Ladies and gentlemen,

I am happy to be here with you today.

I have just attended the meeting of the College of Commissioners, at the invitation of Jean-Claude Juncker.

Our first day of negotiations, on 19June, was useful to start off on the right foot.

But the hard work starts now.

We need to engage substantially in all issues of the first phase of negotiations, as agreed with the UK on 19 June:

• citizens’ rights,
• the single financial settlement,
• the new borders, in particular in Ireland,
• and other separation issues, like Euratom and the treatment of goods placed on the market before Brexit day.

 We have published nine EU position papers so far on the different issues.

The EU positions are clear.

We now need to know the UK’s position on each of these issues in order to make progress.

We need to know on which points we agree, and on which points we disagree, so that we can negotiate in earnest.

My aim is to make good progress next week and at our next session in August on all issues.

We cannot remain idle as the clock is ticking.

Mesdames et Messieurs,

Quel sera l’enjeu de ce deuxième round la semaine prochaine ?

Sur chacun des sujets de la première phase, notre objectif est de nous assurer que nous travaillons sur les mêmes bases, avec des objectifs communs.

C’est une condition indispensable pour pouvoir converger vers des solutions communes.

Pour les droits des citoyens, cela veut dire mettre clairement en évidence les différences entre notre position et la position britannique.

En l’état, la position britannique ne permettrait pas aux personnes concernées de continuer à vivre leur vie comme aujourd’hui.

Il y a des différences d’ambition, et elles sont assez nombreuses. Par exemple :

• Nous voulons que les citoyens européens au Royaume-Uni aient les mêmes droits que les Britanniques qui vivent en Espagne ou ailleurs dans l’UE – La position britannique actuelle ne permet pas cette réciprocité, puisqu’elle soumet les citoyens de l’UE au Royaume-Uni au droit britannique qui impose des restrictions, par exemple pour le rapprochement familial.

• Nous voulons que les droits des citoyens concernés puissent être invoqués directement par les citoyens sur la base de l’accord de retrait – Le Royaume-Uni, lui, veut inscrire les droits des citoyens européens au Royaume-Uni dans le droit britannique, qui pourrait évoluer avec le temps et ne peut donc pas les garantir dans la durée.

• Nous voulons que la Cour de justice de l’UE soit la garante ultime de ces droits – Si le Royaume-Uni s’y oppose, cela créera de l’incertitude sur l’application effective et cohérente de ces droits.

• Et nous voulons nous assurer que les citoyens européens au Royaume-Uni bénéficient de procédures administratives simples et claires. Les conditions applicables à ces procédures doivent être explicites.

Le deuxième chantier est celui du règlement financier. Il est indispensable que le Royaume-Uni reconnaisse l’existence d’obligations financières qui découlent simplement de la période durant laquelle il est membre de l’UE, et notamment de notre cadre financier pluriannuel actuel.

Alors nous pourrons commencer le travail sur la méthodologie et nous mettre d’accord, dans cette première phase de négociations, sur cette méthodologie.

Pour les questions liées à l’Irlande, nous voulons entamer des discussions rapidement sur le maintien du Common Travel Area entre l’Irlande et le Royaume-Uni, en définissant précisément ses différents aspects pertinents, et aussi sur la protection des engagements du Good Friday Agreement, dans toutes ses dimensions.

Sur des sujets d’une telle importance, il est essentiel de s’assurer que nous sommes sur la même ligne politique avant de rechercher des solutions techniques.

Je veux être à nouveau clair sur ces chantiers : ces trois sujets prioritaires pour la première phase des négociations sont inséparables.

En d’autres termes, des progrès sur un ou deux de ces trois sujets ne seront pas suffisants pour passer à la discussion sur notre relation future avec le Royaume-Uni.

4. Enfin, sur les autres sujets de la séparation, comme Euratom ou la question des procédures judiciaires en cours à la date du retrait, notre objectif la semaine prochaine est de démarrer les discussions.

Sur tous ces sujets, nos positions sont connues. Nous avons publié nos “principes essentiels”. Nous avons discuté de ces papiers avec les Etats membres, et je transmettrai sept papiers au Royaume-Uni dès demain.

Les trois groupes de travail que nous avons créés le 19 juin, notamment sur les citoyens, le règlement financier unique, et les autres sujets de la séparation, disposent maintenant de toutes les positions de l’Union européenne. Nous attendons dans les jours qui viennent une clarification des positions britanniques.

• Nous avons par exemple proposé des arrangements pour que tous les biens, par exemple un véhicule, qui ont été légalement placés sur le marché unique avant la date du retrait puissent continuer à être commercialisés après la date du retrait.

• Nous avons aussi proposé un mécanisme pour la mise en œuvre de l’accord de retrait, fondée sur :
  • la Cour de justice de l’UE pour tout ce qui a trait au droit de l’UE et pour les citoyens ;
  • et aussi un comité conjoint pour décider de questions liées à l’interprétation et à la mise en œuvre de cet accord de retrait hors droit de l’UE. Ce comité pourrait se référer, en cas de désaccord, à la Cour de justice de l’UE.

• Dernier exemple : nous avons proposé des règles permettant de mener à bien les procédures judiciaires en cours en matière civile, commerciale et pénale, par exemple des procédures engagées sur base d’un mandat d’arrêt européen.

Plus vite nous progresserons réellement sur tous ces sujets de la phase 1 des négociations, plus tôt nous pourrons commencer à parler de notre future relation.

Ladies and gentlemen,

A final point: I have always made it clear that we want to listen to the different points of view in the British debate. It is only natural.

Later today, I will meet a delegation from the House of Lords to answer their questions. The delegation will be led by Lord Teverson of the EU Select Committee.

Tomorrow, I will meet, at their request, with Jeremy Corbyn, and also with the First Minister of Scotland, Nicola Sturgeon and the First Minister of Wales, Carwyn Jones.

Of course, I will only negotiate with the UK government.

Thank you for your attention.

Positive moment for the EU-Ukraine partnership as 19^th Summit takes place in Kyiv

The 19^th Summit between the European Union and Ukraine will take place in Kyiv on Wednesday 12^th and Thursday 13^th July. The President of the European Commission, Jean-Claude Juncker will represent the European Union, alongside the President of the European Council, Donald Tusk. President Petro Poroshenko, will represent Ukraine. European Commission Vice-President Valdis Dombrovskis, Commissioner Johannes Hahn and Commissioner Cecilia Malmström will also be present. The Summit takes place at a very positive moment in the partnership between the European Union and Ukraine, with the finalisation of the ratification of the EU – Ukraine Association Agreement yesterday, Ukrainian citizens’ being granted visa free travel to the Schengen area in June, and autonomous trade measures, which would further benefit Ukrainian exports, set to be adopted soon. The Summit will provide an opportunity for leaders to review the substantial progress made since the last Summit, in particular as regards Ukraine’s implementation of its ambitious reform agenda, to which the EU is providing unprecedented support. It will also identify further reform priorities notably as regards the fight against corruption. The leaders are expected to discuss security and conflict-related matters, as well as regional and foreign policy issues. On Wednesday, President Poroshenko will host Presidents Juncker and Tusk for a working dinner. A joint press conference of the three Presidents is due to take place on Thursday at 13:00 local time, 12:00 CET, and will be preceded by the Summit’s plenary session and followed by a working lunch. Coverage will be available via Europe by Satellite. For more information, visit the dedicated Summit website, the website of the EU Delegation to Ukraine, or consult the factsheet on EU-Ukraine relations. (For more information: Margaritis Schinas – Tel.: +32 229 60524; Maja Kocijancic – Tel.: +32 229 86570; Adam Kaznowski – Tel: +32 229 89359)

President Juncker to be awarded Doctor Honoris Causa, by the Faculty of Law, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki

On Thursday 13 July, President Juncker will be in Thessaloniki, Greece, where he will be awarded Doctor Honoris Causa, by the Faculty of Law, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, in a ceremony chaired by Rector of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Professor Pericles Mitkas and the Dean of the Faculty of Law Professor, Georgios I. Dellios. Also attending, are Commissioner Avramopoulos, Prime Minister Tsipras, with whom President Juncker will meet bilaterally, and members of the Greek government and parliament. President Juncker will also deliver a speech which will be broadcast live on EbS, along with photos of the visit. (For more information: Margaritis Schinas – Tel.: +32 229 60524)

Michel Barnier debriefs the College on the state of play of Article 50 negotiations with the United Kingdom

The European Commission’s Chief Negotiator for Article 50 negotiations with the United Kingdom, Michel Barnier, will hold a press conference today following the meeting of the College of Commissioners. You can watch the press conference live here. A memo on the state of play of the Article 50 negotiations is available online (see here). Michel Barnier’s introductory comments will also be available shortly. (For more information: Margaritis Schinas – Tel.: +32 229 60524; Mina Andreeva – Tel.: +32 229 91382; Daniel Ferrie: +32 229 86500)

EU to announce additional humanitarian aid for Iraq

The European Commission is scaling up its response to the humanitarian crisis in Iraq, which will enable the EU to continue supporting emergency relief in newly retaken areas and for newly displaced families. It will also allow to continue emergency medical services, attending injured civilians from the frontlines, to the final point of rehabilitation. Speaking in Washington today during a High-Level Meeting on the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) Crisis in Mosul, Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management Christos Stylianides said: “The end of the Mosul military campaign marks the beginning of a new phase of international support to Iraq. One that requires our rock solid commitment to preserving humanity during and after the conflict, to ensure that all civilians are protected in Telafar, West Anbar and Hawidja, as well as in their locations of displacement. Our humanitarian commitment will remain faithful to our guiding humanitarian principles.” The new funding will further help filling the gaps between assistance provided in current locations of displacement and potential areas of return, and strengthen community-based, conflict-sensitive actions aimed at providing information, coordination and effective delivery of services available to IDPs, conflict-affected host communities, and returnees. (For more information: Carlos Martin Ruiz De Gordejuela – Tel.: +32 229; Christina Wunder – Tel.: +32 229 92256)

Mergers: Commission clears acquisition of joint control over logistics asset in Spain by SEGRO and PSPIB

The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of joint control over CAT SITE, a 5.3 hectare plot of land leased as a car park in Madrid, Spain, , by SEGRO plc (SEGRO) of the UK and the Public Sector Pension Investment Board (PSPIB) of Canada, via their joint venture SEGRO European Logistics Partnership S.à.r.l. of Luxembourg. SEGRO is a real estate investment trust focused on warehousing and light industrial properties. PSPIB is a pension investment manager with a global portfolio including stocks, bonds and investments in private equity, real estate, infrastructure, natural resources, and private debt. The Commission concluded that the proposed acquisition would raise no competition concerns because of the limited changes it brings to the market. 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.8521. (For more information: Ricardo Cardoso – Tel.: +32 229 80100; Maria Sarantopoulou – Tel.: +32 229 13740)

Mergers: Commission clears acquisition of joint control over OHL México by OHL and IFM

The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of joint control over OHL México S.A.B. de C.V. (OHL México) of Mexico by Obrascon Huarte Lain, S.A. (OHL) of Spain and IFM Investors Pty Ltd (IFM) of Australia. OHL México builds, manages and operates seven toll roads and one airport in Mexico. Previously, OHL México was solely controlled by OHL, a global company primarily engaged in infrastructure and industrial construction projects and concessions. IFM is a global investment manager with assets across infrastructure, listed equities, private capital and debt investments. The Commission concluded that the proposed acquisition would raise no competition concerns in Europe, because OHL México will only be active in Mexico. 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.8538. (For more information: Ricardo Cardoso – Tel.: +32 229 80100; Maria Sarantopoulou – Tel.: +32 229 13740)

12 new species classified as invasive to protect biodiversity and economic activity in the EU

Today, the Commission took another important step towards halting biodiversity loss with the inclusion of 12 new species in the list of invasive alien species that require action across the EU. Invasive alien species are one of the major causes of biodiversity loss. They have major economic negative consequences in areas such as health care costs, crop yield losses, fish stock losses and damage to infrastructure. These 12 new species – including the muskrat and the alligator weed – have been added, following the positive opinion of experts from Member States. They damage on a scale that justifies dedicated measures across the Union. Member States are required to address these species by preventing them from being introduced, kept, sold, transported, reproduced or released. They will also need to put in place appropriate measures to tackle new invasions or established populations. The rules will start applying 20 days after publication of the list in the Official Journal of the European Union. Underpinning with scientific work, the Commission’s Joint Research Centre has recently published the first ever Baseline Distribution of Invasive Alien Species of Union concern for 37 species. It has also developed a smartphone application on the 37 species of Union concern, called Invasive Alien Species Europe, which allows citizens to report the presence of these species on the European territory and to raise awareness on the issue. The list and more information are available here. (For more information: Enrico Brivio – Tel.: +32 229 56172; Iris Petsa – Tel.: + 32 229 93321)

Eurostat: La production industrielle en hausse de 1,3% dans la zone euro

En mai 2017 par rapport à avril 2017, la production industrielle corrigée des variations saisonnières a augmenté de 1,3% dans la zone euro (ZE19) et de 1,2% dans l’UE28, selon les estimations d’Eurostat, l’office statistique de l’Union européenne. En avril 2017, la production industrielle avait progressé de 0,3% dans la zone euro et de 0,1% dans l’UE28. Un communiqué de presse est disponible ici. (Pour plus d’informations: Lucia Caudet – Tel.: +32 229 56182; Mirna Talko – Tel.: +32 229 87278)

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Vice President Maroš Šefčovič in Georgia

Energy Union Vice President Maroš Šefčovič is on an official visit to Georgia from 12 until 13 July. He is meeting President Giorgi Margvelashvili, Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili and the Chairman of the Parliament, Mr Irakli Kobakhidze for bilateral meetings. Vice President Šefčovič will also attend this year’s Batumi International Conference “Ensuring Regional Stability” where he delivers a key note on energy security in the opening session in the presence of the President, Prime Minister and Chairman of the Parliament. The conference is organised by the State Minister of Georgia on European and Euro-Atlantic Integration since 2007 and represents an important venue for high level officials to discuss issues related to politics, security, economic developments in the EU and its neighbourhood. This year the Conference will focus on the European Agenda, particularly on energy security and diversification of energy markets. Ahead of the visit, Energy Union Vice President Maroš Šefčovič said: “The EU-Georgia Association Agreement entails Georgia’s alignment to key EU energy legislation. In this regard, I welcome the recent ratification by the Georgian Parliament of the accession protocol to the Energy Community. This represents a major milestone for a proper and timely implementation of the commitments made under the Association Agreement and I encourage efforts to ensure a comprehensive implementation of commitments. Furthermore, Georgia has a key transit role to play in the opening of the Southern Gas Corridor. For the EU and Georgia the timely implementation of the Southern Gas Corridor is important as well as its extension over time to additional supply countries.” More information about the conference can be found online. (For more information: Anca Paduraru – Tel.: +32 229 91269; Nicole Bockstaller – Tel.:+32 229 52589)

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