European Commission - Daily News

European Commission - Daily News

Daily News 05 / 05 / 2021
Brussels, 5 May 2021
COLLEGE MEETING: Commission proposes new Regulation to address distortions caused by
foreign subsidies in the Single Market
The European Commission proposes today a new instrument to address potential distortive effects of
foreign subsidies in the Single Market. Today's legislative proposal follows the adoption of the White
Paper in June 2020 and an extensive consultation process with stakeholders. It aims at closing the
regulatory gap in the Single Market, whereby subsidies granted by non-EU governments currently go
largely unchecked, while subsidies granted by Member States are subject to close scrutiny. The new
tool is designed to effectively tackle foreign subsidies that cause distortions and harm the level
playing field in the Single Market in any market situation. It is also a key element to deliver on the
updated EU Industrial Strategy also adopted today, by promoting a fair and competitive Single
Market thereby setting the right conditions for the European industry to thrive. EU rules on
competition, public procurement and trade defence instruments play an important role in ensuring
fair conditions for companies operating in the Single Market. But none of these tools applies to
foreign subsidies which provide their recipients with an unfair advantage when acquiring EU
companies, participating in public procurements in the EU or engaging in other commercial activities
in the EU. Under the proposed Regulation, the Commission will have the power to investigate
financial contributions granted by public authorities of a non-EU country that benefit companies
engaging in an economic activity in the EU and redress their distortive effects, as relevant. In this
context, the Regulation proposes the introduction of three tools, two notification-based and a general
market investigation tool. If the Commission establishes that a foreign subsidy exists and that it is
distortive, it will, where warranted, consider the possible positive effects of the foreign subsidy and
balance these effects with the negative effects brought about by the distortion. When the negative
effects outweigh the positive effects, the Commission will have the power to impose redressive
measures or accept commitments from the companies concerned that remedy the distortion. The
European Parliament and the Member States will now discuss the Commission's proposal in the
context of the ordinary legislative procedure with a view of adopt a final text of the Regulation. A full
press release and a Q&A document are available online. (For more information: Arianna Podesta –
Tel. +32 229 87024; Giulia Astuti – Tel: +32 229 55344)

RÉUNION DU COLLEGE: Mise à jour de la stratégie industrielle de 2020: construire un
marché unique plus solide pour soutenir la reprise en Europe
Aujourd'hui, la Commission met à jour la stratégie industrielle de l'Union afin de faire en sorte que
son ambition industrielle tienne pleinement compte des nouvelles circonstances liées à la crise de
COVID-19 et contribue à mener la transition vers une économie plus durable, numérique, résiliente
et compétitive à l'échelle mondiale. La stratégie mise à jour réaffirme les priorités énoncées dans la
communication de mars 2020, publiée la veille du jour où l'OMS a déclaré la pandémie de COVID-19,
tout en répondant aux enseignements tirés de la crise pour stimuler la reprise et renforcer
l'autonomie stratégique ouverte de l'UE. Elle propose de nouvelles mesures pour renforcer la
résilience de notre marché unique, notamment en temps de crise. Elle répond également à la
nécessité de mieux comprendre nos dépendances dans des domaines stratégiques clés et présente
une boîte à outils pour y remédier. La stratégie mise à jour offre aussi de nouvelles mesures pour
accélérer les transitions écologique et numérique. La stratégie mise à jour répond également aux
appels à recenser et à suivre les principaux indicateurs de la compétitivité de l'économie de l'Union
dans son ensemble, à savoir: l'intégration du marché unique, la croissance de la productivité, la
compétitivité internationale, l'investissement public et privé, ainsi que l'investissement dans la
recherche et le développement. La dimension PME est au cœur de la stratégie, qui prévoit un soutien
financier adapté et des mesures permettant aux PME et aux start-ups de s'engager dans la double
transition. Un communiqué de presse, un document de questions réponses et des fiches
d'informations électroniques (ici et ici) sont disponibles en ligne. (Pour plus d'informations: Sonya
Gospodinova – Tél.: +32 229 66953; Federica Miccoli – Tél.: +32 229 58300; Célia Dejond – Tél.:

+32 229 88199)

India: EU mobilises an initial €2.2 million in emergency funding for the vulnerable during
COVID-19
Today, the Commission has announced that it will allocate an initial €2.2 million in emergency
funding to respond to the drastic surge in COVID-19 cases in India. The funding will
support the World Health Organisation (WHO) for a 6-month case management of COVID-19
patients, as well as strengthening laboratory capacity for COVID-19 testing. Commissioner for Crisis
Management, Janez Lenarčič, said: “We are providing additional EU support towards the fight
against COVID-19 in India. This comes on top of the generous and swift assistance from EU Member
States that stepped up as part of Team Europe to offer critical supplies of oxygen, ventilators and
medicines over the last few days. We stand ready to work with the WHO and other partners on the
ground to jointly fight this battle at this difficult time – we are stronger together.” Member States
have already mobilised supplies of urgently needed oxygen, ventilators and medicines from Austria,
Belgium, Czechia, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands,
Portugal, Romania, Spain and Sweden to India over the last week via the EU Civil Protection
Mechanism. (For more information: Balazs Ujvari - Tel.: +32 229 54578; Daniel Puglisi - Tel.: +32
229 69140)

State aid: Commission approves second modification of Belgian scheme to support
companies in Flanders affected by coronavirus outbreak
The European Commission has found the second modification of an existing Belgian scheme to
support companies in Flanders affected by the coronavirus outbreak to be in line with the State aid
Temporary Framework. The existing scheme was approved by the Commission on 29 January 2021
(SA.60524), and was first amended on 24 March 2021 (SA.62156). Under the existing scheme,
eligible beneficiaries could apply for aid in relation to the turnover loss registered in January and/or
February 2021, compared to the same reference period in 2020. The scheme could also apply for aid
in relation to the turnover loss registered in March and/or April 2021, compared to the same
reference period in 2019. Belgium notified the following modifications to the scheme: (i) eligible
beneficiaries will now be able to apply for additional aid in relation to the turnover losses registered
in May and/or June 2021, compared to the same reference period in 2019; and (ii) an increase in the
budget from €440 million to €634 million. The Commission found that the amended scheme is in line
with the conditions set out in the Temporary Framework. In particular, (i) the support will not exceed
€225,000 per company active in the primary production of agriculture products, €270,000 per
company active in the fishery and aquaculture sector, and €1.8 million per company active in other
sectors; and (ii) the aid will be granted before 31 December 2021. The Commission concluded that
the scheme, as modified, remains 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, 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.62826 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)

State aid: Commission approves increase in budget to €213 million for Italian scheme to
support trade fairs sector affected by coronavirus outbreak
The European Commission has found the modification of an existing Italian scheme to support the
uncovered fixed costs of companies active in the trade fairs sector in the context of the coronavirus
outbreak to be in line with the State aid Temporary Framework. The existing scheme was approved
by the Commission on 16 March 2021 (SA.61294) under the State aid Temporary Framework. Under
the scheme, the support takes the form of direct grants to limited liability companies managing
trade fairs areas and trade fairs event organisers that, due to the coronavirus outbreak, have
experienced a decrease in turnover of at least 30% between March 2020 and February 2021,
compared to the same reference period in 2019. Italy notified an increase in the estimated budget of
the scheme, from €63 million to €213 million. The Commission found that the amended scheme
remains in line with the conditions set out in the Temporary Framework. In particular, (i) the support
will not exceed €10 million per beneficiary; and (ii) the aid will be granted no later than 31
December 2021. The Commission concluded that the scheme, as modified, remains 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 of the Temporary Framework. On this basis, the
Commission approved the measure under EU State aid rules. More information on the Temporary
Framework and other action the Commission has taken 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 case number SA.62504 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 acquisition of Oikos by Goldman Sachs
The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of sole
control over Oikos Holding GmbH (´Oikos´) of Germany by Goldman Sachs Group, Inc (´Goldman
Sachs´) of the U.S. Oikos plans, develops and manufactures prefabricated houses. Goldman Sachs
is a global investment banking, securities and investment management company. The Commission
concluded that the proposed acquisition would raise no competition concerns, because the
transaction does not lead to any horizontal overlap or vertical relationship 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.10236. (For more information: Arianna Podesta – Tel. +32 229 87024; Maria
Tsoni – Tel.: +32 229 90526)

APPOINTMENTS

COLLEGE MEETING: The European Commission appoints Special Envoy for the promotion of
freedom of religion or belief outside the EU
The European Commission has decided to appoint Mr Christos Stylianides, a Cypriot national, as
Special Envoy for the promotion of freedom of religion or belief outside the EU. The decision will take
effect immediately. The Special Envoy will be attached to Vice-President Schinas, who is in charge of
leading the Commission's dialogue with churches and religious associations or communities, and
with philosophical and non-confessional organisations. Freedom of religion or belief is under attack in
many parts of the world. Today's appointment shows the Commission's commitment to address this
challenge and to ensure that the rights of all faiths and beliefs are respected. The Special Envoy will
establish a dialogue with national authorities and other stakeholders in countries suffering from
discrimination on the grounds of religion or belief. He will support for intercultural and interreligious
dialogue processes, including encouraging dialogue between representatives of different faiths and
the setting up of joint initiatives. He will put in place measures to target de-radicalisation and
prevention of extremism on grounds of religion or belief in third countries. In cooperation with
authorities from third countries, he will promote religious diversity and tolerance within educational
programmes and curricula. The Special Envoy will coordinate his activities closely with the EU Special
Representative on Human Rights. As former Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis
Management from 2014 until 2019, Mr Stylianides repeatedly demonstrated his commitment to
human rights and freedom of religion or belief. In addition to serving as Commissioner, he has
exercised, over the course of his career, a range of high-level political functions that have endowed
him with solid experience in communication and representation and a thorough knowledge of
international organisations, religious actors and civil society organisations. (For information: Balazs
Ujvari - Tel.: +32 229 54578; Claire Joawn - Tel.: +32 229 56859)

COLLEGE MEETING: The European Commission appoints a new Director and a new Head of
Representation
Today, the European Commission appointed Nathalie Berger as Director “Support to Member States
Reforms” in the Directorate-General for Structural Reform Support (REFORM). The date of effect will
be determined later. Nathalie Berger, a French national, has spent over 20 years at the Commission,
working mainly in the field of internal market and financial services, contributing to the measures
restoring financial stability after the 2008 financial crisis. In these positions, she had extensive
interaction with Member States and the European Parliament, both for the design, negotiation and

assistance in the implementation of the rulebook. The robust experience she has acquired in these
areas will allow her to manage a policy Directorate in charge of successful planning, implementation
and conclusion of technical support projects to Member States, and lead the development of a
modern EU policy on public administration and governance. She is currently Deputy Director and
Head of the Unit in charge of the regulation and supervision of the European banking sector in the
Directorate-General for financial stability and capital markets (FISMA). In this context, she is charge
of the regulation of the European banking sector to the service of an Economy that Works for the
People. Her main ongoing works focus on the contribution of the banking sector to the EU recovery,
the preparation of a banking package implementing the finalised Basel standards, and coordination
of the relations with the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision, the European Banking Authority,
the European Central Bank and the Single Supervisory Mechanism. Previously, Ms Berger worked in
several positions with relevance for her new appointment, including at DG FISMA where she was
managing the unit in charge of the regulation of the insurance sector and pension funds. Earlier on,
she also worked in the Directorate-General for Internal Market (DG MARKT) where she led the unit in
charge of the negotiation and implementation of the reform of the financial sector. Nathalie Berger
holds a Ph.D. Doctorate in Law. Also today, Ms Myrto Zambarta has been appointed as Head of the
European Commission's Representation in Nicosia and will take office on 1 September. In this
function, she will act as the official representative of the European Commission in Cyprus under the
political authority of President Ursula von der Leyen. Ms Zambarta, a Cypriot national, has been
working for the European Commission for over 15 years, during which she has acquired a thorough
knowledge of several EU policy areas, in particular of international trade and investment issues, as
well as humanitarian aid and crisis management. Owing to her former positions, she is equipped with
significant experience in management functions and in undertaking representation and international
negotiation tasks. Ms Zambarta is currently the Head of Unit in the Directorate General for Trade,
responsible for Multilateral Affairs and the World Trade Organisation (since 2017). A press release is
available for this last appointment. (For information: Balazs Ujvari - Tel.: +32 229 54578; Claire
Joawn - Tel.: +32 229 56859)

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Stratégie pour la durabilité dans le domaine des produits chimiques : la Commission lance
une table ronde de haut niveau
La Commission organise aujourd'hui la première réunion de la table ronde de haut niveau sur la
stratégie en matière de substances chimiques pour la durabilité, présidée par les commissaires
Thierry Breton et Virginijus Sinkevičius. Lors de cette première réunion, les membres de la table
ronde procéderont à un échange de vues sur leur rôle d'ambassadeurs de l'environnement exempt de
substances toxiques et sur la manière dont la transition industrielle peut soutenir l'ambition de
produits chimiques sûrs et durables. Thierry Breton, commissaire chargé du marché intérieur, a
déclaré: « La transition vers des produits chimiques sûrs et durables constitue également une
formidable opportunité économique pour l'industrie chimique de l'UE et sa chaîne de valeur. Il ne
sera possible d'y parvenir que si l'industrie, le monde universitaire, la société civile et les pouvoirs
publics unissent leurs forces pour soutenir les efforts de l'industrie dans cette transition. Aujourd'hui,
nous avons donc lancé les activités de la table ronde de haut niveau visant à orienter la mise en
œuvre de la stratégie sur les substances chimiques pour la durabilité. En même temps que la mise à
jour de la stratégie industrielle, nous sommes engagés à agir de manière transparente, cohérente et
efficace ». Virginijus Sinkevičius, commissaire chargé de l'environnement, des océans et de la
pêche, a déclaré à ce propos: « La stratégie relative aux substances chimiques fixe l'objectif
ambitieux d'évoluer vers un environnement exempt de substances toxiques, dans lequel les produits
chimiques peuvent produire tous leurs avantages sans nuire à la planète et aux générations actuelles
et futures. La seule manière de parvenir à un tel programme de transformation est d'unir nos forces
avec les principaux acteurs économiques et sociétaux. Je suis convaincu que les membres de la table
ronde sont pleinement déterminés à être les ambassadeurs du changement, et je me réjouis à la
perspective d'accompagner ces changements ». Les membres de la table ronde de haut niveau, qui
comprennent des cadres supérieurs des États membres, de l'industrie, des ONG, des organisations
internationales et des scientifiques, assisteront la Commission dans la réalisation des objectifs de la
stratégie. Les discussions qui se tiendront lors de la table ronde porteront essentiellement sur la
manière de rendre la législation de l'UE sur les produits chimiques plus préventive et plus efficace en
termes de protection de la santé et de l'environnement, et de stimuler le développement et
l'adoption de substances, de matériaux et de produits sûrs et durables dès la conception. Vous

trouverez de plus amples informations ici à ce sujet. (Pour plus d'informations : Vivian Loonela - Tél.:
+32 229 66712; Sonya Gospodinova – Tél.: +32 229 66953; Daniela Stoycheva – Tél.: +32 229
53664 ; Federica Miccoli – Tél. : +32 229 58300 ; Célia Dejond – Tél.: +32 229 88199)

A Stronger Social Europe: Commissioners Ferreira and Schmit open conference on EU
solidarity ‘No Child Left Behind'
Ahead of the Porto Social Summit, Commissioners Elisa Ferreira and Nicolas Schmit will tomorrow
open a videoconference on EU solidarity towards children that aims to break the cycle of poverty,
social exclusion and inequality. The event will gather Ministers or deputies of labour, social security
and education from across the Union, as well as regional and local representatives, and civil society
representatives. Elisa Ferreira, Commissioner for Cohesion and Reforms, said: “Children are among
the European citizens most impacted by the economic and social impact of the coronavirus crisis. We
must use all the tools at our disposal to protect and empower children. As we recover from the crisis,
we will support a more inclusive and digital education system to increase all children' chances to
fully take part in a digital and green economy.” Nicolas Schmit, Commissioner for Jobs and Social
Rights, added: “In Europe not all children grow up enjoying equal opportunities. In 2019, more than
one in five children were at risk of poverty or social exclusion. And children growing up poor often
leads to them becoming poor adults. This is the harsh reality in 21st century Europe. We have to
break this vicious cycle.” The Commission put forward an Action Plan in March to further implement
the European Pillar of Social Rights and propose EU-level 2030 targets for employment, skills and
social protection. Among the key actions proposed by the Commission for children are the EU
Strategy on the Rights of the Child, as well as a proposal for a Council Recommendation establishing
a European Child Guarantee. To help achieve the policy goals, the Commission also supports Member
States with funding instruments such as the European Social Fund Plus, the European Regional
Development Fund and the Just Transition Fund as well as technical support with the Technical
Support Instrument. (For more information: Vivian Loonela - Tel.: +32 229 66712; Veronica Favalli -
Tel.: +32 229 87269; Marta Wieczorek – Tel.: +32 229 58197; Flora Matthaes – Tel.: +32 229
83951)

Commissioner Johansson participates in two events addressing trafficking in human beings
Tomorrow, Commissioner for Home Affairs, Ylva Johansson, will participate in two events addressing
trafficking in human beings. In the morning, the Commissioner will deliver a keynote speech at an
event on ‘Trafficking in the Digital Era' organised by the Lithuanian Presidency of the Council of the
Baltic Sea States. The conference will address the digital dimension of trafficking and provide insight
into safe paths to recovery and justice for children. Speakers include Agnė Bilotaitė, Minister of
Interior of Lithuania, Petya Nestorova, Executive Secretary of the Council of Europe Convention on
Action against Trafficking in Human Beings, and Cathal Delaney, Head of Team Analysis Project
Twins at Europol. The conference will also feature a youth panel sharing their perspectives
throughout the day. The event takes place online and you can register here. In the afternoon,
Commissioner Johansson will participate in the virtual meeting of the EU Network of National
Rapporteurs and Equivalent Mechanisms and the EU Civil Society Platform against Trafficking in
Human Beings to discuss the recently adopted EU Strategy on combatting Trafficking in Human
Beings which focuses on preventing the crime, bringing traffickers to justice and protecting and
empowering victims. Taking into account the complex nature of the crime and the need for cross-
border cooperation, the meeting will be an occasion for experts to discuss how the Commission, EU
Member States and civil society organisations can further cooperate to maximise the impact of
actions foreseen in the Strategy. Speakers include Rosa Monteiro, Secretary of State for Citizenship
and Gender Equality for the Portuguese Presidency of the Council of the EU, and Olivier Onidi, the
acting EU Anti-trafficking Coordinator. (For more information: Adalbert Jahnz - Tel.: + 32 229
53156; Ciara Bottomley - Tel.: +32 229 69971; Laura Bérard - Tel.: +32 229 55721)

Eurostat press releases
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