European Commission - Daily News

European Commission - Daily News

Daily News 11 / 12 / 2020
Brussels, 11 December 2020
President von der Leyen to present new EU emissions reduction target to international
partners at ‘High Ambition Summit'
Today, EU Heads of State or Government approved a new and more ambitious net greenhouse gas
emissions reduction target of at least 55% for 2030 compared to 1990 levels. The Commission
had proposed this new target in September 2020, to put the EU on a balanced path towards climate
neutrality by 2050. President Ursula von der Leyen said: “I am delighted that, together with the
German Presidency, we were able today to reach an agreement on the proposal for a new EU climate
target. We will reduce emissions by at least 55% by 2030. Today's agreement puts us on a clear
path towards climate neutrality in 2050. It gives certainty to investors, to businesses, to public
authorities and to citizens. It future-proofs our Union. All EU countries should benefit from the
transition – with economic growth, a cleaner environment, and healthier citizens. The European
Green Deal will be our growth strategy.” Making Europe the first climate neutral continent by 2050 is
the main objective of the European Green Deal, the EU's new growth strategy which was adopted one
year ago today. The new target EU leaders have committed to is a necessary step towards climate
neutrality and provides much needed certainty to our economies. Following the EU's leadership,
governments around the world have made a number of important announcements to boost the fight
against climate change in recent months. Tomorrow, President von der Leyen will present the new
EU target to other global leaders, along with President Charles Michel and a few other European
leaders, at the High Ambition Summit held to mark the five year anniversary of the Paris Agreement
and the countdown to the COP26 in Glasgow next year. A factsheet on the Paris Agreement and EU
climate diplomacy and a factsheet on the first anniversary of the European Green Deal are available
online. The President's full remarks following the European Council are available to read and watch
back online. (For more information: Vivian Loonela - Tel.: +32 229 66712; Tim McPhie – Tel: +32
229 58602; Lynn Rietdorf – Tel: +32 229 74959; Ana Crespo Parrondo – Tel: +32 229 81325;
Daniela Stoycheva – Tel.: +32 229 53664)

Commission welcomes political agreement on Horizon Europe, the next EU research and
innovation programme
The Commission welcomes the political agreement between the European Parliament and the Council
on Horizon Europe, the largest transnational programme ever supporting research and innovation.
The new EU research and innovation programme will have a budget of around €95.5 billion for 2021-
2027 (current prices). This includes €5.4 billion (current prices) from NextGenerationEU to boost our
recovery and make the EU more resilient for the future, as well as an additional reinforcement of €4.5
billion (current prices). Overall this represents a 30% increase vis-à-vis the current research and
innovation programme, Horizon 2020 (comparing Horizon Europe against Horizon 2020 for EU27, in
constant prices) and makes it the most ambitious research and innovation programme in the world.
Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth, Mariya Gabriel, said:
“Today's agreement marks a very important milestone for Europe. With Horizon Europe programme,
the European research community, research organizations and our citizens can count on the world's
largest research and innovation programme. It is our main tool to strengthen our scientific and
technological base, develop solutions for healthier living, drive digital transformation and fight
climate change, for our collective resilience.” Horizon Europe will promote excellence and provide
valuable support to top researchers and innovators to drive the systemic changes needed to ensure a
green, healthy and resilient Europe. It will increase its impact by working closely together with other
EU programmes and policies, such as InvestEU, Erasmus+, EU Cohesion Policy, Digital Europe,
European Structural and Investment Funds, Connecting Europe Facility, and the Recovery and
Resilience Facility, to promote faster dissemination at national and regional level, and uptake of
research and innovation results. Today's political agreement is now subject to formal approval by the
European Parliament and Council. Since the provisional agreement in March 2019, the Commission
has been preparing Horizon Europe's implementation in order to start the programme as soon as

possible in 2021. Please find further information in a press release and a factsheet. (For more
information: Johannes Bahrke - Tel : +32 229 58615; Marietta Grammenou - Tel : +32 229 83583)

EU budget 2021: European Commission acts swiftly to ensure timely adoption
Following yesterday' s agreement at the European Council on the long-term EU budget for 2021-
2027 and the temporary recovery instrument, NextGenerationEU, the European Commission put
forward a second draft budget for 2021. This is a procedural step that fully reflects the informal
political agreement reached between the European Parliament and the Council under the steer of the
Commission on 4 December 2020. The draft budget foresees €164 billion in commitments and €166
billion in payments. Once adopted, this budget – which will be the first under the 2021-2027
Multiannual Financial Framework - will allow the EU to mobilise significant public funds for a
continued EU response to the coronavirus pandemic and its consequences; to kick-start a sustainable
recovery and to protect and create jobs. It will enable us to start investing in the future to achieve a
greener, more digital and resilient Europe. Commenting on the proposal, Commissioner Johannes
Hahn, responsible for the Budget, said: “I strongly welcome that we are moving towards the
finalisation of the EU's 2021 budget. Once adopted, all EU citizens will benefit from this budget,
which will directly support our common recovery, our researchers, businesses and farmers, but also
regions and our external partners. As a next step, this proposal needs the swift approval of the
Council in order for the European Parliament to vote on it at its plenary session between 14 and 17
December. This would make it possible for the budget to enter into force on 1 January 2021. (For
more information: Balazs Ujvari – Tel.: +32 460 760296, Claire Joawn – Tel.:+32 460 756859)

Coronavirus: Questions and answers on conditional marketing authorisation of vaccines
The Commission is negotiating intensely to build a diversified portfolio of vaccines at fair prices and
has secured agreements with six promising vaccine developers so far. In response to public health
threats such as the current pandemic, the EU has a specific regulatory tool in place to allow early
availability of medicines for use in emergency situations. In such emergency situations, the
Conditional Marketing Authorisation procedure is specifically designed to enable marketing
authorisations as quickly as possible, as soon as sufficient data becomes available. It provides the EU
with a robust framework for accelerated approval and post-authorisation safety and safeguards and
controls. So far, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) has received applications for a conditional
marketing authorisation from two vaccine developers: BioNTech and Pfizer, and Moderna. The EMA is
assessing the safety, efficacy and quality of the vaccines. If the EMA gives a positive
recommendation, the Commission can proceed with the authorisation of the vaccine on the EU
market. A full Questions and Answers explains the process of the conditional marketing authorisation
and is available here. More information is available on the new Commission website on safe and
effective vaccination in the EU and on treatments and vaccines for COVID-19 on EMA's website. (For
more information: Stefan De Keersmaecker – Tel.: +32 229 84680; Darragh Cassidy – Tel.: +32 229
83978)

EU strengthens its direct support to the people of Belarus
Today, the European Commission adopted ‘EU4Belarus', a €24 million assistance package that will
benefit directly the Belarusian people, in particular civil society and independent media, students
and youth professionals and small and medium-sized enterprises. It will also strengthen health
capacities to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. Commissioner for Neighbourhood and
Enlargement, Olivér Várhelyi, commented: “The immense courage of the Belarusian people who
peacefully mobilised to defend their democratic and human rights is an inspiration for us all. With
this newly adopted support package, the EU is making it clear that it stands on the side of the people
of Belarus and delivers on its commitment to step up support to civil society. We also stand ready to
support a democratic and peaceful transition in the country with all tools and instruments at our
disposal.” This programme is part of the €53 million package announced in August, which includes
€3.7 million in emergency support mobilised immediately after the political crisis started, following
the 9 August elections. More information is available in the press release and in the infographic of
the EU4Belarus programme. For more details, please consult the website of the Delegation of the
European Union to Belarus. (For more information: Ana Pisonero – Tel.: +32 229 54320; Zoi Muletier
– Tel.: +32 229 94306)

Coronavirus: 50 ventilators sent to Ukraine through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism

A shipment of 50 ventilators, sent by Denmark, was delivered this week to Ukraine, following the
country's request for assistance through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism. This assistance comes on
top of several deliveries of personal protective equipment and other items made by Slovakia, Estonia
and Poland through the Mechanism to respond to Ukraine's request for assistance earlier in the year
to tackle the coronavirus pandemic. “Even after so many months of this pandemic, Member States
continue to show solidarity within the EU and also to our neighbours. I would like to thank Denmark
for once again showing the reach of the EU Civil Protection Mechanism beyond the EU's borders. Our
Emergency Response Coordination Centre is facilitating the logistical arrangements and the EU will
cover the brunt of the transport costs”, said Janez Lenarčič, Commissioner for Crisis Management.
Also this week, the EU supported the Netherlands in sending another shipment of personal protective
equipment to the Caribbean Island of Curaçao. In November, Czechia and Austria also delivered
surgical masks, gloves and disinfectant to Armenia. Since the beginning of the coronavirus
pandemic, 24 countries have received assistance, of medical or personal protective equipment,
through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism. In addition to its coordination role, the EU finances 75%
of the transport costs for the assistance dispatched. So far, the EU has also delivered 30 ventilators,
620,000 masks and 50,000 protective gowns from its rescEU medical reserve to EU Member States
that requested assistance. (For more information: Balazs Ujvari - Tel.: +32 229 54578; Gesine
Knolle – Tel.: +32 229 54323)

Toy safety: The EU moves to protect children from potentially allergenic fragrances in toys
Today, the Commission adopted measures to improve labelling of toys that include potentially
allergenic fragrances and to prohibit a number of allergenic fragrances to be used in toys. The
objective of the new rules is to increase children's protection from possible negative health effects of
fragrances that could cause allergies, which may last for a lifetime. Commissioner for Internal
Market, Thierry Breton, said: “The health and safety of European citizens is our priority. By ensuring
that toys marketed in the EU respect the safety requirements concerning allergenic fragrances, we
contribute to children growing up safely in Europe. Today's decision was taken in collaboration with
consumer organisations, industry players and the Member States.” Since allergenic fragrances keep
their potential to cause allergies independently of their use, the Commission amended the Toy Safety
Directive 2009/48/EC by extending the list of 55 banned fragrances with atranol, chloroatranol and
methyl heptine carbonate in toys and toy materials. Additionally, the new rules require that 61
further allergenic fragrances in toys, if present at more than 100 mg/kg, have to be labelled on the
toy, on an affixed label, on the packaging or in an accompanying leaflet. The new rules will be
published in the Official Journal of the EU in the next days. The labelling requirements and
prohibitions will apply 18 months later in all Member States. (For more information: Sonya
Gospodinova – Tel.: +32 229 66953; Federica Miccoli – Tel.: +32 229 58300)

La Commission lance un portail numérique unique pour promouvoir l'accès en ligne aux
services publics dans toute l'Europe
Demain, la Commission lance le portail numérique unique, un point d'accès unique à l'information
permettant aux citoyens et entreprises en Europe de se renseigner sur les règles et procédures
relatives aux études et au travail au sein de l'UE. Le portail s'inscrit dans le prolongement de l'outil
en ligne « Your Europe », qui fournit aux citoyens des informations sur leurs droits, obligations et
procédures administratives, ainsi que sur les sites web nationaux pertinents. Pour accompagner les
utilisateurs dans chacun des différents pays, toutes les informations figurant sur les sites web
nationaux, et appartenant au réseau du portail, seront disponibles dans la langue nationale et en
anglais. Thierry Breton, commissaire au marché intérieur, a déclaré: « Le portail numérique unique
est une étape importante dans la simplification et la numérisation de l'accès aux informations des
services publics en Europe. Il aidera nos citoyens et nos entreprises à naviguer plus facilement dans
les procédures de l'administration publique dans toute l'Europe et à tirer le meilleur parti des
possibilités offertes par le marché unique. » Ce portail est le fruit de deux années de collaboration
fructueuse entre la Commission et les États membres pour faciliter et améliorer l'accès à
l'information à partir du portail « Your Europe ». Le logo « Your Europe », présent sur toutes les
pages interconnectées, est un label certifiant de la fiabilité de la source d'informations. Si davantage
d'informations sont nécessaires, les utilisateurs seront également dirigés vers des services
d'assistance tels que des points de contact nationaux ou des réseaux européens. Le contenu et les
services fournis par l'intermédiaire du portail seront constamment mis à jour et améliorés,
notamment en tenant compte des retours d'informations recueillis par les utilisateurs. D'ici à 2023,
le portail numérique unique contribuera à fournir des procédures clés en ligne et à faire en sorte que
toutes les procédures nationales soient accessibles aux utilisateurs transfrontaliers. En outre, elle
facilitera les échanges directs de documents entre les autorités des différents États membres, afin

d'éviter aux utilisateurs de devoir soumettre des documents à plusieurs reprises. (Pour plus
d'informations: Sonya Gospodinova – Tél.: + 32 229 66953; Federica Miccoli – Tél.: + 32 229
58300; Célia Dejond – Tél.: +32 229 88199)

EU mobilises €31 million to support green transition and reinforce coordination in tackling
climate change in Africa*
Today, the European Union announced €31 million for two new programmes signed with the African
Union to address climate change in Africa. These programmes will support the green transition and
reinforce cooperation at continental level. Using data from the EU Copernicus programme, the Intra-
ACP Climate Services and Related Applications Programme will focus on transforming existing
climate data into easily accessible, timely and user-friendly information. This will improve the
decision-making processes in sectors such as agriculture and food security, disaster risk reduction,
health, and water management, as well as strengthen the resilience of most vulnerable communities.
The second programme, the Intra-ACP Global Climate Change Alliance Plus (GCCA+), will promote
the African voice in the international climate negotiations and improve the capacity of the African
Union Commission (AUC) and the Economic Community of Central Africa States (ECCAS) to
implement the Paris Agreement on climate change. Commissioner for International Partnerships,
Jutta Urpilainen, said: “Addressing climate change is at the core of Africa-EU relations, the
European Green Deal, and the path towards SDGs. In the face of growing climate related disaster
losses and risks worldwide, we are engaging with our African partners to strengthen resilience.
Working together, we will be able to enhance the socio-economic benefits of climate action and
invest in the future.” More information is available in the website of the Africa-EU Partnership. (For
more information: Ana Pisonero – Tel.: +32 229 54320; Gesine Knolle – Tel.: +32 229 54323)

Coronavirus: EU agrees to rules to make it easier for firms to raise capital through the ‘EU
Recovery Prospectus'
The European Commission welcomes the agreement reached by the European Parliament and the
Council on important amendments to the Prospectus Regulation, as part of the Capital Markets
Recovery Package. The Commission proposed these amendments on 24 July 2020. These new rules
will introduce a new shorter prospectus (the ‘EU Recovery Prospectus') for well-known companies
that have a track record in the public market. This will facilitate the recapitalisation of companies
affected by the economic shock of the coronavirus pandemic. It will be easy to produce for issuers,
easy to read for investors and easy to scrutinise for national competent authorities. It will cut down
the length of prospectuses from hundreds of pages to just 30 pages including a COVID-explanation
on the impact of COVID-19 on the issuer's business. Further it limits the secondary issuance under
Recovery Prospectus up until 150% as a ratio between the number of shares offered and the total
number of shares already admitted to trading before the issuance. Mairead McGuinness,
Commissioner for Financial Services, Financial Stability and the Capital Markets Union said, “I
welcome today's swift agreement that will help companies recover from the sustained economic
shock of the pandemic. Today's targeted amendments to the Prospectus Regulation are a clear signal
that the EU can adapt quickly to evolving circumstances in order to support the real economy. The
agreement strikes the right balance between encouraging financing through capital markets while
maintaining a high level of investor protection. It will enable companies to issue capital more easily
and reduce their debt-to-equity ratios, helping them stay solvent and resilient.” The European
Parliament and the Council also agreed today to an amendment of the Transparency Directive
allowing Member States to delay by one year the application of the European Single Electronic
Format (ESEF) requirements for listed companies' annual financial reports, provided that they notify
the Commission of their intention to do so, and of their sufficiently justified reasons. Listed
companies who wish to publish their ESEF annual financial reports in 2021 will still be able to
proceed. The amendments will apply 20 days after publication in the Official Journal of the European
Union. (For more information: Daniel Ferrie – Tel.: +32 229 86500; Aikaterini Apostola – Tel.: +32
229 87624)

Publication of latest agri-food trade figures: EU agri-food trade maintains solid growth
The latest monthly report on agri-food trade published today shows that EU agri-food trade
continued to perform strongly during January to August 2020. EU27 exports reached a value of €119
billion (an increase of 1.2% compared to January-August 2019), while imports attained a value of
€81.6 billion (an increase of 0.8%). As a result, the agri-food trade surplus stood at €37.4 billion, an
increase of 2% compared to the corresponding period in 2019. The value of EU agri-food exports to
China grew by €2.77 billion, prompted by strong sales of EU pig meat, wheat, offal meat, infant food,

and barley. In Saudi Arabia, a €537 million rise in the value of EU agri-food exports was largely
propelled by sales of barley and dairy products. Cereals (principally wheat) and various dairy
products also performed strongly in Morocco and Algeria, where the agri-food export values rose by
€383 million and €345 million respectively. EU agri-food exports also grew in Switzerland and
Ukraine. The value of imports from the UK declined by €1.03 billion, affecting the majority of agri-
food products, most notably spirits and liqueurs. Meanwhile, the value of EU exports to the UK
dropped by €329 million, with wine, poultry meat, and butter amongst the main product categories
affected. Still, some increases were recorded in export values of pasta and pastry, oilcakes, and
wheat. The value of EU exports to the U.S. fell by €692 million, with spirits and wine the main
products affected, while the value of imports from the U.S. dropped by €606 million. Declines were
also recorded in the value of exports to Hong Kong and Singapore. As regards product categories, the
export values of EU pig meat and wheat experienced remarkable growths. The export value of coarse
grains also increased, as a result of growing demand in the European Neighbourhood region, Africa,
and China. The full report is available online and further information on the agri-food policy can be
found here. (For more information: Miriam Garcia Ferrer – Tel.: +32 229 99075; Thérèse Lerebours –
Tel.: +32 229 63303)

Union de la sécurité: la Commission se félicite de l'accord politique intervenu sur la
suppression des contenus à caractère terroriste en ligne
La Commission se félicite de l'accord politique intervenu hier entre le Parlement européen et le
Conseil sur la proposition de règlement relatif à la prévention de la diffusion de contenus à caractère
terroriste en ligne. Une fois adopté, ce règlement garantira que les plateformes en ligne jouent un
rôle plus actif dans la détection des contenus à caractère terroriste en ligne et que ceux-ci sont
supprimés en l'espace d'une heure au maximum. Grâce à l'accord intervenu, la diffusion des
idéologies extrémistes en ligne pourra être contrée, ce qui est vital pour combattre la radicalisation
et prévenir les attentats. Ces règles constituent un volet essentiel du programme de lutte
antiterroriste pour l'UE présenté par la Commission. Margaritis Schinas, vice-président chargé de la
promotion de notre mode de vie européen, a déclaré : « L'accord conclu aujourd'hui permettra de
rendre l'internet plus sûr. Lorsqu'ils restent en ligne, les contenus à caractère terroriste font
beaucoup de mal: ils peuvent amener des personnes à se radicaliser et motiver de nouveaux
attentats et ils permettent la diffusion d'une dangereuse expertise technique. Le règlement mettra
en place un cadre juridique établissant clairement les responsabilités des États membres et des
prestataires de services. L'accord d'aujourd'hui marque une étape importante dans la prévention de
futurs attentats. Notre union de la sécurité devient réalité. » Ylva Johansson, commissaire aux
affaires intérieures, a ajouté : « Les terroristes utilisent des vidéos – et parfois même une diffusion
en direct – de leurs attaques comme un outil de recrutement. Nous devons absolument stopper la
propagande terroriste pour combattre la radicalisation. Par ce règlement, nous faisons en sorte que
ce qui est illicite dans l'environnement hors ligne le soit également en ligne. Les autorités nationales
et les plateformes en ligne seront désormais armées pour limiter rapidement le préjudice causé par
ces contenus illicites. Par ailleurs, nous avons intégré au règlement des garanties fortes pour
protéger notre liberté d'expression et d'information. » Les principaux éléments du compromis atteint
sont les suivants: 1) la « règle d'une heure » (arrêt de dissémination de contenus en une heure
maximum), 2) l'application dans l'ensemble de l'UE des injonctions de suppression, 3) une définition
stricte des contenus à caractère terroriste en ligne, 4) des mécanismes de réclamation afin que les
contenus supprimés par erreur puissent être rétablis dès que possible; 5) une coopération renforcée
entre les autorités nationales et Europol, 6) l'obligation pour les prestataires de services de prendre
des mesures proactives pour empêcher l'utilisation abusive de leurs services, 7) des rapports annuels
sur la transparence, 8) sanctions proportionnées à décider par les États membres. Un communiqué
de presse détaillé est disponible en ligne. (Pour plus d'informations: Adalbert Jahnz - Tél.: + 32 229
53156; Ciara Bottomley - Tél.: +32 229 69971; Laura Bérard - Tél.: +32 229 55721)

Team Europe: The European Union and Germany join forces with the Government of
Bangladesh to safeguard the livelihoods of workers in export-oriented industries
The European Union and Germany are joining forces with the Government of Bangladesh and will
provide €113 million to safeguard the livelihoods of vulnerable workers in the garment and leather
export-oriented industries affected by the coronavirus crisis. This funding, announced yesterday, will
contribute to strengthen the resilience of Bangladesh's social security system. It will also provide
temporary cash assistance that will offer a safety net to workers who suffered income losses during
the pandemic and who lost their jobs. Commissioner for International Partnerships, Jutta
Urpilainen, said: “The coronavirus pandemic has had detrimental consequences over the world and
the poor are the first to bear the brunt of this crisis. The funds mobilised by Team Europe will provide

income support to workers who lost their job as the social protection programme responds to an
immediate need to protect livelihoods. It is also part of longer-term efforts to establish sustainable
social security mechanisms for workers in key export sectors, alongside continuous investments in
skilling and job creation. In close coordination with our Member States and like-minded partners, the
EU remains committed to support the Government of Bangladesh to boost the resilience of its social
protection system in line with best practices.” More information is available in the press release and
in the dedicated website on the EU development cooperation in Bangladesh. (For more information:
Ana Pisonero – Tel.: +32 229 54320; Gesine Knolle – Tel.: +32 229 54323)

Migration: New EU financial assistance to address the situation on the Canary Islands
Yesterday, the Commission announced new funding of €43.2 million to Spain to address the needs
on the Canary Islands arising from high numbers of people arriving irregularly - some 20,000 people
this year. The funding will go towards increasing temporary shelter capacity and improving reception
conditions, including access to health assistance, food and sanitation. Vice-President for Promoting
our European Way of Life, Margaritis Schinas, said: “The EU is committed to help coastal states
manage migration effectively. Today's funding will ensure that new arrivals have basic rights to food,
medicine and shelter until they are referred to a reception facility for asylum seekers or channelled
into their country of origin.” Commissioner for Home Affairs, Ylva Johansson, said: “I saw first-hand
how challenging the situation on the Canary Islands has become. I welcome the quick moves by
Spanish authorities to ensure dignified reception and effective procedures for migrants and refugees,
and today we are providing the requested financial support. We are also working with partner
countries, such as Morocco and Mauritania, on comprehensive migration partnerships including legal
pathways to the EU, fight against migrant smuggling and effective returns for those with no right to
stay in the EU.” A full press release is available online. (For more information: Adalbert Jahnz - Tel.:
+ 32 229 53156; Ciara Bottomley - Tel.: +32 229 69971; Laura Bérard - Tel.: +32 229 55721)

Migration: Commission and Committee of the Regions agree a partnership on integration
Yesterday, the Commission and the Committee of the Regions agreed to join forces to develop a new
partnership to increase support for the work on integration performed by EU cities and regions.
Commissioner for Home Affairs, Ylva Johansson, and the President of the Committee of the Regions,
Apostolos Tzitzikostas, announced yesterday the upcoming partnership at the plenary session of the
Committee of the Regions. Commissioner Johansson said: “Integration happens in every village,
city and region where migrants live, work, study and take part in activities such as sports. Local and
regional authorities deliver essential services in healthcare, housing and education. They organise
sport and cultural activities where newcomers meet people and make friends. I look forward to work
more closely with the Committee of the Regions to support cities and regions in their integration
efforts”. President Tzitzikostas said: “Local and regional authorities are in the frontline to provide
integration and other services to newly arrived migrants as well as to support their inclusion. While
local authorities have put in place many successful and innovative practices for integration and for
promoting a positive narrative, they still face challenges in accessing funding, data and knowledge
for their integration measures and programs, in particular in towns and rural areas”. The partnership
will build on the well-established cooperation between the Commission and the European Committee
of the Regions under the Cities and Regions for Integration initiative, which was launched by the
European Committee of the Regions in 2019 to offer a political platform for European mayors and
regional leaders to share information and showcase positive examples of integration of migrants and
refugees. The statement is available online. (For more information: Adalbert Jahnz - Tel.: + 32 229
53156; Ciara Bottomley - Tel.: +32 229 69971; Laura Bérard - Tel.: +32 229 55721)

State aid: Commission approves €9.3 million Croatian scheme to support enterprises active
in primary agricultural sector affected by coronavirus outbreak
The European Commission has approved an approximately €9.3 million (HRK 70 million) Croatian
scheme to support enterprises active in certain primary agricultural sectors affected by the
coronavirus outbreak. The scheme was approved under the State aid Temporary Framework. The
public support, which will take the form of direct grants, will be open to breeders of cattle and sow as
well as producers of apples, mandarins and potatoes in Croatia. The measure is expected to support
more than 6,500 enterprises. The aim of the scheme is to address the liquidity needs of enterprises
that suffered a decrease in sales and to help them to continue their activities during and after the
outbreak. The Commission found that the Croatian scheme is in line with the conditions set out in
the Temporary Framework. In particular, (i) the aid will not exceed €100,000 per beneficiary, as
provided by the Temporary Framework for undertakings in the primary agricultural sector; and (ii)

the aid under the scheme can be granted until 30 June 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 the 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.59815 in the State aid register on the
Commission's competition website once any confidentiality issues have been resolved. (For more
information: Marta Wieczorek – Tel.: +32 229 58197; Maria Tsoni – Tel.: +32 229 90526; Giulia
Astuti – Tel.: +32 229 55344)

Mergers: Commission clears acquisition of a newly established joint venture by GE and
Allianz
The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of a newly
established joint venture in Ireland and the U.S. by General Electric Company of the U.S. and Allianz
SE of Germany. The joint venture will acquire aircraft in order to lease or sell them to customers
worldwide. General Electric is a global, diversified company active primarily within manufacturing,
energy and aviation. Allianz is active in life and non-life insurance and asset management on behalf
of central banks, pension funds, corporations, individual investors and other entities. The
Commission concluded that the proposed acquisition would raise no competition concerns, given the
limited horizontal overlaps and vertical relationship 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.9948. (For more information: Marta Wieczorek – Tel. +32 229 58197; Maria Tsoni – Tel.:
+32 229 90526)

Mergers: Commission clears acquisition of joint control over newly created joint venture by
Deutsche Telekom and SK Telecom
The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of joint
control over a newly created company constituting a joint venture by Deutsche Telekom AG of
Germany and SK Telecom Co., Ltd of South Korea. The joint venture will be dedicated to the
development of radio frequency repeater technology and the licensing of resulting intellectual
property rights to third parties. Deutsche Telekom is a telecommunications company as well as a
provider of information and communication technology (‘ICT'), offering fixed-network/broadband,
mobile communications, internet, IPTV products, services and solutions for consumers and business
customers. SK Telecom is a telecommunication company, active in ICT and in the development of 5G
communication and technology. The Commission concluded that the proposed acquisition would raise
no competition concerns given the joint venture's 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.10046. (For more information: Marta Wieczorek – Tel. +32 229 58197; Maria Tsoni – Tel.:
+32 229 90526)

Mergers: Commission clears acquisition of Bunge Loders Croklaan Oils by Neste
The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of control
over Bunge Loders Croklaan Oils B.V. of the Netherlands by Neste Oyj (‘Neste') of Finland. Bunge
Loders Croklaan Oils consists of production and related assets located in Rotterdam harbour, and the
related personnel, excluding any feedstock sourcing and supply agreements. Neste is a refining and
marketing company focusing on low-emission, high-quality traffic fuels. Neste produces both fossil
and renewable fuels, and currently owns and operates a renewable fuel production plant in a site
adjacent to Bunge Loders Croklaan Oils. The Commission concluded that the proposed acquisition
would raise no competition concerns, given that it does not result in any new overlaps or supply
relations between 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.9972. (For more information: Marta Wieczorek – Tel. +32 229
58197; Maria Tsoni – Tel.: +32 229 90526)

STATEMENTS

Statement by Commissioner Lenarčič on the killing of Danish Refugee Council and
International Rescue Committee aid workers in Tigray, Ethiopia
Commissioner for Crisis Management, Janez Lenarčič, issued the following statement on the killing
of Danish Refugee Council and International Rescue Committee aid workers in Tigray, Ethiopia: “I
strongly condemn the killing of four humanitarian workers in a refugee camp in the Tigray region of
Ethiopia, including three staff members from the Danish Refugee Council (DRC) and one from
International Rescue Committee (IRC). My deepest condolences go to their loved ones and to all the
staff of the Danish Refugee Council and the International Rescue Committee at these difficult times.
I pay tribute to these humanitarian workers who have been saving lives and helping those less
fortunate in times of crisis. We salute their courage and passion. As I outlined in my recent visit to
Ethiopia last week, the Ethiopian authorities should ensure immediate, unconditional and
unrestricted access for humanitarian workers to all areas affected by fighting in accordance with
International Humanitarian Law. Now, more than ever, it is a matter of urgency to cease all
hostilities.” The statement is available here. (For more information: Balazs Ujvari - Tel.: +32 229
54578; Daniel Puglisi – Tel.: +32 229 69140)

ANNOUNCEMENTS

La présidente von der Leyen se rend à Paris pour célébrer les 60 ans de la convention de
l'OCDE
La présidente de la Commission européenne, Ursula von der Leyen, sera en déplacement à Paris ce
lundi, 14 décembre, pour participer à l'événement organisé par l'Organisation de coopération et de
développement économiques (OCDE). Elle participera aux célébrations du 60ème anniversaire de la
signature de la convention qui a fondé l'Organisation en 1961. La présidente von der Leyen
participera à un panel sur une relance qui apporte le changement, « un nouveau consensus en faveur
du progrès économique, social et environnemental ». Suivez l'événement ici. (Pour plus
d'informations: Eric Mamer – Tél.: +32 229 94073; Dana Spinant – Tél.: +32 229 90150)

Le commissaire Lenarčič lance le 7e Forum européen de la protection civile
Janez Lenarčič, commissaire en charge de la gestion des crises, inaugure aujourd'hui le 7e Forum
européen de la protection civile. Lors d'une séance de préparation, consacrée au thème de la
« coopération transectorielle en temps de crise », le commissaire Lenarčič, ainsi que divers acteurs
dans le domaine de la protection civile et de la santé, se réunissent pour discuter des enseignements
tirés et de l'importance de la coopération en temps de crise. À cette occasion, Janez Lenarčič a
déclaré : « Le monde a été bouleversé cette année par la COVID-19. Outre son impact immédiat
dévastateur sur la santé publique, la pandémie a également joué un rôle considérable d'amplificateur
vis-à-vis d'autres situations d'urgence. La Commission européenne a rapidement tiré les principaux
enseignements et pris une série de mesures concrètes ainsi que d'actions législatives visant à
renforcer davantage le mécanisme de protection civile de l'Union et sa capacité à soutenir les États
membres touchés par cette crise. » L'événement intervient alors que la pandémie du coronavirus a
révélé l'importance pour les autorités de protection civile du continent de s'adapter aux nouvelles
menaces et de mieux protéger les citoyens européens. Les participants à la manifestation pourront
également accéder à la dernière proposition de la Commission visant à renforcer davantage la
capacité de l'Europe à faire face aux catastrophes naturelles. (Pour plus d'informations: Balazs Ujvari
- Tél.: +32 229 54578; Daniel Puglisi – Tél.: +32 229 69140)

Vice-President Schinas and Commissioner Johansson to participate in informal
videoconference of Home Affairs Ministers on 14 December
Vice-President for Promoting our European Way of Life, Margaritis Schinas, and Commissioner for
Home Affairs, Ylva Johansson, will take part in the informal videoconference of Home Affairs

Ministers on Monday. The meeting will start with an update by the German Presidency of the Council
on the negotiations on the proposal for a Regulation on preventing the dissemination of terrorist
content online, where a political agreement between the European Parliament and the Council was
found yesterday. Ministers will then discuss conclusions on internal security and on the European
police partnership, against the background of the Commission's Counter-Terrorism Agenda and the
proposal for reinforced mandate for Europol which were presented on Wednesday. Finally,
participants will take stock of the ongoing work towards making information systems for external
border management interoperable. In the afternoon, Ministers will discuss the Pact on Migration and
Asylum, proposed by the Commission on 23 September, including a discussion on the EU
engagement with partner countries on effective readmission and migration management. The
incoming Portuguese Presidency will present its work programme. A press conference with
Commissioner Johansson will take place at +/- 17.15 CET, which you can follow live on EbS. (For
more information: Adalbert Jahnz - Tel.: + 32 229 53156; Ciara Bottomley - Tel.: +32 229 69971;
Laura Bérard - Tel.: +32 229 55721).

CALENDRIER – activités hebdomadaires des commissaires

Eurostat: communiqués de presse

Updated on 11-12-2020, at 14:40
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