Remarks by HR/VP Federica Mogherini at the joint press point fol

Check against delivery!

Good afternoon.

We are pleased today to welcome the Deputy Secretary General of the United Nations, Amina Mohammed, who makes us the honour to join the Development Ministers today in Brussels to work together on the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals, the Agenda 2030. I had the pleasure of meeting her last week in New York together with the [UN] Secretary General [António] Guterres and my first message is one of gratitude for the leadership that she has personally shown and the UN system is showing on sustainable development but also on the related agenda that is a fundamental pillar of our own European security and development. We believe that investing in development but also in peacekeeping, in humanitarian, in climate change is a way to strengthen our own resilience, our own security, and this is why the United Nations system will always find the European Union at this side.

We strongly believe that the multilateral approach that the UN represents is the way to go. This is why also today, with the Development Ministers, we have adopted a new Consensus on Development that will contribute greatly to the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals on the external side.   We will also obviously do our part when it comes to the European policies on our internal dimension.

So Amina [Mohammed], once again, thank you very much for being together with us today and I leave you the floor.



Statement by the Spokesperson on the situation in Guinea Bissau

The enduring political crisis in Guinea Bissau is threatening the stability and the development of the country and has wider regional implications.  The Economic Community Of West African States (ECOWAS) and United Nations engagement and ongoing mediation efforts have been critical to promote a political solution.

The latest ECOWAS Ministerial Mission to Bissau on 25 April reaffirmed the Conakry Accord as the only basis for a peaceful, consensual and inclusive solution. The EU fully supports the Conakry Accord and agrees that it must be implemented without further delay. 

It is important that all political actors in the country now engage to meet the ECOWAS timeline of 30 days, as set in the statement following the April ECOWAS Ministerial Mission. In this respect, individuals impeding the implementation of the Conakry Accord need to be held responsible.

Since 2014 the EU has actively supported the ECOWAS Mission in Guinea Bissau (ECOMIB), which is now in the process to progressively withdraw from the country.  The EU expects the defence and security forces not to intervene in the political crisis.  It is crucial that all stakeholders show restraint in public declarations and avoid any action out of the Constitutional order and Rule of Law.



CALENDRIER du 22 mai au 28 mai 2017

(Susceptible de modifications en cours de semaine)

Déplacements et visites

 

Lundi 22 mai 2017

21-23/05 Informal meeting of agriculture and fisheries ministers

Eurogroup

22-23/05 Education, Youth, Culture and Sport Council

Mr Frans Timmermans in New York, the United States (until 23/05): meets the organisers of New York Women’s March, at the City University of New York; Mr Michael Bloomberg, United Nations Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for Cities and Climate Change; and Mr David Miliband, President and CEO of the International Rescue Committee.

Ms Federica Mogherini receives Mr Abdelkader Messahel, Minister of Maghreb Affairs, African Union and the Arab League of Algeria.

Mr Andrus Ansip receives Mr Christian Van Thillo, CEO of Persgroep and Chairman of the European Publishers Council.

Mr Maroš Šefčovič receives representativesfrom ‘Green 10’.    

Mr Maroš Šefčovič receives Mr Christian Westermeier, President of SolarPower Europe.           

Mr Valdis Dombrovskis delivers a keynote speech “What are the next steps for better economic governance in the Eurozone?” at the European Business Summit, in Brussels.

Mr Valdis Dombrovskis receives Mr Uldis Cērps, Senior Adviser to the Director General, Swedish Financial Supervisory Authority.

Mr Jyrki Katainen participates in the European People’s Party’s (EPP) ECOFIN Ministerial Meeting, in Brussels.

Mr Jyrki Katainen participates in the European Business Summit: delivers a speech at the Sustainable Development Goals Conference; and a keynote speech at the plenary session “A New Narrative for Europe”.

Ms Cecilia Malmström receives a group of students from the European School in Strängnäs, Sweden.

Ms Cecilia Malmström delivers a speech at a roundtable “Europe’s trade strategy: new trade deals for Europe” at the European Business Summit, in Brussels.

Mr Neven Mimica in New York, the United States (until 23/05): participates in the 2nd high-level Forum on Financing for Development Follow-up of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).

Mr Miguel Arias Cañete in Berlin, Germany:participates in the 8th Petersberg Climate Dialogue “Working Together on Solutions”.

Mr Karmenu Vella in Malta (until 23/05): delivers a speech at a conference on Circular Economy organised by Ms Miriam Dalli, Member of the European Parliament.

Mr Vytenis Andriukaitis in Ireland (until 23/05): visits the ‘Health and food audits and analysis’ Directorate of the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Health and Food Safety together with Mr Simon Harris, Minister for Health of Ireland, and Mr Andrew Doyle, Minister of State for Food, Forestry and Horticulture; and participates in a Citizens’ Dialogue on Health and Food Safety, together with Ms Mairead McGuinness, Member of the European Parliament.

Mr Phil Hogan in Malta (until 23/05): participates in the Informal meeting of agriculture and fisheries ministers; meets Mr Bronius Markauskas, Minister for Agriculture of Lithuania; and Mr Jari Leppä, Minister for Agriculture and Forestry of Finland.

Ms Elżbieta Bieńkowska in Katowice, Poland: delivers a speech at the conference “Tourism, education, employment” at Katowice School of Economics.

Ms Elżbieta Bieńkowska in Vienna, Austria (until 23/05): meets business associations’ representatives.

Ms Vĕra Jourová in Prague, the Czech Republic: delivers a keynote speech at Jean Monnet International Scientific Conference “The EU in time of multi crisis and its greatest challenges – up-to-date solutions, future visions and prospects”; delivers a keynote speech at the International e-Privacy Meeting, organised by the International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP); meets Mr Jiří Havlíček, Minister for Industry and Trade of the Czech Republic; and receives an Award for Important Contribution to the Development of European Co-operation of Palacký University Olomouc.

Ms Corina Creţu in Cairo, Egypt: delivers a keynote speech at the “Second Union for the Mediterranean (UfM) Ministerial Conference on Sustainable Urban Development”; and participates in the launch of the UfM labelled project “Imbaba urban upgrading” hosted by Mr Mostafa Madbouly, Minister for Housing, Utilities and Urban Communities of Egypt.

Mr Carlos Moedas in Portugal (until 23/05): delivers a speech at the conference “Growth of the Portuguese economy – myths and realities”; and a speech on the Future of Europe in the cycle of conferences entitled “Europe at a Crossroads” organised by Geographical Society of Lisbon (SGL).

Mr Julian King receives Mr Abdelkader Messahel, Minister of Maghreb Affairs, African Union and the Arab League of Algeria.

Mr Julian King receives Mr Meng Hongwei, President of the International Police Organisation (INTERPOL).

Mr Julian King delivers a keynote speech on “Protecting our Individual Freedom: European Security for Companies and Citizens” at the European Business Summit, in Brussels.

 

Mardi 23 mai 2017

21-23/05 Informal meeting of agriculture and fisheries ministers

22-23/05 Education, Youth, Culture and Sport Council

Economic and Financial Affairs Council

President Jean-Claude Juncker meets Mr Donald Tusk, President of the European Council; and Mr Jens Stoltenberg, Secretary-General of NATO, for a working lunch.

Mr Frans Timmermans in New York, the United States: delivers the opening remarks at the seminar on Sustainable Development, Global Partnership Dialogue 2017; meets Mr Peter Thomson of Fiji, President of the 71st United Nations General Assembly; meets Mr Amina Mohammed, Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations.

Ms Federica Mogherini chairs the 17th meeting of the EU-Republic of Armenia Cooperation Council, in Brussels.

Ms Federica Mogherini hosts a meeting of the Libya Quartet, in Brussels.

Ms Federica Mogherini receives Mr Martin Kobler, Special Representative of the UN Secretary General and Head of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya.

Mr Maroš Šefčovič delivers a keynote speech at the European Business Summit, in Brussels.        

Mr Maroš Šefčovič receives Mr Mateusz Morawiecki, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Economic Development and Finance of Poland.

Mr Jyrki Katainen attends the annual meeting of the Board of Governors of the European Investment Bank, in Brussels.

Mr Jyrki Katainen receives Mr Ambroise Fayolle, Vice-President of the European Investment Bank (EIB).

Mr Jyrki Katainen receives Mr Mateusz Morawiecki, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Economic Development and Finance of Poland.

Mr Günther H. Oettinger delivers a keynote speech at the European Business Summit in Brussels.

Mr Günther H. Oettinger receives Mr Thomas Drozda, Federal Minister for Arts and Culture, Constitution and Media of Austria.

Mr Günther H. Oettinger receives Mr Märt Kivine, Deputy Minister on EU Budget of Estonia.

Mr Johannes Hahn receives Mr Carmel Agius, President of the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY).

Ms Cecilia Malmström in Hamburg, Germany: meets Mr Olaf Scholz, First Mayor of Hamburg; and delivers a speech on “Trade in a Protectionist World” at a lunch hosted by the Friedrich Naumann Foundation.

Mr Miguel Arias Cañete in Prague, the Czech Republic: delivers a keynote speech at the plenary meeting of the European Nuclear Energy Forum (ENEF); meets Mr Jiří Havlíček, Minister for Industry and Trade; and Mr Richard Brabec, Minister for the Environment of the Czech Republic.

Mr Karmenu Vella in Valetta, Malta: participates in the Informal meeting of agriculture and fisheries ministers.

Mr Vytenis Andriukaitis in Dublin, Ireland: meets representatives of the Joint Committee on Health and Children, Oireachtas; and meets Mr Simon Harris, Minister for Health of Ireland.

Mr Dimitris Avramopoulos hosts the 2nd European Dialogue on Skills and Migration, in the context of the  European Business Summit, in Brussels.

Ms Marianne Thyssen attends the  European Business Summit and participates in the 2nd European Dialogue on Skills and Migration, in Brussels.

Ms Marianne Thyssen in Leuven, Belgium: participates in a lecture “Future of Europe“, chaired by Mr Wolfgang Schäuble, Minister for Finance of Germany.

M. Pierre Moscovici participe à la réunion annuelle du Conseil des gouverneurs de la Banque européenne d’investissement (BEI), à Bruxelles.

M. Pierre Moscovici prononce un discours au Sommet des entreprises européennes, à Bruxelles.

M. Pierre Moscovici à Tournai, Belgique: participe à un Dialogue citoyen sur l’Union européenne à l’invitation de M. Rudy Demotte, Ministre-Président de la Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles.

Mr Phil Hogan in Valetta, Malta: participates in the Informal meeting of agriculture and fisheries ministers.

Ms Violeta Bulc receives Mr William Todts, Executive Director of Transport & Environment.

Ms Elżbieta Bieńkowska in Vienna, Austria: meets key representatives of the Austrian social partners; Ms Ulrike Rabmer-Koller, President of European Association of Craft, Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (UEAPME); and Mr Harald Mahrer, Federal Minister for Science, Research and Economy of Austria; and delivers a speech at a conference of start-ups.

Mr Tibor Navracsics meets Mr Thomas Drozda, Federal Minister for Arts, Culture, Constitution and Media of Austria.

Ms Vĕra Jourová receives Ms Lavly Perling, Prosecutor General of Estonia; Mr Pavel Zeman, Supreme Public Prosecutor of the Czech Republic; and Mr Jean-François Thony, Prosecutor General of the Court of Appeal of the Alsace region.

Ms Vĕra Jourová delivers a speech at the “2nd EU Day against impunity for genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes”, in Brussels.

Ms Margrethe Vestager receives Mr Louis Grech, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for European Affairs and Implementation of the Electoral Manifesto of Malta.

Ms Margrethe Vestager receives Mr Mateusz Morawiecki, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Economic Development and Finance of Poland.

Ms Margrethe Vestager receives Mr Euclid Tsakalotos, Minister for Finance of Greece.

Mr Carlos Moedas in Beja, Portugal: delivers a speech at ‘Melhor Alentejo’ event.                  

Mr Carlos Moedas in Spain: meets Mr Guillermo Fernández Vara, President of Extremadura region, Spain.

Mr Julian King in Vienna, Austria: meets Mr Sebastian Kurz, Federal Minister for Europe, Integration and Foreign Affairs of Austria; Mr Wolfgang Sobotka, Federal Minister for the Interior; Mr Jan Jambon, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Security and Home Affairs of Belgium; and delivers opening remarks at the “OSCE-wide Counter-Terrorism Conference 2017: Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism and Radicalisation that Leads to Terrorism”.

Mercredi 24 mai 2017

College meeting

Ms Federica Mogherini receives Mr Stéphane Dion, Special Envoy of the Prime Minister of Canada to the EU and Europe, and Ambassador to the Federal Republic of Germany.

Ms Federica Mogherini hosts a working dinner with the Prime Ministers of the Western Balkans 6 (WB6).

Mr Andrus Ansip and Ms Vĕra Jourová deliver speeches ata business roundtable on General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) implementation and Privacy Shield.

Mr Maroš Šefčovič in Lithuania (until 25/05): on Energy Union Tour: meets Ms Dalia Grybauskaitė, President of Lithuania; meets Mr Saulius Skvernelis, Prime Minister; and meets Mr Žygimantas Vaičiūnas, Minister of Energy. He also visits and meets representatives of the BOD Group; attends a joint meeting with Mr Rokas Masiulis, Minister for Transport and Communication; Mr Kęstutis Navickas, Minister for the Environment, Mr Gediminas Kirkilas, Deputy Speaker of the Seimas and Chair of the European Affairs Committee, and Mr Virginijus Sinkevičius, Chair of the Economic Committee of the Seimas.

Mr Karmenu Vella receives Mr Stéphane Dion, Special Envoy of the Prime Minister of Canada to the EU and Europe, and Ambassador to the Federal Republic of Germany.

Mr Vytenis Andriukaitis receives Ms Dolors Montserrat, Minister for Health, Social Services and Equality of Spain.

Mr Christos Stylianides in Cancun, Mexico (until 26/05): participates in the 5th session of the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction organised by the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction.

Mr Phil Hogan and Ms Violeta Bulc attend the launch of the partnership between Ryanair and the Erasmus Student Network, in Brussels.

Ms Elżbieta Bieńkowska in Valetta, Malta: delivers an opening speech at a high-level conference “Enhancing Europe’s Tourism Competiveness through New Products”.

Ms Vĕra Jourová receives Mr Stavros Kontonis, Minister for Justice, Transparency and Human Rights of Greece.

Ms Corina Creţu participates in a meeting “The Future of EU cohesion policy, presenting the Dutch position paper”, organised by the House of the Dutch Provinces, in Brussels.

Ms Corina Creţu receives Mr Viorel Ștefan, Minister of Public Finance of Romania.

Ms Corina Creţu receives Mr Ioan Vulpescu, Minister for Culture and National Identity of Romania.

 

Jeudi 25 mai 2017

President Jean-Claude Juncker meets Mr Donald Trump, President of the United States; and participates in the EU-US Leaders’ Meeting, in Brussels.

President Jean-Claude Juncker, together with President Donald Tusk, meets Mr Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, President of Turkey, in Brussels.

President Jean-Claude Juncker receives Mr Emmanuel Macron, President of France.

Mr Maroš Šefčovič in Lithuania: on Energy Union Tour: meets Mr Viktoras Pranckietis, Speaker of the Seimas; attends the plenary session of the Seimas; meets and discusses with stakeholders, experts, opinion makers and academia.

Mr Miguel Arias Cañete in Madrid, Spain: participates in the Debate on the Law on Climate Change and Energy Transition organised by the Ministry for the Environment of Spain.

Mr Karmenu Vella in London, the United Kingdom: delivers a speech “Our circular future: setting standards to create new opportunities around the globe” at the Circular Economy Summit “Accelerating a business model revolution” organised by the Financial Times.

M. Pierre Moscovici à Marrakech, Maroc: participe à la Conférence Tribunes de Marrakech organisée par l’Université Cadi Ayyad.

Mr Carlos Moedas in Lisbon, Portugal (until 26/05): delivers the opening address of the 4th the Asia-Europe Meeting of Governors and Mayors (ASEM MGM4).

Vendredi 26 mai 2017

President Jean-Claude Juncker in Taormina, Italy (until 27/05): holds a joint press conference together with Mr Donald Tusk, President of the European Council, ahead of the G7 Summit; and participates in the G7 Summit.

Mr Maroš Šefčovič in Brastislava, Slovakia: meets Mr Peter Pellegrini, Deputy Prime Minister for Investment and Informatisation of Slovakia;participates at annual GLOBSEC Bratislava Global Security Forum.

Mr Carlos Moedas in Lisbon, Portugal: delivers a speech at the think-thank ‘Clube de Lisboa’ on the “Role of Scientific Diplomacy in peace and development”.

Samedi 27 mai 2017

President Jean-Claude Juncker in Taormina, Italy: participates in the G7 Summit.

Prévisions du mois de mai:

21-23/05 Informal meeting of agriculture and fisheries ministers

22/05 Eurogroup

22-23/05 Education, Youth, Culture and Sport Council

23/05 Economic and Financial Affairs Council

29-30/05 Competitiveness Council

31/05 European Parliament Plenary Session in Brussels

Permanence DG COMM le WE du 20 au 21 mai 2017:

Ms Tove Ernst: +32 498 98 44 83

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

Service Audiovisuel, planning studio – tél. : +32 (0)229 52123



Daily News 19 / 05 / 2017

EU protects citizens from toxic mercury, paves the way for global action

Yesterday at the UN headquarters in New York, the European Union has triggered the entry into force of the global treaty aimed at reducing exposure to mercury. The ratification of the Minamata Convention on Mercury, the new global treaty on mercury, confirms Europe’s leading role to protect citizens’ health and the environment around the world. Karmenu Vella, Commissioner for Environment, Fisheries and Maritime Affairs said: “The new global treaty on mercury will help protect millions of people all over the world from exposure to this toxic heavy metal. With ratification the EU has delivered the decisive bit and triggered its entry into force. This is a great success of EU green diplomacy. It highlights Europe’s commitment to strong and concerted international action.” Upon initiative from the EU, the Minamata Convention on Mercury was negotiated and concluded in 2013. The EU has one of the most ambitious policies for protection against mercury. However, as 40 to 80 % of mercury deposited in Europe comes from mercury emissions in other parts of the world, strong international action is needed to protect the health of our citizens. The Minamata Convention, will not only tighten environmental standards worldwide, but also help create a level playing-field, as all major economies will apply environmental requirements similar to those already in force in the EU. Pregnant women, infants and children are at particular risk from mercury in the food-chain, and the Convention will bring about significant decreases to their exposure in the long term. For example, by prohibiting the use of dental amalgam for these vulnerable categories. A press release and Q&A are available. (For more information: Enrico Brivio – Tel.: +32 229 56172; Iris Petsa – Tel.: + 32 229 93321)

Commission launches public consultation on promoting social inclusion and shared EU values through education

How should education in Europe help young people to thrive in increasingly diverse societies faced with rising social and economic inequality, polarised debate and violent extremism? That is the central question of a public consultation launched by the European Commission today. Commissioner for Education, Culture, Youth and Sport, Tibor Navracsics, said: “Shared values such as mutual respect and freedom of expression are fundamental to the functioning of our democracies. I believe that education can play a stronger role not only in equipping young people with skills but also helping them to become engaged citizens who can live together respecting their differences and being able to distinguish facts from propaganda.” Replies to the public consultation can be submitted via the online questionnaire until 11 August and will contribute to shaping a draft Council Recommendation on the issue to be presented before the end of this year. The Recommendation was announced in the Commission’s Communication on Supporting the prevention of radicalisation leading to violent extremism. Further information on tackling violent radicalisation through education and youth action can be found in this factsheet. (Further information: Nathalie Vandystadt – Tel. +32 229 67083; Inga Höglund – Tel. +32 229 50698)

 

Agriculture: the Commission approves new geographical indication from the United Kingdom

The Commission has approved today the addition of a new wine name from the United Kingdom to the quality register of Protected Designations of Origin (PDO). The “Darnibole” is a white, dry wine made from bacchus grapes variety. Darnibole is situated exactly in the centre of Cornwall. Darnibole wines have a combination of original wine grape notes. This new PDO will be added to the list of over 1 750 wine terms already protected. The full list is available in the e-bacchus database. More information can be found on the webpages on quality products. (For more information: Daniel Rosario – Tel: +32 229 56 185; Clémence Robin – Tel: +32 229)

 

Mergers: Commission clears the acquisition of MPS by Westrock

The European Commission has approved under the EU Merger Regulation the acquisition of sole control by WestRock Company (USA) over Multi Packaging Solutions International Limited (“MPS”, Bermuda). MPS is active in the manufacture and sale of specialty packaging solutions, such as premium folding cartons, mainly for pharmaceutical goods, consumer goods and media purposes, and rigid packaging for perfumes and spirits. Westrock is a multinational provider of paper and packaging solutions for consumer and corrugated packaging markets. It provides a variety of packaging solutions such as folding cartons or, paperboard to customers in the several different sectors. The Commission in particular investigated the market for folding cartons for beverages in the UK and the markets for folding cartons for pharmaceutical products in the UK and Ireland. With regard to folding cartons for beverages, the Commission considered that the activities of the companies were focused on different market segments. In relation to folding cartons for pharmaceutical products, the transaction did not significantly change the market structure in the UK. In Ireland, the Commission found that a number of competitors remained in the market and the barriers to enter the market for these products were rather low. The transaction was examined under the normal Phase I merger review procedure. More information is available on the Commission’s competition website, in the public case register under the case number M.8421. (For more information: Ricardo Cardoso – Tel.: +32 229 80100; Maria Tsoni – Tel.: +32 229 90526)

Mergers: Commission clears creation of cinema advertising joint venture by UCI Italia and TSC

The European Commission has approved under the EU Merger Regulation the creation of a joint venture that will be active in cinema advertising between UCI Italia and The Space Cinema 1 (“TSC”), both of Italy. UCI Italia is indirectly controlled by the Dalian Wanda Group of China through AMC of the US. TSC is controlled by Vue International of the UK, jointly controlled by two investment companies of Canada. Both UCI Italia and TSC are providers of cinema exhibition services in Italy and also sell advertising space in their cinemas. The Commission concluded that the proposed transaction would not raise competition concerns because a number of strong competitors will remain on the market for cinema advertising services to which competing cinemas could sell their advertising space. The transaction was examined under the normal merger review procedure. More information is available on the Commission’s competition website, in the public case register under the case number M.8431. (For more information: Ricardo Cardoso – Tel.: +32 229 80100; Maria Tsoni – Tel.: +32 229 90526)

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 the acquisition of Iona Energy by TPG and Oaktree Capital

The European Commission has approved under the EU Merger Regulation the acquisition of joint control by TPG and Oaktree Capital Group Holdings GP (both of the USA) over Iona Energy Company Limited (UK). Iona Energy owns and develops the Orlando and Kells oil fields in the North Sea. TPG is a global private investment firm managing various funds that invest in a variety of companies through acquisitions and corporate restructuring. Oaktree is a global investment management company specialising in credit strategies. The Commission concluded that the proposed acquisition would not raise competition concerns given the very limited overlaps between the companies’ activities. The transaction was examined under the simplified merger review procedure. More information is available on the Commission’s competition website, in the public case register under the case number M.8443. (For more information: Ricardo Cardoso – Tel.: +32 229 80100; Maria Tsoni – Tel.: +32 229 90526)

Concentrations: la Commission approuve la création d’une entreprise commune par Safran et China Eastern Airlines

La Commission européenne a autorisé, en vertu du règlement européen sur les concentrations, la création d’une entreprise commune par Safran Landing Systems SAS (“SLS”) de France et China Eastern Airlines Co. Ltd (“CEA”) de Chine. L’entreprise commune fournira, en Chine, des services d’entretien, de réparation et de révision pour les trains d’atterrissage d’avions commerciaux à couloir unique. SLS, une filiale de Safran SA, fabrique des trains d’atterrissage et des systèmes de freinage pour aéronefs. CEA est une compagnie aérienne chinoise majeure, active sur des routes internationales, domestiques et régionales et dont les principales plateformes sont situées aux aéroports internationaux de Shanghai Pudong et Shanghai Hongqiao. La Commission a conclu que l’opération envisagée ne soulèverait pas de problème concurrence dans la mesure où l’entreprise commune ne sera active qu’en Chine. L’opération a été examinée dans le cadre de la procédure simplifiée du 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.8411. (Pour plus d’informations: Ricardo Cardoso  – Tel.: +32 229 80100; Maria Tsoni – Tel.: +32 229 90526)

Commission adopts delegated act to amend regulation on wine labels

The Commission today adopted a delegated act specifying the conditions under which the name of the “teran” wine grape variety may appear on wine labels of the Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) “Hrvatska Istra”, a Croatian wine, allowing its producers to use the name “teran” in the labelling of their wines under specific labelling conditions. “Teran” is and will remain a Slovenian Protected Designation of Origin registered in the EU. This means that, under existing EU rules, the wine is protected against any commercial use of this name by other wines that do not respect the rules provided for in the technical file of the PDO “Teran” of the Slovenian Karst region. Wines that do not respect these rules cannot be placed on the EU market. Under EU rules, a limited exception can be established for the use of the name of a grape variety that coincides with a PDO for wines if justified by existing labelling practices, as is the case with “Teran”. This decision was taken in line with the Commission’s obligations and after due consultation with all Member States and the general public through the Better Regulation Portal. The document will now be transmitted to the European Parliament and the Council for the usual scrutiny period leading to its publication and entry into force. (For more information: Daniel Rosario – Tel.: +32 229 56185; Clémence Robin – Tel: +32 229 52509)

ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

Financial integration and stability: European Commission and European Central Bank hold annual conference

The European Commission is today hosting the yearly European Financial Integration and Stability conference with the European Central Bank (ECB) in Brussels. Valdis Dombrovskis, Vice-President responsible for Financial Stability, Financial Services and Capital Markets Union, and Vítor Constâncio, Vice-President of the ECB, will deliver keynote speeches. To coincide with the event, the Commission has published its annual European Financial Stability and Integration Review (EFSIR) report, which takes stock of recent developments in financial markets and the financial sector. The report highlights a positive trend in the recovery of the European economy and identifies private consumption as the main driver for growth, supported by improved bank funding and a better regulatory and supervisory framework. The report also notes that EU banks are much more stable today than in the past: they are better capitalised and have sounder business models, although certain challenges remain. Vice-President Dombrovskis said: “We need to take decisive steps towards financial integration within the EU by completing Banking Union and Capital markets Union.  Only as an integrated market do we have the strength to finance our economies, the depth and liquidity for markets to function efficiently, and the scope for innovative finance to develop and scale up.” The full report and press release are available online. The programme of the conference is available here and the event is being web streamed here. (For more information: Vanessa Mock – Tel.: +32 229 56194; Letizia Lupini – Tel.: +32 229 51958)

 

European Commission at the World Economic Forum on the Middle East and North Africain Jordan

EU High Representative/Vice-President Mogherini, Commissioner Stylianides andCommissioner Bulc will participate in the World Economic Forum on the Middle East and North Africa in Jordan on 19-21 May. This forum will bring together over 1,000 public, business and civil society leaders from over 50 countries to discuss common responses to economic, geopolitical and humanitarian challenges in the region, focusing on public-private cooperation, innovation and business development. Focus will also be placed on providing support to countries in the region in managing the impact of the conflict in Syria and working towards regional peace and stability. The HR/VP Mogherini will notably participate in the sessions ‘Rebuilding for Peace’ and the ‘Future of Europe’ and will discuss relations between the EU and Middle East in a session on ‘Europe and the Middle East: from Neighbourhood to Common Destiny’. Commissioner Stylianides will participate in a televised panel-discussion ‘Protecting Refugees: From Middle East to Europe’. Commissioner Bulc will take part in several sessions on infrastructure and investment and meet with Mr Hussein Souob, Minister of Transport of Jordan. In the margins of the forum, the three members of the College will have a joint audience with H.M. King Abdullah II of Jordan, in the presence of Prime Minister H.E. Dr. Hani Mulki and the Minister of Foreign Affairs H.E. Mr. Ayman Al Safadi. Other bilaterals will take place. More information and audiovisual coverage onEbS. (For more information: Catherine Ray – Tel.: + 32 229 69921; Carlos Martin Ruiz de Gordejuela – Tel.: +32 229 65322 ; Enrico Brivio – Tel.: +32 229 56172; Lauranne Devillé – Tel.: +32 229 80833; Daniel Puglisi – Tel.:+32 229 69140; Alexis Perier – Tel.: +32 22969143)

 

Council and Commission set to discuss modernisation of education systems, life-long learning, cultural diplomacy and the review of the audiovisual media services directive

On Monday 22 May, the European Commission will be represented at the Education, Youth, Culture and Sport Council by Commissioner Navracsics as well as Commissioner Thyssen for the education points and on Tuesday by High Representative/Vice-President Mogherini and Vice-President Ansip, for the culture and audio-visual points. On Monday, following the Youth Council where the main point is a policy debate on building Europe’s future with and for young people, Education Ministers will have a policy debate on improving and modernising education systems and how to involve learners in this process; they will discuss a progress report on Europass; and are set to adopt a general approach on the European Qualifications Framework for lifelong learning. Commissioner Navracsics will update the Education Council on recent and upcoming developments in the Erasmus 30th anniversary campaign. On Tuesday 23 May, Culture Ministers are expected to adopt a general approach on the revision of the Audiovisual Media Services Directive, aimed at creating a fairer environment for all players, promoting European films, protecting children and tackling hate speech more effectively. Culture Ministers are also expected to agree on Council Conclusions on an EU strategic approach to international cultural relations. Sport Ministers are set to adopt the EU Work Plan for Sport (1 July 2017 – 31 December 2020) and hold a policy debate on sports media and its role in strengthening social inclusion. Press conferences will take place on both days. (For further information Nathalie Vandystadt – Tel.: +32 2 296 70 83; Christian Wigand – Tel.: +32 2 296 22 53; Sara Soumillion – Tel.: +32 2 296 70 94; Inga Höglund – Tel.: +32 2 295 06 98)

20-23 May: Commissioner Andriukaitis meets representatives of Irish Government, attends Citizens’ Dialogue and Litfest on his visit to Ireland

European Commissioner for Health and Food Safety, Vytenis Andriukaitis, is on official visit to Ireland on 20-23 May. During the visit he will engage with Health Minister Simon Harris TD, Minister of State for Food, Forestry and Horticulture Andrew Doyle TD and Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health and Children. On Sunday May 21, Commissioner will attend Litfest, A Food and Drinks Literacy Festival at Ballymaloe where he will deliver a speech “To eat is a political statement” focusing on the EU action on food waste. On Monday May 22, Commissioner Andriukaitis will hold a Citizens’ Dialogue in Dublin at 17:45 CET, which can be followed live. In addition to health and food safety topics, Commissioner invites citizens to discuss the present and the future of the EU. Citizens and media can attend the debate in person; questions can also be submitted using the Twitter hashtag #EUdialogues. The event will be livestreamed here. (For more information: Anca Paduraru – Tel.: +32 229 91269; Aikaterini Apostola – Tel.: +32 229 87624)

Calendar

The Commissioners’ weekly activities

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



Euro area financial integration stalls during 2016

PRESS RELEASE

19 May 2017

  • Mixed developments underline importance of ambitious capital markets union and completion of the banking union
  • New quality indicator shows limited private cross-country risk-sharing
  • Development of more pan-European banks could help financial integration and foster risk-sharing via retail credit markets

Overall financial integration in the euro area stalled last year, the European Central Bank’s (ECB) annual report on Financial Integration in Europe shows. The report was published today at a joint conference with the European Commission in Brussels. After some years of reintegration of financial markets in the aftermath of the financial crisis an aggregate price-based measure of integration was volatile in 2016 and an aggregate quantity-based measure flattened out. These developments were the result of counterbalancing effects within and across different markets, partly influenced by different economic outlooks across countries, fluctuating global risk aversion and political uncertainty. On the other hand, the ECB’s monetary policy continued to support financial integration.

The report for the first time introduces a regular analysis of the quality of financial integration, measuring its economic benefits. Two new indicators show that cross-country risk-sharing is still low and private financial risk-sharing is not contributing much to it. Therefore, a large share of income shocks in member states directly passes through to consumption.

These findings underline the importance of completing the banking union and of taking further steps towards an ambitious capital markets union. For example, the current review of important legislation such as the Capital Requirement Directive (CRD) or the Bank Recovery and Resolution Directive (BRRD) should lead to tangible and timely progress, including in harmonising options and national discretions. Moreover, improving and harmonising insolvency rules can support the integration and development of capital markets.

“Banking union and capital markets union are undoubtedly the two central policy initiatives to catalyse financial integration in the EU for the years to come. The two projects should be seen as mutually reinforcing initiatives that can bring the Single Market for financial services to the next level”, said ECB Vice-President Vítor Constâncio.

In a special feature the report reviews the process of cross-border bank consolidation in the euro area. Given the significant progress with implementing the banking union, the development of pan-European banks is still fairly limited. Further cross-border mergers and acquisitions could contribute to much needed bank consolidation in some member countries without creating local competition problems. In addition, they could foster retail credit market integration that bolsters risk-sharing and could make a valuable contribution to resolving non-performing loans. Besides the completion of the European banking union, diminishing options and national discretions in the regulatory framework and harmonising insolvency rules, as mentioned above, other targeted financial sector policies removing obstacles to cross-border consolidation should also be considered. This could include, for example, harmonising consumer protection, addressing legacy non-performing loan problems and considering the euro area as a single jurisdiction for calculating Basel systemic surcharges.

For media queries, please contact Peter Ehrlich, tel.: +49 69 1344 8320.

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