Call for tender n° Chafea/2017/CP/02 concerning Multiple Framework Contracts with reopening of competition for the organisation of coordinated activities on consumer product safety (Non-Food) in the EU and EEA/EFTA countries

Chafea intends to award three Framework Contracts for the provision of the services described here below. Potential candidates interested to participate in the procedure are invited to send their offer, in line with the requirements and formalities detailed in the invitation to tender.

The objective of this call is to conclude three Multiple Framework Contracts, with reopening of competition, with the 3 tenderers that are ranked highest in the tender.

For the provision of services related to the coordination of activities on consumer product safety in the EU/EEA/EFTA countries, the contractors will be responsible for:

• The overall coordination and logistical organisation of the product-specific and horizontal activities, including all necessary meetings during the project;
• The overall coordination of the product testing process, including the identification and selection of appropriate laboratories;
• Providing technical expertise and advice to support the work of the national market surveillance authorities; and
• Reporting on, communicating and disseminating the outcome of the activities to all relevant stakeholders.

The deadline to submit tenders for this procedure is 28 June 2018.

Eurostat: Indicateurs Europe 2020 relatifs à l’emploi – Le taux d’emploi des 20-64 ans dans l’UE atteint un nouveau pic de 72,2% en 2017, neuf États membres ont déjà atteint leur objectif de 2020

En 2017, le taux d’emploi de la population âgée de 20 à 64 ans dans l’Union européenne (UE) s’est établi à 72,2%, en hausse par rapport à 2016 (71,1%). L’objectif de la stratégie Europe 2020 est d’atteindre un taux d’emploi total des 20-64 ans d’au moins 75% dans l’UE d’ici à 2020. Cet objectif a été traduit en objectifs nationaux pour refléter la situation et les possibilités de chaque État membre de contribuer à l’objectif commun. L’évolution à la hausse est observée tant pour les hommes que pour les femmes. Le taux d’emploi des hommes s’est élevé à 78,0% en 2017, en hausse par rapport à 2016 (76,9%) et à un niveau quasi identique à celui de 2008 (77,9%), année du précédent pic. S’agissant des femmes, leur taux d’emploi a constamment augmenté depuis 2010 pour culminer à 66,5% en 2017 (comparé à 65,3% en 2016). De même, le taux d’emploi des 55-64 ans dans l’UE n’a cessé de croître, passant de 38,4% en 2002 à 57,1% en 2017. Une plus grande participation des travailleurs âgés est aussi l’un des objectifs de la stratégie Europe 2020 en matière d’emploi. Un communiqué de presse Eurostat est à votre disposition en ligne. (Pour plus d’informations: Christian Wigand – Tel.: +32 229 62293; Sara Soumillion – Tel.: +32 229 67094)

Trade Defence: Commission extends anti-dumping duties on steel ropes and cables from China for another five years

Following a review the Commission today decided to continue imposing anti-dumping duties on imports of Chinese steel ropes and cables. Anti-dumping duties of 60.4% have been in place since 1999 and this is the third expiry review, extending measures at the same level for a further 5 years. As a result of a previous anti-circumvention investigation, products consigned from Morocco and the Republic of Korea are also subject to these duties.The expiry review investigation found evidence that dumping from Chinese companies would continue should measures be allowed to lapse, which would have a negative financial impact on the EU steel industry. Steel ropes and cables have a wide variety of uses, including in the fishing, maritime, mining, forestry and constructions sector. The EU market is estimated to be worth around €500 million and the EU industry is present in at least 14 Member States, including Germany, Italy, Poland and the UK.The steel sector is a vital industry for the European Union’s economy and occupies a central position in global value chains, providing jobs for hundreds of thousands of European citizens. The global surplus in steelmaking capacity has driven down steel prices to unsustainable levels in recent years and had a damaging impact on the steel sector, as well as related industries and jobs. The EU is using therefore the full potential of its trade defence toolbox to ensure a level-playing-field for its producers and their ability to maintain jobs in the sector. 53 measures are now in place on steel and iron products, including 27 on products coming from China. The regulation can be found here. (For more information: Daniel Rosario – Tel.: +32 229 56185; Kinga Malinowska – Tel: +32 229 51383)

Safer and cleaner cars: Commission welcomes European Parliament green light to tightening rules

Following the political agreement reached in December 2017, yesterday the European Parliament formally voted in favour of the Commission’s proposal for a fully overhauled type-approval framework. Commissioner Elżbieta Bieńkowska, responsible for Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs, welcomed the vote: “One important complaint we heard on Dieselgate was that the EU failed to act. In reality our margin of manoeuvre was limited. We now agreed on a fundamental reform that gives the Commission the power to make sure manufacturers will no longer get away with cheating. The new rules will give us cleaner cars on our way to zero emission and safer cars for the roll-out of autonomous driving.” The new framework will raise the quality level and independence of vehicle type-approval and testing, increase checks of cars that are already on the EU market and strengthen the overall system with European oversight. After formal adoption in Council in the coming weeks and publication in the Official Journal, the Regulation will become mandatory as of 1 September 2020 for all new vehicle models. The new rules go hand in hand with other Commission initiatives such as the proposal for a new deal for consumers, which in a Dieselgate-type scenario will allow victims of unfair commercial practices to obtain remedies collectively through a representative action. In its efforts to bring down emissions from vehicles the Commission has introduced new and improved car emissions tests which became mandatory in September 2017. The Commission recently held a public consultation on its proposal to further improve these tests. This proposal will be voted on in the Technical Committee on Motor Vehicles (TCMV) in the coming weeks. (For more information: Lucía Caudet – Tel.: +32 229 56182; Victoria von Hammerstein – Tel.: +32 229 55040; Maud Noyon – Tel. +32 229-80379)

State aid: Commission approves €56 million public support scheme to promote shift of freight from road to rail in Sweden

The European Commission has found a Swedish public support scheme to encourage a shift of freight transport from road to rail to be in line with EU State aid rules.  The measure will promote EU environmental and transport objectives, whilst maintaining competition in the Single Market. In Sweden, around 40% of freight is transported by road, 40% by water and just over 20% by rail. The new scheme has an overall budget of SEK 563 million (approximately €56 million) and will run until 2019, and aims to increase the share of rail transport. The aid takes the form of a subsidy to railway companies that carry freight, with the objective of channelling part of the advantage to end customers, incentivising them to switch to rail transport. The Commission found that the scheme is beneficial for the environment and mobility, supporting rail transport, which is less polluting than road transport, while also decreasing road congestion. The Commission concluded that the measure is compatible with EU State aid rules, in particular the 2008 Commission Guidelines on State aid for railway undertakings. More information will be available on the Commission’s competition website in the public case register under the case number SA.49749. (For more information: Ricardo Cardoso – Tel.: +32 229 80100; Maria Sarantopoulou – Tel.: +32 229 13740)

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Commissioner Miguel Arias Cañete in Egypt for new strategic partnership on energy

Climate Action and Energy Commissioner Miguel Arias Cañete will be in Egypt on 22-24 April for a high-level visit with government officials and energy stakeholders. He will meet the President of the Egyptian Republic, His Excellency Abdelfatah Al-Sisi, and members of the Egyptian Government, namely the Prime Minister, the Minister of Electricity and Renewable Energy and the Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources. On behalf of the Commission he will sign a Memorandum of Understanding for Strategic Cooperation in Energy between the EU and Egypt. The Commissioner will also meet with European energy companies and open the EU-Egypt Sustainable Energy Business Forum & Exhibition. Furthermore, an on-site visit to the Zohr onshore gas facility in Port Said is foreseen. The visit is a key element of the external dimension of the Energy Union, a political priority of the Juncker Commission. Ahead of his visit, Commissioner Arias Cañete said: “The EU and Egypt are strategic partners on energy. The potential for an even closer energy cooperation between the EU and Egypt is enormous, and I hope this visit will herald a new phase of closer and more intense relations amongst us. Egypt can lead the way of the clean energy transition in the Eastern Mediterranean and thus contribute to the Paris climate goals and the worldwide decarbonisation effort. Likewise, Egypt is becoming an upcoming important gas and electricity hub that can provide energy security for the EU and for the entire region. There is much to gain in terms of access to new sources of energy and market opportunities, for European and Egyptian citizens and businesses alike. The EU stands ready to support Egypt in its energy market reforms and to boost sustainable energy investment.” More information on the website of the Commission’s website. (For more information: Anna-Kaisa Itkonen – Tel.: +32 229 56186; Nicole Bockstaller – Tel.: +32 229 52589)

Hannover industrial show: Commission debates EU Industrial Strategy

On 22-23 April, Commission Vice-President Maroš Šefčovič and Commissioners Günther H. Oettinger and Elżbieta Bieńkowska participate in the Hannover Messe 2018, one of the world’s largest trade fairs. In 2016, the Commission presented the EU’s Strategy for low-emission mobility and in 2017 the renewed Industrial Policy Strategy – both advocating a Europe that embraces technological change and continues pioneering on smart, innovative and sustainable industry. The Commissioners will take the opportunity to engage with the most daring and forward-looking businesses – be it in the field of automation, batteries, digital innovation or software development. Vice-President Šefčovič and Commissioner Oettinger will attend the official opening ceremony together with German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto. Vice-President Šefčovič participates in a dialogue on the EU Battery Alliance and delivers a key note speech on the future of EU mobility. The speech will be followed by a panel discussion focused on automation and decarbonisation, which Commissioner Bieńkowska also joins. Both will meet Mr Stephan Weil, Prime Minister of Lower Saxony (Germany). Commissioner Bieńkowska will furthermore hold separate meetings with Ildefonso Guajardo Real, Minister of Economy of Mexico, and Dieter Kempf, President of the Federation of German Industries (BDI). Commissioner Oettinger will participate in a lunch discussion with representatives of industries on investing in industrial digitisation. He will also deliver keynote speeches at two events on digital transformation. Please consult Commissioners’ calendar for more details. (For more information: Lucía Caudet – Tel.: +32 229 56182; Maud Noyon – Tel. +32 229-80379; Victoria von Hammerstein – Tel.: +32 229 55040)

Dialogue citoyens au Portugal: le commissaire Moedas et le Premier ministre António Costa débattent avec des jeunes

Carlos Moedas, commissaire en charge de la recherche, de la science et de l’innovation, participera cette après-midi à Cascais (Portugal) à un dialogue citoyens aux côtés du Premier ministre portugais António Costa. L’événement se tient dans le cadre d’une compétition autour de la simulation du fonctionnement du Parlement européen, organisée par la ville de Cascais, Capitale européenne de la jeunesse 2018. Ce débat, intitulé “Jeunesse et Futur de l’Europe”, est le premier d’une série d’évènements au Portugal dans la lignée des consultations citoyennes initiées par le Président Macron dans toute l’Union européenne. Plus de 200 jeunes, dont de nombreux étudiants étrangers, sont attendus à Cascais aujourd’hui. (Pour plus d’informations: Lucía Caudet – Tél.: +32 229 56182; Maud Noyon – Tél. +32 229-80379; Victoria von Hammerstein – Tél.: +32 229 55040)

 

Emploi: La Commissaire Thyssen inaugure la Cité des Métiers à Bruxelles

Lundi 23 avril, la Commissaire en charge de l’Emploi, des Affaires sociales, des Compétences et de la Mobilité des Travailleurs, Marianne Thyssen assistera à la cérémonie d’inauguration de la Cité des Métiers à Bruxelles, en présence du Ministre-Président bruxellois Rudi Vervoort et du Ministre de l’Économie, de l’Emploi, de la Formation Professionnelle, de la Santé, du Budget et de la Fonction publique de Bruxelles, Didier Gosuin. A l’occasion de l’inauguration, la Commissaire Thyssen a dit: “65% des enfants qui vont à l’école primaire aujourd’hui, travaillerons dans des professions qui n’existent pas encore. Les gens changent jusqu’à 10 fois de travail au long de leurs carrières. Il est donc clair que les travailleurs d’aujourd’hui et demain devront se former tout au long de leur vie. C’est exactement ça la valeur ajoutée de la Cité des Métiers: elle nous montre comment l’on peut se développer dans ce nouveau monde du travail. Ensemble avec les initiatives européennes, je pense que la Cité des Métiers est un excellent moyen pour garantir un avenir professionnel réussi à nos citoyens.” La Cité des Métiers est un espace interactif de 1100 mètres carrés en plein cœur de la capitale belge, entièrement dédié à l’orientation et au conseil, et rassemble pour la première fois tous les acteurs bruxellois de l’emploi, de la formation et de l’enseignement. C’est un lieu d’exposition, offrant des informations sur les professions, les compétences nécessaires et les formations disponibles dans le nouveau monde de travail. La cérémonie d’ouverture aura lieu à partir de 14h et est ouverte à la presse. Journalistes intéressés sont invités à nous contacter pour s’enregistrer. (Pour plus d’informations: Christian Wigand– Tel.: +32 229 62253; Sara Soumillion – Tel.: + 32 229 67094)

Culture: Commissioner Navracsics attends international cultural heritage forum in Brussels

Commissioner for Education, Culture, Youth, and Sport, Tibor Navracsics will participate in the ‘Forum on the International Perspectives of the European Year of Cultural Heritage’ in Brussels on Monday, 23 April. The event will highlight the international aspect of cultural relations and start a wider discussion on how culture – in the framework of the European Year and beyond – can improve relations between countries and communities. Commissioner Navracsics said: “Diplomacy is often led by politicians. Cultural diplomacy is different. It empowers citizens and civil society to recognise the intertwined nature of our societies, history and culture in the hope they can build a better tomorrow. The European Year of Cultural Heritage is a true embodiment of that aspiration and the perfect catalyst to promote the EU’s international strategy.” Organised by the Cultural Diplomacy Platform, the Forum is a concrete outcome of the EU strategy for international cultural relations launched by Commissioner Navracsics and EU High Representative and Vice-President Federica Mogherini in June 2016. Central to that strategy is the acknowledgement of culture as a resource that helps drive economic growth and strengthen international partnerships. A Spotlight brochure on the European Year of Cultural Heritage is available online. The closing remarks will be covered by EbS. (For more information: Nathalie Vandystadt – Tel.: +32 229 67083; Joseph Waldstein – Tel. +32 229 56184)

Citizens’ Dialogue in Ireland: Commissioner Hogan discusses the future of food and farming

Commissioner for Agriculture Phil Hogan will today participate in a Citizens’ Dialogue on the future of food and farming in Kilkenny, Ireland. Entitled “Making CAP 2020 work for you”, the dialogue will focus on the future of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and its implications for Irish farmers. Commissioner Hogan will be joined on stage by Mr. Joe Healy, President of the Irish Farmers’ Association. Commissioner Hogan presented on 29 November the orientations proposed by the European Commission on the future of the Common Agricultural Policy. This Citizens’ Dialogue is part of a series of engagements between the Commission and key stakeholders in the agri-food sector that are ongoing throughout the Union since the adoption of the Commission’s Communication. Citizens’ Dialogues are a regular feature of the daily work of the Juncker Commission. All Members of the Commission travel to regions and cities across Europe to engage in dialogue with citizens and listen to their views and expectations concerning the future of the Union. Since the beginning of the mandate, over 130 dialogues were held in more than 80 towns. Today’s Dialogue with Commissioner Hogan will start at 19h and will be web-streamed here. (For more information: Daniel Rosario – Tel.: +32 229 56 185; Clémence Robin – Tel.: +32 229 52509)

Calendar

The Commissioners’ weekly activities

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

In 2017, the employment rate of people aged 20 to 64 in the European Union (EU) stood at 72.2%, up compared with 2016 (71.1%). The Europe 2020 strategy target is to reach a total employment rate for people aged 20 to 64 of at least 75% in the EU by 2020. This objective has been translated into different national targets in order to reflect the situation and possibilities of each Member State to contribute to the common goal.

Full text available on EUROSTAT website

(Susceptible de modifications en cours de semaine)

Déplacements et visites

 

Lundi 23 avril 2018

Informal meeting of employment, social policy and health ministers on health in Sofia, Bulgaria

President Jean-Claude Juncker receives Mr Damdin Tsogtbaatar, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Mongolia.

Ms Federica Mogherini, Mr Dimitris Avramopoulos and Mr Julian King in Toronto, Canada: participate in the G7 Foreign and Security Ministers meeting “Building a More Peaceful and Secure World”.

Mr Andrus Ansip attends a discussion at the Bruegel Flagship event on Challenges and opportunities for the EU Digital Single Market, in Brussels.  

Mr Maroš Šefčovič, Mr Günther H. Oettinger andMs Elżbieta Bieńkowska in Hannover, Germany: participate in Hannover Messe 2018.

Mr Maroš Šefčovič in Hannover, Germany: at Hannover Messe 2018: attends, together with Mr Günther H. Oettinger, the official opening ceremony, together with Ms Angela Merkel, Chancellor of Germany and Mr Enrique Peña Nieto, President of Mexico; visits the Fair and exchanges views with exhibitors; meets, together with Ms Elżbieta Bieńkowska, Mr Stephan Weil, Minister President of Lower Saxony; delivers, a keynote speech and, together with Ms Elżbieta Bieńkowska, exchanges views on the “Future EU Mobility – Global Leadership through Automation and Decarbonisation”.

Mr Valdis Dombrovskis in New York, the United States (until 23/04): meets financial markets leaders of the private sector; delivers a keynote speech at the conference “Transatlantic Economy Ten Years after the Crisis: Macro-Financial Scenarios and Policy Responses” at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York; and meets Mr William C. Dudley, President and CEO of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.

Mr Jyrki Katainen receives Mr Ilkka Hämälä, President and CEO of Metsä Group – Bio-Based Industries Consortium.

Mr Günther H. Oettinger in Hannover, Germany: at Hannover Messe 2018: participates in a lunch discussion with representatives of industries on “Investing in industrial digitisation”; and delivers a keynote speech at the event “Logistics 4.0: Investments of European Commission in the Digital Transformation” and the event “Europe 2030: Is the EU fit for the digital future?”, organised by ZVEI, the German Electrical and Electronic Manufacturers’ Association.

Mr Johannes Hahn and Mr Christos Stylianides participate in events taking place in the margins of the second Brussels Conference “Supporting the future of Syria and the region”, in Brussels.

Mr Johannes Hahn chairs the “Inspirations for the Future: a Conversation with Syrian, Jordanian and Lebanese Youth and Young Entrepreneurs” side event, in Brussels.

Ms Cecilia Malmström receives Mr Johann N. Schneider-Ammann, Federal Councillor, Head of the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research (EAER) of Switzerland.

Ms Cecilia Malmström receives Ms Nataliya Mykolska, Trade Representative, Deputy Minister for Economic Development and Trade of Ukraine.

Ms Cecilia Malmström receives Mr Damdin Tsogtbaatar, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Mongolia.

Ms Cecilia Malmström receives Mr Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs of Indonesia.

Mr Neven Mimica in New York, the United States (until 24/04): participates in the 2018 ECOSOC Forum on Financing for Development follow-up; in the high-level meeting of the Peacebuilding Commission on the Gambia; in the EU side event “Investing in Sustainable Development: the European Union’s Contribution”; and meets Mr Miroslav Lajčák, President of the 72^nd session of the United Nations General Assembly.

Mr Karmenu Vella receives Ms Ana Paula Vitorino, Minister for the Sea of Portugal.

Mr Karmenu Vella receives Mr Kristján Þór Júlíusson, Minister for Fisheries and Agriculture of Iceland.

Mr Karmenu Vella delivers a speech at the EU Environmental Footprint Final Conference “From Vision to Action”, in Brussels.

Mr Vytenis Andriukaitis in Sofia, Bulgaria:participates in theInformal meeting of employment, social policy and health ministers; and meets Mr Paul Blokhuis, State Secretary for Health, Welfare and Sports of the Netherlands.

Mme Marianne Thyssen participe à la cérémonie d’ouverture de la semaine d’Inauguration de la Cité des métiers de Bruxelles, à Bruxelles.

Ms Marianne Thyssen receives Mr Kemal Purišić, Minister for Labour and Social Welfare of Montenegro.

Mr Christos Stylianides inaugurates the photo exhibition “7 years of solidarity: How the EU helps Syrian refugees wherever they are” in the margins of the second Brussels Conference “Supporting the future of Syria and the region”, in Brussels.

Mr Christos Stylianides receives Ms Sarah Brown, President of “Their world”.

Mr Christos Stylianides receives Ms Helle Thorning-Schmidt, CEO of “Save the Children International”.

Mr Phil Hogan receives Mr Rubén Darío Lizarralde Montoya, Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development of Colombia.

Mr Phil Hogan receives representatives of the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), the European Environmental Bureau (EEB) and BirdLife.

Ms Elżbieta Bieńkowska in Hannover, Germany: Hannover Messe 2018: meets Mr Ildefonso Guajardo Real, Minister for the Economy of Mexico; and Mr Dieter Kempf, President of the Federation of German Industries (BDI).

Mr Tibor Navracsics delivers a closing speech at the forum “European Year of Cultural Heritage 2018: International Perspectives”, in Brussels.

Mr Carlos Moedas receives Mr Stefan Kaufmann, Member of the German Bundestag and Mr Christian Ehler, Member of the European Parliament.

Mr Carlos Moedas receives representatives of the Youth of the European People’s Party (YEPP).

 

Mardi 24 avril 2018

President Jean-Claude Juncker receives Mr Malcolm Turnbull, Prime Minister of Australia, for a working lunch.

President Jean-Claude Juncker receives Mr Filippo Grandi, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.

President Jean-Claude Juncker receives, together with Mr Johannes Hahn, Mr Youssef Chahed, Head of Government of Tunisia.

President Jean-Claude Juncker holds a joint press point with Mr Youssef Chahed, Head of Government of Tunisia.

President Jean-Claude Juncker receives Mr José María Aznar, former Prime Minister of Spain.

Mr Frans Timmermans receives the Green 10 directors.

Mr Frans Timmermans receives His Eminence Cardinal Gualtiero Bassetti, archbishop of Perugia and president of the Italian Episcopal Conference.

Mr Frans Timmermans receives Mr Freek Spinnewijn, Director of FEANTSA: Working together to End Homelessness in Europe.

Ms Federica Mogherini meets Mr Youssef Chahed, Prime Minister of Tunisia, in Brussels.

Ms Federica Mogherini meets Mr Staffan de Mistura, United Nations Special Envoy of the United Nations Secretary-General on Syria, in Brussels.

Ms Federica Mogherini participates in a meeting with representatives of the Syrian civil society, in Brussels.

Ms Federica Mogherini, Mr Johannes Hahn participate in and Mr Christos Stylianides co-chairs the second Brussels Conference “Supporting the future of Syria and the region”, in Brussels.

Mr Maroš Šefčovič receives Mr Anders Fogh Rasmussen, Founder and CEO of Rasmussen Global and former Prime Minister for Denmark.

Mr Valdis Dombrovskis in London, the United Kingdom (until 24/04): delivers a keynote speech at City Week; meets Mr Mark Carney, Governor of the Bank of England; and Mr Philip Hammond, Chancellor of the Exchequer.

Mr Jyrki Katainen receives representatives of the Finnish Paper Industry Labour Union.

Mr Jyrki Katainen delivers a keynote speech at The Future of Work event, in Brussels.

Mr Jyrki Katainen receives Mr Janez Potočnik, Co-Chair of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) International Resource Panel (IRP).

Mr Jyrki Katainen receives Ms Monica Frassoni, President of the European Alliance to Save Energy (EU-ASE).

Mr Jyrki Katainen receives Mr Otmar Wiestler, President of the Helmholtz Association of German Research Centres.

Mr Jyrki Katainen receives members of the city board of Kangasala, Finland.

Mr Johannes Hahn and Mr Christos Stylianides participate in the “Day of Dialogue with NGOs”, in the margins of the second Brussels Conference “Supporting the future of Syria and the region”, in Brussels.

Mr Johannes Hahn receives Mr Filippo Grandi, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.

Ms Cecilia Malmström participates in a seminar: “The EU in a world order in transition”, co-organised by the Permanent Representation of Sweden to the EU and the Brussels Office of the Swedish Trade Unions, in Brussels.

Mr Neven Mimica in New York, the United States: participates in the 2018 ECOSOC Forum on Financing for Development follow-up; and in the EU side event “Measuring resources for sustainable development: the contribution of total official support to sustainable development”.

Mr Karmenu Vella receives Mr Ilya Shestakov, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Head of the Federal Agency for Fishery of Russia.

Mr Karmenu Vella receives Mr Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs of Indonesia.

Mr Karmenu Vella receives Mr Tuilaepa Aiono Sailele Malielegaoi, Prime Minister of Samoa.

Mr Vytenis Andriukaitis in Vienna, Austria: delivers a speech at theIAWS 2018 – 1st International Animal Welfare Summit; participates in a Citizens’ dialogue; meets the Members of the Austrian Parliament; and Ms Beate Hartinger-Klein, the Minister for Labour, Social Affairs, Health and Consumer Protection of Austria.

Mr Dimitris Avramopoulos and Mr Julian King in Toronto, Canada (until 24/04): participate in the G7 Foreign and Security Ministers meeting “Building a More Peaceful and Secure World”.

Ms Marianne Thyssen attends the opening ceremony of the Bus Awareness Raising Journey, organised by the European Minimum Income Network (EMIN), in Brussels.

Ms Marianne Thyssen delivers a keynote speech at the European Seniors Union (ESU), in Brussels.

Mr Christos Stylianides meets Mr Imad Fakhoury, Minister for Planning and International Cooperation of Jordan.

Mr Christos Stylianides meets Mr Pierre Krähenbühl, Commissioner-General for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).

Mr Christos Stylianides meets Ms Beata Kempa, Minister for the Council of Ministers of Poland.

Mr Christos Stylianides meets Mr David Beasley, Executive Director of the World Food Programme (WFP).

Mr Christos Stylianides meets Ms Shahida Azfar, United Nations International Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa.

Mr Phil Hogan receives Mr Fergus Ewing, Cabinet Secretary for the Rural Economy and Connectivity of Scotland.

Mr Phil Hogan receives representatives of the European Federation of Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association (EFTBA) and theIrish Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association (ITBA).

Ms Elżbieta Bieńkowska receives a group of Polish entrepreneurs.

Ms Elżbieta Bieńkowska in The Hague, the Netherlands; attends the ‘Ideas from Europe 2018 Finals’ event.

Ms Vĕra Jourová receives Mr Kent Walker, Senior Vice-President and General Counsel of Google.

Ms Corina Creţu participates in a conference on “How can the post 2020 Cohesion Policy meet EU Islands challenges?” and delivers a keynote speech at the session on Cohesion Policy in EU Islands after 2020, at the European Parliament, in Brussels.

Ms Corina Creţu in The Hague, The Netherlands: meets Ms Kajsa Ollongren, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for the Interior and Kingdom Relations; and Mr Raymond Knops, State Secretary for the Interior and Kingdom Relations.

Mr Carlos Moedas attends a working breakfast hosted by Mr Paul Rübig, Member of the European Parliament, and Christian Ehler, Member of the European Parliament on the Framework Programme 9 (FP9) and with a special focus on support to industrial innovation, in Brussels.

Mr Carlos Moedas receives Ms Iselin Nybø, Minister for Research and Higher Education of Norway.

Mr Carlos Moedas delivers a keynote speech at the Kavli-EU event ‘Science Prizes – Stimulating Research and Innovation’, Norway House, in Brussels.

Ms Mariya Gabriel receives Mr Wim Mijs, CEO of the European Banking Federation.

Ms Mariya Gabriel delivers opening remarks at “Cyberterrorism – Is the EU ready?” conference at the European Parliament, in Brussels.

Ms Mariya Gabriel delivers opening speech and participates in a Debate on the impact of the EU digital strategy on the Western Balkans enlargement process , in Brussels.

 

Mercredi 25 avril 2018

College meeting

Mr Frans Timmermans delivers a keynote speech at the 25^th anniversary event of the European association of the packaging supply chain industry in Europe (EUROPEN).

Ms Federica Mogherini co-chairs, and Mr Christos Stylianides and Mr Johannes Hahn participate in the second Brussels Conference “Supporting the future of Syria and the region”, in Brussels.

Ms Federica Mogherini receives Mr Tarō Kōno, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan;

Mr Maroš Šefčovič in Ljubljana, Slovenia (until 26/04): on Energy Union tour: meets Mr Peter Gašperšič, Minister for Infrastructure of Slovenia.

Mr Valdis Dombrovskis receives Mr Suma Chakrabarti, President of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD).

Mr Jyrki Katainen receives Mr Suma Chakrabarti, President of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD).

Mr Jyrki Katainen delivers a keynote speech at the event “How to get Europe investing again?” of the British Chamber of Commerce to the EU and Belgium, in Brussels.

Mr Jyrki Katainen participates in a working lunch with members of the Startup Europe Partnership (SEP), in Brussels.

Mr Johannes Hahn participates in the second Brussels Conference “Supporting the future of Syria and the region”, in Brussels.

Ms Cecilia Malmström receives Mr Pablo Campana, Minister for Foreign Trade of Ecuador.

Ms Cecilia Malmström receives Mr Alamine Ousmane Mey, Minister for Economy, Planning and Regional Development of Cameroon.

Ms Cecilia Malmström receives Mr Tarō Kōno, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan.

Mr Karmenu Vella delivers an introductory speech, participates in a panel discussion, and participates in a tour of the Seafood Expo Global 2018 – “Food from the Oceans, a look into our future”, in Brussels.

Mr Vytenis Andriukaitis receives Mr Levan Davitashvili, Minister for Environment Protection and Agriculture of Georgia.

Ms Marianne Thyssen in Lisbon, Portugal (until 26/04): visits the Restaurante Torreao – a social inclusion project financed by the European Solidarity Fund (ESF).

M. Pierre Moscovici prononce un discours lors d’un évènement organisé par l’Union Syndicale Bruxelles Commission et l’organisation Lunettes Sans Frontières, à la Commission Européenne, à Bruxelles.

M. Pierre Moscovici prononce un discours à la conférence “Quelles perspectives pour la fiscalité européenne dans un monde globalisé“, à Bruxelles.

Mr Christos Stylianides meets Ms Ine Eriksen Søreide, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Norway.

Mr Christos Stylianides co-chairs two sessions in the second Brussels Conference “Supporting the future of Syria and the region”, in Brussels.

Ms Violeta Bulc in Ljubljana, Slovenia (until 27/04): participates in the transport conference “TEN-T Days“; meets Mr Ivaylo Moskovski, Minister for Transport, Information Technology and Communications of Bulgaria; and Ms Zorana Mihajlović, Deputy Prime Minister of Serbia, and Minister for Construction, Transport and Infrastructure.

Mr Tibor Navracsics delivers a keynote speech at the high-level conference on ‘dual quality products’ in the European Parliament.

Mr Tibor Navracsics receives students from the Catholic University of Milan.

Ms Corina Creţu: receives representatives of the Romanian Chess Federation.

Mr Carlos Moedas and Ms Mariya Gabriel participate in the High-Level Conference “Shaping Our Digital Future: The Challenge of the Digital Revolution” and deliver keynote speeches, at the European Parliament, in Brussels.

Mr Julian King receives Mr Franco Gabrielli, Chief of Police and Director-General of Public Security in Italy.

Mr Julian King receives Mr Kent Walker, Senior Vice-President and General Counsel of Google.

Ms Mariya Gabriel participates in a trilogue, in Brussels.

 

Jeudi 26 avril 2018

President Jean-Claude Juncker in Athens, Greece: meets Mr Prokopis Pavlopoulos, President of Greece; Mr Alexis Tsipras, Prime Minister of Greece; holds a joint press conference with Mr Alexis Tsipras, Prime Minister of Greece; addresses the Plenary of the Hellenic Parliament; and meets Mr Kyriakos Mitsotakis, leader of the “New Democracy” party.

Mr Andrus Ansip in Berlin, Germany: meets with Mr Helge Braun, Minister of State to the Federal Chancellor; participates in an Extraordinary Session of the Committee for the Digital Agenda at the Bundestag.

Mr Maroš Šefčovič in Ljubljana, Slovenia: onEnergy Union tour: delivers a keynote speech at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry on “Energy transition as an opportunity for Slovenian economy”; visits the European Agency for the Cooperation of Energy Regulators (ACER); meets the members of the parliamentary committees on EU Affairs and on Infrastructure; delivers a keynote speech and participates in the official opening of the transport conference “TEN-T Days“; and meets representatives of NGOs on energy and climate issues.

Mr Valdis Dombrovskis in Sofia, Bulgaria (until 28/04):  meets Mr Rumen Radev, President of Bulgaria; Mr Boyko Borissov, Prime Minister of Bulgaria; Mr Dimitar Radev, Governor of the Bulgarian National Bank; participates in a Citizens’ dialogue; delivers a keynote speech at the Financial Forum Innovations 2018; participates in the 13th ASEM (Asia-Europe Meeting) Finance Ministers’ meeting; and in the Eurofi high-level seminar.

Mr Jyrki Katainen in the United States (until 01/05): on official visit.

Ms Cecilia Malmström in Helsinki, Finland: meets the members of the Grand Committee at the Parliament; representatives of Finnish industries and Ms Anne-Mari Virolainen, Minister for Foreign Trade and Development of Finland; participates in a Citizens’ dialogue together with Ms Anne-Mari Virolainen on: “EU as a leader of rules-based multilateral trading system”.

Mr Neven Mimica in Zagreb, Croatia (until 27/04): participates in a lecture on global Sustainable Development Goals at the United Nations Academy.

Ms Marianne Thyssen in Lisbon and Aveiro, Portugal: meets Mr Pedro Machado, President of Regional Tourist Promotion Agency (ARPT) of Portugal; visits CASCI, the Agricultural Centre; AEVA – a vocational school in Aveiro; and VougaPark – an Innovation Centre for vocational training aiming at promoting employment regions with low density.

M. Pierre Moscovici et M. Julian King à Paris, France: prononcent des discours lors de laconférence ministérielle de lutte contre le financement de Daech et d’Al-Qaïda “No Money for Terror”, organisée par la Ministère de l’Europeet des Affaires étrangères.

Mr Phil Hogan in Dublin, Ireland: meets Mr Michael Creed, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine of Ireland;  representatives of the Timber Industry Brexit Forum; addresses the Seanad Éireann (Senate of Ireland); and the Joint Committees on Agriculture, Food and the Marine, and Rural and Community Development; and participates in a Glanbia event.

Ms Violeta Bulc in Ljubljana, Slovenia: participates in the transport conference “TEN-T Days“; meets transport investors; delivers the opening speech of the conference and takes part in the plenary session “Transport for Connectivity and Efficiency”.

Ms Elżbieta Bieńkowska in Lisbon, Portugal (until 27/04): meets Mr Manuel Caldeira Cabral, Minister for the Economy of Portugal; Ms Ana Paula Zacarias, Deputy Minister for European Affairs’ and Mr José Azeredo Lopes, Minister for National Defence; and holds Citizens’ dialogue at Évora University.

Ms Vĕra Jourová in Luxembourg (until 27/04): meets Mr Koen Lenaerts, President of the Court of Justice; Mr Etienne Schneider, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of the Economy, Minister of Internal Security, Minister of Defence; representatives of the Luxembourg Union of Consumers (ULC) and the European Centre of Consumers (CEC); and Ms Lydia Mutsch, Minister for Health and Gender Equality; and participates in the “Girls in ICT” event together with Ms Lydia Mutsch.

Ms Corina Creţu in Ljubljana, Slovenia: meets Ms Alenka Smerkolj, Minister without Portfolio, Director of Government Office for Development, Strategic Projects and Cohesion of Slovenia; Mr Peter Gašperšič, Minister for Infrastructure; Mr Jure Leben, State Secretary at the Ministry of Infrastructure; and participates in a Panel on “Transport for Growth and Jobs” of the transport conference “TEN-T Days“.

Ms Margrethe Vestager in The Hague, the Netherlands: delivers a keynote speech at the 2018 Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM) conference: The Digital Economy – Friend or Foe?

Mr Carlos Moedas in Porto, Portugal: delivers a keynote speech at the EUNIS 2018 Rectors’ Conference: University 5.0 – Bridging People and Technology; and a keynote speech at the commemoration event for the 50th anniversary of the Catholic University.

Ms Mariya Gabriel participates in the Audiovisual Media Services Directive (AVMSD) trilogue, in Brussels.

Vendredi 27 avril 2018

Eurogroup

27-28/04/2018 Informal meeting of economic and financial affairs ministers in Sofia, Bulgaria

Federica Mogherini receives Mr Sibusiso Moyo, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade of Zimbabwe.

Ms Federica Mogherini participates in the NATO Foreign Ministers meeting, in Brussels.

Mr Neven Mimica in Zagreb, Croatia: addresses a keynote speech at the International Roundtable on the Croatian Presidency of the EU Council in 2020.

Mr Karmenu Vella in Malta:delivers a speech at the Marine Litter Conference, organised by PlasticsEurope; and meets members of the Malta-EU Steering and Action Committee (MEUSAC).

Mr Vytenis Andriukaitis receives representatives of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) Surveillance Authority.

Mr Vytenis Andriukaitis receives representatives of the International association of mutual benefit societies (AIM).

Ms Violeta Bulc in Ljubljana, Slovenia: participates in the transport conference “TEN-T Days“; meets Mr Andrzej Adamczyk, Minister for Infrastructure of Poland and Mr Jerzy Kwieciński, Minister for investment and economic development of Poland; and delivers the closing speech of the conference.

Ms Elżbieta Bieńkowska in Lisbon, Portugal: holds a hearing at the European Affairs Committee of the Parliament; and meets Ms Margarida Matos Rosa, President of the Competition Authority of Portugal.

Ms Vĕra Jourová in Luxembourg: meets Mr Félix Braz, Minister for Justice and visits together with him the future seat of the European Public Prosecutor Office (EPPO); meets members of the committees for European and International Affairs Committee and of the Justice Committee of the Luxembourg Parliament; participates in a Citizens’ dialogue with Mr Félix Braz, Minister for Justice; and meets Mr Klaus-Heiner Lehne, President of the Court of Auditors.

Mr Carlos Moedas in Beja, Portugal: delivers a keynote speech and participates in the 35^th OVIBEJA – Fair of agricultural, livestock, artisan and tourist activities.

Ms Mariya Gabriel in Sofia, Bulgaria (until 28/04): delivers the opening speech at the Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association Sofia (AFCEA) event on e- Governance; and a speech at the inauguration of the Coursedot Cloud Training Centre.

 

Samedi 28 avril 2018

Informal meeting of economic and financial affairs ministers in Sofia, Bulgaria

Ms Mariya Gabriel in Sofia, Bulgaria: delivers opening remarks and participates in the Girls in ICT Day Sofia event, co-organised by the European Commission and the International Telecommunication Union.

 

Dimanche 29 avril 2018

 

Permanence DG COMM le WE du 21 et 22 avril 2018:

Johannes BAHRKE: +32 460 75 86 15

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

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

The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) has used an own-initiative opinion to call for sufficient funding resources to be put in place for implementing the European Pillar of Social Rights. Adopted at its plenary session on 19 April 2018, the opinion calls for improvements in the Member States and a robust commitment in terms of budget, investment and current spending to make the Social Pillar a reality.

Following the proclamation of the Social Pillar in autumn 2017, the Committee urges Europe’s leaders to now turn their declaration of intent into a serious commitment and to press ahead with the progressive implementation of the pillar. This requires not just the commitment of the Member States but also the active ownership, responsibility and participation of all EU institutions, regional and local authorities, social partners and other civil society stakeholders – and adequate funding measures to reflect this.

“The question of how to fund the implementation of the Social Pillar is a logical consequence of its proclamation,” says Anne Demelenne (Workers’ Group, BE), the rapporteur for the EESC opinion on the subject. “In our view, the key elements for the funding will be more flexibility in EU budgetary rules for public investment, the full use of European Structural Funds and fair taxation.”

The EESC is firmly convinced that adequate social investment will be crucial for ensuring Member States’ ability to accomplish the declared objectives of achieving better and sustainable social protection and enhancing the EU’s economic potential. It believes that scope for appropriate spending could be created within Member States and with the help of EU programmes by redistributing wealth in a way that respects the principles of solidarity, flexibility and responsibility.

Spending needs would be particularly large in lower-income countries and in those that had suffered drops in income in recent years. These countries would have limited potential for additional social investment, also because their spending is often restricted by the Stability and Growth Pact and its provisions regarding Member States’ budget and debt levels.

With this in mind, the Committee urges that existing European instruments be used to support public investment in the Member States. The European Union must, the EESC believes, play an active role in implementing the Social Pillar. The European Structural and Investment Funds (EFIFs) and the European Fund for Strategic Investment (EFSI), in particular, could be sources of financial support.

As EESC rapporteur Anne Demelenne argues: “The principles of the Social Pillar and the need for its implementation should constitute one of the guiding lines in the upcoming negotiations on the European Union’s post-2020 Multiannual Financial Framework. The EU budget must ensure that real added value is delivered to citizens’ lives. Only in this way will it be possible to regain their trust and support for the European project.” The EESC therefore urges, in line with the European Parliament, that the current 1% ceiling for the EU’s expenditure be increased.

More public investment within Member States could also be facilitated by invoking a Golden Rule for public investment with a social objective related to the pillar’s twenty key principles. This would allow for a more flexible application of EU budget rules to ensure sustainable growth in Europe.

“The revenue loss for Member States and the EU due to aggressive tax planning and tax fraud is significant. Appropriate tax policies should allow for fair taxation, a better combating of tax fraud and thereby raising additional means to contribute to the funding of the Social Pillar,” says Anne Demelenne.

In addition to public national and EU funding, the EESC believes private sector investment could make a contribution in some areas. However, it would not be enough in itself and could not ensure against exclusion of the socially weakest, which is why public funding would be more meaningful for the Social Pillar.