(Susceptible de modifications en cours de semaine)

Déplacements et visites

 

Lundi 19 juin 2017

Foreign Affairs Council

Environment Council

Mr Frans Timmermans hosts the High-Level meeting with non-confessional leaders, in Brussels.

Mr Frans Timmermans delivers the concluding keynote speech at the European Network of Ombudsmen Conference, in Brussels.

Ms Federica Mogherini in Luxembourg: chairs the Foreign Affairs Council and the Eastern Partnership Ministerial Meeting.

Mr Andrus Ansip receives Mr Claude Schmit, CEO of SUPER RTL.

Mr Maroš Šefčovič in Bratislava, Slovakia: delivers a keynote speech at the conference “The EU in 2017: How to improve Europe´s future”, organised by the Slovak Foreign Ministry; attends EFEKTIA 2017 award ceremony for energy efficiency projects; and meets Mr Andrej Danko, Speaker of the of the National Council of Slovakia.

Mr Valdis Dombrovskis receives Ms Susan Danger, CEO of the American Chamber of Commerce to the EU (AmCham EU); and Mr Karl Cox, Vice-President, Global Public Affairs, Oracle Corporation and Board Chair of AmCham EU.  

Mr Jyrki Katainen in Lisbon, Portugal (until 20/06): meets Mr José Azeredo Lopes,  Minister for National Defence of Portugal; Mr Mário Centeno, Minister for Finance; Mr Pedro Marques, Minister for Planning and Infrastructure; takes part in an exchange of views with members of the Parliament of Portugal on the Future of Europe; addresses a conference on “Investment and Future of Europe”; meets stakeholders to discuss the opportunities of the Investment Plan for Europe; and visits projects supported by it.

Mr Johannes Hahn in Luxembourg: participates in the Foreign Affairs Council and the Eastern Partnership ministerial meeting.

Ms Cecilia Malmström receives Mr Luca Visentini, Confederal Secretary of the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC).

Ms Cecilia Malmström receives representatives of the Executive Council of the American Chamber of Commerce to the European Union (AmCham).

Mr Neven Mimica and Mr Christos Stylianides in San Giljan, Malta: participate in the 33^rd session of the African Caribbean Pacific countries-European Union Joint Parliamentary Assembly.

Mr Karmenu Vella in Luxembourg: meets Mr Siim Kiisler, Minister for the Environment of Estonia; Mr Neno Dimov, Minister for Environment and Water of Bulgaria; and Mr Zsolt Németh, Minister for State for Environmental Affairs and Agricultural Development of Hungary.

M. Pierre Moscovici à Paris, France: assiste au Salon International de l’Aéronautique et de l’Espaceorganisé par le Groupement des Industries Françaises Aéronautiques et Spatiales (GIFAS).

Mr Phil Hogan meets Mr Marian Jurečka, Minister for Agriculture of the Czech Republic, in Brussels.

Mr Phil Hogan receives Mr Kevin O’Connor, Associate Professor at University College Dublin Conway Institute of Biomolecular and Biomedical Research.

Mr Tibor Navracsics in Budapest, Hungary: meets Ms Liu Yandong, Vice-Premier of the State Council of People’s Republic of China

Mr Tibor Navracsics receives Mr Thomas Bach, President of the International Olympic Committee; and participates in a panel discussion entitled “EU Sport Policy: Quo Vadis?”, in Brussels.

Ms Margrethe Vestager receives Ms Ellen Trane Nørby, Minister for Health of Denmark.

Mr Carlos Moedas in Trondheim, Norway: visits the Kavli Institute for Systems Neuroscience; delivers the opening speech at the mini-symposium “The Role of Universities in Innovation”; meets Mr Stephen Hawking, Director of Research at the Centre for Theoretical Cosmology within the University of Cambridge; attends a working lunch with Mr Torbjørn Røe Isaksen, Minister for Education and Research of Norway; and Mr John-Arne Røttingen, Director-General of the Research Council of Norway, hosted by Mr Gunnar Bovim, Rector of the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) ; participates in the STARMUS Festival on “The Role of Science in the 21st century”.

Mr Julian Kingdelivers an opening speech at the conference on “Responses to returning terrorist fighters and their families” organised by the Radicalisation Awareness Network (RAN), in Brussels.

Mr Julian King delivers a keynote speech at the event on “Implementing the Security Union: The European Commission’s Priorities and Next Steps” organised by the Centre for European Policy Studies (CEPS), in Brussels.

Mr Julian King receives Ms Victoria Espinel, President and CEO of the Business Software Alliance (BSA), in Brussels.

 

Mardi 20 juin 2017

General Affairs Council

President Jean-Claude Juncker receives Mr Donald Tusk, President of the European Council, for a working lunch.

President Jean-Claude Juncker receives Mr Roberto Azêvedo, Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO).

President Jean-Claude Juncker receives Mr Joseph Daul, President of the European People’s Party (EPP).

Ms Federica Mogherini receives Ms Amina Mohammed, Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations (UN).

Mr Andrus Ansip receives Mr Sanjay Pradhan, CEO of the Open Government Partnership.

Mr Andrus Ansip receives a group of CEOs from the Roundtable of European Energy Industrialists on digitisation.

Mr Maroš Šefčovič in Budapest, Hungary: on Energy Union Tour: meets Mr Viktor Orbán, Prime Minister for Hungary; visits Smart City Thermal Project at Budapest Zoo and Botanical Garden; meets Mr Péter Szijjártó, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade of Hungary; attends the signing ceremony of the reverse flow gas pipeline Memorandum of Understanding between Hungary and Croatia together with Mr Péter Szijjártó and Ms Martina Dalić, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for the Economy, Enterprise and Small Business of Croatia; meets Social Partners; and meets representatives of NGOs to discuss the “Energy Union”.

Mr Valdis Dombrovskis receives a delegation from Latvia for the European Week of Sport.

Mr Günther H.Oettinger participates in a public hearing on “Preparing for the MFF post-2020: assessing strengths and weaknesses of the current MFF system and its relation to the Europe 2020 strategy” in the European Parliament, in Brussels.

Mr Günther H.Oettinger in Luxembourg: participates in a lunch meeting in the General Affairs Council.

Ms Cecilia Malmström participates in a live interview about the “Future of Europe’s Trade relationships with the United States, the United Kingdom and China” at a Brussels Playbook Breakfast organized by Politico, in Brussels.

Ms Cecilia Malmström hosts together with Ms Arancha González, Executive Director of the International Trade Centre (ITC) the International Forum on Women and Trade, in Brussels.

Ms Cecilia Malmström delivers the closing speech at the Trade Review 2017 event “Stand Up for Trade” organised by spiritsEurope, in Brussels.

Mr Neven Mimica in Bratislava, Slovakia: attends a joint meeting of the members of the European Affairs and the Foreign Affairs Committees of the National Council of Slovakia on a renewed EU development policy.

Mr Miguel Arias Cañete delivers a speech at the opening session ofthe EU Sustainable Energy Week (EUSEW), in Brussels.

Mr Karmenu Vella receives Ms Nikolina Angelkova, Minister for Tourism of Bulgaria; Mr Neno Dimov, Minister for Environment and Water of Bulgaria; and Mr Nikolay Nankov, Minister for Regional Development and Public Works of Bulgaria.        

Mr Karmenu Vella receives Mr Denis Zvizdić, Chairman of the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Mr Vytenis Andriukaitis in Washington D.C., the United States (until 22/06):holds official meetings with representatives of the World Resources Institute and Animal Welfare Institute.

Ms Marianne Thyssen attends the launch event “Skills Profile Tool for Non-EU nationals” and participates in a demonstration of the EU skills profile toolkit, in Brussels.

M. Pierre Moscovici s’adresse aux Commissions des Affaires étrangères, des Affaires européennes, de la Coopération internationale, du Tourisme et du Patrimoine culturel et de la Politique générale, des Finances et du Budget du Parlement Flamand, à Bruxelles.

M. Pierre Moscovici rencontre M. Geert Bourgeois, Ministre-président de la Flandre et ministre de la politique extérieure et du patrimoine immobilier, à Bruxelles.

Mr Phil Hogan receives representatives of the European Environmental Bureau (EEB); BirdLife nature conservation partnership; and the World Wildlife Fund (WWF).

Mr Phil Hogan delivers a keynote speech at a seminar on “Re-thinking Sustainable Food Systems” organised by White Rose Brussels, in Brussels.

Mr Phil Hogan receives Mr Ioannis Tsironis, Deputy Minister for Rural Development and Food of Greece.

Ms Violeta Bulc participates in the “Single European Rail Area Convention“, in Brussels.

Ms Violeta Bulc delivers a speech at the “11^th Road Safety Performance Index” conference organised by the European Transport Safety Council, in Brussels.

Ms Elżbieta Bieńkowska in Paris, France: attends the International Paris Air Show.

Ms Vĕra Jourová receives students from Harvard and Stanford Universities.

Mr Tibor Navracsics delivers an opening speech at the Crowdfunding4Culture conference, in Brussels.

Mr Tibor Navracsics participates in a panel discussion on “Fostering STEM Education in Europe” at MakersTown, organised by the Wilfried Martens Centre for European Studies, in Brussels.

Mr Tibor Navracsics receives the Ambassadors of the European Week of Sport.

Ms Corina Creţu receives Ms Nikolina Angelkova, Minister for Tourism of Bulgaria, Mr Neno Dimov, Minister for Environment and Water of Bulgaria; and Mr Nikolay Nankov, Minister for Regional Development and Public Works of Bulgaria.

Mr Carlos Moedas in Copenhagen, Denmark: meets Mr Jim Hageman Snabe, Chairman of AP Moller-Maersk; and Mr Hermann Hauser, Co-founder of Amadeus Capital Partners; visits DTU SkyLab (innovation hub campus at the Technical University of Denmark); and meets the High Level Group of Innovators for a European Innovation Council (EIC HLG) Copenhagen.

Mr Julian King in Hessen, Germany: delivers a speech at the “Cybersecurity Conference Hessen 2017”, organised by the Hessian Ministry of the Interior and Sports.

Mr Julian King delivers a closing keynote speech at the “European Border Management, Defence, Internal Security and Migration” conference, organised by Forum Europe, in Brussels.

Mr Julian King delivers a keynote address at the 20^th year anniversary event of the European Internet Services Providers Associations (EuroIspa), in Brussels.

 

Mercredi 21 juin 2017

President Jean-Claude Juncker delivers the opening speech of the high-level conference on migration management organised by the European Parliament, in Brussels.

Mr Frans Timmermans delivers a keynote speech at “Better Regulation: how to safeguard its relevance in a turbulent EU” discussion hosted by MKB-Nederland, in Brussels.

Mr Frans Timmermans receives Mr Jan Eliasson, former Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations.

Mr Frans Timmermans attends a high-level dialogue about the strategic relationship between Asia, Europe and the United States and the future of the global order, hosted by Their Royal Majesties the King and Queen of the Belgians, in Brussels.

Ms Federica Mogherini delivers closing remarks at the “2017 Annual Conference of the European Union Institute for Security Studies“.

Mr Andrus Ansip receives Mr Dara Murphy, Minister for State for European Affairs, Data Protection and the EU Single Digital Market of Ireland.

Mr Maroš Šefčovič meets representatives of the Hawthorn Club (international network for professional women in the energy sector), in Brussels.

Mr Maroš Šefčovič meets Ms Isabelle Kocher, CEO of ENGIE Group, in Brussels.

Mr Maroš Šefčovič delivers a keynote speech at the SolarPower Europe event, in Brussels.

Mr Maroš Šefčovič participates in the Roundtable of European Energy Industrialists, in Brussels.

Mr Jyrki Katainen delivers a keynote speech at the “Where there’s a will there’s a way: game changers in European defence” event, organised by Wilfried Martens Centre for European Studies, in Brussels.

Mr Jyrki Katainen participates in the meeting of the Presidency of the European People’s Party (EPP), in Brussels.  

Mr Johannes Hahn receives Mr Pavel Filip, Prime Minister for the Republic of Moldova.

Mr Johannes Hahn receives Mr Denis Zvizdić, Chairman of the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Mr Neven Mimica in Mexico (until 24/06): consults Caribbean states on the post-Cotonou framework; and holds bilateral meetings in the margins of the 47th General Assembly of the Organisation of the American States (OAS).

Mr Karmenu Vella delivers a speech at the conference on “Tackling illegal logging and deforestation: progress made and opportunities for future action”, in Brussels.

Mr Vytenis Andriukaitis in Washington D.C., the United States:meets Mr Robert Lighthizer, United States Trade Representative; and Mr Scott Gottlieb, Commissioner of Food and Drugs of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of United States.

Ms Marianne Thyssen attends the opening of the World Employment Confederation-Europe “Strategic Dialogue on the Changing World of Work”, in Brussels.

Ms Marianne Thyssen delivers a keynote speech at the General Assembly of Union of Independent Entrepreneurs (Unizo), on the occasion of the 60^th Anniversary of the EU Treaty, in Brussels.

Mr Phil Hogan in London, the United Kingdom:attends the award ceremony for the annual Dairy UK Award.

Ms Violeta Bulc in Cagliari, Italy, for the G7 Transport Ministerial meeting (until 22 June)

Ms Vĕra Jourová delivers a keynote speech at the EU Sustainable Energy Week (EUSEW).

Ms Corina Creţu receives Mr Dario Nadella, Mayor of Florence, Italy.

Mr Carlos Moedas delivers a keynote speech at the Evidence Matters EU event at the European Parliament, in Brussels.

 

Jeudi 22 juin 2017

President Jean-Claude Juncker receives Mr Stefan Löfven, Prime Minister for Sweden.

President Jean-Claude Juncker receives Mr Leo Varadkar, Taoiseach of Ireland.

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

President Jean-Claude Juncker andMs Federica Mogherini participate in the European Council, in Brussels.

Ms Federica Mogherini receivesMr Mladen Ivanić, Chairman of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Mr Andrus Ansip receives Mr Petteri Orpo, Minister for Finance of Finland.

Mr Andrus Ansip receives members of the European Financial Services Round Table (EFR).

Mr Maroš Šefčovič attends a panel discussion on “The role of Ukraine as a strategic EU Energy Partner” at the European Parliament, in Brussels.

Mr Maroš Šefčovič receives Mr Andriy Kobolyev, CEO of National Joint-Stock Company (NJSC)Naftogaz of Ukraine.

Mr Maroš Šefčovič delivers a keynote speech on “Financing Energy Efficiency Investments” at the European Union Sustainable Energy Week (EUSEW), in Brussels.

Mr Jyrki Katainen receives Mr Pavel Bělobrádek, Deputy Prime Minister with responsibility for Science, Research and Innovation of the Czech Republic.

Mr Jyrki Katainen receives Mr Jörg Leichtfried, Minister for Transport, Innovation and Technology of Austria.

Mr Johannes Hahn receives Mr Angelino Alfano, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Italy.

Ms Cecilia Malmström in Berlin, Germany:delivers a speech at the 61^st Global Summit of the Consumer Goods Forum (CGF); meets Ms Brigitte Zypries, Minister for Economic Affairs and Energy of Germany; Mr Sigmar Gabriel, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Germany; participates in a roundtable lunch on trade with stakeholders and representatives of think-tanks.

Mr Karmenu Vella receives Ms Rena Dourou, Regional Governor of Attica region, Greece.

Mr Karmenu Vella receives representatives of the European Federation of Public Service Unions.

Mr Karmenu Vella receives representatives of the Spanish Chamber of Commerce in Belgium and Luxembourg.

Mr Vytenis Andriukaitis in Washington D.C., the United States: attends a conference on antimicrobial resistance co-organised by the Center for Strategic and International Studies and the EU Delegation to the US; meets Mr J. Stephen Morrison, Senior Vice-President at the Center; Mr Tim Evans, Senior Director of Health, Nutrition and Population at the World Bank Group; representatives of US Consumers Organisations; and Mr Tom Price, Secretary of Health and Human Services.

Ms Marianne Thyssen in Switzerland (until 23/06): together King Philippe of the Belgians, attends an official meeting with Ms Doris Leuthard, President of the Swiss Confederation.

M. Pierre Moscovici à Madrid, Espagne: rencontre M. Luis de Guindos, Ministre de l’Economie, de l’industrie et de la compétitivité de l’Espagne; et M. Pedro Sánchez, Secrétaire Général du Parti socialiste ouvrier espagnol (PSOE); participe à un déjeuner organisé par Nueva Economía Fórum; et visite la Commission mixte pour l’Union européenne et la Commission de l’Economie et de la Compétitivité au Parlement Espagnol.

Mr Christos Stylianides in Kampala, Uganda (until 23/06): participates in the Uganda Solidarity Summit on Refugees “Translating New York Declaration Commitments into Action”; holds bilateral meetings; and visits refugee communities in the country.

Mr Phil Hogan in Lans-En-Vercors, France: delivers the closing speech at the Regional Forum on “A dynamic agriculture at the heart of the regions” hosted by Mr Michel Dantin, Member of the European Parliament.

Ms Vĕra Jourová in Israel and Palestine (until 25/06): on official visit.

Ms Margrethe Vestager participates in the ALDE Summit ahead of the European Council, in Brussels.

Mr Carlos Moedas delivers the opening speech at the event “EU – Israel: 20 Years Research and Innovation Partnership” at the European Parliament, in Brussels.

Mr Carlos Moedas receives Mr Aharon Aharon, CEO of Israel Innovation Authority.

Mr Carlos Moedas receives Mr Jörg Leichtfried, Minister for Transport, Innovation and Technology of Austria; Ms Gaby Schaunig, Deputy Governor, Regional Minister responsible for research and innovation of Carinthia; and Mr Christopher Drexler, Regional Minister responsible for research and innovation of Styria.

Mr Carlos Moedas receives Mr Pavel Bělobrádek, Deputy Prime Minister with responsibility for Science, Research and Innovation of the Czech Republic.

Mr Julian King in London, the United Kingdom: delivers a speech on ‘The future of the Security Union’ at the Chairman’s Circle dinner event, organised by the Royal United Services Institute.

Vendredi 23 juin 2017

President Jean-Claude Juncker and Ms Federica Mogherini participate in the European Council, in Brussels.

Mr Frans Timmermans in Bad Hersfeld, Germany: delivers a speech at the premiere of the theatre piece “Martin Luther-Der Anschlag”.

Mr Jyrki Katainen receives Mr Nihat Zeybekci, Minister of Economy of Turkey.

Mr Günther H.Oettinger delivers a speech at the LGBT International Conference 2017 organised by Workplace Pride, in Brussels.

Mr Johannes Hahn in Warsaw, Poland: attends the 3rd Eastern Partnership Youth Forum.

Mr Johannes Hahn in Belgrade, Serbia: participates in the inauguration ceremony of the new President of Serbia Mr Aleksandar Vučić.

Ms Cecilia Malmström receives Mr Nihat Zeybecki, Minister for Economy of Turkey.

Mr Miguel Arias Cañete in Madrid, Spain: delivers a keynote speech at the General Assembly of FUTURED (Spanish technological platform of electrical networks).

Ms Marianne Thyssen in Switzerland: together King Philippe of the Belgians, visits Libs (Industrielle Berufslehren Schweiz) – an industrial vocational training centre; ABB Corporate Research Centre; and vocational training school KV Berufsfachschule; attends a roundtable on the Swiss System for Dual apprenticeship with Members of the Swiss government, Representatives of the Belgian Delegation to Switzerland, and Swiss representatives for teaching and vocational training, from the business fields and the government.

M. Pierre Moscovici à Seville, Espagne: rencontre Mme. María Jesús Montero, Ministre Régional de l’Andalousie des Finances et de l’Administration publique; et M. Antonio Ramírez de Arellano, Ministre Régional de l’Andalousie de l’Economie et du Savoir; et visite Aerópolis – parc technologique et aérospatial d’Andalousie.

Ms Vĕra Jourová in Israel and Palestine: on official visit.

Ms Margrethe Vestager in Copenhagen, Denmark:meets Ms Lone Dencker Wisborg, State Secretary, Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Denmark; and Mr Karsten Dybvad, CEO of the Confederation of Danish Industries.

Mr Carlos Moedas in Paris: France, participates in the signing ceremony of the OECD – EC Implementing Arrangement; meets Mr Angel Gurría, OECD Secretary General; Ms Gabriela Ramos, Chief of Staff; and takes part in the “New Approaches to Economic Challenges” seminar.

Samedi 24 juin 2017

Ms Vĕra Jourová in Israel and Palestine: on official visit.

Dimanche 25 juin 2017

Ms Vĕra Jourová in Israel: delivers a keynote speech at the cyber conference “Privacy, Security, Trust: The Challenges for Democracy”; and a keynote speech at the 11th High-level EU-Israel Seminar on Anti-Semitism.

Prévisions du mois de juin:

19/06 Foreign Affairs Council

19/06 Environment Council

20/06 General Affairs Council

22-23/06 European Council

 

Permanence DG COMM le WE du 17 au 18 juin 2017:

Mina ANDREEVA: +32 (0)498 99 13 82

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

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

Commission welcomes agreement reached at the Eurogroup between Greece and the institutions

The European Commission welcomes the breakthrough agreement reached at last night’s Eurogroup meeting in Luxembourg, which will act to restore confidence in Greece’s recovery, boost growth and investment and allow the country to meet its financing needs. President Juncker personally played a crucial role in facilitating this final agreement, with Vice-President Dombrovskis and Commissioners Moscovici and Crețu. It represents an acknowledgment that Greece has delivered on its commitments by adopting a significant reform package. Pierre Moscovici, Commissioner for Economic and Financial Affairs, Taxation and Customs said: “This is truly good news. After months of discussions, we have reached a comprehensive agreement that will allow Greece to turn over a new leaf after a very difficult period for the Greek people. Last night’s success was made possible by all partners taking their responsibilities and acting in the general interest.”  The Commission put forward a set of measures to mobilise up to €35 billion for the period 2014-2020, under various EU funding programmes, €11 billion of which has already been received. The Eurogroup statement on Greece is available here. (For more information: Vanessa Mock – Tel.: +32 229 56194; Enda McNamara – Tel.: +32 229 64976)

Article 50 negotiations with the United Kingdom to begin on 19 June

Michel Barnier, the European Commission’s Chief Negotiator, and David Davis, Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union, agreed yesterday to launch Article 50 negotiations on Monday, 19 June. An agenda for the first formal negotiating round is available here. This follows preparatory “talks about talks” this week at civil service level between the European Commission and the United Kingdom. The opening of negotiations at political level next week will focus on issues related to citizens’ rights, the financial settlement, the Northern Irish border and other separation issues, as part of the sequenced approach to the talks. Both sides will also discuss the structure of the negotiations and the issues that need to be addressed over the coming months. The European Commission has already provided the United Kingdom with its position papers on citizens’ rights and the financial settlement and published both texts on Monday 12 June, in keeping with the Commission’s transparency policy.  The opening of the negotiations will take place at the European Commission in Brussels and will be a one-day event, starting at approximately 11am and ending in the late afternoon, with a joint press conference by Michel Barnier and David Davis. Media arrangements will be confirmed on Monday morning. (For more information: Margaritis Schinas – Tel.: +32 229 60524; Mina Andreeva – Tel.: +32 229 9138; Daniel Ferrie: +32 229 86500)

 

Aviation: Commission is taking the European drone sector to new heights

Following a request by the European Commission, the Single European Sky Air traffic management Research Joint Undertaking – whose role is to develop the new generation European air traffic management system – has today unveiled its blueprint to make drone use in low-level airspace safe, secure and environmentally friendly. This “U-Space” covers altitudes of up to 150 metres and will pave the way for the development of a strong and dynamic EU drone services market. Registration of drones and drone operators, their e-identification and geo-fencing should be in place by 2019. Commissioner for Transport Violeta Bulc said, “Drones mean innovation, new services for citizens, new business models and a huge potential for economic growth. We need the EU to be in the driving seat and have a safe drone services market up and running by 2019. The EU needs to take a leading role worldwide in developing the right framework for this market to flourish, by unleashing the benefits for key economic sectors.” More information is available in a press release in DE, EN and FR. (For more information: Enrico Brivio – Tel.: +32 229 56172; Alexis Perier – Tel.: +32 229 6 91 43)

 

Maritime Transport: European proposal for the safety of passenger ships endorsed by the International Maritime Organisation

The European Commission welcomes the agreement reached this week within the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) introducing more stringent requirements for the safety of passenger ships. Upon their entry into force in 2020, all new passenger ships will have to be designed to remain afloat for longer if their hull gets damaged. As a result, it is estimated that the safety level will increase by up to 90% for the largest ships (carrying 1.350 passengers or more). This international agreement follows a proposal made in January 2016 by the European Commission and the EU Member States with the support of the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA). Commissioner for Transport Violeta Bulc said, “With more than 200 million passengers embarking in EU ports each year, passenger safety is at the heart of the Commission’s transport policy. It is a matter of great satisfaction to see that the EU has also successfully contributed to ambitious global standards that will guarantee the safety of passengers across the globe”. More information is available here. (For more information: Enrico Brivio – Tel.: +32 229 56172; Alexis Perier – Tel.: +32 229 6 91 43)

Commission extends its action against dumped steel imports of construction material from Belarus

The Commission decided today to impose definitive anti-dumping measures against imports of steel rebars from Belarus. The import duties imposed today will shield European producers from unfair Belarusian competition in the next five years. The Commission’s investigation demonstrated that the products from Belarus had been sold in Europe at prices over 58% lower than their normal market price. Based on the initial findings of the investigation opened in March 2016, the Commission imposed already in December last year provisional measures to prevent economic damage to EU rebarproducers. The EU uses all possible legal means to ensure fair trading conditions for European steel industry in the context of the global overcapacity and also works to address rootcauses of the problem in the global and bilateral EU-China dedicated fora. The EU has currently 42 anti-dumping and anti-subsidy measures on various steel products, with the highest number concerning imports from China. The details of the today’s decision can be found as of tomorrow in the EU official journal. (For more information: Enrico Brivio – Tel.: +32 229 56172; Kinga Malinowska- Tel.: +32 229 51383)

State aid: Commission approves restructuring aid to Greek railway companies OSE and TRAINOSE

The European Commission has concluded that Greek measures to support the restructuring of OSE, the national rail infrastructure manager, and TRAINOSE, the passenger and freight rail transport operator, are in line with EU state aid rules. Both companies have been facing financial difficulties for several years. In this context, Greece notified to the Commission several support measures in favour of OSE and TRAINOSE in 2011. Concerning OSE, the Commission’s investigation found that the measures to support the restructuring, in particular through a debt cancellation of €14.3 billion do not constitute state aid and that the annual grants of up to €340 million implemented before 22 October 2014 are in line with EU state aid rules. Concerning TRAINOSE, the Commission concluded that the measures in its favour worth a total of €1079 million, are also in line with EU state aid rules. Commissioner Margrethe Vestager, in charge of competition policy, said: “The measures will help the two public rail companies become more efficient and provide better service to Greek passengers and business customers. This fits into the wider context of Greece’s efforts to restore its economy’s competitiveness and achieve significant growth. The aid will also facilitate the future privatisation of the companies and the opening of the Greek railway sector to competition.” The full press release is available online in EN, FR,DE and EL. (For more information: Ricardo Cardoso – Tel.: +32 229 80100; Yizhou Ren – Tel.: +32 229 94889)

 

State aid: Commission approves public support for Bulgarian railway company BDZ

The European Commission has concluded that Bulgarian support measures in favour of the publicly-owned railway incumbent BDZ are in line with EU state aid rules. The measures will allow the company to address its debt level without unduly distorting competition in the Single Market. Bulgaria notified in 2011 a restructuring plan for BDZ to the Commission for assessment under EU state aid rules. In November 2011, the Commission opened anin-depth investigation, during which, the Commission focused on the cancellation by the Bulgarian state of certain debts incurred by BDZ. The investigation found that the planned cancellation of these debts, amounting to BGN 224 million (around €114 million), is in line with the Commission’s 2008 Guidelines on state aid for railways. The Commission found no concerns under EU state aid rules for the measures of the reimbursement of certain amounts of VAT paid by BDZ and the repayment of BDZ’s debts towards the national railway infrastructure manager. The full press release is available online in EN, FR, DEand BG. (For more information: Ricardo Cardoso – Tel.: +32 229 80100; Yizhou Ren – Tel.: +32 229 94889)

State aid: Commission approves creation of €24 billion fund formanagement of radioactive waste in Germany

The European Commission has approved under EU state aid rules the transfer of radioactive waste liabilities to a new public fund in return for the payment of about €24.1 billion by nuclear power plant operators. The Commission concluded that the state support is proportionate to the objective. Germany intends to transfer the liabilities relating to the management of radioactive waste and spent fuel from nuclear power plant operators to the German state. To this end, a new public fund will be set up and the necessary funds secured in it. In return for being released from their radioactive waste liabilities, nuclear power operators in Germany have to make a cash payment to the new public fund of about €24.1 billion. The Commission’s assessment concluded that Germany’s decision to take over the radioactive waste management liability involves state aid. The Commission has decided that the support granted does not exceed what is necessary to achieve this objective and that the competition distortions created by it are limited. The full press release is available online in EN, FR, andDE. (For more information: Ricardo Cardoso – Tel.: +32 229 80100; Yizhou Ren – Tel.: +32 229 94889)

 

Mergers: Commission clears the acquisition of sole control over Shell’s Northern North Sea petroleum business by Chrysaor

The European Commission has approved under the EU Merger Regulation the acquisition of sole control over the Northern North Sea petroleum business of the Shell Group, of the Netherlands, by Chrysaor Holdings Limited, part of EIG Global Energy Partners, of the US. The target assets consist of Shell’s Northern North Sea asset portfolio, including shareholdings in a number of oil fields and infrastructure and the relevant licences. Chrysaor develops and commercialises oil and gas incremental resources. EIG is a global investment fund specialising in energy and energy-related infrastructure. The Commission concluded that the proposed acquisition would raise no competition concerns given the very limited overlap between the companies’ activities and the presence of strong competitors. 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.8461. (For more information: Ricardo Cardoso – Tel.: +32 229 80100; Maria Tsoni – Tel.: +32 229 90526)

 

Mergers: Commission clears acquisition of CWT by HNA

The European Commission has approved under the EU Merger Regulation the acquisition of sole control over CWT Limited (“CWT” of Singapore) by HNA Group Co. Ltd. (“HNA Group” of China), by way of a voluntary conditional offer. CWT is a corporation that provides integrated logistics solutions and related services ancilliary to its core logistics business. In the European Union, CWT’s activities relate mainly to logistics services and commodity marketing. The HNA Group is a conglomerate with investments in companies operating in several areas including airlines, real estate, hotels, shipping and logistics. The Commission concluded that the proposed acquisition would not raise competition concerns, because of its limited impact on the market structure. The transaction was examined under the simplified merger review procedure. More information is available on the Commission’s competition website, in the public case register under the case number M_8474. (For more information: Ricardo Cardoso – Tel.: +32 229 80100; Maria Tsoni – Tel.: +32 229 90526)

 

Mergers: Commission clears acquisition of Eurovita by Cinven

The European Commission has approved under the EU Merger Regulation the acquisition of Eurovita Assicurazioni S.p.A of Italy (“Eurovita”) by Cinven Capital Management (V) General Partner Limited of Guernsey (“Cinven”). Eurovita isactive in the life insurance sector, offering life insurance policies and investment products exclusively in Italy.Cinven is a private equity firm controlling a number of portfolio companies active in a variety of sectors, including the life insurance sector, in many countries. The companies’ activities give rise to a minor overlap in the provision and distribution of life insurance products in Italy. The Commission concluded that the proposed acquisition would not raise competition concerns, given the companies’ moderate combined market positions resulting from the proposed transaction and the presence of a number of strong players in the market after the merger. 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.8489. (For more information: Ricardo Cardoso – Tel.: +32 229 80100; Maria Tsoni – Tel.: +32 229 90526)

 

Mergers: Commission clears acquisition of SB Energy by Softbank, Bharti and Hon Hai

The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the proposed acquisition of joint control over SB Energy Holdings Limited (India) by SoftBank Group Corp. (Japan), Bharti Overseas Private Limited (India) and Hon Hai Precision Industry Co. (Taiwan). SB Energy develops, constructs and operates renewable energy projects. SoftBank is an internet company which provides a comprehensive range of telecommunication services and products, primarily in Japan and the USA. Bharti is a holding and investment company which invests and provides services in different sectors, such as telecommunications, hospitality, real estate development and also invests in equities, securities and instruments. Hon Hai provides third-party electronic manufacturing services to original equipment manufacturers of electronic products such as computers, mobile phones, video game consoles and televisions. The Commission concluded that the proposed transaction would raise no competition concerns as SB Energy will operate only in India. 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.8502. (For more information: Ricardo Cardoso – Tel.: +32 229 80100; Maria Tsoni – Tel.: +32 229 90526)

 

Mergers: Commission clears acquisition of sole control over the petroleum trading and marketing business of Cargill by Macquarie

The European Commission has approved under the EU Merger Regulation the acquisition of sole control by Macquarie Holdings (U.S.A.) Inc. over the petroleum trading and market business of the Cargill Group, both of the US. Cargill is active in the production and sale of food, agricultural and risk management products, as well as global trading of multiple petroleum products. Macquarie is a global investment banking and financial services group. The Commission concluded that the proposed acquisition would not raise competition concerns given the very limited overlap between the companies’ activities and the presence of strong competitors. 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.8506. (For more information: Ricardo Cardoso – Tel.: +32 229 80100; Maria Tsoni – Tel.: +32 229 90526)

 

Antitrust: Commission re-imposes €4.7 million fine on envelopes manufacturer Printeos for price-fixing cartel

The European Commission has readopted a cartel settlement decision against the envelopes manufacturer Printeos (formerly known as Tompla) and has imposed a fine of €4 729 000 for its participation in a price fixing cartel. Printeos and four other manufacturers agreed to settle the case in December 2014. In December 2016, the General Court annulled the fine against Printeos due to lack of sufficient reasoning concerning discretionary fine reductions (case T-95/15). The judgment did not question Printeos’ liability for the cartel, which the company had itself acknowledged in the settlement procedure. Today’s decision addresses the procedural error identified by the General Court and re-imposes a fine on Printeos. The new fine is identical to the fine imposed in the original decision. The amending decision will be made available under the case number 39780 in the public case register on the Commission’s competition website. More information on the Commission’s action against cartels is available in the cartels section of the competition website.(For more information: Ricardo Cardoso – Tel.: +32 229 80100; Maria Tsoni – Tel.: +32 229 90526)

 

Eurostat: La croissance annuelle des coûts de la main-d’œuvre à 1,5% dans la zone euro – À 1,7% dans l’UE28

Les coûts horaires de la main-d’œuvre ont augmenté de 1,5% dans la zone euro (ZE19) et de 1,7% dans l’UE28 au premier trimestre 2017, par rapport au même trimestre de l’année précédente. Au quatrième trimestre 2016, les coûts horaires de la main-d’œuvre avaient progressé également de 1,5% et 1,7% respectivement. Ces données sont publiées par Eurostat, l’office statistique de l’Union européenne. Un communiqué de presse est disponible ici. (Pour plus d’informations: Christian Wigand– Tel.: +32 229 62253; Sara Soumillion – Tel.: + 32 229 67094)

 

Eurostat: Le taux d’inflation annuel en baisse à 1,4% dans la zone euro En baisse à 1,6% dans l’UE

Le taux d’inflation annuel de la zone euro s’est établi à 1,4% en mai 2017, contre 1,9% en avril. Un an auparavant, il était de -0,1%. Le taux d’inflation annuel de l’Union européenne s’est établi à 1,6% en mai 2017, contre 2,0% en avril. Un an auparavant, il était de -0,1%. Ces chiffres sont publiés par Eurostat, l’office statistique de l’Union européenne. Un communiqué de presse est disponible ici. (Pour plus d’informations: Vanessa Mock – Tel.: +32 229 56194; Juliana Dahl – Tél.: +32 229 59914)

 

Eurostat: Économie et société numériques dans l’UE – Nouvelle publication digitale présentant notre monde numérique en chiffres

Naviguer sur internet, dialoguer ou faire des achats en ligne sont autant d’activités quotidiennes reposant sur les technologies de l’information et des communications (TIC), telles que les ordinateurs de bureau, les ordinateurs portables ou les smartphones. Nous passons aujourd’hui une partie considérable de notre temps en ligne et ce, pour diverses raisons, que ce soit au travail, à l’école ou à l’université, à la maison ou lors de nos déplacements. Souvent nous dépendons de nos appareils numériques pour rester en contact avec notre famille et nos amis, pour obtenir l’itinéraire d’un magasin, d’un hôtel ou d’un restaurant ainsi que pour consulter nos comptes bancaires. Un communiqué de presse est disponible ici. (Pour plus d’informations: Nathalie Vandystadt – Tel. +32 229 67083; Johannes Bahrke – Tel. +32 229 58615)

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

Vice-President Šefčovič in Bratislava on the future of Europe

On 19 June, in Bratislava Vice-President for Energy Union MarošŠefčovič will participate in the Conference ‘The EU in 2017: How to improve Europe´s future’ to present the scenarios of the White Paper on the Future of Europe. The White Paper sets out the main challenges and opportunities for Europe in the coming decade. It presents five scenarios for how the Union could evolve by 2025 depending on how it chooses to respond. To encourage this debate, Vice-President for Energy Union Maroš Šefčovič will focus on EU´s potential to innovate and modernize: ‘Now is the time for us to embrace the transition and make Europe the most digitised continent of the 21^st century. We should focus on building a smart and fair society by enticing positive technological trends across sectors such as energy, transport, and agriculture; by modernizing our industry; and by encouraging the work of our researchers and innovators.’ said Vice-President Šefčovič ahead of his visit. While in Bratislava Vice-President will participate in the EFEKTIA 2017 Awarding Ceremony of Energy efficiency projects in Slovakia and meet with the Speaker of the National Council of the Slovak Republic Andrej Danko.(For more information: Anca Paduraru – Tel.: +32 229 91269; Nicole Bockstaller – Tel.:+32 229 52589)

 

Vice-President Katainen in Portugal

Jyrki Katainen, Vice-President responsible for Jobs, Growth, Investment and Competitiveness, will be in Lisbon, Portugal on 19-20 June 2017. The visit takes place in the context of the ongoing dialogue on the Future of Europe, following the presentation of the Commission’s White Paper and the series of reflection papers which followed it, as well as to discuss the Investment Plan for Europe, the so-called “Juncker Plan”, and the Commission’s proposals to strengthen Europe’s security and defence. He will meet the Minister of National Defense, José Alberto Azeredo Lopes,  Minister of Finance, Mário Centeno and the Minister of Planning and Infrastructure, Pedro Marques. He will also meet with stakeholders, take part in an exchange of views with members of parliament, address an investment conference and visit projects supported by the Juncker Plan. (For more information: Vanessa Mock – Tel.: +32 229 56194; Enda McNamara – Tel.: +32 229 64976)

 

Commissioner Malmström to co-host International Forum on Women and Trade, 20 June in Brussels

On 20 June, Cecilia Malmström, European Commissioner for Trade, will co-host the International Forum on Women and Trade in Brussels. Organised in conjunction with the Geneva-based International Trade Centre (ITC), the forum will look at trade as a lever for women’s economic empowerment. The forum aims to stake out the way forward and galvanise support for inclusive trade policy, and to support the ITC’s SheTradesinitiative which aims to connect one million women to markets by 2020. The event has attracted high-level speakers from around the world, including Director-General of the World Trade Organization Roberto Azevêdo, Canadian Minister of International Trade François-Philippe Champagne and Danish Minister of Equality, Karen Elleman. They will be joined by a range of prominent speakers from government, the European Parliament, business, civil society and international organisations. Commissioner Malmström and co-host ITC Executive Director Arancha Gonzalez will open and close the forum. Panellists will examine issues such as the role of the digital economy and trade finance in helping women entrepreneurs. The 300 participants already registered will also reflect on how trade-related technical assistance can help bring women entrepreneurs into value chains. Women entrepreneurs from a range of countries (Ghana, Brazil, Turkey, etc.) will also share their stories to illustrate the restraints that hamper women from accessing global markets. Registerhereand engage in the discussion via the hashtag #WomenAndTrade. (For more information: Enrico Brivio – Tel.: +32 229 56172; Kinga Malinowska- Tel.: +32 229 51383)

Calendar

The Commissioners’ Weekly Activities

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

Following a request by the European Commission, the Single European Sky Air traffic management Research Joint Undertaking[1] – whose role is to develop the new generation European air traffic management system – has today unveiled its blueprint to make drone use in low-level airspace safe, secure and environmentally friendly. This “U-Space” covers altitudes of up to 150 metres and will pave the way for the development of a strong and dynamic EU drone services market. Registration of drones and drone operators, their e-identification and geo-fencing should be in place by 2019. Today’s vision paper is part of the Commission’s drive to deliver on its ambitious Aviation Strategy and unleash the full economic potential of drones. This requires an effective legislative framework that can foster European leadership and competitiveness, while addressing a number of legitimate concerns, the first of which is safety.

EU Commissioner for Transport, Violeta Bulc, said: “Drones mean innovation, new services for citizens, new business models and a huge potential for economic growth. We need the EU to be in the driving seat and have a safe drone services market up and running by 2019. The EU needs to take a leading role worldwide in developing the right framework for this market to flourish, by unleashing the benefits for key economic sectors.”

The paper outlines a number of basic principles. The U-Space should be:

• Safe: safety at low altitude levels will be just as good as that for traditional manned aviation. The concept is to develop a system similar to that of Air Traffic Management for manned aviation.
• Automated: the system will provide information for highly automated or autonomous drones to fly safely and avoid obstacles or collisions.
• Up and running by 2019: for the basic services like registration, e-identification and geo-fencing. However, further U-Space services and their corresponding standards will need to be developed in the future.

What are the next steps?

The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) is working with Member States and industry to produce effective EU-wide safety rules that are proportionate to the risk of the operation. These rules will implement the EU’s basic aviation safety regulation which the European Parliament and the Council (i.e. the EU Member States) are expected to adopt in the coming months.

The Commission, through the SESAR Joint Undertaking, will finance a range of drone projects, focusing on the integration of drones into the aviation system.

Finally, an expert group will be established to act as a sounding board for the further development of European drone policy.

Background information:

Delivering services in urban areas, collection of data for a wide range of industries, infrastructure inspections, precision agriculture, transportation and logistics are just some of the possible applications of this technology. The drone services market is expected to grow substantially. Estimates vary between €10bn by 2035 and €127bn for the coming years. A recent forecast predicts that by 2020 the global drone market size will grow by 42% in precision agriculture, 26% in media and entertainment, by 36% in inspection and monitoring of infrastructures, and by 30% for leisure activities[2].

Current common European rules only cover drones weighing above 150 kilograms. Below this threshold, Member States are responsible to regulate. While national rules allow expertise to grow, they often diverge and cause a fragmentation of the EU internal market. Such fragmentation hampers the development of new products, the swift introduction of technologies and may also create safety risks. In December 2015, the Commission therefore proposed to create an EU-wide framework for drones as part of its Aviation Strategy. This requires the establishment of a regulatory framework, including standards, and the safe integration of drones into the airspace, on which today’s blueprint delivers.

For more information:

U-Space blueprint

European Aviation Safety Agency: draft technical rules for certain categories of drones

SESAR Joint Undertaking

An Aviation Strategy for Europe

Q&A: The EU drone policy (November 2016)

[1] The Single European Sky Air Traffic Management Research Joint Undertaking (SESAR JU) is the European public-private partnership managing and coordinating Research and Development in Air Traffic Management. Founded by the European Union and Eurocontrol, the SESAR JU has 19 members, who together with their partners and affiliate associations represent over 100 companies working in Europe and beyond.

[2]Source: MarketsandMarkets, (2015), “Analysis & Forecast to 2020”