Your request will be handled by the Press Office of the General Secretariat of the Council in accordance with the provisions of Regulation (EC) No 45/2001 on the protection of individuals with regard to the processing of personal data by the Community institutions and bodies and on the free movement of such data.

Your data will be stored in the database until you unsubscribe from the service.

Certain data (name, e-mail address, preferred language, media name, media type) may be disclosed to the press offices of the European institutions, the Permanent Representations of the Member States and to European Union agencies, under the conditions laid down in Articles 7 and 8 of Regulation 45/2001.

If there is data which you would not like to be stored, please let us know at: [email protected]

EMCDDA, COPOLAD, Lisbon, November 2018

In a meeting between Commissioner Mimica and the Chairman of the newly-established China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA) Wang Xiaotao, both sides agreed to seek synergies and concrete areas of cooperation to enhance EU–China development cooperation. The meeting confirmed both parties’ commitment to jointly promote sustainable development, as outlined at the 20th EU-China Summit in July 2018, and as reconfirmed by European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang at the ASEM (Asia-Europe Meeting) Summit in Brussels in October 2018.

Commissioner Mimica welcomed the establishment of CIDCA as an important opportunity for the EU and China to strengthen their cooperation as global development partners. Both sides highlighted their interest in cooperating on concrete initiatives to promote sustainable development and agreed to enhance bilateral exchanges on policies and best practices.

In this context, Commissioner Mimica stressed: “We have a shared responsibility to deliver on the ambitious Sustainable Development Goals. EU’s recent ‘Connecting Europe and Asia’ strategy has set out our vision for increased cooperation with our Asian partners in key areas of connectivity and sustainable development. I look forward to enhancing the cooperation with Chinese counterparts on concrete initiatives and to intensifying our exchanges on development policies. There is great potential to promote the implementation of the 2030 Agenda when working in partnerships.”

During his visit to China, Commissioner Mimica participated in the Central Asia Investment Forum organised by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development and the People’s Bank of China. In the margins of this event, he discussed with Suma Chakrabarti,President of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, and Jin Liqun, President of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank about the potential to join forces on shared priorities. In his speech at the forum, Commissioner Mimica underlined the importance of catalysing public and private investment in the connectivity and sustainable development of the Central Asia region – including job creation, sustainable infrastructure, more robust environmental protection and stronger climate change mitigation and adaptation. In this context, he announced an EU grant of €7.3 million to support small and medium-sized businesses in Turkmenistan and Mongolia, to be implemented by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development.

The Commissioner also participated in the China-EU Development Conference, as well as in a Gender Equality panel which included the United Nations, the Chinese government and NGO representatives, where he highlighted the EU’s interest to work more in and with China on gender equality.

Commissioner Mimica also met the Vice-Minister of Finance Zou Jiayi and the Chairman of the China Center for International Economic Exchanges Zeng Peiyan.

Background:

As outlined in the European Consensus on Development, the European Union aims to engage more closely with China and other major global development actors s part of a new partnership towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

This commitment has been confirmed at the highest political levels, including the 20th EU-China Summit in July 2018, where the European Union and China agreed to “promote mutual understanding and share experience on international development cooperation through enhanced exchanges, and make joint efforts to implement the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda”.

At the ASEM Summit meeting in Brussels in October 2018, European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang agreed to aim towards creating additional synergies between China’s Belt and Road Initiative and the EU’s strategy to boost connectivity between Europe and Asia, which was presented in September 2018.

Space: US citizens and business to access EU Galileo satellite navigation signals

Yesterday, the US Federal Communications Commission decided to grant a licence waiver for Galileo signal reception in the United States (US). This means that citizens and businesses in the US will be able to benefit from Galileo’s state of the art satellite navigation signals – be it for connected cars, smart watches, farming or plane navigation. Commissioner for the Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs Elżbieta Bieńkowska said: “I am very pleased that this waiver was granted. It demonstrates the US government’s confidence in Galileo’s benefits and performance. Galileo has been providing services to more than 400 million users since December 2016. The waiver will increase Galileo’s market uptake further and benefit US citizens and businesses. We will continue to complete the Galileo constellation until 2020, but already today we know that Galileo is a success and that the EU is indeed a space power.” President Juncker underlined in his State of the Union speech on 12 September 2018 that “it is our Galileo programme that is today keeping Europe in the space race. […] No single Member State could have done this alone. Galileo is a success in great part, if not entirely, thanks to Europe. No Europe, no Galileo. We should be proud.” Galileo services are based on highly accurate signals and every addition to the constellation (currently at 26 satellites) gradually improves Galileo availability and performance worldwide. To help maintain and further enhance the EU’s leadership in space, the Commission proposed in June 2018 a €16 billion EU Space Programme for the period 2021-2027. The new programme will invest more in space activities, adapting to new needs and technologies, while reinforcing Europe’s autonomous access to space. See also a factsheet on EU Space Policy. (For more information: Lucía Caudet – Tel.: +32 229 56182; Victoria von Hammerstein – Tel.: +32 229 55040)

 

Higher Education: New guide to fees and financial support for students in Europe

Where in Europe can students study without paying fees? Which countries charge the highest fees? What kind of financial support is offered to students, and who actually receives it? The 7^th annual Eurydice Network report on National Student Fee and Support Systems in European Higher Education 2018/19, released today, on the eve of International Students’ Day, provides both an overview of the main features of national fee and support systems and more detailed information on each individual country across Europe. Tibor Navracsics, Commissioner for Education, Culture, Youth and Sport, said: “We encourage students to study abroad because they will benefit from this international experience for the rest of their lives. This new report will give them clear and comprehensive information on student fees and financial support for each country in the EU. The study should be promoted to young people, whether they plan to go abroad for their entire studies or an exchange.” All European countries offer at least one type of direct public financial support, grants or loans, to their higher education students. The most widespread approach to allocating grants gives priority to socially or economically disadvantaged students. The report reveals that in around a quarter of the higher education systems assessed, the most common annual fee in publicly-funded higher education is above €1,000. (For more information: Nathalie Vandystadt – Tel.: +32 229 67083; Joseph Waldstein – Tel.: +32 229 56184)

EU and China step up their cooperation on sustainable development

During a visit to China, European Commissioner for International Cooperation and Development, Neven Mimica, reconfirmed the EU’s interest to work with China on sustainable development and connectivity. In a meeting between Commissioner Mimica and the Chairman of the newly-established China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA) Wang Xiaotao, both sides agreed to seek synergies and concrete areas of cooperation to enhance EU–China development cooperation. The meeting confirmed both parties’ commitment to jointly promote sustainable development, as outlined at the 20th EU-China Summit in July 2018, and as reconfirmed by European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang at the ASEM (Asia-Europe Meeting) Summit in Brussels in October 2018. Commissioner Mimica welcomed the establishment of CIDCA as an important opportunity for the EU and China to strengthen their cooperation as global development partners. Both sides highlighted their interest in cooperating on concrete initiatives to promote sustainable development and agreed to enhance bilateral exchanges on policies and best practices. In this context, Commissioner Mimica stressed: “We have a shared responsibility to deliver on the ambitious Sustainable Development Goals. EU’s recent ‘Connecting Europe and Asia’ strategy has set out our vision for increased cooperation with our Asian partners in key areas of connectivity and sustainable development. I look forward to enhancing the cooperation with Chinese counterparts on concrete initiatives and to intensifying our exchanges on development policies. There is great potential to promote the implementation of the 2030 Agenda when working in partnerships.”The full press release is available online. (For more information: Carlos Martin Ruiz de Gordejuela – Tel.: +32 229 65322; Christina Wunder  – Tel.: +32 229 92256)

State aid: Commission approves prolongation of Irish credit union resolution scheme

The European Commission has found the prolongation of an Irish scheme for the orderly winding-up of credit unions to be in line with EU state aid rules, in particular with the 2013 Banking Communication (see also MEMO). The objective of the scheme is to safeguard financial stability when a credit union becomes unable to meet regulatory requirements. It allows Ireland to provide aid for transferring the assets and liabilities of a failing credit union to an acquirer through a competitive process. This will help to achieve the maximum value for the assets and liabilities, ensuring that the aid is limited to the minimum necessary for an orderly winding-up, and that no buyer gains an undue economic advantage through the acquisition of under-priced assets and liabilities. Credit Unions are small financial institutions that are not covered by the Bank Recovery and Resolution Directive (BRRD). Ireland has chosen to make a special sector-funded resolution scheme available to those credit unions, which has been used only three times since its set-up. The scheme is prolonged until 31 May 2019. The Commission initially approved the scheme in December 2011. It has been prolonged thirteen times since then, the last time in May 2018. More information will be available on the Commission’s competition website, in the public case register under the reference SA.52175. (For more information: Ricardo Cardoso – Tel.: +32 229 80100; Giulia Astuti – Tel.: +32 229 55344)

State Aid: Commission approves €85 million public support for mobile communication infrastructure in unserved areas of Bavaria in Germany

The Commission has approved, under EU State aid rules, €85 million of public support for the construction of the physical infrastructure required for the deployment of state-of-the-art mobile networks based at least on Long-Term Evolution (LTE) technology in Bavaria. LTE is a 4G mobile communications standard enabling high speed internet connections. The objective is to close network gaps in areas of Bavaria where no mobile services are currently available. The Bavarian municipalities with such areas will receive funds to either build the infrastructure themselves or to tender its construction to third parties as a public works concession. The use of the supported infrastructure will be open to all interested Mobile Network Operators on equal and non-discriminatory terms. The Commission concluded that the measure is in line with EU State aid rules. In this respect, the aid scheme will contribute to the EU’s connectivity objectives of providing access to mobile services throughout the EU territory, in all places where people live, work, travel and gather. At the same time, the scheme will help reduce important inequalities and the digital divide in Bavaria. More information will be available on the Commission’s competition website, in the State Aid Register under the case number SA.48324, once any confidentiality issues have been resolved. (For more information: Ricardo Cardoso – Tel.: +32 229 80100; Giulia Astuti – Tel.: +32 229 55344)

Concentrations: la Commission autorise l’acquisition de Foncière Vesta par ICF Novedis, CDC Habitat et Swiss Life REIM

La Commission européenne a approuvé, en vertu du règlement européen sur les concentrations, l’acquisition du contrôle en commun de Foncière Vesta par ICF Novedis, CDC Habitat et Swiss Life REIM, toutes quatre basées en France. Foncière Vesta, société propriétaire d’un portefeuille immobilier, était jusqu’à présent exclusivement contrôlée par le groupe SNCF, entreprise active dans le secteur du transport de voyageurs et de marchandises. ICF Novedis est la filiale logement du groupe SNCF. CDC Habitat est la filiale immobilière d’intérêt général de la Caisse des Dépôts et Consignations présente dans le secteur du logement social et du logement intermédiaire. Swiss Life REIM est une société de gestion de portefeuille entièrement détenue et contrôlée par le groupe Swiss Life. La Commission a conclu que l’acquisition envisagée ne soulèverait pas de problème de concurrence compte tenu de son impact limité sur la structure du marché. La transaction a été examinée dans le cadre de la procédure simplifiée du contrôle des concentrations. De plus amples informations sont disponibles sur le site internet concurrence de la Commission, dans le registre public des affaires sous le numéro d’affaire M.9132. (Pour plus d’informations: Ricardo Cardoso – Tel.: +32 229 80100; Maria Tsoni – Tel.: +32 229 90526)

Mergers: Commission clears acquisition of Skoobe by Klio, Holtzbrinck, Verlagsgruppe Random House and Arvato CRM Solutions

The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of joint control of the whole of Skoobe GmbH by Klio GmbH, Georg von Holtzbrinck GmbH & Co. KG (“Holtzbrinck”), Verlagsgruppe Random House GmbH (“Random House”) and Arvato CRM Solutions GmbH (“Arvato”), all of Germany. Skoobe offers the temporary rental of e-books over its online platform www.skoobe.de and via its own application. Klio is active as a book retailer. Holtzbrinck is an international media company that is active in trade-book publishing, education and science, newspapers and magazines as well as electronic media and services. Random House is a publishing house of Bertelsmann SE & Co KGaA (“Bertelsmann”) active in the area of fictional and non-fictional books, books for children and adolescents, audio and e-books. Arvato is an international service company of Bertelsmann offering various technical services. Bertelsmann is an international media, services and education group. The Commission concluded that the proposed acquisition would raise no competition concerns, because Skoobe has negligible actual and foreseen activities within 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.9125. (For more information: Ricardo Cardoso – Tel.: +32 229 80100; Maria Tsoni – Tel.: +32 229 90526)

Eurostat: Le taux d’inflation annuel en hausse à 2,2% dans la zone euro

Le taux d’inflation annuel de la zone euro s’est établi à 2,2% en octobre 2018, contre 2,1% en septembre 2018. Un an auparavant, il était de 1,4%. Le taux d’inflation annuel de l’Union européenne s’est également établi à 2,2% en octobre 2018, contre 2,1% en septembre. Un an auparavant, il était de 1,7%. Ces chiffres sont publiés par Eurostat, l’office statistique de l’Union européenne. Un communiqué de presse est disponible en ligne. (Pour plus d’informations: Christian Spahr – Tél.: + 32229 50055; Enda McNamara – Tél.: + 32 229 64976)

Eurostat: la production agricole totale a augmenté de 6,2% dans l’UE en 2017 par rapport à 2016

Les comptes économiques de l’agriculture font apparaître que la valeur totale de la production agricole dans l’Union européenne s’établissait à 432,6 milliards d’euros au prix de base en 2017, soit en hausse de 6,2% par rapport à 2016. En 2017, l’équivalent de 56% (244,1 milliards d’euros) de la valeur de la production agricole générée a été consacré à la consommation intermédiaire (intrants de biens et services), tandis que la valeur ajoutée brute (c’est-à-dire la valeur de la production moins la valeur de la consommation intermédiaire) a atteint 44% (188,5 milliards d’euros). La combinaison de la forte augmentation de la valeur de la production agricole et la croissance plus faible de la consommation intermédiaire (+1,8%) ont entraîné une forte hausse de la valeur ajoutée brute (+12,4%) générée par l’activité agricole en 2017 par rapport à 2016. Un communiqué de presse est disponible en ligne. (Pour plus d’informations: Daniel Rosario – Tel: +32 2 29 56185; Clémence Robin – Tel: +32 229 52 509)

 

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Federica Mogherini and Johannes Hahn in Ankara for the High Level Political Dialogue

On 22 November High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the European Commission Federica Mogherini and Commissioner for European Neighbourhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations Johannes Hahn will be in Turkey for the High Level Political Dialogue between the European Union and Turkey. The Turkish delegation will be led by Foreign Affairs Minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu, now also in charge of EU Affairs. At the Dialogue, they will discuss all issues of common interest and concern, among them key foreign policy issues such as developments in Syria, Iran, and Iraq.  They will also discuss bilateral relations between the EU and Turkey, cooperation on migration and counter-terrorism and other important sectoral issues. A press conference will follow the meeting. Videos and photos will be available on EbS. (For more information: Maja Kocijančič – Tel.: +32 229 86570; Alceo Smerilli – Tel.:+32 229 64887)

La commissaire Thyssen participe à la conférence belge Erasmus+ sur la formation professionnelle

Lundi, 19 novembre, la commissaire en charge de l’Emploi, des Affaires sociales, des Compétences et de la Mobilité des travailleurs, Marianne Thyssen, donnera un discours à l’occasion de la conférence belge sur Erasmus+ à Bruxelles, organisée par 3 agences nationales belges d’Erasmus+ (EPOS, AEF Europe et Jugendburo). L’événement se concentrera sur les politiques de formation professionnelle, les initiatives européennes dans le domaine et le rôle d’Erasmus+. Participants à la conférence incluent des représentants des services publics d’emploi, les fédérations d’employeurs, des stagiaires en formation professionnelle, des établissements scolaires, les autorités régionales belges en charge de l’éducation et des ONGs. Le but de la conférence est démontrer l’intérêt et l’importance des stages et de l’apprentissage professionnel pour les employeurs et les jeunes. Les participants discuteront également l’état des lieux de l’importance de la formation ‘duale’ dans les 3 communautés de la Belgique. Cette conférence rejoint les objectifs de la Semaine européenne sur les compétences professionnelles, qui a eu lieu il y a seulement une semaine à travers l’Europe, et plus généralement la Stratégie pour les compétences de l’Union européenne. Le discours de la commissaire Thyssen sera publié ici. (Pour plus d’informations: Christian Wigand– Tél.: +32 229 62253; Sara Soumillion – Tél.: + 32 229 67094)

 

Animal welfare: Commissioner Vytenis Andriukaitis opens the fourth meeting of the EU Platform

On Monday 19^th November, Commissioner for Health and Food Safety Vytenis Andriukaitis, willopen the fourth meeting of the EU Platform on Animal Welfare. “I am particularly impressed by the fact that four voluntary initiatives aiming to contribute to improvement of animal welfare conditions have already been launched. It proves the deep involvement of the Platform’s members who have taken to heart the motto of the Platform: ‘Everyone is Responsible’!” saidCommissioner Andriukaitis ahead of the meeting. The agenda of the Platform includes a presentation of these ‘own initiatives’, as well as the results of the work of the Platform’s subgroups on animal’s transport and on pigs as well as recommendations in the field of animal welfare. The recent European Court of Auditors’ report, acknowledging the EU achievements and delivery in the area of animal welfare will equally be presented at the meeting. Also, for the first time at a Platform meeting, a third country – New Zealand – will share its experience on improving the welfare of animals. Launched in June 2017, the Platform is now recognized as a pivotal forum for sharing information and good practices among Member States and various stakeholders across Europe. The meeting will be web-streamed here and on EbSas of 9.30 CET. #EU4AnimalWelfare. (For more information: Anca Paduraru – Tel.: +32 229  91269; Aikaterini Apostola – Tel.: +32 229 87624)

Commissioner Hahn in Tunis on 16 – 18 November for the Euro-Mediterranean cultural partnership conference

On 16 – 18 November, Commissioner for European Neighbourhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations Johannes Hahn will be in Tunis, Tunisia, to participate in the high-level international conference “Re-Thinking the Euro-Mediterranean Cultural Partnership” at the Cité de la Culture. The conference will bring together participants from academia, politics, media, think tanks, art, business and youth from the Southern Mediterranean region and the EU to discuss current challenges and opportunities in the region and to embark on closer cooperation. The conference will serve as a platform for new ideas for the Euro-Mediterranean cultural partnership and cooperation, including its importance as a means for political communication and as a vector to drive economic growth, job creation and societal change. Commissioner Hahn will also attend the EU-organised media conference “1ères Assises Internationales du Journalisme de Tunis” which aims at strengthening a network of 450 journalists from both sides of the Mediterranean and provide them with an opportunity to discuss issues related to the freedom of expression, ethics and the importance of media for citizens. In addition, on 17 November, Johannes Hahn will attend the “EU4YOUth flagship event”, which will bring together about 800 students from several regions in Tunisia and will allow them to become familiar with the engagement of the European Union in Tunisia and in the region; including through a fair of EU-funded projects and a series of interactive debates and cultural performances. Photos and videos of the visit will be available on EbS. (For more information: Maja Kocijančič – Tel.: +32 229 86570; Alceo Smerilli – Tel.:+32 229 64887)

 

CALENDAR– Commissioner’s weekly activities

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

(Susceptible de modifications en cours de semaine)

Déplacements et visites

 

Lundi 19 novembre 2018

Foreign Affairs Council

Agriculture and Fisheries Council

President Jean-Claude Juncker receives Mr Tedros Adhanom, Director-General of the World Health Organisation.

Ms Federica Mogherini chairs the Foreign Affairs Council followed by a joint session with Defence Ministers, in Brussels.

Mr Maroš Šefčovič in Bratislava, Slovakia: delivers a keynote speech at the Central European Energy Conference (CEEC) 2018; participates in the Visegrád 4 Ministers of Energy meeting; and participates in the Slovak Battery Alliance meeting.

Mr Maroš Šefčovič in Vienna, Austria: delivers a keynote speech on Climate policy and the Energy Union at the Conference of Parliamentary Committees for Union Affairs of Parliaments of the European Union (COSAC).

Mr Jyrki Katainen receives Mr George Ciamba, the Romanian Minister Delegate for European Affairs.

Mr Jyrki Katainen delivers a keynote speech at the ECFIN’s Annual Research Conference 2018, in Brussels.

Mr Jyrki Katainen receives Ms Ulla Karvo, Director of the Association of the Finnish Local and Regional Authorities.

Mr Johannes Hahn in Vienna, Austria: participates in the Western Balkans Prime Ministers meeting, hosted by the Austrian Chancellery.

Mr Neven Mimica participates in the Foreign Affairs Council, in Brussels.

Mr Neven Mimica receives Mr David Miliband, CEO and President of the International Rescue Committee.

Mr Karmenu Vella participates in the Agriculture and Fisheries Council, in Brussels.

Mr Vytenis Andriukaitis Receives Mr Didier Guillaume, Minister for Agriculture and Food of France.

Mr Vytenis Andriukaitis gives a speech at the meeting of the EU Platform for Animal Welfare, in Brussels.

Mr Vytenis Andriukaitis receives Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organisation.

Mr Vytenis Andriukaitis meets Mr Stavros Arachovitis, Minister for Agricultural Development and Food of Greece, on margins of the AGRIFISH Council, in Brussels.

Ms Marianne Thyssen delivers a keynote speech at the National Conference on Erasmus+ Belgium on the Vocational Education and Training (VET) policy and initiatives at EU Levels and participates in the presentation of Europass Mobility to young apprentices and VET, in Brussels.

Ms Marianne Thyssen attends the Fourth Trilogue on Work-Life Balance, at the European Parliament, in Brussels.

M. Pierre Moscovici participe au dîner de gala en l’honneur de M. Emmanuel Macron, Président de la République française et Mme Brigitte Macron, à l’invitation de Sa Majesté le Roi des Belges, à Bruxelles.

Mr Christos Stylianides receives Mr David Miliband, CEO and President of the International Rescue Committee.

Mr Christos Stylianides participates in the Foreign Affairs Council.

Mr Christos Stylianides receives Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organisation.

Mr Christos Stylianides delivers a speech at the Annual Partners’ Conference 2018.

Mr Phil Hogan participates in the Agriculture and Fisheries Council, in Brussels.

Ms Violeta Bulc delivers a speech at a workshop on “Multimodal passenger’s services”, in Brussels.

Ms Violeta Bulc participates in a luncheon debate with the Spanish and Latin American Business Community, in Brussels.

Ms Vĕra Jourová in Bucharest, Romania (until 20/11): meets Mr Tudorel Toader, Minister for Justice, Mr Eugen Orlando Teodorovici, Minister for Public Finance and Ms Lia Olguța Vasilescu, Minister for Labour and Social Justice.

Ms Margrethe Vestager in Berlin, Germany: meets Mr Peter Altmaier, Minister for Economy of Germany; and gives a keynote speech at the DIW Berlin (German Institute for Economic Research).

Mr Carlos Moedas in Milan, Italy: delivers a keynote speech at the Opening ceremony of the Bocconi University Academic Year; meets Mario Monti, former President of the Italian Minister Council, Gianmario Verona, Rector of the Bocconi University, and Jerome Adda, Dean for Research of the Bocconi University together with the Bocconi Faculty recipients of ERC grants and Jean-Pierre Bourgignon, ERC President; and meets Prof. Mike Spence, recipient of the 2001 Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences, Ms Diana Bracco, President and CEO of the Bracco Group as well as Mr Giuseppe Sala, Mayor of Milan.

Ms Mariya Gabriel in Vienna, Austria: in the context of the Vienna Economic Forum: participates, together with Mr Johannes Hahn, in a joint working breakfast with WB leaders organised by the Federal Chancellor of Austria, Mr Sebastian Kurz; delivers a main statement in the podium discussion about “Regional cooperation as a part of the European integration: Digitalisation – bridging gaps and chance to leapfrog”; delivers speech and announces the winners of the European Broadband Awards at the awards ceremony, in Brussels.

 

Mardi 20 novembre 2018

Foreign Affairs Council (Defence)

Agriculture and Fisheries Council

President Jean-Claude Juncker President Jean-Claude Juncker receives Mr Michael Clauss, Permanent Representative of Germany to the EU.

President Jean-Claude Juncker receives the members of the board of the Spinelli Group for a presentation of its Manifesto for the Future of Europe.

Ms Federica Mogherini chairs the ministerial meeting of the European Defence Agency Steering Board.

Ms Federica Mogherini chairs the Foreign Affairs Council (Defence), in Brussels.

Ms Federica Mogherini delivers a speech at the opening conference of the European Parliament Human Rights Week at the occasion of the 70th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration Of Human Rights, in Brussels.

Ms Federica Mogherini meets Mr Filippo Grandi, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Commissioner.

Mr Andrus Ansip in Berlin, Germany: attends the opening of the Platform Economy Summit; meets the Federal Minister of Justice of Germany Ms Katarina Barley; attends an Event on AI with the Federation of German Industries (BDI) – Q/A session; and visits the Deutsche Welle.

Mr Maroš Šefčovič in Zvolen, Slovakia: participates in the Opening Ceremony of the first Ultra-Fast Charger for electric vehicles (part of NEXT-E project).

Mr Jyrki Katainen delivers a keynote speech at the Globe EU High-Level Conference on Sustainable Finance, in Brussels.

Mr Jyrki Katainen meets Ms Mami Mizutori, Assistant Secretary General of the United Nations, in Brussels.

Mr Jyrki Katainen delivers a keynote speech at the 20th anniversary seminar of Turku-Southwest Finland European Office, in Brussels.

Mr Neven Mimica receives Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organisation.

Mr Neven Mimica delivers a speech at the event “Securing a platform for health and development” at the European Parliament, in Brussels. 

Mr Neven Mimica receives Ms Charlotte Petri Gornitzka, Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations Children’s Fund.

Mr Miguel Arias Cañete in Algeria for the 3rd High-Level Energy Dialogue Algeria-EU.

Mr Karmenu Vella receives Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organisation.

Mr Karmenu Vella delivers a keynote speech at the Globe EU High-Level Conference on Sustainable Finance, in Brussels.

Mr Vytenis Andriukaitis participates in the European Business Summit “Think Digital”, in Brussels.

Mr Vytenis Andriukaitis in Paris, France: gives a speech at the European Vaccination Conference organised by the Institut Pasteur.

Ms Marianne Thyssen in Geel, Brussels:gives a lecture at the University of Geel.

M. Pierre Moscovici à Paris : prononce un discours sur “Faire entendre la voix des communes en Europe” et participe à une table ronde lors du 101ème Congrès des Maires;  et participe à une table ronde autour du thème : “Mettre l’économie au service des générations futures” dans le cadre du  Global Positive Forum organisé par la Fondation Positive Planet.

Mr Christos Stylianides in Paris, France: participates in the Global Positive Forum organised by Positive Planet.

Mr Phil Hogan receives representatives of the European Chamber of Commerce in Korea.

Mr Phil Hogan addresses an event with Spirits Sector European CEOs, in Brussels.

Ms Violeta Bulc participates in an event on “Social aspects of automation in the transport sector”, in Brussels.

Ms Elżbieta Bieńkowska receives a delegation of University Professors from diverse academic institutions from the Zachodnie Pomorskie and Lubuskie region in Poland.

Ms Vĕra Jourová in Bucharest, Romania: meets Mr Klaus Iohannis, President of Romania; delivers a speech at the Consumer Dialogue; meets Mr Marius Pirvu, President of the National Authority for Consumer Protection; meets Ms Iulia-Cristina Tarcea, President of the High Court of Cassation and Justice of Romania; and delivers a speech at the International roundtable on the situation of children left behind due to international mobility.

Mr Tibor Navracsics in Brussels, Belgium: gives the closing speech at the Committee on Culture and Education Interparliamentary Committee Meeting on European Cultural Heritage; receives the UEFA president ,Mr Aleksander Čeferin, and the Chairman of the European Club Association Mr Andrea Agnelli; and holds a roundtable with young people from the Kolozs County – part of a visit to Brussels organised by the Kolozs County Youth Forum (KIFOR).

Ms Margrethe Vestager meets representatives of Inter-church Council Denmark.

Ms Margrethe Vestager gives a keynote speech at the Chillin’ Competition conference, in Brussels.

Mr Julian King in Vienna, Austria: participates in the conference “European values, rule of law, security” organised by the Austrian Presidency of the Council of the EU.

Mr Julian King delivers a keynote speech at the “Think Digital” Summit, in Brussels.

Ms Mariya Gabriel delivers a keynote speech on “Broadband Today: a bird’s eye view” at the B-Day: Mind the Broadband Gap Conference; delivers an opening keynote speech at the DIGITEC 2018 IT Forum; delivers a high-level opening speech at the Safer Internet Forum; and delivers concluding remarks at the EU Blockchain Roundtable “Bringing industry together for European leadership in blockchain technologies”,in Brussels.

 

Mercredi 21 novembre 2018

College meeting

President Jean-Claude Juncker receives Mr Mamuka Bakhtadze, Prime Minister of Georgia.

President Jean-Claude Juncker, together with the College of Commissioners, receives the Government of Georgia for a working lunch.

President Jean-Claude Juncker holds a joint press point with Mr Mamuka Bakhtadze, Prime Minister of Georgia.

Ms Federica Mogherini delivers a keynote speech at the EU-Australia Leadership Forum, in Brussels.

Mr Andrus Ansip receives Mr Ian Davis, Chairman of Rolls-Royce.

Mr Valdis Dombrovskis delivers a keynote speech at the European Payment Institutions Federation (EPIF) Annual Workshop 2018 on “European Payments: Driving the Next Technology Revolution”, in Brussels.

Mr Valdis Dombrovskis takes part in the opening of the exhibition “Latvia’s Century” to mark the centenary of Latvia’s Proclamation of Independence, in Brussels.

Mr Jyrki Katainen delivers a keynote speech at the European Union for Responsible Incineration and Treatment of Special Waste (Eurits) Autumn Conference, in Brussels.

Mr Jyrki Katainen attends the opening ceremony of the “Latvia’s Century” exhibition, in Brussels.

Ms Cecilia Malmström delivers a speech at the 2^nd EU-Australia Leadership Forum, in Brussels.

Mr Neven Mimica receives Mr Abdulaziz Kamilov, Foreign Affairs Minister of Uzebkistan.

Mr Miguel Arias Cañete receives Ms Ana Patricia Botín, President of Banco Santander.

Mr Karmenu Vella receives Mr Norbert Brackmann, Federal Government Coordinator for the Maritime Industry of Germany.

Mr Vytenis Andriukaitis participates in the 4th European Reference Networks Conference, in Brussels.

Mr Vytenis Andriukaitis participates in Eurogroup for Animals Conference “The Illegal Online Puppy Trade: towards a safer EU for animals and people online”, in Brussels.

Mr Vytenis Andriukaitis participates in Bayer CropScience SA-NV Annual Reception, in Brussels.

Mr Dimitris Avramopoulos and Mr Julian King participate in the meeting on justice and internal security with the Government of Georgia, in Brussels.

Mr Dimitris Avramopoulos receives Ms Dhurata Hoxha, Minister for European Integration of Kosovo.

Mr Dimitris Avramopoulos receives Mr Vassilis Kikilas, former Minister for Public Order of Greece.

Mr Dimitris Avramopoulos opens the exhibition “Latvia’s Century”, in Brussels.

Ms Marianne Thyssen and Ms Violeta Bulc meet representatives of the European Cockpit Association and European Transport Workers Federation, in Brussels.

Ms Marianne Thyssen attends the First Trilogue on working conditions, in Brussels.

M. Pierre Moscovici participe à un conférence organisée par le think-tank Friends of Europe; et prononce un discours sur les grands enjeux des prochaines élections européennes, à Bruxelles.

Ms Vĕra Jourová in Vienna, Austria: delivers a speech at the High-Level Conference “Europe beyond anti-Semitism and anti-Zionism – securing Jewish life in Europe“. 

Ms Margrethe Vestager receives candidates for the European Parliament elections from the Danish parties Radikale and Alternativet.

Ms Margrethe Vestager receives members of European Youth from Denmark.

Mr Carlos Moedas in Praia, Cape Verde: meets H.E. Ulisses Correia e Silva, Prime Minister of Cape Verde, H.E. Maritza Rosabal, Minister for Education and H.E. Jorge Carlos Fonseca, President of Cape Verde; and visits the NOSI centre/ Núcleo Operacional da Sociedade de Informação.

Ms Mariya Gabriel delivers closing remarks at the Official Launch of the StartupCity Europe Partnership (SCEP) in the European Parliament; participates in a roundtable “The EU political and institutional commitment to the ERNs” at the 4^th conference on European Reference Networks (ERNs); delivers a keynote speech at the conference “Which Way for Europe’s Digital Economy and Society? A comprehensive debate on cybersecurity” in the European Parliament, in Brussels.

 

Jeudi 22 novembre 2018

EU-Uzbekistan Cooperation Council

President Jean-Claude Juncker, together with Ms Corina Creţu in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, in Spain (until 23/11): attends the Official Dinner of the 23rd Conference of the Presidents of the Outermost Regions.

President Jean-Claude Juncker attends an audience with His Majesty King Felipe VI of Spain, in Las Palmas, Spain.

Ms Federica Mogherini together with Mr Johannes Hahn in Ankara, Turkey: participates in the EU-Turkey High-Level Political Dialogue.

Mr Andrus Ansip in Tallinn, Estonia: meets with 20. Augusti Klubi and MTÜ “Eesti vabaduse eest!” (political veterans of Estonia); attends a Roundtable discussion with the Ida-Viru Chamber of Commerce in Jõhvi, and will be speaking at the Estonian Civil Servants Club.

Mr Maroš Šefčovič receives representatives from the European Social Partners (BUSINESSEUROPE, CEEP, ETUC, SME UNITED).

Mr Jyrki Katainen receives a delegation of CEOs of FoodDrinkEurope.

Mr Jyrki Katainen delivers opening remarks at the European Entrepreneurship Education NETwork roundtable, in Brussels.

Mr Jyrki Katainen delivers a keynote speech at the event “Marine litter: What role for Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)?” of the European Parliament Intergroup on “Climate Change, Biodiversity and Sustainable Development”, in Brussels.

Mr Jyrki Katainen attends the Award Ceremony of the SEP Europe’s Corporate Startup Stars, in Brussels.

Mr Jyrki Katainen participates in the Politico Playbook Cocktail event on “Europe’s transition to a Circular Economy“, in Brussels.

Ms Cecilia Malmström delivers a speech on “Investment protection, Investor-State Dispute Settlement (ISDS)-reforms, and the EU plans for a permanent Multilateral Investment Court”, at an event organised by the Belgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation, in Brussels.

Mr Miguel Arias Cañete meets Mr Mohammad Sanusi Barkindo, Secretary – General of the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), in Brussels.

Mr Miguel Arias Cañete gives a speech at the Energy Dialogue EU-OPEC, in Brussels.

Mr Karmenu Vella delivers an opening speech at an event on Blue Economy, in Brussels.

Mr Karmenu Vella receives Mr Janez Potočnik, Chairman of the Board of the Rural Investment Support for Europe (RISE) Foundation.

Mr Dimitris Avramopoulos in Bucharest, Romania: meets with Viorica Dăncilă, Prime Minister of Romania and Carmen Daniela Dan, Minister for Internal Affairs.

Ms Marianne Thyssen receives representatives of the European Trade Union Federations.

M. Pierre Moscovici à Paris : en audition par les Commissions des Affaires européennes et des Finances dans le cadre du semestre européen de l’Assemblée nationale ; et prononce un discours sur les “Elections européennes: quels enjeux pour une Europe à la croisée des chemins?” lors d’une conférence organisée par l’Ecole des Hautes Études Internationales et Politiques de Paris.

Mr Christos Stylianides on official visit to Weimar and Erfurt, Germany: visits the Buchenwald Memorial with Ms Babette Winter, State Secretary for Europe and Culture of Thuringia; meets with Mr Georg Maier, Minister for the Interior of Thuringia; meets with the civil protection personnel of the Federal State of Thuringia; and delivers a speech at the University of Erfurt.

Mr Phil Hogan in Zagreb, Croatia: delivers a speech at the Interparliamentary conference: “The Role of Parliaments in Shaping the Future of Food and Farming”, with Mr Tomislav Tolušić, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Agriculture of Croatia; and participates in a roundtable with Croatian farm organisations.

Ms Vĕra Jourová in Vilnius, Lithuania (until 23/11): meets Ms Dalia Grybauskaitė, President of Lithuania, Mr Elvinas Jankevičius, Minister for Justice of Lithuania and Mr Linas Linkevičius, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Lithuania; attends the Plenary debate at the National Parliament (Seimas) on the Future of Europe; delivers a speech at the Leaders’ Club Conference ;and meets representatives of the civil society.

Mr Tibor Navracsics in Nitra, Slovakia: meets with Dr. Libor Vozár, Rector of the Constantine the Philosopher University in Nitra (Nitra University) and students.

Ms Corina Creţu in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain (until 23/11): launches the Waste Task Force at the Canary Islands Technological Institute (ITC), jointly with Ms Nieves Lady Barreto Hernández, Regional Minister of Territorial Policy, Durability and Security of the Government of the Canary Islands; visits the Integrated Centre of Vocational Training in Agüimes”, an EU-funded project; meets Mr Daniel Gibbs, President of the Overseas Collectivity of Saint-Martin (France); visit the Oceanic Platform of the Canary Islands PLOCAN, an EU-funded project.

Ms Margrethe Vestager delivers a keynote speech at the AMCHAM conference, in Brussels.

Mme Margrethe Vestager rencontre M. Laurent Burrel, Président de l’Association française des entreprises privées.

Mr Carlos Moedas is in Mindelo, Cabo Verde. He will deliver a keynote speech at the opening of the High Level Meeting “Our Atlantic Ocean for Growth and Well-Being”, participate at the Signing Ceremony of the Cooperation Arrangement on Marine Research and Innovation as well as take part in a Round table on Innovation in the Maritime Economy.

M. Julian King à Nice, France (jusqu’au 23/11): rencontre M. Christian Estrosi, Maire de Nice; rencontre les représentants de la préfecture; participe au lancement des travaux d’embellissement et de sécurisation du dernier tronçon de la Promenade des Anglais; et visite la Fondation Lenval (Psychotrauma des victimes) du Dr. Askénazy pour des échanges avec ses équipes.

Ms Mariya Gabriel, in Sofia, Bulgaria, delivers opening remarks at 20^th anniversary conference of the Communications Regulation Commission; meets with representatives from the Bulgarian Book Association; and meets with representatives from Bee Smart Technologies concerning technology in beekeeping.

 

Vendredi 23 novembre 2018

President Jean-Claude Juncker, together witjMs Corina Creţu in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain: delivers a speech at the Official Opening of the Partnership Session of the 23rd Conference of the Presidents of the Outermost Regions; and attends the Closing ceremony.

Ms Federica Mogherini chairs the 14th annual EU-Central Asia Ministerial Meeting, in Brussels.

Mr Andrus Ansip in Pärnu, Estonia: attends a business breakfast with the Pärnu Chamber of Commerce; speaks at the Pärnu Sütevaka Humanitaargümnaasium; and holds a Citizen’s dialogue.

Mr Jyrki Katainen receives Mr Roeland Baan, CEO of Outokumpu.

Ms Cecilia Malmström in Umeå, Sweden: delivers a speech at the Umeå University’s 50 Years Celebration event “Democracy: Where are we going?.

Mr Neven Mimica on official visit to Rome, Italy: participates in the International Symposium on Agricultural Innovation for Family Farmers organised by the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations.

Mr Karmenu Vella receives representatives from several NGOs including the Pew Charitable Trusts ,ClientEarth, the Fisheries Secretariat, Oceana, Our Fish and Seas At Risk, on the European Commission’s proposals and the Council discussions on fishing opportunities for 2019.

Mr Karmenu Vella delivers a closing speech at the European Ocean Observing System (EOOS) Conference, in Brussels.

Mr Vytenis Andriukaitis in Vilnius, Lithuania: meets Mr Aurelijus Veryga, Minister of Health of Lithuania; holds a meeting with the Members of the Parliament of Lithuania regarding European Semester Annual Growth Survey.

Mr Christos Stylianides on official visit to Leipzig, Germany: meets with the Mr Roland Wöller, Interior Minister of Saxony; visits the Innovation Center for Computer Assisted Surgery (ICCAS), a consortium partner for an EU Medical Field Hospital; and participates in a discussion with graduate students at the University of Leipzig.

Mr Phil Hogan in Vienna, Austria: delivers a speech at the Conference on the Development of Plant Proteins in the European Union.

Ms Violeta Bulc in Zagreb, Croatia: meets Mr Andrej Plenković, Prime Minister of Croatia.

Ms Violeta Bulc in Ljubljana, Slovenia: delivers a keynote speech at the event “Get the skills for the digital era”.

Ms Elżbieta Bieńkowska

Ms Vĕra Jourová in Vilnius, Lithuania: attends the annual meeting of the Heads of Justice and Home Affairs Agencies; and participates in a Citizens’ Dialogue organised by the Vilnius University.

Mr Tibor Navracsics

Ms Corina Cretu in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain: meets Mr Fernando Clavijo Batlle, President of the Government of the Canary Islands and meets Mr Vasco Cordeiro, President of the Government of Azores.

Ms Margrethe Vestager receives Hardinger band.

Mr Carlos Moedas in Mindelo, Cabo Verde. He will visit the Campus of Marine Studies and Midelo town accompanied by H.E. Augusto César Lima Neves, Mayor of São Vicente and H.E. José da Silva Gonçalves, Minister for Maritime Economy, Transport and Tourism. He will also participate in the Ocean Week on ‘Sea and Tourism’.

M Julian King à Marseille, France: rencontre les représentants de la mairie et de la préfecture.  

Ms Mariya Gabriel in Ljubljana, Slovenia (until 24/11): participates in the EPP Women Congress and General Board “Women First”.

 

Samedi 24 novembre 2018

Mr Frans Timmermans in Eygelshoven, the Netherlands:  receives the “Orde van de Gulden Humor 2018“.

 

Prévisions du mois de novembre:

26/11 Foreign Affairs Council (Development)

26-27/11 Education, Youth, Culture and Sports Council

29 – 30/11 Competitiveness Council

 

Permanence DG COMM le WE du 24 au 25 novembre 2018:

Mina ANDREEVA : +32 (0) 498 99 13 82

 

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