Webinar focuses on pushbacks and rights violations at EU borders

In light of the publication of the New Pact on Migration and Asylum, representatives of civil society organisations, policymakers as well as EU institutions, the Council of Europe and other international organisations came together online to discuss the available evidence on these rights violations and possible ways forward. Discussions focused on examining the evidence underpinning allegations and institutional obstacles in taking this sufficiently into account. They also covered as well as ending abuses and ensuring accountability at the EU level. FRA drew on its research and experience on the ground, providing input on the methods and requirements of independent border monitoring. It pointed out the differences from accountability mechanisms, as well as mentioning the pilot project with Frontex on establishing fundamental rights monitors. The webinar was attended by some 160 participants. 



Education and youth participation for more inclusive and tolerant cities

However, FRA’s Fundamental Rights Survey also shows that an overwhelming part of people generally consider human rights key for making fairer societies. Local authorities are best placed to develop innovative solutions to tackle intolerance and discriminatory attitudes. By investing more in education and working with people, in particular the youth, local authorities can greatly contribute in building more inclusive and tolerant societies. Over two days, over 200 participants from the ECCAR cities network and international, European and national stakeholders shared experiences and promising practices. They looked at how education, engaging young people and communication can contribute to fight against racism and discrimination locally.



ESMA CONSULTS ON SUPERVISORY FEES FOR DATA REPORTING SERVICES PROVIDERS

The European Securities and Markets Authority, the EU’s securities markets regulator, today launches a public consultation on supervisory fees for data reporting services providers (DRSPs) to be supervised by ESMA starting in 2022.

Following the ESAs Review, the authorisation and supervision of data reporting services providers (DRSP) will be transferred from national competent authorities to ESMA starting January 2022.

The consultation aims to gather stakeholder views on fees for DRSPs that will be supervised by ESMA. The proposed fee framework for DRSPs draws on the existing fee frameworks for Trade Repositories and Securitisation Repositories which set out application as well as annual supervisory fees.

ESMA is proposing both application and authorisation fees, as well as an annual supervisory fee for DRSPs. It has also proposed a timeline for the payment of the fees.

Next steps

The closing date for responses is 4 January 2021. ESMA will consider the responses to this consultation in providing technical advice to the Commission and aims to publish its final report in Q1 2021.



Public Consultation on fees for data reporting service providers (DRSP)

This consultation paper is published to seek stakeholders’ input on ESMA’s proposals relating to fees for data reporting service provides (DRSPs) in relation to the new competences granted to ESMA under Regulation (EU) 600/2014 (MiFIR) as amended by Regulation 2019/2175 (ESA Review).

Responding to this paper

ESMA invites comments on all matters in this paper and in particular on the specific questions summarised in Annex 1. Comments are most helpful if they:

  1. respond to the question stated;
  2. indicate the specific question to which the comment relates;
  3. contain a clear rationale; and
  4. describe any alternatives ESMA should consider.

ESMA will consider all comments received by 4 January 2021

All contributions should be submitted online at www.esma.europa.eu under the heading ‘Your input – Consultations’.

Publication of responses

All contributions received will be published following the close of the consultation, unless you request otherwise.  Please clearly and prominently indicate in your submission any part you do not wish to be publicly disclosed. A standard confidentiality statement in an email message will not be treated as a request for non-disclosure. A confidential response may be requested from us in accordance with ESMA’s rules on access to documents. We may consult you if we receive such a request. Any decision we make not to disclose the response is reviewable by ESMA’s Board of Appeal and the European Ombudsman.



ESMA CONSULTS ON DEROGATION CRITERIA FOR DATA REPORTING SERVICES PROVIDERS

The European Securities and Markets Authority, the EU’s securities markets regulator, today launches a public consultation on criteria to identify Authorised Reporting Mechanisms (ARMs) and Approved Publications Arrangements (APAs) subject to authorisation and supervision by a competent authority of a EU Member States from January 2022.

Following the ESAs’ Review, authorisation and supervision of data reporting services providers (DRSP) will move from competent authorities to ESMA. The revised regulation envisages that certain ARMs and APAs may be exempted from direct EU supervision due to their limited relevance for the internal market.

The aim of this consultation is to provide technical advice to the European Commission on such derogation criteria, in particular on:

  • how to determine if the APA or ARM services are provided to investment firms authorised in one Member State;
  • how to calculate the number of trade reports or transactions;
  • how to determine whether the ARM or APA is part of a group of financial market participants operating cross-border; as well as other aspects relevant for the determination whether the ARM or APA has a limited relevance for the internal market.

Next steps

The consultation closes on 4 January 2021. ESMA will consider the feedback received from stakeholders in providing the technical advice to the Commission, and aims to publish its final report in Q1 2021.