European Commission - Daily News

European Commission - Daily News

Daily News 01 / 07 / 2020
Brussels, 1 July 2020
COLLEGE MEETING: Commission presents Youth Employment Support package and the
European Skills Agenda
Today, the European Commission is taking action to give young people all possible opportunities to
develop their full potential to shape the future of the EU, and thrive in the green and digital
transitions. The coronavirus pandemic has emphasised the often difficult start many young people
face in the labour market. The Youth Employment Support package is built around four strands that
together provide a bridge to jobs for the next generation. The aim is to make our systems more
resilient for the future and boost employment by acting on all fronts: reinforcing the Youth
Guarantee, future-proofing the EU's vocational education and training (VET), renewing the impetus
for apprenticeships, as well as additional measuresto support youth employment. The Commission
also presents today the European Skills Agenda for sustainable competitiveness, social fairness and
resilience. The Skills Agenda sets ambitious, quantitative objectives for skills to be achieved within
the next 5 years. Its 12 actions focus on skills for jobs by partnering up with Member States,
companies and social partners to work together for change, by empowering people to embark on
lifelong learning, and by using the EU budget as a catalyst to unlock public and private investment in
people's skills. More information can be found in the press material on Youth Employment Support:
press release, Q&A, factsheet, and on the Skills Agenda: press release, Q&A, Skills factsheet, VET
factsheet. You can watch back the press conference with Executive Vice-President Dombrovskis,
Vice-President Schinas and Commissioner Schmit on EbS. (For more information Marta Wieczorek –
Tel.: +32 229 58197; Siobhán Millbright – Tel.: +32 229 57361)

EU launches a €10.5 million call for projects in cybersecurity
The Commission has launched a new call, worth €10.5 million through the Connecting Europe Facility
(CEF) programme, for projects that will work on stepping up Europe's cybersecurity capabilities and
cooperation across Member States. In particular, they will work in various areas, such as on
coordinated response to cybersecurity incidents, cybersecurity certification, capacity building and
institutional cooperation on cybersecurity matters, as well as cooperation between the public and the
private sector. Thierry Breton, Commissioner for the Internal Market, said: “Supporting concrete
projects in the area of cybersecurity helps advance innovative technologies and solutions in a
targeted way. The call launched today will contribute to strengthening our resilience against cyber
threats, in line with our digital ambitions in Europe and our overall strategy comprising
theCybersecurity Act, the NIS Directive and the Cyber Blueprint Recommendations”. The deadline for
applicants to submit their proposal on the 2020 CEF Telecom Calls web page is 5 November 2020
and the allocation of grants is expected to be announced as of May 2021.More information on the
new call is available here. More information on the EU's actions to strengthen cybersecurity capacities
is available in these questions & answers, while EU-funded cybersecurity projects can be found here.
(For more information: Johannes Bahrke – Tel.: +32 229 58615; Marietta Grammenou – Tel.: +32
229 83583)

Vaccine against Ebola: Commission grants new market authorisations
Today, the European Commission adopted the decision granting marketing authorisations to the
company Janssen, a Johnson & Johnson company, for a vaccine against Ebola. The authorisation was
granted in one month, reducing the decision-making process timing in half, further demonstrating
the Commission's commitment in placing the protection of public health as a priority. Stella
Kyriakides, Commissioner in charge of Health and Food Safety, said: “This is the second Ebola
vaccine that the Commission authorises in less than a year and confirms once again that the EU
remains at the forefront of the global effort to save lives from this virus. We know very well from the
coronavirus crisis that viruses do not respect borders – protecting the health of others protects the
health of all.”Mariya Gabriel, Commissioner in charge of Research, said: “Today, we can be glad to

have supported the development of the Ebola vaccine with EU funding, in partnership with the
European pharmaceutical sector under the Innovative Medicines Initiative. The investment from the
EU's research programme Horizon 2020 into several Innovative Medicines Initiative Ebola projects is
now bearing fruit. This demonstrates, yet again, the power of collaboration and European R&I
leadership to tackle global health threats.” The development of the vaccine was supported
extensively through several projects funded with just over €130 million through the Innovative
Medicines Initiative, which is supported in part by the EU's research and innovation programme,
Horizon 2020. More information is available in a press release. (For more information: Stefan De
Keersmaecker – Tel.: +32 229 84680; Johannes Bahrke – Tel.: +32 229 58615; Darragh Cassidy–
Tel.: 229-83978; Marietta Grammenou – Tel.: +32 229 83583)

Coronavirus: 13 additional projects in Greece receive technical support through the
Structural Reform Support Programme
Today, the Commission adopted a decision approving 13 additional requests by Greece for technical
support through the Structural Reform Support Programme (SRSP). The projects will be financed
from Greece's voluntary transfer of €5 million from their technical assistance component under the
European Structural and Investment Funds to the SRSP. The new measures will come on top of the
more than 170 support projects coordinated by the Commission in Greece. Elisa Ferreira,
Commissioner in charge of Cohesion and Reforms, said: “Despite the coronavirus outbreak, the Greek
authorities continue their efforts to pursue ongoing reforms. This is an important step towards
recovery. The Commission will step up its efforts on the ground to deliver the right expertise and
help Greece follow this reform path.” The selected projects are in line with the EU's strategic
priorities in the areas of e-governance, education, health, labour, environment, energy and others.
The projects will aim to help Greece face economic and social challenges, contribute to boosting
growth, improve the daily lives of the people in tangible ways and support Greece's recovery from
the coronavirus pandemic. The Structural Reform Support Programme offers expertise to all EU
countries for the implementation of growth-enhancing reforms. The support is based on request and
is tailor-made for the beneficiary Member State. Since 2017, the programme has supported close to
1,000 reform projects in 27 Member States. (For more information: Vivian Loonela– Tel.: +32 229
66712, Daniela Stoycheva - Tel.: +32 229 67094)

Financial services: Commission launches a public consultation on the review of EU
insurance rules
The European Commission has today launched a consultation on the review of the EU's prudential
rules for insurance and reinsurance companies (the so-called “Solvency II Directive”). The Solvency
II Directive, which came into effect in 2016, sets out harmonised, risk-based rules across the EU for
insurance companies and promotes transparency, comparability and competitiveness in the sector.
In order to ensure that these rules are still fit for purpose, the Commission is carrying out a
comprehensive review of the prudential framework, building on the experience gained over the past
few years. This review is also an opportunity to see how the insurance sector can contribute to the
objectives of the European Green Deal and the Capital Markets Union, and the Commission's overall
efforts to ensure the EU's economic recovery following the coronavirus crisis. Valdis Dombrovskis,
Executive Vice-President for an Economy that Works for People, said: “Europe's insurance companies
are and will remain one of the largest investors in our economy. They help us manage the risks that
we face in today's uncertain economic climate. Our world-leading prudential regime, Solvency II, has
ensured that our insurance sector remains resilient, despite the current challenges posed by the
coronavirus pandemic. However, it is right and timely to ask whether these rules are still fit for
purpose. Specifically, we want to find out if they still provide the right incentives for insurers to
support the long-term financing of a strong, sustainable and resilient economic recovery in the EU,
while ensuring that consumers' rights are protected.” The Commission wants to collect as many
views as possible on the main challenges and opportunities in the insurance sector, including from
individual policyholders, consumer associations and financial market participants. In addition to
today's consultation, the Commission has also published an inception impact assessment. On the
basis of feedback received, the Commission will come forward with a legislative proposal in the
summer of 2021. (For more information: Daniel Ferrie – Tel.: +32 229 86500; Aikaterini Apostola –
Tel.: +32 229 87624)

Une consultation publique sur l'avenir en matière de transport vient d'être lancée
Aujourd'hui, la Commission a lancé une consultation publique, qui donne l'opportunité aux parties
prenantes et aux citoyens de donner leurs avis et d'identifier leurs priorités. La consultation sera

ouverte jusqu'au 23 septembre. Elle permettra ensuite à la Commission de mieux comprendre
comment l'UE peut aider ce secteur à devenir plus durable et plus compétitif, mais également plus
moderne et résilient face aux crises. La commissaire au transport, Adina Vălean, a déclaré: « Nous
encourageons nos citoyens et les organisations concernées à participer à la consultation publique que
nous lançons aujourd'hui. La mobilité est une priorité et notre nouvelle stratégie vise à créer un
système de transport à l'épreuve des crises pour nous et pour les générations à venir. En se
concentrant sur la relance, nous allons rebâtir sur cette base une structure solide, à la fois adaptée
aux enjeux environnementaux et numériques, et aux opportunités qu'ils présentent. » Le transport
et la mobilité jouent un rôle clé dans la vie quotidienne des citoyens et des entreprises. La politique
européenne de transport est conçue pour répondre à leurs besoins ainsi que pour lutter contre le
changement climatique et tirer profit des avantages de la numérisation. Afin de réaliser ces multiples
objectifs, la Commission européenne travaille sur une stratégie globale pour une mobilité durable et
intelligente. La stratégie a été annoncée dans le cadre du Pacte Vert européen et devrait être mise en
œuvre avant fin 2020. Elle succèdera au Livre Blanc paru en 2011 sur le Transport, qui formulait les
objectifs de la Commission européenne en matière de transport. La consultation est disponible sur le
portail « Donnez votre avis » où les citoyens et autres participants sont invités à se connecter et à
partager leurs commentaires et leurs opinions. (Pour plus d'informations: Stefan De Keersmaecker –
Tél.: +32 229 84680; Stephan Meder – Tél.: +32 229 13917)

Visa facilitation and readmission: agreements with Belarus now in force
Today, the EU-Belarus visa facilitation and readmission agreements enter into force. These
agreements represent an important step in strengthening the EU's engagement with the Belarusian
people and civil society. They will pave the way for improved mobility of citizens, contributing to
closer links between the EU and Belarus. Vice-President for Promoting our European Way of Life,
Margaritis Schinas, said: “Today marks a concrete step that will bring Europeans and Belarusians
closer together. The visa facilitation agreement will allow EU and Belarusian citizens to travel more
freely and the agreement on readmission will also contribute to addressing irregular migration, for
the benefit of both Belarus and the EU.” Commissioner for Home Affairs, Ylva Johansson,said:
“These agreements will improve mobility in a well-managed and secure environment. Once the travel
restrictions linked to coronavirus ease, it will become easier for Belarusian citizens to come to the EU.
This means closer links and exchanges between our people and our societies.” The visa facilitation
agreement makes it easier for Belarusian citizens to obtain short-term visas to come to the European
Union, with the visa fee generally reduced to €35 and waived for certain categories of travellers. The
main objective of the readmission agreement is to establish procedures for the safe and orderly
return of persons who are irregularly present in the EU or Belarus, in full respect of their rights under
international law, in particular the principle of non-refoulement. A full press release is available
online. (For more information: Adalbert Jahnz - Tel.: + 32 229 53156; Ciara Bottomley - Tel.: +32
229 6997)

Border cooperation: Frontex agreement with Montenegro enters into force
Today, the Status Agreement on border cooperation between the European Union and Montenegro
enters into force. The agreement will allow the European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex)
to carry out joint operations and deploy teams of border guards and experts at the borders between
Montenegro and the EU. While Montenegro remains ultimately responsible for the protection of its
borders, Frontex is able to lend both technical and operational support. Frontex teams will be able to
support the Montenegrin border guards in performing border checks at crossing points, for example,
and preventing unauthorised entries. All operations and deployments at the common borders will be
conducted in full agreement with the Montenegrin authorities. The Status Agreement also provides
for the necessary safeguards to ensure the full respect of fundamental rights during these
operations. The first Frontex operation in a non-EU country was launched in May 2019 in Albania.
Similar agreements were initialled with North Macedonia (July 2018) and Bosnia and Herzegovina
(January 2019), and signed with Serbia(November 2019) and await finalisation. This strengthened
cooperation will contribute to better management of irregular migration and enhanced security at the
EU's external borders in the common interest of both the EU and Montenegro. (For more information:
Adalbert Jahnz - Tel.: + 32 229 53156; Ciara Bottomley - Tel.: +32 229 6997)

IV Conférence de Bruxelles: la communauté internationale réitère son engagement envers
les Syriens et les pays qui accueillent des réfugiés syriens
La communauté internationale s'est engagée à verser près de 7 milliards d'euros lors de la quatrième
conférence de Bruxelles sur l'aide à apporter pour l'avenir de la Syrie et des pays de la région, qui a

été accueillie par l'UE, coprésidée avec les Nations unies et qui s'est achevée mardi. La communauté
internationale, avec l'UE et l'ONU en première ligne, a réaffirmé son soutien politique et financier
indéfectible aux syriens et aux pays voisins de la Syrie. Les représentants de plus de 80 pays et
organisations internationales ont renouvelé leur soutien aux efforts menés par les Nations unies en
vue d'une solution politique globale du conflit et se sont engagés à verser 6,9 milliards d'euros pour
la Syrie et les principaux pays accueillant des réfugiés syriens pour 2020 et au-delà. L'Union
européenne s'est engagée à hauteur de 71%, soit 4,9 milliards d'euros, dont 2,3 milliards
proviendront de la Commission et 2,6 milliards des États membres. L'Union européenne et ses États
membres restent le premier donateur en réponse à la crise syrienne, avec plus de 20 milliards
d'euros mobilisés depuis 2011 en faveur de l'aide humanitaire, de l'aide à la stabilisation et au
développement et d'aide économique. La conférence a également offert une plateforme unique de
dialogue avec la société civile. Les recommandations basées sur les consultations en ligne et les
Journées de dialogue de la conférence ont été présentées à la réunion ministérielle par des
représentants de la société civilesyrienne et de la région lors de la réunion ministérielle. La
déclaration des coprésidents, le détail des promesses de dons et un communiqué de presse ont été
publiés hier. Les remarques du haut représentant/vice-président Borrell à l'ouverture de la réunion
ministérielle et pendant la conférence de presse sont également disponibles en ligne, ainsi que les
remarques des commissaires Várhelyi et Lenarčič pendant les sessions plénières de l'après-midi.
L'exposition de photos et de vidéos « Voix de la Syrie et de la région » reste disponible en ligne et
présente les histoiresde Syriens, Libanais, Jordaniens et Irakiens touchés par le conflit en Syrie et
soutenus par l'UE via le Fonds régional d'affectation spéciale de l'UE en réaction à la crise syrienne.
Pour plus d'informations sur le programme complet, la participation, les résultats et le matériel
audiovisuel, voir le site web de la conférence. Des fiches d'information sur l'UE et la crise syrienne
ainsi que sur le soutien de l'UE en Syrie, en Jordanie, au Liban et en Turquie sont également
disponibles. (Pour plus d'informations: Peter Stano – Tél.: +32 229 54553 ; Balazs Ujvari – Tél.: +32
229 54578 ; Ana Pisonero – Tél.: +32 229 54320 ; Lauranne Devillé – Tél.: +32 229 80833 ; Zoï
Muletier – Tél.: +32 229 94306)

La Commission approuve une nouvelle indication géographique de France
La Commission européenne a approuvé la demande d'inscription de la « Pomme de terre de
Noirmoutier » de France dans le registre des indications géographiques protégées (IGP). La
réputation de la « Pomme de terre de Noirmoutier » s'est construite sur plus de deux siècles
d'histoire à travers l'attrait qu'elle a suscitée tant au niveau des consommateurs régionaux
qu'étrangers. Ses caractéristiques sont directement liées aux propriétés des sols de l'île de
Noirmoutier, à l'Ouest de la France. La « Pomme de terre de Noirmoutier » est fêtée chaque année
sur l'île à partir de fin avril début mai, et attire chaque fois plusieurs milliers de personnes. La
coopérative agricole a d'ailleurs créé un club des amoureux de la « Pomme de terre de Noirmoutier »
qui rassemble tant des consommateurs ou auteurs de blogs culinaires que de nombreux chefs de
cuisine reconnus en France et à l'étranger. Cette nouvelle appellation va rejoindre plus de 1 475
produits agricoles déjà protégés dont la liste est disponible dans la base de données eAmbrosia. Pour
plus d'informations, voir aussi les pages sur la politique de qualité. (Pour plus d'informations : Daniel
Rosario – Tél: +32 2 29 56185; Thérèse Lerebours – Tél: +32 229 13963)

Aides d'État: la Commission autorise un régime français de prêts subordonnés de 30
milliards d'euros visant à soutenir les entreprises touchées par la pandémie de coronavirus
La Commission européenne a autorisé un régime français de prêts subordonnés de 30 milliards
d'euros visant à soutenir les entreprises touchées par la pandémie de coronavirus. Le régime a été
autorisé en vertu de l'encadrement temporaire des aides d'État. La mesure vise à favoriser l'accès
des entreprises de toutes tailles au financement afin de soutenir leurs activités économiques. Elle
sera ouverte aux entreprises opérant dans tous les secteurs, à l'exception de celles exerçant des
activités dans le secteur financier. Le régime sera géré par l'administration centrale, les
administrations territoriales et les autres autorités chargées de l'octroi des aides. Les prêts
subordonnés bonifiés seront accordés directement par les autorités chargées de l'octroi des aides. La
Commission a estimé que la mesure prise par la France était conforme aux conditions énoncées dans
l'encadrement temporaire. La Commission a dès lors conclu que la mesure était nécessaire,
appropriée et proportionnée pour remédier à une perturbation grave de l'économie d'un État
membre, conformément à l'article 107, paragraphe 3, point b), du TFUE et aux conditions énoncées
dans l'encadrement temporaire. Sur cette base, la Commission a autorisé les mesures en vertu des
règles de l'UE en matière d'aides d'État. Margrethe Vestager, vice-présidente exécutive chargée de
la politique de concurrence, s'est exprimée en ces termes: « Le régime français de prêts subordonnés
de 30 milliards d'euros permettra à la France de continuer à soutenir les entreprises touchées par la

pandémie de coronavirus. Ce régime vise à favoriser l'accès des entreprises de toutes tailles au
financement afin de soutenir leurs activités économiques. La mesure sera ouverte aux entreprises
opérant dans tous les secteurs, à l'exception de celles exerçant des activités dans le secteur
financier. Nous continuons à travailler en étroite coopération avec les États membres afin de trouver
des solutions pratiques permettant d'atténuer les répercussions économiques de la pandémie de
coronavirus dans le respect de la réglementation de l'UE. » Le communiqué de presse est disponible
en ligne.(Pour plus d'informations: Arianna Podesta – Tél. +32 229 87024; Giulia Astuti – Tél.: +32
229 55344; Maria Tsoni – Tél.: +32 229 90526)

Competition: The European Commission launches a process to address the issue of
collective bargaining for the self-employed
The European Commission is launching today a process to ensure that the EU competition rules do
not stand in the way of collective bargaining for those who need it. The initiative seeks to ensure that
working conditions can be improved through collective agreements not only for employees, but also
for those self-employed who need protection. Stakeholders from the public and private sector,
including competition authorities and government bodies, academia, as well as legal and economic
practitioners trade unions and employers organisations are invited to participate to the on-going
public consultation on the consultation on the Digital Services Act Package(section V of the
consultation, on “Self-employed individuals and platforms”). The replies will feed into the on-going
reflections for this initiative. The Court of Justice of the European Union has long recognised that
collective bargaining with workers falls outside the scope of the application of EU competition rules.
Concerns arise, however, when attempts are made to extend collective bargaining to groups of
professionals who, at least formally, are not employees, such as the self-employed. The European
Commission is therefore now assessing whether it is necessary to adopt measures at EU level in
order to address the issues raised by this situation and improve the conditions of these individuals.
Executive Vice-President Margrethe Vestager, in charge of competition policy, said: “The
Commission has committed to improving the working conditions of platform workers during this
mandate. So today we are launching a process to ensure that those who need to can participate in
collective bargaining without the fear of breaking EU competition rules. As already stressed on
previous occasions the competition rules are not there to stop workers forming a union but in today's
labour market the concept “worker” and “self-employed” have become blurred. As a result, many
individuals have no other choice than to accept a contract as self-employed. We therefore need to
provide clarity to those who need to negotiate collectively in order to improve their working
conditions.” The full press release is available online. (For more information: Arianna Podesta – Tel.
+32 229 87024; Giulia Astuti – Tel.: +32 229 55344; Maria Tsoni – Tel.: +32 229 90526)

State aid: Commission approves €145 million Luxembourgish reinsurance scheme to
support trade credit insurance market in coronavirus outbreak
The European Commission has approved, under EU State aid rules, a €145 million Luxembourgish
reinsurance scheme to support the trade credit insurance market in the context of the coronavirus
outbreak. Trade credit insurance protects companies supplying goods and services against the risk of
non-payment by their clients. Given the economic impact of the coronavirus outbreak, the risk of
insurers not being willing to maintain their insurance coverage has become higher. The
Luxembourgish reinsurance scheme, with a total budget of €145 million, ensures that trade credit
insurance continues to be available to all companies, avoiding the need for buyers of goods or
services to pay in advance, therefore reducing their immediate liquidity needs. The Commission
assessed the measure under Article 107(3)(b) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European
Union (TFEU), which enables the Commission to approve State aid measures implemented by
Member States to remedy a serious disturbance in their economy. The Commission found that that
the scheme notified by Luxembourg is necessary, appropriate and proportionate to remedy a serious
disturbance in the economy of a Member State, in line with Article 107(3)(b) TFEU and the general
principles set out in the State aid Temporary Framework. Furthermore, the Commission has found
the scheme is in line with the Short-term export-credit Communication. On this basis, the
Commission has approved the measure under EU State aid rules. More information on the Temporary
Framework and other actions taken by the Commission to address the economic impact of the
coronavirus pandemic can be found here. The non-confidential version of the decision will be made
available under the case number SA.57708 in the State aid register on the Commission's competition
website once any confidentiality issues have been resolved. (For more information: Arianna
Podesta – Tel. +32 229 87024; Giulia Astuti – Tel.: +32 229 55344; Maria Tsoni – Tel.: +32 229
90526)

Mergers: Commission sends Supplementary Statement of Objections to Sigma-Aldrich for
possible submission of incorrect and misleading information
The European Commission has sent a Supplementary Statement of Objections to Sigma-Aldrich
(‘Sigma') of the US. This is a procedural step in the Commission's ongoing investigation looking into
whether Sigma provided incorrect and/or misleading information to the Commission in the context of
the merger review of its acquisition by Merck KGaA (‘Merck'), of Germany, in breach of the EU Merger
Regulation. In July 2017 the Commission sent a Statement of Objections to Sigma and Merck
detailing its preliminary view that Sigma intentionally and Merck negligently provided incorrect and
misleading information to the Commission by failing to provide important information about an
innovation project of Sigma with relevance for certain laboratory chemicals at the core of the
Commission's analysis. In this Supplementary Statement of Objections that replaces the Statement
of Objections, the Commission preliminarily concludes that only Sigma breached the EU Merger
Regulation by providing incorrect and misleading information to the Commission intentionally or at
least by negligence. The sending of a Supplementary Statement of Objections does not prejudge the
outcome of the investigation. More information is available on the Commission's competition
website, in the public case register under the case number M.8181. (For more information: Arianna
Podesta – Tel. +32 229 87024; Maria Tsoni – Tel.: +32 229 90526)

Mergers: Commission clears acquisition of VOO and Brutélé by Providence
The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of VOO SA
(“VOO”) and Brutélé SCRL (“Brutélé”), both of Belgium, by Providence Equity Partners group
(“Providence”) of the U.S. VOO is a cable operator, active mainly in the Walloon Region, provider of
access services for television, fixed and mobile telephony and the internet through its cable network,
to both household and professional customers. Brutélé is also a cable operator located mainly in and
south of the Brussels-Capital Region, with similar activities, but does not provide mobile services.
Providence is a global investment company specialising in media, communications and education
companies and in the information industry. Providence is not active in the telecommunication sector
in Belgium. The Commission concluded that the proposed acquisition would raise no competition
concerns, given that (i) the activities of Providence do not overlap with VOO and Brutélé, (ii) VOO
and Brutélé were already operating jointly before the transaction under the common brand VOO and
(iii) they will continue to face competition from alternative suppliers. Therefore, the transaction does
not bring structural changes on the relevant markets. It also does not give rise to foreclosure effects
as the wholesale markets are subject to ex ante regulation and the companies have a limited
presence in the retail markets. 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.9757. (For more information: Arianna Podesta – Tel. +32 229
87024; Maria Tsoni – Tel.: +32 229 90526)

Concentrations: la Commission autorise l'acquisition du contrôle exclusif de Banijay et
Endemol Shine par Lov Group
La Commission européenne a approuvé, en vertu du règlement européen sur les concentrations,
l'acquisition de Banijay Group (« Banijay ») et Endemol Shine Group (« ESG »), entreprises
respectivement basées en France et aux Pays-Bas, par Lov Group Invest (« Lov Group »), basée en
France. Banijay est active dans la création, la production et la distribution de contenus de
divertissement télévisuel pour les éditeurs de services de télévision. ESG est active dans la
production et la distribution de contenus télévisuels, la cession de ces contenus à des tiers et le
développement de contenus de divertissement général. Lov Group produit des contenus télévisuels
en Europe et exerce des activités dans les secteurs des jeux en ligne et des hôtels de luxe. La
Commission a conclu que l'acquisition envisagée ne soulèverait pas de problème de concurrence
compte tenu de la présence d'un nombre suffisant d'acteurs alternatifs ayant des portefeuilles de
contenus similaires dans les pays concernés. L'opération a été examinée dans le cadre de la
procédure normale 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.9676. (Pour plus d'informations: Arianna Podesta – Tél. +32 229 87024; Maria Tsoni –
Tél.: +3 229 90526)

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Commissioner Gentiloni participates in e-conference on Greece's economic recovery today
The Commission, in collaboration with the Foundation for Economic & Industrial Research (IOBE),
have organised a two-day European Semester e-conference on Greece. The conference will focus on
the theme ‘Stimulating a recovery through investments, digital transformation and green economy'.
Commissioner Gentiloni will participate in a panel discussion alongside Christos Staikouras, Minister
of Finance of Greece, on the EU measures that are in place to promote a fast and resilient economic
recovery in Greece. The panel will be live-streamed from 14:00 (CEST) today. More details on the
conference are available here. (For more information: Marta Wieczorek – Tel.: +32 229 58197; Enda
McNamara – Tel.: +32 229 64976)

Eastern Partnership Youth Engagement Summit: unique virtual event discusses new deal
for youth
The Eastern Partnership Youth Engagement Summit will this year take place virtually on 2-3 July.
The event will bring together over 400 active youth leaders and youth workers from the Eastern
Partnership region. Under the main thematic focus of ‘Youth engagement in the Eastern Partnership:
exploring the present and navigating the future!', the Summit will be a unique opportunity for the
young participants to exchange amongst themselves and with policy makers from the EU and the
Eastern partner countries on achievements and challenges in the field of youth. For the first time, the
summit will be held virtually due to coronavirus restrictions. Neighbourhood and Enlargement
Commissioner, Olivér Várhelyi, commented: “Empowering young people from the region is and will
remain a priority for the EU - investing in youth is always the best investment. We will be launching
a new deal for youth, where we will work together with the governments to ensure the skills the
labour market needs. This will make youth competitive globally and allow them to find high quality
jobs also regionally.” The two-day programme will include panel discussions, presentations, webinars
and parallel group discussions, with the aim of harvesting conclusions for building future
opportunities for young people in the Eastern partner countries. The Summit can be followed online
and more information can be found here. (For more information: Ana Pisonero – Tel. +32 229 54320;
Zoï Muletier – Tel.: +32 229 94306)

Eurostat press releases
                                                                                            MEX/20/1249