European Commission - Daily News

European Commission - Daily News

Daily News 09 / 07 / 2021
Brussels, 9 July 2021
NextGenerationEU: la Commission approuve le plan pour la reprise et la résilience de la
Croatie
La Commission européenne a adopté une évaluation positive du plan pour la reprise et la résilience
(FRR) de la Croatie. Il s'agit d'une étape importante vers le versement des fonds au titre de la
facilité pour la reprise et la résilience vers cet État membre. Ce financement soutiendra la mise en
œuvre des mesures essentielles d'investissement et de réforme décrites dans les plans pour la
reprise et la résilience de ce pays. La Commission a évalué ce plan au regard des critères énoncés
dans le règlement FRR. Le Conseil disposera à présent, en principe, de quatre semaines pour adopter
les propositions de la Commission. NextGenerationEU, dont la FRR est l'instrument clé, apportera
jusqu'à 800 milliards d'euros (en prix courants) pour soutenir les investissements et les réformes
dans l'ensemble de l'UE. (Pour plus d'informations: Marta Wieczorek – Tél.: +32 229 58197; Enda
McNamara – Tél.: +32 229 64976)

Commission launches ‘CharactHer' campaign to empower all talents in the film and media
industries
Today, at the Cannes Film Festival, the Commission is launching an awareness campaign aimed at
fostering diversity and inclusion in the film and news media industries and at highlighting gender
equality and the role of women in the sector. The campaign, titled ‘CharactHer', is the first initiative
with a clear focus on diversity and inclusion launched under the framework of the Media and
Audiovisual Action Plan. Vice-President for Values and Transparency, Věra Jourová, will participate
in the launch event and join the panel discussion on obstacles women face along their careers. Vice-
President Věra Jourová said: “As we overcome the pandemic we have to make sure that women
take a centre stage of our recovery efforts. With this campaign, we hope that we can inspire many
women so that Europe can make the most of all its talents.” Her opening speech will be available
here. Commissioner for Internal Market, Thierry Breton, added: “When we presented the Media and
Audiovisual Action Plan in December, our priority was very clear: diversity must be placed at the
forefront of our efforts in the recovery and transformation of the media and audiovisual sectors. The
promotion of inclusion is not only our social responsibility, but a crucial piece in our path towards a
more resilient and competitive industry.” The ‘CharactHer' campaign is set within a broader policy
effort aimed at strengthening the Commission's agenda of a Union of Equality via the EU Gender
Equality Strategy. The campaign, run in collaboration with Collectif 50/50, will kick-start in the
framework of the Cannes Film Festival, where 17 EU-supported films are competing for awards. In
the context of the Marché du Film of the Cannes Film Festival, the Commission will also participate in
several events within the framework of the Creative Europe MEDIA programme. Vice-President
Jourová, together with Delphyne Besse, Member of the Board of Collectif 50/50 and Hind Bensari,
Documentary Filmmaker and Director of the CharactHer videos, will participate in the press
conference on the launch of the campaign at 15:45 CET (registrations here). The launch event be
livestreamed here as of 16:15 CET. More information is available here. (For more information:
Johannes Bahrke – Tel.: +32 229 58615; Marietta Grammenou – Tel.: +32 229 83583)

Strengthened Code of practice on disinformation: Commission and signatories call for
broader participation*
The Commission and the signatories of the Code of Practice on Disinformation are launching a joint
call today inviting interested parties to become signatories of the strengthened Code of Practice on
Disinformation. New signatories are expected to help shape the revised Code together with current
signatories. Věra Jourová, Vice-President for Values and Transparency, said: “Creating a safe and
trustworthy online environment is a common effort and private actors should do their part in limiting
the spread of disinformation. We need a wider participation in a stronger and more comprehensive
Code of Practice.” Thierry Breton, Commissioner for Internal Market, added: “The Code has been a

helpful self-regulation instrument to fight disinformation. Now we must make sure that the whole
sector takes responsibility to address this key challenge. I invite all relevant stakeholders to join the
Code.” The call is aimed at a wide range of stakeholders, including social media services, private
messaging services, players from the advertising ecosystem involved in ad placements as well as
other players providing services that may be used to monetise disinformation such as e-payment
services or e-commerce platforms. Other stakeholders who help assess the spread of disinformation
could also become signatories, this include organisations assessing disinformation or providing
ratings related to disinformation websites, as well as providers of technological solutions. Joining the
Code means becoming part of an EU-wide, innovative and robust framework that aims to provide
users with appropriate safeguards with regard to the misuse of online services to spread
disinformation. The Code will also become a co-regulatory instrument within the Digital Services Act
legislative framework, an additional incentive to become a signatory for very large platforms. The call
builds on the recently published guidance to strengthen the Code of Practice, which suggests wider
participation in the Code to make it a more comprehensive and coordinated response to the spread of
disinformation. Current signatories kicked-off the process of drafting the new Code yesterday and a
first draft is expected in the autumn. (For more information: Johannes Bahrke – Tel.: +32 229
58615; Charles Manoury – Tel.: +32 229 13391)

Commission welcomes report on COVID-19 in children and the role of school settings in
transmission
The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) has published a report on COVID-19
in children and the role that school settings play in transmission. According to the report, in the
coming months, COVID-19 cases in children are likely to rise more than in the adults' population
who are increasingly vaccinated. In addition, given the likely continued risk of transmission among
unvaccinated children, it is critical for the educational system to be prepared ahead of the upcoming
school year. Physical distancing, hygiene measures and timely testing of symptomatic cases remain
fundamental for the prevention of transmission in school settings. School closures alone are
insufficient to avoid community transmission if other non-pharmaceutical interventions, like those
indicated above, are not in use. Stella Kyriakides, Commissioner for Health and Food Safety, said:
“Protecting the most vulnerable in our society has been a top priority throughout the crisis. The
prolonged closure of schools around the EU has had a negative impact on the health of our children
and adolescents. It has led to issues such as social isolation, psychological distress, anxiety and
depressive symptoms – this is of course of great concern. We all want to make sure that children can
continue to go to school and live their lives in the safest possible way. To do so, measures in schools
such as physical distancing and other means to reduce transmission risks will continue to prove
essential to prevent transmission and keep our schools open, in particular with the Delta variant
circulating increasingly.” Mariya Gabriel, Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education
and Youth, said: “Children and teenagers have been hit hard by school closures and distance
learning during this pandemic. As we are preparing for the school year ahead, the ECDC report
comes at a vital moment. It must be our priority to safeguard our children's health and
wellbeing. Measures must be adapted to prevent transmission as well as to provide children with a
safe learning and teaching environment.” This report draws upon and updates evidence presented in
the previous reports from the ECDC on this topic published in August and December 2020. (For more
information: Stefan de Keersmaecker – Tel.: +32 229 62253; Darragh Cassidy – Tel +32 229 83978)

COVID-19: EU sends 200,000 vaccines to Albania and North Macedonia
A new consignment of COVID-19 vaccines for both Albania and North Macedonia has been channelled
through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism. It follows a request by the authorities of both countries
to the EU for support in light of the COVID-19 situation. The delivery, offered by Greece, consists of
100,000 doses of AstraZeneca vaccines for each country. Commissioner for Crisis Management, Janez
Lenarčič said: “I thank Greece for its offer to its neighbouring countries. We see here yet another
example of the swift coordination done by the European Civil Protection Mechanism that has proved
to be crucial in supporting countries during the COVID-19 pandemic.” The EU finances up to 75% of
the transport costs of the assistance sent through the Mechanism. Since the start of the pandemic,
more than 45 countries have received support in terms of vaccines, medical and protective
equipment and other material via the Mechanism. (For more information: Balazs Ujvari - Tel.: +32
229 54578; Daniel Puglisi - Tel.: +32 229 69140)

La Commission appelle les États membres à mettre en place un marché des services aux
entreprises plus compétitif et plus dynamique

La Commission présente aujourd'hui ses recommandations de réformes actualisées en matière de
réglementation de sept services professionnels. L'objectif des recommandations est d'encourager et
d'assister les États membres dans la création d'un environnement réglementaire propice à la
croissance, à l'innovation et à la création d'emplois, et surtout de supprimer les obstacles persistants
sur le marché unique des services. Les recommandations actualisées reflètent les progrès très limités
qu'ont accomplis les États membres dans la réforme des réglementations professionnelles depuis la
publication des premières recommandations en 2017. Globalement, les réformes n'ont que
partiellement répondu aux recommandations de la Commission, laissant une marge importante pour
de nouvelles améliorations réglementaires dans la plupart des États membres. Thierry Breton,
commissaire chargé du marché intérieur, a déclaré: « Les services professionnels sont essentiels à
l'économie européenne. Les consommateurs européens en dépendent, tout comme les écosystèmes
industriels. Les recommandations formulées aujourd'hui donnent un nouvel élan aux États membres
en vue de l'amélioration de la compétitivité et de la résilience de notre marché unique des services,
et contribuent à la reprise après la crise de la COVID-19. Les progrès limités en matière de réforme
accomplis au cours des quatre dernières années montrent que nous devons passer à la vitesse
supérieure. La Commission européenne est prête à soutenir les États membres dans ce processus. »
Des réformes structurelles ciblées et efficaces dans ces secteurs profiteraient aux écosystèmes
industriels européens durement touchés par la pandémie en créant un environnement plus ouvert
pour les entreprises et en améliorant le choix, les prix et la disponibilité des services pour les
consommateurs et l'industrie. Cette communication et les recommandations qu'elle contient
s'inscrivent dans le cadre de l'ambitieux programme de la Commission visant à rendre le marché
unique européen des services plus intégré, plus compétitif et plus dynamique, comme le prévoit la
nouvelle stratégie industrielle actualisée de 2020, publiée le 5 mai. Pour plus d'informations, veuillez
consulter notre communiqué de presse. (Pour plus d'informations: Sonya Gospodinova – Tél.: +32
229 66953; Célia Dejond – Tél.: +32 229 88199)

Climate diplomacy: Executive Vice-President Timmermans in South Korea and Singapore for
climate talks
This week, Executive Vice-President Frans Timmermans travelled to South Korea and Singapore,
both key international partners who share the EU's ambitions for global climate action. He discussed
further Green Deal cooperation in the region, encouraging our partners to live up to their full
potential as frontrunners in climate action, and preparations for COP26 where South Korea and
Singapore will be valuable allies in the important negotiations on finalizing the Paris Agreement
rulebook. Executive Vice-President Timmermans said : “It was good to meet our partners in South
Korea and Singapore and discuss in person how we can grow the global momentum for climate
action. This year is crucial for international action on climate change, biodiversity protection and the
circular economy. Both South Korea and Singapore are key partners for the EU and we are looking
forward to intensifying our cooperation on the transition to a green and healthy future, in particular
in the run up to COP26.” During his visit to Seoul, Executive Vice-President Timmermans held
meetings with South Korean Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum, Trade Minister Yoo Myung-hee, Industry
Minister Moon Sung-wook, Environment Minister Han Jeong-ae as well as Ban Ki-moon, former
Secretary General of the United Nations and the President and Chair of GGGI (Global Green Growth
Institute) and Kong Young-woon, President of the Hyundai Motor Group. A full statement on his
mission to South Korea is available here. In Singapore, Executive Vice-President Timmermans met
Singapore's Minister for Sustainability and the Environment Grace Fu, Senior Minister and
Coordinating Minister for National Security Teo Chee Hean, and Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Vivian
Balakrishnan. A full statement on his mission to Singapore is available here. (For more information:
Tim McPhie – Tel.: +32 229 58602; Lynn Rietdorf – Tel.: +32 229 74959)

Broad support for the euro in non-euro area Member States
The results of the latest Flash Eurobarometer survey published today show broad support for the
euro in Member States that have yet to adopt the common currency. The survey was conducted in
the seven Member States that have not yet joined the euro area, namely in Bulgaria, Czechia,
Croatia, Hungary, Poland, Romania and Sweden. A strong majority of EU citizens surveyed (60%)
think the euro has had positive consequences for those countries already using it. A majority (52%)
of respondents overall are not only more positive about the consequences that the introduction of the
euro would have for their country, but more than half (55%) say that the euro's introduction would
also have positive consequences for them personally. Overall, 57% of respondents are in favour of
introducing the euro in their country. Opinion is most positive in Romania (75% in favour) and
Hungary (69%). Across all of the Member States surveyed, except Czechia, there has been an
increase in the proportion in favour of introducing the euro compared to 2020. The largest increases

are observed in Romania (from 63% to 75%) and Sweden (from 35% to 43%). The full results of the
Flash Eurobarometer survey are available here. (For more information: Marta Wieczorek – Tel.: +32
229 58197; Enda McNamara – Tel.: +32 229 64976)

Eurostat : de nouvelles statistiques visuelles sur la démographie de l'Europe montrent la
dynamique et la diversité de l'Union européenne vieillissante
Une nouvelle publication interactive intitulée « Démographie de l'Europe » est publiée aujourd'hui
par Eurostat, qui met à disposition de nouvelles visualisations des statistiques démographiques, avec
des fonctionnalités interactives. Le but est de donner aux citoyens une image plus claire de la
manière dont la population vieillit et se développe. Les nouveaux visuels permettront de mieux faire
connaître les chiffres clés qui étayent les initiatives de la Commission sur l'impact du changement
démographique en Europe, y compris les effets du vieillissement de la population et la vision à long
terme pour les zones rurales. Dubravka Šuica, vice-présidente chargée de la démocratie et de la
démographie, a déclaré : « Les données présentées aujourd'hui nous aideront à analyser les raisons
des tendances démographiques multiples dans l'ensemble de l'Union européenne. Cette publication
constitue un autre élément essentiel de notre portefeuille démographique; il confirme la
démographie en tant que catalyseur du développement et du succès de nos politiques. » Paolo
Gentiloni, commissaire chargé de l'économie, a déclaré : « Cette publication d'Eurostat nous offre
un nouvel outil simple et interactif pour informer les citoyens sur la démographie européenne. Elle
nous aidera à communiquer les objectifs de nos initiatives politiques sur l'évolution démographique
dans l'Union européenne — un thème politique essentiel pour cette Commission. » La publication est
disponible ici. (Pour plus d'informations: Daniel Ferrie - Tél.: + 32 229 86500; Arianna Podesta - Tél.
+ 32 229 87024; Sinéad Meehan-van Druten - Tél.: + 32 229 84094; Maria Tsoni - Tél.: + 32 229
90526)

La Commission européenne publie le tableau de bord 2021 de la justice dans l'UE
La Commission a publié hier le tableau de bord 2021 de la justice dans l'UE, une vue d'ensemble
annuelle qui fournit des données comparatives sur l'efficacité, la qualité et l'indépendance des
systèmes judiciaires des États membres de l'UE. L'édition du tableau de bord de cette année a mis
l'accent sur la numérisation de la justice, qui a permis aux juridictions de continuer à fonctionner
pendant la pandémie de COVID-19 et qui, plus généralement, a rendu les systèmes judiciaires plus
accessibles et plus efficients. Les informations contenues dans le tableau de bord de la justice dans
l'UE alimentent le rapport à venir de la Commission sur l'état de droit au moyen d'informations sur
les garanties d'indépendance structurelle des systèmes judiciaires. De plus amples informations sont
disponibles dans notre communiqué de presse, questions et réponses et fiche d'information. (Pour
plus d'informations: Christian Wigand - Tél.: +32 229 62253; Katarzyna Kolanko – Tél.: +32 229
63444; Jördis Ferroli - Tél.: +32 229 92729)

Pratiques anticoncurrentielles: la Commission invite les parties intéressées à présenter des
observations sur les projets de règlement d'exemption par catégorie applicable aux accords
verticaux et de lignes directrices sur les restrictions verticales révisés
La Commission européenne a lancé aujourd'hui une consultation publique invitant toutes les parties
intéressées à présenter des observations sur les projets de règlement d'exemption par catégorie
applicable aux accords verticaux (ci-après le «règlement d'exemption») et de lignes directrices sur
les restrictions verticales (ci-après les «lignes directrices»). Ils font suite à une procédure de
réexamen approfondi lancée en octobre 2018. Le but est d'adapter les règles actuelles dans des
domaines spécifiques où l'évaluation a montré un manque de clarté ou l'existence de lacunes, ou où
les règles actuelles ne sont plus adaptées aux réalités du marché. Comme indiqué plus en détail
dans la note explicative accompagnant les projets de règlement d'exemption et de lignes directrices
révisés, les modifications proposées visent à atteindre objectifs. Les parties intéressées sont invitées
à présenter leurs observations sur les projets règles pour le 17 septembre 2021 au plus tard. De plus
amples informations sur la manière de soumettre une contribution sont disponibles ici. Margrethe
Vestager, vice-présidente exécutive chargée de la politique de concurrence, s'est exprimée en ces
termes: « La révision du règlement d'exemption par catégorie applicable aux accords verticaux et
des lignes directrices sur les restrictions verticales est un projet important. Les accords verticaux tels
que ceux entre les fournisseurs de biens ou de services et leurs distributeurs sont courants dans tous
les secteurs de l'économie de l'UE. Les règles révisées proposées visent à rester en phase avec les
évolutions du marché qui ont transformé le mode de fonctionnement des entreprises dans le monde
entier, y compris la croissance du commerce électronique et des plateformes en ligne, au cours de la
dernière décennie. Nous invitons les parties intéressées à présenter leurs observations sur les projets

de règles révisées, dont il sera tenu compte au moment de l'élaboration des nouvelles règles qui
devraient entrer en vigueur le 1 er juin 2022. » Pour plus d'informations dans le communiqué de
presse. (Pour plus d'informations: Arianna Podesta – Tél.: +32 229 87024; Maria Tsoni – Tél.: +32
229 90526)

State aid: Commission approves compensation to energy-intensive companies in Italy for
indirect emission costs
The European Commission has approved, under EU State aid rules, Italian plans to partially
compensate energy-intensive companies for higher electricity prices resulting from indirect emission
costs under the EU Emission Trading Scheme (ETS). The scheme will cover indirect emission costs
incurred in the period 2020-2030, with a provisional budget of approximately €1.49 billion. The
measure will benefit companies active in Italy in sectors facing significant electricity costs and which
are particularly exposed to international competition. The compensation will be granted through a
partial refund of indirect ETS costs to eligible companies. The Commission assessed the measure
under its Guidelines on certain State aid measures in the context of the greenhouse gas emission
allowance trading scheme. In particular, the assessment was carried out under the post-2012
Guidelines for aid compensating costs incurred in 2020, and under the post-2021 Guidelines for aid
compensating costs incurred in the period between 2021-2030. The applicability of the post-2012
ETS Guidelines for aid covering costs incurred in 2020 derives from the specific characteristics of the
indirect ETS costs compensation system, under which aid can be requested and paid ex-post in the
year following the one in which the costs have occurred. The Commission found that the measure is
in line with the requirements of the applicable Guidelines. In particular, the scheme will help avoid
an increase in global greenhouse gas emissions due to companies relocating to countries outside the
EU with less stringent environmental regulation. Furthermore, the Commission concluded that the
aid granted is limited to the minimum necessary. More information will be available on the
Commission's competition website, in the State Aid Register under the case number SA.60787. (For
more information: Arianna Podesta – Tel.: +32 229 87024; Maria Tsoni – Tel.: +32 229 90526)

State aid: Commission approves €750 million German State guarantee scheme for the
Travel Insolvency Fund in the context of the coronavirus outbreak
The European Commission has approved, under EU State aid rules, a €750 million German scheme in
the form of a State guarantee for loans that may be taken out by the Travel Insolvency Fund (‘the
Fund'), to reimburse travellers in case of insolvency of package travel organisers. Under the scheme,
the aid will take the form of a State guarantee on future loans that may be taken out by the Fund in
case of insolvency of participating package travel organisers. The aid will cover 100% of the loan
amounts, on condition that the overall amount guaranteed does not exceed the target capital of €750
million minus the assets of the Fund and the collaterals provided by the package travel organisers.
The Commission assessed the measure under EU State aid rules, and in particular 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 the
economy of a Member State. The Commission found that the scheme notified by Germany is
compatible with the principles set out in the TFEU. The Commission concluded that the measure is
necessary, appropriate and proportionate to remedy a serious disturbance in the German economy,
in line with Article 107(3)(b) TFEU and the general principles set out in the Temporary Framework.
On this basis, the Commission approved the measure under EU State aid rules. Executive Vice-
President Margrethe Vestager, in charge of competition policy, said: “The package travel industry
has been hit hard by the coronavirus outbreak. In order to ensure that consumers are protected at all
times, this €750 million German State guarantee scheme ensures that sufficient support is available
to refund consumers for travel services cancelled due to the pandemic, in case package travel
organisers become insolvent. We continue working in close cooperation with Member States to find
workable solutions to mitigate the economic impact of the coronavirus outbreak, in line with EU
rules.” A full press release is available online. (For more information: Arianna Podesta – Tel.: +32
229 87024; Maria Tsoni – Tel.: +32 229 90526)

State aid: Commission approves Italian scheme to compensate tour operators and travel
agents for damages suffered due to coronavirus outbreak
The European Commission has approved, under EU State aid rules, an Italian scheme to support tour
operators and travel agents in the context of the coronavirus outbreak. The aim of the scheme is to
compensate companies who suffered damages as a result of the restrictive measures imposed by the

Italian authorities between 1 March and 31 July 2020 to limit the spread of the virus. The measure
will be open for beneficiaries entitled to receive compensation for damages above €1.8 million, and
follows a scheme approved by the Commission in March 2021 compensating the same beneficiaries
for damages below this amount (SA.62356, prolonging and amending the Decision adopted in
SA.59755). The new measure will be financed through the budget of the existing scheme, which
amounts to a total of €625 million. The amount of damage to be compensated will correspond to a
certain percentage of the difference between the turnover and fees of the relevant beneficiaries
between 1 March 2020 and 31 July 2020, compared to the same period in 2019, net of any aid
granted under other measures, including the damage compensation measure approved in March
2021 and mentioned above. The Commission assessed the measure under Article 107(2)(b) of the
Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU), which enables the Commission to approve
State aid measures granted by Member States to compensate specific companies or specific sectors
for the damages directly caused by exceptional occurrences, such as the coronavirus outbreak. The
Commission found that the measure will compensate damages that are directly linked to the
coronavirus outbreak. It also found that the measure is proportionate, as the envisaged
compensation does not exceed what is necessary to make good the damage. On this basis, the
Commission concluded that the measure is in line with EU State aid rules. More information on the
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.62392 in the State aid register on the Commission's competition website once
confidentiality issues have been resolved. New publications of State aid decisions on the internet and
in the Official Journal are listed in the Competition Weekly e-News. (For more information: Arianna
Podesta – Tel.: +32 229 87024; Maria Tsoni – Tel.: +32 229 90526)

Mergers: Commission clears acquisition of sole control of Verizon Media Group by Apollo
Management
The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of sole
control over Verizon Media Group, consisting of Verizon Media Netherlands B.V. of the Netherlands
and Oath Inc. of the US, by Apollo Management LP of the US Verizon Media Group includes diverse
media and technology brands that serve both consumers and businesses. Apollo Management is an
investment fund that invests in companies active in various sectors, including education, insurance
and financial services. The Commission concluded that the proposed acquisition would raise no
competition concerns, given the very limited horizontal overlaps and vertical links between the
activities of the companies. 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.10318. (For more information: Arianna Podesta – Tel.: +32 229
87024; Maria Tsoni – Tel.: +32 229 90526)

Mergers: Commission clears acquisition of PTSG by Warburg Pincus and Macquarie
The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of Premier
Technical Services Group Limited (‘PTSG') of the UK, by Warburg Pincus LLC of the US and Macquarie
Group Limited of the UK. PTSG supplies building safety equipment and maintenance services,
including lightning protection, specialist building access and fire solutions. Warburg Pincus manages
private equity funds, with portfolio companies active in a variety of sectors, including energy,
industrial and business services, technology, and telecommunications. Macquarie provides asset
management and finance solutions across debt, equity and commodities. The Commission concluded
that the proposed acquisition would raise no competition concerns, given the absence of 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.10317. (For more information: Arianna Podesta – Tel.: +32 229
87024; Maria Tsoni – Tel.: +32 229 90526)

Mergers: Commission clears acquisition of joint control of P27 NPP and Bankgirot by six
Nordic banks
The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of joint
control over Bankgirocentralen BGC AB (‘Bankgirot'), through a newly-created joint venture, the P27
Nordic Payment Platform (‘P27 NPP'), both of Sweden, by six Nordic banks. The six banks are Danske
Bank A/S of Denmark, Svenska Handelsbanken AB, Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken AB, and
Swedbank AB, all three of Sweden, and Nordea Bank Abp and OP Corporate Bank plc, both of Finland
(together, the ‘parent companies'). Bankgirot is the incumbent provider of Layer 1 services (i.e.

clearing services) and Layer 2 services (i.e. invoice payment solutions) in Sweden. P27 NPP is a
greenfield joint venture for the provision of cross-border Layer 1 and Layer 2 services in Nordic
countries. The transaction gives rise to horizontal overlaps and vertical links between the activities of
the companies in the Nordic markets. As regards horizontal overlaps between Bankgirot and P27
NPP, the Commission found that the number of providers available for the customers in the relevant
markets will not be reduced. As regards the vertical links, the Commission found that the parties will
have no ability or incentive to foreclose competitors, in light of the applicable regulatory
requirements and as it could undermine the success of P27 NPP. Therefore, the Commission
concluded that the transaction would raise no competition concerns. The transaction was examined
under the normal merger review. More information is available on the Commission's competition
website, in the public case register under case number M.9971. (For more information: Arianna
Podesta – Tel.: +32 229 87024; Maria Tsoni – Tel.: +32 229 90526)

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Refugee protection: Commissioner Johansson convenes High-Level Resettlement Forum
with Member States, US, Canada, and international organisations
Today, Commissioner for Home Affairs, Ylva Johansson, is convening a High-Level Resettlement
Forum as an expression of European leadership in restarting and strengthening global resettlement
efforts disrupted by the pandemic as well as opening up new, complementary pathways for
admission and integration of refugees. The Commissioner will be joined by high-level representatives
from European Union institutions, Member States and agencies, the United States of America and
Canada, international organisations (UN Refugee Agency and International Organization for
Migration), civil society organisations, as well as the Commission's expert group on the views of
migrants. This meeting will mark the start of a new reinforced cooperation between the key players
on the global scene, needed to reply to the growing needs identified by the UN Refugee Agency. The
Commissioner will underline the need to continue making progress on the New Pact on Migration and
Asylum, including by adopting the Union Resettlement Framework Regulation. She will announce
important Commission support, including financial support, to Member States and will call on them
to make ambitious pledges for next year. Resettlement is a key tool for providing protection to
refugees, allowing them to reach their new homes in a safe and orderly manner. It is also a way of
demonstrating solidarity with countries hosting large numbers of refugees. In addition to
resettlement, the Commission is working closely with Member States to support them in developing
other legal pathways, in line with its Recommendation. The event is open to all and will be
livestreamed here this afternoon. Commissioner Johansson also published a blog post, available here.
(For more information: Adalbert Jahnz - Tel.: +32 229 53156; Ciara Bottomley - Tel.: +32 229
69971; Laura Bérard - Tel.: +32 229 55721)

High-level meeting sets out a new vision for sustainable fisheries and aquaculture in the
Mediterranean and the Black Sea
Today, the high-level meeting on the new strategy for the Mediterranean and Black Sea took place
under the umbrella of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations General Fisheries
Commission for the Mediterranean (GFCM). Virginijus Sinkevičius, Commissioner for the
Environment, Oceans and Fisheries attended the meeting, together with FAO Director-General Qu
Dongyu, as well as the fisheries ministers of GFCM contracting parties. The participants reaffirmed
their political commitments of the MedFish4Ever and Sofia Declarations and endorsed the new GFCM
Strategy (2021-2030) with the aim of ensuring the sustainability of fisheries and aquaculture in the
Mediterranean and Black Sea in the next decade. Commissioner Sinkevičius said: “With the
endorsement of the new GFCM Strategy, today we have crossed another milestone on the path
towards sustainably managed fisheries and aquaculture in the Mediterranean and the Black Seas.
We have come a long way with the new fisheries governance launched in 2017, under the framework
of the MedFish4Ever and Sofia Declarations. Yet we are not at the end of our journey, much more
remains to be done.” The Commissioner underlined the need to start implementing the strategy
immediately and encouraged regional partners to support the ambitious package of measures the
European Union will put forward at the GFCM annual session in November when the strategy will be

formally adopted. Commissioner Sinkevičius emphasised the importance of protecting biodiversity
in creating resilience and profitability of the fisheries sector. With its five main targets, the new
GFCM strategy will continue to build on past achievements. More information is in the news item.
(For more information: Vivian Loonela - Tel.: +32 229 66712; Daniela Stoycheva – Tel.: +32 229
53664)

CALENDAR – Commissioner's weekly activities

Eurostat press releases

On 1 July, the Spokesperson's Service re-opened the Berlaymont press room to a limited
number of journalists. For more information, please see here.

*Updated on 09-07-2021, at 19:00
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