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European Commission Spokesman's Briefing for 00-07-12
From: EUROPA, the European Commission Server at <http://europa.eu.int>
MIDDAY EXPRESS
News from the Spokesman's midday briefing
Nouvelles du rendez-vous de midi du Service Presse et Communicationb
12/07/2000
CONTENTS / CONTENU
[I] Résultats de la Commission de ce jour - Outcome of today's Commission
meeting
[01] 18 months before euro-day Commission monitors progress and flags up
tasks ahead
[02] La Commission propose une révision des règles relatives aux
communications électroniques
[03] Commission proposes unbundling local loop by end of year
[04] Commission proposes decision on radio spectrum
[05] La Commission interroge les opérateurs dominants de télécommunications
sur l'accès de leurs concurrents à la boucle locale
[06] Commission adopts a draft Competition Directive consolidating existing
Directives on competition in the telecommunications markets
[07] Commission approves rules on separation of accounts for public service
providers
[08] Commission clears acquisition of Dyno by Industri Kapital subject to
commitments
[09] Commission fines Mitsubishi for failing to supply information on
Kvaerner/Ahlström joint venture
[10] CIG : la Commission présente une contribution complémentaire sur le
statut des partis politiques européens
[11] Fonds structurels : la Commission propose le renforcement des
modalités d'application en matière de gestion financière, de contrôle et de
corrections financières
[12] La Commission approuve les zones en reconversion économique et sociale
éligibles aux Fonds structurels en Italie
[13] Commission proposes a simpler and more flexible fruit and vegetable
regime
[14] Libéralisation par l'UE de 18% de ses importations de textiles et de
vêtements
[15] Commission approves State aid contained in UK's High Technology Fund
for early stage enterprises
[16] La Commission approuve le régime d'aide aux investissements dans les
régions défavorisées de l'Italie
[17] Commission approves regional aid map for the Netherlands
[18] Commission to investigate restructuring aid for two companies of
former Lintra holding
[19] La Commission ouvre une procédure d'enquête en matière d'aides d'Etat
concernant la poursuite de la restructuration des chantiers navals publics
en Espagne
[20] La Commission rend une décision partiellement négative sur l'aide
d'Etat de juillet 1997 en faveur de Fiat Mirafiori
[21] Commission approves Swedish State aid scheme to improve conditions in
houses, schools and workplaces
[22] Commission approves investment aid for new chemical plant at BASF
Schwarzheide (Germany)
[23] Commission uses injunction to obtain details of aid to Italian ports
[24] UK tonnage tax gets green light from Commission
[II] Other news - Autres nouvelles
[25] Commission clears acquisition of Danone's beer businesses by Scottish
& Newcastle
[26] Commission clears Telefónica buy of Endemol
[27] Statement by Mario Monti on Secil/Holderbank bid for Cimpor
[28] Commission warns vitamin producers in cartel investigation
[29] Ciel Unique européen : Loyola de Palacio disposée à recevoir de
nouveau les syndicats des contrôleurs aériens français
[I] Résultats de la Commission de ce jour - Outcome of today's Commission
meeting
[01] 18 months before euro-day Commission monitors progress and flags up
tasks ahead
The European Commission has published for the first time comprehensive
information on the cash changeover arrangements in the euro-zone covering
issues such as the end date of the legal tender of the national banknotes
and coins, euro-banknote denominations to be offered by ATM machines in
each member state, arrangements for distribution of euro-coin kits to
citizens prior to 1 January 2002 and arrangements for the withdrawal of
national coins from circulation. The Commission has stepped up monitoring
of the cash changeover arrangements, is pushing for solutions on any
unresolved issues and is actively promoting best practices among member
states. Economic and Monetary Affairs Commissioner Pedro Solbes stated that
"18 months before euro-day, preparations for the euro changeover are at a
critical stage. Member states, who have the primary responsibility for the
euro introduction according to the Treaty, have to reinforce their efforts
to ensure that all necessary decisions and preparations are being made in
time in order to provide certainty to all companies and consumers across
the Union and to give them enough time to prepare. The Commission too will
remain an active partner in this effort."
[02] La Commission propose une révision des règles relatives aux
communications électroniques
La Commission européenne a adopté un paquet de propositions législatives
conçu pour renforcer la concurrence dans les marchés des communications
électroniques de l'Union européenne, dans l'intérêt des consommateurs et de
l'économie européenne. Ce paquet vise à stimuler la libéralisation des
marchés des télécommunications en adaptant la réglementation aux besoins de
la société de l'information et de la révolution numérique. Il met en
particulier l'accent sur la promotion d'un accès haut débit à l'internet à
des conditions abordables et sur la mise en place d'un cadre juridique
"léger" pour les acteurs du marché. Ce paquet de propositions marque une
réforme complète du cadre réglementaire des télécommunications en Europe et
vise à assurer les meilleures conditions possibles pour le développement
d'une industrie dynamique et concurrentielle en Europe.
[03] Commission proposes unbundling local loop by end of year
The European Commission has proposed a Regulation to require Member States
to unbundle their local telecoms loop by 31 December 2000. The unbundling
of the local loop is a key element of the eEurope Action Plan that was
endorsed at the recent European Summit in Feira, Portugal and is essential
if Europe is to bridge the gap with its global competitors with respect to
the use of the Internet. Bringing competition into local copper-wired
networks will allow for the rapid deployment of high-speed Internet access
across Europe at flat-rate prices.
[04] Commission proposes decision on radio spectrum
The European Commission has proposed a regulatory framework for radio
spectrum policy in the EU. Radio spectrum is the cornerstone for a wide
range of wireless applications, such as third generation mobile
communications and satellite communications. The aim of the proposal is to
ensure the harmonised availability and efficient use of radio spectrum and
where required, to implement EU policies with regard to electronic
communications and in the areas of transport (Galileo), broadcasting, and
R&D.
[05] La Commission interroge les opérateurs dominants de télécommunications
sur l'accès de leurs concurrents à la boucle locale
La Commission européenne a envoyé des demandes de renseignement aux anciens
monopoles des télécommunications pour examiner si, et dans quelles
conditions, ceux-ci accordent l'accès à la boucle locale à leurs
concurrents. Cette enquête devrait permettre de détecter d'éventuels abus
de position dominante. Les nouvelles demandes de renseignement constituent
le lancement du troisième volet de l'enquête sectorielle concernant les
télécommunications décidée par la Commission le 27 juillet 1999 dont les
deux volets précédents, relatifs aux lignes louées et aux accords
d'itinérance ('roaming') dans la téléphonie mobile, ont déjà été lancés fin
1999 et début 2000.
[06] Commission adopts a draft Competition Directive consolidating existing
Directives on competition in the telecommunications markets
The European Commission has put forward a new Directive aiming to replace,
by a single text, all existing "liberalisation" Directives in the
telecommunications sector previously adopted by the Commission. The draft
will now be submitted to public consultation. It consolidates, without
adding any new obligation, Directive 90/388 which set the first foundations
for the liberalisation of the telecommunications market and which has been
amended five times since its adoption in 1990. Only those provisions which
to date are still necessary for attaining the objectives of full
competition in the telecommunications sector will be maintained. The final
adoption of the new Directive (by the Commission itself under Article 86 of
the EC Treaty) will take place at a later stage, in order to maintain the
link with the package of the legislative proposals on telecommunications
approved today by the Commission.
[07] Commission approves rules on separation of accounts for public service
providers
The European Commission has approved an amendment of the so-called
Transparency Directive. This amendment introduces separation of accounts
for companies which operate, on the one hand, services of general economic
interest and receive compensation in form of payments or special or
exclusive rights and which, on the other hand, are also active in normal
commercial operations. "Such separation of internal accounts will make the
actual costs of the public service obligations more apparent and provide
the Commission with the necessary data to examine complaints about alleged
over-compensation of public service costs and cross-subsidisation of
commercial activities", Competition Commissioner Mario Monti commented. The
formal adoption of the different language versionsby the Commission will
take place on 19 July. The competence of the Commission to address
directives or decisions to Member States in such matters is directly
derived from the EC Treaty (Article 86).
[08] Commission clears acquisition of Dyno by Industri Kapital subject to
commitments
The European Commission has approved the acquisition of Norwegian chemicals
and explosives company Dyno by venture capital group Industri Kapital. The
Commission's clearance, which follows a four-month, in-depth inquiry, is
subject to the divestiture by Industri Kapital of certain activities in the
resins sector and regarding plastic materials handling systems.
[09] Commission fines Mitsubishi for failing to supply information on
Kvaerner/Ahlström joint venture
The European Commission has decided to impose fines on Mitsubishi Heavy
Industries for failing to supply information with regard to a joint venture
last year between Kvaerner and Ahlström. This is the first time the
Commission has fined a company other than a notifying party in merger
proceedings. This is also the first time that a periodic penalty payment is
imposed on an undertaking in such proceedings.
[10] CIG : la Commission présente une contribution complémentaire sur le
statut des partis politiques européens
La Commission européenne a approuvé une contribution complémentaire
relative aux partis politiques européens. Si le traité reconnaît leur rôle
pour la formation d'une conscience européenne et l'expression de la volonté
politique des citoyens de l'Union, il serait souhaitable de créer une base
juridique spécifique pour définir leur statut, notamment les conditions de
leur reconnaissance et les règles relatives à leur financement.
[11] Fonds structurels : la Commission propose le renforcement des
modalités d'application en matière de gestion financière, de contrôle et de
corrections financières
La Commission européenne a présenté deux projets de règlement portant
modalités d'application concernant la gestion financière et le contrôle des
dépenses des Fonds structurels ainsi que les corrections financières dans
le cas où les Etats membres ne gèrent pas convenablement les fonds qui leur
sont confiés. Ces modalités s'appliquent aux nouveaux programmes au cours
de la période 2000 à 2006. La Commission a également adopté un ensemble
d'orientations concernant la manière d'évaluer l'impact d'anomalies
financières sur les fonds communautaires. L'objectif de cet ensemble de
mesures est de faire en sorte que chaque acteur, au niveau régional et
local, connaisse clairement ses responsabilités dans le cadre d'une gestion
largement décentralisée des Fonds structurels.
[12] La Commission approuve les zones en reconversion économique et sociale
éligibles aux Fonds structurels en Italie
Plus de 2,1 milliards d'euros seront alloués à l'Italie au titre des zones
éligibles à l'objectif 2 des Fonds structurels entre 2000 et 2006. Ces
zones couvrent plus de 7,4 millions d'habitants et concernent 13 régions
italiennes. Pour l'ensemble des fonds structurels, l'Italie devrait
bénéficier d'un soutien structurel communautaire d'un montant d'environ 29,
7 milliards d'euros pour la période 2000-2006.
[13] Commission proposes a simpler and more flexible fruit and vegetable
regime
The European Commission has adopted a proposal to amend the Common Market
Organisation for fruit and vegetables, including processed fruit and
vegetables, as well as the EU's aid scheme for citrus fruits. Although the
Commission is to submit a report to the Council on the operation of the
fruit and vegetables regime by the end of this year. Today's proposal is
aimed at addressing shortcomings that should be addressed urgently. For
certain processed fruit and vegetables, the proposal aims to rationalise
and simplify the arrangements and to adapt the relevant production
thresholds. It will simplify and stabilise the support scheme for producer
organisations and improve the management of export refunds for fresh fruit
and vegetables. The amendments should apply from the 2001/2002 marketing
year, except for the change to the support of producer organisations which
is foreseen to apply from January 1, 2001.
[14] Libéralisation par l'UE de 18% de ses importations de textiles et de
vêtements
La Commission européenne a convenu de proposer l'élimination de toutes les
restrictions subsistant à l'importation de 62 catégories de produits
textiles et de vêtements des autres pays membres de l'OMC. Cette
proposition constitue une étape importante vers la libéralisation
progressive des échanges de textiles et de vêtements prévue dans l'Uruguay
Round et montre la volonté de l'Union européenne de mettre en œuvre
strictement les obligations que lui imposent les accords de l'OMC.
[15] Commission approves State aid contained in UK's High Technology Fund
for early stage enterprises
The European Commission has authorised under the State aid rules the
creation by the UK authorities of a fund to encourage risk capital
investments in early stage enterprises in high technology sectors. Under
the measure, the UK authorities will contribute 20 million pounds sterling
(euro 31 million) to the fund which will also include other investors. The
other investors will participate on more favourable terms than the
authorities, which brings the measure within the definition of state aid.
The fund will then take minority stakes in venture capital funds focussed
on early stage high technology companies. The aim of the measure is to
encourage greater involvement by institutional investors in this type of
investment activity and to increase the volume of funds available.
[16] La Commission approuve le régime d'aide aux investissements dans les
régions défavorisées de l'Italie
La Commission européenne a approuvé le régime d'aide aux investissements
prévu par la loi 488 dans les régions défavorisées de l'Italie pour la
période 2000-2006. Le régime est conforme aux différentes lignes
directrices communautaires applicables à ce type d'aides, y compris les
lignes directrices relatives aux aides à finalité régionale.
[17] Commission approves regional aid map for the Netherlands
The European Commission has approved the regional aid map for the
Netherlands for the period 2000-2006. The approval of the map will enable
the Dutch authorities to provide financial assistance for business
investment in areas in the North of the Netherlands, Flevoland, Twente and
Limburg until 31 December 2006.
[18] Commission to investigate restructuring aid for two companies of
former Lintra holding
The European Commission has decided to open a formal investigation into aid
relating to the restructuring of two companies situated in the new
Bundesländer, former LandTechnik Schönebeck, now Doppstadt GmbH, and ILKA
MAFA Kältemaschinenbau GmbH. The restructuring aid subject to the
Commission investigation is DM 105 million (euro 53,69 million) in the case
of LandTechnik Schönebeck and DM 28,198 million (euro 14,42 million) in the
case of ILKA MAFA Kältemaschinenbau GmbH. The main reason for opening the
investigation procedure was the Commission's doubts about the
proportionality of the aid to the restructuring costs and benefits, a
condition laid down in the EU guidelines on State aid for rescuing and
restructuring firms in difficulty.
[19] La Commission ouvre une procédure d'enquête en matière d'aides d'Etat
concernant la poursuite de la restructuration des chantiers navals publics
en Espagne
La Commission européenne a décidé d'ouvrir une enquête officielle sur
l'acquisition par la Sociedad Estátal de Participaciones Industriales
(SEPI) des chantiers navals Juliana et Cádiz et de l'usine de moteurs
diesel Manises appartenant à sa filiale Astilleros Españoles (AESA), pour
un montant de 10 milliards de PTA (soit quelque 60 millions d'euros). Sur
la base des informations dont elle dispose, la Commission estime qu'il
pourrait ne pas s'agir d'une opération ayant eu lieu aux conditions
normales du marché, mais plutôt d'un apport de capitaux susceptible de
constituer une aide d'Etat. La Commission doute qu'une telle aide soit
compatible avec les règles applicables aux aides à la construction navale.
Par conséquent, elle a décidé d'ouvrir une procédure d'enquête.
[20] La Commission rend une décision partiellement négative sur l'aide
d'Etat de juillet 1997 en faveur de Fiat Mirafiori
La Commission européenne a estimé que l'aide régionale prévue en faveur de
Fiat Mirafiori Carrozzeria était incompatible avec le marché commun. En
revanche, l'aide prévue à des fins d'innovation est compatible avec le
marché commun et a été autorisée pour une valeur maximale de 6,9 milliards
de lires italiennes (3,5 millions d'euros).
[21] Commission approves Swedish State aid scheme to improve conditions in
houses, schools and workplaces
The European Commission has approved a Swedish investment aid scheme
comprising grants to municipal and private housing companies and other real
estate owners for renovation works in buildings. The aim of the scheme is
to reduce the presence of allergenic substances or other materials that
constitute health hazards. The Commission found that the aid could be
approved on grounds of public health.
[22] Commission approves investment aid for new chemical plant at BASF
Schwarzheide (Germany)
The European Commission has decided not to raise objections to the
investment aid envisaged by Germany for the construction of a new plant of
BASF Schwarzheide GmbH in the Land of Brandenburg. The aid amounts to euro
39 million (DM 77 million), which correspond to 35% of the investment cost -
the maximum aid intensity permitted in the region. It was notified under
the Multisectoral Framework on Regional Aid for Large Investment Projects.
The company will use the plant for the production of a newly developed
substance to be used for a wide range of fungicides. These final products
will, however, not be produced at Schwarzheide. The Commission could
approve the aid in view of the growing demand for the products concerned
and the significant job creation (roughly 400 new employment oportunities)
at Schwarzheide.
[23] Commission uses injunction to obtain details of aid to Italian ports
The European Commission has decided to launch an information injunction
requesting Italy to provide all the necessary information to assess the
compatibility of schemes favouring the Italian port sector. This concerns
aid to cover operating losses of the dock work undertakings. Meanwhile, the
Commission has approved part of the aid intended for social purposes.
[24] UK tonnage tax gets green light from Commission
The European Commission has cleared the proposed UK Tonnage Tax Regime. The
initiative aims to help make UK shipping more competitive in the global
market by creating a positive fiscal environment for shipping, in line with
other major maritime countries. It also includes training incentives aimed
at preserving and rebuilding EU maritime employment and know-how. Within
the EU, Germany, Greece and the Netherlands all currently have tonnage tax
schemes in force.
[II] Other news - Autres nouvelles
[25] Commission clears acquisition of Danone's beer businesses by Scottish
& Newcastle
The European Commission has cleared the acquisition of Danone's beer
businesses in France and Belgium by British brewer Scottish & Newcastle as
the companies' brewing activities present no geographical overlaps and the
combination of their respective market shares in the wholesale and retail
sales sectors is minimal.
[26] Commission clears Telefónica buy of Endemol
The European Commission has authorised the acquisition of Endemol
Entertaining Holding N.V., the Dutch producer of TV programmes, by
Telefónica S.A., the incumbent Spanish telecommunications operator which is
also active as a television broadcaster through its subsidiaries Antena 3
and Vía Digital. Although this operation will integrate Telefónica into the
upstream market of production of TV programmes, it will not result in any
significant change of the market structure. Consequently, the operation
does not raise competition concerns.
[27] Statement by Mario Monti on Secil/Holderbank bid for Cimpor
European Commissioner for Competition Mario Monti told Portuguese Finance
Minister Joaquim Pina Moura yesterday that he was concerned about the
Portuguese government's decision to block a joint bid by Holderbank of
Switzerland and Portuguese cement company Secil for Cimpor. The takeover
bid was notified to the Comission for clearance on July 4. "I understand
the parties have now modified their offer for Cimpor and renewed their
application for authorisation by the government. I have spoken to
Portuguese Finance Minister Pina Moura and explained the consequences that
could ensue if the Portuguese authorities maintain their stance", Mr Monti
said in a statement.
[28] Commission warns vitamin producers in cartel investigation
The European Commission sent earlier this week statements of objections to
13 producers of bulk vitamins, including A, C, D and B complex, with regard
to a suspected price-fixing cartel. The companies concerned have until
early October to reply to the Commission's objections, following which they
can also request the holding of a hearing. There is no strict timetable to
complete antitrust investigations and the sending of a statement of
objections does not prejudge of the Commission's final conclusions.
[29] Ciel Unique européen : Loyola de Palacio disposée à recevoir de
nouveau les syndicats des contrôleurs aériens français
Loyola de Palacio, vice-présidente de la Commission européenne chargée des
Transports, a annoncé le 11 juillet qu'elle était tout à fait disposée à
recevoir de nouveau les syndicats des contrôleurs aériens français pour un
échange de vues sur les travaux en cours sur le Ciel Unique. "Cela fait six
mois que nous travaillons en association avec les syndicats des contrôleurs
aériens, et je les ai personnellement rencontrés à plusieurs reprises :
reprendre la discussion ne me pose donc pas de problèmes", a-t-elle
déclaré.
MIDDAY EXPRESS
From EUROPA, the European Commission Server at http://europa.eu.int/
© ECSC - EC - EAEC, Brussels-Luxembourg, 1995, 1996
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