European Commission - Daily News

European Commission - Daily News

Daily News 26 / 01 / 2021
Brussels, 26 January 2021
New alliances for new solutions: President von der Leyen at the Davos Agenda Week 2021
This morning, the President von der Leyen delivered a special address at the Davos Agenda Week
2021 during a session on the ‘State of the world', via videoconference. The President urged that “we
must learn from this crisis.” She emphasised: “We have spoken a lot about the links between
biodiversity loss and COVID. Now we must move to action. We will protect at least 30% of land and
sea here in Europe. We are ready to broker the same ambition at global level, at the next UN
Biodiversity Summit in Kunming. This will have to be like COP21 was for climate. Because we need a
Paris-style agreement for biodiversity.” Speaking about digitalisation and the storming of the U.S.
Capitol, President von der Leyen said: “We must address the darker sides of the digital world. We
must nurture our democracy every day, and defend our institutions against the corrosive power of
hate speech, disinformation, fake news and incitement to violence.” On the business model of online
platforms, the President said: “It has an impact not only on free and fair competition, but also on our
democracies, our security and on the quality of our information. We need to contain this immense
power of the big digital companies. We want it clearly laid down that internet companies take
responsibility for the manner in which they disseminate, promote and remove content.” Speaking to
participants from around the globe, Ursula von der Leyen recalled the achievement that was
producing the first COVID-19 vaccine in just a few months. Now, she said, it is time to deliver:
“Europe invested billions to help develop the world‘s first COVID-19 vaccines. To create a truly global
common good. And now, the companies must deliver. They must honour their obligations. This is
why we will set up a vaccine export transparency mechanism. Europe is determined to
contribute. But it also means business.” The President notably called for new alliances between
public and private partners to tackle the many global challenges we face: “It is only by working
together – across borders and across sectors – that we can tackle our global challenges. No private
company or public authority can do it alone. We need this new public-private approach to detect
earlier, develop together and manufacture faster at scale. This is not just true for pandemics or
health. It is true for all major societal challenges. New alliances for new solutions. This is what we
will work for.” The speech is available online in English and soon in French and German. You can
watch it here. (For more information: Eric Mamer – Tel.: +32 229 94073; Dana Spinant – Tel.: +32
229 90150)

EU boosts humanitarian aid budget for 2021 as needs rise
As global humanitarian needs worsen further due to the consequences of the coronavirus pandemic
and the effects of climate change, the European Commission has adopted its initial annual
humanitarian budget of €1.4 billion for 2021. This represents an increase of more than 60%
compared with the initial humanitarian budget of €900 million adopted last year. Janez Lenarčič,
Commissioner for Crisis Management said: "Humanitarian needs are growing globally and we need a
budget to match. Our increased budget will allow the EU to continue to play a leading global role in
responding to emerging and existing crises. Ultimately, humanitarian aid is about saving lives. Yet
the gap between the financial resources provided by donors and the rapidly increasing humanitarian
needs in 2021 is growing. To leave no one behind we therefore need more international partners to
step up to fill this gap. We should not forget that only a global response will solve global issues, such
as the fight against the coronavirus pandemic, which affects everyone.” The European Union has
been providing humanitarian aid since 1992 in over 110 countries, reaching millions of people across
the globe each year. EU assistance is delivered through humanitarian partner organisations,
including UN agencies, non-governmental organisations, and the Red Cross family. The press release
is available online. (For information: Balazs Ujvari - Tel.: +32 229 54578; Daniel Puglisi - Tel.: +32
229 69140)

Commission presents study on impact of trade agreements on agri-food sectors

The Commission presents today the results of a study on the expected economic effects by 2030 of
ongoing and upcoming trade negotiations on the EU agricultural sector. The results are based on a
theoretical modelling exercise on the potential economic effects on the agri-food sector, including
specific results for some agriculture products after the conclusion of 12 trade agreements. This study
represents an update of a study carried out in 2016. The EU trade agenda is set to have an overall
positive impact on the EU economy and the agri-food sector. Trade agreements are due to result in
substantial increases in EU agri-food exports, with more limited increases in imports, creating a
positive trade balance overall. Executive Vice-President responsible for trade Valdis Dombrovskis
commented: “The EU has always stood for open and fair trade which has enormously benefitted our
economy, including agricultural producers. This study shows that we have been able to strike the
right balance between offering more export opportunities to EU farmers, while protecting them from
potential harmful effects of increased imports. Supporting the EU agri-food sector will continue to be
a key element of the EU's trade policy, be it through market opening, protecting traditional EU food
products or defending it against dumping or other forms of unfair trade.” Agriculture Commissioner
Janusz Wojciechowski said: “The success of EU agricultural trade reflects the competitiveness of
our sector. Reforms of the Common Agricultural Policy have highly contributed to this, supported by
a global reputation of EU products as being safe, sustainably produced, nutritious and of high
quality. This study, with more positive results than in 2016, confirms that our ambitious trade
agenda helps EU farmers and food producers take full advantage of opportunities abroad while
making sure we have sufficient safeguards in place for the most sensitive sectors.“ You can follow the
press conference with Executive Vice-President Dombrovskis and Commissioner Wojciechowski on
Ebs at 13:00. A press release and a Q&A are available online. (For more information: Miriam Garcia
Ferrer – Tel.: +32 229 99075; Thérèse Lerebours – Tel.: +32 229 63303; Sophie Dirven – Tel.: +32
229 67228)

Investment Plan for Europe supports pharmaceutical company in Spain with €20 million
The European Investment Bank (EIB) will provide €20 million to finance the research, development
and innovation programme of Galenicum, a pharmaceutical company founded in Barcelona, Spain.
The project is backed by a guarantee provided by the European Fund for Strategic Investments
(EFSI), the main pillar of the Investment Plan for Europe. This financing will support the company's
development of medicines in various treatment areas such as diabetes, oncology and the central
nervous system. Furthermore, the financing will contribute to efforts to mitigate the effects of
COVID-19 since Galenicum manufactures medicines widely used to treat the virus like paracetamol
(first line of treatment of symptoms) and metformin (essential treatment for diabetic patients, who
are vulnerable to COVID-19). Commissioner for the Economy, Paolo Gentiloni, said: “Thanks to the
Investment Plan for Europe, the EIB has signed a financing agreement with Spanish pharmaceutical
company Galenicum that manufactures drugs, including those used to treat the COVID-19 virus. The
new funding will allow the company to expand its operations and portfolio of products and services
helping for instance patients affected by cancer and diabetes. This EU support comes at the right
time when groundbreaking medical research is more important than ever.” The Investment Plan for
Europe has so far mobilised €546 billion of investment across the EU, of which €63 billion in Spain.
The press release is available here. (For more information: Marta Wieczorek – Tel.: +32 229 58197;
Flora Matthaes – Tel.: +32 229 83951)

Le Plan d'investissements pour l'Europe soutient 25 municipalités françaises face au
changement climatique
La Banque des Territoires lance l'offre d'assistance en développement « S'GREEN+ » avec l'appui de
la Banque européenne d'investissement et de la Plateforme européenne de conseil en
investissement, crée dans le cadre du Plan d'investissement pour l'Europe. Cette initiative permettra
à 25 villes du programme français Action cœur de ville de bénéficier d'un soutien opérationnel dans
la mise en œuvre concrète de leurs projets d'adaptation au changement climatique. S'GREEN+ est
doté de 715 500 euros dont 500 000 euros sont apportés par la Plateforme européenne de conseil en
investissement. Le commissaire à l'économie, Paolo Gentiloni, a déclaré : « Grâce à une subvention
de la Plateforme européenne de conseil en investissement, la Banque des Territoires pourra apporter
un soutien ciblé à 25 villes françaises pour les aider à s'adapter au changement climatique. Cet
accord est un signal important de notre soutien aux villes, qui sont des pôles d'idées innovantes et
ont un rôle important à jouer pour faire de la transition verte une réussite. » Vous pouvez trouver de
nombreux exemples de projets qui ont reçu le soutien de la Plateforme européenne de conseil en
investissement sur son site. Le communiqué de presse est disponible en ligne. (Pour plus
d'informations : Marta Wieczorek – Tél. : +32 229 58197; Flora Matthaes – Tél. : +32 229 83951)

Farm to Fork: Commission push for responsible food business and marketing practices
Today, the Commission has launched discussions with stakeholders on designing a Code of Conduct
for responsible business and marketing practices at a virtual event attended by Executive Vice-
President Timmermans and Commissioner Kyriakides. The Code aims to shape a path for the
collective role of the actors along the food chain in the transition towards a more sustainable EU food
system, making it easier for consumers to choose healthy and sustainable diets. The Code, which is
expected to be ready for signature by stakeholders in June 2021, would cover all major aspects of
food systems' sustainability (economic, social, and environmental) and reflect the goals and
ambitions of the Farm to Fork Strategy and the European Green Deal. The Farm to Fork Strategy
called on the actors ‘between the farm and the fork' including food processors, hospitality/food
service operators and retailers to show the way toward increasing the availability and affordability of
healthy, sustainable food options. The event today lays a building block in the path toward achieving
the ambitious and important goals of the Strategy. (For more information: Stefan De Keersmaecker –
Tel.: +32 229 84680; Darragh Cassidy – Tel.: +32 229 83978)

L'UE stimule la production durable de cacao en Côte d'Ivoire, au Ghana et au Cameroun
L'Union européenne contribuera à hauteur de 25 millions d'euros au renforcement de la durabilité
économique, sociale et environnementale de la production de cacao en Côte d'Ivoire, au Ghana et au
Cameroun. Ces trois pays sont, respectivement, le premier, deuxième et cinquième producteurs de
cacao, générant près de 70 % de la production mondiale. Ce financement vise à encourager la
coopération dans le secteur afin de garantir un revenu décent aux agriculteurs, de mettre un terme à
la déforestation et d'éliminer le travail des enfants. Valdis Dombrovskis, vice-président exécutif
pour une économie qui fonctionne pour les gens, a déclaré: « Le programme commercial de l'UE est
fondé sur les valeurs de l'Union. En investissant dans des programmes visant à promouvoir le
commerce équitable et la durabilité dans les secteurs du cacao en Côte d'Ivoire, au Ghana et au
Cameroun, nous renforçons nos relations en matière de commerce et d'investissement, dans notre
intérêt mutuel. Le renforcement des aspects sociaux et environnementaux de la chaîne
d'approvisionnement du cacao apportera des avantages économiques supplémentaires aux
agriculteurs et aux coopératives locales. » Jutta Urpilainen, commissaire chargée des partenariats
internationaux, a déclaré: « Les consommateurs européens exigent des produits équitables et
respectueux de l'environnement et les pays producteurs s'engagent à traiter les questions de
durabilité dans leurs chaînes de valeur du cacao. Il est temps d'opérer un véritable changement et
l'UE est déterminée à jouer son rôle d'intermédiaire honnête entre les opérateurs économiques, les
partenaires de développement, la Côte d'Ivoire, le Ghana et le Cameroun. » Aujourd'hui aura
également lieu le webinaire de la table ronde inaugurale des Cocoa Talks, un dialogue entre plusieurs
acteurs visant à renforcer la coopération pour soutenir la production durable de cacao et assurer des
revenus décents aux agriculteurs locaux. Plus d'informations sont disponibles dans le communiqué
de presse. Pour plus de détails, veuillez consulter le site web du dialogue multipartite de l'UE pour un
cacao durable et les pages web consacrées à la coopération au développement avec la Côte d'Ivoire,
le Ghana et le Cameroun. (Pour plus d'informations: Ana Pisonero - Tél : +32 229 54320 ; Gesine
Knolle - Tél : +32 229 54323)

Bank sustainability and deposit protection: Have your say via a Commission consultation
The European Commission has launched today a targeted consultation on the revision of the EU's
crisis management and deposit insurance framework. The results of this consultation will feed into
the Commission's work to make this framework more coherent and robust. The consultation focuses
on three EU legislative texts: the Bank Recovery and Resolution Directive (BRRD), the Single
Resolution Mechanism Regulation (SRMR), and the Deposit Guarantee Schemes Directive (DGSD).
The main purpose of the review is to: (1) assess how the current crisis management and depositor
insurance framework works, (2) find ways to make the framework more proportionate, efficient and
consistent in handling the resolution or liquidation of any bank in the EU, including by securing
appropriate funding within and outside the Banking Union and, (3) improve the synergies between
the crisis management and depositor protection, including by taking steps to complete the Banking
Union. Mairead McGuinness, Commissioner for financial services, financial stability and Capital
Markets Union, said: “Since the last financial crisis, the EU has put in place robust rules to address
possible bank failures and improve the protection of depositors. But that does not mean that our
framework cannot be improved. This targeted consultation aims to make our rules more efficient,
proportionate and consistent, while ensuring that we continue to be fully equipped to protect
taxpayers and maintain financial stability.” The text is available online and you can submit feedback
for 12 weeks. (For more information: Daniel Ferrie – Tel.: +32 229 86500; Aikaterini Apostola – Tel.:
+32 229 87624)

Coronavirus : La Commission propose de mettre à jour les mesures relatives aux
déplacements à l'intérieur et depuis l'extérieur de l'UE
La Commission européenne a présenté hier deux propositions visant à : (1) mettre à jour une
approche coordonnée des restrictions à la libre circulation au sein de l'UE et (2) introduire des
garanties et des exigences supplémentaires pour les voyageurs internationaux qui se rendent dans
l'UE, à la lumière des nouveaux variants du coronavirus, du nombre élevé de nouvelles infections
dans de nombreux États membres et de la situation sanitaire instable dans le monde. En ce qui
concerne les déplacements à l'intérieur de l'UE, il est nécessaire de fortement décourager les
déplacements non essentiels, tout en évitant les fermetures de frontières ou les interdictions
générales de voyager et en garantissant que le fonctionnement du marché unique et les chaînes
d'approvisionnement demeurent ininterrompus. La Commission a par conséquent proposé de mettre
à jour la recommandation du Conseil du mois d'octobre dernier relative à la coordination des mesures
ayant une incidence sur la libre circulation dans l'Union européenne. Le communiqué de presse
complet et la proposition de la Commission sont disponibles en ligne. En ce qui concerne les
déplacements en provenance de l'extérieur de l'UE, la Commission a proposé hier des garanties et
des exigences supplémentaires, y compris un dépistage obligatoire avant le départ. Afin de tenir
compte des avis scientifiques les plus récents, la Commission a également proposé des critères
actualisés tenant compte du taux de dépistage, de la positivité des tests et de la détection de
variants préoccupants pour décider s'il y a lieu d'appliquer ou non à un pays donné non membre de
l'UE des restrictions sur les déplacements non essentiels vers l'UE. Le communiqué de presse
complet et la proposition de la Commission sont disponibles en ligne. Les commissaires Reynders et
Johansson ont donné hier une conférence de presse, que vous pouvez retrouver sur EBS. (Pour plus
d'informations: Christian Wigand - Tél.: +32 229 62253; Adalbert Jahnz - Tél.: + 32 229 53156)

Aides d'État: la Commission autorise un régime français de 200 millions d'euros en faveur
de certaines entreprises affectées par la pandémie du coronavirus
La Commission européenne a autorisé un régime d'aide français de 200 millions d'euros visant à
soutenir les entreprises accueillant du public et affectées par la pandémie du coronavirus. Le régime
a été autorisé sur la base de l'Encadrement temporaire en matière d'aides d'État. Le soutien public
prendra la forme d'une subvention salariale qui remboursera les coûts salariaux correspondants aux
jours de congés payés auxquels les salariés avaient droit en 2020. Le régime sera ouvert aux
entreprises accueillant du public, par exemple dans les secteurs de l'hôtellerie et de l'hébergement,
du tourisme, de la restauration et de l'organisation d'événements. Pour bénéficier de ce soutien, les
bénéficiaires devront (i) avoir été forcés de cesser leurs activités pendant au moins 140 jours en
2020, ou (ii) avoir subi une baisse globale du chiffre d'affaires de plus de 90% au cours des deux
périodes de 2020 pendant lesquelles l'état d'urgence sanitaire était déclaré. Le régime vise à alléger
les coûts des employeurs et à éviter les licenciements, ainsi qu'à garantir le maintien de l'emploi des
salariés pendant l'épidémie de coronavirus. La Commission a considéré que le régime français est
conforme aux conditions énoncées dans l'Encadrement temporaire. En particulier, (i) le montant de
l'aide sera inférieur à 80% du salaire mensuel brut des salariés, et (ii) l'aide sera accordée pour une
période qui ne dépassera pas 12 mois. La Commission a 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 traité sur le fonctionnement de
l'Union européenne (TFUE), et aux conditions énoncées dans l'Encadrement temporaire. Sur cette
base, la Commission a autorisé la mesure en vertu des règles de l'UE en matière d'aides d'État. De
plus amples informations sur l'Encadrement temporaire et les autres mesures prises par la
Commission pour faire face à l'impact économique de la pandémie de coronavirus sont disponibles
ici. La version non confidentielle de la décision sera publiée sous le numéro SA.60965 dans le
registre des aides d'État figurant sur le site web de la Commission consacré à la concurrence, dès
que les éventuels problèmes de confidentialité auront été résolus. (Pour plus d'informations: Arianna
Podesta – Tel. +32 229 87024; Maria Tsoni – Tél.: +3 229 90526; Giulia Astuti – Tél.: +32 229
55344)

Aides d'État: La Commission autorise un régime d'aide français de 120 millions d'euros
destiné à indemniser partiellement les clubs sportifs et les organisateurs d'évènements
sportifs pour le préjudice subi en raison de la pandémie de coronavirus
La Commission a autorisé, en vertu des règles de l'UE en matière d'aides d'État, un régime d'aide
français d'un montant de 120 millions d'euros destiné à indemniser partiellement les clubs sportifs et
les organisateurs d'évènements sportifs pour le préjudice résultant de la mise en place de mesures

administratives adoptées par les autorités françaises pour limiter la propagation du coronavirus. Les
mesures restrictives, qui ont soit imposé la tenue des évènements sportifs à huis-clos, soit restreint
le nombre de spectateurs pouvant y assister, ont eu pour effet de limiter, voire d'empêcher, la
réalisation des recettes nécessaires pour financer les coûts des évènements sportifs dont la tenue a
été maintenue. En vertu de ce régime, les associations sportives et autres sociétés sportives, les
fédérations, les ligues professionnelles et les organisateurs d'évènements sportifs ayant organisé,
entre le 10 juillet et le 31 décembre 2020, une manifestation ou une compétition sportive soumise à
une limitation ou une interdiction totale d'accueil du public pourront bénéficier d'une indemnisation
sous la forme de subventions directes. Le montant de la compensation est d'abord calculé sur la base
des pertes de recettes relatives à la billetterie et la restauration habituellement consommée sur place
(entre 15% et 55% de ces pertes, en fonction du type de bénéficiaire). Le montant de la
compensation est ensuite corrigé à la baisse, si nécessaire, à la différence entre l'excédent brut
d'exploitation réalisé par l'évènement considéré (organisé entre le 10 juillet et le 31 décembre 2020)
et celui réalisé sur la période de référence en 2019. Comme notifié par la France, l'aide est en tout
état de cause limitée à €5 millions par bénéficiaire. La Commission a analysé la mesure au regard de
l'article 107(2)(b) du Traité sur le fonctionnement de l'Union européenne, qui permet à la
Commission d'autoriser les aides d'État accordées par les États membres afin d'indemniser certaines
sociétés ou certains secteurs (sous la forme de régimes d'aides) pour des dommages causés
directement par des événements extraordinaires, tels que la pandémie de coronavirus. La
Commission a estimé que le régime d'aides français permettra la réparation de dommages
directement liés à la pandémie de coronavirus. Elle a également constaté que la mesure était
proportionnée, la compensation envisagée n'allant pas au-delà du montant nécessaire pour remédier
aux dommages. La Commission a donc conclu que le régime était conforme aux règles de l'UE en
matière d'aides d'État. La version non confidentielle de la décision sera publiée sous le numéro
SA.59746 dans le registre des aides d'État figurant sur le site web de la Commission consacré à la
concurrence, dès que les éventuels problèmes de confidentialité auront été résolus. (Pour plus
d'informations: Arianna Podesta – Tél. +32 229 87024; Maria Tsoni – Tél.: +3 229 90526; Giulia
Astuti – Tel.: +32 229 55344)

State aid: Commission approves €4 million Danish tax deferral scheme to support SMEs
affected by coronavirus outbreak
The European Commission has approved a €4 million (DKK 30 million) Danish aid scheme for small
and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) affected by the coronavirus outbreak. The scheme was
approved under the State aid Temporary Framework. The public support will take the form of
interest-free credit facilities in relation to wage taxes due by SMEs. The aim of the scheme is to ease
the liquidity constraints faced by those employers that are SMEs and have been most severely
affected by the economic impact of the coronavirus outbreak, thus helping them to continue their
activities. The Commission found that the Danish scheme is in line with the conditions set out in the
Temporary Framework. In particular, (i) the aid will be granted before 30 June 2021; and (ii) the
deferred contributions will be paid no later than 31 December 2022. 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 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.61233 in the State aid
register on the Commission's competition website. (For more information: Arianna Podesta – Tel.
+32 229 87024; Giulia Astuti – Tel.: +32 229 55344; Maria Tsoni – Tel.: +32 229 90526)

Mergers: Commission clears joint venture between Mitsubishi UFJ Lease & Finance and
Macquarie Bank
The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of joint
control of a company constituting a joint venture by Mitsubishi UFJ Lease & Finance Company Limited
(‘MUL') of Japan and Macquarie Bank Ltd (‘MBL') of Australia. The joint venture is active in Australia
in the equipment finance market. This includes general office equipment as well as computing
equipment. It also provides asset financing and leasing facilities for office and technology assets to
enterprise customers, with a focus on corporates, universities and government entities. MUL is a
multi-service group with activities related to, among other, leasing and finance, rental, used
equipment trading, sales support financing, asset management services, real estate, environment
and energy, healthcare, and infrastructure and investment. MBL, a subsidiary of Macquarie Group
Limited, is a global diversified financial group. It acts primarily as an investment intermediary for

institutional, corporate and retail clients and counterparties around the world. The Commission
concluded that the proposed acquisition would raise no competition concerns, given that the joint
venture will have negligible activities in the European Economic Area. The transaction was examined
under the simplified merger review procedure. More information is available on the Commission's
competition website, in the public case register under the case number M.10077. (For more
information: Arianna Podesta – Tel. +32 229 87024; Maria Tsoni – Tel.: +32 229 90526)

STATEMENTS

Statement by President von der Leyen ahead of International Holocaust Remembrance Day
Ahead of International Holocaust Remembrance Day on 27 January, President of the Commission,
Ursula von der Leyen, issued the following statement: “We mark the 76th anniversary of the
liberation of the Nazi concentration camp Auschwitz-Birkenau and remember the millions of Jewish
women, men and children as well as all other victims, among them hundreds of thousands of Roma
and Sinti, murdered during the Holocaust. […] I am worried to see more hatred towards Jews again,
in Europe and beyond. The times of the pandemic have fuelled a rise of conspiracy theories and
disinformation, often promoting antisemitic narratives. We see a worrying rise of Holocaust distortion
and denial. We must never forget. […] Facts matter. History matters. We are determined to win this
fight. Europe thrives when its Jewish community and other minorities can live in peace and harmony.
This is why we will come forward with a strategy on combating antisemitism and fostering Jewish life
in Europe later this year.” The full statement is available online. (For more information: Christian
Wigand - Tel. +32 229 62253; Katarzyna Kolanko - Tel.: +32 229 63444; Jördis Ferroli - Tel.: +32
229 92729)

Press statement by Commissioner Kyriakides on vaccine deliveries and on the vaccine
export transparency scheme
Yesterday evening, Commissioner Stella Kyriakides made the following statement: “You know that
AstraZeneca's vaccine is currently in the final stages of the approval process with the European
Medicines Agency. If all requirements are met, the European Medicines Agency could recommend
market authorisation by the end of this week. But there is a problem on the supply side. Last Friday,
the company AstraZeneca surprisingly informed the Commission and the European Union Member
States that it intends to supply considerably fewer doses in the coming weeks than agreed and
announced. This new schedule is not acceptable to the European Union. That is why I wrote a letter
to the company at the weekend in which I asked important and serious questions. The European
Union has pre-financed the development of the vaccine and the production and wants to see the
return. The European Union wants to know exactly which doses have been produced by AstraZeneca
and where exactly so far and if or to whom they have been delivered. These questions were also
discussed today in the joint Steering Board of the Commission and the 27 Member States with
AstraZeneca. The answers of the company have not been satisfactory so far. That's why a second
meeting is scheduled for tonight. The European Union wants the ordered and pre-financed doses to
be delivered as soon as possible. And we want our contract to be fully fulfilled. In addition, the
Commission has today proposed to the 27 Member States in the Steering Board that an export
transparency mechanism will be put in place as soon as possible. The European Union has supported
the rapid development and production of several vaccines against COVID-19 with a total of €2.7
billion. We want clarity on transactions and full transparency concerning the export of vaccines from
the EU. In the future, all companies producing vaccines against COVID-19 in the EU will have to
provide early notification whenever they want to export vaccines to third countries. Humanitarian
deliveries are of course not affected by this. The European Union will take any action required to
protect its citizens and rights.” This statement is available online here and can also be watched on
EbS. (For more information: Stefan De Keersmaecker – Tel.: +32 229 84680; Darragh Cassidy –
Tel.: +32 229 83978)

ANNOUNCEMENTS

BlueInvest Day 2021 announces new funds for the ocean economy
Commissioner for Environment, Oceans and Fisheries, Virginijus Sinkevičius, is participating today
at the BlueInvest Day 2021 conference co-organised jointly by the European Commission and the
European Investment Fund where participants from 67 countries, including all EU Member States,
are registered to attend. BlueInvest Day 2021 brings together innovators, entrepreneurs, investors in
the blue economy, high-level representatives from government and the public sector, with the
objective of generating concrete opportunities for maritime-related businesses. Commissioner
Sinkevičius said: “With BlueInvest, the Commission and the European Investment Fund have a
powerful instrument in place to promote the blue economy as a cornerstone of the European Green
Deal. We encourage innovative small and medium companies and start-ups to take advantage of the
funds and help us realise a sustainable, carbon-neutral future for Europe.” The BlueInvest pilot
initiative managed by the European Investment Fund (EIF) and enabled by the European Maritime
and Fisheries Fund, provides financing to underlying equity funds that support the innovative blue
economy. These investments will support start-ups developing innovative products, materials, and
services that can contribute to enhance ocean conservation and the sustainability of the blue
economy and will mobilise around €300 million in equity funding in total. The blue economy can play
an important role in the transformation to a carbon-neutral economy by 2050, an ambition
announced in the European Green Deal. The programme is backed by the European Fund for
Strategic Investments (EFSI), the financial pillar of the Investment Plan for Europe. Two new and
established funds are confirmed to receive funding today by the BlueInvest initiative at the
BlueInvest Day. Three additional investments into specialised blue economy funds, and backed by
BlueInvest and InnovFin Equity under Horizon 2020 Programme finance, have also already been
approved and are expected to materialise during the course of 2021. Since its launch last year, EIF
has deployed €45 million of the €75 million BlueInvest pilot initiative. The Commission will present
its Blue Economy Strategy later this year, which will outline measures for an economy using the
potential of the ocean. More information is in the press release. (For more information: Vivian
Loonela - Tel.: +32 229 66712; Daniela Stoycheva – Tel.: +32 229 53664)

Eurostat press releases
                                                                                           MEX/21/227