The president of the European Parliament (EP) Antonio Tajani joined the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) plenary session on Thursday 1 June to discuss the EP’s priorities and the strengthening of cooperation between the two institutions.

The EP’s six priorities for this year are very much in line with the concerns of Europe’s civil society, according to the EESC. They include: giving a new boost to jobs, growth and investment; addressing the social dimension of the European Union; better protecting the security of EU citizens; reforming and developing migration policy in a spirit of responsibility and solidarity; delivering on the commitment to implement a connected Digital Single Market; delivering on the objective of an ambitious Energy Union and a forward-looking climate-change policy.

“The three main challenges we need to work on together are unemployment (especially youth unemployment), migration and terrorism. Most citizens want protection from the EU in particular areas, but there is a high percentage of citizens voting for populism, which means there is discontent,” Mr Tajani stated.

Mr Tajani and the EESC president Georges Dassis pledged to improve the dialogue between the EP and the EESC both formally and informally and to hold regular exchanges, discuss ideas, engage and deepen the cooperation so as to ensure a quality response to what is happening on the ground. This should in turn improve the effectiveness of EU policies, with a clear impact on the lives of ordinary citizens.

Mr Tajani said the improved cooperation was crucial because of the EESC’s vital closeness to the people. “The EESC represents workers, employers, SMEs, etc., and because of that you have the finger on the pulse and you can help us transmit the messages to European citizens,” Tajani told the plenary, describing the EESC as “the ears of Europe” and adding that “just like the MEPs, the EESC members are in a position to listen and understand what citizens really want and expect”.

EESC president Georges Dassis declared that every single action and work of the Committee made it clear that the EESC stands for European democracy and “is truly engaged in making the slogan – for a united, democratic, solidarity-based, peaceful and prosperous Europe, close to its people – a reality”.

Jacek Krawczyk, president of the EESC Employers’ Group welcomed the fact that a number of EP priorities are aligned with what employers ask for: a stable macroeconomic environment; a stronger culture of entrepreneurship; completion of the single market; a more efficient and forward-looking industrial policy, championing free trade and, finally, supporting competitiveness as the key for more employment and for maintaining and enhancing the social dimension of the EU.

Representing the EESC Workers’ Group, Christian Bäumler said that stronger cooperation between the two institutions was crucial to secure a strong pillar of social rights in the future. “The EU should be protecting its citizens against the effects of globalisation in order to be seen as more legitimate. We also need to make progress towards reducing unemployment and put an end to inequalities”.

Luca Jahier, president of the EESC Various Interests Group, expressed his support for the EP president’s statement made at the recent G7 meeting in Taormina, saying that “it is time for Europe to take the lead in matters such as trade and the Paris agreement on climate”.  He also urged Mr Tajani to make a detailed programme to engage both the EP and the EESC on a joint communication strategy in the run up to the EP elections in 2019, in order to overcome the distance between the EU and its citizens, and to speak with one voice.

The EP and the EESC, together with the European Committee of the Regions, signed the first Cooperation Agreement in 2014.

The HRVP Federica Mogherini met today with the newly-elected President of the Syrian Opposition Coalition (SOC) Mr Riad Seif, and the Prime Minister of the Syrian Interim Government (SIG) Mr Jawad About Hatab, and their delegation to discuss the political process and support for resilience inside Syria.

They discussed the practical support the European Union can continue to give to the Syrian opposition, to civil society, and to the women of Syria, and the additional work that could be done – namely on reconstruction- if and when the parties are to succeed in negotiating a framework for a transitional political agreement, based on the relevant UNSC resolutions.

They also exchanged views on the EU’s work with the Syrian Interim Government to provide resilience support through the provision of education, job creation, and support for local civilian governance structures in opposition held areas.

Both parties reiterated their committment and support  to the UN led Geneva process, calling on all parties to fully engage in the intra-Syrian negotiations to achieve a political transition in Syria. It was agreed that only a political solution can constitute the way out of the Syrian crisis, for the sake of all Syrian people.

 

President Juncker and Commissioner Malmström at the 12^th EU-China Business Summit

This morning, President Juncker and Commissioner Malmström spoke at the 12^th EU-China Business Summit, an event that provides an opportunity for EU and Chinese leaders to exchange views with representatives of the business community on economic relations between the European Union and China and on the challenges that remain. In his keynote speech, President Juncker said: “Our relationship is founded on a shared commitment to openness and working together as part of a rules-based international system. I am glad that we can meet here today and say this, loud and clear. It is one that recognises that together we can promote prosperity and sustainability at home and abroad. We applaud the ambition of China’s reform path. We recognise that reforms have been made and that plans have been established. But we would like to see implementation speed up – so that your policies are in line with your world vision.” In her speech, Commissioner Malmström stressed that: “Sound economic development, trade and investment also require respect for the rule of law, with independent lawyers and judges who can operate freely and independently. To conduct business — and for their daily lives — people need to be able to access free and independent information, communicate and discuss. This is a fundamental human right which also applies in the age of the internet. Limits to online freedom also affect peoples’ lives and the business climate.” The Business Summit took place in the sidelines of the 19th Summit between the European Union and the People’s Republic of China, which is currently ongoing. A signing ceremony will take place at 12:30 followed by a press conference at 12:40. A press release summarising the Summit’s deliverables will be available here this afternoon. Coverage is available live on EbS. For more information on EU-China relations, read the factsheet or consult the memo. (For more information: Margaritis Schinas – Tel.: +32 229 60524; Maja Kocijancic – Tel.: +32 229 86570; Adam Kaznowski – Tel.: +32 229 89359)

Juncker Plan backs social investments: EUR 10 million agreement to support migrants in Finland

The Investment Plan for Europe, the so-called “Juncker Plan”, has backed a European Investment Fund (EIF) agreement with Epiqus, a Finnish fund manager that specialises in social impact investments, and the Finnish Ministry of Economic Affairs. The agreement will see EUR 10 million to support the integration of between 2,500 and 3,700 migrants and refugees into the Finnish labour market through the provision of training and job-matching assistance. This agreement was made possible by the support of the European Fund for Strategic Investments (EFSI), the central pillar of the Juncker Plan. European Commission Vice-President Jyrki Katainen, responsible for Jobs, Growth, Investment and Competitiveness, participated in the signature ceremony to mark the transaction. He said: “The Investment Plan for Europe and the European Fund for Strategic Investments included in it are innovative tools to get investment moving in Europe. Today’s contract is indicative of the growing role of EFSI in promoting societal projects, in this case concerned with the integration and employment of immigrants. The project is the first of its kind in Europe, and we will follow its impact very closely as we hope it may serve as a model for others. I wish the best success to all who benefit from the education, training, apprenticeship and employment opportunities offered by the project.” The Juncker Plan is now expected to trigger over EUR 4.4 billion in investments in Finland and EUR 194 billion across Europe. As of May 2017, EUR 1.3 billion in approved EFSI financing in the social sector is expected to mobilise EUR 7.8 billion in investments. For the latest figures country-by-country, see here. A full press release is available here. (For more information: Annika Breidthardt – Tel.: +32 229 56153; Enda McNamara – Tel.: +32 229 64976)

Commission support from Globalisation Fund for former coal miners in Spain

The European Commission has proposed to provide Spain with €1 million from the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (EGF) to help dismissed coal miners and young people not in employment, education or training (NEETs) in the Spanish region Castilla y León to find new jobs. Marianne Thyssen, EU Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs, Skills and Labour Mobility, commented: “The Globalisation Adjustment Fund provides support to workers falling victim to mass lay-offs caused by globalisation or the crisis. Today’s decision will help to prepare the former miners and young people in the region for new job opportunities. By helping workers and young people in vulnerable labour force segments to adapt to changing patterns in the labour market, the EU is showing solidarity, making sure that nobody is left behind. This is also important for businesses, as improving skills and employability of workers creates a more dynamic and competitive European economy.” Spain applied for support from the EGF following the dismissal of 339 coal workers in five coal mines in the Spanish region of Castilla y León. The measures co-financed by the EGF would aim at providing them with employment guidance and counselling; general training, re-training and vocational training; intensive job-search assistance; promotion of entrepreneurship and support for business start-up; as well as various types of incentives, contributions and allowances. The total estimated cost of the package is €1.6 million, of which the EGF would provide one million. The proposal now goes to the European Parliament and the EU’s Council of Ministers for approval. (For more information: Christian Wigand– Tel.: +32 229 62253; Sara Soumillion – Tel.: + 32 229 67094)

 

Concentrations: la Commission approuve la création d’une entreprise commune par EDF, CDC et Mitsubishi

La Commission Européenne a autorisé, en vertu du règlement européen sur les concentrations, l’acquisition du contrôle conjoint de l’entreprise commune nouvellement crée, NGM S.A.S. (“NGM”) par les entreprises Électricité de France (“EDF”), Caisse des dépôts et consignations (“CDC”) – toutes trois basées en France, et Mitsubishi Corporation du Japon. L’entreprise commune sera active dans le développement, le financement et la gestion de divers projets en matière de mobilité électrique. EDF est principalement active dans le secteur de l’électricité en France et à l’étranger. CDC est une institution publique active dans le financement de projets d’intérêt général, la prise de participations dans des secteurs ouverts à la concurrence et la gestion de fonds. Mitsubishi est active dans divers secteurs, y compris l’environnement et les infrastructures, l’industrie manufacturière, la finance, et l’énergie. La Commission a conclu que la concentration envisagée ne soulèverait pas de problème de concurrence, compte tenu du fait que l’entreprise commune ne prévoit d’exercer qu’une activité négligeable sur le territoire de l’Espace Economique Européen. La transaction a été examinée selon 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.8447. (Pour plus d’informations: Ricardo Cardoso – Tel.: +32 229 80100; Maria Tsoni – Tel.: +32 229 90526)

 

Mergers: Commission clears acquisition of joint control by LGP and OMERS over CCC

The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the proposed acquisition of joint control by Leonard Green & Partners, L.P. (LGP) of the US and OMERS Group of Canada over the American company Caliber Collision Centers (CCC). CCC operates a network of automobile collision repair centres in the USA. LGP is a private equity investment firm focused on retail, consumer, healthcare, wellness, business, consumer services and distribution. OMERS is the administrator of the Ontario Municipal Employees Retirement System Primary Pension Plan in Canada. The Commission concluded that the proposed transaction would raise no competition concerns as CCC has no current or foreseen business activities or revenues in the European Economic Area. 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.8477. (For more information: Ricardo Cardoso – Tel.: +32 229 80100; Maria Tsoni – Tel.: +32 229 90526)

 

Mergers: Commission clears acquisition of joint control of the Shawbrook Group by BC Partners and Pollen Street Capital

The European Commission has approved under the EU Merger Regulation the acquisition of joint control over Shawbrook Group Plc by BC Partner LLP and Pollen Street Capital Ltd. All three companies are based in the UK. Shawbrook is a specialist UK lending and savings bank. BC Partners is a private equity firm focusing on the European and North American markets. Pollen Street is also a private equity firm focussed on investing in businesses in the financial services sector in Europe. The Commission concluded that the proposed acquisition would raise no competition concerns given the companies’ moderate combined market shares, the very limited overlaps between the activities of the companies, as well as their limited vertical relationships in the markets for consumer lending. 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.8471. (For more information: Ricardo Cardoso – Tel.: +32 229 80100; Maria Tsoni – Tel.: +32 229 90526)

 

Competition: Commission launches cooperation programme with competition authorities in Asia

The European Commission is launching a €5 million programme offering technical cooperation to competition authorities in Asia. The objective is to exchange experiences and strengthen convergence in competition policy, to the benefit of citizens and businesses on both in the EU and in Asia.The cooperation programme will provide the financial and logistic platform for high-level technical exchanges between competition authorities from the European Commission, EU Members States and a number of countries in Asia, including China, India, and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam). The programme is due to start its activities in the third quarter of 2017 and will run for five years. It will cover all areas of competition law, including antitrust, cartels, merger review and State aid control. The programme will offer activities such as EU competition weeks held in Asian partner countries, competition summer schools in the EU, and visits to the Commission’s Directorate General for Competition and national competition authorities in the EU Member States. The programme will be funded by the Partnership Instrument, which funds projects that enable the European Union to take part in shaping global change and promote its fundamental values, and managed by the Commission.(For more information: Ricardo Cardoso – Tel.: +32 229 80100; Maria Tsoni – Tel.: +32 229 90526)

 

Eurostat: Les prix à la production industrielle stables tant dans la zone euro que dans l’UE28

En avril 2017 par rapport à mars 2017, les prix à la production industrielle sont restés stables dans la zone euro (ZE19) ainsi que dans l’UE28, selon les estimations d’Eurostat, l’office statistique de l’Union européenne. En mars 2017, les prix avaient diminué de 0,3% dans la zone euro et de 0,2% dans l’UE28. En avril 2017 par rapport à avril 2016, les prix à la production industrielle ont progressé de 4,3% dans la zone euro et de 4,8% dans l’UE28. Un communiqué de presse est disponible ici. (Pour plus d’informations: Lucia Caudet – Tel.: +32 229 56182; Mirna Talko – Tel.: +32 229 87278; Maud Noyon – Tel.: +32 229 80379)

STATEMENTS

 

Statement by the Commissioner for Climate action and energy, Miguel Arias Cañete on the US announcement to withdraw from the Paris Agreement

Commissioner for Climate action and energy, Miguel Arias Cañete issued a statement yesterday on the US announcement to withdraw from the Paris Agreement: “Today is a sad day for the global community, as a key partner turns its back on the fight against climate change. The EU deeply regrets the unilateral decision by the Trump administration to withdraw the US from the Paris Agreement. The Paris Agreement brought us together in very challenging times. It is an unprecedented multilateral partnership between nearly 200 countries, supported by companies and communities across the world, to address a problem that threatens us all. It demonstrates our generation’s responsibility towards this and future generations. […] The Paris Agreement will endure. The world can continue to count on Europe for global leadership in the fight against climate change. Europe will lead through ambitious climate policies and through continued support to the poor and vulnerable.” The full statement is available here. (For more information: Anna-Kaisa Itkonen – Tel.: +32 229 56186; Nicole Bockstaller – Tel.: +32 229 52589)

 

EU-African Union Joint Communiqué on the Implementation of the Paris Agreement

The European Union and the African Union reaffirm their strong commitment to full implementation of the Paris agreement, and call on all partners to keep up the momentum created in 2015. Ahead of the COP23 in November they pledge to work together to finalise the Paris Agreement work programme. Climate change and renewable energy will figure on the agenda of the upcoming Africa-EU Summit in Abidjan on 29/30 November. This will be an opportunity to confirm the strong solidarity with those most vulnerable to climate change and the determination to work together to build strong and sustainable economies and societies resilient to climate change. The European Union and the African Union reaffirm their commitment to continuing to address the adverse effects of climate change on human and animal health, natural ecosystems and other social and economic impacts that threaten our developmental gains as a global community. The statement is available here. (For more information: Margaritis Schinas – Tel.: +32 229 60524)

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

Conference “An Action Plan for nature, people and the economy”, 6 June

On Monday 6 June, the Commission is co-hosting, with the Committee of the Regions and the Maltese Presidency of the Council, a conference to present the recently adopted Action Plan for nature, people and the economy. First Vice-President Timmermans, Vice-President Katainen and Commissioner Vella will open the debate and will discuss how the newly adopted Action Plan will improve the implementation of EU nature legislation on the ground. First Vice- President Timmermans said: “Europe is moving from a ‘you only live once’ society to a ‘we only have one world’ society. By investing in nature we are investing in ourselves and our children. Together with stakeholders we will improve the implementation of our EU nature legislation so we can grow our economies, secure our environment and lead by example.” European Commission Vice-President Jyrki Katainen, responsible for Jobs, Growth, Investment and Competitiveness, said: “In order to ensure the success of the Action Plan for nature people and the economy, it is crucial to engage with all relevant stakeholders, in particular local and regional authorities. I look forward to participating in this conference, which represents an excellent opportunity to do just that.”Commissioner Vella said: “With the help of local and regional actors we have today an ambitious Action Plan to help protect our natural resources for a more resilient economy and local communities. There is definitely plenty of work ahead. After 25 years of Natura 2000, we have a very solid foundation. But we need to push on.” The Action Plan follows up the Fitness Check of the Nature Directives which showed that while the Nature Directives were fit for purpose, implementation needs to be improved, to take account of the concerns of local and regional authorities. The discussions of the conference will focus on the 15 actions outlined in the Action Plan and will emphasise the attraction for investment in nature. If EU rules are properly implemented, protected areas could yield substantial economic benefits for local communities through tourism, cleaner water, pollination or climate mitigation. The conference can be followed live here. (For more information: Enrico Brivio – Tel.: +32 229 56172; Sophie Dupin de Saint-Cyr – Tel.: +32 229 56169)

La Haute Représentante/Vice-Présidente Federica Mogherini assistera au Sommet de la Communauté Economique des Etats de l’Afrique de l’Ouest (CEDEAO) au Liberia et se rendra au Mali pour la rencontre des ministres du G5 Sahel

Le 4 juin, la HR/VPentamera une visite en Afrique de l’Ouest et dans la région du Sahel. Cette visite a pour objectif de renforcer la coopération de l’UE avec les pays de la région à travers la gestion de défis communs en matière de paix, sécurité et développement économique. La première étape commencera au Libéria où la HR/VP Mogherini s’adressera au Sommet de la Communauté Economique des Etats de l’Afrique de l’Ouest afin de réitérer le soutien de l’UE à l’organisation régionale. En marge du Sommet, la HR/VP tiendra une série de rencontres bilatérales avec des Chefs d’Etat et de Gouvernement. La visite se poursuivra au Mali du 4 au 6 juin. La HR/VP Federica Mogherini rencontrera le Président du Mali, Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta, le Ministre des Affaires étrangères Abdoulaye Diopet d’autres membres du gouvernement malien pour discuter des relations bilatérales ainsi que du soutien important qu’apporte l’UE à la stabilisation, au processus de paix et réconciliation nationale, etau développement du pays. Dans ce contexte, elle participera également à une réunion du Comité de suivi de l’Accord (Accord de Paix) le 5 juin. La HR/VP assistera ensuite à la 3ème rencontre des Ministres du G5 Sahel à Bamako avec les Ministres des Affaires étrangères du Burkina Faso, du Mali, de la Mauritanie, du Niger et du Tchad. Cette 3ème rencontre ministérielle du G5 sera l’occasion de confirmer que l’UE se tient prête à soutenir davantage les projets concrets initiés par les pays du G5 Sahel afin de renforcer notre coopération face aux défis communs, tels que l’éradication de la pauvreté, l’emploi des jeunes et la lutte contre le terrorisme. La HR/VP participera ainsi à une rencontre avec des jeunes du Sahel et de la région. Fiche technique sur les relations entre l’UE et les pays du Sahel, et plus d’information sur EUCAP Sahel Mali et EUTM Mali. Les conférences de presse et différents reportages audiovisuels sur la mission seront mis en ligne et sur EbS la semaine prochaine. (For more information: Catherine Ray – Tel.: +32 229 69921; Daniel Puglisi – Tel.: +32 229 69140)

 

Vice-President Šefčovič in China for Mission Innovation and Clean Energy Ministerial meetings

On 6-8 June Vice-President for Energy Union Maroš Šefčovič will be travelling to China to co-chair the second Mission Innovation ministerial. Back-to-back with the Clean Energy Ministerial, both International fora offer a robust platform for respectively accelerating clean energy innovation and facilitating its uptake by a global market. Vice-President Šefčovič will hold a series of bilateral meetings i.a. with the Canadian Minister of Natural Resources James Gordon Carr, US Secretary of Energy Rick Perry and the Chinese Minister of Science and Technology Wan Gang. Together with Swedish Minister for Energy Ibrahim Baylan, Vice-President Šefčovič will announce the launch of next year’s Mission Innovation and Clean Energy Ministerial meetings in Europe. Together with former Executive Secretary of the UNFCCC Christiana Figueres, he will speak at the high-level dialogue on the collective role that cities and local governments can play through organisations such as the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate & Energy and attends public private roundtable aiming at accelerating innovation in clean energy technology through public and private collaboration. Ahead of the visit, Vice-President Šefčovič said: “The global clean energy transition is ongoing and irreversible. The EU-China Summit shows the global lead taken by both the EU and China on climate action. The Paris agreement is an unprecedented success of multilateral partnership between countries across the world. Mission Innovation and the Clean Energy Ministerial are key to reach the goals of Paris and reap the benefits of the clean energy transition. The world can count on Europe to maintain its leadership in providing a global response to climate change and accelerating the pace of clean energy innovation worldwide”. The EU joined the Mission Innovation in 2016, see more information here. (For more information: Anca Paduraru – Tel.: +32 229 91269; Nicole Bockstaller – Tel.:+32 229 52589)

 

Vice-President Dombrovskis in Riga

Valdis Dombrovskis, Vice-President for the Euro and Social Dialogue, also in charge of Financial Stability, Financial Services and Capital Markets Union, will be in Riga, Latvia, on Monday. He will hold a number of meetings related to economic and financial affairs as well as deepening of the Economic and Monetary Union (EMU). Vice-President Dombrovskis will meet the European Affairs Committee as well as the Budget and Finance (Taxation) Committee of the Latvian Parliament. On Monday, following a working lunch with the Foreign Affairs Minister Edgars Rinkēvičs, Vice-President Dombrovskis will meet the Association of Latvian Commercial Banksto discuss the public consultation on FinTech, as well as the board members of the non-governmental organisation Foreign Investors’ Council in Latvia (FICIL). (For more information: Annika Breidthardt – Tel.: +32 229 56153; Juliana Dahl – Tel.: +32 229 59914) 

 

Animal welfare: EU platform to be launched next week

Next Tuesday (6 June 2017) Commissioner Andriukaitis, in charge of Health and Food safety, will address members of the EU Platform on Animal Welfare at its inaugural meeting. The Platform has been set up to coordinate actions related to animal welfare and to share best experiences by relevant stakeholders. Commissioner Andriukaitis said: “I expect the Platform to be a true engine for real and concrete progress in the area of animal welfare in the EU. We can achieve this if all the actors make every effort to better implement the existing rules and commit to concrete improvements on the ground.” The EU Platform on Animal Welfare brings together all relevant stakeholders involved in the field of animal welfare: business and professional organisations, organisations from civil society, independent experts from academic and research institutes, EU and European Economic Area Member States, the European Food Safety Authority and relevant international intergovernmental organisations. The Platform’s main objectives and desired outcomes are, first of all, the better application of EU rules on animal welfare, through exchanges of information, best practices and the direct involvement of stakeholders. Secondly, the development and use of voluntary commitments by businesses to further improve animal welfare. Finally, the Platform intends to focus on how to promote EU animal welfare standards better in order to increase the market value of the Union’s products globally. At the inaugural meeting, the members will discuss how the Platform can contribute to better implementation and understanding of EU legislation on animal welfare at national, European and global level, and share good practices and professional experiences. The meeting will be web-streamed here and on EbS (at 10:00 CET). The agenda is available online. (For more information: Anca Paduraru – Tel.: +32 229 91269; Aikaterini Apostola – Tel.: +32 229 87624)

 

La Commissaire Creţu à Molenbeek: “L’UE investit pour l’avenir et pour le vivre-ensemble”

Mardi matin la Commissaire à la politique régionale Corina Creţu visitera des projets soutenus par la politique de Cohésion de l’UE à Molenbeek, dans la région de Bruxelles-Capitale. Dans le cadre de la campagne #InvestEU, qui fait connaitre aux citoyens les opportunités offertes par les investissements de l’UE, la Commissaire visitera le site Belle-vue, qui regroupe plusieurs projets d’inclusion sociale et de formation professionnelle, notamment pour les jeunes de la commune – le centre de formation Hôtel Belvue, Molenbeek formation et Art2Work. Elle effectuera cette visite aux côtés du Ministre-Président de la région, Rudi Vervoort, la Bourgmestre de Molenbeek-Saint-Jean, Françoise Schepmans, Aboubakr Bensaihi, chanteur et acteur du film ‘Black’, et Nel Vandevannet, Directrice de programme Belgique Médecins du Monde, dont l’association a reçu des fonds européens pour la construction d’un centre d’assistance sociale et de soins pour les migrants à Molenbeek (voir notre communiqué sur le sujet). En amont de sa visite, la Commissaire Creţu a déclaré: “A Molenbeek comme partout en Europe, l’UE investit pour l’avenir et le vivre-ensemble. Les projets que je vais visiter montrent comment l’Europe soutient la création d’emplois, protège les jeunes, les populations marginalisées et tous ceux qui se sentent exclus, et leur donne les moyens de réussir.” Plus d’informations sur l’action et les investissements de l’UE dans le développement urbain durable, notamment dans le cadre de l’Agenda Urbain de l’UE, et sur les fonds européens en Belgique, sont disponibles en ligne. (Pour plus d’informations: Johannes Bahrke – Tel.: +32 229 58615; Sophie Dupin de Saint-Cyr – Tel.: +32 229 56169)

Calendar

The Commissioners’ weekly activities

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

The updated Q&As include new answers regarding certain aspects of the regime applying to central securities depositories (CSDs):

• CSDs’ investment policy;
• access to CSDs; and
• conditions to provide services in another Member State.

The purpose of this document is to promote common supervisory approaches and practices in the application of the CSDR. The Q&A mechanism is a practical convergence tool used for this purpose. It should also help investors and other market participants by providing clarity on the requirements. ESMA will periodically review these Q&As and update them where required.

(Susceptible de modifications en cours de semaine)

Déplacements et visites

 

Lundi 05 juin 2017

Whit Monday

Ms Federica Mogherini in Bamako, Mali (until 06/06): on official visit.

Mr Valdis Dombrovskis in Riga, Latvia: meets representatives of the Association of Latvian Commercial Banks; members of the Committees on Budget and Finance and European Affairs of the Parliament of Latvia; and board members of the Foreign Investors’ Council in Latvia (FICIL).

Ms Elżbieta Bieńkowska is in Żywiec, Poland: delivers a speech at a conference on Contribution of the European Commission to the reinforcement of the European entrepreneurship.

Ms Margrethe Vestager in Denmark: at the celebrations of the Constitution Day:delivers a keynote speech and participates in events organised by the Social Liberal party in North Zealand; and  delivers a keynote speech and participates in an event at Ryslinge Folk High School.

 

Mardi 06 juin 2017

President Jean-Claude Juncker receives Mr Stanislaw Tillich, Minister-President of Saxony, Germany.

President Jean-Claude Juncker receives Mr Alpha Condé, President of Guinea.

Mr Frans Timmermans receives Mr Robert Singer, CEO and Executive Vice-President of the World Jewish Congress.

Mr Frans Timmermans and Mr Andrus Ansip deliver keynote speech at the opening session of the “Next Generation Internet Summit“, at the European Parliament, in Brussels.

Mr Frans Timmermans, Mr Jyrki Katainen and Mr Karmenu Vella deliver speeches at the conference “An EU Action Plan for Nature, People and the Economy”, organised by the European Commission, the Committee of the Regions and the Maltese Presidency, in Brussels.

Mr Frans Timmermans receives Mr Paul Polman, CEO of Unilever.

Mr Frans Timmermans delivers a keynote speech at the VNO-NCW CEO meeting, in Brussels.

Mr Frans Timmermans receives Mr Miquel Iceta Llorens, First Secretary of the Socialists’ Party of Catalonia (PSC).

Mr Maroš Šefčovič in Beijing, China (until 09/06): participates in the 2nd Mission Innovation ministerial meeting; and in the 8th Clean Energy ministerial meeting.

Mr Günther H. Oettinger delivers an opening address at the high-level conference “Funding the EU’s Future Towards New Multiannual Financial Framework” organised by the European Political Strategy Centre (EPSC), in Brussels.

Ms Cecilia Malmström receives Ms Sim Ann, Senior Minister of State, Ministry for Culture, Community and Youth, and Ministry for Trade and Industry of Singapore.  

Ms Cecilia Malmström receives Mr Enrico Letta, former Prime Minister of Italy. 

Mr Neven Mimica receives Mr Mahdi Al-Alaq, Secretary General of the Council of Ministers of Iraq.

Mr Neven Mimica receives Mr Daniel Kablan Duncan, Vice-President of Ivory Coast.

Mr Neven Mimica receives Mr Nana Akufo-Addo, President of Ghana.

Mr Miguel Arias Cañete receives Mr William Todts, Executive Director of Transport & Environment (T&E).

Mr Karmenu Vella receives Mr Pim van Ballekom, Vice-President of the European Investment Bank (EIB).

Mr Karmenu Vella receives Ms Grațiela-Leocadia Gavrilescu, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for the Environment of Romania.

Mr Karmenu Vella delivers a speech at the Voices4Development event co-organised by the European Commission as a prelude to the European Development Days, in Brussels.

Mr Vytenis Andriukaitis delivers an opening speech and participates in the EU Animal Welfare Platform launch event, in Brussels.

Mr Vytenis Andriukaitis participates in the “Biological low-risk pesticides for sustainable integrated pest management: a multi-stakeholder approach” conference, at the European Parliament, in Brussels.

Mr Dimitris Avramopoulos receives Mr Alpha Condé, President of Guinea.

M. Pierre Moscovici à Paris, France (jusqu’à 07/06): rencontre M. Emmanuel Macron, Président de la République française.

Mr Christos Stylianides in Athens, Greece: participates in the panel on “European Action for Sustainability: Investing in Partnerships to Achieve the Sustainable Development Goals” at Concordia Europe Summit.

Mr Phil Hogan receives Mr Mark Ferguson, Director-General of the Science Foundation Ireland and Chief Scientific Adviser to the Government of Ireland.

Ms Elżbieta Bieńkowska delivers a speech at a high-level conference “Implementing the space strategy for Europe. Copernicus goes local” at the European Parliament, in Brussels.

Mr Tibor Navracsics participates in “Protectors of our heritage – Adopt a monument movement” event organised by Ms Gyula Winkler, Member of the European Parliament, in Brussels.

Ms Corina Creţu meets Mr Rudi Vervoort, Minister-President of Brussels-Capital Region; and Ms Françoise Schepmans, Mayor of Brussels municipality of Molenbeek-Saint-Jean, in Brussels.

Ms Corina Creţu visits three EU–funded projects in Brussels municipality of Molenbeek-Saint-Jean, in Brussels.

Ms Corina Creţu attends the inauguration of the vegetable garden “Petite Senne – Zin’To” by Brussels municipality of Molenbeek-Saint-Jean, together with Ms Céline Frémault, Minister with responsibility for Housing, Quality of Life, Environment and Energy of Brussels-Capital Region; and Ms Françoise Schepmans, Mayor of Molenbeek-Saint-Jean, in Brussels.

Mr Carlos Moedas receives representatives of national innovation agencies from the EU Member States.

Mr Carlos Moedas receives Mr Mario Monti, former Prime Minister for Italy.

Mr Carlos Moedas delivers a speech at the “Summit on Science Communication and Science Based Policy-Making in the Next Generation”, at the European Parliament, in Brussels.

Mr Carlos Moedas meets representatives of the CRUE (Association of University rectors of Spain/Portugal), in Brussels.

Mr Julian King receives Mr Hu Houkun (Ken Hu), Deputy Chairman of the Board, Rotating CEO of Huawei, in Brussels.

Mr Julian King receives Mr Gavin St Pier, President of the Policy and Resources Committee of Guernsey; Mr Philip Bailhache, Minister for Foreign Affairs in the Government of Jersey; and Mr Jonathan Le Tocq, Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs of Guernsey and Member of the Policy and Resources Committee of Guernsey.

Mr Julian King receives representatives of the Confederation of European Security Services (CoESS), in Brussels

Mercredi 07 juin 2017

College meeting

President Jean-Claude Juncker delivers the opening speech at the European Development Days, in Brussels.

President Jean-Claude Juncker receives Mr Paul Kagame, President of Rwanda.

President Jean-Claude Juncker receives Mr Macky Sall, President of Senegal.

Mr Frans Timmermans receives Ms Amina Mohammed, Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations (UN).

Mr Frans Timmermans chairs the REFIT Platform meeting, in Brussels.

Mr Frans Timmermans participates in a high-level panel with Sustainable Development Goals’ advocates at the European Development Days, in Brussels.

Ms Federica Mogherini delivers a keynote speech at the high-level panel on “Resilience in the context of the EU Global Strategy for Foreign and Security Policy” at the European Development Days, in Brussels.

Ms Federica Mogherini and Mr Johannes Hahn attend the signing ceremony of the Joint Declaration on the European Union support to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) for the period 2017-2020, in Brussels.

Mr Andrus Ansip participates in a panel discussion on digitalisation at the European Development Days.

Mr Andrus Ansip meets, in the framework of the European Development Days, Mr Sidi Tiémoko Touré, Minister for Youth Promotion and Employment, and Civic Service of Côte d’Ivoire; and Mr Pierre Guislain, Vice-President for Private Sector, Infrastructure and Industrialization at the African Development Bank, in Brussels.

Mr Maroš Šefčovič in Beijing, China: participates in the 2nd Mission Innovation ministerial meeting; and in the 8th Clean Energy ministerial meeting.

Mr Jyrki Katainen receives Ms Amina Mohammed, Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations (UN).

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

Mr Johannes Hahn receives MsJadranka Joksimović, Minister without portfolio responsible for EU integration of Serbia.

Mr Neven Mimica deliversa speech in the high-level panel “The smart investment – empowering women in the economy” at the European Development Days; and announces the laureates of the Lorenzo Natali Media Prize Award, awarding outstanding journalists in the field of development, in Brussels.

Mr Neven Mimica meets, in the framework of the European Development Days, Mr Arthur Peter Mutharika, President of Malawi; Ms Maria Dolores Agüero Lara, Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs of Honduras; Mr Faure Gnassingbé, President of Togo; and Mr Evo Morales, President of Bolivia, in Brussels.

Mr Miguel Arias Cañete receives Ms Amina Mohammed, Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations (UN).

Mr Vytenis Andriukaitis participates in the “Self-Regulation is No Regulation: The Case of Protecting Children from Alcohol Marketing” event, in Brussels.

Mr Vytenis Andriukaitis attends the Conference on Animal Welfare organised by Lower Saxony office, in Brussels.

Mr Vytenis Andriukaitis participates in session on Health Inequalities at the European Development Days, in Brussels.

Mr Vytenis Andriukaitis meets Ms Alaa Murabit, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Advocate and Founder and President of the Voice of Libyan Women, in Brussels.

M. Pierre Moscovici à Paris, France: prononce un discours lors de la Réunion du Conseil de l’OCDE au niveau des Ministres.

Mr Christos Stylianides in Ankara, Turkey (until 09/06): delivers a speech at the launching ceremony of the Conditional Cash Transfer for Education programme; visits a school benefiting from the project; and holds several bilateral meetings.

Ms Vĕra Jourová in Luxembourg (until 08/06): meets Mr Antti Häkkänen, Minister for Justice of Finland.

Mr Tibor Navracsics participates in a panel debate “Empowering young people through better skills and better representation” at the European Development Days, in Brussels.

Ms Corina Creţu receives Mr Alain Hutchinson, Brussels Commissioner for Europe and International Organisations.

Ms Margrethe Vestager delivers a keynote speech at “Is Democracy in crisis” conference, organised by European Movement International, in Brussels.

Ms Margrethe Vestager meets Ms Christine Lagarde, Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), in Brussels.

Ms Margrethe Vestager participates ina panel debate at the European Development Days, in Brussels.

Mr Carlos Moedas receives Mr Pascal Lamy, President Emeritus of the Jacques Delors Institute; and the High-Level Group on maximising the impact of EU Research and Innovation Programmes.

Mr Carlos Moedas receives Ms Lucyna Wozniak, Professor at Medical University of Łódź; and Mr Andrzej Jajszczyk, President of the Krakow Branch of the Polish Academy of Science.

Mr Carlos Moedas delivers a speech at the Start-up Europe Awards Ceremony, at the European Parliament, in Brussels.

Mr Carlos Moedas delivers a speech at the “Progrès médical: de la thérapie à l’amélioration de l’Homme” conference, at the European Parliament, Brussels.

 

Jeudi 08 juin 2017

08-09/06 Informal meeting of the General Affairs Council

08-09/06 Justice and Home Affairs Council

08-09/06 Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council

President Jean-Claude Juncker in Prague, the Czech Republic (until 09/06): delivers a speech at Charles University; meets Mr Milan Štěch, President of the Czech Senate; and Mr Jan Hamáček, President of the Czech Chamber of Deputies.

Mr Frans Timmermans receives Mr Christian Schmidt, Minister for Food and Agriculture of Germany.

Ms Federica Mogherini in Zaragoza, Spain: attends the Opening Ceremony of the European Tactical Airlift Centre (ETAC).

Mr Andrus Ansip and Mr Carlos Moedas meet Investor AB Board of Directors, in Brussels.

Mr Maroš Šefčovič in Beijing, China: participates in the2nd Mission Innovation ministerial meeting; and in the 8th Clean Energy ministerial meeting.

Mr Valdis Dombrovskis delivers closing speech at the Pensions Europe Conference 2017, in Brussels.

Mr Jyrki Katainen receives Mr Eric Sievers, Director of Ethanol Europe.

Mr Jyrki Katainen in Prague, the Czech-Republic (until 09/06): meets members of the Parliament of the Czech Republic; and attends speech of President Jean-Claude Juncker at Charles University.

Mr Johannes Hahn in Serbia: on official visit.

Ms Cecilia Malmström in Paris, France: participates in the OECD Ministerial Council meeting on “Making globalisation work: better lives for all”.

Mr Neven Mimica delivers a speech at the high-level panel “Sustainable Energy in Africa”; at the World Reconstruction Conference “Leveraging Political Consensus on Promoting Resilience through Post-Crises Recovery”; and at the high-level closing panel “Objective 2030: Towards a New Development Policy” of the European Development Days, in Brussels.

Mr Neven Mimica meets, in the framework of the European Development Days, Mr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organisation (WHO); Mr David Arthur Granger, President of Guyana; Mr Paul Kagame, President of Rwanda; Mr Alpha Condé, President of Guinea; Mr Macky Sall, President of Senegal, in Brussels.

Mr Karmenu Vella in New York, the United States (until 09/06): participates in a breakfast meeting organised by the Ocean Unite Network; and in the side events “Implementation of the ecosystem approach at the regional level for the coordinated achievement of the targets of SDG14” and “EU tourism committed to blue growth” in the margins of The Ocean Conference.

Mr Vytenis Andriukaitis receives Ms Emma Slawinski, Director of Campaigns for Compassion in World Farming (CIWF).

Ms Marianne Thyssen in Turin, Italy: visits the European Training Foundation (ETF); attends “Skills for a changing world” conference; and delivers a keynote speech at the plenary “New Skills Agenda for Europe – an Agenda for a Changing World”; participates in a citizens’ dialogue together with Mr Luigi Bobba, Undersecretary, Ministry for Labour and Social Policies of Italy.

Mr Phil Hogan in Córdoba, Spain: delivers a speech at the 18^th European Feed Manufacturers’ Federation (FAFACA) Congress and the 5^th Animal Nutrition Congress organised by the FAFACA and the Association of Manufacturers of Animal Feed for Andalusia (AFACA).

Ms Elżbieta Bieńkowska is in Helsinki, Finland; delivers a keynote speech at Helsinki Chemicals Forum at the occasion of the 10th anniversary of European Chemicals Agency (ECHA); delivers a keynote speech at the conference ‘Single market and competitiveness as drivers for growth and jobs in Europe and in Finland’ within the European Semester framework; takes part in the Citizens’ dialogue on Future of Europe and globalisation, InvestEU; meets Mr Jari Lindström, Minister of Employment and meets a group of members of the Parliament.

Ms Vĕra Jourová in Luxembourg: meets Mr Goran Klemenčič, Minister for Justice of Slovenia.

Mr Tibor Navracsics participates in a hearing on copyrights, organised by the European People’s Party (EPP) in the European Parliament, in Brussels.

Mr Tibor Navracsics receives Mr Sven Gatz, Flemish Minister for Culture, Media, Youth and Brussels Affairs.

Mr Carlos Moedas receives representatives of the Tourism Confederation of Portugal.

Mr Carlos Moedas receives Mr Richard Hatchett, CEO of the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI).

Vendredi 09 juin 2017

Informal meeting of the General Affairs Council

Justice and Home Affairs Council

Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council

President Jean-Claude Juncker in Prague, the Czech Republic:  delivers a speech entitled ‘In defence of Europe’ as the keynote address on the future of European defence at the high-level Defence and Security Conference; holds a joint press conference with Mr Bohuslav Sobotka, Prime Minister of the Czech Republic, and Ms Rose Gottemoeller, Deputy Secretary-General of NATO; and meets Mr Bohuslav Sobotka; Ms Rose Gottemoeller; and Mr Lubomír Zaorálek, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic, for a working lunch.

Mr Frans Timmermans delivers a keynote speech and participates in a debate at the European Women’s Lobby General Assembly, in Brussels.

Ms Federica Mogherini in Prague, the Czech Republic: delivers a keynote speech at the high-level Defence and Security Conference.

Mr Maroš Šefčovič in Beijing, China (until 09/06): participates in the 2nd Mission Innovation ministerial meeting; and in the 8th Clean Energy ministerial meeting.

Mr Jyrki Katainen in Prague, the Czech Republic: delivers a speech at the high-level Defence and Security Conference; and meets Ms Ursula von der Leyen, Minister for Defence of Germany.

Mr Johannes Hahn in Montenegro: on official visit.

Mr Neven Mimica receives Mr Augustine Philip Mahiga, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Tanzania.

Mr Miguel Arias Cañete in Madrid, Spain: meets Mr Miguel de Oca Burguete, Executive Member at the Iberoamerican Advisory Group; and delivers a keynote speech at the 20th anniversary of the Exporters Club on “The EU and globalisation: opportunities and challenges”.

Mr Karmenu Vella in New York, the United States: meets Ms Amina Mohammed, Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations (UN); participates in The Ocean Conference; and in the side events “Deter, prevent and eliminate IUU Fishing as a driver for achieving Ocean Governance and SDG14 objectives” and “Stimulating MSP internationally for an effective and sustainable management of our oceans and seas” in the margins of The Ocean Conference.

Mr Vytenis Andriukaitis in Vilnius, Lithuania: participates in a European Association of Dental Public Health meeting on “Challenges in oral epidemiology”; and meets the members of the Committee on European Affairs of the Seimas of Lithuania.

Ms Elżbieta Bieńkowska in Prague, the Czech Republic: participates in the high-level Defence and Security Conference.

Mr Tibor Navracsics in Miskolc, Hungary: meets Mr Ákos Kriza, Mayor of Miskolc; and Mr András Torma, Rector of the University of Miskolc; and visits Nestlé factory to meet participants in the VET apprenticeship scheme.

Mr Tibor Navracsics in Budapest, Hungary: participates in a Citizens’ Dialogue.

Ms Corina Creţu in Valetta, Malta: attends the Informal meeting of ministers responsible for cohesion policy.

 

Samedi 10 juin 2017

 

Dimanche 11 juin 2017

Mr Miguel Arias Cañete in Bologna, Italy (until 12/06): attends the G7 Environment ministerial meeting.

Prévisions du mois de mai:

08-09/06 Informal meeting of the General Affairs Council

08-09/06 Justice and Home Affairs Council

08-09/06 Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council

12/06 Agriculture and Fisheries Council

15/06 Eurogroup

Permanence DG COMM le WE du 03 au 05 mai 2017:

Christian WIGAND: +32 460 76 47 00

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

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