This week Spain celebrates the Fiesta Nacional, and we mark the occasion by sharing our research data, findings and analysis to provide a snapshot of the country’s living and working conditions. Eurofound has been monitoring and reporting on living and working conditions in Spain, in comparison to other EU Member States, since before its accession to the EU in 1986.

Spain has continued to record relatively strong economic growth and rapid job creation for the fifth consecutive year, giving the Spanish economy a much-needed boost in the aftermath of the economic crisis. Strong job creation has led to a significant increase in the number of people in employment and a resulting decline in the unemployment. Most recent data, however, shows there is some slowdown in job creation and the unemployment rate has yet to recover to the pre-crisis level, remaining the second highest in the EU. This is one of the main social concerns, particularly in the context of growing economic uncertainty, and unemployment remaining a principal cause of poverty.

The situation of young people is of particular concern, with a high early school leaving rate and a youth unemployment rate of 38.6% recorded in June 2019 ­­­­- more than double the EU average. Although the early school leaving rate has been decreasing, it is still the third highest across the EU28 at close to 20%, and well above the EU average of 10.7%. This contrasts with a relatively high share of young people completing tertiary education. Spain, like other EU Member States, faces growing levels of automation and digitalisation, which are predicted to reduce the number of employment opportunities available for the large cohort of young unskilled workers.

Regarding the well-known segmentation of the Spanish labour market in terms of indefinite and temporary employment, the situation has only slightly improved over the years. And again, the highest concern is with youth, with more than 70% of young workers in Spain engaged on temporary employment contracts, which is significantly higher than EU averages.

Though hourly wages have recovered to above pre-crisis levels, there has been a significant rise in the numbers engaged in part-time work. This has helped many to improve their economic situation and find a path to out of unemployment, however, part-time work for those working short-hours or in low wage employment is one of the main reasons for in-work poverty. Spanish income inequality remains high compared to the EU average, with the richest 20% of households in the country earning an income 6.5 times that of the poorest 20%, above the EU28 average of 5.1.

Prolonged high rates of youth unemployment, relatively low educational attainment levels, low wages (particularly for part-timers) and a high level of temporary employment are some of factors driving young people to engage in platform work as a source of employment, or indeed to supplement a low income. While new forms of employment offer additional ways to be integrated into the labour market, there has been a growing debate about some types of platform work, particularly with regard to the employment status of workers, their social protection and rights, and compliance with other regulations.

Spanish courts have recently ruled in favour of the existence of an employment relationship between the platform and the worker. This is an area of negotiation adept for social partners, particularly in a country with relatively strong social dialogue and collective bargaining practices. Social partners are best placed to find the right balance to seize the opportunities of the platform economy and avoid the deterioration of working conditions and the social protection of workers.

The long-lasting impact of the crisis, which has not yet fully recovered, particularly in terms of working hours and income inequality, may have had a pronounced impact on trust, with just 25% of Spaniards trusting national government and state institutions, as detailed in Eurofound’s research Societal change and trust in institutions. This low figure was recorded in 2016, before more recent political turbulences which may have further exacerbated discontent.

Despite a welcome recovery in the job market and rapid economic growth in recent years, social recovery cannot yet be considered fully achieved, particularly if the country wants to be resilient to future changes in the economic cycle. Many young and low skilled workers still face relevant problems, and the aforementioned issues have not helped to increase the level of trust in the institutions tasked with addressing these challenges.

Read more of Eurofound’s research on Spain:

Michel Barnier, the European Commission’s Chief Negotiator, had a constructive meeting this morning with Steve Barclay, the UK Secretary of State for Exiting the EU.

This afternoon, Michel Barnier debriefed the EU27 Ambassadors. He will shortly inform the European Parliament’s Brexit Steering Group.

The EU and the UK have agreed to intensify discussions over the coming days.

The EU’s position remains the same: there must be a legally operative solution in the Withdrawal Agreement that avoids a hard border on the island of Ireland, protects the all-island economy and the Good Friday (Belfast) Agreement in all its dimensions, and safeguards the integrity of the Single Market.

The Commission will take stock with the European Parliament and Member States again on Monday in view of preparing the General Affairs Council (Article 50) on Tuesday morning.

The 2019 European Vocational Skills Week will take place in Helsinki from 14to 18 October. Hosted by the European Commission in partnership with the Finnish Presidency of the Council of the EU, this fourth edition will continue to encourage people of all ages to ‘discover their talent’ through vocational education and training (VET).

“The central theme of our campaign this year is ‘VET for All – Skills for Life’,” saidMarianne Thyssen, Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs, Skills and Labour Mobility. “I truly believe that vocational education and training helps people to start and build up fulfilling careers at any age. This is why I want VET to become a valid smart choice for both young people and adults.”

“Vocational education and training is an attractive choice in Finland. Almost half of the young apply for vocational education and training immediately after basic education. Our goal is to raise the education level of the entire Finnish population. To achieve this, we need strong investments in education and training. That is also the most effective way to increase employment, equality and well-being”, says Li Andersson, Minister of Education of Finland. “Rapid technological change increases the need for continuous learning. In order to ensure that everyone can continue to update their knowledge, skills and competences throughout their lives, we need to develop effective and future-oriented education and training policies.”

In addition to the events during the Week in Helsinki, more than 1,000 activities and events have already signed up and will take place throughout the year at local, regional and national level across Europe and beyond. All stakeholders have come together to highlight the benefits of VET, showcase opportunities and promote an educational pathway that has the potential to transform the lives of young and old alike.

Background

VET: A valid smart choice

Almost 80% of young VET graduates find employment soon after graduating. For this reason, the European Vocational Skills Week aims to improve the attractiveness of vocational education and training by highlighting excellence and quality. In addition, it promotes awareness raising about the multiple opportunities vocational education and training can offer.

VET offers a wealth of upskilling and reskilling opportunities, profitable for employees and for employers. These possibilities help people of all ages to adapt to rapid changes in the labour market, enhancing their employment potential to secure high quality jobs. The opportunities support companies in filling skill gaps, providing education and training for existing personnel to boost competitiveness in our fast-changing economy.

What is the European Vocational Skills Week?

Launched in 2016, the European Vocational Skills Week is an annual campaign designed to promote VET and improve its image. The campaign includes activities and events throughout the year and culminates with the official Week in a designated city.

The Week has received high levels of engagement and stakeholder support from the outset, and this is reflected in the campaign’s reach-out with almost 2000 activities and events reaching more than 2.4 million people in 2018.

What is the current state of VET in Europe?

VET participation rates have been growing steadily over the last several years, as more and more people have benefited from this unique educational pathway. As of 2018:

Almost 80% of young VET graduates find employment soon after graduating;

Youth unemployment rates are at a record low of 15.2%;

• 22% of people in Europe are considered ‘low-qualified’;
• 48% of students participate in VET;
• 11% of Europe’s adult population participate in adult learning;
• 72% of companies provide their employees with training opportunities (2015);
• 49% of employees take part in the job-related training offered by their employer (2015).

Awards for VET Excellence 2019

The European Vocational Skills Week reward each year outstanding individuals, organisations and initiatives through the ‘Awards for VET Excellence’. The prizes are designed to highlight the quality in vocational education and training (VET), provide visibility to the winners, motivate those taking part and support the development of networks and new career opportunities.

Anyone can vote through this linkand choose what the most inspiring VET story is. The vote is open until the 15 October included. A ceremony is planned to award winners during the Week.

For more information

European Vocational Skills Week 2019 website

European Vocational Skills Week 2019 events map

Facebook Event Page: European Vocational Skills Week 2019

Finnish Presidency of the Council of the European Union 2019 website

Follow Marianne Thyssen on Facebook and Twitter

Twitter: #EUVocationalSkills, #DiscoverYourTalent

Juncker Plan: €12.5 million to develop the first energy efficiency investment platform in Lithuania

The European Investment Bank is providing €12.5 million to Lithuanian Public Investment Development Agency, VIPA. The agreement is backed by the Juncker Plan’s European Fund for Strategic Investments. VIPA will use the financing to create the first national investment platform dedicated to promote and finance energy efficiency projects across Lithuania. The investments will focus on the installation of solar panels on private homes, the renovation of multi-apartment buildings and the implementation of efficient lighting, and will help beneficiaries to cut CO2 emissions and lower their energy bills. Vytenis Andriukaitis, Commissioner for Health and Food Safety, said: “It is vital that we bring our homes and businesses into the 21st century when it comes to their carbon footprint. I am very pleased that the Juncker Plan is supporting Lithuania’s first energy efficiency investment platform. Not only will the projects financed by this platform help Lithuania meet its sustainability objectives, but consumers will see a drop in their energy bills. A win-win.” A press release is available here. As of September 2019, the Juncker Plan has mobilised €433.2 billion of additional investment, including €1.6 billion in Lithuania. The Plan is currently supporting 972,000 small and medium businesses across Europe. (For more information: Annika Breidthardt – Tel.: +32 229 56153; Siobhan Millbright – Tel.: +32 229 57361) 

 

Banking regulation: Commission launches public consultation on the implementation of the Basel III reforms*

The European Commission is today launching a public consultation on the implementation of the finalised Basel III standards in the EU. these internationally agreed standards for banks aim to continue improving the solidity, stability and resilience of the banking sector. The consultation will help the EU to ensure that the specificities of the European banking sector  are fully taken into account and to ensure that banks are able to perform their role of financing the economy and financing the green transition. The Basel III framework was developed by the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision in response to the financial crisis. The consultation aims to gather views from interested parties on specific topics such as credit risk, operational risk, market risk, credit valuation adjustment risk, securities financing transactions as well as in relation to the so-called output floor. This consultation will also be the opportunity for the Commission services to welcome stakeholders’ views on other related subjects with a view to ensuring convergent and consistent supervisory practices across the Union and alleviating the administrative burden.The consultation launched today follows a first exploratory consultation conducted in spring 2018, the technical advice submitted to the Commission by the European Banking Authority (EBA), and the ongoing exchange with stakeholders and Member States’ experts. The Commission will hold a public conference on 12 November 2019 to discuss the impact and challenges of implementing the final Basel III reforms in the EU. The feedback from the public consultation and the EBA’s advice will feed into the Commission’s impact assessment. Respondents are encouraged to provide as much evidence as possible using this link. The consultation will remain open until 3 January 2020. (For more information: Vanessa Mock – Tel.: +32 229 56194; Guillaume Mercier – Tel.: +32 229 80564).

Services financiers : La Commission lance une consultation sur les règles européennes relatives aux indices financiers de référence  

La Commission européenne lance aujourd’hui une consultation sur le fonctionnement du règlement sur les indices financiers de référence. Ces règles européennes communes visent à garantir l’exactitude et l’intégrité des indices de référence utilisés de différentes manières. Il s’agit notamment d’indices qui déterminent la valeur des instruments financiers et des contrats financiers, ou d’indices de référence utilisés pour mesurer la performance des fonds d’investissement dans l’UE. La consultation d’aujourd’hui vise à recueillir l’avis des parties intéressées sur les divers aspects du régime de référence, y compris sur les pouvoirs des autorités compétentes en ce qui concerne les indices de référence d’importance critique, mais aussi sur leurs pouvoirs de retirer ou de suspendre l’autorisation ou l’enregistrement d’un administrateur. La consultation vise également à recueillir l’avis des parties prenantes sur la question de savoir si le cadre de surveillance actuel pour les indices de référence d’importance critique (par exemple EURIBOR) est approprié et si le cadre réglementaire applicable aux indices de référence non significatifs et aux indices avec des données réglementées est correctement calibré. En outre, la Commission accueille aussi les avis sur le fonctionnement du registre des administrateurs de l’ESMA et sollicite un appel à contributions sur les mesures applicables aux indices climatiques, aux indices relatifs aux produits de base et aux indices des pays tiers. En application depuis janvier 2018, ce règlement contribue à réduire le risque de manipulation en garantissant que les fournisseurs d’indices de référence de l’UE bénéficient d’une autorisation préalable et soient soumis à un contrôle approprié. Les règles s’appliquent aux administrateurs des indices de références, aux contributeurs et aux utilisateurs dans l’UE. Ces règles ont été mises en œuvre en réponse à des scandales liés à la manipulation d’indices de référence majeurs tels que LIBOR. Ces manipulations ont été préjudiciables aux consommateurs et aux entreprises dans l’UE. La consultation sera ouverte pendant 8 semaines par le biais du questionnaire en ligne. Les versions allemande et française seront également disponibles prochainement. (Pour plus d’informations : Vanessa Mock – Tél.: +32 229 56194; Guillaume Mercier – Tél.: +32 229 80564)

Santé des végétaux: la priorité accordée à la lutte contre 20 organismes de quarantaine sur le territoire de l’UE

La Commission européenne a publié aujourd’hui une liste de 20 organismes de quarantaine réglementés, considérés comme des organismes de quarantaine prioritaires, parmi lesquels celles luttant contre Xylella fastidiosa (maladie de Pierce), Popillia Japonica (scarabée japonais), Anoplophora glabripennis (longicorne asiatique), Candidatus Liberibacter spp («greening» des agrumes) et Phyllosticta citricarpa (maladie des taches noires des agrumes), dont l’impact économique, environnemental et social sur le territoire de l’Union est le plus grave. Les États membres devront lancer des campagnes de sensibilisation du grand public, réaliser des enquêtes annuelles, préparer des plans d’intervention, des exercices de simulation et des plans d’action en vue de l’éradication de ces organismes nuisibles. Saluant l’adoption de cette liste, Vytenis Andriukaitis, commissaire chargé de la santé et de la sécurité alimentaire, a déclaré: « La santé des végétaux a été l’une des préoccupations majeures de mon mandat au cours des cinq dernières années. C’est la raison pour laquelle je suis particulièrement heureux de pouvoir inscrire à mon bilan l’établissement de cette priorité, qui aidera l’UE et les États membres à mieux se préparer et à engager des actions rapides contre ces dangereux organismes nuisibles aux végétaux ainsi qu’à contribuer au « Green Deal » européen, à la protection de notre biodiversité, de nos écosystèmes naturels et de l’agriculture de l’UE. » Tibor Navracsics, commissaire chargé de l’éducation, de la culture, de la jeunesse et du sport, responsable du Centre commun de recherche, s’est exprimé en ces termes: « Afin de protéger efficacement nos végétaux et la qualité de vie de nos citoyens, nous devons d’abord saisir la gravité de l’incidence économique, environnementale et sociale d’organismes nuisibles tels que le scarabée japonais et la maladie des taches noires des agrumes. Grâce à un nouvel indicateur conçu par le Centre commun de recherche, nous pouvons à présent estimer les dommages causés par ces organismes nuisibles sur plusieurs plans, y compris les moins tangibles, tels que le paysage, le patrimoine culturel, la biodiversité et les écosystèmes. Nous avons pu de la sorte déterminer les 20 organismes nuisibles les plus néfastes sur lesquels devraient se concentrer nos efforts. » La sélection des organismes nuisibles repose sur l’évaluation qui a été effectuée par le Centre commun de recherche de la Commission et l’Autorité européenne de sécurité des aliments. Le communiqué de presse complet est disponible en ligne dans toutes les langues. (Pour plus d’informations: Anca Paduraru – Tél.: +32 229 91269; Aikaterini Apostola – Tél.: +32 229 87624)

 

Budget de l’UE: la Commission s’assure à ce que chaque euro du budget de l’UE soit bien utilisé

La Commission Juncker a bien progressé en s’assurant que chaque euro du budget de l’UE soit bien dépensé et transmet à son successeur un système solide de protection du budget. C’est l’une des principales conclusions de la 30e édition du rapport sur la protection des intérêts financiers de l’Union européenne, que la Commission européenne a publié aujourd’hui. Bien entendu, des efforts supplémentaires aux niveaux européen et national sont nécessaires pour répondre aux nouvelles tendances en matière de contournement des règles et d’adaptation à un paysage institutionnel diffèrent. Le commissaire européen chargé du budget et des ressources humaines, Günther H. Oettinger, a déclaré: « Au cours des cinq dernières années, la Commission a pris des mesures importantes pour garantir la protection du budget de l’UE et créer une valeur ajoutée pour les citoyens. C’est une bonne nouvelle pour nous tous. Les citoyens peuvent être rassurés que leur argent est dépensé là où il est le plus nécessaires, contribue à adresser les défis au niveau de l’UE et fait la différence pour un grand nombre de personnes, dans l’UE et au-delà. » À cette fin, la Commission a pris un certain nombre de mesures au cours des années. Celles-ci incluent, par exemple, de nouvelles règles simplifiées selon lesquelles le budget de l’UE est dépensé, entrées en vigueur le 2 août 2018, ainsi qu’une nouvelle stratégie antifraude visant à améliorer encore la détection, la sanction et la prévention de la fraude et soutenant les efforts de la Commission à réduire encore la fraude contre le budget de l’UE. La Commission soutient également activement la création du Parquet européen, un corps de magistrats indépendant et décentralisé de l’Union européenne doté de la compétence pour rechercher, poursuivre et traduire en justice les auteurs d’infractions portant atteinte au budget de l’UE, telles que la fraude, la corruption ou la fraude transfrontière grave à la TVA. Pour faciliter la coopération entre le Parquet européen et l’Office européen de lutte antifraude (OLAF), la Commission a proposé de modifier les règles régissant l’OLAF, qui sont en cours de négociation par les co-législateurs. Plus d’informations sont disponibles en ligne ici. (Pour plus d’informations: Mina Andreeva – Tél.: +32 229 91382; Andreana Stankova – Tél.: +32 2 29 57857)    

 

L’UE accorde 363 millions d’euros aux chercheurs dans le domaine du changement climatique, du traitement du cancer et d’autres défis scientifiques d’importance cruciale

Aujourd’hui, la Commission européenne a annoncé que 37 groupes de recherche, qui visent à relever certains des défis scientifiques les plus complexes de notre époque, ont reçu les Synergy Grants du Conseil européen de la recherche 2019. Un montant total de 363 millions d’euros sera alloué dans le cadre du programme de recherche et d’innovation de l’UE, Horizon 2020, afin de mener leurs projets de recherche pionniers dans des domaines tels que le traitement du cancer, le changement climatique, la prévision des séismes et la production alimentaire. Carlos Moedas, commissaire en charge de la recherche, de la science et de l’innovation, a déclaré: « Les projets sélectionnés montrent la valeur ajoutée du financement de l’UE dans des projets de recherche motivés par la curiosité, moteur qui est essentiel pour répondre à plusieurs des préoccupations principales des citoyens, telles que des conditions de vie plus saines, un environnement plus propre ou une économie plus juste. Pour chaque projet qui recueille l’expertise complémentaire de plusieurs chercheurs du Conseil européen de la recherche, je suis confiant en la qualité des résultats de ces efforts scientifiques. Elles sont susceptibles d’ouvrir de nouvelles perspectives et de nous doter des moyens pour faire face aux défis de l’avenir. » Les groupes de recherche associent 126 chercheurs principaux qui mèneront leurs projets dans 95 universités et centres de recherche, et ce dans 20 pays de l’Espace européen de la recherche et au-delà. En outre, les subventions permettront de créer quelques 1 000 emplois pour des boursiers post-doctorants, des doctorants et d’autres membres du personnel des équipes de recherche bénéficiaires. De plus amples informations sont disponibles dans ce communiqué de presse du Conseil européen de la recherche. (Pour plus d’informations: Lucía Caudet – Tél.: +32 229 56182; Marietta Grammenou – Tél.: +32 229 83583)

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Fourth European Vocational Skills Week: ‘VET for All – Skills for Life’

The 2019 European Vocational Skills Week will take place in Helsinki from 14 to 18 October. Hosted by the European Commission in partnership with the Finnish Presidency of the Council of the EU, this fourth edition will continue to encourage people of all ages to ‘discover their talent’ through vocational education and training (VET). “The central theme of our campaign this year is ‘VET for All – Skills for Life’,” said Marianne Thyssen, Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs, Skills and Labour Mobility. “I truly believe that vocational education and training helps people to start and build up fulfilling careers at any age. This is why I want VET to become a valid smart choice for both young people and adults.” In addition to the events during the Week in Helsinki, more than 1,000 activities and events have already signed up and will take place throughout the year at local, regional and national level across Europe and beyond. All stakeholders have come together to highlight the benefits of VET, showcase opportunities and promote an educational pathway that has the potential to transform the lives of young and old alike. On Monday, Commissioner Thyssen will kick-off the VET Skills Week in Belgium, by visiting the Don Bosco Institute in Brussels, the port of Ostend and the adult training centre RelyOn Nutec. On both visits, press moments are foreseen (programme and contacts here). Furthermore, each year the European Vocational Skills Week rewards outstanding individuals, organisations and initiatives through the ‘Awards for VET Excellence’. The prizes are designed to highlight the quality in vocational education and training (VET), provide visibility to the winners, motivate those taking part and support the development of networks and new career opportunities. Anyone can vote through this link and choose what the most inspiring VET story is. The vote is open until the 15 October included, and the award ceremony will take place on Thursday 17 October in Helsinki. More information on the Vocational Skills Week is available in this press release. (For more information: Christian Wigand– Tel.: +32 229 62253; Sara Soumillion – Tel.: + 32 229 67094)

CALENDRIER – activités hebdomadaires des Commissaires

Eurostat: communiqués de presse

Prochains événements de la Commission européenne (ex-Top News)

[updated at 17:30 on 11/10/19]

(Susceptible de modifications en cours de semaine)

Déplacements et visites

 

Lundi 14 octobre 2019

Foreign Affairs Council

Agriculture and Fisheries Council

Mr Maroš Šefčovič gives a speech at the ESPAS conference on ‘Changing the Game: Putting Foresight at the Heart of Policymaking’, in Brussels.

Ms Cecilia Malmström gives a keynote speech at the European Strategy and Policy Analysis System (ESPAS) Annual Conference: ‘Global Trends to 2030: Challenges and Choices for Europe‘, in Brussels.

Mr Neven Mimica in Rome, Italy : participates in the 46^th Committee on World Food Security on ‘Accelerating progress on SDG 2 to achieve all the Sustainable Development Goals’; and participates in the EU-sponsored side event ‘Global Network Food Crises Prevention and response’.

Ms Marianne Thyssen in Oostende and Brussel, Belgium:attends the events launching the European Vocational Skills Week.

Mr Pierre Moscovici rencontre les Représentants des Régions françaises à Bruxelles.

Mr Phil Hogan receives Mr Denis Ducarme, Belgian Minister for the Middle Class, the Self-Employed, SMEs, Agriculture and Social Integration.

Ms Violeta Bulc in Ljubljana, Slovenia: hosts the conference ‘Micro-mobility: the next big thing?‘ organised by the European Commission.

Ms Elżbieta Bieńkowska in Katowice, Poland: attends the Opening of the Academic year of the SWPS University of Social Sciences and Humanities.

Mr Tibor Navracsics in Budapest, Hungary: participates in and speaks at the official opening of the European Vocational Education & Training Week in Hungary.

Mr Julian King in Nice, France: participates in the European Week of Security Launch event.

Ms Mariya Gabriel in Sofia, Bulgaria: participates in discussions with school directors and university rectors on technologies, innovation and education.

 

Mardi 15 octobre 2019

Agriculture and Fisheries Council

Foreign Affairs Council

Mr Frans Timmermans receives Mr Eugene Rhuggenaath, Prime Minister of Curaçao; and receives representatives of the ‘Groene 10′.

Ms Federica Mogherini in Oxford, United Kingdom: delivers the 2019 Cyril Foster Lecture at Oxford University.

Mr Maroš Šefčovič receives Mr Luca Visentini, General Secretary of the European Trade Union Confederation.

Mr Johannes Hahn participates in the General Affairs Council, in Brussels.

Ms Cecilia Malmström in Rotterdam, Netherlands: visits the Port of Rotterdam.

Ms Marianne Thyssen attends the first European Labour Authority Management meeting in Brussels.

Mr Pierre Moscovici à Washington D.C., Etats-Unis d’Amérique : participe à la réunion des ministres des finances du G20 et aux assemblées annuelles du Fonds Monétaire International.

Mr Christos Stylianides in Oxford, United Kingdom: delivers a keynote speech at the Oxford Brookes University at the symposium ‘The Zero-Sum Game of Migration in Europe: 20 years after Tampere’.

Ms Violeta Bulc in Valenciennes, France: visits the European Union Agency for Railways (ERA) and   meets with the ERA staff; and delivers a welcome speech at the European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS) #CCRCC2019 conference.

Mr Dimitris Avramopoulos in Athens, Greece: delivers a speech to the Hellenic Parliament.Ms Vĕra Jourová receives Ms Laura Kövesi, European Chief Prosecutor-designate.

Mr Tibor Navracsics in Budapest, Hungary: participates in and speaks at the Opening Session of INNOVEIT 2019 (European Institute of Innovation and Technology); meets innovators supported by the EIT; participates in a signing ceremony of a Memorandum of Understanding between the EIT and the Hungarian Ministry of Innovation and Technology; and participates in and hands out an award at the EIT Awards Ceremony.

Ms Mariya Gabriel delivers introductory remarks at the stakeholder dialogue on the application of Article 17 of Directive on Copyright in the Digital Single Market, in Brussels; receives representatives of the Cooperation in Science and Technology (COST) action on Safety Culture and Risk  Management in Agriculture (SACURIMA); receives Mr Boyan Tomov, creator of the themayor.eu platform; receives Professor Michael Murphy, President of the European Universities Association; and receives Ms Ulrike Rabmer-Koller, President of SMEunited, in Brussels.

 

Mercredi 16 octobre 2019

College Meeting

President Jean-Claude Juncker delivers an opening speech at the Tripartite Social Summit; hosts the inaugural ceremony of the European Labour Authority and delivers a speech together with Mr Peter Pellegrini, Prime Minister of Slovakia.

Ms Federica Mogherini receives Mr Ngo Xuan Lich, Minister for National Defense of Viet Nam to sign the EU-Vietnam Framework Participation Agreement.

Mr Maroš Šefčovič participates in the inauguration of the European Labour Authority, in Brussels.

Mr Neven Mimica participates in the 3^rd meeting of the High-Level Group of Personalities for effective and strategic EU-Africa relations on ‘Africa’s Digital Revolution – Towards an EU-Africa Digital Partnership’, in Brussels.

Ms Marianne Thyssen attends the Tripartite Social Summit, in Brussels.

Mr Phil Hogan receives Mr Alan Pollard, Chief Executive of New Zealand Apples & Pears.

Ms Vĕra Jourová speaks at the European Law Academy Conference, in Brussels.

Ms Vĕra Jourová receives Ms Siada El Ramly, Director General of EDiMA.

Mr Tibor Navracsics in Budapest, Hungary: participates in and speaks at the opening of the ‘9^th MOVE Congress 2019 – Change the Game: It’s Your MOVE’ organised by the International Sport and Culture Association and the Hungarian School, University and Leisure Sport Federation.

Ms Margrethe Vestager receives representatives of Green 10.

Mr Carlos Moedas attends the Public open round table: The Ethics of gene editing, in Brussels.

Mr Carlos Moedas delivers a keynote speech at the high-level Group of Personalities for Strategic and Effective EU-Africa Relations in Brussels.

Ms Mariya Gabriel speaks at the meeting of the high-level Group of Personalities for Strategic and Effective EU-Africa Relations; receives, Mr John Collison, President and Co-founder of Stripe; and delivers a keynote speech at the ADA Awards Ceremony, in Brussels.

 

Jeudi 17 octobre 2019

European Council

President Jean-Claude Junckerreceives Ms Brigitte Bierlein, Chancellor of Austria; receives Mr António Costa, Prime Minister of Portugal;participates in the EPP Summit ahead of the European Council and participates in the European Council.

Mr Frans Timmermans receives Ms Anna König Jerlmyr, Eurocities President and Mayor of Stockholm.

Mr Miguel Arias Cañete receives representatives of Greenward Partners.

Mr Vytenis Andriukaitis participates in the EU Health Awards ceremony, in Brussels.

Mr Dimitris Avramopoulos in Athens, Greece: delivers the closing keynote address at The Economist’s Third Sustainability Summit for Southeast-Europe and the Mediterranean.

Ms Marianne Thyssen in Helsinki, Finland (until 18/10): closes the European Vocational Skills Week.

Mr Christos Stylianides in Kavala, Greece (until 18/10): delivers a keynote speech to launch the Workshop on ‘Trans-European Network for Coordination, Education and Training fir Natural Disasters and Technological Risk Mitigation’; meets representatives of the International Hellenic University.

Ms Violeta Bulc attends the high-level International Conference on countering the threat posed by unmanned aircraft systems (UAS); and launches the European Drone Investment – Advisory Platform in Brussels.

Ms Vĕra Jourová speaks at the conference ‘Risking everything to uphold EU values and democracy: Protecting journalists in the EU’, in Brussels.

Ms Vĕra Jourová speaks at the conference ‘State of Europe 2019: Vision Innovation for Europe’, in Brussels.

Mr Tibor Navracsics in Budapest, Hungary: participates in and speaks at a roundtable discussion about ‘Europe, the European Union & the European Commission’ – organised by Corvinus University.

Mr Julian King delivers closing remarks at the EC High-level International Conference on countering the Unmanned Air Systems threat, in Brussels.

 

Vendredi 18 octobre 2019

European Council

President Jean-Claude Juncker participates in the European Council.

Ms Marianne Thyssen in Helsinki, Finland: closes the European Vocational Skills Week.

Mr Christos Stylianides in Kavala, Greece: launches the Virtual School Initiative by the Advanced Educational Technologies and Mobile Applications Lab.

Ms Violeta Bulc visits the Shift2Rail Joint Undertaking and the Single European Sky ATM Research (SESAR) Joint Undertaking, in Brussels.

Ms Elżbieta Bieńkowska in Pawlowice, Poland: attends a gathering of mayors from the Silesian region; in Myslowice: meets with cancer-support group Amazonkami.

Mr Tibor Navracsics in Budapest, Hungary: participates in and speaks at the #BeActive Sport Gala and hands out awards during the #BeActive Awards Ceremony.

Ms Margrethe Vestager receives Ms Ulrike Ramber-Koller, President of SME United, and Ms Veronique Willems, Secretary General of SME United.

Mr Julian King delivers a keynote speech at the event organised by CEPS Countering Terrorism Financing in the EU, in Brussels.

Ms Mariya Gabriel in Vienna, Austria: participates in a roundtable discussion on ‘Female Visions for a Better Europe’ at the EPP Women congress.

 

Samedi 19 octobre 2019

Mr Vytenis Andriukaitis in Okayama, Japan (until 20/10): participates in the G20 Health Ministers’ Meeting.

Ms Elżbieta Bieńkowska in Krakow Poland: attends an event at the AGH University of Science and Technology on the occasion of its centenary.

Ms Mariya Gabriel in Sofia, Bulgaria: delivers speech, as guest of honour, at the 20^th Ball of the German Economy.

 

Prévisions du mois d’octobre 2019 :

24/10 Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council (Employment and social policy)

Permanence SPP le WE du 12 et 13 octobre 2019 :

Annika BREIDTHARDT– tél : +32 (0) 0460 75 61 53

 

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