In June 2017 compared with May 2017, seasonally adjusted production in the construction sector decreased by 0.5% in the euro area (EA19) and by 0.2% in the EU28, according to first estimates from Eurostat, the statistical office of the European Union. In May 2017, production in construction fell by 0.2% in the euro area and by 0.5% in the EU28.
Within the European Union: helping citizens and Member States at home
EU Civil Protection Mechanism
When national capacities to respond to natural disasters are surpassed, European countries often show solidarity by sending assistance in the form of equipment, experts and assets such as planes or vehicles, during the emergency response phase.
This is done through the EU’s Civil Protection Mechanism, which has been put into action a record 8 times this summer to help countries affected by forest fires such as Italy, France, Portugal, Albania and Montenegro.
EU funding for reconstruction after natural disasters
Through funding, the EU lends a helping hand to its citizens and Member States when they are affected by natural disasters.
Finally, the Commission stands ready to modify Regional Policy programmes, upon request of the national authorities and within the flexibility of the existing rules, in order to respond to new priorities on the ground. For example, the Portuguese Centro region’s programme has been modified and funding was redirected to restore vital infrastructure and regenerate economic activity in the region following the forest fires of June 2017.
Emergency support within the EU for the refugee crisis
Since 2016, the European Commission can fund humanitarian aid for people in need within the EU territory through the Emergency Support Instrument. Until 2018, up to €700 million of EU-funding will be made available via partner organisations, such as UN agencies, the Red Cross and non-governmental organisations. At this stage, the EU has provided this emergency support to thousands of refugees in Greece, helping provide shelter, food, water as well as protection of child refugees.
The Commission’s humanitarian support complements other EU funding instruments which have already been providing significant financial resources for assistance in Greece such as the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund (AMIF) the Internal Security Fund (ISF), the European Fund for the Most Deprived (FEAD) and the EU Health Programme. It is also complementary to the voluntary offers for material assistance by states participating in the EU Civil Protection Mechanism.
EU solidarity in action: the European Solidarity Corps
Within Europe, the newly created European Solidarity Corps provides opportunities for young Europeans between 18 and 30 to provide help to people who need it most, either as a volunteer, or in the framework of a traineeship or a job. Just 11 months after President Juncker announced the new initiative for this first time in his State of the Union speech 2016, more than 34,000 young people have joined the European Solidarity Corps. In March 2017, matching with organisations began; since then, about 15,000 participants have been contacted and 700 placements were accepted, most of which already started. Just this week, the first group of European Solidarity Corps volunteers arrived in Norcia, Italy, to help with the ongoing efforts to repair damage and rebuild social services for the local community affected by the severe earthquakes that hit the region a year ago. In total, 230 European Solidarity Corps members will support Italian communities hit by the earthquakes in the next years. The aim is to have 100,000 young people taking part in the European Solidarity Corps by the end of 2020.
Outside of the EU: a global leader in humanitarian and development assistance
Emergency humanitarian assistance
Together with funding provided by EU Member States, the European Union is the world’s largest donor of humanitarian aid. Aid is provided to those most in need in places such as Syria and neighbouring countries hosting large amounts of refugees. It also goes to those forcibly displaced within Africa and other areas of the world. All humanitarian aid is impartial and independent, and is provided to non-governmental and international organisations, the United Nations and the Red Cross societies.
European solidarity is overwhelming supported by EU citizens: almost nine out of ten Europeans think that EU-funded humanitarian aid is important, according to the most recent Eurobarometer survey.
EU solidarity in action: EU Aid Volunteers
EU Aid Volunteers brings together volunteers and organisations from different countries, providing practical support to humanitarian aid projects and contributing to strengthening the local capacity and resilience of disaster-affected communities around the world. The programme offers opportunities for European citizens to become EU Aid Volunteers in humanitarian projects worldwide, showing solidarity with those who most need it; it provides professional support by trained and well-prepared volunteers to communities affected by disaster, capacity building for local staff and volunteers of organisations in countries hit by disasters, and technical assistance for organisations based in Europe to strengthen their capacity to participate in the EU Aid Volunteers initiative. The volunteering projects can last between 1-18 months. In total, 4000 EU Aid volunteers will be deployed to the field during the 6 year initiative.
Long term development aid
The EU is also the world’s largest aid donor. Official Development Assistance provided by the EU and its Member States reached €75.5 billion in 2016, an 11% increase compared to 2015 levels.
EU aid goes to the world’s poorest regions and works with partner countries to address extreme poverty and enhance resilience. We carry out programmes to empower women and young people, improve food and nutrition security, increase health care, create jobs, and increase renewable energies. As a result, more girls and boys are in school now than ever before, fewer children and mothers are dying from preventable causes.
The European Union was instrumental in creating coalitions of high ambition in a number of major international agreements, which will set the global framework for our external actions until 2030. These included the Addis Ababa Action Agenda, a ground-breaking approach to financing sustainable development, the comprehensive and universally-applicable UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the forward-looking Sendai Framework for strengthening disaster risk reduction capacities and the first-ever legally-binding global commitment to tackle climate change.
Statement by European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker following the attack in Barcelona
“It is with profound sorrow and anguish that I have learnt of the terrorist attack that has struck at the heart of Barcelona. I send my deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims, as well as to Prime Minister Rajoy and the people of Spain. My thoughts are with the people of Barcelona. I hold a special thought for the heroic people who responded by running towards danger to help others and to the security forces who are working to keep the population safe. The Commission is at the full disposal of the authorities for any help or assistance necessary. This cowardly attack has deliberately targeted those enjoying life and sharing time with family and friends. We will never be cowed by such barbarism.” The full statement is available here. (For more information: Annika Breidthardt – Tel.: + 32 229 56153)
World Humanitarian Day: EU a global leader in helping those in need
Ahead of World Humanitarian Day tomorrow, High Representative/Vice-President Federica Mogherini and Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management Christos Stylianides, have issued a statement commending the efforts of humanitarian workers worldwide and paying tribute to those killed whilst working to save others: “We live in a world increasingly marked by countless attacks and violence against innocent people globally. This should never become the new normal, something we leave unchallenged. Humanitarian workers who risk their lives to save others are often the targets. We saw this last week in Central African Republic or in Syria countless times. (…) we pay tribute to and honour all those who risk their lives while bringing assistance to victims of wars and natural disasters worldwide. (…) Humanitarian workers should be able to operate freely, to help those that need it most.” The statement also highlights the EU’s strong global humanitarian contribution. Last year, the EU provided €2.1 billion helping over 120 million people in over 80 countries around the world. This was the largest ever EU humanitarian aid budget to help those most in need. The full statement is available in all EU languages here. The Commission also helps those affected by crises both within and outside EU, such as for the ongoing forest fires in Europe. A memo is available with details on the EU’s crisis response tools and funding for these kind of events. (For more information: Carlos Martin Ruiz De Gordejuela – Tel.: +32 229 65322; Catherine Ray – Tel.: +32 229 69921; Daniel Puglisi – Tel.: +32 229 69140)
La politique de Cohésion investit dans l’extension du métro de Bucarest, en Roumanie [Updated on 18/08/2017 at 12:29]
34.2 millions d’euros du Fonds de Cohésion vont financer des travaux sur la ligne 4 du métro de Bucarest, dans le premier secteur de la capitale, entre le Parc Bazilescu et le quartier de Străulești. Le projet comprend la construction de près de 2 km de ligne et de deux stations de métro, Laminorului et Străulești. La Commissaire à la politique régionale Corina Creţu a commenté: “Ce projet financé par l’UE promeut une mobilité urbaine durable à Bucarest, où les habitants profiteront d’une meilleure qualité de vie et d’une meilleure qualité de l’air. L’extension du métro aura également des effets positifs pour les entreprises locales et le tourisme dans la ville. J’espère sincèrement que la décision d’aujourd’hui conduira à accélérer les travaux, de sorte que les citoyens de Bucarest puissent bénéficier des services de métro Bazilescu-Străulești au plus tard en mars 2018.” Plus d’informations sur les investissements de la politique de Cohésion en Roumanie sont disponibles sur la plateforme Open Data. (Pour plus d’informations: Johannes Bahrke – Tel.: +32 229 58615; Sophie Dupin de Saint-Cyr – Tel.: +32 229 56169)
Eurostat: La production dans le secteur de la construction en baisse de 0,5% dans la zone euro
En juin 2017 par rapport à mai 2017, la production dans le secteur de la construction, corrigée des variations saisonnières, a diminué de 0,5% dans la zone euro (ZE19) et de 0,2% dans l’UE28, selon les premières estimations d’Eurostat, l’office statistique de l’Union européenne. En mai 2017, la production dans le secteur de la construction avait baissé de 0,2% dans la zone euro et de 0,5% dans l’UE28. En juin 2017 par rapport à juin 2016, la production dans le secteur de la construction a progressé de 3,4% dans la zone euro et de 3,6% dans l’UE28. Un communiqué de presse est disponible ici. (Pour plus d’informations: Lucía Caudet – Tel.: +32 229 56182)
Mergers: Commission clears acquisition of a portfolio of 48 European infrastructure companies by APG
The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of a portfolio of 48 European infrastructure companies (the Portfolio), currently controlled by DIF Management B.V., by APG Asset Management N.V. (APG), of the Netherlands. The Portfolio comprises project companies active in the infrastructure sector, such as wind farms, solar plants, motorways, hospitals, waste treatment, public buildings or housing projects. The companies in the Portfolio are active in Belgium, France, Germany, Ireland, the Netherlands and the UK. APG is the asset management business unit of APG GROEP N.V., a collective pension scheme provider. The Commission concluded that the proposed acquisition would raise no competition concerns given the transaction’s limited impact on the market structure. The transaction was examined under the simplified merger review procedure. More information is available on the Commission’s competition website, in the public case register under the case number M.8567. (For more information: Ricardo Cardoso – Tel.: +32 229 80100; Maria Sarantopoulou – Tel.: +32 229 13740)
Mergers: Commission clears acquisition of sole control over Sapa by Norsk Hydro
The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of sole control over Sapa by Norsk Hydro. Sapa is a worldwide producer of aluminium products with core activities in soft alloy aluminium extrusions, building systems and precision welded tubing. Norsk Hydro is a global supplier of aluminium with activities throughout the value chain. The Commission concluded that the proposed acquisition would raise no competition concerns given that Norsk Hydro already held joint control over Sapa prior to the transaction. Therefore, the transaction would not bring any significant changes in the markets concerned. The operation was examined under the simplified merger review procedure. More information will be available on the Commission’s competition website, in the public case register under the case number M.8577. (For more information: Ricardo Cardoso – Tel.: +32 229 80100; Maria Sarantopoulou – Tel.: +32 229 13740)
Upcoming events of the European Commission (ex-Top News)
“It is with profound sorrow and anguish that I have learnt of the terrorist attack that has struck at the heart of Barcelona this afternoon.
I send my deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims, as well as to Prime Minister Rajoy and the people of Spain. My thoughts are with the people of Barcelona.
I hold a special thought for the heroic people who responded by running towards danger to help others and to the security forces who are working to keep the population safe. The Commission is at the full disposal of the authorities for any help or assistance necessary. This cowardly attack has deliberately targeted those enjoying life and sharing time with family and friends. We will never be cowed by such barbarism.”
Incendies de forêt au Portugal: l’UE soutient les efforts de reconstruction avec les fonds européens et poursuit l’aide d’urgence
Le Portugal continue d’être soutenu par le mécanisme de protection civile de l’UE pour les incendies de forêt qui ont lieu dans le pays. Depuis le 12 août, après que le Portugal a demandé l’aide de l’UE pour la deuxième fois cette année, plus de 160 pompiers, 27 véhicules et 4 avions anti-incendie ont été envoyés dans le pays et opèrent toujours dans les zones touchées grâce au soutien de l’Espagne, à travers le Centre de coordination des interventions d’urgence de la Commission. Pour soutenir le pays suite aux incendies mortels de juin qui ont affecté la région du Centre, aujourd’hui la Commission a approuvé la modification du programme régional de politique de cohésion. Jusqu’à 45 millions d’euros au sein du programme peuvent désormais être utilisés pour faire face aux conséquences de la catastrophe naturelle et contribuer à revitaliser l’activité économique régionale. La commissaire à la politique régionale Corina Creţu a déclaré: “Ces fonds réorientés aideront la vie dans la région du Centre à reprendre son cours normal et permettront aux Portugais de tourner la page de ce douloureux chapitre. Cela montre que l’UE est prête à intensifier son soutien lorsque ses citoyens en ont le plus besoin. Je tenais à manifester notre sincère solidarité aux Portugais, car les feux de forêts continuent de dévaster le pays. Je souhaite également exprimer notre profonde gratitude à ceux qui, au Portugal et ailleurs en Europe, se battent sans relâche contre les flammes.” Sur ces 45 millions d’euros, jusqu’à 25 millions d’euros peuvent maintenant être utilisés pour rétablir la capacité de production des petites entreprises locales, dont les équipements et les machines ont été détruits lors des incendies. 20 millions d’euros peuvent désormais être investis dans les services publics et la restauration des infrastructures essentielles: travaux de réparation sur les routes municipales, restauration à l’état de fonctionnement des systèmes de distribution d’eau ou remplacement des véhicules de transport municipaux. Suivant les incendies, les autorités portugaises avaient demandé la modification de ce programme de politique de cohésion et la Commission s’était engagée à traiter cette requête le plus rapidement possible. La décision prise aujourd’hui ne modifie pas le budget global du programme. (For more information: Johannes Bahrke – Tel.: +32 229 58615; Carlos Martin Ruiz De Gordejuela – Tel.: +32 229 65322; Sophie Dupin de Saint-Cyr – Tel.: +32 229 56169; Daniel Puglisi – Tel.: +32 229 69140)
European Solidarity Corps: First volunteers in Italy to help rebuild earthquake-hit regions
Today the first group of European Solidarity Corps volunteers is arriving in Norcia, Italy, to help with the ongoing efforts to repair damage and rebuild social services for the local community affected by the severe earthquakes that hit the region a year ago. The 16 young European Solidarity Corps volunteers – participating in the project ‘European Youth for Norcia’ led by Italian organisation ‘Kora’ – will help reconstruct historic buildings heavily damaged by the earthquakes, including the Basilica of San Benedetto and the Monastery of the Benedictines. They will also work with the young and the elderly of Norcia, organising workshops, outdoor activities and cultural events. Commissioner for Education, Culture, Youth and Sport, Tibor Navracsics, will visit Norcia on 4 and 5 September. Commenting on the arrival of the first volunteers, he said: “Less than a year after President Juncker announced his idea to create a European Solidarity Corps, it is up and running, delivering relief to people who need it. Norcia and its citizens have suffered greatly, and I am proud of the young Europeans who are showing solidarity by helping this community recover. With their efforts, especially to rebuild the historic Basilica of San Benedetto, these young people are also building a bridge from Europe’s past to its future, an important contribution to the upcoming European Year of Cultural Heritage.” The volunteers heading to Norcia come from Austria, France, Greece, Hungary, Portugal, and Spain. The project they are participating in is one of three projects under the European Solidarity Corps currently selected for activities in the Italian regions affected by earthquakes. In total, 230 European Solidarity Corps members will support Italian communities hit by the earthquakes until 2020, and €790,000 has been granted for these projects. More information can be found in the press release online. More information about the EU’s support in Italy can be found in this factsheet. (For more information: Johannes Bahrke – Tel.: +32 229 58615; Sara Soumillion – Tel.: +32 229 67094)
EU sends emergency relief for Sierra Leone
The EU has released an initial amount of emergency humanitarian assistance of €300, 000 for the most vulnerable families affected by the deadly mudslide and floods that have caused hundreds of casualties in Sierra Leone and displaced thousands. Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management, Christos Stylianides said: “The EU stands in full solidarity with Sierra Leone during these difficult times. My heart goes out to the people of Sierra Leone, a country I visited when it was on the frontline of the Ebola outbreak. Our new emergency funding will help provide essential supplies such as water, sanitation hygiene, food assistance, basic shelter and protection. The EU is doing all it can to help.” The EU has also activated its emergency Copernicus mapping system to provide damage assessment maps to help with the relief efforts and a Commission humanitarian expert is on his way to assess the needs on the ground. Overall EU assistance to Sierra Leone amounts to €376 million in long-term development support from 2014-2020. The EU, together with Member States, was also at the forefront of efforts to support the country during the Ebola outbreak. Total assistance of €2 billion over 2014-2016, was provided to the three countries affected by the crisis, which included Sierra Leone, with €70 million in humanitarian assistance from the European Commission. (For more information: Carlos Martin Ruiz De Gordejuela – Tel.: +32 229 65322; Daniel Puglisi – Tel.: +32 229 69140)
Eurostat: Le taux d’inflation annuel stable à 1,3% dans la zone euro
Le taux d’inflation annuel de la zone euro s’est établi à 1,3% en juillet 2017, stable par rapport à juin 2017. Un an auparavant, il était de 0,2%. Le taux d’inflation annuel de l’Union européenne s’est établi à 1,5% en juillet 2017, également stable par rapport à juin 2017. Un an auparavant, il était de 0,2%. Ces chiffres sont publiés par Eurostat, l’office statistique de l’Union européenne. Un communiqué de presse est disponible ici. (Pour plus d’informations: Annika Breidthardt – Tel.: + 32 229 56153; Enda McNamara – Tel.: +32 229 64976)
Eurostat: Excédent de 26,6 milliards d’euros du commerce international de biens de la zone euro
D’après les premières estimations pour le mois de juin 2017, les exportations de biens de la zone euro (ZE19) vers le reste du monde se sont établies à 187,2 milliards d’euros, en hausse de 3,9% par rapport à juin 2016 (180,2 mrds). Les importations depuis le reste du monde ont quant à elles été de 160,7 mrds d’euros, en hausse de 6,2% par rapport à juin 2016 (151,3 mrds). En conséquence, la zone euro a enregistré en juin 2017 un excédent de 26,6 mrds d’euros de son commerce international de biens avec le reste du monde, contre +28,9 mrds en juin 2016. Le commerce intra-zone euro s’est établi à 157,5 mrds d’euros en juin 2017, soit +3,5% par rapport à juin 2016. Un communiqué de presse est disponible ici. (Pour plus d’informations:Enrico Brivio – Tel.: +32 229 56172; Kinga Malinowska – Tel.: +32 229 51383)
Mergers: Commission clears joint acquisition of Eurocash by Norgesgruppen and Axfood
The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the joint acquisition of Eurocash Food A.B. of Sweden by Norgesgruppen ASA of Norway and Axfood A.B. of Sweden. Eurocash operates eight supermarkets located in Sweden at a short distance from the Norwegian border which are primarily aimed at Norwegian consumers crossing the border to buy cheaper daily consumer goods. Norgesgruppen is the leading food retailer in Norway. Axfood is a major food retailer in Sweden. The Commission concluded that the proposed acquisition would raise no competition concerns, because the activities of Norgesgruppen, Axfood and Eurocash overlap only to a limited extent as regards procurement of daily consumer goods from suppliers and retail sale of daily consumer goods to Norwegian consumers. Moreover, several other stores targeting Norwegian consumers remain present in the Swedish border area. The transaction was examined under the normal merger review procedure. More information is available on the Commission’s competition website, in the public case register under the case number M.8468. (For more information: Ricardo Cardoso – Tel.: +32 229 80100; Maria Sarantopoulou – Tel.: +32 229 13740)
Mergers: Commission clears acquisition of a newly created joint venture by Danske Bank and A.P. Moller Mærsk
The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the proposed acquisition of joint control over the newly created joint venture Gatetu by A.P. Moller – Mærsk A/S (APMM) and Danske Bank A/S (DB), all three based in Denmark. Gatetu is a financial technology start-up that will offer software for online business to business (B2B) platforms to facilitate payments and other financial services at a global level. DB is active globally in retail and wholesale banking, pension schemes, insurance, mortgage finance, asset management, brokerage, real estate and leasing services. APMM is an international group active in container shipping and terminal services, operation of tankers, harbour towage, logistics and energy. The Commission concluded that the proposed transaction would raise no competition concerns as the joint venture will generate limited revenues in the European Economic Area. 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.8512. (For more information: Ricardo Cardoso – Tel.: +32 229 80100; Maria Sarantopoulou – Tel.: +32 229 13740)
Mergers: Commission clears acquisition of Albany Molecular Research by Carlyle and GTCR
The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of joint control of Albany Molecular Research Inc. (AMRI) by Carlyle Partners VI L.P. (Carlyle) and GTCR LLC. AMRI is a global contract research and manufacturing organisation providing customers integrated drug discovery, development and manufacturing services. Carlyle is a global alternative asset manager, which manages funds that invest globally. GTCR is a private equity firm focused on investing in companies in the financial services, healthcare, technology and media & telecommunications industries. The transaction creates horizontal and vertical relationships between the activities of AMRI and the activities of the portfolio companies controlled by Carlyle and GTCR. The Commission concluded that the proposed acquisition would raise no competition concerns, given the companies’ low market shares in the areas where their activities overlap. 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.8556. (For more information: Ricardo Cardoso – Tel.: +32 229 80100; Maria Sarantopoulou – Tel.: +32 229 13740)
Mergers: Commission clears the creation of a joint venture by Singapore Airlines Engineering and Moog Singapore
The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the creation of a joint venture by Singapore Airlines Engineering and Moog Singapore. Singapore Airlines Engineering, a subsidiary of Singapore Airlines, is active in passenger and cargo transport, as well as in engineering services related to air transport. Moog Singapore is active in the provision of maintenance, repair and overhaul services. The newly created joint venture will offer maintenance, repair and overhaul services for a range of Moog proprietary parts installed on certain aircrafts. The Commission concluded that the proposed acquisition would raise no competition concerns because the joint venture will have no or only limited activities in the EEA. 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.8566. (For more information: Ricardo Cardoso – Tel.: +32 229 80100; Maria Sarantopoulou – Tel.: +32 229 13740)
Upcoming events of the European Commission (ex-Top News)