The number of new breaches is 80: 59 equities for the 8% cap, applicable to all trading venues, and 21 equities for the 4% cap, that applies to individual trading venues. Trading under the waivers for all new instruments in breach of the DVC thresholds should be suspended from 11 September 2019 to 10 March 2020. The instruments for which caps already existed from previous periods will continue to be suspended.

In addition, ESMA highlights that some trading venues in the meantime have submitted corrected data that affects past DVC publications. For 1 instrument, this means that the previously identified breach of the cap proved to be incorrect and thus the previously identified suspensions of trading under the waivers should be lifted. As of 6 September 2019, there is a total of 303 instruments suspended. 

Please be aware that ESMA does not update DVC files older than 6 months. 
 

Background

MiFID II introduced the DVC to limit the amount of dark trading in equities allowed under the reference price waiver and the negotiated transaction waiver. The DVC is calculated per instrument (ISIN) based on the rolling average of trading in that instrument over the last 12 months.

The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) hosted a high-level conference on 5 September to celebrate the 10^th anniversary of the Eastern Partnership.

The Eastern Partnership initiative is a specific dimension of the European Neighbourhood Policy aimed at strengthening relations between the EU, its Member States and the six partner countries in the area: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine.

All the conference participants agreed that the first ten years of the Eastern Partnership can be considered a success story and that this initiative has provided a solid framework for both bilateral and multilateral cooperation. Despite these achievements, participants shared the view that much more needs to be done in some partner countries in order to reach acceptable standards in terms of democratisation, the fight against corruption, the rule of law, freedom of expression and human rights.

As stated by Dilyana Slavova, president of the External Relations section of the EESC and chair of the conference, the Eastern Partnership is one of our top priorities, and we are convinced that our relation should be one of equal partnership in which each side is beneficial to the other. A strong, secure and prosperous neighbourhood means a strong, secure and prosperous European Union. Ms Slavova also pointed out that the participation of the EESC in the Eastern Partnership is visible, as we have helped civil society organisations (CSO) to build up their capacity to work and act together, and these are achievements we can be proud of.

Jeroen Willems, DG Near, European Commission, shared this view and took stock of the achievements of the initiative over the last 10 years in the fields of visa liberalisation, democratic reforms, economic growth and the fight against climate change. On the other hand, he also stressed the need for a new approach regarding civil society, stating that CSO have to take part in all steps of the decision making process, as we have to improve transparency and predictability.

The participants also addressed the future evolution of the Eastern Partnership and its pending challenges. Indrė Vareikytė, rapporteur for the EESC opinion on 10 years of Eastern Partnership, argued that the future evolution of the Eastern Partnership must be led by the more active partner countries and not necessarily by the EU. 10 years should be enough to transmit EU values; the Eastern Partnership has to become a partners’ policy, not a receivers’ policy, Ms Vareikytė said.

In the same vein, Rikard Jozwiak, reporter from Radio Free Europe, was in favour of a complete revamp of the Eastern Partnership. This reform would allow the most successful partner countries (Moldova, Ukraine and Georgia) to reach a new stage that would include a common free trade area, the end of roaming charges between them and with the EU and even the prospect of EU accession: These are European countries, and we have to acknowledge that.

The high-level conference also hosted representatives of some Eastern European and South Caucasus partner countries, who took stock of all the benefits of the Eastern Partnership initiative, which has made this area the tenth largest trade partner for the EU. The role of Russia as an alternative pole of attraction for these countries was also analysed, in particular the need to counteract potential acts of propaganda and digital threats.

At the most recent Eastern Partnership summit, held in Brussels in 2017, the partners agreed on achieving “20 deliverables for 2020” divided into four priority areas: stronger governance, stronger economy, greater connectivity and a stronger society, with the engagement with civil society at the top of the list. The EESC is preparing an own-initiative opinion analysing 10 years of the Eastern Partnership and outlining civil society’s vision regarding this policy beyond 2020. The document will be presented at the September plenary session.

Hurricane Dorian: EU channels initial emergency aid to Bahamas

After the strongest Atlantic storm on record hit the Bahamas earlier this week, the EU is mobilising an initial €500,000 in immediate emergency funding to assist those affected by Hurricane Dorian. The funding will address urgent needs such as shelter, water, hygiene and food. “Hurricane Dorian has left a large trail of destruction with many casualties and leaving homes in ruins. We will do all we can to help, getting aid in to the people on the ground. Our thoughts are with all those affected by this tragedy and with the Bahamian authorities and brave first responders on the scene. The EU stands ready to provide further assistance,” said Christos Stylianides, Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management. The European Union’s 24/7 Emergency Response Coordination Centre is in close contact with the authorities of the Bahamas to monitor the situation and channel further EU assistance. In addition, the Commission hasdeployed a Humanitarian Expert to conduct a rapid needs assessment and the EU’s emergency Copernicus satellite service is currently providing maps of the area. (For more information: Carlos Martin Ruiz De Gordejuela – Tel.: +32 229 65322; Daniel Puglisi – Tel.: +32 229 69140)

Roma integration: Evaluation of national strategies shows efforts in area of education, but more needs to be done

Today, the Commission adopted its annual report on the implementation of national Roma integration strategies, summarising the most important trends focusing on the four policy areas of the EU Framework for National Roma Integration Strategies (education, employment, health, housing), as well as fighting discrimination and antigypsyism. The report highlights that education is the area where Member States are doing the most work to promote Roma inclusion. EU Member States have put in place a number of measures in this field, including to limitearly school-leaving of Roma children. First Vice-President Frans Timmermans, said: “It is really encouraging to see the progress that has been made by Member States in the past year, especially on the integration of Roma in their education systems. This is an essential foundation for long-term integration in the labour market and in broader European society.” Commissioner for Justice, Consumers and Gender Equality, Věra Jourová, said: “Receiving proper education from an early age gives every child a chance in life. Member States have worked hard. Now, 90% of Roma children attend primary and lower secondary school. This is an encouraging step towards promoting integration of the Roma in society. Still, a lot remains to be done to help Roma integrate fully in society, in particular on access to public utilities, decent housing, employment and healthcare. I call on all Member States to continue their efforts, so that all Roma can enjoy the same rights as any other European citizen.” The report further examines the success factors for Roma inclusion. A lot of work still remains to be done: first results of a Eurobarometer on discrimination that will be published in the coming weeks reveal that 61% of the respondents feel that discrimination against Roma is widespread in their country, and only 19% of the respondents think their country’s efforts to integrate its Roma population are effective. The report, a factsheet including examples of initiatives from the Member States and further information about the National Roma Integration Strategies is available online. (For more information: Christian Wigand – Tel.: + 32 229 62253; Sara Soumillion – Tel.: + 32 229 67094; Athina Reuter – Tel.: +32 229 82390)

EU-funded research that captured first image of a black hole wins Breakthrough Prize

The 2020 Breakthrough Prize was awarded yesterday to the Event Horizon Telescope (EHT), a global scientific collaboration involving EU-funded scientists that captured the first-ever image of a black hole. Known as the “Oscar of Science”, the Breakthrough Prize, awarded since 2013, recognises achievements in life sciences, fundamental physics and mathematics. Each award is worth $3 million. EU funding through the European Research Council (ERC) provided crucial support to the Event Horizon Telescope. In particular, the EU has made available a grant of €14 million for three of the leading scientists and their teams involved in the discovery. And over the past 15 years some €30 million from the EU’s Horizon 2020 and previous research framework programme supported the development and upgrading of the large telescope infrastructure essential to the success of the project. It was revealed in April this year and marked a paradigm shift in our understanding of black holes. It also confirmed the predictions of Albert Einstein’s General Theory of Relativity and opened up new lines of enquiry into our universe. (For more information: Lucia Caudet – Tel.: +32 229 56182; Marietta Grammenou – Tel.: +32 229 83583)

 

Concentrations: La Commission autorise l’acquisition de M7 Group par Canal +

La Commission européenne a approuvé, en vertu du règlement européen sur les concentrations, l’acquisition de M7 Group, entreprise basée au Luxembourg, par Canal +, entreprise contrôlée par Bolloré Group et basée en France. M7 Group est active dans certains pays de l’Espace économique européen (EEE) dans la fourniture de services de télévision payante au détail, la diffusion de chaînes de télévision et la distribution en gros de chaînes de télévision. Canal + est active dans la fourniture de services de télévision payante au détail dans plusieurs pays à l’échelle mondiale (y compris en France et en Pologne au sein de l’EEE), la production et diffusion de contenu audiovisuel, la diffusion de chaînes de télévision, la vente en ligne et hors ligne de fenêtres publicitaires. La Commission a conclu que la concentration envisagée ne soulèverait pas de problème de concurrence, car les chevauchements entre les activités des entreprises sont limités. De même, la Commission a exclu tout problème de concurrence résultant de liens verticaux entre les entreprises. 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.9416. (Pour plus d’informations: Lucía Caudet – Tél. +32 229 56182; Maria Tsoni – Tél.: +32 229 90526)

Mergers: Commission approves acquisition of Saint-Gobain Building Distribution Deutschland by Lone Star/Stark

The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of sole control over Saint-Gobain Building Distribution Deutschland of Germany by Lone Star of the US, through its subsidiary Stark. Saint-Gobain Building Distribution Deutschland (‘SGBDD’) is a retailer of building materials selling mainly to professional customers in Germany. Lone Star is a private equity firm which operates globally and which controls the building material manufacturer Xella, the insulation materials manufacturer Ursa, and the carpet producer Balta. Stark is a retailer and distributor of building materials currently active only in the Nordic region. The Commission examined the impact of the proposed transaction on the markets where SGBDD and Lone Star are active, in particular wholesale markets for autoclaved aerated concrete (‘AAC’) blocks, AAC large format prefabricated compound units and calcium silicate units (‘CSUs’), and the retail markets for such products in Germany. The Commission concluded that the vertical links created by the transaction in Germany would raise no competition concerns because of the limited impact of Lone Star on the market and SGBDD has only a moderate position in retail markets within Germany. The transaction was examined under the normal merger review procedure. More information will be available on the Commission’s competition website, in the public case register under case number M.9406. (For more information: Lucía Caudet – Tel.: +32 229 56182; Maria Tsoni – Tel.: +32 229 90526)

Mergers: Commission clears acquisition of Aleris by Triton

The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of Aleris of Sweden by Triton of Luxembourg. Aleris provides specialty healthcare services. Triton is an investment firm. The Commission concluded that the proposed acquisition would raise no competition concerns, given the absence of horizontal overlaps and vertical links between the activities of the companies. 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.9493. (For more information: Lucía Caudet – Tel.: +32 229 56182; Maria Tsoni – Tel.: +32 229 90526)

Eurostat : Le PIB en hausse de 0,2% et l’emploi en hausse de 0,2% dans la zone euro ; le PIB en hausse de 0,2% et l’emploi en hausse de 0,3% dans l’UE28 (deuxième trimestre 2019)

Au cours du deuxième trimestre 2019, le PIB corrigé des variations saisonnières a progressé de 0,2% tant dans la zone euro (ZE19) que dans l’UE28 par rapport au trimestre précédent, selon l’estimation publiée par Eurostat, l’office statistique de l’Union européenne. Au cours du premier trimestre 2019, le PIB avait augmenté de 0,4% dans la zone euro et de 0,5% dans l’UE28. En comparaison avec le même trimestre de l’année précédente, le PIB corrigé des variations saisonnières s’est accru de 1,2% dans la zone euro et de 1,4% dans l’UE28 au deuxième trimestre 2019, après respectivement +1,3% et +1,6% au trimestre précédent. L’UE et la zone euro ont ainsi connu une croissance pendant 25 trimestres consécutifs. Les chiffres publiés aujourd’hui par Eurostat montrent que l’emploi est au plus haut niveau jamais enregistré dans l’Union européenne et dans la zone euro. Eurostat estime qu’environ 241 millions d’hommes et de femmes étaient employés dans l’UE, dont environ 160 millions dans la zone euro au deuxième trimestre 2019. Cela signifie que depuis l’entrée en fonction de cette Commission, l’UE a créé environ 14,1 millions d’emplois, dont environ 9,9 millions dans la zone euro. Un communiqué de presse est disponible en ligne. (Pour plus d’informations : Annika Breidthardt – Tél. : +32 229 56153; Christian Wigand – Tél.: +32 229 62253 ; Enda McNamara – Tél.: +32 229 64976; Sara Soumillion – Tél.: + 32 229 67094)

ANNOUNCEMENTS

High Representative/Vice-President Federica Mogherini to travel to Central and Latin America

From Sunday 8 to Thursday 12 September, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the European Commission, Federica Mogherini, will travel to Cuba, Mexico and Colombia. During her visit to Cuba on 8-9 September, High Representative/Vice-President Mogherini will co-chair the second EU-Cuba Joint Council on Monday in Havana. While in Cuba, she will meet with the Cuban President Miguel Díaz Canel, Minister for Foreign Affairs Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla, and Cuban civil society representatives. During her bilateral visit to Mexico on 10-11 September, Federica Mogherini will hold bilateral meetings, including with Mexican Minister of Interior Olga Sánchez Cordero, Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard and representatives of the Mexican civil society. Finally, in Colombia on 12 September, High Representative/Vice-President Mogherini will have meetings, inter alia, with Colombian President Iván Duque and representatives of the Colombian civil society. Photo and video coverage of the entire visit will be provided via Europe by Satellite. To know more about EU’s relations with the three countries, see the following: Cuba, Mexico and Colombia. (For more information: Maja Kocijancic – Tel.: +32 229 86570; Christina Wunder – Tel: +32 229 92256)

 

Commissioner Oettinger travels to Cyprus to discuss EU’s next long-term budget

Commissioner in charge of Budget and Human Resources, Günther H. Oettinger, is arriving in Cyprus today for a series of high-level meetings dedicated to the EU budget for 2021-2027. In Nicosia, the Commissioner will meet with the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Nicos Anastasiades, with the Minister of Finance, Harris Georgiadis, and with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nikos Christodoulides. The meetings are part of the ongoing efforts of the Commission to take forward the negotiations on EU’s next long-term budget, in view of an agreement in the autumn of this year. Ahead of his visit, Commissioner Oettinger said: “The clock is ticking and the autumn is fast approaching. The Commission is working hard to make sure the next EU budget is agreed on time to the benefit of Europe’s entrepreneurs, farmers, researchers and everybody beyond our borders who counts on our valuable support. We are convinced that all our partners – including Member States and the European Parliament – are equally committed to this objective.” On 2 May 2018, the European Commission put forward a proposal for a modern, balanced and fair long-term budget to deliver on Europe’s priorities as set out by Leaders in Bratislava in 2016 and in Rome in 2017. Since then, the Commission has worked hand in hand with the rotating Presidencies of the Council, and in close collaboration with the European Parliament, to take the negotiations forward. In line with the conclusions from the European Council meeting of 20 and 21 June 2019, an agreement should be reached before the end of the year. The Commission shares the firm believe that sticking to this timeline is essential, for the hundreds of thousands of students, farmers and researchers across Europe, as well as everybody else who benefits from the EU budget. To facilitate this objective, Commissioner Oettinger travelled earlier this summer to Finland, which currently holds the rotating Presidency of the Council of the EU. He also visitedthe Netherlands in August and travelled toPoland earlier this week. More information about why a timely agreement is of key importance is available here and here. (For more information: Mina Andreeva – Tel.: +32 229 91382; Andreana Stankova – Tel.: +32 2 29 57857)

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 9 septembre 2019

President Jean-Claude Juncker receives Ms Ursula Von der Leyen, President-elect of the European Commission, for a working lunch.

Ms Federica Mogherini in Havana, Cuba: co-chairs the second EU-Cuba Joint Council on Monday in Havana and meets with government and civil society representatives.

Mr Maroš Šefčovič receives Mr Philippe Saruquet, President of Eurogas.

Mr Jyrki Katainen delivers a keynote speech at the Nordic Universities’ dinner event, in Brussels.

Mr Günther H. Oettinger and Ms Mariya Gabriel speak at the Digital, Life, Design Europe 19 conference. 

Mr Johannes Hahn receives Mr Marko Pavić, Minister for Regional Development and EU Funds of Croatia.

Mr Vytenis Andriukaitis in Umeå, Sweden: participates in the High-level meeting ‘Healthcare Innovation for the future’ with representatives of the Region Västerbotten; and visits the Umeå University Hospital.

Mr Christos Stylianides in Amman, Jordan: addresses the Amman Summit ‘Meeting our Promises on Refugee Education’, hosted by Queen Rania of Jordan.

Ms Vĕra Jourová receives Industry and Business Associations in preparation of the EU-U.S. Privacy Shield review

Mr Tibor Navracsics in Satu Mare, Romania: Meets Mr Gábor Kereskényi, Mayor of Satu Mare, and Mr Csaba Pataki, President of the County Council of Satu Mare, followed by a visit of the city; speaks at the Satu Mare County’s teachers’ forum; and meets with Mr Jenő Schönberger, Bishop of the Satu Mare County followed by a visit of the restored Ascension Cathedral (EU funded project).

Ms Margrethe Vestager in Copenhagen, Denmark: adresses the Danish Association for Competition Law; and meets Mr Nicolai Wammen, Minister for Finance of Denmark.

Mr Julian King in Herzliya, Israel (9-10 September): delivers a keynote speech at the World Summit on Counter Terrorism at the International Institute for Counter-Terrorism (ICT) 19^th International Conference.

Ms Mariya Gabriel meets with Mr Dominic Jacquesson and Mr Vojtech Horna, representatives of Index Ventures.

 

Mardi 10 septembre 2019

Mr Frans Timmermans receives Ms Amélie de Montchalin, Secretary of State for Europe of France; and receives Mr Luca Visentini, General Secretary of the European Trade Unions Confederation.

Ms Federica Mogherini in Mexico City, Mexico: meets with government and civil society representatives.  

Mr Maroš Šefčovič receives Mr Dmytro Kuleba, Deputy Prime Minister for the European Integration of Ukraine.

Mr Jyrki Katainen receives Mr S. Iswaran, Minister for Communications and Information and Trade Relations of Singapore.

Mr Jyrki Katainen delivers a keynote speech at the Science Business Horizon Europe conference, in Brussels.

Mr Jyrki Katainen receives the Forest Board of the Central Union of Agricultural Producers and Forest Owners of Finland.

Mr Johannes Hahn receives Mr Nikola Dimitrov, Minister for Foreign Affairs of North Macedonia; and receives Mr Kuleba Dmytro, Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration of Ukraine.

Ms Cecilia Malmström in Madrid, Spain: participates in a working breakfast at the ‘Forum Nueva Economía’; delivers a speech at the opening session of the CEOE event on the EU-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement; participates in a Citizens dialogue with María Reyes Maroto, Minister for  Industry, Trade and Tourism of Spain; and participates in a lunch hosted by the ‘Fundación Euroamérica’.

Mr Miguel Arias Cañete receives Mr Dan Jørgensen, Minister for Climate, Energy and Utilities of Denmark.

Mr Vytenis Andriukaitis in Sofia, Bulgaria: delivers a speech at the Global Framework for the Progressive Control of Transboundary Animal Diseases meeting of the Standing Group of Experts on African swine fever in Europe.

Mr Phil Hogan receives Mr S. Iswaran, Minister for Communications and Information and Trade Relations of Singapore; and receives Mr Paul Lopez, President of AVEC, the European poultry sector federation.

Ms Elżbieta Bieńkowska in Prague, Czech Republic: visits the European Global Navigation Systems Agency on the occasion of its 15^th anniversary; and visits the plane manufacturer company Aero Vodochody.

Ms Vĕra Jourová in Helsinki, Finland: speaks at the conference ‘How to Ensure the Resilience of our Societies in a changing European landscape – the interaction between Democracy, the Rule of Law and Fundamental Rights’.

Mr Tibor Navracsics in Cluj-Napoca, Romania: visits the Bontida Bánffy Castle (organised by the Transylvania Trust Foundation); attends the presentation of the ARTECH Project, co-financed by the Transylvania Trust Foundation and European Union through Creative Europe; and meets Mr Gábor Tompa, President of the Union des Théâtres de l’Europe.

Ms Margrethe Vestager receives the Directors of the Green 10 coalition.

Ms Margrethe Vestager receives Mr Dan Jorgensen, Minister for Climate, Energy and Utilities of Denmark.

Ms Margrethe Vestager participates in the reception ‘Women, Equality & Multilateralism’ hosted by the Finish presidency of the Council of the European Union, in Brussels.

Mr Carlos Moedas delivers an opening address in the Science Business Conference ‘Horizon Europe: New Commission, new Parliament, new agenda‘; and meets with rectors and senior representatives from universities in Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Norway and Iceland, in Brussels.

Ms Mariya Gabriel receives Ms Tsveta Karayancheva, Chairwoman of the National Assembly of Bulgaria; and receives Mr S. Iswaran, Minister for Trade Relations and Communications and Information of Singapore.

 

Mercredi 11 septembre 2019

College Meeting

Mr Frans Timmermans, in Helsinki, Finland: meets Mr Antti Rinne, Prime Minister of Finland; meets Mr Sauli Niinisto, President of Finland; delivers a keynote Speech at the Finnish EU Presidency Conference on ‘How to ensure the resilience of our societies in a changing European landscape – the interaction between democracy, the rule of law and fundamental rights’; and holds a working lunch with Ms Tytti Tuppurainen, Minister for European Affairs of Finland and Ms Anna-Maja Henriksson, Minister for Justice of Finland.

Ms Federica Mogherini in Mexico City, Mexico: holds a keynote speech at the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México.

Mr Jyrki Katainen in Paris, France: delivers a keynote address at the 2019 Summer Defence Conference; and delivers a keynote speech at an event of the European Steel Association Eurofer, in Brussels.

Mr Johannes Hahn in Podgorica, Montenegro until 13/09): meets Mr Duško Marković, Prime Minister of Montenegro.

Ms Cecilia Malmström participates in an event organised by the Bruegel Institute on the EU- Singapore trade agreement in Brussels.

Mr Vytenis Andriukaitis receives representatives of the EU Platform for action on Diet, Physical Activity and Health.

Mr Dimitris Avramopoulos in Kraainem, Belgium: attends the Royal Europa Kraainem Football Club’s Celebration Day event as part of its ‘We Welcome Young Refugees’ initiative.

M. Pierre Moscovici à Istanbul, Turquie: rencontre des représentants de l’association turque de l’industrie et des entreprises; et rencontre M. Ekrem İmamoğlu, maire d’Istanbul.

Ms Elżbieta Bieńkowska speaks at the CER-KREAB event ‘The EU’s space and defence policy as a move towards European strategic autonomy’.

Mr Carlos Moedas meets Mr Wan Gang, President of the China Association for Science and Technology, in Brussels.

 

Jeudi 12 Septembre 2019

President Jean-Claude Juncker delivers the opening speech at the Global Vaccination Summit.

Ms Federica Mogherini in Bogotá, Colombia: meets with government and civil society representatives. 

Mr Valdis Dombrovskis in Helsinki, Finland: delivers a keynote speech at the Eurofi Financial Forum 2019.

Mr Johannes Hahn in Podgorica, Montenegro: participates in the EU-Western Balkans Media Days (until 13/09).

Ms Cecilia Malmström receives Pekka Pesonen, Secretary-General of Copa-Cogeca, in Brussels.

Mr Miguel Arias Cañete delivers a keynote speech at the FSR European Energy Policy and Law Conference, in Brussels.

Mr Miguel Arias Cañete receives representatives of CAN Europe, an European NGO coalition on climate and energy.

Mr Vytenis Andriukaitis delivers a speech at the Global Summit on Vaccination,; meets Ms Maud Sacquet, Public Policy Manager at Mozilla; meets Ms Ogerta Manastirliu, Minister for Health and Social Protection of the Republic of Albania; and receives Mr Seth Berkley, CEO of Gavi Alliance, in Brussels.

M. Pierre Moscovici à Istanbul, Turquie: participe au 10^ème Séminaire de l’Institut du Bosphore ; et prononce le discours d’ouverture.

Mr Christos Stylianides in Athens, Greece: participates in an European Civil Protection and rescEU event at the Elefsina Air Base.

Mr Tibor Navracsics attends an event to discuss with innovators supported by the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (programme); and meets Mr Dirk-Jan van den Berg, Chair of the Governing Board of the EIT.

Mr Carlos Moedas in Lisbon, Portugal: participates in a debate organised by A.T. Kearney Portugal in the context of the Heron Castilho Forum.

Ms Mariya Gabriel in Sofia, Bulgaria: speaks at an event dedicated to bees and beekeeping, at the Bee Museum.

 

Vendredi 13 septembre 2019

Eurogroup

Mr Valdis Dombrovskis and Mr Pierre Moscovici in Helsinki, Finland (until 14/9): take part in the Eurogroup and ECOFIN informal meetings.

Mr Jyrki Katainen in Helsinki, Finland: meets Ms Maria Ohisalo, Minister for the Interior of Finland;meets Mr Pekka Haavisto, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Finland; and attends the meeting of the Finnish Parliament’s Grand Committee to discuss topical EU affairs. 

Mr Vytenis Andriukaitis delivers a speech at the European Cancer Care Organisation – European Cancer Summit; and receives representatives of the European Social Survey, in Brussels.

Mr Christos Stylianides in Nafplio, Greece: participates in the 15^th European Seminar organised by the Hellenic Foundation for European and Foreign policy.

Mr Phil Hogan in Kilkenny, Ireland: delivers a speech at the Agricultural Science Association 2019 conference.

Ms Margrethe Vestager in Copenhagen, Denmark: delivers a speech to the Standing Committee of the CCBE European Lawyers organisation; meets Mr Brian Mikkelsen, CEO Danish Chamber of Commerce; visits Håndværkerforeningens nursing home; participates in a debate on women and UN sustainable Goals at the Copenhagen University; and meets the members of the Green Student Movement.

Mr Julian King in New York, the United States of America: participates in the Ditchley Foundation Conference ‘The future of strategic stability’.

 

Samedi 14 septembre 2019

Mr Christos Stylianides in Nafplio, Greece: participates in the 15^th European Seminar organised by the Hellenic Foundation for European and Foreign policy.

Ms Elżbieta Bieńkowska in Lodz, Poland: takes part in a panel on ‘Europe: A Community of Citizens’ during the ‘Freedom Games’ conference organized by the Liberté! Foundation.

Ms Margrethe Vestager in Nyborg, Denmark: addresses the Annual Party Congress of Radikale Venstre.

Mr Carlos Moedas in Arraiolos, Portugal; delivers a keynote speech at the Brisa’s Conference ‘The Company of the Future: Shaping the Vision’.

Ms Mariya Gabriel in Sofia, Bulgaria: speaks at the EU Contest for Young Scientists (EUCYS).

 

 

Prévisions du mois de septembre 2019 :

16/09 General Affairs Council

20/09 Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council (Transport)

24/09 Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council (Energy)

26-27/09 Competitiveness Council

 

Permanence DG COMM le WE du 14 et 15 septembre 2019 :

Christian WIGAND – tél : +32 (0) 460 764 700

 

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

 

 

 

The Hague, 06 September 2019

​Eurojust helped national authorities from Slovakia, the UK, Germany and the Netherlands to bring down a Slovak organised crime group (OCG) involved in cross-border trafficking in human beings (THB) for labour exploitation and large-scale money laundering. During the action day, which was coordinated by Eurojust, the EU’s Judicial Cooperation Unit, 5 suspects were arrested, and several properties belonging to the criminals were searched. Thanks to Eurojust’s active support, European Arrest Warrants (EAWs) and European Investigation Orders (EIOs) were swiftly issued and executed. The crimes of the gang were committed between 2008 and 2017 in the Slovakian regions of Prešov and Košice and on UK territory.

In 2015, the UK National Desk opened a case at Eurojust to investigate a criminal group, consisting of 5 Slovak nationals, who lived in the UK until 2017 and then moved to Germany. The OCG maintained a hierarchical structure with strict distribution of tasks for the individual members, and systematically and meticulously planned and performed activities.

Eurojust set up a joint investigation team (JIT) between Slovakia and the UK to share information on victims and suspects and decide on a common strategy. The JIT, which received funding from Eurojust, helped to speed up the investigations, culminating in the successful action day. The JIT also facilitated the issuance and execution of 2 EIOs before and during the action day on German and Dutch territory, as well as 5 EAWs. Europol also supported the operations by providing funding for two UK officers to travel during the action.

Photos © Shutterstock