Daily News 23 / 09 / 2019 - Government World Magazine

The EU at the UN Climate Action Summit in New York today

The United Nations Climate Action Summit, convened by the UN Secretary General António Guterres, starts in New York today. First Vice-President Frans Timmermans and Commissioner Miguel Arias Cañete will join the President of the European Council Donald Tusk at its opening. The Summit comes at an important moment, both in terms of international climate action and the EU’s engagement in domestic action and commitments. The European Union has a strong story to tell at the Summit: it is the only major economy to have legislated on its Paris Agreement commitments and has presented a Strategic long-term vision for a prosperous, modern, competitive and climate neutral economy by 2050 – A Clean Planet for All. The EU is also the largest contributor of international climate finance. Climate change is too big for any government to tackle on its own. The European Union continues to promote and support multilateral solutions within the United Nations. It is time all parties play an active part in reversing global warming. For more information, please find a video message by Commissioner Arias Cañete pronounced at the occasion of the Climate Action Summit here. (For more information: Anna-Kaisa Itkonen – Tel.:+32 229 56186; Lynn Rietdorf – Tel.: +32 229 74959 )

EU and UN: a partnership that delivers

First Vice-President of the Commission Frans Timmermans and High Representative/Vice-President Federica Mogherini met with the United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres on Sunday afternoon in New York for their annual meeting in the context of the UN General Assembly. During the meeting, the European Union expressed its determination to further strengthen the strategic partnership with the UN in advancing and shaping the multilateral agenda and reiterated its strong determination to be a global trailblazer, increasing ambition for collective responses to global challenges. The UN Summits on Climate and Sustainable Development Goals underline the urgent need for a much stronger and urgent global response to climate change and sustainable development. The European Union stressed its commitment to strengthen its role as a global peace and security provider. The meeting was also an opportunity to exchange views on the latest developments in Africa, Syria, Libya, Middle East Peace Process, Venezuela as well as Gulf/Iran and JCPOA (Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action). See the full press release here. For more information on EU – UN relations, see the factsheets here and here. (For more information: Maja Kocijancic – Tel.: +32 229 86570; Xavier Cifre Quatresols – Tel.: +32 229 73582)

L’UE soutient les micro-entreprises italiennes avec 60 millions d’euros supplémentaires dans le cadre du programme européen pour l’emploi et l’innovation sociale

Aujourd’hui, le Fonds européen d’investissement et la banque italienne UniCredit ont signé un accord de soutien de 60 millions d’euros aux micro-entreprises italiennes. Cette aide, qui est un micro financement, est appuyée par le programme européen pour l’emploi et l’innovation sociale. Grâce à elle, environ 3000 micro-entreprises italiennes auront accès à des prêts d’un montant maximal de 25.000 euros. Les micro-entreprises seront soutenues dans le développement de leurs activités et auront accès à un réseau de partenaires industriels pertinents. Marianne Thyssen, commissaire chargée de l’emploi, des affaires sociales et des compétences et de la mobilité des travailleurs, a déclaré: « Je suis ravie que nous ayons conclu un accord de garantie de microfinance EaSI supplémentaire de 60 millions d’euros avec UniCredit, qui donnera un coup de pouce supplémentaire à 3000 micro-entrepreneurs en Italie. Cela montre que la première garantie signée l’année dernière a atteint son objectif et que nous continuons à aider les personnes qui ont des difficultés à obtenir du crédit. L’UE reste déterminée à garantir l’égalité des chances pour tous et à ne laisser personne pour compte. » Cette signature fait suite au premier accord signé en mars 2018 qui comprenait une enveloppe de 50 millions d’euros à repartir entre environ 2500 micro-entreprises italiennes. Plus d’informations sont disponibles dans ce communiqué de presse. (Pour plus d’informations: Christian Wigand – Tél. +32 229 62253; Sara Soumillion – Tél. +32 229 67094)

Publication des derniers chiffres du commerce agroalimentaire: l’UE reste forte en matière d’exportations agroalimentaires

Le dernier rapport mensuel sur le commerce agroalimentaire de l’Union européenne publié aujourd’hui montre que les exportations et les importations de l’UE dans ce secteur ont augmenté en juillet 2019 comparé au même mois de l’année précédente. En juillet 2019, les exportations de produits agroalimentaires de l’UE ont en effet atteint 13,07 milliards d’euros, soit 12,6% de plus qu’en juillet 2018. Avec des importations d’un montant de 9,92 milliards d’euros, le solde positif de la balance commerciale de l’UE s’élevait donc en juillet 2019 à 3,15 milliards d’euros. Les plus fortes hausses en terme de valeurs d’exportations mensuelles (en juillet 2019 comparé à juillet 2018) ont été enregistrées vers les États-Unis, la Chine et le Japon. Les catégories ayant le plus bénéficié de hausses d’exportations en valeur ce mois-ci sont la viande de porc, les spiritueux et les liqueurs, le lait en poudre et le vin. En parallèle, la valeur des importations a augmenté pour les fruits tropicaux, les céréales secondaires et les huiles végétales. Le rapport mensuel de juillet 2019 fournit un tableau présentant la balance commerciale, son détail par catégorie de produits et les principaux partenaires commerciaux d’août 2017 à juillet 2019. (Pour plus d’informations: Daniel Rosario – Tél.: +32 229 56185; Clémence Robin – Tél: +32 229 52509)

EU support to UN Peace Architecture: building and sustaining peace globally

In the framework of the 74^th session of the UN General Assembly, the European Union is today further strengthening support to the United Nations’ work in preventing conflict and sustaining peace, by making a first-ever direct contribution to the UN Peacebuilding Fund (PBF), and by contributing fresh funding to the Joint UN Development Programme (UNDP) – UN Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs (DPPA) Conflict Prevention Programme, and the UN Office on Genocide-Prevention and the Responsibility to Protect (€6 million). This strong commitment to the close partnership with the United Nations on security and peace will be demonstrated at the signing ceremony of relevant documents in New York on Monday. The EU-UN partnership is at the heart of global efforts to prevent conflict and build and sustain peace. EU support to the global UN peace and security architecture, including support to UN mediation efforts and to stability-related UN in-country projects, amounts to a total of over €300 million. (For more information: Maja Kocijancic – Tel.: +32 229 86570; Xavier Cifre Quatresols – Tel.: +32 229 73582)

Concentrations : La Commission autorise l’acquisition de Powerlines par Engie

La Commission européenne a approuvé, en vertu du règlement européen sur les concentrations, l’acquisition de Powerlines Group GmbH (« Powerlines »), entreprise basée en Autriche, par Engie S.A., basée en France. Powerlines est active dans l’électrification ferroviaire et la fourniture de lignes aériennes de contact, ainsi que dans l’installation d’équipements de transport et de distribution d’électricité. Engie est un groupe industriel actif dans les secteurs du gaz, de l’électricité et des services énergétiques, en ce compris l’électrification ferroviaire. La Commission a conclu que la concentration envisagée ne soulèverait pas de problème de concurrence au regard des chevauchements limités entre les activités des entreprises, de leurs parts de marché modérées, ainsi que de l’existence d’une série de fournisseurs alternatifs sur les marchés pertinents, en particulier en Belgique. La transaction a été examinée dans le cadre de la procédure normale de contrôle des concentrations. De plus amples informations sont disponibles sur le site internet concurrence de la Commission, dans le registre public des affaires sous la référence M.9483. (Pour plus d’informations: Lucía Caudet – Tél. +32 229 56182; Maria Tsoni – Tél.: +32 229 90526)

ANNOUNCEMENTS

EU@UNGA74 TODAY

After a Sunday full of events on the eve of the 74^th UN General Assembly week, First Vice-President Frans Timmermans and Commissioner Miguel Arias Cañete will today attend the opening of the UN Climate Summit. First Vice-President Timmermans will then deliver a presentation on the EU’s commitment to forest protection at two events, one celebrating the anniversary of the New York Declaration on Forests (15:10 local time, 21:10 CET) and the second at the Tropical Forest Alliance meeting (16:45 local time, 22:45 CET). He will deliver a speech on the future of Europe at the Town Hall Meeting on Europe organised by the Columbia University (13:00 local time, 19:00 CET). High Representative/Vice-President Federica Mogherini will host a ministerial meeting of the International Contact Group on Venezuela to discuss the latest development in the country and its effects on the region (14:00 local time, 20:00 CET), followed by the consultation of ICG with the CARICOM group. She will then chair the traditional informal meeting of EU Foreign Ministers with the presence of the UN Special Representative’s Envoy to Libya Ghassan Salamé. Commissioner Vytenis Andriukaitis will deliver a speech on behalf of the EU at the high-level meeting on Universal Health Coverage (around 12:00 local time, 18:00 CET). In the afternoon, he will participate in an event on Nutrition in Universal Health Coverage hosted by the EU together with Ecuador and Uruguay. Commissioner Christos Stylianides will co-host the event “How are we going to stop the war on children?” together with Belgium and Save the Children (15:30 local time, 21:30 CET). Commissioner Karmenu Vella will deliver a speech at the high-level side event on Climate and Oceans (15:00 local time, 21:00 CET). Audio-visual coverage of all these engagements held by the EU representatives will be available on EbS. (For more information: Maja Kocijancic – Tel.: +32 229 86570; Xavier Cifre Quatresols – Tel.: +32 229 73582)

A week of events open to citizens will focus on future EU research and scientific excellence

Tomorrow and until 26 September, the first European Research and Innovation Days will open in Brussels. 4,000 participants are expected to take part, including Commissioners, government representatives, researchers, academics and businesses, who will take stock of the achievements of EU-funded research and European scientific excellenceand discuss future developments in the field. The eventincludes a policy conference, the ‘Science is Wonderful!‘ exhibition and prize ceremonies such as the European Capital of Innovation (iCapital) Award, the Horizon Prize for Social Innovation, the Horizon Impact Award as well as the Innovation Radar Prize.The week will end with the 14th edition of the popular European Researchers’ Night on 27 September, with events in more than 370 cities in 29 EU and neighbouring countries that will enable people to discover science in an engaging way.Carlos Moedas, Commissioner for Research, Science and Innovation, said: “Research and innovation are key to the success of the economic, ecological and societal transition that we are facing. The first Research and Innovation Days are, therefore, an opportunity to come together to discuss ways of addressing societal challenges, spurring innovation and triggering investment, all of which will help us shape the next research and innovation framework programme, Horizon Europe.” Commissioner for Education, Culture, Youth and Sport, Tibor Navracsics, said: “Science impacts our daily lives. Initiatives like the European Researchers’ Night and ‘Science is Wonderful!‘ offer fun ways to engage with research and innovation and can help inspire more young people to study science, technology, engineering and maths, and to potentially pursue related careers.” In addition to Commissioners Navracsics and Moedas, Vice-President Maroš Šefčovič and Commissioners Karmenu Vella, Phil Hogan, and Mariya Gabriel will participate in the event. Side events include the 3rd edition of the Falling Walls Lab-Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions, a scientific competition reserved for Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions fellows (25 September). The Commission supports all these events as part of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (more information in this factsheet and recent publication). Finally, on Friday 27 September, Commissioner Moedas will discuss the importance of European research and innovation for the economy and for tackling climate change in a Competitiveness Council meeting in Brussels. (For more information: Lucía Caudet – Tel. +32 229 56182; Nathalie Vandystadt – Tel. +32 229 67083; Marietta Grammenou – Tel. +32 229 83583)

2019 European Week of Sport kicks off in Espoo, Finland

Today, Jyrki Katainen, Vice-President for Jobs, Growth, Investment and Competitiveness, and Tibor Navracsics, Commissioner for Education, Culture, Youth and Sport, are in Espoo, Finland, to launch the 2019 edition of the European Week of Sport, the Commission’s #Beactive initiative to promote sport and physical activity across Europe. Commissioner Navracsics will also open the conference organised by the Finnish Presidency on Safeguarding Children in Sport on 24 September. The 5th edition of the European Week of Sport will be the biggest ever with 47 partner associations in 42 countries. The aim of the Week is to invite everyone to be active during the Week but also throughout the year, regardless of age, background or fitness level. Following last year’s success, a #BeActive Night will take place on Saturday, 28 September, with several activities and events organised across Europe. Commissioner Navracsics said: “I am pleased to open the 2019 European Week of Sport in Finland, the European country with the highest rate of people exercising or playing sport regularly. Sport and physical activity are not only essential for our personal health and well-being, but for society as a whole. Sport is a major tool for inclusion and helps us overcome division and conflict and build strong communities. That is why promoting physical activity has been a priority for me during my mandate.” For five years, the European Week of Sport has helped tackle inactivity by encouraging Europeans to embrace a healthy and active lifestyle,growing from 5 million participants and 7,000 events in 2015to almost 14 million participants across 50,000 events in 2018. For more information on what the EU is doing for sport, see Sport in the EU. (For more information: Nathalie Vandystadt – Tel.: +32 229 67083; Joseph Waldstein – Tel.: +32 229 56184)

Commissioner Jourová participates in high-level conference on LGBTI equality

This afternoon, Commissioner for Justice, Consumers and Gender Equality, Vera Jourová, will participate in the high-level conference ‘Advancing LGBTI equality in the EU: from 2020 and beyond’, taking place in Brussels. The conference is organised jointly by the European Commission and the Finnish Presidency of the EU and aims to take stock of the achievements made since the Commission’s presentation of a ‘List of Actions to advance LGBTI equality’ in December 2015. Participants at the Conference, which include representatives from Member States, the European Parliament, the European Commission and civil society, will also discuss how to advance LGBTI equality in the years to come. The Conference will also be an occasion for the European Commission to present the 2019 LGBTI-specific data from the Eurobarometer on discrimination. Even though figures show a significant improvement in how LGBTI people are perceived across the EU, discrimination remains widespread and varies widely across Member States. More than half (53%) of Europeans say that in their country discrimination based on sexual orientation is widespread. Commissioner Jourová said: “Four years ago, I presented a List of Actions to advance LGBTI equality. Since then, we supported civil society organisations in almost all Member States in drawing up a Code of Conduct together with major IT companies to combat hate speech online, we created awareness-raising campaigns and we supported Member States in improving the situation for LGBTI people in their country. The Eurobarometer survey on discrimination published today shows that 76% of Europeans agree that gay, lesbian or bisexual people should have the same rights as heterosexuals. This is an improvement compared to our previous survey in 2015, but there’s still work to do. Discrimination, harassment, hate speech and violence continue to be a daily reality for many LGBTI people in the EU. I thank the Finnish Presidency for co-hosting this high-level conference that shows our willingness and determination to continue to fight all forms of discrimination.” The results of the Special Eurobarometer on discrimination are available here. You can find an overview of the main results in a factsheet online. More information on the Commission’s efforts in the field of LGBTI equality is available here. (For more information: Christian Wigand – Tel. +32 229 62253; Sara Soumillion – Tel. +32 229 67094; Athina Reuter – Tel. +32 229 82390)

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