Daily News 27 / 11 / 2018 - Government World Magazine

Presidents Juncker and Tusk at the G20 Summit in Buenos Aires

European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker and European Council President Donald Tusk will represent the European Union at this year’s G20 Summit, under the Argentinian Presidency in Buenos Aires. The theme of this year’s Summit is “Building consensus for fair and sustainable development”. Along with the EU, leaders from 19 countries (Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Germany, France, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, South Korea, Turkey, the United Kingdom and the United States) will gather to mark the 10-year anniversary of the G20 and discuss key topics on the global agenda, ranging from globalisation, trade and economics to climate change, migration and the fight against terrorism. In a joint letter to Heads of State or Government ahead of the Summit, Presidents Juncker and Tusk set out the central role that the European Union is playing in shaping global affairs and championing multilateralism. They set out the EU’s key priorities for this year’s G20: Fair Globalisation and Trade, Stepping up our commitment to ambitious climate action, Harnessing the future of work, Building a more resilient international monetary and financial system, and Delivering on G20 commitments on counter-terrorism. President Juncker will take part in a joint press conference with President Tusk, currently planned on Friday 30 November at 9.00 (local time), ahead of the first of the two days of the Summit (exact time to be confirmed). Today, the European Commission also published a brochure “Facts and Figures about the European Union and the G20”. More information on the G20 is available here. (For more information: Margaritis Schinas – Tel.: +32 229 60524; Mina Andreeva – Tel.: +32 229 91382)

Le plan Juncker soutient des micro-entrepreneurs en Italie et une technologie suédoise innovante pour économiser l’eau

Le Groupe de la Banque européenne d’investissement et la banque italienne Banca Popolare Sant’Angelo (BPSA) ont signé un accord de garantie, afin d’accorder 10 millions d’euros de prêts à 650 micro-entrepreneurs au cours des cinq prochaines années en Italie. Cet accord a pour objectif prioritaire de donner un meilleur accès au financement aux jeunes, aux femmes entrepreneures et aux start-ups. Cet accord est soutenu par le programme de l’UE pour l’emploi et l’innovation sociale (EaSI) et par le Fonds européen pour les investissements stratégiques (EFSI), le cœur du plan Juncker. De plus, la Banque européenne d’investissement a signé hier un prêt de 15 millions d’euros avec l’entreprise suédoise Orbital, qui a mis au point une technologie innovante pour les douches. Cette technologie permet d’économiser jusqu’à 90% de l’eau qui serait normalement évacuée, en la nettoyant et en la réutilisant au cours du même cycle de douche, grâce à des capteurs qui analysent la qualité de l’eau jusqu’à 20 fois par seconde. Avec ce financement, Orbital entend franchir une nouvelle étape dans la commercialisation de son produit et investir dans le développement de sa technologie brevetée. En novembre 2018, le plan Juncker a déjà mobilisé 360 milliards d’euros d’investissements en Europe, dont 52 milliards d’euros en Italie et 10 milliards d’euros en Suède, et a soutenu 850 000 petites et moyennes entreprises. Des communiqués de presse sont disponibles ici. (Pour plus d’informations: Annika Breidthardt – Tél .: +32 229 56153; Sophie Dupin de Saint-Cyr – Tél .: +32 229 56169; Sara Soumillion – Tél: + 32 229 67094)

EU steps up support to displaced and crisis-affected communities in Yemen

The European Commission has adopted a €30 million programme in support of vulnerable communities suffering the effects of prolonged displacement in Yemen. Total EU commitment to support Yemen now stands at €244 million since the start of the conflict in 2015. Commissioner for International Cooperation and Development Neven Mimica said: “The prolonged crisis in Yemen has devastated the lives of millions. Close to 18 million Yemenis don’t have their daily meals secured. More than 3 million have had to flee their homes in fear for their lives – some of them only to be displaced a second or third time. The EU is deploying all the instruments available to it in support of the UN-led peace process in Yemen. This new package of assistance will help displaced Yemenis to rebuild their livelihoods and overcome the current crisis.” The package will address the urgent needs of internally displaced populations and vulnerable host communities in Yemen by providing basic services in health, education, protection and legal counselling. It will also help build the capacities of local institutions responsible for monitoring population flows. Read the full press release here. (For more information: Carlos Martin Ruiz De Gordejuela – Tel.: +32 229 65322; Christina Wunder – Tel.: +32 229 92256)

EU steps up its assistance for the reconstruction of Iraq

The European Commission has adopted a €56.5 million package to promote sustainable job creation in Iraq and strengthen support to refugees, internally displaced populations and their host communities in Iraq. This measure is part of €400 million pledged by the EU at the Iraq Reconstruction Conference held in Kuwait in February 2018. Commissioner for International Cooperation and Development Neven Mimica said: “The EU is delivering on its commitments made last February at the Iraq Reconstruction Conference in Kuwait. This new support will create opportunities and jobs, helping some of the most vulnerable communities to get back on their feet and rebuild their lives.” Iraq is facing enormous challenges to rebuild the areas affected by the conflict and assist people in need. The purpose of the programme adopted today is to contribute to the development of the urban areas of Mosul and Basra, and of the rural areas of Nineveh governorate. This will help returning displaced populations, vulnerable youth and women find income opportunities and obtain services to respond to their essential needs. The assistance will also be used to promote youth entrepreneurship notably via start-up services. The full press release is available here. (For more information: Carlos Martin Ruiz De Gordejuela – Tel.: +32 229 65322; Christina Wunder – Tel.: +32 229 92256)

Study: Trade supports over 36 million jobs across the EU

A new study published today by the European Commission highlights the increasing importance of EU exports for job opportunities in Europe and beyond. EU exports to the world are more important than ever, supporting 36 million jobs across Europe, two thirds more than in 2000. 14 million of these jobs are held by women.Since the beginning of this Commission in 2014, the number of jobs supported by exports has increased by 3.5 million. These jobs are on average 12% better paid than jobs in the rest of the economy. Commissioner for Trade Cecilia Malmström said: “This study makes it crystal clear that trade means jobs. Exports from the EU to the world support the livelihoods of a vast, and increasing, number of citizens in every corner of Europe. EU trade also supports millions of jobs far beyond EU borders, including in developing countries. So here’s even more proof that trade can be a win-win: what’s good for us is also good for our partners around the world.” For more information about the report please see the press release and the memo. For details about trade-supported jobs in each EU country, see a dedicated interactive website. The report is also presented at the European Trade Policy Day, a one day event opened by Commissioner Malmström. Involving some 700 participants, including civil society, business and experts, the event is part of the European Commission’s transparent and inclusive trade policy agenda. Debates will focus on solutions to tackle the current challenges to fair and open global trade. (For more information: Daniel Rosario – Tel.: +32 229 56185; Clémence Robin – Tel: +32 229 52509)

Aides d’État: la Commission donne son feu vert à un soutien public de 600 millions d’euros en faveur d’installations solaires innovantes en France

La Commission européenne a autorisé, en application des règles de l’UE en matière d’aides d’État, une mesure visant à soutenir les installations innovantes permettant la production d’électricité à partir de l’énergie solaire en France. Ce régime, doté d’un budget indicatif de 600 millions d’euros, est financé sur le budget de l’État français. Les bénéficiaires seront sélectionnés dans le cadre d’appels d’offres organisés jusqu’en 2019 et les installations sélectionnées bénéficieront d’un soutien sous la forme d’un tarif de rachat (un prix garanti) ou d’une prime venant s’ajouter au prix du marché pendant 20 ans. La Commission a apprécié le régime au regard des règles de l’UE en matière d’aides d’État, en particulier sur la base de ses lignes directrices de 2014 concernant les aides d’État à la protection de l’environnement et à l’énergie. Elle a constaté que le régime français encouragera le développement de solutions innovantes dans le domaine de l’énergie renouvelable solaire et évitera toute surcompensation pour les bénéficiaires du soutien public et est ainsi parvenue à la conclusion que cette mesure permettra à la France d’augmenter la part d’électricité produite à partir de sources d’énergie renouvelables afin d’atteindre ses objectifs en matière de climat, conformément aux objectifs environnementaux de l’UE, sans fausser indûment la concurrence. M^me Margrethe Vestager, commissaire chargée de la politique de concurrence, a fait la déclaration suivante: «Notre futur reposera sur les énergies renouvelables. L’initiative française à laquelle la Commission donne son feu vert aujourd’hui encouragera les investissements dans des installations solaires innovantes. Elle contribuera à la transition de la France vers un approvisionnement énergétique sobre en carbone et durable sur le plan environnemental, conformément aux objectifs environnementaux de l’UE et à nos règles en matière d’aides d’État.»La communique de presse est disponible en ligne en EN, FR, DE. (Pour plus d’informations: Ricardo Cardoso – Tel.: +32 229 80100; Giulia Astuti – Tel.: +32 229 55344)

ANNOUCEMENTS

High-level conference: EU research and innovation in our daily life

Today, the Commission together with the European Parliament will hold a high-level conference on “EU research and innovation in our daily life” in the European Parliament. The conference brings together researchers, politicians, stakeholders and citizens to reflect on past and present achievements of EU-funded research and innovation. Research and innovation are not only important drivers of economic development and job creation they are also indispensable elements of our daily lives. Over the last 30 years, the EU has invested €200 billion in research and innovation projects improving everyone’s lives. Benefits of EU-funded research range from the EU satellite navigation system Galileo, a battery hundred times more powerful than an ordinary one, 3D printing making the construction sector more cost-effective and resource efficient, toCasper, a robot that helps children fighting cancer (see here for R&I success stories). President of the European Parliament Antonio Tajani together with Commissioner for Research, Science and Innovation Carlos Moedas will open the conference at 2pm CET. On the occasion of the conference Commissioner Moedas said: “Scientificbreakthroughs render our lives healthier, more efficient, and more prosperous. Thousands of brilliant scientists and innovators across Europe and the rest of the globe have been supported by EU funding and thanks to them we know that science and innovation are not confined to the lab. Instead, they bring real, tangible impact to our daily lives and they make Europe and the world a better place for us all.” The event can be followed live via web streaming. Further information, including a detailed programme, is available online. Requests for media accreditation can be sent to media.accreditation@ep.europa.eu. To join the online discussion, use #ResearchImpactEU. (For more information: Lucía Caudet – Tel.: +32 229 56182; Victoria von Hammerstein – Tel.: +32 229 55040)

High Representative/Vice-President Mogherini and Commissioner Mimica at the Geneva Conference on Afghanistan

On 28 November, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the European Commission, Federica Mogherini, and Commissioner for International Cooperation and Development, Neven Mimica, will attend the Geneva Conference on Afghanistan organised by the Government of Afghanistan and the United Nations. The conference will be an opportunity to reaffirm the EU’s commitment to assist the Afghan people and the government on the path towards peace and reconciliation and to take stock of the progress made with regards to the country’s development and reform agenda. The conference follows up on the 2016 Brussels Conference on Afghanistanand most recently the Tashkent Conference on Afghanistan that took place in March 2018, bringing the international community together to work towards peace, increased security and regional development in Afghanistan and the region. Federica Mogherini will address the conference as a keynote speaker. In the margins of the conference, she will also hold a number of bilateral meetings, including with the President of Afghanistan, Ashraf Ghani, as well as several Ministers. Already on 27 November, Commissioner Mimica will sign a number of financial agreements, including the State and Resilience Building Contract with Afghanistan. The Commissioner will also deliver a speech at the side event on “People on the move“and report to the Conference on the discussions at the side event on regional connectivity and infrastructure. For more information on EU-Afghanistan relations see the factsheet, the EU’s Afghanistan Strategy (Joint Communication; Council Conclusions), the EU-Afghanistan Cooperation Agreement on Partnership and Development, as well as the website of the EU Delegation to Afghanistan. Photos and videos of the visit will be available on EbS. (For more information: Maja Kocijančič – Tel.: +32 229 86570; Carlos Martin – Tel.: +32 229 65322; Adam Kaznowski – Tel.: +32 229 89359; Christina Wunder – Tel.: +32 229 92256)

European Political Strategy Centre (EPSC) hosts Annual Conference of the European Strategy and Policy Analysis System

Tomorrow, First Vice-President Frans Timmermans and Commissioner for Research, Science and Innovation Carlos Moedas will participate in the 2018 Annual Conference of the European Strategy and Policy Analysis System (ESPAS) hosted by the European Political Strategy Centre (EPSC), the European Commission’s in-house think tank. The conference entitled‘Global Trends to 2030: Shaping the Future in a Fast-Changing World, brings together various key speakers including Benedetta Berti,Head, Policy Planning, NATO; Pei Shan Lim, Head, Centre for Strategic Futures, Prime Minister’s Office, Singapore; John D. Podesta, Founder, Center for American Progress, and former White House Chief of Staff; Elissa Golberg, Assistant Deputy Minister for Strategic Policy, Department of Global Affairs, Canada; E. Gyimah-Boadi, Executive Director, Afrobarometer, Ghana; Erin Sikorsky, Deputy Director, Strategic Futures Group, National Intelligence Council, USA; Casper Klynge, Tech Ambassador, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Denmark; Radosław Sikorski, Senior Fellow, Harvard University; former Minister for Foreign Affairs, Poland;Antonella Mei-Pochtler, Head, Strategy Unit – Think Austria, Federal Chancellery, as well as many others from around the world. The European Strategy and Policy Analysis System is an inter-institutional collaboration between the European Commission, the European Parliament, the Council of the EU and the European External Action Service, initiated in 2010. It engages in strategic foresight, anticipates future challenges and opportunities, and examines global trends. The conference will take place on the 5^th floor of the Commission’s Berlaymont building. To attend, register here. You can follow the conference on Twitter with the hashtag #ESPAS18. (For more information: Mina Andreeva – Tel.: +32 229 91382; Lucía Caudet – Tel.: +32 229 56182)

Commissioner Navracsics to announce the winners of the #BeInclusive EU Sport Awards

At the #BeInclusive EU Sport Awards ceremony in Brussels this evening, Tibor Navracsics, Commissioner for Education, Culture, Youth and Sport, will present the three winners with their awards. Ahead of the event, Commissioner Navracsics said: “One year ago, I launched the #BeInclusive EU Sport Awards. I now feel privileged to recognise for a second time the outstanding work and commitment of organisations who promote social inclusion through sport across Europe. In this second year, we received more than 100 applications for the prize. These projects help to break down barriers in society and bring people together through sport. I hope that the awards not only shed light on this crucial work, but also on the important role sport has to play in building a more cohesive Europe.” The 2018 Awards were launched in June and the competition was open to all organisations established in the Erasmus+ programme countries – public or private, commercial or not-for-profit – that have successfully developed sport projects aimed at social inclusion of ethnic minorities, refugees, people with disabilities or any other group facing challenging social circumstances. Applications highlighting 111 projects were received and evaluated by independent experts according to their contribution to social inclusion through sport. Nine projects were shortlisted by a high-level jury with the three best projects being announced this evening. The names of the winners will be available here later along with information on all the projects. More information on sport in the EU are available in this factsheet. (For more information: Nathalie Vandystadt – Tel. +32 229 67083; Joseph Waldstein – Tel. +32 229 56184)

Commissioner Gabriel participates in the Digital Innovation Hubs annual event in Poland

Today Mariya Gabriel, Commissioner for Digital Economy and Society, participates to the Digital Innovation Hubs Annual event in Warsaw, Poland. The event brings together small and medium enterprises, startups, research and technology organisations and policy-makers from all over Europe in order to support European companies and public administrations in upgrading their products and services by adopting digital technologies such as artificial intelligence, high-performance computing and cybersecurity equipment. In addition, in a letter to EU countries so far underrepresented in the European network of Digital Innovation Hubs, Commissioner Gabriel asked to step up support for Digital Innovation Hubs in their regions, building on the success of “Smart Factories in new EU Member States”, a project supported by the European Parliament where 34 organisations in 13 EU countries were coached to become Digital Innovation Hubs. The European Commission is investing €100 million per year from Horizon 2020 in Digital Innovation Hubs. €16 million of this budget will be dedicated in the next two years to widen the geographical coverage of their network. Digital Innovation Hubs are also proposed to play a key role in the Digital Europe programme for the next EU long-term budget for 2021-2027, where they would help ensure the wide use and accessibility to digital technologies across the economy and society by businesses and the public sector alike. For more information on the Digital Innovation Hubs please check our factsheet. (For more information: Nathalie Vandystadt – Tel.: +32 229 67083; Marietta Grammenou- Tel.: +32 229 83583; Joseph Waldstein – Tel.: +32 229 56184)

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