Juncker Plan supports new projects in Poland, Spain and La Réunion (France)

The European Investment Bank (EIB) Group has signed three new agreements, all of which were made possible by the Juncker Plan’s European Fund for Strategic Investments (EFSI). First, the European Investment Fund (EIF) and Polish national promotional bank Bank Gospodarstwa Krajowego (BGK)are doubling their support for loans to a total of PLN 4 billion (c. €950 million) for over 18,000 small businesses and entrepreneurs across Poland. Second, the EIB is providing a €200 million loan to renovate Madrid’s metro network, improving accessibility and increasing its capacity. Third, the EIB is supporting the development of the Roland Garros airport on Reunion island, one of the EU’s outermost regions, with €100 million in financing. Commenting on the Polish SME financing agreement, Commissioner for Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs, Elżbieta Bieńkowska said: “Less than a year ago, BGK signed an agreement with the European Investment Fund to double their support to SMEs in Poland with the backing of the EU’s budgetary guarantee, and today this is being doubled once again. Thanks to our joint efforts and enhanced cooperation with BGK we have provided small businesses with access to finance: already 7,000 SMEs have benefitted from this Polish-EU cooperation. Europe’s economy depends upon its entrepreneurs. Keep up the good work.” (Full press releases can be found here. For more information: Christian Spahr – Tel.: +32 229 50055; Siobhán Millbright – Tel.: +32 229 57361)

Roaming one year later: majority of Europeans see the benefits of end of roaming charges

According to a new Eurobarometer survey on roaming 82% of people who have travelled to another EU country in the last year say they have benefitted from the new rules. Moreover, 62% of Europeans are aware that roaming charges have ended and 69% think that they, or someone they know, will benefit. Especially young people recognise a clear benefit of the new rules, with 80% of those aged 15-24 seeing the advantages. Vice-President for the Digital Single Market Andrus Ansip and Commissioner for Digital Economy and Society Mariya Gabriel said in a joint statement: “This is an example of an EU that concretely improves the life of European citizens. Roam like at home is working and is becoming a habit: customers are appreciating it, consumption is up and the demand for mobile services while travelling in the EU is very high. It benefits consumers and operators alike.” The full statement is available here.Further findings of the survey show that many travellers have started changing their mobile phone use. Respondents are less likely to restrict their mobile use while travelling (e.g. by switching off the phone or data roaming). The share of travellers who used their mobile data while roaming as often as at home has increased to 34% from 26% in 2017. The first year without roaming charges shows that in general mobile operators comply with the new rules well. National regulators are ensuring their implementation in Member States. The Commission continues its cooperation with national regulators to monitor the developments on mobile markets all over Europe and to guarantee the compliance. The Eurobarometer report on roaming is available here. More details on roaming are available here. (For more information: Nathalie Vandystadt – Tel.: +32 229 67083; Inga Höglund – Tel.: +32 229 50698)

Mergers: Commission clears acquisition of joint control over SMB Construction International by Strabag and Max Bögl International

The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of joint control over SMB Construction International by Max Bögl International, both of Germany and Strabag of Austria. SMB Construction International is specialized in the construction of inclining curves for proving grounds for automobiles. Max Bögl International and Strabag are active in various segments of the building and construction industry. The Commission concluded that the acquisition would raise no competition concerns because SMB Construction International has negligible activities in the European Economic Area. The operation was examined under the simplified merger review procedure. More information will be available on the Commission’s competition website, in the public case register under the case number M.8496. (For more information: Ricardo Cardoso – Tel.: +32 229 80100; Maria Sarantopoulou – Tel.: +32 229 13740)

Mergers: Commission clears the acquisition of the Cirsa Gaming Corporation by Blackstone

The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of sole control over the Cirsa Gaming Corporation, S.A. of Spain by The Blackstone Group L.P. of the USA. Blackstone is a global alternative asset manager. Cirsa is a global gaming company whose activities include the operation of casinos, bingo, slot machines, and sports betting services, as well as the design, manufacture, and distribution of slot machines in Europe, Morocco, and Latin America. The Commission concluded that the proposed acquisition would raise no competition concerns, because of the limited impact on the market structure. 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.8940. (For more information: Ricardo Cardoso – Tel.: +32 229 80100; Maria Sarantopoulou – Tel.: +32 229 13740)

Eurostat: Mai 2018 – Le taux d’inflation annuel en hausse à 1,9% dans la zone euro – En hausse à 2,0% dans l’UE

Le taux d’inflation annuel de la zone euro s’est établi à 1,9% en mai 2018, contre 1,3% en avril. Un an auparavant, il était de 1,4%. Le taux d’inflation annuel de l’Union européenne s’est établi à 2,0% en mai 2018, contre 1,5% en avril. Un an auparavant, il était de 1,6%. Ces chiffres sont publiés par Eurostat, l’office statistique de l’Union européenne. Un communique de presse est disponible ici. (Pour plus d’informations: Christian Spahr – Tel.: +32 229 50055; Annikky Lamp – Tel.: +32 229 56151)

Eurostat: Avril 2018 – Excédent de 16,7 milliards d’euros du commerce international de biens de la zone euro – Déficit de 1,0 mrds d’euros pour l’UE28

D’après les premières estimations pour le mois d’avril 2018, les exportations de biens de la zone euro (ZE19) vers le reste du monde se sont établies à 182,9 milliards d’euros, en hausse de 8,0% par rapport à avril 2017 (169,3 mrds). Les importations depuis le reste du monde ont quant à elles été de 166,2 mrds d’euros, en hausse de 8,1% par rapport à avril 2017 (153,7 mrds). En conséquence, la zone euro a enregistré en avril 2018 un excédent de 16,7 mrds d’euros de son commerce international de biens avec le reste du monde, contre +15,7 mrds en avril 2017. Le commerce intra-zone euro s’est établi à 157,4 mrds d’euros en avril 2018, soit +9,8% par rapport à avril 2017. Un communique de presse est disponible ici. (Pour plus d’informations:Daniel Rosario – Tel.: +32 229 56185, Kinga Malinowska – Tel.: +32 229 51383)

 

Eurostat: Premier trimestre 2018 – La croissance annuelle des coûts de la main-d’œuvre à 2,0% dans la zone euro – À 2,7% dans l’UE28

Les coûts horaires de la main-d’œuvre ont augmenté de 2,0% dans la zone euro (ZE19) et de 2,7% dans l’UE28au premier trimestre 2018, par rapport au même trimestre de l’année précédente. Au quatrième trimestre 2017, les coûts horaires de la main-d’œuvre avaient progressé de 1,4% et 2,3% respectivement. Ces données sont publiées par Eurostat, l’office statistique de l’Union européenne. Un communique de presse est disponible ici. (Pour plus d’informations: Christian Wigand– Tel.: +32 229 62253; Sara Soumillion – Tel.: + 32 229 67094)

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Commissioner Miguel Arias Cañete in Berlin for international climate talks

On 17-19 June, Climate Action and Energy Commissioner Miguel Arias Cañete will be in Berlin to participate in the 9th Petersberg Climate Dialogue, an annual gathering of over 30 ministers from around the world for informal discussions in support of the UN climate change negotiating process. The meeting will be co-hosted by the German and Polish governments, with Poland to hold the Presidency of the UN Climate Conference COP24 in Katowice later this year. The theme of this year’s Petersberg Dialogue will be “Changing together for a just transition”, to stimulate discussions on the real-world opportunities and challenges for achieving the long-term temperature goals of the Paris Agreement in a just and inclusive manner. Participants will also be able to exchange views on the completion of the Paris work programme, overarching issues on climate finance and this year’s Talanoa process on global climate ambition. In the margins, Commissioner Arias Cañete will meet with China’s Special Representative for Climate Change Xie Zhenhua and Switzerland’s Minister of Environment, Transport, Energy and Communications Doris Leuthard. The Petersberg Dialogue precedes the second Ministerial on Climate Action (MoCA), to be co-hosted by the Commission, China and Canada in Brussels on 20-21 June, which will focus on obtaining ministers’ input and guidance on the processes and expected outcomes of COP24. At the UN climate summit in Katowice, parties are set to finalise the Paris work programme, i.e. the detailed rules and guidelines for global implementation of the landmark agreement. The German host will offer a live stream, more information here. (For more information: Anna-Kaisa Itkonen – Tel.: +32 229 56186; Nicole Bockstaller – Tel.: +32 229 52589)

Commissioner Bulc in Montreal to attend international negotiations to tackle CO₂ emissions from aviation

Commissioner for Transport Violeta Bulc will travel to Montreal this coming Monday and Tuesday to attend an important meeting of the International Civil Aviation Organization, the UN-agency overseeing international aviation. Its 214^th Council session (11-29 June) will discuss some of the key parameters of the global market-based measure (known as ‘CORSIA’) that was approved in October 2016 with a view to stabilise international aviation emissions at 2020 levels. Like in 2016, the European Union and its Member States will be advocating for the most ambitious outcome and the most robust global scheme. This is in line with the EU’s commitments under the Paris Agreement and with the ambition of this Commission to consolidate Europe’s global leadership in the fight against climate change. During her stay, Commissioner Bulc will convey this message to key international partners, including the US, India, Russia and China. She will also meet with EU representatives, with Ms Fang Liu, the Secretary General of ICAO, and with the airline industry. More information on the EU’s commitments to an effective international mechanism to offset aviation emissions is available in a letter sent to EU transport ministers earlier this week. (For more information: Enrico Brivio – Tel.: +32 229 56172; Alexis Perier – Tel.: +32 229 6 91 43)

Commissioner Malmström visits Australia and New Zealand to launch trade talks

Next week, Commissioner for Trade Cecilia Malmström will be in Australia and New Zealand to launch negotiations for trade agreements between the EU and the two countries. On Monday 18 June, Commissioner Malmström will meet with Australian Trade Minister Steven Ciobo and participate in a press conference in Canberra at 11:45 local time (EbS material will be available). While in Canberra, she will meet with several other Ministers and hold a speech at Australian National University. The following day, the Commissioner will visit a hi-tech start-up incubator in Sydney. On Thursday 21 June, Commissioner Malmström will be in Wellington to launch trade negotiations between the EU and New Zealand, together with New Zealand’s Minister for Trade David Parker. She will also meet a number of Ministers as well as representatives of civil society and companies with trade links to Europe. Last month, the Council adopted the decision authorising the opening of negotiations for trade agreements between the EU and Australia and New Zealand. Trade between the EU and these two countries is already roughly the same as with Mexico or Canada. The video and photo material from the trip will be available online (Australia, New Zealand). For more information about EU trade relations with Australia and New Zealand. (For more information: Daniel Rosario – Tel.: +32 229 56185; Kinga Malinowska – Tel: +32 229 51383)

Commissioner Bieńkowska participates in a Citizens’ Dialogue in Poland on the future of Europe

On Monday 18 June, Elżbieta Bieńkowska, Commissioner for Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs, will participate in a Citizens’ Dialogue in Gdansk, Poland. She will share the stage with Mieczysław Struk, Marshall of the Pomorskie province, to discuss the future of Europe. The dialogue takes place in the context of the White paper on the future of Europe that the Commission presented on 1 March 2017 offering five scenarios for how the Union could evolve, depending on which decisions are taken. The debate on the future of Europe has been actively pursued ever since, including through Citizens’ Dialogues to have a plan, vision and way forward to present to people by the time of the European Parliament elections in June 2019. The Citizens’ Dialogue in Gdansk will therefore evolve around key questions such as: What factors affect the shape of Europe? What are the potential scenarios? How can Europe meet the challenges of our time? The event will take place at the faculty of philology at the University of Gdansk and starts at 10am. The event can be followed in a live stream online.  (For more information: Lucía Caudet – Tel.: +32 229 56182; Victoria von Hammerstein – Tel.: +32 229 55040)

Future of EU finances – Commissioner Oettinger visits Slovakia

Commissioner Günther H. Oettinger, in charge of Budget and Human Resources, is visiting Slovakia on 18 June – the final leg of his tour across EU Member States (#MFFtour27) aimed at gathering views on the future of EU finances and the EU’s multiannual budget post-2020 (#EUbudget). In Slovakia, the Commissioner will meet with Mr Richard Raši, Deputy Prime Minister for Investments and Informatization. He is participating in a joint bilateral meeting with Mr Peter Pellegrini, Prime Minister of the Slovak Republic, and Mr. Peter Kažimír, Minister of Finance of the Slovak Republic. Moreover, the Commissioner is taking part in the joint meeting with Parliamentary Committees of National Council (EU Affairs Committee, Financial Committee and Economic Committee). Last but not least, he is visiting the premises of the news website aktuality.sk to pay his respects, following the murder of journalist Ján Kuciak in February this year. On 2 May, the Commission presented its proposal for a modern budget for a Union that protects, empowers and defends. Between 29 May and 14 June it presented the detailed legislative proposals for the 37 policy programmes for the next multiannual budget. Please consult the webpage for all relevant press material, including the legal texts and factsheets on the EU budget for the future of 2 May.The Commission kicked off this debate on 28 June 2017 with the publication of its Reflection paper on the future of EU finances, available in all EU languages (also in Slovak). (For more information: Alexander Winterstein – Tel.: +32 229 93265; Maria Tsoni – Tel.: +32 229 90526)

Vice-President Katainen in Finland to attend Kultaranta Talks

Vice-President Jyrki Katainen, responsible for Jobs, Growth, Investment and Competitiveness, will be in Naantali, Finland, on Monday 18 June to attend “Kultaranta Talks“, a foreign and security policy debate hosted by President of the Republic Sauli Niinistö. The Kultaranta Talks will focus on the future of the international system, international organizations and sustainable development. Vice-President Katainen will contribute to the debate on the Future of Europe, alongside Prime Minister of Finland Juha Sipilä, London Correspondent of Helsingin Sanomat newspaper Annamari Sipilä, and Director of the Finnish Institute of International Affairs Teija Tiilikainen. The debate will take place from 08.30 – 10.00 CEST and can be followed live on the Finnish Broadcasting Company YLE 1 TV channel and online at Yle Areena. The Vice-President will also attend at Kultaranta Talks Working Group discussion on Climate Change. (For more information: Christian Spahr – Tel.: +32 229 50055; Siobhán Millbright – Tel.: +32 229 57361)

Calendar

The Commissioners’ weekly activities

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

(Susceptible de modifications en cours de semaine)

Déplacements et visites

 

Lundi 18 juin 2018

Agriculture and Fisheries Council

President Jean-Claude Juncker in Wittlich, Germany: receives the Georg Meistermann Prize awarded by the Stiftung Stadt Wittlich; and delivers the keynote speech.

Mr Frans Timmermans in Warsaw, Poland: meets Mr Mateusz Morawiecki, Prime Minister of Poland.

Ms Federica Mogherini hosts and Mr Neven Mimica participates in the annual European Union – G5 Sahel ministerial meeting, in Brussels.

Mr Andrus Ansip receives representatives of philosophical and non-confessional organisations on Artificial Intelligence.

Mr Andrus Ansip delivers a keynote speech at the opening plenary of the Lisbon Council and World Bank Group High-level Summit on “Development in the Digital Age”, in Brussels.

Mr Valdis Dombrovskis in Riga, Latvia: participates in a panel discussion on Security and Economy at the 4th World Congress of Latvian Scientists.

Mr Jyrki Katainen in Naantali, Finland: attends the Kultaranta Talks, a foreign and security policy debate hosted by Mr Sauli Niinistö, President of Finland.

Mr Günther H. Oettinger in Slovakia: on a tour to gather views on the Future of EU finances and the post-2020 Multiannual Financial Framework.

Ms Cecilia Malmström in Canberra, Australia (until 19/06): meets Mr Malcolm Turnbull, Prime Minister of Australia; Mr Steven Ciobo, Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment; participates in the official launch of the trade agreement negotiations, together with Mr Steven Ciobo; meets Mr David Littleproud, Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources; Ms Julie Bishop, Minister for Foreign Affairs; Mr Tony Smith, Speaker of the House of Representatives and Mr Scott Ryan, President of the Senate; Mr Peter Cosgrove, Governor-General of Australia; delivers the Schuman Lecture 2018 at the Australian National University on “EU-Australia: A Global Alliance for Trade”.

Mr Neven Mimica participates in the 35^th session of the African Caribbean Pacific (ACP) – European Union Joint Parliamentary Assembly, in Brussels.

Mr Miguel Arias Cañete in Berlin, Germany (until 19/06):participates in the Petersberg Climate Dialogue IX.

Mr Karmenu Vella in Luxembourg: chairs the Agriculture and Fisheries Council.

Mr Christos Stylianides in Warsaw, Poland: meets Mr Joachim Brudziński, Minister for the Interior and Administration of Poland; Ms Beata Kempa, Minister at the Council of Ministers responsible for humanitarian aidtogether with Mr Andrzej Papierz, Undersecretary of State for Polish Community Abroad, Consular Affairs, Public Diplomacy and Development Cooperation of Poland; and NGOs engaged in humanitarian aid actions.

Mr Christos Stylianides receives Mr Costas Kadis, Minister for Agriculture, Rural Development and the Environment of Cyprus.

Mr Phil Hogan in Luxembourg: participates in the Agriculture and Fisheries Council; meets Mr Gian Marco Centinaio, Minister for Agricultural Food and Forestry Policies of Italy; and Mr István Nagy, Minister of Agricultural of Hungary.

Ms Violeta Bulc in Montreal, Canada (until 19/06): attends the 214^th Council Session of the International Civil Aviation Organisation.

Ms Elżbieta Bieńkowska in Gdansk, Poland: holds a Citizens’ dialogue.

Ms Vĕra Jourová in Vienna, Austria: meets Mr Alexander Van der Bellen, President of Austria; speaks at the event organised by the Austrian Presidency and the European Commission; meets Ms Beate Hartinger-Klein, Federal Minister for Labour, Social Affairs, Health and Consumer Protection; Ms Juliane Bogner-Strauß, Federal Minister for Women, Families and Youth; Ms Margarete Schramböck, Federal Minister for Digitalisation and Economy and members of the European Committee of the Bundesrat.

Mr Carlos Moedas receives Mr Mathieu Vinken, Professor at Brussels University.

Mr Carlos Moedas receives Mr Tim van der Hagen, Rector of Delft University of Technology and President of the Executive Board.

Ms Mariya Gabriel receives Mr Dacian Cioloș, former Prime Minister for Romania and former European Commissioner.

Ms Mariya Gabriel delivers keynote speech at the Stakeholder summit ‘A European Strategy for Artificial Intelligence’, in Brussels.

Ms Mariya Gabriel delivers a keynote speech on ‘Healthcare in the Digital Age’ at ‘The digital transformation of healthcare – challenges and opportunities’ event, at the European Parliament, in Brussels.

Ms Mariya Gabriel delivers a keynote speech at High-level governance meeting of the Digitising European Industry Forum: focus on Artificial Intelligence, in Brussels.

Ms Mariya Gabriel delivers the opening statement in a panel and a keynote speech at the opening ceremony of the 4th Global Entreps Awards and #5Gcitizens 2018 event, in Brussels.

Mardi 19 juin 2018

President Jean-Claude Juncker receives Ms Fofi Gennimata, President of the Movement for Change party and Member of the Greek Parliament.

President Jean-Claude Juncker receives Mr Klaus Regling, Managing-Director of the European Stability Mechanism (ESM).

President Jean-Claude Juncker receives the members of the Finance Committee of the German Bundestag.

President Jean-Claude Juncker in Meseberg, Germany: meets the members of the European Roundtable of Industrialists (ERT) together with Ms Angela Merkel, Chancellor of Germany, and Mr Emmanuel Macron, President of France.

Mr Frans Timmermans in Sofia, Bulgaria: participates in the Conference of Parliamentary Committees for Union Affairs of Parliaments of the EU (COSAC); and attends the session on “EU interparliamentary cooperation in the context of the debate on subsidiarity and proportionality”.

Mr Andrus Ansip receives Mr Philip Earl, Chairman of Interactive Software Federation of Europe (ISFE).

Mr Andrus Ansip receives Ms Katarina Barley, Minister for Justice and Consumer Protection of Germany.

Mr Maroš Šefčovič receives Mr Victor Negrescu, Minister-Delegate for European Affairs of Romania.   

Mr Maroš Šefčovič receives Mr Miroslav Hlivák, Chairman of the Public Procurement Office of Slovakia.

Mr Maroš Šefčovič participates in the “Joining forces towards an EU Green Hydrogen Economy” event, in Brussels.      

Mr Valdis Dombrovskis receives Ms Bettina Stark-Watzinger, Member of the German Bundestag.

Mr Jyrki Katainen participates in an awareness raising event “Plastic Waste in a Circular Economy”, at the European Parliament, in Brussels.

Mr Jyrki Katainen and Ms Elżbieta Bieńkowska delivers speeches at a conference on the Single Market Strategy: “A European retail sector fit for the 21st century“, in Brussels.

Mr Günther H. Oettinger in Erfurt, Germany: delivers a speech at an event organised by the Free State of Thuringia.

Mr Günther H. Oettinger receives Mr Louis Grech, Special Adviser to the Prime Minister of Malta.

Mr Günther H. Oettinger receives representatives of Finance Committee of the German Bundestag.

Mr Günther H. Oettinger receives Mr Victor Negrescu, Minister-Delegate for European Affairs of Romania.

Mr Johannes Hahn and Mr Tibor Navracsics attend the conference on “Talent Management and Youth Perspectives in the Western Balkans” and deliver speeches, in Brussels.

Ms Cecilia Malmström in Sydney, Australia: participates in a roundtable with the European Australian Business Council; visits Cicada Innovations, a deep-tech start-up incubator; and meets representatives of the civil society.

Mr Miguel Arias Cañete in Berlin, Germany:participates in the Petersberg Climate Dialogue IX.

Mr Miguel Arias Cañete receives Mr Xie Zhenhua, Special Representative on Climate Change Affairs, National Development and Reform Commission of China.

Mr Miguel Arias Cañete receives MsCatherine McKenna, Minister for Environment and Climate Change of Canada.

Mr Dimitris Avramopoulos receives Ms Katarina Barley, Minister of Justice and Consumer Protection of Germany.

Mr Dimitris Avramopoulos receives Mr Louis Grech, Special Advisor to the Prime Minister of Malta.

Ms Marianne Thyssen delivers the opening speech at the Final Conference on Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) in micro and small enterprises, in Brussels.

Mr Christos Stylianides participates in the 35^th session of the African Caribbean Pacific (ACP) – European Union Joint Parliamentary Assembly, in Brussels.

Mr Phil Hogan speaks at the Land Use and Food Policy Intergroup debate on “Agriculture and Innovation”, in Brussels.

Ms Elżbieta Bieńkowska receives Mr Miroslav Hlivák, Chairman of the Public Procurement Office of Slovakia.

Ms Vĕra Jourová in Prague, the Czech Republic: presents the Country Specific Recommendation to stakeholders; meets representatives of the Food Industry; delivers a speech at the Prague European Summit; meets young professionals at the Future European Leaders Forum and speaks at a Consumer Dialogue with Mr Tomáš Hüner, Minister for Industry and Trade in resignation.​

Mr Tibor Navracsics receives Mr Gergely Gulyás, Minister of the Prime Minister’s Office of Hungary.

Ms Corina Creţu delivers a speech at the Conference on “Sustainable Economy in Europe – Public policies aiming to reinforce sustainable development in Europe”, at the European Parliament, in Brussels.

Ms Margrethe Vestager delivers a speech at the High-Level Forum on State Aid, in Brussels.

Ms Margrethe Vestager receives Mr Victor Negrescu, Minister-Delegate for European Affairs of Romania.

Ms Margrethe Vestager receives Mr Christos Spirtzis, Minister of Infrastructure, Transport and Networks of Greece.

Mr Carlos Moedas receives Mr Victor Negrescu, Minister-Delegate for European Affairs of Romania.   

Mr Carlos Moedas receives Mr Marcel Bogers, Professor at University of Copenhagen.

Mr Carlos Moedas receives Mr Peter Knorringa, Professor at Erasmus University Rotterdam and Mr Saradindu Bhaduri, Professor at Jawaharlal Nehru University.

Mr Julian King receives Ms Katarina Barley, Minister of Justice and Consumer Protection of Germany.

Ms Mariya Gabriel hosts the Digital4Her conference and delivers the keynote speech in the opening ceremony; conducts networking lunch on Women Digital Entrepreneurship; and closes the final ceremony with Start-up Awards, in Brussels.

Ms Mariya Gabriel delivers a keynote speech at opening of the Joint Undertaking “Electronic Components and Systems for European Leadership” (ECSEL JU) Symposium 2018 – Shaping Digital Innovation, in Brussels.

Ms Mariya Gabriel receives Mr Victor Negrescu, Minister-Delegate for European Affairs of Romania.   

 

Mercredi 20 juin 2018

College meeting

President Jean-Claude Juncker receives Mr Édouard Philippe, Prime Minister of France.

President Jean-Claude Juncker, together with the College of Commissioners, receives Mr Édouard Philippe, Prime Minister of France, for a working lunch.

President Jean-Claude Juncker holds a joint press point with Mr Édouard Philippe, Prime Minister of France.

President Jean-Claude Juncker receives Ms Sushma Swaraj, Minister of Foreign Affairs of India.

Mr Frans Timmermans participates in a roundtable discussion organised by China Council for International Cooperation on Environment and Development, in Brussels.

Mr Frans Timmermans attends the book presentation “Ganar el futuro: Cómo Europa y la socialdemocracia pueden salir juntas de sus crisis” of Mr Joaquín Almunia, former EU Commissioner, at the European Parliament, in Brussels. 

Mr Andrus Ansip receives Mr Marek Zagórski, Minister for Digitisation of Poland.

Mr Maroš Šefčovič receives a delegation of representatives from Bratislava region.

Mr Valdis Dombrovskis receives Ms Nadia Calviño, Minister for Economy of Spain.

Mr Valdis Dombrovskis in Luxembourg: delivers a keynote speech at the high-level seminar on the “The Reform of the EMU, which Social Dimension?”.

Mr Valdis Dombrovskis receives Mr Jānis Reirs, Minister for Welfare of Latvia.

Mr Jyrki Katainen in Paris, France (until 21/06): attends the Ministerial Meeting of the Global Forum on Steel Excess Capacity (GFSEC).

Mr Johannes Hahn receives members of the Parliament of Montenegro: Mr Dritan Abazović of Civic Movement United Reform Action (URA) and Mr Aleksa Bečić of Democratic Montenegro party.

Mr Miguel Arias Cañete participates in the Ministerial Meeting on Climate Action (MoCA), in Brussels.

Mr Karmenu Vella delivers a speech at a conference on planetary boundaries, in Brussels.

Mr Karmenu Vella receives Mr Erik Solheim, Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).

Mr Karmenu Vella attends an exhibition on the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF), in Brussels.

Mr Dimitris Avramopoulos, receives Ms Johanna Mikl-Leitner, Governor of Lower Austria.

Mr Dimitris Avramopoulos, receives Mr Zohrab Mnatsakanyan, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Armenia.

Ms Marianne Thyssen meets representatives of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and attends the High-Level Forum “Family and Community Based Care for Children across Europe: Lessons Learned and Commitments for Action at National and EU level”, in Brussels.

M. Pierre Moscovici reçoit Mme Nadia Calviño, Ministre de l’Économie et des Entreprises d’Espagne.

Mr Phil Hogan receives Mr Erwin Schöpges, President of the European Milk Board (EMB).

Ms Violeta Bulc receives CEOs from airlines’ members of the trade association Airlines for Europe (‘A4E’).

Ms Vĕra Jourová receives Ms Etilda Gjonaj, Minister for Justice of Albania.

Mr Tibor Navracsics in Baveno, Italy: attends and delivers a speech at the 20th Anniversary of the Baveno manifesto conference.

Ms Corina Creţu receives Ms Klára Dostálová, Minister for Regional Development in resignation of the Czech Republic.

Ms Margrethe Vestager receives Mr Édouard Philippe, the Prime Minister of France.

Mr Carlos Moedas in Lisbon, Portugal: attends Spring dinner debate organised by the Portuguese Association of Business Angels.

Mr Julian King participates in the U.S. Independence Day Celebration, in Brussels.

Mr Julian King delivers the keynote speech at the ‘Promoting Peace, Fighting Youth Radicalisation Fostering a Welcoming Europe’ conference, at the European Parliament, in Brussels.

M. Julian King reçoit M. Renaud Muselier, Président de la Région Sud Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur.

Mr Julian King delivers the keynote speech at the Transatlantic Strategic Dialogue dinner at the Aspen Institute, in Brussels.

Ms Mariya Gabriel participates in meeting of the Multi-stakeholder Forum on Disinformation, in Brussels.

 

Jeudi 21 juin 2018

Eurogroup

EU-Bosnia and Herzegovina Stabilisation and Association Council

EU-Armenia Partnership Council

21-22/06 Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council (Social policy and health) in Luxembourg

President Jean-Claude Juncker in Dublin, Ireland (until 22/06): meets Mr Leo Varadkar, Taoiseach of Ireland; holds a joint press conference with Mr Leo Varadkar; addresses the joint Houses of the Oireachtas; receives an honorary doctorate by the National University of Ireland (NUI) and delivers the keynote speech; and participates in an official dinner hosted by Mr Leo Varadkar.

Mr Frans Timmermans receives Mr Erik Solheim, Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). 

Mr Frans Timmermans speaks in a panel discussion organised by Transparency International on the Future of EU Lobbying, in Brussels.

Ms Federica Mogherini chairs the first EU-Armenia Association Council, in Brussels.

Ms Federica Mogherini receives Mr Edward Nalbandian, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Armenia.

Ms Federica Mogherini receives Mr Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs of the State of Qatar.

Mr Andrus Ansip receives Mr Philippe Vannier, Chairman of Board of Directors of the European Cybersecurity Organisation (ECSO) and Mr Luigi Rebuffi, ECSO Secretary General and founder.

Mr Andrus Ansip receives Mr José María Lassalle, Secretary of State of Information Society and Digital Agenda of Spain.

Mr Maroš Šefčovič in Munich, Germany: attends the Intersolar Europe 2018 Fair; delivers the opening speech and participates in a panel discussion at the high-level industrial forum; and meets Mr Harald Krüger, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW.

Mr Jyrki Katainen in Paris, France: attends a joint hearing of the Committees on European Affairs and Economic Affairs of the French National Assembly; meets Ms Florence Parly, Minister for the Armed Forces; Mr Mounir Mahjoubi, Minister of State for the Digital Sector, attached to the Prime Minister; Mr Jean-Baptiste Lemoyne, Minister of State, attached to the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs; Mr Laurent Wauquiez, President of The Republicans party; and Mr Alexis Kohler, Secretary General of the Élysée Palace; and delivers a keynote address on “Globalization and the Middle Classes: from backlash to boost” at the Economic Ideas Forum (EIF).

Mr Günther H. Oettinger in Germany (until 22/06):in Berlin: delivers speech at the100^th anniversary celebration of German Central Association of the Electrical Engineering and Electronics Industry (ZVEI); and a speech at the National Association of German Cooperative Banks (BVR); in Fellbach: delivers speech at an event of the farmers’ association of Baden-Württemberg.

Mr Johannes Hahn and Ms Mariya Gabriel in Minsk, Belarus: participate in the 10th Eastern Partnership Informal Partnership Dialogue.

Ms Cecilia Malmström in Wellington, New Zealand (until 22/06): meets Mr Winston Peters, Acting Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs; Mr David Parker, Minister for Trade and Export Growth; participates in the official launch of the trade agreement negotiations, together with Mr David Parker; meets Mr Damien O’Connor, Minister for Primary Industries; Mr James Shaw, Minister for Climate Change; and Mr Shane Jones, Minister for Regional Development; delivers the 2018 Europa Lecture on “The European Union and New Zealand: Partners in Global Trade”; and meets academics, civil society, and business representatives.

Mr Neven Mimica in Dushanbe, Tajikistan (until 22/06): delivers a keynote speech at the high-level conference on international decade for action “Water for sustainable development”, 2018-2028.

Mr Miguel Arias Cañete participates in the Ministerial Meeting on Climate Action (MoCA), in Brussels.

Mr Karmenu Vella in Nijmegen, The Netherlands: delivers a speech at the European Green Capital 2020/European Green Leaf 2019 Award Ceremony.

Mr Vytenis Andriukaitis participates in the 3rd meeting of EU Platform on Animal Welfare, in Brussels.

Mr Vytenis Andriukaitis in Luxembourg: holds a Citizens’ dialogue; and meets members of the Health Security Committee of Luxembourg.

Mr Dimitris Avramopoulos in Nicosia, Cyprus: meets Mr Nicos Anastasiades, President of Cyprus; Mr Ionas Nicolaou, Minister for Justice and Public Order of Cyprus; and Mr Constantinos Petrides, Minister for the Interior; and holds a Citizens’ dialogue.

Ms Marianne Thyssen in Luxembourg: attends the Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council.

Ms Elżbieta Bieńkowska and Mr Tibor Navracsics in Baveno, Italy: attend the 20th Anniversary of the Baveno manifesto conference; Ms Elżbieta Bieńkowska delivers the opening speech and launches the Data and Information Access Services (DIAS) Platform.

Ms Elżbieta Bieńkowska and Mr Tibor Navracsics in Ispra, Italy: visit the Joint Research Centre Visitors’ Centre; the Vehicle Emissions Laboratory and the European Interoperability Centre for Electric Vehicles.

Ms Margrethe Vestager receives Mr Rohit Chopra, Commissioner of the US Federal Trade Commission.

Mr Carlos Moedas delivers a keynote speech at the POLITICO Women Rule Summit 2018 and announces the winners of the EU prize for Women Innovators 2018, in Brussels

Mr Julian King receives Mr Mohammed Bin Ahmed al Misnad, advisor for National Security to the Emir of the State of Qatar.

Vendredi 22 juin 2018

Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council (Social policy and health) in Luxembourg

Economic and Financial Affairs Council

President Jean-Claude Juncker in Dublin, Ireland: meets Mr Michael D. Higgins, President of Ireland.

Ms Federica Mogherini hosts the “Climate, Peace and Security – the Time for Action” event, in Brussels.

Mr Maroš Šefčovič delivers a keynote speech at the event ” Electricity sector reform in Ukraine – Combining the energy transition and European market integration “, organised by the European Policy Centre, in Brussels.

Mr Günther H. Oettinger in Reutlingen, Germany: delivers a speech at the 10^th anniversary celebration of Reutlingen University.

Mr Johannes Hahn in Minsk, Belarus: on official visit.

Ms Cecilia Malmström in Auckland, New Zealand: participates in a Joint Civil Society Outreach event togeteher with Mr David Parker, Minister for Trade and Export Growth; meets New Zealand and EU business representatives; and visits Wynyard Quarter Innovation Precinct, an innovation hub with New Zealand companies with EU links.

Mr Neven Mimica in Dushanbe, Tajikistan: meets Mr Emomali Rahmon, President of Tajikistan; Mr Kokhir Rasulzoda, Prime Minister of Tajikistan together with Mr Davlatali Said, First Deputy Prime Minister of Tajikistan.

Mr Miguel Arias Cañete participates in the Ministerial Meeting on Climate Action (MoCA), in Brussels.

Mr Miguel Arias Cañete receives Ms Patricia Espinosa, Executive Secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

Mr Vytenis Andriukaitis in Luxembourg: attends the Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council; meets Mr Łukasz Szumowski, Minister for Health of Poland; Mr Bruno Bruins, Minister for Medical Care of the Netherlands; Ms Riina Sikkut, Minister for Health and Labour of Estonia; and Mr James O’Shaughnessy, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Department of Health of the United Kingdom.

Mr Christos Stylianides in Acheloos Valley, Greece: holds a keynote speech on rescEU at the event “Europe at a crossroad: Challenges and prospects for the future”; meets local authorities; and visits EU-funded projects.

Ms Vĕra Jourová receives Mr Rohit Chopra, Commissioner of the US Federal Trade Commission.

Mr Tibor Navracsics in Berlin, Germany: participates in and delivers a speech at the European Cultural Heritage Summit and European Heritage Awards Ceremony 2018.

Ms Margrethe Vestager in Copenhagen, Denmark: meets members of the European Affairs Committee of the Danish Parliament; Mr Jonas Bering Liisberg, State Secretary for Foreign Policy, Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Mr Per Christensen, leader of the trade union 3F; and Mr Christian Kettel Thomsen, permanent State Secretary in the Prime Minister’s office. 

Mr Carlos Moedas receives Ms Maria Helena Semedo, Deputy Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).

Ms Mariya Gabriel in Sofia, Bulgaria: delivers a speech at the opening of the international conference ‘Challenges to the Legal Profession arising from the EU’s Digitization Program’.

 

Prévisons du mois de juin:

25/06 Foreign Affairs Council

25/06 Environment Council

26/06 General Affairs Council

28-29/06 European Council

29/06 Euro Summit

Permanence DG COMM le WE du 16 et 17 juin 2018:

Christian WIGAND: +32 460 76 47 00

Permanence RAPID – GSM: +32 (0) 498 982 748

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