The European Commission presented today an additional package of actions aimed at increasing the availability of fodder resources for livestock, one of the main challenges faced by farmers dealing with the impact of drought. This package complements the measures already announced early August.

Commissioner for Agriculture, Phil Hogan, said: “The Commission reacted swiftly to the first signals of these extreme climatic events and I keep following the situation closely. I am in contact with ministers from affected Member States as we are assessing the adequacy of the actions already in place. We are today taking additional action which I believe should provide relief to European farmers against the shortage of feed for animals. I welcome the recent announcements by several Member States ready to act for their agricultural sector, and I will continue working with them to ensure they use to the full extent the possibilities available, most notably within the Common Agricultural Policy.”

More specifically, the new derogations presented today concern certain greening rules:

• Possibility to consider winter crops which are normally sown in autumn for harvesting/grazing as catch crops (prohibited under current rules) if intended for grazing/fodder production;
• Possibility to sow catch crops as pure crops (and not a mixture of crops as currently prescribed) if intended for grazing/fodder production;
• Possibility to shorten the 8-weeks minimum period for catch crops to allow arable farmers to sow their winter crops in a timely manner after their catch crops;
• Extension of the previously adopted derogation to cut/graze fallow land to France.

The proposal on higher advanced payments, already announced a few weeks ago, was also formally presented today. Farmers will be able to receive up to 70% of their directpayment and 85% of payments under rural development already as of mid-October 2018 instead of waiting until December to improve their cash flow situation.

These proposals come in addition to the provisions already available for such circumstances. In all cases, the Commission ensures that all these measures are implemented in a proportionate way taking into account environmental concerns. For example, under existing state aid rules, aid of up to 80% of the damage caused by drought (or up to 90% in Areas of Natural Constraint) can be provided, subject to certain specific conditions. The purchase of fodder can qualify for aid as either material damage or income loss. Compensation for damage can also be granted without the need to notify the Commission (the so-called “de minimis aid”) with amounts up to €15,000 per farmer over three years. Relief possibilities also exist under rural development, including the financing of re-seeding of pastures for example or compensation for loss of income.

Today’s proposals were submitted to Member States gathered in a Committee meeting. They should be voted in the coming days and formally adopted by the end of September. The measures will apply retro-actively.

The Commission is in contact with all Member States to receive updated information by 31 August of the impact of drought.

For more information

Announcement on advance payments and first derogations

Presentation on impact of drought in Europe

Monitoring Agricultural ResourceS (MARS) Bulletins

Le séminaire du Collège des Commissaires 2018

Le président Juncker et son Collège des Commissaires se réuniront à partir de cet après-midi pour leur séminaire annuel. Pendant deux jours, l’équipe Juncker discutera des défis et des actions à venir, notamment en vue du discours du président Juncker sur l’état de l’Union, qu’il prononcera mercredi 12 septembre au Parlement européen de Strasbourg. Le discours sera, cette année encore, accompagné de nouvelles propositions, traduisant ainsi immédiatement les propositions du Président en actes. Au cours du séminaire, le président Juncker discutera de ses principaux messages avec les Commissaires ainsi que du prochain programme de travail de la Commission. (Pour plus d’informations: Margaritis Schinas – Tél.: +32 229 60524; Mina Andreeva – Tél.: +32 229 91382)

Vague de sécheresse en Europe: la Commission présente des mesures supplémentaires pour soutenir les agriculteurs

Alors que les agriculteurs européens font face à de graves difficultés suite à la sécheresse de cet été, la Commission européenne reste engagée et apporte son soutien au secteur. La Commission a présenté aujourd’hui un ensemble de mesures additionnelles pour accroître la disponibilité des ressources fourragères pour le bétail, ce qui constitue l’un des principaux défis auxquels sont confrontés les agriculteurs suite à la sécheresse. Ce paquet complète les mesures déjà annoncées par la Commission début août. Le commissaire européen à l’agriculture, Phil Hogan, a déclaré: “La Commission a réagi dès les premiers signaux de ces événements climatiques extrêmes et je continue personnellement à suivre la situation de près. Je suis en contact avec les ministres des pays concernés pour évaluer les besoins et les mesures déjà en place. Nous prenons aujourd’hui des mesures supplémentaires qui devraient permettre de soulager plus encore les agriculteurs européens qui font face à une pénurie d’aliments pour leurs animaux. Je salue les récentes annonces de plusieurs États membres prêts à agir pour soutenir leur secteur agricole et je m’engage à continuer de travailler, ensemble, afin de veiller à ce qu’ils utilisent pleinement les possibilités offertes, notamment par la politique agricole commune.“Les dérogations présentées aujourd’hui concernent plus précisément certaines règles de verdissement liées entre autres aux cultures intermédiaires. La proposition de permettre des avances de paiements, déjà annoncée il y a quelques semaines, a été également officiellement présentée aujourd’hui. La Commission est en contact avec tous les États membres, de façon à recevoir des informations actualisées sur les conséquences de la sécheresse d’ici le 31 août. Plus d’informations sur les présentations du jour sont disponibles en ligne ici. (Pour plus d’informations: Daniel Rosario – Tél.: +32 229 56185; Clémence Robin – Tél.: +32 229 52509)

Mergers: Commission clears the acquisition of joint control over VIC Strategic Multifamily Partners LPs by Ivanhoe Cambridge and PSPIB

The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of joint control over VIC Strategic Multifamily Partners LPs (the “VIC LPs”) of the USby Ivanhoe Cambridge and the Public Sector Pension Investment Board (“PSPIB”), both of Canada. The VIC LPs, currently solely controlled by Ivanhoe Cambridge, own and manage residential real estate assets in the San Francisco Bay area. Ivanhoe Cambridge is a global real estate investor controlled by Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec. PSPIB invests the pension plans of the Canadian public sector in a diversified global portfolio composed of investments in real estate, public financial markets, private equity, infrastructure, natural resources and private debt services. The Commission concluded that the proposed acquisition would raise no competition concerns as the VIC LPs have no foreseen activities in the European Economic Area. The transaction was examined under the simplified merger review procedure. More information is available on the Commission’s competition website, in the public case register under the case number M.8982. (For more information: Ricardo Cardoso – Tel.: +32 229 80100)

Mergers: Commission clears the creation of a joint venture by Ivanhoe Cambridge and PSPIB

The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the creation of a joint venture, VGMV LP, by IvanhoeCambridge and the Public Sector Pension Investment Board (“PSPIB”), both of Canada. The joint venture will renovate, manage, and offer for rent residential real estate in the San Francisco Bay area. Ivanhoe Cambridge is a global real estate investor controlled by Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec. PSPIB invests the pension plans of the Canadian public sector in a diversified global portfolio composed of investments in real estate, public financial markets, private equity, infrastructure, natural resources and private debt services. The Commission concluded that the proposed acquisition would raise no competition concerns as VGMV LP has no foreseen activities in the European Economic Area. The transaction was examined under the simplified merger review procedure. More information is available on the Commission’s competition website, in the public case register under the case number M.9078. (For more information: Ricardo Cardoso – Tel.: +32 229 80100)

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

EMCDDA, Lisbon, August 2018

Pologne: 411 millions d’euros de fonds européens pour la reconstruction du réseau ferroviaire à Łódź

Le Fonds de Cohésion investit 411 millions d’euros dans la rénovation du nœud ferroviaire de Łódź, troisième plus grande ville du pays et centre économique majeur. Łódź comporte deux gares principales, Łódź Fabryczna et Łódź Kaliska, qui ne sont actuellement pas directement connectées entre elle. C’est un obstacle majeur au développement du transport dans la région et cela rend fastidieux le quotidien des habitants de la ville. Le Fonds de Cohésion finance ici la construction d’une ligne souterraine entre ces deux gares, ainsi que vers la gare de Łódź Żabieniec, à l’ouest de la ville. Le projet comprend également la construction de deux stations, Łódź Zielona and Łódź Ogrodowa. “Les habitants de la ville vont bientôt pouvoir traverser la ville plus rapidement et bénéficier de meilleures connexions interrégionales, avec un système de transport efficace et respectueux de l’environnement”, a commenté la commissaire à la politique régionale Corina Crețu, “Le développement du transport ferroviaire à Łódź va aussi stimuler l’économie locale, les échanges et le tourisme.” Au cours de la période 2007-2013, l’UE a déjà investi 242 millions d’euros dans la reconstruction du nœud ferroviaire de Łódź et la rénovation des gares de Fabryczna and Widzew. Le projet actuel devrait être achevé en janvier 2022. (Pour plus d’informations: Christian Wigand – Tél.: +32 229 62253; Sophie Dupin de Saint-Cyr – Tél.: +32 229 56169)

Seven MEDIA-supported productions will be shown at the Venice Film Festival

The 75^th Venice Film Festival will open its doors tomorrow and will feature six films and a TV series supported by the MEDIA programme – the EU’s programme for supporting European audiovisual industry. Three of the MEDIA-supported films have additionally been shortlisted to compete for the Golden Lion: ‘Capri Revolution’ by Mario Martone (Italy/France), ‘Sunset’ (Napszállta) by László Nemes (Hungary/France) and ‘Never Look Away’ (Werk Ohne Autor) by Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck (Germany). The Orizzonti Competition that is dedicated to latest trends in international cinema will feature MEDIA-supported ‘The day I lost my shadow’ (Yom adaatou zouli) by Soudade Kaadan (Syria/Lebanon/France/Qatar). The new TV series ‘My brilliant friend’ (L’amica geniale) by Saverio Costanzo (Italy/Belgium) that is based on Elena Ferrante’s bestselling books will premiere at the film festival with first two episodes. The European Commission is additionally organising on Saturday on the sidelines of the festival the European Film Forum. Mariya Gabriel, Commissioner for Digital Economy and Society said: “The 75^th edition of the Venice Film Festival is an excellent occasion to put the spotlight on the crucial role played by festivals in promoting European films, TV series and other audiovisual works. The Creative Europe MEDIA programme is helping festivals seize the opportunities the future holds, in the times when audiences and the industry’s business models are changing fast. Our focus in Venice will be to discuss how festivals can collaborate to make better use of resources and exchange best practices. The Commission’s proposal for Creative Europe MEDIA in the long-term EU budget 2021-2027 foresees additionally support for networks of festivals to help them scale up in a global industry.” Following the European Film Forum the first ever Europa Cinemas Innovation Prize will be awarded to outstanding innovative projects by networks of cinemas. The winner will be awarded €10,000. Further details on the MEDIA-supported productions at the Venice Film Festival are available here and on the European Film Forum here. An overview of MEDIA programme can be found in the factsheet. (For more information: Christian Wigand – tel.: +32 229 62253; Inga Höglund – Tel.: +32 229 50698)

Commissioner Vella in the Faroe Islands for high-level event on sustainable ocean governance

Karmenu Vella, Commissioner for the Environment, Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, is in the Faroe Islands for the 23rd North Atlantic Fisheries Ministers Conference (27-28 August). The objective of this annual high-level event is for ministers from northern Atlantic countries to address issues of concern in an informal setting. As part of this year’s topic, “sustainable ocean governance”, Commissioner Vella presented the European Union’s ocean agenda, and in particular the actions undertaken by the EU under the 2016 International ocean governance agenda. Its objective is to reduce pressures on the oceans and to promote sustainable blue economy. The Commissioner also called on all participants to work together to improve international ocean governance. His full remarks are available here. A joint communiqué of the ministers is available here. In the margins of the conference, Commissioner Vella held a number of bilateral meetings with the Fisheries Ministers and other representatives of the Faroe Islands, Canada, Russia, Iceland and Greenland. (Daniel Rosario  – Tel.: +32 229 56185; Alexis Perier – Tel.: +32 229 69143)

Mergers: Commission clears the acquisition of Merck’s consumer health business by Procter & Gamble

The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of sole control over the consumer health business of Merck KGaA of Germany by the Procter & Gamble Company of the US. Merck’s consumer health business is active worldwide in the research, development, manufacturing, marketing, and sales of consumer health products, which are mainly available over-the-counter, for various indications. Procter & Gamble is a global manufacturer of consumer goods, including fabric and household care, grooming, health care, baby, feminine and family care products. The Commission concluded that the proposed transaction would raise no competition concerns because the activities of the companies are generally complementary. The transaction gives rise to a limited number of horizontal overlaps for which the Commission found, following its market investigation, that sufficient competition will remain after the transaction. The transaction was examined under the normal merger review procedure. More information is available on the Commission’s competition website, in the public case registerunder the case number M.8974. (For more information: Ricardo Cardoso – Tel.: +32 229 80100)

Mergers: Commission clears the acquisition of the Specialty Chemicals Business of Akzo Nobel N.V. by the Carlyle Group.

The European Commission has approved under the EU Merger Regulation the acquisition of sole control over the Specialty Chemicals Business of Akzo Nobel (“Akzo Nobel SC”) of the Netherlands by the Carlyle Group of the US. Akzo Nobel SC is the specialty chemicals business of Akzo Nobel, which has been separated from Akzo Nobel’s paint and coating business. Carlyle is a global alternative asset manager. The Commission concluded that the proposed transaction would raise no competition concerns given the minor horizontal and vertical overlaps between the Parties’ activities. 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.8912. (For more information: Ricardo Cardoso – Tel.: +32 229 80100)

Concentrations: la Commission européenne autorise l’acquisition de contrôle conjoint de Primavia par EIH et Krone-Mur Servifrío

La Commission européenne a approuvé, en vertu du règlement européen sur les concentrations, l’acquisition du contrôle conjoint de Primavia Europe S.L., basée en Espagne, par Europe Intermodal Holding (“EIH”), appartenant au groupe SNCF Mobilités, les deux basés en France, et Krone-Mur Servifrío S.L., basée en Espagne. Primavia, actuellement sous le contrôle exclusif de Krone-MurServifrío, fournit des services de transport réfrigéré combinés rail-route à l’international, principalement de marchandises périssables de l’Espagne vers l’Europe du Nord. Krone-Mur fournit des services de transport de fret. EIH fournit des services de transport de fret intermodaux et multimodaux. La Commission a conclu que l’opération envisagée ne soulèverait pas de problème de concurrence, compte tenu du faible impact que l’opération aura sur le marché. L’opération a été examinée dans la 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.8986. (Pour plus d’informations: Ricardo Cardoso – Tel.: +32 229 80100)

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