College meeting: Future of Europe: Towards a European Education Area by 2025
With the debate on the future of Europe in full swing, the European Commission is today setting out its vision for how we can create a European Education Area by 2025. The ideas formulated are intended as a contribution to the EU Leaders’ meeting on 17 November 2017 in Gothenburg, where they will discuss the future of education and culture. Vice-President for Jobs, Growth, Investment and Competitiveness, Jyrki Katainen said: “A collective effort would enable Europe as a whole to shape its future, deal better with the challenges it is facing and to become more resilient. One of Europe’s greatest achievements was to build bridges across our continent with the creation of an area of free movement for workers and citizens. But there are still obstacles to mobility in the area of education. By 2025 we should live in a Europe in which learning, studying and doing research is not hampered by borders but where spending time in another Member State to study, learn or work is the norm.” Commissioner for Education, Culture, Youth and Sport, Tibor Navracsics, added: “As we look to Europe’s future education is key, because it is education that equips us with the skills we need to become active members of our increasingly complex societies. It is education that helps us adapt to a rapidly changing world, to develop a European identity, to understand other cultures and to gain the new skills one needs in a society that is mobile, multicultural and increasingly digital.” The full press release and factsheets with detailed information on the European Education Area are available online. (For more information: Natasha Bertaud – Tel.: +32 229 67456; Nathalie Vandystadt – Tel.: +32 229 67083; Joseph Waldstein – Tel.: +32 229 56184)
College meeting: Future of Europe: President Juncker creates Task Force on ‘doing less more efficiently’
Today, European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker has officially established the ‘Task Force on Subsidiarity, Proportionality and “Doing Less More Efficiently”‘. The Task Force will report to the President by 15 July 2018, making recommendations on how to better apply the principles of subsidiarity and proportionality, identifying policy areas where work could be re-delegated or definitely returned to Member States, as well as ways to better involve regional and local authorities in EU policy making and delivery. President Juncker announced the creation of the Task Force in his State of the Union address, on 13 September, saying: “This Commission has sought to be big on big issues and small on the small ones and has done so. To finish the work we started, I am setting up a Subsidiarity and Proportionality Task Force to take a very critical look at all policy areas to make sure we are only acting where the EU adds value.” The Task Force will start its work on 1 January 2018, and it will be chaired by Frans Timmermans, Commission First Vice-President in charge of Better Regulation, Interinstitutional Relations, the Rule of Law and the Charter of Fundamental Rights. It will be composed of 9 additional members, with 3 members from national Parliaments, 3 from the European Parliament and 3 from the Committee of the Regions. In letters sent out today, President Juncker has invited the Presidents of the European Parliament, of the Conference of Parliamentary Committees for Union Affairs of Parliaments of the European Union (COSAC) and of the Committee of the Regions to nominate Members from their institutions for the Task Force. More information is available in this press release. (For more information: Mina Andreeva – Tel.: +32 229 91382; Natasha Bertaud – Tel.: +32 229 67456; Tim McPhie – Tel.: +32 229 58602)
College meeting: European Fiscal Board presents first Annual Report
During today’s College meeting, Niels Thygesen, Chairman of the European Fiscal Board, presented the board’s first annual report, before officially publishing it on Wednesday. The European Fiscal Board is an independent advisory body to the Commission, set up following the Five Presidents’ Report on Completing Europe’s Economic and Monetary Union, to advise it on fiscal matters. As part of its mandate, the board publishes an annual report of its findings. The report will be published online tomorrow, Wednesday 15 November, at 13:00 CET. For more information on the European Fiscal Board, please see the factsheet here. (For more information: Annika Breidthardt – Tel.: +32 229 56153; Enda McNamara– Tel.: +32 229 64976)
College meeting: European Commission appoints new Head of Representation in Slovakia, extends mandates of Heads of Representations in Belgium, UK
The European Commission has today decided to appoint Mr Ladislav Miko as the Head of the Commission’s Representation in Bratislava, as of 1 January 2018. He brings to his new role excellent knowledge of the EU institutions gained over his ten years at the European Commission in high-level positions; nearly 20 years of experience in the Slovak and Czech public administration and academia, much of it in management jobs, as well as a wide network of contacts with stakeholders in Slovakia and the Czech Republic. Mr Miko is currently a Deputy Director-General in the Commission’s health directorate, dealing with the food chain. A press release with details is available here (also in FR, DE and SK). The Commission has also decided to extend the mandates of Mr Joseph Jamar, Head of its Representation in Belgium, and of Ms Christine Dalby, Deputy Head of Representation in the United Kingdom. They will remain on their positions until 28 February 2019 and 29 March 2019, respectively.Mr Jamar has been heading the Commission’s Belgian office since 2012, while Ms Dalby took over the management of the Commission’s office in London in March 2017. The Heads of the European Commission’s representations in the Member States report directly to President Juncker. (For more information: Mina Andreeva – Tel.: +32 22991382)
College meeting: European Environment Agency’s Executive Director – European Commission proposes an extension of the term of office [added on 14/11/17 at 15:23]
The European Commission has today decided to propose to the Administrative Board of the European Environment Agency (EEA) to extend the term of office of its current Executive Director, Mr Hans Bruyninckx, for a period of five years as of 1 June 2018. The final decision rests entirely with the Administrative Board. Mr Bruyninckx, a Belgian national, joined EEA as Executive Director in 2013. He brought to the role some 25 years of research, teaching and management experience in the academic sector in Belgium, the Netherlands and the United States. Before joining the EEA, he was head of the HIVA Research Institute in Leuven, Belgium, a policy-oriented research institute associated with Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, where he headed the Political Science department between 2007 and 2010. Over the years, he has conducted and managed policy-oriented research in the areas of environmental politics, climate change, and sustainable development. (For more information: Alexander Winterstein – Tel.: +32 229 93265; Andreana Stankova – Tel.: +32 229 57857)
Réunion du Collège: Bruant Ortolan: la Commission se désiste de la procédure d’infraction car la FRANCE se conforme à la législation de l’UE sur la protection des oiseaux sauvages
Aujourd’hui, la Commission a décidé de se désister de la procédure d’infraction contre la France, car les autorités françaises ont correctement appliqué la directive Oiseaux (Directive 2009/147 / CE) sur le terrain en ce qui concerne le bruant ortolan (Emberiza hortulana). Le bruant ortolan est une espèce d’oiseau migrateur affectée par un déclin très sérieux au cours des 30 dernières années. Le statut de cette espèce d’oiseau dans l’UE est considéré comme ‘défavorable’ dans les données officielles soumises par les États membres (en vertu de l’article 12 de la directive «Oiseaux»). En décembre 2016, la Commission a décidé de traduire la France devant la Cour de justice de l’UE pour avoir toléré la violation continue des règles de l’UE sur la conservation du bruant ortolan. À la suite de l’action de la Commission, les autorités françaises ont pris les mesures nécessaires pour remédier aux problèmes de conformité. En août 2017, les autorités nationales et locales ont donné des instructions spécifiques et strictes aux procureurs, à la police et aux autorités de chasse, mettant ainsi fin à la politique de clémence observée auparavant. Ce message a également été communiqué efficacement au public. En outre, en 2016 et 2017, les inspections et les contrôles ont été intensifiés, appliqués à toutes les municipalités concernées et suivis de sanctions appropriées. La Commission a donc décidé de clôturer le cas. (Pour plus d’informations: Enrico Brivio – Tél.: +32 229 56172; Iris Petsa – Tél.: +32 229 93321)
EU and Chile to start negotiations for a modernised Association Agreement
A first round of negotiations between the EU and Chile for a modernised Association Agreement will take place on 16 November, in Brussels. This follows the decision taken yesterday, 13 November 2017, by EU Member States to approve the mandate for the European Union to conduct these negotiations.The aim is to update the 14-year-old EU-Chile Association Agreement to bring its political and cooperation ambitions and trade provisions into line with the EU’s modern agreements. A second round will take place in early 2018. High Representative/Vice-President, Federica Mogherini stated: “A modernised agreement with Chile will further strengthen our already excellent relations and open new areas of cooperation. It will provide us with a state of the art framework to continue championing global peace and security, free and open economies, inclusive societies and the promotion of global common goods.”Commissioner for Trade, Cecilia Malmström said: “The talks that we are now launching aim to put in place a modern trade agreement of the highest calibre, covering all issues – including those that reflect shared values such as sustainable development, helping small and medium-sized companies, and efforts against corruption. And for the first time, a trade deal of ours will include common goals on the key role of women in trade”. Since the conclusion of the Association agreement with Chile the EU has developed a closer relationship on many areas, including a 170% increase in EU exports (see exporter stories). Press release is available online. More information on EU-Chile trade and political relations. (For more information: Catherine Ray – Tel.: + 32 229 69921; Daniel Rosario – Tel.: +32 229 56185; Christina Wunder – Tel.: +32 229 92256; Kinga Malinowska – Tel: +32 229 51383)
Aid for Trade: Helping developing countries to achieve prosperity through trade and investment
Yesterday the Commission has set out a renewed vision on how to help developing countries fight poverty and create more and better jobs through trade and investment.The updated “Aid for Trade” Strategy 2017 builds on 10 years of EU Aid for Trade assistance and aims to strengthen and modernise EU support to partner countries. The new Communication adopted today sets out ways the Commission can improve and better target its aid for trade. It puts a strong focus on Least Developed Countries, and countries in situations of fragility. Commissioner for International Cooperation and Development Neven Mimica said: “Together the European Union and its Member States are already the biggest supporters of aid for trade worldwide. We are setting out a new strategy to better respond to the complex challenges of today and increase the impact of our actions – to reduce poverty, boost sustainable economic growth and most importantly to ensure that it leaves no one behind.” Globally, the EU and its Member States are the biggest provider of Aid for Trade. In 2015 alone, EU commitments amounted to a record €13.16 billion per year. You can find more information in the press release here. (for more information: Carlos Martin Ruiz De Gordejuela – Tel.: +32 229 65322; Christina Wunder – Tel.: +32 229 92256)
Investment Plan backs regional sustainability projects in the Netherlands
The European Investment Bank (EIB) has signed a €30 million loan with Limburgs Energie Fonds (LEF), a fund established by the Province of Limburg in the Netherlands which invests in small to medium sized projects in the areas of reduction of CO2 emissions, removal of asbestos in buildings and circular economy initiatives. European Commission Vice-President Jyrki Katainen, responsible for Jobs, Growth, Investment and Competitiveness, said: “Investments in energy-efficiency projects and the circular economy are at the core of the Investment Plan for Europe’s objectives. In EFSI 2.0, 40% of investments should go to projects that are helping to reach the COP 21 climate goals. The fund set up by the Province of Limburg will lead to a greater number of sustainable investments and jobs in the region. With COP 23 still underway, this project is showing the way for climate-friendly growth.” (For more information see the Investment Plan website or contact Annika Breidthardt – Tel.: +32 229 56153; Siobhán Millbright – Tel.: +32 229 57361)
Improving cooperation between national consumer authorities to improve consumer protection across the EU
Today the European Parliament approved the new framework ensuring Consumer Protection Cooperation. Proposed by the Commission in May 2016, the Regulation aims at improving the EU-wide cooperation mechanism for consumer protection. This legislation is part of the Commission’s efforts to update consumer rules. The Commission will present its New deal for Consumers next spring. Věra Jourová, Commissioner for Justice, Consumers and Gender Equality, said: “Recent affairs that have damaged consumer trust, such as ‘Dieselgate’ or discussions about the dual quality of food, have revealed the need for better consumer law enforcement. With this new cooperation framework, when there is a widespread breach of consumer law, the Commission and national authorities will be able to swiftly respond in order to protect consumers across the EU.”Once in force, the new framework will give public authorities stronger powers to investigate and stop illegal practices. These new rules will introduce a quick and more efficient cross-border cooperation mechanism between national enforcers. When the Commission becomes aware of an issue affecting at least two thirds of Member States and two thirds of the EU population, it will be able to call on national authorities to investigate the case. If the conclusion of such an investigation reveals that EU laws are being breached, the Commission will coordinate the cross-border follow-up actions the authorities should take. The rules also address the need to better enforce EU consumer law, especially online. Once the new Regulation is published in the Official Journal, Member States will have up to 24 months to make sure their consumer authorities are ready to meet the new standards. Further details are available in the factsheet. (For more information: Christian Wigand – Tel.: +32 229 62253; Mélanie Voin – Tel.: +32 229 58659)
Le PIB en hausse de 0,6% tant dans la zone euro que dans l’UE28
Au cours du troisième trimestre 2017, le PIB corrigé des variations saisonnières a augmenté de 0,6% dans la zone euro (ZE19) ainsi que dans l’UE28 par rapport au trimestre précédent, selon l’estimation rapide publiée par Eurostat, l’office statistique de l’Union européenne. Au cours du deuxième trimestre 2017, le PIB avait crû de 0,7% dans les deux zones. Un communiqué de presse est disponible ici. (Pour plus d’informations: Annika Breidthardt – Tél.: +32 229 56153; Juliana Dahl – Tél.: +32 229 59914)
ANNOUNCEMENTS
President Juncker at Citizens’ Dialogue on the future of Europe with Oliver Paasch, Karl-Heinz Lambertz and Pascal Arimont in St. Vith
On Wednesday, 15 November at 17:00 CET, on the occasion of the Day of the German-speaking Community, European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker together with Oliver Paasch, Minister-President of the German-speaking Community of Belgium, Karl-Heinz Lambertz, President of the European Committee of the Regions (CoR) and Pascal Arimont, Member of the European Parliament, will take part in a Citizens’ Dialogue in the Eastern Belgian town of St. Vith. Citizens will get the chance to make their voice heard and discuss about the European Union. The Citizens’ Dialogues, which are a regular feature of the daily work of the Juncker Commission, have been central to the ‘Future of Europe debates’. Members of the Commission, including the President regularly travel to regions and cities across Europe to engage in dialogue with citizens and listen to their views and expectations concerning the future of the Union. The Citizens’ Dialogue in St Vith is the 400th Citizens’ Dialogue since January 2015. It is the 19th Dialogue in Belgium since the beginning of the Juncker Commission. This event is organised by the European Commission, the government of the German-speaking Community in Belgium (Ostbelgien). Simultaneous interpretation available in FR, NL, DE and EN. #EUdialogues #FutureOfEurope. For more practical information and registration here. (For more information: Alexander Winterstein – Tel.: +32 229 93265)
Commissioner Hahn visits Ukraine
Johannes Hahn, Commissioner for the European Neighbourhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations, will visit Ukraine on 15 November ahead ofthe Eastern Partnership Summit that will take place on 24 November in Brussels. Commissioner Hahn will meet with President Petro Poroshenko, Prime Minister Volodymyr Groysman, Foreign Minister Pavlo Klimkin, and the Chair of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Andriy Parubiy to discuss EU – Ukraine relations and the reform agenda. Commissioner Hahn will also meet with media actors of the country to discuss about the EU support to independent media and public broadcasters. Images of the visit will be available on EbS. (For more information: Maja Kocijancic – Tel.: +32 229 86570; Alceo Smerilli – Tel.: +32 229 64887)
Defence Union and Single Market top agenda of Commissioner Bieńkowska’s visit to Poland
Today and tomorrow, Commissioner Elżbieta Bieńkowska is in Poland for a visit dedicated to discussions with the public. One day after 23 Member Statesnotified High Representative Federica Mogherini of their wish to join a Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO) on defence, Commissioner Bieńkowska participated this morning together with Member of Polish Parliament Włodzimierz Karpiński in a Citizens’ Dialogue titled “Safer Poland, Safer Europe, Safer Citizens” atMarie Skłodowska-Curie University in Lublin. The dialogue focused on Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) and on the European Defence Fund launched in June 2017, which will boost collaborative projects in the area of defence research, prototype development and join acquisition of capabilities. Tomorrow, Commissioner Bieńkowska delivers a keynote speech on jobs creation and the future of the EU Single Market at the Opening Eyes Economy Summit in Kraków. Further to the Single Market Strategy of October 2015, the Commission is taking a number of actions to improve the overall functioning of the market so that consumers as well as businesses, in particular SMEs, can take full advantage of its opportunities. (For more information: Lucía Caudet – Tel.: +32 229 56182; Victoria von Hammerstein – Tel.: +32 229 55040; Maud Noyon – Tel. +32 229-80379)
Upcoming events of the European Commission (ex-Top News)
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