Keynote speech by Commissioner Elżbieta Bieńkowska at the European Plastics Converters Annual Conference

Thank you for inviting me here today: being here in Milan gives me a chance to engage with you, the heart of the plastic industry.

The benefits that plastics bring to our society and our economy are not put into question by the EU Plastics Strategy.

In fact plastics are making an important contribution to the de-carbonization of our economy.

For example, light and innovative materials in packaging have saved CO2 emissions in transport and have reduced food waste while ensuring food safety.

Nevertheless, these benefits are being outweighed by the cost. Too little is recycled and much is disposed incorrectly and inefficiently.

Today less than 30% of plastic waste generated in the EU is recycled.

Littering and leakage in the environment has very negative impacts on land and sea life.

This is generating a growing demand for action.

Of course, this is not a call for a plastic-free economy.

But plastics need to become sustainable and circular – keeping intact its functionalities while reducing its negative impact – It is the only way forward.

Since 2015, the Juncker Commission launched an ambitious Circular Economy Action Plan.

It is designed to change the way partners in the value chain should interact in order to increase the circularity of production and consumption patterns in a systematic way.

It aims at transforming the classical linear “take, make, waste” approach into a circular approach where the value of resource is kept in the economy for as long as possible.

Based on these principles we developed the Plastics Strategy.

Ladies and Gentlemen:

For this industry becoming environmentally sustainable and the most innovative and competitive in the world, we must acknowledge and define the challenges that lie ahead.

Firstly, we need to create a market for recycled plastic and to reduce the huge amount of plastic waste going to incineration and landfill – up to 10 million tons.

The plastic demand in the EU is about 49 million tons annually. The main driver is the packaging sector, followed by the construction and automotive sectors.

Currently, only 2 to 3 million tons of plastic waste is being recycled.

This is dangerous for the environment and makes no sense from a circular economy point of view.

We are destroying considerable value that should instead be kept in the production loop.

Moreover, I am sure you were all surprised by the Chinese when they introduced a ban on plastic waste imports.

And we even see African countries taking bold action. You will have heard about the ban of plastic bags in Kenya.

This puts us all under pressure to act.

It is a wake-up call for Europeans: an opportunity for our industry and for our policy to fully reap the potential of the circular economy.

For this to become an opportunity for the EU industry, we need to work towards the integration of the value chains.

As you will know, we have launched a pledging campaign for industrial sectors. This is a perfect opportunity for us all to kick-off this new cooperative approach!

We want to incorporate 10 million tons of recycled plastic into new products, every year, by 2025. This is ambitious but also realistic.

We are also reaching out to other actors. They can play a positive role in this mutual effort: regional and municipal authorities.

Their contribution is essential in this effort: better sorting and collection of waste is the foundation of higher quality recycling.

Plastic solutions should be designed to be more suitable for reuse, recyclable and degradability.

On recycling, the chemical additives of plastics can pose problems.

Here, the Commission is doing its part.

In line with our Communication from January on the Interface between Chemicals, Wastes and Products Regulations, we will clarify which additives are acceptable in recycled plastics.

We will trace the presence of such additives to inform recyclers, the users of recyclates and – where relevant –consumers.

The Commission is also committed to work towards fully biodegradable plastics. We are happy to join forces with industry on the necessary research and investment efforts.

Standards play of course a critical role in this context – be it for recyclates, biodegradability or secondary raw materials.

Ladies and Gentlemen: implementing the actions of the Plastics Strategy is challenging.

And I know that there are two actions that are of particular concern for you.

The first is the so-called “plastics levy”.

The Commission proposal for the next Multiannual Financial Framework contains a Plastic-based Own Resource.

Let me be clear: It is not a tax. It’s a tool to drive investments and research into the right direction.

And it is fully in line with subsidiarity. Member States are free to take the appropriate measures to reduce plastic pollution. The subsidiarity principle applies in this case.

We also hear concerns from you about the single-use plastic proposal that we will adopt next week.

As you may know, plastic littering is fuelled by the growing consumption of ‘single-use’ articles made of plastics, rarely recycled and prone to being littered.

These items include small packaging, bags, disposable cups, lids, straws and cutlery.

The data collected confirm that single-use plastic items represent 50% of marine litter, many being packaging for food and drink.

We are aware that 90% of the plastic pollution in the marine environment is not from the EU.

But still, this remains a huge environmental concern and a waste of valuable resources. We need to address it in order to protect our beaches and oceans.

With the proposal next week, we will make sure that we will all use the affordable and available alternatives to plastics as soon as possible.

We do not want to fragment the Internal Market by creating internal barriers or competitive imbalances. Thus be sure that the Commission will continue to monitor developments.

Ladies and gentlemen, the European Commission relies now on your contribution.

During the past year, we have defined together how the future of the plastics economy in Europe can be: innovative, sustainable and circular.

We need to continue to work together.

National, local and regional authorities play role in the waste management and procurement of plastic products.

The Commission will streamline the regulatory framework and create the necessary conditions for the Circular Economy objectives to be achievable.

But most of all, we need you to be ambitious and set the pace towards a sustainable and circular plastics economy.

Thank you.

President Juncker attends 100^th anniversary of Georgia’s first democratic republic

Today President Juncker is travelling to Tbilisi, Georgia for the first time, together with Commissioner Hahn. This evening he will meet bilaterally with the President of Georgia, Giorgi Margvelashvili and will attend a dinner hosted by the Prime Minister of Georgia, Giorgi Kvirikashvili. President Juncker‘s visit will continue on Saturday which marks the 100^th anniversary of Georgia’s first democratic republic and will attend the oath-taking ceremony for the occasion, together with Commissioner Hahn, where he will deliver a speech which can be followed live on EbS. On Saturday President Juncker will also attend a lunch hosted by President Margvelashvili, before visiting the National Youth Palace where he will witness the imitation of the announcement of Georgia’s First Independence Declaration. Photos of the visit will be available on EbS. (For more information: Margaritis Schinas – Tel.: +32 229 60524)

EU Economic and Financial Dialogue with the Western Balkans and Turkey: deepening economic and social reforms

The annual Economic and Financial Dialogue with the EU, the Western Balkans and Turkey took place today in Brussels. The EU, the Western Balkans partners and Turkey adopted joint conclusions based on the countries’ Economic Reform Programmes agreeing to deepen economic and social reforms in order to improve the economy and boost competitiveness and inclusive growth. Valdis Dombrovskis, Vice-President for the Euro and Social Dialogue, also in charge of Financial Stability, Financial Services and Capital Markets Union, commented: “The Economic Reform Programmes and today’s high level dialogue are there to help our partner countries trigger more ambitious reforms. While progress achieved is welcome, more efforts are needed to improve fiscal frameworks and public finances, deepen macro-economic stability and support a shift to a more growth-friendly public spending“. Johannes Hahn, Commissioner for European Neighbourhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations, added: “Today all seven partners committed themselves to deepen economic and social reforms with the overall aim of boosting competitiveness and growth. The focus should now be on the vigorous implementation of these reforms so that people in the region can see tangible results: more and better jobs and more inclusive growth“. The jointly adopted policy guidance is based on Economic Reform Programmes (ERPs), which the authorities prepare annually and submit to the European Commission; similar to what EU member states do in the European Semester. The ERPs play a key role in improving economic policy planning and steering reforms to boost competitiveness and improve conditions for inclusive growth and job creation. More information is available here. (For more information: Maja Kocijančič – Tel.: +32 229 86570; Christian Spahr, Tel.:+32 229-5005; Alceo Smerilli – Tel.:+32 229 64887; Annikky Lamp, Tel.: +32 229-56151)

European Year of Cultural Heritage: 29 cooperation projects receive €5 million

Today, the European Commission announced the 29 cultural projects selected for funding following a dedicated call for proposals launched on the occasion of the 2018 European Year of Cultural Heritage. A total budget of €5 million will be allocated to the projects under the Creative Europe programme, the main EU programme supporting cultural and creative sectors. Commissioner for Education, Culture, Youth and Sport, Tibor Navracsics, said: “These transnational projects will showcase and promote cultural heritage in all its different forms. They will be a source of inspiration for contemporary artistic creation and help to build bridges between people from all backgrounds. In the spirit of the European Year of Cultural Heritage these inspiring projects will help reinforce a sense of belonging to a common European space.” The projects chosen vary, from the production of folk costumes from different regions using traditional skills, to the exploration of the Baroque era through music. Creative Europe is the EU programme that supports the cultural and creative sectors with a budget of €1.46 billion for 2014-2020. A press release is availablehere. (For more information: Nathalie Vandystadt – Tel.: +32 229 67083; Joseph Waldstein – Tél.: +32 229 56184)

Alcoholic drinks: Commission tables update of rules governing alcohol excise duties

The Commission has today proposed to reshape the rules governing excise duty on alcohol within the EU, paving the way for a better business environment and reduced costs for small alcohol-producing businesses and better protection for consumer health. Today’s announcement means that small and artisan alcohol producers (including, for the first time, small independent cider makers) will have access to a new EU-wide certification system confirming their access to lower rates of duty across the Union. Consumer health will also benefit from a crack-down on the illegal use of tax-free denatured alcohol to make counterfeit drinks. There will also be an increase in the threshold for lower strength beer to which reduced rates may apply. Finally, IT systems used to track excise duty goods will be updated – a move which will also help to remove market barriers for SMEs throughout the EU. Pierre Moscovici, Commissioner for Economic and Financial Affairs, Taxation and Customs, said: “The EU’s common rules on the structures of excise duties on alcohol and alcoholic beverages are over 25 years old and in urgent need of an update so that they can keep pace with the challenges and opportunities offered by new technology and trade developments, while protecting public health. I encourage Member States to move ahead quickly and decisively with this review.” Excise duties are indirect taxes on the sale or use of specific products, such as alcohol and are usually applied as an amount per quantity of the product e.g. per 1,000 litres. All revenues from excise duties go to national budgets and account for around 5-18% of tax revenues or 2 to 5 % of GDP of Member States. EU Member States are free to set national rates as they see fit, provided they respect EU-wide minimum thresholds. More information on the proposed amendments are available in the press release published today. (For more information: Vanessa Mock – tel.: +32 229 56194, Patrick McCullough – tel.: +32 229 87183)

Justice fiscale: la Commission propose des mesures techniques définitives en vue de la création d’un futur système de TVA de l’UE étanche à la fraude

La Commission a proposé aujourd’hui des modifications techniques détaillées des règles de l’UE relatives à la taxe sur la valeur ajoutée (TVA), qui viennent compléter la récente proposition de réforme du système visant à le rendre plus résistant à la fraude.Le paquet de mesures présenté modifie en profondeur les règles relatives à la TVA et devrait faciliter la tâche des entreprises dans l’ensemble de l’UE, mettant ainsi fin à 25 ans de régime «transitoire» de TVA au sein du marché unique. En octobre dernier, la Commission a proposé les grands principes en vue de la création d’un espace TVA unique dans l’UE qui contribuerait à mettre un terme à la fraude, estimée à 50 milliards d’euros, qui touche actuellement chaque année les budgets nationaux dans les États membres de l’UE. Grâce à ces mesures techniques, la Commission espère que les États membres entameront des discussions sur les grands principes ou «fondements» d’un système définitif de TVA de l’UE, plus simple et résilient, pour les échanges de biens au sein de l’UE. Pierre Moscovici, commissaire chargé des affaires économiques et financières, de la fiscalité et des douanes, a déclaré à ce propos: «Les propositions que nous présentons aujourd’hui constituent les derniers éléments fondamentaux de la réforme du système de TVA de l’UE. Elles ouvriront la voie à des règles plus simples, des formalités administratives réduites et un système plus convivial, grâce à un guichet unique en ligne pour les opérateurs économiques. Il est temps que nos États membres se fassent mutuellement confiance lorsqu’il s’agit de percevoir la TVA sur les opérations intra-UE. Selon nos estimations, la réforme proposée pourrait réduire de 80 % la perte de recettes de 50 milliards d’euros par an due à la fraude à la TVA transfrontière. J’espère que les États membres saisiront à présent cette occasion pour mettre en place un système de TVA de qualité pour l’UE.»Un communiqué de presse est disponible en ligne. (Pour plus d’informations: Vanessa Mock – tel.: +32 229 56194, Patrick McCullough – tel.: +32 229 87183)

Banking Union: Commission welcomes agreement to further reduce risk and strengthen European banks

The Council of the European Union has today reached a general approach on the so-called banking package, a comprehensive package of reforms that the Commission proposed to further strengthen the resilience of the EU banking sector. This marks an important milestone and provides the Council Presidency with the mandate to start negotiations with the European Parliament. This package contributes significantly to further reducing risks in EU banks and it’s an essential element for the completion of Banking Union. It builds on existing banking rules and aims to complete the post-crisis regulatory agenda, making sure that outstanding challenges to financial stability are addressed. At the same time it ensures that banks can continue to support the real economy. Commission Vice-President Valdis Dombrovskis, responsible for Financial Stability, Financial Services and Capital Markets Union, said: “I am delighted that after more than one year and a half of very complex and technical discussions, the Council has reached a general approach on this very important risk-reducing package. Europe needs a strong and diverse banking sector to finance the economy. The agreement reached in Council today is an important step towards that goal. We now invite the European Parliament to define its negotiation position as soon as possible in view of a swift closure of the file. This lays the basis for further progress on completing Banking Union.” A full press release is available online. (For more information: Vanessa Mock – tel.: +32 229 56194, Letizia Lupini – tel.: +32 229 51958)

Modernising the Common Agricultural Policy: satellite data authorised to replace on-farm checks

As part of its ongoing move to simplify and modernise the EU’s Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), the European Commission has adopted new rules that will for the first time expressly allow a range of modern technologies to be used when carrying out checks for CAP payments. This includes the possibility to completely replace physical checks on farms with a system of automated checks based on analysis of Earth observation data. The new rules, which came into force this week, will allow data from the EU’s Copernicus Sentinel satellites and other Earth observation data to be used as evidence when checking farmers’ fulfilment of requirements under the CAP. Under current CAP rules, EU member states are required to carry out a number of checks on farms as part of the Integrated Administration and Control System, which ensures that any payments made to farmers from the CAP budget are made correctly. The new rules will allow those Member States that wish to do so to eventually replace or complement on-site checks with automated and less burdensome controls. Among other benefits, this will reduce significantly the time spent by farmers with inspectors in the field and farmers will also be able to benefit from synergies with other digital technologies, such as crop monitoring and yield forecasting, to manage their farms better. Paperwork can also be reduced through the improved automation of activity recording. Further measures aiming at simplifying and modernising the policy and its implementation for farmers and administrations will be unveiled next week as part of the proposals for the future CAP. More information on the new rules for satellite data is online.(For more information: Daniel Rosario – Tel.: +32 229 56185; Clémence Robin – Tel.: +32 229 52509)

Marché unique numérique: la Commission présente au Conseil ses récentes initiatives sur les plateformes et l’intelligence artificielle

Les ministres responsables de la compétitivité dans les pays de l’UE se réuniront à Bruxelles lundi et mardi (28 et 29 mai) pour débattre, entre autres, des dernières propositions de la Commission européenne relatives au marché unique numérique ainsi que de l’avancement d’initiatives législatives clés. La Commission a contribué à la réunion des dirigeants de l’UE à Sofia la semaine dernière avec une communication visant à concrétiser le marché unique numérique de l’UE avant la fin 2018. Lors de sa réunion, le Conseil aura l’occasion de progresser sur plusieurs propositions, notamment la modernisation des règles de l’UE sur le droit d’auteur pour mieux protéger les créateurs en ligne et faciliter l’accès aux œuvres européennes au-delà des frontières nationales. Andrus Ansip, vice-président pour le marché unique numérique, présentera également les nouvelles règles visant à accroitre la transparence et l’équité dans les relations entre plateformes en ligne et les entreprises ou les commerçants qui les utilisent. Il participera enfin à une discussion sur l’approche européenne sur l’intelligence artificielle visant à stimuler l’investissement et à fixer des lignes directrices en matière d’éthique. La Commissaire Gabriel en charge de l’économie et de la société numériques participera également au Conseil mardi pour discuter des initiatives de la Commission visant à développer les superordinateurs en Europe. De plus amples informations sur chaque initiative sont disponibles dans des fiches d’information récentes sur les initiatives liées aux plateformes, à l’intelligence artificielle, au droit d’auteur et aux superordinateurs. (Pour plus d’informations: Nathalie Vandystadt – Tél.: +32 229 67083, Inga Höglund – Tél.: +32 229 50698)

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). Irelandhas 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 30 November 2018. The Commission initially approved the scheme in December 2011. It has been prolonged twelve times since then, the last time in November 2017. More information will be available on the Commission’s competition website, in the public case registerunder the reference SA.50953. (For more information: Lucía Caudet – Tel. +32 229 56182; Maria Sarantopoulou – Tel.: +32 229 13740)

Mergers: Commission clears acquisition of Alpine Electronics by Alps Electric

The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of Alpine Electronics Inc. by Alps Electric Co. Ltd., both of Japan. Alpine Electronics develops, manufactures and sells car infotainment systems, car sound systems, drive assist systems and car information as well as telecommunication applications. Alps Electric is active in the development, manufacture and sale of a wide range of electronic components used in a variety of applications such as automotive, household, healthcare, energy and IT applications. The Commission concluded that the proposed acquisition would raise no competition concerns, given the parties’ moderate combined market position, following the transaction. 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.8833. (For more information: Lucía Caudet – Tel. +32 229 56182; Maria Sarantopoulou – Tel.: +32 229 13740)

Mergers: Commission clears acquisition of Laird by Advent

The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of sole control over Laird PLC of the UK by Advent International Corporation of the US. Laird is a global technology company which provides systems, components and solutions that enable connectivity in mission-critical wireless applications and antenna systems, and protect electronics from electromagnetic interference and heat. Advent is a global private equity investor. Amongst other portfolio companies, Advent owns Idemia which develops, manufactures and markets security technology products and services. The Commission concluded that the proposed acquisition would raise no competition concerns because the companies are active on different product markets and have minor vertical overlaps. 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.8872. (For more information: Lucía Caudet – Tel. +32 229 56182; Maria Sarantopoulou – Tel.: +32 229 13740)

Concentrations: la Commission autorise l’acquisition du contrôle conjoint de European Camping Group par Carlyle et OTPP

La Commission européenne a approuvé, en vertu du règlement européen sur les concentrations, l’acquisition de European Camping Group SAS (“ECG”, France), par le groupe Carlyle (Etats-Unis) et l’Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan Board (“OTPP”, Canada). ECG est une société active sur le marché des séjours touristiques en mobile-homes par le biais de cinq marques (Homair, Eurocamp, Al Fresco, Roan et Go4Camp), principalement en France, Italie, Espagne et Croatie. Le groupe Carlyle est actif mondialement dans la gestion d’actifs et de fonds d’investissement. OTTP s’occupe du versement des prestations de retraite et du placement de l’actif de la caisse pour le compte d’enseignants retraités et actifs dans la province de l’Ontario au Canada. La Commission a conclu que l’opération envisagée ne soulèverait pas de problème de concurrence dans la mesure où les entreprises concernées ne sont pas actives sur le même marché ou sur des marchés liés ou complémentaires. 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.8899. (Pour plus d’informations: Lucía Caudet – Tel. +32 229 56182; Maria Sarantopoulou – Tel.: +32 229 13740)

STATEMENTS

Security Union: New rules on EU Passenger Name Record data

The EU Passenger Name Record (PNR) Directive – a key piece of EU security legislation to better identify travelling terrorists and criminals and trace criminal networks – entered into force on 24 May 2016 and the deadline for implementation by Member States is today. On this occasion the Commissioner for Migration, Home Affairs and Citizenship Dimitris Avramopoulos and Commissioner for the Security Union Julian King said: “Over the past three years, we have been continuously working to deny terrorists and criminals the means to act and to close down the space in which they operate. With the new EU rules on the use of Passenger Name Record (PNR) data, we have taken another step in closing an important security information gap. We have equipped ourselves with yet another tool to identify and stop criminals and terrorists more effectively, building a Europe more resilient to security threats – a Europe that protects. […] For the PNR framework to be operational and reach its full potential it is crucial that all Member States have their systems up and running. The framework is only as strong as its weakest link. In the fight against terrorism and organised crime, Europe cannot afford weak links.” The full joint statement and a factsheet on the new EU rules on Passenger Name Record (PNR) data are available online. (For more information: Natasha Bertaud – Tel.: +32 229 67456; Tove Ernst – Tel.: +32 229 86764; Katarzyna Kolanko – Tel.: +32 229 63444)

Security Union: A stronger EU Agency for the management of information systems for security and borders

Yesterday, the European Parliament (LIBE Committee) and the Council (COREPER) reached a political compromise on the Commission’s proposal to strengthen the mandate of the eu-LISA, the EU Agency for the operational management of large scale IT systems for migration, security and border management. Welcoming the compromise agreement, Commissioner for Migration, Home Affairs and Citizenship Dimitris Avramopoulos said: “The agreement represents another crucial building block towards a more secure and resilient European Union. A strengthened eu-LISA will be the nerve centre for the development and maintenance of all our information systems on migration, border management and security, and crucially, their interoperability. We want to connect all the dots, not just legally but also operationally – and a stronger and more efficient eu-LISA will precisely help us do this.” Commissioner Julian King added: “In the future, eu-LISA will play a pivotal role in helping keep Europe safe. The agreement means that the Agency will have the resources it needs to manage the EU’s information systems for security and border management, help them to interact more efficient and improve the quality of the data they hold – an important step forward.” The compromised text agreed in yesterday’s trilogue will now have to be formally adopted by the European Parliament and the Council. More information is available online. (For more information: Natasha Bertaud – Tel.: +32 229 67456; Tove Ernst – Tel.: +32 229 86764; Katarzyna Kolanko – Tel.: +32 229 63444)

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Commission Malmström travels to Valencia, Spain to participate in a citizens dialogue

Commissioner for Trade Cecilia Malmström is today in Valencia, Spain to discuss trade policy with members of Spanish civil society and others at aCitizens Dialogue. The event can be watched online. The Commissioner will also meet with Mr Ximo Puig, President of the Regional Government of Valencia, to exchange views as regards the regional perspective on global trade. In addition, the trip will provide the Commissioner with an opportunity to get a better understanding of trade-related concerns of female entrepreneursfrom a large spectrum of Valencia’s local industries. The Commissioner will also use the opportunity to visit the Ford car production plant in the nearby town of Almusafes, which illustrates benefits of foreign direct investment and economic openness by bringing an important contribution to the regional economy and employment. (For more information: Daniel Rosario – Tel.: + 32 229 56185; Kinga Malinowska – Tel: +32 229 51383)

Calendar

Commissioners’ weekly activities

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

23 May 2018

​The Spanish Central Investigating Court of the Audiencia Nacional and the Romanian Directorate for Investigation of Organised Crime, Central Office and Terrorism (DIICOT), as well as the Romanian Police, initiated separate investigations into an organised crime group (OCG), composed mainly of Romanian nationals. The OCG, which targeted a multitude of victims worldwide, including public and private entities, as well as individuals, is suspected of having committed the crimes of fraud, forgery of documents, money laundering and involvement in an OCG. Following simultaneous house searches in both Member States, thirty-three suspects were detained in Spain (fourteen were arrested in Spain on the action day) and five people were arrested in Romania on the basis of Spanish European Arrest Warrants (EAWs).

​Once more, Eurojust’s contribution was indispensable to the successful outcome of the operation, providing all the necessary judicial cooperation tools as well as its operational support in a timely and effective manner. On the initiative of the Spanish Desk at Eurojust, a case was opened in February 2018, and, in April 2018, a coordination meeting was held at Eurojust with the national authorities involved to coordinate the investigations in the Member States — as the OCG members were constantly commuting among several countries — exchange case-related information and agree on a way forward. Subsequently, Eurojust, via the concerned National Desks, facilitated the national authorities’ investigations through the execution of EAWs and Letters of Request. Two action days took place, in Spain on 23 April, and in Romania on 26 April. Europol deployed mobile offices in both Member States.

The OCG has been active since 2016. Its members opened numerous bank accounts in various Member States using forged identity documents. Through those accounts, and via websites such as Amazon and Airbnb, the perpetrators defrauded an amount estimated at more than EUR 8 million by deceiving them into buying counterfeit products or services, such as fake holiday packages.

Background:

4 May 2018

The national authorities of Belgium, Spain and Germany initiated investigations into an organised crime group (OCG) involved in a large-scale VAT fraud case that targeted numerous individuals and companies in Belgium, Bulgaria, Germany, Spain, Italy, Hungary, Portugal and Romania.

This case, a so-called VAT carousel fraud case, began several years ago with an investigation in Spain. The OCG, mainly composed of German, Spanish, Italian and Portuguese nationals, created a network of computer and electronics companies throughout Europe to divert the illicit profit yielded in Spain. The criminals managed to avoid VAT payments in Spain and yet receive VAT reimbursements through the companies set up in other Member States by simulating their business operations.

After the Spanish Desk opened a case at Eurojust, a coordination meeting was held last month between the national authorities involved to exchange case-related information and plan the common actions, ensuring that the necessary judicial cooperation instruments would be timely and effectively implemented on the action day.

A coordination centre took place at Eurojust on 18 April to coordinate the simultaneous operations in the eight Member States concerned, which led to the arrest of the main suspects, more than 100 searches, the freezing of several bank accounts, as well as the seizure of assets, including cash and luxury cars. One company under investigation was estimated to have defrauded more than EUR 17 million over a two-year period.

On the action day, Eurojust swiftly reacted to evolving judicial cooperation needs by facilitating the execution of European Arrest Warrants, European Investigation Orders and freezing orders on the spot. Europol participated in the coordination centre via a mobile office deployed in Spain, contributing to the successful outcome of the operations.

Results:
Arrests: 1 in Belgium, 3 in Germany, 52 in Spain and 1 in Portugal
Searches: 6 in Belgium, 2 in Bulgaria, 14 in Germany, 62 in Spain, 4 in Italy, 3 in Hungary, 15 in Portugal and 1 in Romania
Interviews/interrogations: 2 interviews in Bulgaria, 10 interrogations in Germany

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2018 European Union Agency for Railways

Last modified: 24/05/2018