Four years on from the illegal annexation of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol by the Russian Federation, the European Union remains firmly committed to Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The European Union reiterates that it does not recognise and continues to condemn this violation of international law. It remains a direct challenge to international security, with grave implications for the international legal order that protects the unity and sovereignty of all States.

The European Union remains committed to fully implementing its non-recognition policy, including through restrictive measures. The EU calls again on UN Member States to consider similar non-recognition measures in line with the UNGA Resolution 68/262. The European Union does not recognise the holding of elections by the Russian Federation in the Crimean peninsula.

The ongoing militarisation of the peninsula continues to impact the security situation in the Black Sea region. In violation of international humanitarian law, Russian citizenship and conscription in the armed forces of the Russian Federation have been imposed on Crimean residents.

The European Union condemns the construction of the Kerch Bridge without Ukraine’s consent and the limitations it has already imposed on the freedom of transit.  

Since the illegal annexation by the Russian Federation, the human rights situation in the Crimean peninsula has deteriorated further. Residents of the peninsula face systematic restrictions of fundamental freedoms, such as freedom of expression, religion or belief and association and the right to peaceful assembly.

The rights of the Crimean Tatars have been gravely violated through the shutting down of Crimean Tatar media outlets, the banning of the activities of the Mejlis, their self-governing body, and the persecution of its leaders and members of their community. Crimean Tatars, Ukrainians and all ethnic and religious communities in the peninsula must be ensured the possibility to maintain and develop their culture, traditions, education and identity. 

The EU reiterates its call for the immediate release of Oleh Sentsov, Oleksandr Kolchenko, Mykola Semena and all those who have been detained and sentenced in breach of international law. Journalists, human rights defenders and defence lawyers should be able to work independently and without undue interference.

The EU calls for full compliance with international human rights standards in the peninsula. All pending cases of human rights violations and abuses, such as enforced disappearances, torture and killings should be thoroughly investigated. Full, free and unrestricted access for international human rights actors to the whole territory of Ukraine, including Crimea and Sevastopol, continues to be paramount. The EU recalls UNGA Resolution 72/190 of 19 December 2017, and calls for its full implementation, including the Russian Federation’s obligations under applicable international humanitarian law.

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This declaration is issued on the occasion of the 4th anniversary of the illegal annexation of Crimea and Sevastopol by the Russian Federation (18 March 2018).

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Members of the ENVE commission visited the Lodzkie Region on 14-15 March to get acquainted with best practices in the area of the circular economy.

The delegation has visited various projects in the fields of environmental protection, waste management, bioeconomy, renewable energy and eco-innovation. These result from the cooperation between private businesses, applied science and research institutes, non-governmental organizations and the Lodzkie regional authority.

Marshal Witold Stępień (PL/EPP), member of the European Committee of the Regions since October 2011, was keen in organising a study visit in his homeland to present concrete projects created through public-private partnerships that bring both economic and environmental benefits to local communities.

“The Lodzkie Region illustrates how local governments can be change agents driving the shift towards circular economy models that lead to low-carbon communities”, said Witold Stępień (PL/EPP).

The Łódzkie Region is part of the European project “Synergic Circular Economy across European Regions” SCREEN . Its goal is to develop a reference framework for the establishment of synergies between Horizon 2020, EU’s research and innovation programme, and the European Structural and Investment Funds related to the circular economy.

The ENVE delegation includes members Bruno Hranić (HR/EPP) , Mayor of the Municipality of Vidovec in Croatia, Gillian Ford (UK/ EA), Member of the London Borough of Havering in the UK, Marco Dus (IT/PES), Member of Vittorio Veneto Municipal Council in the Italian Province of Treviso, Vytautas Vigelis (LT/ALDE), Member of the Municipal Council of Švenčionys district in Lithuania, Ribányi József (HU/EPP), Vice-Chairman of the Tolna County Assembly in Hungary, A ndres Jaadla (EE/ALDE), Member of Rakvere City Council in Estonia, Ioanis Sgouros (EL/PES), Regional Councilor of Attica in Greece, Mary Freehill (IE/PES), Member of the Dublin City Council in Ireland, Jaroslav Hlinka (SK/PES), Mayor of Kosice-South in Slovakia, Giuseppe Rinaldi (IT/PES), President of the Italian Province of Rieti, Vytautas Kanevičius (LT/ECR), Member of the Council of Kazlų Rūda Municipality in Lithuania and Raymund Kovács (HU/EPP), Budapest XVI. District Representative.

These are the projects visited by the ENVE delegation:

Centre for Innovation and Technology Transfer, Medical University of Łódź: coordination between science and businesses for economic development in medicine and health. The Centre incubates new business ventures while providing administrative support at all stages of commercialization. Areas: oncology, neurology, neurodegenerative diseases, biomolecular sciences, cardiology, diabetes, allergy and immunology.

GREEN HUB: a non-formal initiative in zero waste and health. Green Hub is an initiative of local and regional NGOs, business, and researchers towards the circular economy.

Town of Brzeziny: implements a €5 million project on the production of clean electricity and heat, photovoltaic and solar collectors, wind farms and the creation of a transport system based on electric cars.

STEIG Sp. z o.o. – producer of BOXlife Polish Modular Houses: not for profit social enterprise, leader in the production of residential and service modules operating under social objectives, human rights, environmental, work and employment best practices integrating socially marginalized citizens.

Waste Management and Recycling Cluster: formed by businesses, research and development units, support institutions and consulting companies dedicated to environmental education. Collection, disposal, processing, recycling and transport of all types of industrial waste. Specialised in used electrical and electronic equipment.The cluster is supraregional and its impact goeas beyond Lodzkie to include Wielkopolskie, Lubelskie, Lubuskie, , Malopolska, Masovia, Kujawsko-Pomorskie, Silesia, Świętokrzyskie and Zachodniopomorskie.

O-PAL RECYKLING: purchase, collection, recovery, processing and recycling of all types of waste.

STAL-CAR: Stal-Car is two licensed and authorised scarp yards operated since 2006. The company is in the forefront of the biggest automotive spare parts dealers in Poland.

The next study visit of the ENVE commission will take place in Nijmegen in April. Nijmegen has a lot to share when it comes to environmental and climate-friendly cities as it is the European Green Capital 2018.

Contact:

David Crous

david.crous@cor.europa.eu

+32 (0) 470 88 10 37

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L’Union européenne octroie 50 millions d’euros en soutien au secteur de la sécurité au Liban

L’Union européenne a annoncé un montant de 50 millions d’euros d’aide au secteur de la sécurité au Liban, dans le cadre de l’engagement européen de longue date en faveur de la stabilité et de la sécurité du pays. De cette somme, 46,6 millions d’euros sont consacrés à la promotion de l’Etat de droit, l’amélioration de la sécurité et la lutte contre le terrorisme jusqu’en 2020, et 3,5 millions d’euros à la sécurité de l’aéroport international de Beyrouth – Rafic Hariri. La Haute Représentante/Vice-Présidente Federica Mogherini a annoncé ce financement au cours de la réunion ministérielle Rome II sur le soutien aux forces armées libanaises et aux forces de sécurité intérieures, qui a eu lieu hier à Rome. Elle a déclaré: «Le Liban peut compter sur le partenariat de longue date avec l’Union européenne pour faire face aux défis auxquels il est actuellement confronté, en matière d’aide humanitaire ou de coopération au développement, mais aussi sur le plan de l’économie et de la sécurité. Avec ce nouveau soutien, l’UE confirme une fois encore son engagement en faveur de la sécurité et du renforcement des institutions du Liban, qui sont essentiels pour garantir la stabilité et l’unité du pays, dans l’intérêt du peuple libanais et de la région toute entière». Ce soutien s’inscrit dans le cadre de l’assistance globale de l’UE au secteur de la sécurité au Liban, avec plus de 85 millions d’euros investis dans l’ensemble du secteur depuis 2006. Les activités de l’UE incluent l’aide au renforcement des capacités des forces de sécurité libanaises, la gestion intégrée des frontières, la surveillance civile et l’atténuation des menaces chimiques, biologiques, radiologiques et nucléaires ainsi que le déminage. Le communiqué de presse complet est disponible ici ainsi que les remarques de la Haute Représentante/Vice-Présidente lors de la réunion ministérielle et la déclaration finale des participants. (Pour plus d’informations: Catherine Ray – Tel.: +32 229 69921; Maja Kocijancic – Tel.: +32 229 86570; Alceo Smerilli – Tel.: +32 229 64887; Lauranne Devillé – Tel.: +32 229 80833)

Startup Europe connects European ecosystems and supports scale up expansion

Over 200 founders, policy makers and project managers will attend the very first Startup Europe “Campfire” in Paris next Monday 19 March. This Campfire will see the official launch of the new Startup Europe for Growth projects whose aim is that startups and tech entrepreneurs achieve market success. The event itself will focus on new opportunities for startups and on the role of governments on, for example, unlocking access to markets for founders through policy, collaboration and partnerships. The Startup Europe Campfire is also the excellent moment to announce the 2018 edition of the European Maker Week that will take place on 12-19 May. On this occasion, Vice-President Andrus Ansip in charge of the Digital Single Market said: “The Maker Movement represents a new way of allowing people – anyone – to become an entrepreneur, using the right technology even without specific training. Its approach to creativity will help build bridges between innovators and small and medium-sized enterprises, in turn helping Europe’s startups to grow, expand and succeed. I am sure that this year’s European Maker Week will be another success story, I wish the makers of Europe success – and fun”. During the upcoming European Maker Week, key stakeholders in each local community will be able to discuss the role of the Maker Movement in areas such as education, entrepreneurship, workforce development, manufacturing, community revitalisation and community-based problem solving. They can already register their events. The European Maker Week is an initiative promoted by European Commission and implemented by Maker Faire Rome in collaboration with Startup Europe. A factsheet on Startup Europe is available here and you can find more information here.  (For more information: Nathalie Vandystadt – Tel.: +32 229 56172; Julia-Henriette Bräuer – Tel.: +32 229 80707)

 

La Commission approuve une nouvelle indication géographique protégée du Portugal

La Commission européenne a approuvé la demande d’inscription de l’ «Amêndoa coberta de Moncorvo» dans le registre des indications géographiques protégées (IGP). L’«Amêndoa Coberta de Moncorvo» est un produit de confiserie obtenu à partir d’amandes douces grillées et enrobées d’une pâte de sucre et fabriqué dans la commune de Torre de Moncorvo dans le nord-est du Portugal. Les amandes ainsi préparées peuvent être blanches, au chocolat ou nature (appelées alors «peladinhas»). Elles sont particulièrement populaires pendant la période de Pâques. Le mode de fabrication est resté hautement traditionnel et artisanal et les femmes se consacrant à la production de l’«Amêndoa Coberta de Moncorvo» sont appelées “cobrideiras”. Ces dernières années, différentes actions de formation ont été mises en place à Torre de Moncorvo en vue de transmettre ce savoir-faire à de nouvelles «cobrideiras» et de communiquer aux jeunes générations l’intérêt pour cette activité. Cette nouvelle appellation va rejoindre plus de 1425 produits déjà protégés dont la liste est disponible dans la base de données DOOR. Pour plus d’informations, voir aussi les pages sur la politique de qualité. (pour plus d’information: Enrico Brivio – Tel: +32 2 29 56172; Clémence Robin – Tel: +32 229 52 509)

Banking regulation: Commission launches consultation on the finalisation of Basel III

Today the Commission Services are launching an exploratory consultation on the last piece of banking regulatory reform that was launched at international level during the financial crisis and which was agreed by the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision in December 2017. The consultation aims to gather views from interested parties on the potential impact that amendments may have on the EU banking sector and the wider economy, as well as to highlight possible implementation challenges. Valdis Dombrovskis, Vice-President responsible for Financial Stability, Financial Services and Capital Markets Union, said: “EU banking regulation must provide a foundation for a stable banking system that supports the European economy. International cooperation in this matter is crucial to ensure financial stability and a level playing field for banks globally. The measures that were agreed by the Basel Committee represent the last major piece of the regulatory reform that was launched in the wake of the financial crisis. It is now essential that all major jurisdictions implement all elements of this agreement. The Commission will now carry out a thorough and detailed impact assessment and today’s targeted consultation is the first step.” The implementation of this agreement in the EU would require amendments to current banking regulations, in particular the Capital Requirements Regulation (CRR). Before considering such amendments, the Commission will carry out a thorough impact assessment, in accordance with its Better Regulation agenda. The results of this consultation will inform the Commission’s overall assessment. Respondents are encouraged to provide as much evidence as possible using this link. (For more information: Johannes Bahrke – Tel.: +32 229 58615; Letizia Lupini – Tel.: +32 229 51958)

 

Aides d’Etat: la Commission approuve le régime belge de compensation des coûts indirects des émissions liés au système d’échange de quotas d’émission de gaz à effet de serre

La Commission européenne a autorisé, en vertu des règles de l’UE relatives aux aides d’État, un régime belge visant à accorder aux entreprises grandes consommatrices d’énergie une compensation partielle pour les prix de l’électricité plus élevés découlant des coûts indirects des émissions liés au système d’échange de quotas d’émission de gaz à effet de serre (SEQE) de l’UE. Le régime couvre la période 2017-2020, avec un budget prévisionnel de 17,5 millions d’euros. La mesure bénéficie aux entreprises installées en région wallonne et actives dans certains secteurs particulièrement exposés à la concurrence internationale. L’objective de la mesure est d’éviter une augmentation du niveau global des émissions de gaz à effet de serre qu’engendreraient des délocalisations d’entreprises dans des pays hors de l’UE ayant une législation environnementale moins stricte. La compensation prendra la forme d’un paiement direct aux entreprises éligibles, l’année suivant celle au cours de laquelle les coûts ont été supportés. Plus d’informations seront disponibles sur le site internet de la DG Concurrence, dans le registre des aides d’État sous le numéro SA.49630. (Pour plus d’informations: Ricardo Cardoso – Tel.: +32 229 80100; Maria Sarantopoulou – Tel.: +32 229 13740)

Mergers: Commission clears acquisition of Diamond Transmission Partners by Diamond Transmission Corporation and Infrared Capital Partners

The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of joint control over Diamond Transmission Partners BBE (Holding) Limited by Diamond Transmission Corporation Limited (“DTC”) and Infrared Capital Partners Limited (“IRCP”), all of the UK. Diamond Transmission Partners is an offshore transmission owner for the ‘Burbo Bank Extension offshore windfarm, active in the transmission of electricity from this windfarm to the UK’s national electricity transmission system. It is currently solely controlled by DTC, a holding company with activities in the electricity transmission sector. IRCP is an infrastructure investment management company active in financial advice and managing investments on behalf of investment funds. The Commission concluded that the proposed acquisition would raise no competition concerns because there are no overlaps between the companies’ activities. 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.8728. (For more information: Ricardo Cardoso – Tel.: +32 229 80100; Maria Sarantopoulou – Tel.: +32 229 13740)

Mergers: Commission clears the acquisition of Maersk Product Tankers by APMH Invest and Mitsui

The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of joint control over Maersk Product Tankers A/S of Denmark by APMH Invest A/S of Denmark and Mitsui & Co., Ltd. of Japan. Maersk Product Tankers A/S is active in the maritime tramp vessel sector for the transport of liquid bulk products, specifically refined oil products and certain chemicals. APMH Invest A/S is a holding company with interests in banking, infrastructure and financial investments in fixed income and securities. Mitsui & Co., Ltd is pursuing business that ranges from product sales, worldwide logistics and financing through to the development of major infrastructure and other projects. The Commission concluded that the proposed acquisition would raise no competition concerns because of the limited impact it would have on the market. The transaction was examined under the simplified merger review procedure. More information is available on the Commission’s competition website, in the public case register under the case number M.8697. (For more information: Ricardo Cardoso – Tel.: +32 229 80100; Maria Sarantopoulou – Tel.: +32 229 13740)

Concentrations: la Commission autorise l’acquisition de DRT par Ardian

La Commission européenne a approuvé, en vertu du règlement européen sur les concentrations, l’acquisition de Dérivés Résiniques et Terpéniques SA (DRT) par Ardian France SA, toutes deux basées en France. DRT est une société active dans la fabrication de dérivés de résine de pin. Ardian est une société d’investissement privé indépendante qui gère des actifs en Europe, en Amérique du Nord et en Asie. La Commission a conclu que l’opération envisagée ne soulèverait pas de problème de concurrence, compte tenu de son impact très limité sur la structure du marché. L’opération a été examinée dans le cadre de la procédure simplifiée de contrôle des concentrations. De plus amples informations sont disponibles sur le site internet concurrence de la Commission, dans le registre public des affaires sous le numéro d’affaire M.8810. (Pour plus d’informations: Ricardo Cardoso – Tel.: +32 229 80100; Maria Sarantopoulou – Tel.: +32 229 13740)

Mergers: Commission clears acquisition of Schoeller Allibert by Brookfield and Schoeller Industries

The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the joint acquisition of Schoeller Allibert of the Netherlands by Schoeller Industries, also of the Netherlands and Brookfield, of Canada. Schoeller Allibert is a manufacturer of returnable plastic packaging for material handling. Schoeller Industries belongs to the Schoeller group and is active in returnable packaging solutions, supply chain systems and intellectual property services. Brookfield is a global asset manager. The Commission concluded that the proposed acquisition would raise no competition concerns because of the limited overlaps between the companies’ activities and the presence of several alternative competitors. The operation was examined under the normal merger review procedure. More information will be available on the Commission’s competition website, in the public case register under the case number M.8795. (For more information: Ricardo Cardoso – Tel.: +32 229 80100; Maria Sarantopoulou – Tel.: +32 229 13740)

Eurostat: Job vacancy rate at 2.0% in both euro area and EU28

The job vacancy rate in the euro area (EA19) was 2.0% in the fourth quarter of 2017, up from 1.9% recorded in the previous quarter and from 1.7% in the fourth quarter of 2016, according to figures published by Eurostat, the statistical office of the European Union. In the EU28, the job vacancy rate was 2.0% in the fourth quarter of 2017, stable compared with the previous quarter, but up from 1.8% in the fourth quarter of 2016. A Eurostat press release is available here. (For more information: Christian Wigand– Tel.: +32 229 62253; Sara Soumillion – Tel.: + 32 229 67094)

 

Eurostat: Annual inflation down to 1.1% in the euro area

Euro area annual inflation rate was 1.1% in February 2018, down from 1.3% in January. In February 2017, the rate was 2.0%. European Union annual inflation was 1.3% in February 2018, down from 1.6% in January. A year earlier the rate was 2.0%. These figures come from Eurostat, the statistical office of the European Union. A Eurostat press release is available here. (For more information:Johannes Bahrke – Tel.: +32 229 58615; Annikky Lamp – Tel.: +32 229 56151)

 

Eurostat: Annual growth in labour costs at 1.5% in euro area

Hourly labour costs rose by 1.5% in the euro area (EA19) and by 2.3% in the EU28 in the fourth quarter of 2017, compared with the same quarter of the previous year. In the third quarter of 2017, hourly labour costs increased by 1.6% and 2.2% respectively. These figures are published by Eurostat, the statistical office of the European Union. A Eurostat press release is available here. (For more information: Christian Wigand– Tel.: +32 229 62253; Sara Soumillion – Tel.: + 32 229 67094)

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Commissioner Avramopoulos in Niger for Ministerial Conference Against Migrant Smuggling and Human Trafficking

Commissioner for Migration, Home Affairs and Citizenship, Dimitris Avramopoulos is in Niamey, Niger today to participate in the Conference Against Migrant Smuggling and Human Trafficking with Ministers of Interior and Foreign Affairs of countries from the European Union, the Sahel region, West Africa and North Africa. Participants include delegations from France, Italy, Germany, Spain, Niger, Burkina Faso, Chad, Guinea, Ivory Coast, Libya, Mali and Mauritania. Hosted by the Nigerien Minister of Interior, the conference is an opportunity to discuss ways to strengthen cooperation on migration and follow-up to the leaders meeting held in France in August 2017. A joint statement will be issued this afternoon and will be available here. (For more information:  Natasha Bertaud – Tel.: +32 2 296 74 56; Tove Ernst – Tel.: +32 229 86764; Markus Lammert – Tel.: +32 229 58602)

 

Vice-President Katainen in Helsinki, Monday 19 March

Vice-President Katainen, responsible for Jobs, Growth, Investment and Competitiveness, travels to Helsinki, Finland, on Monday 19 March. He will visit the EPIQUS Social Impact Bond Project in Vantaato with journalists. The project, which is supported by the European Fund for Strategic Investments (EFSI), provides fast-track integration training and job-matching for migrants and refugees. Also during his visit, the Vice-President will attend a hearing by the Finnish Parliament’s Education and Culture Committee on “Multiannual Financial Framework Post 2020 – reforming the framework programme on research and innovation”. In addition, Vice-President Katainen will meet Mr Samu Konttinen, CEO of F-Secure and Mr Mikko Hyppönen, Chief Research Officer of F-Secure to discuss cyber threats, dual-use products and F-Secure strategy. He will meet Mr Risto Siilasmaa, Chairman of both F-Secure and the Nokia Board of Directors, to discuss artificial intelligence. The Vice-President will also meet with Mr Petteri Orpo, Minister of Finance, and Mr Jyri Häkämies, CEO Confederation of Finnish Industries. Furthermore, he will deliver a keynote address at a seminar on the Future of European Defence, organized by the Advisory Board for Defence Information, where he will present EU defence cooperation and its future. (For more information: Johannes Bahrke – Tel.: +32 229 58615; 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 19 mars 2018

Agriculture and Fisheries Council

Foreign Affairs Council

Mr Frans Timmermans receives Mr Werner Faymann, United Nations’ Special Envoy on Youth Employment.

Mr Frans Timmermans receives Mr Nikos Christodoulides, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Cyprus.

Mr Frans Timmermans receives Mr Stef Blok, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands.

Mr Maroš Šefčovič receives representatives of the Northern Innovation Board (NIB).

Mr Maroš Šefčovič receives representatives of IG Metall Trade Union.

Mr Valdis Dombrovskis receives Mr Theodor Weimer, CEO of Deutsche Börse Group AG.

Mr Jyrki Katainen in Finland (until 20/03): in Vantaa: attends an investEU international journalists’ visit concerning the EPIQUS Social Impact Bond Project; meets Mr Samu Konttinen, President and CEO of F-Secure and Mr Mikko Hyppönen, Chief Research Officer of F-Secure; Mr Risto Siilasmaa, Chair of the Board of Directors of Nokia Corporation and of F-Secure Corporation; Mr Petteri Orpo, Minister for Finance of Finland; and Mr Jyri Häkämies, Director-General of the Confederation of Finnish Industries EK.

Ms Cecilia Malmström participates in the 10^th Union for the Mediterranean trade ministerial meeting, in Brussels. 

Mr Neven Mimica participates in the opening of the EU Nutrition Seminar, in Brussels.

Mr Neven Mimica receives Mr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organisation (WHO).

Mr Miguel Arias Cañete in Spain: in Orense: delivers a keynote speech at the presentation of the Ecobarrio project; and in Lugo: delivers a keynote speech at the inauguration of Norvento Energy Innovation Centre.

Mr Karmenu Vella meets Ms Julia Klöckner, Minister for Agriculture and Food of Germany, in Brussels.

Mr Karmenu Vella meets Mr Stéphane Travert, Minister for Agriculture and Food of France, in Brussels.

Mr Karmenu Vella meets Mr Sándor Fazekas, Minister for Agriculture of Hungary, in Brussels.

Mr Vytenis Andriukaitis receives Mr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organisation (WHO).

Mr Vytenis Andriukaitis receives the members of The European Network of Ombudspersons for Children.

Mr Vytenis Andriukaitis receives Mr Gergely Karácsony, Prime Minister Candidate of the Alliance of MSZP and Parbeszed of Hungary, and Mr Bertalan Toth, President of the Socialist Group at the Hungarian Parliament.

Mr Vytenis Andriukaitis receives Mr Jiří Milek, Minister for Agriculture of the Czech Republic.

Mr Vytenis Andriukaitis receives Mr Jari Leppä, Minister for Agriculture and Forestry of Finland, and Mr Sven-Erik Bucht, Minister for Rural Affairs of Sweden.

Ms Marianne Thyssen participates in the 8th trilogue on the reform of the Posting of Workers Directive, in Brussels.

M. Pierre Moscovici à Buenos Aires, Argentine (jusqu’à 20/03): participe à la réunion G20 des Ministres des Finances et Gouverneurs de Banque Centrale.

Mr Christos Stylianides receives Mr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organisation (WHO).

Mr Christos Stylianides receives Mr Elias Mossialos, Professor of Health Policy at the London School of Economics (LSE).

Mr Christos Stylianides receives Mr Abdullah Ayaz, Deputy Director-General for Migration Management at the Turkish Ministry of Interior.

Mr Christos Stylianides receives Mr Nikos Christodoulides, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Cyprus.

Mr Phil Hogan meets Ms Elisabeth Köstinger, Federal Minister for Sustainability and Tourism of Austria, in Brussels.

Mr Phil Hogan meets Ms Julia Klöckner, Minister for Agriculture and Food of Germany, in Brussels.

Mr Phil Hogan meets Mr Clint Camilleri, Parliamentary Secretary for Agriculture, Fisheries and Animal Rights of Malta, in Brussels.

Mr Phil Hogan meets Mr Luís Capoulas Santos, Minister for Agriculture, Forestry and Rural Development of Portugal, in Brussels.

Ms Vĕra Jourová in Washington DC, the United States (until 21/03): meets representatives of the civil society.

Mr Tibor Navracsics receives rectors from Polish Universities.

Ms Margrethe Vestager in Copenhagen, Denmark: meets Mr Lars Løkke Rasmussen, Prime Minister of Denmark; and Mr Jens Klarskov, CEO of the Danish Chamber of Commerce.

Mr Carlos Moedas receives Mr Alexander Stubb, Vice-President of the European Investment Bank (EIB).

Mr Carlos Moedas gives a keynote interview at the POLITICO AI Summit: Innovation and Governance, in Brussels.

Mr Julian King in Sofia, Bulgaria: delivers a speech at the 2nd meeting of the Joint Parliamentary Scrutiny Group on the European Union Agency for Law Enforcement Cooperation (Europol).

Ms Mariya Gabriel in Sofia, Bulgaria: delivers a speech at the Meeting of the Joint Parliamentary Scrutiny Group on the European Union Agency for Law Enforcement Cooperation (Europol).

 

Mardi 20 mars 2018

General Affairs Council

President Jean-Claude Juncker receives Mr Peer Steinbrück, former Minister for Finance of Germany, for a working lunch.

President Jean-Claude Juncker receives Mr Peter Maurer, President of the International Committee of the Red Cross.

Mr Frans Timmermans receives Mr Peter Maurer, President of the International Committee of the Red Cross.

Ms Federica Mogherini receives Ms Ine Marie Eriksen Søreide, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Norway.

Ms Federica Mogherini delivers a speech at the event “Albania: committed to reform”, at the European Parliament, in Brussels.

Ms Federica Mogherini hosts the regular session of the International Donor Group for Palestine (Ad Hoc Liaison Committee (AHLC)), in Brussels.

Ms Federica Mogherini receives Mr Yukiya Amano, Director-General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

Mr Andrus Ansip delivers a speech at the closing session of POLITICO AI Summit: Innovation and Governance, in Brussels.

Mr Maroš Šefčovič receives Mr Bernhard Mattes, President of the German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA).

Mr Maroš Šefčovič delivers a speech at the conference EU for Climate Action and Sustainable Energy in the Southern Neighbourhood, in Brussels.

Mr Maroš Šefčovič speaks at the NATO North Atlantic Council meeting on global energy developments, Brussels.

Mr Valdis Dombrovskis receives Mr Leo Williams, Director of the European Anti-Poverty Network (EAPN).

Mr Jyrki Katainen in Helsinki, Finland: delivers a keynote address at a seminar on the Future of European Defence, organised by the Advisory Board for Defence Information; attends a hearing by the Finnish Parliament’s Education and Culture Committee; meets Mr Jouko Pölönen, Executive Vice-President for Banking and member of the executive board at OP Financial Group, and Mr Petri Kalervo Niemisvirta, CEO of Mandatumlife.

Mr Johannes Hahn co-chairs the Donors’ Conference for the Gaza Central Desalination Plant, in Brussels.

Mr Johannes Hahn participates in the International Donor Group for Palestine (Ad Hoc Liaison Committee (AHLC)), in Brussels.

Mr Johannes Hahn participates in a strategic dialogue on the Instrument of Pre-Accession and on the European Neighbourhood Instrument at the European Parliament, in Brussels.

Mr Johannes Hahn receives Mr Nikos Christodoulides, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Cyprus.

Mr Johannes Hahn receives Mr Zoran Pažin, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Justice of Montenegro, and Ms Vesna Medenica, President of the Supreme Court.

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

Ms Cecilia Malmström receives Mr Adrian Marius Dobre, Trade Secretary of Romania.

Mr Neven Mimica participates in the opening of the 6^th Global Meeting of the Policy Forum on Development, in Brussels.

Mr Neven Mimica receives Mr Yukiya Amano, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency.

Mr Neven Mimica receives Mr Peter Maurer, President of the International Committee of the Red Cross.

Mr Miguel Arias Cañete delivers a keynote speech at the conference on Strategic Agenda for Medical, Industrial and Research Applications of nuclear and radiation technology (SAMIRA), in Brussels.

Mr Miguel Arias Cañete receives Mr Yukiya Amano, Director-General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

Mr Karmenu Vella receivesMr John Scanlon, Secretary General of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES).

Mr Karmenu Vella delivers closing speech at an event on “Europe, the Ocean and Feeding the World event“, organised by the European Parliament’s Intergroup Seas, Rivers, Islands and Coastal Areas, in Brussels.

Mr Vytenis Andriukaitis delivers a speech at the conference “Advancing the Medical, Industrial and Research Applications of Nuclear and Radiation Technology”, in Brussels. 

Mr Vytenis Andriukaitis delivers a speech atthe launching symposium for the European Sepsis Alliance, in Brussels.

Mr Vytenis Andriukaitis delivers a keynote speech at the Food Waste Awards event organised by Food Waste Innovation Network, in Brussels.

Mr Dimitris Avramopoulos receives Mr Nikos Christodoulides, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Cyprus.

Ms Marianne Thyssen receives H.E. Mgr. Alain Paul Lebeaupin, Apostolic Nuncio to the European Union.

M. Pierre Moscovici à Buenos Aires, Argentine: participe à la réunion G20 des Ministres des Finances et Gouverneurs de Banque Centrale.

Mr Christos Stylianides receives Mr Peter Maurer, President of the International Committee of the Red Cross.

Mr Christos Stylianides receives Ms Sophia Kalantzakos, Professor of Environmental Studies and Public Policy at New York University Abu Dhabi.

Mr Phil Hogan in Tønder, Denmark: meets Mr Robert Habeck, Minister for Energy, Agriculture, Environment, Nature and digitalisation of the Land of Schleswig-Holstein in Germany; Mr Martin Merrild, President of the Danish Agriculture and Food Council; and participates in a Citizens’ dialogue on “Challenges for the EU and its farmers”.

Ms Vĕra Jourová in Washington, the United States: meets Mr Jeff Sessions, Attorney General of the United States; Mr Wilbur Ross, United States Secretary of Commerce; industry representatives of the US Chamber of Commerce; U.S. Representatives and Senators; and attends a roundtable hosted by The Business Software Alliance (BSA).

Mr Tibor Navracsics, Mr Carlos Moedas and Ms Mariya Gabriel participate and deliver keynote speeches at the High-level Innovation and Cultural Heritage Conference of the European Year of Cultural Heritage 2018, in Brussels.

Mr Tibor Navracsics receives Mr Armen Amiryan, Minister for Culture of Armenia, and participates in a signing ceremony for Armenia’s participation in Creative Europe Programme.

Ms Corina Creţu receives Mr Bertalan Tóth, Leader of MSZP political party and Mr Gergely Karácsony, Prime Minister Candidate of the Alliance of MSZP and Parbeszed.

Ms Corina Creţu receives Mr Stefan-Radu Oprea, Minister for Business Environment, Trade and Entrepreneurship of Romania.

Ms Corina Creţu receives the representatives of the Association of Regions of France.

Ms Corina Creţu receives Mr Pedro Marques, Minister for Planning and Infrastructure of Portugal and Mr Nelson de Souza, Secretary of State for Development and Cohesion of Portugal.

Mr Carlos Moedas co-chairs the strategic roundtable “AI Fairness and Accountability” at the POLITICO AI Summit: Innovation and Governance, in Brussels.

Mr Carlos Moedas receives Mr Pedro Marques, Minister for Planning and Infrastructure of Portugal.

Mr Carlos Moedas delivers a keynote speech at the Europaeum seminar on Individualised Education Plan (IEP), at the European Parliament, in Brussels.

Mr Julian King receives Mr Joakim Reiter, Group External Affairs Director of Vodaphone.

Ms Mariya Gabriel delivers a speech at the Gig Economy or Giga Economy? Equipping young people with digital skills for the jobs of the future event, in Brussels.

Ms Mariya Gabriel receives representatives from municipalities in Blagoevgrad region (Bulgaria).  

Mercredi 21 mars 2018

College meeting

President Jean-Claude Juncker delivers the opening speech at the Tripartite Social Summit, in Brussels.

Ms Federica Mogherini receives Mr Peter Maurer, President of International Committee of the Red Cross.

Mr Andrus Ansip in Germany (until 22/03): participates in a public debate on digitisation at Leuphana University of Lüneburg.

Mr Jyrki Katainen delivers a keynote speech at Rasmussen Global event on Investment Screening, in Brussels.

Mr Jyrki Katainen receives Mr Pekka Lundmark, President and CEO of Fortum.

Mr Jyrki Katainen receives Mr Jerzy Kwieciński, Minister for Investment and Economic Development of Poland.

00:00 Mr Johannes Hahn in Tunis, Tunisia: on official visit.

Ms Cecilia Malmström participates in the Women’s European Council 2018, at the European Parliament, in Brussels.

Mr Neven Mimica in Rome, Italy (until 22/03): participates in the launch of the 2018 Global Report on Food Crises by the European Union, the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) and the World Food Programme (WFP).

Mr Vytenis Andriukaitis participates in the World Down Syndrome Day event, at the European Parliament, in Brussels.

Mr Vytenis Andriukaitis receives Mr Stephen Ostroff, Deputy Commissioner for Foods and Veterinary Medicine of the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Mr Dimitris Avramopoulos receives Mr Peter Maurer, President of the International Committee of the Red Cross.

Ms Marianne Thyssen participates in the Tripartite Social Summit, in Brussels.

M. Pierre Moscovici reçoit une délégation de l’association Villes de France.

Mr Christos Stylianides holds a speech at a public event on civil protection, hosted by the Permanent Representation of Baden-Württemberg, in Brussels.

Ms Vĕra Jourová in Washington, the United States: delivers a speech at the conference “Challenges to Democracy in the Digital Age” organised by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS); and a speech at event organised by the Center for Transatlantic Relations.

Mr Tibor Navracsics delivers a closing speech at ‘Why Europe Matters’ event organised by Junior Achievement Europe and the European Round Table of Industrialists, at the European Committee of the Regions (CoR), in Brussels.

Ms Corina Creţu hosts an event on the 30^th anniversary of the EU Cohesion Policy, in Brussels.

Mr Carlos Moedas receives Mr Jerzy Kwieciński, Minister for Investments and Economic Development of Poland.

Mr Julian King in Rome, Italy: delivers a keynote speech at the Innovation Group Cybersecurity Summit 2018.

Ms Mariya Gabriel participates in the Women’s European Council 2018 of the European Women Alliance, at the European Parliament, in Brussels.

Ms Mariya Gabriel participates in a high-level meeting of the Alliance to better protect minors online, in Brussels.

Ms Mariya Gabriel receives representatives of the Association of EU businesses operating in the Russian Federation.

 

Jeudi 22 mars 2018

22-23/03 European Council

President Jean-Claude Juncker, Mr Valdis Dombrovskis, Mr Jyrki Katainen, Mr Miguel Arias Cañete andMr Karmenu Vella participate anddeliver keynote speeches at the High-Level Conference on Financing Sustainable Growth, in Brussels.

President Jean-Claude Juncker receives Ms Najat Vallaud-Belkacem, former Minister for Education of France.

President Jean-Claude Juncker receives Mr Māris Kučinskis, Prime Minister of Latvia; Mr Jüri Ratas, Prime Minister of Estonia; Mr Saulius Skvernelis, Prime Minister of Lithuania and Mr Mateusz Morawiecki, Prime Minister of Poland.

President Jean-Claude Juncker and Mr Jyrki Katainen, Ms Marianne Thyssen participate in the European People’s Party (EPP) Summit ahead of the European Council, in Brussels.

President Jean-Claude Juncker meets Mr Paolo Gentiloni, Prime Minister of Italy.

President Jean-Claude Juncker participates in the European Council, in Brussels.

President Jean-Claude Juncker participates in the working dinner of the European Council, in Brussels.

Mr Andrus Ansip in Hamburg, Germany: holds meetings with the city government; visits the City Science Lab; and delivers a speech at the “Media match policy track 2018” at the Online Marketing Rockstars Festival.

Mr Maroš Šefčovič delivers a speech at the inauguration of the International Headquarters of the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy, in Brussels.

Mr Maroš Šefčovič receives Mr Andriy Kobolyev, CEO of Naftogaz of Ukraine.

Mr Johannes Hahn delivers a keynote speech at the Plenary Session of the European Committee of the Regions (CoR), in Brussels.

Mr Miguel Arias Cañete in London, the United Kingdom: delivers a keynote speech at the Sustainability Summit on “Reframing the mission: from responsibility to leadership” hosted by The Economist.

Mr Karmenu Vella receives Mr Nguyễn Xuân Cường, Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development of Vietnam.

Mr Vytenis Andriukaitis in Lithuania (until 23/03): participates in the 4th Traditional Scientific – Practical Conference on Lifestyle Medicine at the Faculty of Public Health of the Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, in Kaunas.

Mr Dimitris Avramopoulos receives Ms Laura Thompson, Deputy Director-General of the International Organisation for Migration (IOM).

Mr Dimitris Avramopoulos delivers a keynote statement on integration of migrants and social cohesion at the plenary session of the European Committee of the Regions (CoR).

Mr Dimitris Avramopoulos receives Ms Catherine De Bolle, Executive Director of Europol.

Mr Christos Stylianides receives Mr Thomas Strobl, Minister for the Interior, Digitalisation and Migration and Deputy Minister-President of the Land of Baden-Württemberg.

Mr Christos Stylianides receives Mr George Kostakos, Executive Director of the Foundation for Global Governance and Sustainability, and Mr Dominikos Chrysidis, Head of Programmes and Advocacy at the Foundation for Global Governance and Sustainability.

Mr Phil Hogan receives Mr Nguyễn Xuân Cường, Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development of Vietnam.

Mr Phil Hogan participates in a luncheon debate, organised by the Spanish Chamber of Commerce in Belgium and Luxembourg, in Brussels.

Mr Tibor Navracsics in Sofia, Bulgaria: delivers a speech at EU Sport Forum 2018, organised by the European Commission and the Bulgarian Presidency of the Council of the EU.

Ms Corina Creţu receives Mr Cristian Octavian Matei, Mayor of the municipality of Turda, Romania.

Ms Margrethe Vestager participates in ALDE party pre-summit, in Brussels.

Mr Carlos Moedas receives Mr Rui Rio, President of the Social Democratic Party of Portugal.

Mr Carlos Moedas in Luxembourg: delivers a closing keynote speech at the 1^st European Investment Bank Venture Debt Summit.

Mr Julian King delivers a speech at the European Policy Centre – European Foundation for Democracy 2nd Annual Conference “Two years after the Brussels attacks: The challenges of jihadist radicalisation in Europe and beyond”, in Brussels.

Mr Julian King in Prague, the Czech Republic: meets the EU and Security Committees of the Chamber of Deputies of the Parliament; Mr Robert Pelikán, Minister for Justice of the Czech Republic; Mr Lubomír Metnar, Minister for the Interior; and Mr Michal Koudelka, Director of the Security Information Service (BIS).

Ms Mariya Gabriel in Sofia, Bulgaria: delivers the closing speech at the High-level conference Future of Work: A lifecycle approach.

Vendredi 23 mars 2018

European Council (Art. 50)

President Jean-Claude Juncker participates in the working breakfast of the European Council (Art. 50), in Brussels.

President Jean-Claude Juncker participates in the Euro Summit, in Brussels.

Mr Frans Timmermans receives Mr Bernard Cazeneuve, former Prime Minister of France.

Mr Valdis Dombrovskis in Riga, Latvia: participates in the panel “The New Shape of the European Union” at the conference Baltic EU Conversations 2018: Is Europe Back?; and delivers a keynote speech on “Recent EC initiatives within Capital Markets Union package” at the conference Future of Financial Technology in Baltics and EU.

Mr Jyrki Katainen delivers a speech at a Helsinki-Uusimaa Region event on entrepreneurial success via growth and jobs programmes, in Brussels.

Mr Jyrki Katainen receives a delegation from Finnish Energy Industries.

Ms Cecilia Malmström receives Ms Sharan Burrow, Secretary General of ITUC (International Trade Union Confederation) and Mr Luca Visentini, Secretary General of ETUC (European Trade Union Confederation.

Ms Cecilia Malmström receives representatives of the industry association ‘European Aluminium’.

Mr Miguel Arias Cañete receives the members of the Roundtable of Europe’s Energy Industrialists.

Mr Vytenis Andriukaitis in Vilnius, Lithuania: meets Mr Saulius Skvernelis, Prime Minister of Lithuania; participates in the EU Summit on Chronic Allergy and Airways Disease Prevention in the Seimas (Parliament); meets the members of the Committee of European Affairs of the Seimas; and Mr Dainius Žalimas, President of the Constitutional Court of Lithuania.

Mr Phil Hogan in Jasionka, Poland: meets Mr Krzysztof Jurgiel, Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development of Poland; and participates in a Citizens’ dialogue on “The New Budget Perspective of the CAP – priorities, assumptions, proposals for changes”.

Ms Vĕra Jourová receives a delegation of Polish judges, advocates and lawyers.

Mr Tibor Navracsics in Kőszeg, Hungary: delivers an opening speech at the conference on Heritage and Identity, organised by the Hungarian Association of Cultural Heritage Managers.

Ms Mariya Gabriel inZagreb, Croatia: delivers a speech and participates in panel debate at the event celebrating 10 years of the MEDIA programme in Croatia “10 years: MEDIA and Croatia Strong Women of European Audiovisual Industry in Zagreb for the First Time!”; meets Ms Nina Obuljen Koržinek, Minister for Culture of Croatia; holds a Citizens’ dialogue; delivers a speech and participates in a debate at the 9th meeting of the European Regulators Group for Audiovisual Media Services (ERGA).

 

Samedi 24 mars 2018

Mr Christos Stylianides in the Democratic Republic of Congo (until 26/03): on official visit.

 

Dimanche 25 mars 2018

Mr Karmenu Vella inBlankenberge, Belgium: participates in the Beach Clean-up action.

Prévisons du mois de mars:

26/03 EU-Turkey leaders’ meeting in Varna, Bulgaria

Permanence DG COMM le WE du 17 et 18 mars 2018:

Lucia CAUDET: +32 (0) 460 75 61 82

 

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

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