driver of economic development“ at the DIGITALKS conference; meets with Mr Kreshnik Gashi, Chairman of the Board of the Regulatory Authority of Electronic and Postal Communications (ARKEP).

 

Samedi 13 octobre 2018

Mr Valdis Dombrovskis in Bali, Indonesia: takes part in the International Monetary and Financial Committee (IMFC) plenary; participates in the panel discussion of the DZ Bank event ‘ Europe’s way forward: for more resilience and sustainable growth’; and meets Mr Suma Chakrabarti, President of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD).

Mr Vytenis Andriukaitis in Vilnius, Lithuania: participates in the International Forum of Social Democracy “Social Democracy in 21st century: Doomed to extinction or rise from the ashes?”.

Ms Mariya Gabriel in Rakovski, Bulgaria: delivers a speech at the official opening of the exhibition of livestock breeding and farm foods “Farmer Expo Rakovski 2018”.

 

Dimanche 14 octobre 2018

Mr Andrus Ansip in Tartu, Estonia: gives a lecture at the Tartu University School of Economics and Business Administration.

Mr Christos Stylianides in Bucharest, Romania: participates in an EU module exercise (ModEX).

 

Prévisons du mois de octobre :

15/10 Eastern Partnership Foreign Foreign Affairs Council; Agriculture and Fisheries Council,

15-16/10 Ministers meeting

16/10 General Affairs Council; General Affairs Council (Art. 50)

18/10 European Council (Art. 50); European Council

18- 19/10 Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM)

29 – 30/10 Informal meeting of transport and environment ministers

Permanence DG COMM le WE du 13 au 14 octobre 2018:

Mina ANDREEVA: +32 (0) 498 99 13 82

Service Audiovisuel, planning studio – tél. : +32 (0)2/295 21 23

Joint press release

Tirana, 5 October 2018

Today, Ms Etilda Gjonaj, Minister of Justice of the Republic of Albania, and Mr Ladislav Hamran, President of Eurojust, the European Union’s Judicial Cooperation Unit, signed a cooperation agreement to enhance operational and strategic judicial cooperation between Albania and Eurojust. It will be the third cooperation agreement between Eurojust and a State in the Western Balkan region and is a further important step in the joint fight against serious transnational crime, since it will unlock the possibility of a safe and efficient exchange of judicial information and sharing of evidence. The signing ceremony took place in the context of this year’s EU-Western Balkans Ministerial Forum on Justice and Home Affairs in Tirana, and in the presence of Dr Josef Moser, Minister of Constitutional Affairs, Reforms, Deregulation and Justice of Austria, and Ms Věra Jourová, European Commissioner for Justice, Consumers and Gender Equality.

 

Ms Etilda Gjonaj said: ‘The agreement with Eurojust will bring a qualitative improvement in the conduct of transnational investigations. It will enable Albanian prosecution teams to strengthen cooperation with their colleagues from EU Member States and other countries that are part of this structure, including from our regional partners, fYROM and Montenegro, will increase the exchange of judicial information and will allow Albania to send a Liaison Prosecutor to Eurojust, in The Hague, on a permanent basis. This will directly contribute to the common results in the fight against organised crime, terrorism and corruption, will raise trust in our investigative capacities, and will bring Albania closer to the European Union.’

Mr Hamran said: ‘In our globalised world, criminals cross borders and so must our criminal justice systems. I warmly welcome the conclusion of today’s cooperation agreement, which will consolidate our partnership and bring Albania fully into the Eurojust family. It will unlock the full possibilities for Albania to take part in and benefit from all the practical cooperation tools offered through Eurojust to prosecute serious, cross-border crime cases, bring suspects to justice and protect our citizens. Only together can we make Europe a safer place.’

Dr Moser said: ‘On an international level, we can only crack down on crime if we act together in a global effort. Eurojust promotes and facilitates the coordination and cooperation among the national judicial authorities in prosecuting serious cross-border crime in the EU. Yesterday, we saw in the framework of the Western Balkans Conference that Albania is now ready to cooperate more closely with the EU — also in the area of criminal law. The Austrian Presidency greatly welcomes the cooperation between Eurojust and Albania. In this context, we have importantly set the course for better and more intensive cooperation of Albania with the EU.’

Ms Jourová said: ‘I welcome the signature of the Eurojust-Albania cooperation agreement. Closer ties between the Albanian and European judicial authorities will help improve the fight against transnational crime. The aim is simple: we want to make life of organised crime groups more difficult by exchanging information and evidence faster. The agreement will strengthen cooperation and mutual trust between Albania and its EU partners, contributing to Albania’s European perspective.’

Fast and efficient exchange of information and evidence between Albania and EU Member States in international crime investigations

With today’s agreement, Albania will benefit from accessing Eurojust’s information systems as well as from sharing personal data and evidence with prosecutors and investigators from all over Europe. The agreement creates also the possibility to appoint a Liaison Prosecutor to Eurojust in the near future to further improve cooperation. Since 2015, Albania has been involved in 36 international investigations into serious cross-border crime, supported by Eurojust, mainly concerning organised crime groups that engage in drug trafficking and crimes against life, limb or personal freedom, such as murder, kidnapping and illegal trade in human organs (click on image to enlarge). Since 2017, Albania has also participated in two joint investigation teams (JITs), including one with Italy. The formal negotiations to enter into a cooperation agreement were initiated in 2016.

A strong hands-on partnership with the Western Balkans

Since 2008, Eurojust has established an increasingly strong framework for structural judicial cooperation between EU Member States and the Western Balkan States in the area of serious crime. Eurojust has cooperation agreements in place with fYROM since 2008 and with Montenegro since 2016. These States also have Liaison Prosecutors appointed at Eurojust in The Hague, who work side by side with magistrates from the EU Member States to facilitate ongoing investigations. There are contact points for Eurojust in five Western Balkan States, including in Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina (click on image to enlarge).

Facilitation of nearly 200 joint criminal investigations between EU Member and Western Balkan States

From January 2015 to September 2018, 193 cases were registered with Eurojust involving Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, fYROM, Montenegro and Serbia. The most common crime types were swindling and fraud, drug trafficking, as well as crimes against life, limb or personal freedom. During the reference period, 9 joint investigation teams (JITs) between EU Member States and Western Balkan States were established (click on image to enlarge).

Background: Eurojust cooperation agreements

Eurojust is the European Union’s Judicial Cooperation Unit set up in 2002 to stimulate and enhance the cooperation between the competent authorities of the Member States and improve the coordination of their investigations and prosecutions, in relation to serious organised cross-border crime. Eurojust can formally cooperate with third States with which it has signed cooperation agreements for the exchange of judicial information and personal data. Currently, Eurojust has concluded cooperation agreements with 10 third States: Albania, fYROM, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Moldova, Montenegro, Norway, Switzerland, Ukraine, and the USA. Six of these States have also appointed a Liaison Prosecutor to Eurojust.

More information

Joint press release

Tirana, 5 October 2018

Today, Ms Etilda Gjonaj, Minister of Justice of the Republic of Albania, and Mr Ladislav Hamran, President of Eurojust, the European Union’s Judicial Cooperation Unit, signed a cooperation agreement to enhance operational and strategic judicial cooperation between Albania and Eurojust. It will be the third cooperation agreement between Eurojust and a State in the Western Balkan region and is a further important step in the joint fight against serious transnational crime, since it will unlock the possibility of a safe and efficient exchange of judicial information and sharing of evidence. The signing ceremony took place in the context of this year’s EU-Western Balkans Ministerial Forum on Justice and Home Affairs in Tirana, and in the presence of Dr Josef Moser, Minister of Constitutional Affairs, Reforms, Deregulation and Justice of Austria, and Ms Věra Jourová, European Commissioner for Justice, Consumers and Gender Equality.

 

Ms Etilda Gjonaj said: ‘The agreement with Eurojust will bring a qualitative improvement in the conduct of transnational investigations. It will enable Albanian prosecution teams to strengthen cooperation with their colleagues from EU Member States and other countries that are part of this structure, including from our regional partners, fYROM and Montenegro, will increase the exchange of judicial information and will allow Albania to send a Liaison Prosecutor to Eurojust, in The Hague, on a permanent basis. This will directly contribute to the common results in the fight against organised crime, terrorism and corruption, will raise trust in our investigative capacities, and will bring Albania closer to the European Union.’

Mr Hamran said: ‘In our globalised world, criminals cross borders and so must our criminal justice systems. I warmly welcome the conclusion of today’s cooperation agreement, which will consolidate our partnership and bring Albania fully into the Eurojust family. It will unlock the full possibilities for Albania to take part in and benefit from all the practical cooperation tools offered through Eurojust to prosecute serious, cross-border crime cases, bring suspects to justice and protect our citizens. Only together can we make Europe a safer place.’

Dr Moser said: ‘On an international level, we can only crack down on crime if we act together in a global effort. Eurojust promotes and facilitates the coordination and cooperation among the national judicial authorities in prosecuting serious cross-border crime in the EU. Yesterday, we saw in the framework of the Western Balkans Conference that Albania is now ready to cooperate more closely with the EU — also in the area of criminal law. The Austrian Presidency greatly welcomes the cooperation between Eurojust and Albania. In this context, we have importantly set the course for better and more intensive cooperation of Albania with the EU.’

Ms Jourová said: ‘I welcome the signature of the Eurojust-Albania cooperation agreement. Closer ties between the Albanian and European judicial authorities will help improve the fight against transnational crime. The aim is simple: we want to make life of organised crime groups more difficult by exchanging information and evidence faster. The agreement will strengthen cooperation and mutual trust between Albania and its EU partners, contributing to Albania’s European perspective.’

Fast and efficient exchange of information and evidence between Albania and EU Member States in international crime investigations

With today’s agreement, Albania will benefit from accessing Eurojust’s information systems as well as from sharing personal data and evidence with prosecutors and investigators from all over Europe. The agreement creates also the possibility to appoint a Liaison Prosecutor to Eurojust in the near future to further improve cooperation. Since 2015, Albania has been involved in 36 international investigations into serious cross-border crime, supported by Eurojust, mainly concerning organised crime groups that engage in drug trafficking and crimes against life, limb or personal freedom, such as murder, kidnapping and illegal trade in human organs (click on image to enlarge). Since 2017, Albania has also participated in two joint investigation teams (JITs), including one with Italy. The formal negotiations to enter into a cooperation agreement were initiated in 2016.

A strong hands-on partnership with the Western Balkans

Since 2008, Eurojust has established an increasingly strong framework for structural judicial cooperation between EU Member States and the Western Balkan States in the area of serious crime. Eurojust has cooperation agreements in place with fYROM since 2008 and with Montenegro since 2016. These States also have Liaison Prosecutors appointed at Eurojust in The Hague, who work side by side with magistrates from the EU Member States to facilitate ongoing investigations. There are contact points for Eurojust in five Western Balkan States, including in Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina (click on image to enlarge).

Facilitation of nearly 200 joint criminal investigations between EU Member and Western Balkan States

From January 2015 to September 2018, 193 cases were registered with Eurojust involving Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, fYROM, Montenegro and Serbia. The most common crime types were swindling and fraud, drug trafficking, as well as crimes against life, limb or personal freedom. During the reference period, 9 joint investigation teams (JITs) between EU Member States and Western Balkan States were established (click on image to enlarge).

Background: Eurojust cooperation agreements

Eurojust is the European Union’s Judicial Cooperation Unit set up in 2002 to stimulate and enhance the cooperation between the competent authorities of the Member States and improve the coordination of their investigations and prosecutions, in relation to serious organised cross-border crime. Eurojust can formally cooperate with third States with which it has signed cooperation agreements for the exchange of judicial information and personal data. Currently, Eurojust has concluded cooperation agreements with 10 third States: Albania, fYROM, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Moldova, Montenegro, Norway, Switzerland, Ukraine, and the USA. Six of these States have also appointed a Liaison Prosecutor to Eurojust.

More information

The agreement was signed on behalf of the EU by Herbert Kickl, Minister of the Interior of Austria and President of the Council, Dimitris Avramopoulos, Commissioner for Migration, Home Affairs and Citizenship and on behalf of Albania Interior Minister Fatmir Xhafaj.

Dimitris Avramopoulos, Commissioner for Migration, Home Affairs and Citizenship: “The migratory and security challenges do not stop at our external borders. Nor should we. A Europe that protects is a Europe that works together with partner countries in its neighbourhood and beyond. Today’s agreement with Albania – the first of this kind with a third country – is a milestone in the EU’s external cooperation on border management. I hope it will pave the way for greater cooperation with the whole Western Balkan region.

Herbert Kickl, Minister of the Interior of Austria: “The introduction of new measures to improve controls at the EU’s external borders has led to a significant drop in illegal border crossings. But more can still be done. Cooperation with our neighbours is particularly important. This agreement will allow us to increase our support to Albania in the field of border management.

This agreement allows the European Border and Coast Guard Agency to coordinate operational cooperation between EU member states and Albania on the management of the EU’s external borders. The European Border and Coast Guard will be able to take action at the external border involving one or more neighbouring member states and Albania. This can include intervention on Albanian territory, subject to Albania’s agreement.

The activities included by the agreement are aimed at tackling irregular migration, in particular sudden changes in migratory flows, and cross-border crime, and can involve the provision of increased technical and operational assistance at the border. For each operation, a plan has to be agreed between the European Border and Coast Guard Agency and Albania.

Next Steps

The draft decision on the conclusion of the agreement has been sent to the European Parliament, which will be invited to give its consent in order for the agreement to be concluded.

Background

Today’s status agreement with Albania is the first one being concluded with a third country. Negotiations with Albania started in December 2017 and the draft status agreement was initialled by Commissioner Avramopoulos and Albanian Interior Minister Xhafaj in February. The Council then authorised the signature of the agreement on 13 July 2018.

Draft status agreements were already initialled with the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (on 18 July) and with Serbia (on 20 September). Negotiations with Montenegro and with Bosnia and Herzegovina are ongoing.

The European Border and Coast Guard Agency can carry out deployments and joint operations on the territory of neighbouring non-EU countries, subject to the prior conclusion of a status agreement between the European Union and the country concerned. In September, the Commission proposed to further reinforce the European Border and Coast Guard, giving it the right level of ambition and allowing joint operations and deployments to take place in countries beyond the EU’s immediate neighbourhood.

For More Information

Status agreement between the EU and Albania on actions carried out by the European Border and Coast Guard Agency in Albania

Press Release: Border management: European Border and Coast Guard Agency strengthens operational cooperation with Albania

Press release: European Border and Coast Guard: Agreement reached on operational cooperation with Serbia

Press Release: European Border and Coast Guard: agreement on operational cooperation reached with the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia