La Commission publie un guide pour lutter contre les pratiques déloyales en matière de qualité des denrées alimentaires

La Commission européenne a publié aujourd’hui un guide afin d’améliorer l’application de la législation de l’UE en matière de denrées alimentaires et de protection des consommateurs pour mettre fin au double niveau de qualité des denrées alimentaires, comme annoncé par le président Juncker dans son discours sur l’état de l’Union. Ce guide aidera les autorités nationales à déterminer si une entreprise enfreint la législation de l’UE lorsqu’elle vend des produits dont la qualité varie selon les pays. Jean–Claude Juncker, président de la Commission européenne, a ainsi déclaré dans le discours sur l’état de l’Union: «Je n’accepterai pas que dans certaines régions d’Europe, les gens se voient proposer des produits alimentaires de moindre qualité que dans d’autres pays, sous des marques et des emballages pourtant identiques. Il nous reste à renforcer les moyens dont disposent les autorités nationales pour réprimer toute pratique illégale partout où elle est constatée» (voir fiche d’information). Vĕra Jourová, commissaire chargée de la justice, des consommateurs et de l’égalité des genres a, quant à elle, déclaré à ce sujet: «Présenter deux produits différents avec le même emballage et sous la même marque est une pratique trompeuse et déloyale vis-à-vis des consommateurs, qui illustre clairement le fait que nous ne pouvons résoudre les problèmes ayant une dimension transnationale qu’en travaillant ensemble au niveau de l’UE. (..). Je suis déterminée à mettre un terme à cette pratique, interdite en vertu du droit de l’UE, et à faire en sorte que tous les consommateurs soient traités sur un pied d’égalité.» Le guide énumère et décrit les préconisations de la législation de l’UE en matière de denrées alimentaires et de protection des consommateurs que les autorités doivent appliquer lorsqu’elles analysent un éventuel problème de double niveau de qualité d’un produit. Ce guide fait partie d’une série de mesures que la Commission a prises pour mettre fin à cette pratique. Le communiqué de presse est disponible en ligne, ainsi qu’une fiche d’information. (Pour plus d’information: Christian Wigand– Tel.: Mélanie Voin – Tel.: +32 229 58659)

First summer without roaming charges: Europeans see benefits of the new rules

The first summer without roaming charges shows that a large majority of Europeans recognise the benefits of the new rules and have started changing their habits when travelling abroad in the EU, according to a Flash Eurobarometer survey published today. Thanks to the new EU roaming rules, in place since 15 June 2017, consumers can use their mobile phone while travelling abroad in the EU as they would do at home, without paying extra charges. Andrus Ansip, Vice-President for the Digital Single Market, said: “We see that people are keen to use their phones like at home when travelling in the EU without the fear of a bill-shock. And mobile operators are investing in networks to meet increased demand. Our new EU telecoms rules will encourage such investments; they should be adopted by the European Parliament and Member States as soon as possible.” Mariya Gabriel, the Commissioner for Digital Economy and Society, added: “This is an example of an EU that concretely improves the life of European citizens. Roam like at home is working: customers are appreciating it, consumption is up and the demand for mobile services while travelling in the EU is very high. It benefits consumers and operators alike.” The Eurobarometer survey shows that 71% of Europeans are aware that roaming charges have ended and 72% think they, or someone they know, will benefit. Awareness of the new rules rises to 86% amongst those who have travelled since 15 June. You can find more information in a press release. (For more information: Johannes Bahrke – Tel. +32 229 58615; Nathalie Vandystadt – Tel. +32 229 67083; Inga Höglund – Tel.: +32 229 50698)

Commission proposes €3.3 million from Globalisation Fund to support former workers of enterprise Almaviva in Italy

Today the Commission proposes to provide Italy with €3.3 million from the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (EGF) to help 1,610 former workers at Almaviva Contact, a company operating in the call centre sector, find new jobs. Marianne Thyssen, Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs, Skills and Labour Mobility, commented: “Solidarity is a core value of the EU, and an important way to display this is through helping those most in need. By offering €3.3 million in financial support to help former Almaviva workers with their job search, through training, individual orientation and support for business start-up, the reintegration of these workers into employment will be considerably facilitated.” Italy applied for support from the Globalisation Fund following the closure of Almaviva Contact’s premises in Rome and the dismissal of 1,646 workers that followed. These job losses were the result of a mix of adverse conditions triggered by the economic and financial crisis. The measures co-financed by the EGF would help 1,610 workers by providing them with individual orientation; job search; reemployment voucher; a variety of trainings; promotion of entrepreneurship and support for business start-up, along with contribution to commuting expenses and reimbursement of the expenses for carers of dependent persons. The total estimated cost of the package is €5.5 million, of which the EGF would provide €3.3 million (60%). The proposal now goes to the European Parliament and the EU’s Council of Ministers for approval. (For more information: Christian Wigand– Tel.: +32 229 62253; Sophie Dupin de Saint-Cyr – Tel.: +32 229 56169)

Des connexions ferroviaires plus rapides en Roumanie grâce aux investissements de l’UE

198,2 millions d’euros du Fonds de Cohésion sont investis dans la rénovation de la ligne de chemin de fer entre les villes de Coslariu et Simeria, au centre de de la Roumanie. Les travaux permettront aux trains de circuler entre 120 km/h et 160 km/h, ce qui réduira le temps de trajet entre les deux villes d’environ 45 mn. La Commissaire à la politique régionale Corina Creţu a déclaré: “Moderniser cette ligne de chemin de fer ne stimulera pas seulement la compétitivité économique des régions Centre et Ouest de la Roumanie; cela préservera également l’environnement et surtout, cela améliorera concrètement la qualité de vie des citoyens roumains.” 868 000 personnes bénéficieront de connexions plus rapides entre ces régions, notamment dans les comtés d’Alba et d’Hunodoara. Le projet permettra également d’augmenter la capacité de la ligne en termes de trafic de marchandises, ce qui contribuera à la croissance économique locale. Les travaux devraient être achevés en 2020. (Pour plus d’informations: Johannes Bahrke – Tel.: +32 229 58615; Sophie Dupin de Saint-Cyr – Tel.: +32 229 56169)

Commissioner Navracsics attends inauguration of new liaison office of European Institute of Innovation and Technology in Brussels

The new Brussels premises of the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT)will be opened today. An independent EU body based in Budapest, the EIT plays a vital role in supporting the EU’s objective of boosting economic growth and job creation by enabling entrepreneurs and innovators to turn their ideas into products and services. Commissioner for Education, Culture, Youth and Sport, Tibor Navracsics, responsible for the EIT, said ahead of the event: “We have built a successful EIT community of universities, research organisations, high growth businesses, start-ups, NGOs, cities and regions, and I welcome the opening of EIT House as a crucial step in the development of that community. Better representation in Brussels will create more synergies with other EU programmes, further reinforcing our efforts to foster entrepreneurial mind-sets and enable young people to help build a better Europe.” The EIT Community currently brings together more than 1,000 partners across Europe and beyond, six Knowledge and Innovation Communities (KICs) and more than 40 co-location centres to tackle major societal challenges such as sustainable energy and healthcare systems, digitalisation, or climate change. More information on the EIT can be found in this factsheet. (For more information: Nathalie Vandystadt – Tel.: +32 229 67083; Joseph Waldstein – Tel.: +32 229 56184; Julia-Henriette Bräuer – Tel.: +32 229 80707)

La Commission approuve une nouvelle indication géographique protégée de Norvège

La Commission européenne a approuvé la demande d’inscription du «Fenalår fra Norge» dans le registre des indications géographiques protégées (IGP). Le «Fenalår fra Norge» est un jambon d’agneau ou de mouton qui est salé, séché et affiné, parfois fumé. La méthode de fumage habituelle consiste à fumer la viande à froid avec des copeaux de bois de hêtre. La Norvège a une longue tradition d’élevage extensif d’ovins. On trouve des documents attestant que la production du «Fenalår fra Norge» est une tradition ancienne et continue en Norvège. Cette nouvelle appellation devient la 2^ème appellation norvégienne enregistrée et va rejoindre plus de 1405 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’information: Daniel Rosario – Tel: +32 2 29 56185; Clémence Robin – Tel: +32 229 52 509)

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Vice-President Šefčovič in Romania for second Energy Union Tour

From 27-28 September, Vice-President for Energy Union Maroš Šefčovič will be visiting Romania for the second Energy Union Tour. Vice-President will meet Romanian Prime Minister Mihai Tudose, Minister for Energy Toma Petcu and members of the Energy and Transport, Industry and Services and European Affairs Committees of the Romanian Parliament. Their discussions will focus on Romania’s involvement in regional energy markets and regional cooperation as well as the progress it is making in meeting its 2020 climate and energy targets and in contributing to the goals of the Energy Union. The Vice-President will also deliver a keynote speech and participate in a roundtable debate at the Aspen Energy Summit, in addition to meeting with start-ups and researchers on social innovation for sustainable energy. On 28 September, he will attend the Central and South Eastern Europe Gas Connectivity conference (CESEC) in Bucharest. Ahead of his visit, Vice-President Šefčovič said: “I congratulate Romania for having already met its 2020 renewables target and for making excellent progress towards its energy efficiency target and I look forward to discussing how the Clean Energy for All Europeans package can further help Romania pursue its energy transition. Let me also stress the need to continue with plans to reform its energy market, including the development of a forward-looking regulatory framework, in addition to improving interconnectivity with neighbouring countries”. More information about Romania in the context of the Energy Union here.
Upcoming dates and more information on the 2017 Energy Union tour are available here. More information on the Energy Union is available here. (For more information: Anca Paduraru – Tel.: +32 229 91269; Nicole Bockstaller – Tel.:+32 229 52589)

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

Ladies and gentlemen,

First of all, a word of thanks to the Estonian Presidency and to Matti Maasikas, and to the whole team in the Embassy, and to all the Ministers doing a tremendous job – in particular in my area – in a spirit of trust and reciprocity that I would like to commend.

In her speech in Florence, Theresa May expressed a constructive spirit, which is also ours, as the Ministers unanimously confirmed today in the Council.

What matters now – during this limited time, when every day we are getting closer to the 29 March 2019: the day the UK will become a third country, as was its wish and demand – is that the UK government translates Mrs. May’s statements into clear negotiating positions.

And that we discuss in detail these positions around the negotiating table.

We are therefore at a moment of clarity, particularly regarding citizens’ rights and the financial settlement. And we need to advance on finding a unique solution for Ireland. On all of these subjects, and on a few others, this is the moment of clarity.

Since Friday, the 27 Member States have reaffirmed their unity. This was once again confirmed in the discussions in the Council today.

And this unity is shared also by the political groups I met this morning in the European Parliament– as I do almost every week.

A word now on the new, key element raised in Theresa May’s speech: The United Kingdom requested for the first time a transition period for a limited amount of time beyond its withdrawal from the European Union and its institutions.

This is currently not part of my mandate, but I would like to insist on a few conditions that the European Council has already set out. Allow me to refer you to the European Council guidelines, which must be read regularly – as I often do.

1. The Union also must decide if such a period is in its interest.

2. Any transition must respect the legal and financial framework of the Single Market. To quote the European Council: “Should a time-limited prolongation of Union acquis be considered, this would require existing Union regulatory, budgetary, supervisory, judiciary and enforcement instruments and structures to apply.” Those are the words of the European Council. I think that everybody should remember them.

3. Finally, discussions on a transition – which will now take place since the UK has requested it –do not absolve us from the necessity of making “sufficient progress.” Progress on our three key issues remains more than ever necessary in order to build the trust needed to begin discussing our future relationship.

A final point, which is also important, is that we do not mix up the discussion on liabilities and commitments from the past – which are the subjects that make up the orderly withdrawal – with a discussion on the future relationship.

The fourth round of negotiations this week should allow us to advance on each of these key points and to get the clarity that is needed to make progress.

Working life in Europe is in a period of transition; economic growth has picked up, unemployment rates are generally in decline, and 2016 was the the third consecutive year of increased employment. However, social partners are concerned about the challenges posed by the UK’s withdrawal from the EU, particularly in relation to business, trade, and conditions for workers in the UK. There has also been a renewed focus on the issue of pay inequality throughout Europe.

The EurWORK annual review 2016 is the latest in the series and summarises the most recent working life developments, particularly in terms of industrial relations and working conditions, at EU level and in the EU Member States and Norway. The review is based on the inputs of more than 50 contributors from Eurofound’s Network of European correspondents and analyses changes to the economic and labour market situation, policy developments at EU level related to working life, and relevant political developments.

The review highlights that as Europe has moved out of the unemployment crisis there has been increased focus on wage inequality; this has particularly been the case for young workers. In a number of countries in Europe the debate has shifted from facilitating youth employment via youth minimum wages, to pay gaps or inequalities that have arisen from the application of these policies. It also looks at the issue of work-life balance and the juxtaposition between meeting family obligations and professional commitments.

The review looks in detail at national level social dialogue, and concludes that although social dialogue remains an important issue for Europe, there are challenges in order for it be effective and meaningful. The scope of social dialogue remains limited in a number of EU Member States, while in others it plays only a superficial role in public policy making.

Download the report: Developments in working life 2016: EurWORK annual review