European Commission - Daily News

European Commission - Daily News

Daily News 02 / 07 / 2021
Brussels, 2 July 2021
NextGenerationEU: European Commission endorses Slovenia's €2.5 billion recovery and
resilience plan
The European Commission has adopted a positive assessment of Slovenia's recovery and resilience
plan, a key step paving the way for the EU to disburse €1.8 billion in grants and €705 million in
loans under the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF). This financing will support the
implementation of the crucial investment and reform measures outlined in Slovenia's recovery and
resilience plan. It will play a key role in enabling Slovenia to emerge stronger from the COVID-19
pandemic. The Commission assessed the plan based on the criteria set out in the RRF Regulation.
The Council will now have, as a rule, four weeks to adopt the Commission's proposals. The RRF is at
the heart of NextGenerationEU which will provide €800 billion (in current prices) to support
investments and reforms across the EU. A press release, Q&A and factsheet are available online. (For
more information: Marta Wieczorek – Tel.: +32 229 58197; Enda McNamara – Tel.: +32 229 64976)

Euratom Research and Training Programme receives €300 million for fusion research and to
improve nuclear safety, radiation protection and training
Today, the European Commission adopted the Euratom Work Programme 2021-2022, implementing
the Euratom Research and Training Programme 2021-2025. The Work Programme outlines the
objectives and specific topic areas, which will receive €300 million in funding. These investments will
support fusion research, help further improve nuclear safety and radiation protection as well as boost
non-power applications of nuclear technology. The Work Programme contributes to the EU's efforts to
further develop technological leadership and promote excellence in nuclear research and innovation.
This year's calls focus on the medical field, directly supporting the priorities of the EU's Beating
Cancer Action Plan and the SAMIRA Action Plan. Mariya Gabriel, Commissioner for Innovation,
Research, Culture, Education and Youth, said: "The Euratom Research and Training Programme for
2021-2022 will prepare us for the future. I am pleased that the new work programme seeks to
increase the coordination with Member States through Partnerships and move beyond traditional
energy issues of great importance, such as nuclear safety, to also tackle societal concerns like health
and education.” The 2021-2022 calls for proposals will be published on the Commission's Funding
and Tenders Portal today, followed by the opening for applications on 7 July. The Euratom Info Day
on 16 July marks the occasion to provide general information on Horizon Europe, as well as detailed
presentations of the Euratom Research and Training Programme 2021-2022. More information is
available here. (For more information: Johannes Bahrke – Tel.: +32 229 58615; Marietta
Grammenou – Tel.: +32 229 83583)

Taxation: Commission launches public consultation on debt-equity bias reduction
The European Commission has published a public consultation on a new initiative to mitigate the
debt-equity bias in corporate taxation. The COVID-19 pandemic may contribute to a significant
increase in companies' stock of debts. The current pro-debt bias of tax rules, where businesses can
deduct interest attached to debt financing, but not the costs related to equity financing, can
encourage companies to accumulate debts. The initiative was first announced as part of the
Communication on Business Taxation for the 21st Century. A future Commission proposal would
introduce an allowance for new investments financed by equity. The whole scheme would incorporate
a number of robust anti-tax avoidance rules to tackle the use of artificial and aggressive tax
structures used by taxpayers to reduce their tax liability. Stakeholders are invited to provide input by
the 7 October deadline. More information is available here. (For more information: Daniel Ferrie - Tel:
+32 229 86500; Nerea Artamendi Erro – Tel: +32 229 90964)

REACT-EU: 311 millions d'euros pour l'Allemagne, la France et la Lettonie pour investir
dans la transition verte et numérique
La Commission accordera un total de 311 millions d'euros à l'Allemagne, la France et la Lettonie en
modifiant quatre programmes opérationnels (PO) du Fonds européen de développement régional
(FEDER) dans le cadre de REACT-EU. Ces amendements au PO aideront les États membres et les
régions concernés à faire face à l'impact économique et social de la pandémie de coronavirus et à
stimuler une reprise verte et numérique juste. En Allemagne, dans le Schleswig-Holstein, 35 millions
d'euros seront investis dans le renforcement du secteur de la santé en élargissant la numérisation,
dans le renforcement des écosystèmes des start-up et de l'innovation, dans l'accélération de la
transformation numérique dans les secteurs de la science et de l'économie, ainsi que dans le soutien
à la relance du secteur touristique. En Sarre, 24,1 millions d'euros de ressources supplémentaires
soutiendront la relance de la région, par exemple, via des investissements dans des projets de
recherche dans des instituts de recherche et des universités. En Lettonie, 183 millions d'euros de
ressources supplémentaires seront principalement consacrés aux investissements dans la rénovation
d'immeubles collectifs pour augmenter leur efficacité énergétique, la résilience du système de santé
aux épidémies et dans les petit et moyennes entreprises (PME) via des instruments financiers. Enfin,
en France, la région Pays de la Loire recevra un montant supplémentaire de 69 millions d'euros. Ces
ressources seront utilisées, par exemple, pour accompagner la transition numérique en favorisant la
e-éducation et le développement de la e-administration, des infrastructures et équipements de
recherche, notamment dans les domaines de la transition énergétique. Ces ressources seront aussi
employées dans le secteur de la santé et du numérique, aussi pour soutenir l'insertion des chômeurs
de longue durée, les personnes peu qualifiées et les jeunes sur le marché du travail. REACT-EU fait
partie de NextGenerationEU et fournit 50,6 milliards d'euros de financement supplémentaire (en prix
courants) au cours de 2021 et 2022 aux programmes de la politique de cohésion. Les mesures se
concentrent sur le soutien à la résilience du marché du travail, à l'emploi, aux PME et aux familles à
faible revenu, ainsi qu'à la mise en place de bases pérennes pour la transition verte et numérique et
une reprise socio-économique durable. (Pour plus d'informations : Stefan de Keersmaecker - Tél. :
+32 229 84680 ; Veronica Favalli – Tél. : +32 229 87269)

Eastern Partnership: a renewed agenda for recovery, resilience and reform underpinned by
an Economic and Investment plan
Today, the European Commission and the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy,
Josep Borrell, outlined a proposal on how to take forward priorities for cooperation with the Eastern
Partners in the years to come. This agenda is based on the five long-term objectives, with resilience
at its core. It will be underpinned by a €2.3 billion Economic and Investment plan in grants,
blending and guarantees, with a potential to mobilise up to €17 billion in public and private
investments. The aim is to increase trade, growth and jobs, invest in connectivity, strengthen
democratic institutions and the rule of law, support the green and digital transitions, and promote
fair, gender-equal and inclusive societies. High Representative/Vice-President, Josep Borrell, said:
“The Eastern Partnership remains high on our agenda. At the heart of our work will be promoting
democracy, good governance and the rule of law, which are so crucial to unlock positive, concrete
results in our cooperation. This includes Belarus, where we want to continue to support the people
through our Eastern Partnership framework.” Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement,
Olivér Várhelyi, said: “We are putting forward an ambitious Economic and Investment Plan that will
help stimulate jobs and growth and bring prosperity to the Eastern Partnership region. This new
agenda will support socioeconomic recovery after COVID-19 pandemic, strengthen economic
relations and build trade routes between the EU and partner countries.” A press release is available
online together with factsheets on post-2020 priorities and on 2020 achievements and deliverables.
(For more information: Peter Stano – Tel.: +32 229 54553; Elisa Castillo Nieto – Tel.: +32 229
63803)

State aid: Commission approves prolongation of Polish credit union liquidation scheme
The European Commission has authorised, under EU State aid rules, the eleventh prolongation of the
Polish credit union liquidation scheme until 15 July 2022. The measure, currently set to expire on 15
July 2021, will continue to be available for credit unions that are member-owned entities and provide
loans, savings accounts and payment services only to their membership. Credit unions fall outside
the scope of the bank resolution regime in Poland. The Commission found the prolongation of the
scheme to be in line with EU State aid rules, in particular its 2013 Banking Communication. This is
because it is well targeted, proportionate and limited in time and scope. The scheme, initially
approved in February 2014, has been prolonged several times since then, the last time in June 2020.
The non-confidential version of the decision will be made available under the case number SA.63002

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; Maria Tsoni –
Tel.: +32 229 90526)

State aid: Commission approves €297 million Swedish scheme to support organisers of
events affected by the coronavirus outbreak
The European Commission has approved a €297 million (SEK 3 billion) Swedish scheme to support
organisers of events in the context of the coronavirus outbreak. The scheme was approved under the
State Aid Temporary Framework. The aim of the scheme is to compensate them for the costs of
organising events, scheduled to take place between 1 June and 31 December 2021, should they be
cancelled or significantly restricted as a result of restrictive measures implemented by the Swedish
government to limit the spread of the virus. The measure is open to organisers of events active in
Sweden. The aid will take the form of direct grants for up to 70% of the actual net costs of the
cancelled events, that is the costs minus any event-related revenue and any amount obtained from
insurance, litigation, arbitration or any other source. The Commission found that the scheme is in
line with the conditions set out in the Temporary Framework. In particular, the aid (i) will not exceed
€1.8 million per beneficiary; and (ii) will be granted no later than 31 December 2021. The
Commission concluded that the measure 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
conditions set out in the Temporary Framework. On this basis, the Commission approved the
measure under 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.63116 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; Maria Tsoni – Tel.: +32
229 90526)

State aid: Commission approves €20 million Greek scheme to support breeders of pigs and
producers of honey affected by the coronavirus outbreak
The European Commission has approved a €20 million Greek scheme to support breeders of pigs and
native black pigs and producers of honey in the context of the coronavirus outbreak. The scheme was
approved under the State Aid Temporary Framework. Under the scheme, the public support will take
the form of direct grants. The measure will partially address the loss of income suffered by the
beneficiaries due to the coronavirus outbreak and the restrictive measures that the Greek
government had to implement to limit the spread of the virus. The Commission found that the Greek
scheme is in line with the conditions of the Temporary Framework. In particular, the aid (i) will not
exceed €225,000 per beneficiary; and (ii) will be granted no later than 31 December 2021. The
Commission concluded that the measure 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
conditions set out in the Temporary Framework. On this basis, the Commission approved the scheme
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.63570 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; Maria Tsoni – Tel.:
+32 229 90526)

Mergers: Commission clears joint acquisition of Bingo by Macquarie and Warrington
The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of Bingo
Industries Ltd. (‘Bingo') of Australia, by Macquarie Group Limited (‘Macquarie') of Australia and
Warrington Investment Pte. Ltd., a subsidiary of GIC Private Limited (‘GIC'), of Singapore. Bingo
manages recycling and waste in New South Wales and Victoria within Australia. Macquarie is a global
provider of banking, financial, advisory, investment and funds management services. GIC manages a
diversified global portfolio of investments in private equity, venture capital and infrastructure funds,
as well as direct investments in private companies. The Commission concluded that the proposed
acquisition would raise no competition concerns, because Bingo has no actual or foreseen activities
within the territory of the European Economic Area. The transaction was examined under the
simplified merger review procedure. More information is available on the Commission's competition
website, in the public case register under the case number M.10316. (For more information: Arianna
Podesta – Tel.: +32 229 87024; Maria Tsoni – Tel.: +32 229 90526)

Concentrations: La Commission autorise l'acquisition en commun de Elexent Dach par
Elexent Holding et GP JOULE Connect
La Commission européenne a approuvé, en vertu du règlement européen sur les concentrations,
l'acquisition du contrôle en commun de l'entreprise Elexent Dach GmbH, basée en Allemagne, par
Elexent Holding SAS («Elexent»), basée en France, et GP JOULE Connect GmbH («Connect»), basée
en Allemagne. L'entreprise commune vise à offrir des solutions adaptées et prêtes à l'emploi aux
clients professionnels des différents fabricants d'equipment d'origine (FEO) en ce qui concerne la
recharge des véhicules électriques. Elle fournira en outre aux clients des conseils en matière de
mobilité électrique. Elexent conçoit des infrastructures de recharge de vehicules electriques et en
supervise l'installation, la mise en oeuvre, le fonctionnement et la maintenance. Connect programme
et met en oeuvre des projets de mobilité ayant trait au conseil en matière de produits de base, aux
infrastructures de recharge, au partage/à la mise en commun, et à la gestion de la recharge et de
l'énergie pour le secteur immobilier, les flottes, les fournisseurs d'énergie et les exploitants de
services automobiles et d'infrastructures. La Commission a conclu que la concentration envisagée ne
soulèverait pas de problème de concurrence, compte tenu de son impact très limité sur la structure
du marché. La transaction a été examinée dans le cadre de 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.10327. Pour plus
d'informations: Arianna Podesta – Tél.: +32 229 87024; Maria Tsoni – Tél.: +32 229 90526)

ANNOUNCEMENTS

South Caucasus: Commissioner Várhelyi visits Georgia, Azerbaijan and Armenia
Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement, Olivér Várhelyi, will travel to the South
Caucasus from 6 to 9 July, visiting Georgia, Azerbaijan and Armenia. This will be Commissioner's
first mission to countries of the region. It follows today's adoption of the Economic and Investment
Plan, underpinning a renewed agenda for recovery, resilience and reform for the Eastern Partnership
countries. During his meetings with political authorities, business and civil society actors,
Commissioner Várhelyi will present the Economic and Investment Plan for the region and its
flagship initiatives per country. He will also discuss key issues of bilateral relations with each of the
three countries. The Commissioner will confirm the EU's solidarity with partner countries in the fight
against the COVID-19 pandemic. In Georgia, Commissioner Várhelyi will meet with Prime Minister
Irakli Garibashvili, Foreign Minister David Zakaliani, Chairman of the Parliament Kakhaber Kuchava
and representatives of political parties as well as with Patriarch Ilia II among others. In Azerbaijan,
he will have meetings with Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov, Head of the Presidential
Administration Samir Nuriyev, Minister of Economy Mikayil Jabbarov and Minister of Energy Parviz
Shahbazov among others. In Armenia, Commissioner Várhelyi will meet with President Armen
Sarkissian, Acting Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, Acting Deputy Prime Minister Grigoryan, and
Patriarch Karekin II among others. Audiovisual coverage of the visit will be available on EbS. (For
more information: Peter Stano – Tel.: +32 229 54553; Elisa Castillo Nieto – Tel.: +32 229 63803)

Commissioner Simson visits Sweden for discussions on energy and climate policy
Today, Commissioner for Energy, Kadri Simson, is visiting Sweden, ahead of the presentation of the
‘Fit for 55' package of legislative proposals on 14 July. The Commissioner will meet the Minister for
Energy and Digital Development, Mr Anders Ygeman, to discuss renewable energy and energy
efficiency. Commissioner Simson will also meet with Mr Fredrik Reinfeldt, Chair of ”Drivkraft
Sverige” (The Swedish Petroleum & Biofuels Institute) and with Ms Åsa Pettersson, CEO of
Swedenergy – a Swedish Energy Association. The upcoming package of Commission proposals will
include revisions of the Renewable Energy Directive and the Land use, Land-use change and Forestry
Regulation, among others; and a new EU Forest Strategy will also be adopted in July. (For more
information: Tim McPhie – Tel: +32 229 58602; Ana Crespo Parrondo – Tel: +32 229 81325)

Commissioner Sinkevičius visits Baden-Württemberg to discuss forestry and biodiversity

Ahead of the upcoming adoption of the EU Forest Strategy, Commissioner for Environment, Oceans
and Fisheries Virginijus Sinkevičius will visit the German Land of Baden-Württemberg on Monday 5
July. He will tour a forest in the company of different stakeholders and experience sustainable,
multifunctional forest management on site. The visit will be an opportunity to discuss Baden-
Württemberg's regional forest strategy which was adopted in 2020 to increase the resilience of the
forests. The Commissioner will also exchange views with Minister-President of Baden-Württemberg,
Mr Winfried Kretschmann, State Minister for Food, Rural Areas and Consumer Protection, Mr Peter
Hauk and State Minister for the Environment, Climate Protection and the Energy Sector, Ms Thekla
Walker. The visit will also include a meeting with young farmers at an EU-supported organic farm
and a visit to an insect breeding start-up where Commissioner Sinkevičius will discuss the potential
of using insects for producing food, feed and materials in the circular economy. (For more
information: Tim McPhie – Tel.: +32 229 66712; Daniela Stoycheva – Tel.: +32 229 53664)

Farm to Fork Strategy: High-level launch event of the EU Code of Conduct on responsible
food business and marketing practices
Next Monday, 5 July, the European Commission, alongside industry stakeholders, will officially launch
the EU Code of Conduct on Responsible Food Business and Marketing Practices, another deliverable
under the Commission's Farm to Fork Strategy. On the occasion of the launch, a high level
stakeholder event is being organised with a key note address from the Commissioner for Health and
Food Stella Kyriakides, as well as video messages from the Executive Vice President Frans
Timmermans and Commissioner for Internal Market, Thierry Breton. The code will be presented by
Dirk Jacobs the chair of the Task Force on the Code of Conduct. This Code is an essential part of the
efforts to increase the availability and affordability of healthy, sustainable food options that help
reduce our overall environmental footprint. It has been developed with EU associations and
companies, with active involvement and input from other stakeholders, including international
organisations, NGOs, trade unions and trade associations, and together with the European
Commission services. Associations and companies in the food sector that sign the code commit to
accelerate their contribution to a sustainable transition. Follow the event live on web streaming
here. (For further information: Stefan de Keersmaecker – Tel.: +32 229 846 80 ; Darragh Cassidy –
Tel.: +32 229 83978)

CALENDRIER – activités hebdomadaires des commissaires

Eurostat: communiqués de presse

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

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