Rapid intervention by Eurojust leads to successful outcome

22 March 2019

In a rapid intervention, coordinated by Eurojust, the Hungarian authorities have arrested a high-profile target suspected of committing terrorist activities in Syria, linked to the so-called Islamic State. Essential to the arrest was the exchange of crucial information by the Belgian judicial authorities to their Hungarian colleagues via Eurojust, the EU’s Judicial Cooperation Unit.

The operation was concluded quickly by Eurojust’s Hungarian and Belgian National Members, who worked on-call arranging translation and the sharing of information within 24 hours. This quick intervention prevented the imminent return of the suspect to Greece by the Hungarian migration authorities. The suspect had refugee status in Greece.

The 27-year-old Syrian national is suspected of active involvement in the killing of twenty persons. He was detained at Budapest Airport on 30 December 2018, and was imprisoned for using forged travel documents both for him and for his female partner. Due to the evidence from Belgium, the suspect can now be held by the Hungarian authorities on suspicion of committing terrorist activities.

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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.

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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.

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Déplacements et visites

 

Lundi 25 mars 2019

Mr Frans Timmermans in The Hague, the Netherlands: meets Mr Mark Rutte, Prime Minister of the Netherlands.

Ms Cecilia Malmström in Stockholm, Sweden: delivers a speech at the Conference on the EU-Canada Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) taking place at the Embassy of Canada; and participates in a seminar on the centenary of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) in Stockholm.

Mr Karmenu Vella in Monaco: delivers a speechat the 10th Edition of the Monaco Blue Initiative.

Mr Christos Stylianides in Lahnstein, Germany: participates in a dialogue on Europe at a high school together with Mr Roger Lewentz, Minister for the Interior and Sport of the German State of Rhineland-Palatinate.

Mr Christos Stylianides in Koblenz, Germany: visits the local fire brigade training centre together with Mr Roger Lewentz, Minister for the Interior and Sport of the German State of Rhineland-Palatinate.

Ms Corina Crețu in Cluj-Napoca, Romania: delivers a keynote speech at the Opening session of the COTER commission Conference on „Supporting and developing an efficient cohesion policy which starts with the EU’s local and regional authorities”.

Mr Carlos Moedas receives Mr Gonçalo Bernardes, University Lecturer at the Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge.

Ms Mariya Gabriel in Blagoevgrad, Bulgaria: meets with Mr Atanas Kambitov, Mayor of Blagoevgrad Municipality for the symbolic award of the WiFi4EU voucher; meets with Professor Borislav Yurukov, Rector of South-West University “Neofit Rilski”, and Mr Preslav Dimitrov, Dean of the Faculty of Economics; and participates in Citizens’ Dialogue with students of the South-West University “Neofit Rilski” on the topic “Digital education: the engine for a strong digital economy”.

 

Mardi 26 mars 2019

Informal meeting of transport ministers General Affairs Council

College Meeting

President Jean-Claude Juncker participates in a meeting on Global Governance with Mr Emmanuel Macron, President of France; Mr Xi Jinping, President of the People’s Republic of China; Ms Angela Merkel, Chancellor of Germany; and Mr António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, in Paris, France.

President Jean-Claude Juncker delivers a joint press statement with Mr Emmanuel Macron, President of France; Mr Xi Jinping, President of the People’s Republic of China; Ms Angela Merkel, Chancellor of Germany; and Mr António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, in Paris, France.

Mr Vytenis Andriukaitis in Bucharest, Romania:meets Mr Klaus Iohannis, President of Romania;participates in the Global Forum on Human Rights and a Tobacco-free World; meets Ms Sorina Pintea, Minister for Health of Romania;meetsMr Petre Daea, Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development of Romania; and meets HRH Princess Dina Mired of Jordan.

Ms Violeta Bulc in Romania (until 28/03): visits the EU-funded project “FAIRway Danube”; and delivers a keynote speech at the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) and Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) conference.

Mr Tibor Navracsics in Vatican City, Italy: visits the Vatican Museum, followed by a meeting with Barbara Jatta, Museum Director. (tbc); meets with H.E. Cardinal Giuseppe Versaldi Prefect of the Congregation for Catholic Education; and participates in and speaks at the Academic Event to promote the ERASMUS+ programme and the future participation of the Holy See.

Mr Tibor Navracsics in Rome, Italy: meets Mr Marco Busetti, Minister for Education, University and Research of Italy.

 

Mercredi 27 mars 2019

Informal meeting of transport ministers General Affairs Council

President Jean-Claude Juncker addresses the plenary of the European Parliament on the conclusions of the March European Council

Mr Vytenis Andriukaitis in Bucharest, Romania: participates in the Opening Plenary session of the 4th ENSOP-SRP Conference on Tobacco Control.

Mr Tibor Navracsics in Rome, Italy: meets with Mr Rocco Crimi, Italian under-secretary for sport. (tbc)

Mr Tibor Navracsics in Rome, Italy: meet with Mr Lorenzo Fontana, Italian Minister for Family and the Disabled.

Ms Corina Crețu in Berlin, Germany (until 29/03): meets the Romanian community of Germany.

Ms Margrethe Vestager in Harvard, Boston, United States: gives an on-stage interview at the Kennedy Gordon lecture.

Mr Carlos Moedas receives Professor Gérard Mourou, member of the Haut-collège of the École polytechnique and Nobel Prize winner in Physics 2018.

Ms Mariya Gabriel in the Vatican City, Italy: participates in the General Audience with His Holiness Pope Francis; meets with H. EM. Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State; participates in a workshop on technology, society and governance organised by the Pontifical Council for Culture; and delivers the Lectio Magistralis on disinformation at the inauguration of the 2018/2019 academic year at the LUISS School of journalism.

 

Jeudi 28 mars 2019

President Jean-Claude Juncker receives Mr Peter Maurer, President of the International Committee of the Red Cross.

Ms Federica Mogherini in Quito, Ecuador: co-chairs the second meeting of the International Contact Group on Venezuela.

Mr Andrus Ansip in Tallinn, Estonia: visits Fuel cell technology company Elcogen, and participates at the Estonian opinion leaders lunch 2019 organised by Postimees.

Mr Jyrki Katainen receives a group of Finnish security organisations.

Mr Johannes Hahn on official visit to Sarajevo, Bosnia & Herzegovina.

Ms Cecilia Malmström receives Mr Alexander Stubb, Vice-President of the European Investment Bank.

Ms Cecilia Malmström receives Mr Poul Michelsen, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade of the Faroe Islands.

Mr Miguel Arias Cañete in Madrid, Spain: receives representatives of Deoleo.

Mr Karmenu Vella in Malta (until 29/03): delivers a speech at an Annual External Meeting and Conference organised by the European Committee of the Regions (CoR): “Blue Economy in European Regions.”

Mr Vytenis Andriukaitis receives Mr Kristján Thór Júlíusson, Minister for Fisheries and Agriculture of Iceland.

Mr Vytenis Andriukaitis receives Mr René Collin, Minister of Agriculture, Nature, Forests and Tourism of Wallonia.

M. Pierre Moscovici rencontre M. Philippe Le Houérou, Vice-président et Directeur général de la Société Financière Internationale (IFC), à Bruxelles.

M. Pierre Moscovici déjeune avec la commission des Affaires économiques de l’Assemblée nationale française, à Bruxelles_.

Mr Christos Stylianides receives Mr Peter Maurer, President of the International Committee of the Red Cross.

Mr Tibor Navracsics in Bucharest, Romania: participates in and speaks at the European Union Youth Conference during the high-level panel debate “Road to Sibiu – The role of youth in the future of the European Union”; and meets with Ms Carina Autengruber, President of the European Youth Forum. (TBC)

Ms Corina Crețu in Berlin, Germany: meets Mr Peter Altmaier, Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Energy.

Ms Mariya Gabriel in Sofia, Bulgaria: delivers a keynote speech at the International Colloquium on “University governance in the digital era” at the Sofia University St. Kliment Ohridski.

Vendredi 29 mars 2019

Mr Andrus Ansip in Tallinn, Estonia: speaks at the 30th anniversary conference of the Estonian Bar Association.

Mr Johannes Hahn on official visit to Belgrade, Serbia.

Mr Karmenu Vella, in Msida Malta: delivers, together with Ms Violeta Bulc, a speech at the International Maritime Law Institute (IMLI) followed by a discussion with students; and visits the transport authority of Malta.

Ms Marianne Thyssen receives Mr Freek Spinnewijn, Director of FEANTSA to discuss homeless people’s situation.

Ms Marianne Thyssen receives His Excellency Monsignor Lebeaupin, Apostolic Nuncio to the EU.

M. Pierre Moscovici à Paris : participe au Symposium Européen de HEC Paris.

Ms Violeta Bulc in Malta:attends the opening of the Marsa Junction Project; and visits the Malta Air Traffic Services (MATS).

Ms Vĕra Jourová in Prague and Ostrava, Czechia: meets Mr Tomáš Radil, Neurologist and Holocaust Survivor; meets Mr Václav Snášel, Rector of the Technical University of Ostrava; and delivers a speech at the Czech Data Protection Officer Awards 2018.

Mr Tibor Navracsics in Budapest, Hungary: participates in and gives a lecture at a Conference on the EU organised by the Piarist Gymnasium of Budapest; meets with Mr Péter Antall, Head of Antall József Knowledge Centre; and participates in and speaks at the Europe for Youth Seminar.

Ms Corina Crețu in Postdam, Germany: meets Mr Dietmar Woidke, Minister-President of the Land of Brandenburg; and visits with Mr Dietmar Woidke the Potsdam-Golm Science Park, an EU-funded project.

Ms Margrethe Vestager in Washington D.C., United States: participates in the American Bar Association Enforcers’ Roundtable at the Antitrust Law 2019 Spring Meeting. 

Mr Carlos Moedas in Porto, Portugal:visits the Ilídio Pinho Foundation.

Mr Carlos Moedas in Sao Mamede do Coronado, Portugal:visits Bial, pharmaceutical company.

Ms Mariya Gabriel in Sofia, Bulgaria: delivers the opening speech at the conference on digitalisation and copyright in the field of photography; and delivers the opening speech at the conference Educate to Create 2019: Impact of AI on Higher Education.

 

Prévisions du mois d’avril 2019 :

02/04 Informal meeting of energy ministers

03/04 Informal meeting of competitiveness ministers (Research)

05/04 Eurogroup

05-06/04 Informal meeting of economic and financial affairs ministers

08/04 Foreign Affairs Council

09/04 EU-China summit; General Affairs Council

10/04 Informal meeting of employment and social policy ministers

11/04 Informal meeting of employment and social policy ministers

14-15/04 Informal meeting of health ministers

15/04 Informal meeting of health ministers; Agriculture and Fisheries Council; Informal meeting of culture ministers

15-16/04 Agriculture and Fisheries Council; Informal meeting of culture ministers

Permanence DG COMM le WE du 23 et 24 mars 2019:

Mr Alexander Winterstein: +32 (0) 460 79 32 65

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

Capital Markets Union: Political agreement on a stronger and more integrated European supervisory architecture, including on anti-money laundering

The European Commission welcomes the political agreement reached by the European Parliament and the Council on the core elements of the reform of the European supervision in the areas of EU financial markets including when it comes to anti-money laundering. This is an important step to achieve the Capital Markets Union’s objective to ensure stronger, safer and more integrated financial markets to the benefit of European consumers, investors and businesses. Yesterday’s agreement will improve supervision in the European Union by reinforcing the role and powers of the European Supervisory Agencies (ESAs). To ensure a fully functioning and operating Capital Markets Union (CMU) the EU needs to ensure that supervision keeps pace with further integration. Moreover, recent cases involving money laundering in EU banks have increased the need to strengthen the supervisory framework in the area of anti-money laundering. The agreed package will contribute to promoting the integrity of the EU’s financial system, ensuring financial stability and protection from financial crime. This political agreement will be followed by further technical work so that the European Parliament and the Council and can formally adopt the final texts. Find a press release online. (For more information: Johannes Bahrke – Tel.: +32 229 58615; Letizia Lupini – Tel.: +32 229 51958)

 

Budget de l’Union: l’accord de financement donne un élan salutaire à la coopération fiscale entre les États membres de l’UE

La Commission européenne salue l’accord provisoire intervenu hier concernant le financement du programme de coopération fiscale de l’Union (« Fiscalis ») au cours de la prochaine période budgétaire de l’UE, de 2021 à 2027. Cet accord ouvre la voie à que Fiscalis puisse, comme par le passé, contribuer de manière décisive à soutenir et à garantir une collaboration fiscale étroite entre les États membres et, partant, à mettre en place de systèmes fiscaux plus équitables et plus efficaces, ainsi qu’à réduire les charges administratives pesant sur les citoyens et les entreprises dans le marché unique de l’Union. Pierre Moscovici, commissaire pour les affaires économiques et financières, la fiscalité et les douanes, s’est exprimé en ces termes: « L’accord intervenu permettra au programme Fiscalis de continuer à aider les États membres à travailler ensemble pour trouver des solutions innovantes aux problèmes auxquels sont confrontées nos administrations fiscales. Associé aux nouvelles technologies, ce travail peut avoir une incidence extrêmement positive sur la lutte globale que nous menons contre l’évasion et la fraude fiscales, et protéger ainsi notre marché unique. Malgré son budget modeste, le programme Fiscalis apporte une grande valeur ajoutée. » Ce programme favorisera la coopération entre les administrations fiscales des États membres et contribuera davantage à la lutte contre la fraude, l’évasion et l’optimisation fiscales, et ce par les moyens suivants: la mise en place de systèmes informatiques plus performants et mieux connectés, le partage de bonnes pratiques et la formation en vue d’accroître l’efficacité, la poursuite et le renforcement du soutien en faveur d’une coopération approfondie entre les autorités fiscale et, la promotion de la compétitivité de l’Union. Cet accord provisoire doit maintenant être officiellement approuvé à la fois par le Parlement européen et le Conseil, ses aspects budgétaires étant quant à eux subordonnés à un compromis global sur le prochain budget à long terme de l’UE, proposé par la Commission en mai 2018. Un communiqué de presse complet est disponible en ligne. (Pour plus d’informations: Johannes Bahrke – Tél.: +32 229 58615; Patrick McCullough – Tél.: +32 229 87183)

 

EU channels further support for Mozambique following Cyclone Idai 

At the request of Mozambique, the EU Civil Protection Mechanism has been activated to help those affected by the devastating impact of cyclone Idai. Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management, Christos Stylianides said: “Mozambique is not alone in these difficult times. More EU support is on its way. We are working 24/7 to deliver essential supplies and save lives. We are also sending EU humanitarian experts to the affected areas to coordinate our assistance. I thank our Member States for their generous support. This is EU solidarity in action.” In an immediate response, the Commission’s Emergency Response Coordination Centre has already received offers of assistance from Germany, Denmark, Luxembourg, Spain, Italy, Portugal and the United Kingdom through the Mechanism. The assistance offered includes water purification equipment, Emergency Medical Teams, tents and shelter equipment, hygiene kits, food and mattresses and satellite telecommunications for humanitarian workers on the ground. Furthermore, a team of 10 experts from seven Member States (Germany, Finland, the Netherlands, Portugal, Romania, Sweden, and Slovenia) will be sent to Mozambique to help with logistics and advice. This additional assistance comes on top of the €3.5 million in EU humanitarian aid already announced earlier this week for Mozambique, Malawi and Zimbabwe as well as €250,000 provided to Mozambique and Malawi Red Cross Societies. The EU’s Copernicus satellite mapping services are also being used to help local authorities working on the ground. Photos and video stockshots of the Emergency Response Coordination Centre as well as a video of the EU’s Copernicus programme and a factsheet on the EU’s emergency centre are available online. (For more information: Carlos Martin Ruiz de Gordejuela – Tel.: +32 229 65322; Daniel Puglisi – Tel.: +32 229 69140)

 

Lisbon, Lindau and Greater Manchester win European sustainable mobility awards

Yesterday, the European Commission announced the winners of the EUROPEANMOBILITYWEEK Awards 2018, and the 7th Award for Sustainable Urban Mobility Planning (SUMP) at a ceremony in Brussels (Belgium). Lisbon was revealed as the winner of the EUROPEANMOBILITYWEEK Award 2018 for larger municipalities, with Lindau taking home the award for smaller municipalities. The 7^th SUMP Award was won by Greater Manchester. The EUROPEANMOBILITYWEEK Awards recognise local authorities judged to have organised the most impressive set of activities between 16 – 22 September 2018. The awards are given out in two categories: one for municipalities with over 50 000 inhabitants, and one for smaller municipalities below this threshold, while the SUMP Award celebrates local and regional authorities for excellence in sustainable urban mobility planning, and was focused in its 7^th edition on multimodality. The awards were presented to the cities by Commissioner Violeta Bulc, responsible for Transport, and Jürgen Müller, Head of Cabinet for Karmenu Vella, the Commissioner for Environment, Maritime Affairs and Fisheries. Commissioner for Transport Violeta Bulc said: “I would like to sincerely congratulate the winning cities, all of whom carried out inspiring activities to promote sustainable urban mobility. They are true examples of how local leaders across Europe are combining different modes of transport as a means to make our cities cleaner, safer and more sustainable. This year I am looking forward to seeing more such impressive actions from towns and cities joining the EUROPEANMOBILITYWEEK campaign as they celebrate under the theme of ‘Walk with us’.”Commissioner for the Environment, Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Karmenu Vella said: “Europe’s cities face numerous challenges, from poor air quality to climate change. Today’s winners show that the way we move about our city matters, and that bold decisions encouraging sustainable transport can help us tackle major issues like air pollution and climate change. I commend these winners, as I do all cities that are embracing sustainable mobility.” Learn more about the winners and the awards here. (For more information: Enrico Brivio – Tel.: +32 229 56172; Stephan Meder – Tel.: +32 229 13917)

 

World Tuberculosis Day: while the number of cases decreases in Europe, awareness and prevention are still needed

On the World Tuberculosis Day taking place on Sunday 24 March, the European Commission aims to raise awareness about the burden and prevention of tuberculosis as well as to mobilise efforts in the fight against the disease. Although every hour, 30 people are diagnosed with tuberculosis in Europe, overall, the decrease in tuberculosis cases observed in most countries is reassuring. Still, sustained efforts are needed to reach the 80% reduction target in the tuberculosis incidence rate in 2030 compared to 2015. Vytenis Andriukaitis, European Commissioner for Health and Food Safety, said: “On World Tuberculosis Day, my thoughts are with all the people who are suffering from the deadliest infectious disease in the world. The EU Member States have reiterated their commitment to end the tuberculosis epidemic by 2030 at a high-level United Nations meeting in September 2018. Therefore, I call on leaders in the EU and beyond, to boost their public health measures against tuberculosis hand in hand with other sectors. Existing tools and good practices should be better implemented, and focus on people’s needs. Together with our agencies, the Commission will continue to support such efforts from different policy angles – including funding, research, fight against antimicrobial resistance, prevention, early diagnosis and linkage to treatment and care. So let’s make tuberculosis history!” The EU policy initiatives and activities to help Member States meet the Sustainable Development Goal of ending the AIDS and tuberculosis epidemics by 2030 and to fight hepatitis and other communicable diseases are outlined in the 2018 “Commission Staff Working Document on combatting HIV/AIDS, viral hepatitis and tuberculosis in the European Union and neighbouring countries“. Under Horizon 2020, the EU research and innovation programme, the Commission has already invested over €120 million in tuberculosis research. EU-funded projects are delivering new innovative tools and strategies to combat tuberculosis, including rapid diagnostic tests and more effective vaccines and treatments. More information on World Tuberculosis Day here. (For more information: Anca Paduraru – Tel.: +32 229 91269; Aikaterini Apostola – Tel.: +32 229 87624)

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

 

Vice-President Katainen in Finland for a Citizens’ Dialogue on the Future of Europe

Vice-President Jyrki Katainen, responsible for Jobs, Growth, Investment and Competitiveness, is in Tampere today. He will participate in a Citizens’ dialogue on the Future of Europe and European elections at the University of Tampere. Then, he will meet Ms Mari Walls, President of the University of Tampere, and the management board of the University. He will also attend a working lunch hosted by Mr Lauri Lyly, Mayor of the City of Tampere, and visit two projects on digital innovation and robotics that have benefited from EU funding. (For more information: Annika Breidthardt – Tel.: +32 229-56153; Enda McNamara – Tel.: +32 229 58615)

 

Commissioner Gabriel participates in Citizens Dialogue in Blagoevgrad, Bulgaria, to discuss digital education

On Monday 25 March, Mariya Gabriel, Commissioner for Digital Economy and Society, will be in Blagoevgrad, Bulgaria in order to participate in a Citizens’ Dialogue that will take place in South West University ”Neofit Rilski”, from 11.00 to 12.00 (local time). The discussion will focus on how to improve digital education and skills across Europe, in particular how to support young people, teachers, professors and all involved in the educational process to better adapt for life and work in the digital age. (For more information: Nathalie Vandystadt – Tel.: +32 229 67083; Marietta Grammenou- Tel.: +32 229 83583)

Commissioner Stylianides visits “EU Saves Lives” roadshow and holds a Citizens Dialogue in Naples

This week the “EU Saves Lives” travelling roadshow is welcoming many thousands of visitors from the Naples region, in Italy. Christos Stylianides, Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management, will visit the pavilion today, together with representatives of the local authorities and of Italian civil protection organisations. The exhibition in Naples (Marcianise) is the second stop of the roadshow, which kicked-off last month in Vienna and will travel to 6 other European cities later this year. Before visiting the pavilion, the Commissioner will hold a Citizens’ Dialogue in the Castel Nuovo in Naples (live-streamed here). Tomorrow Commissioner Stylianides and MEP Elisabetta Gardini will visit the Friuli Venezia Giulia Region, where they will open the Civil Protection Conference and visit the operational centre of the Civil Protection services. (For more information: Carlos Martin Ruiz de Gordejuela – Tel.: +32 229 65322; Daniel Puglisi – Tel.: +32 229 69140)

 

 

Calendar – Commissioners’ weekly activities

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