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European Commission Spokesman's Briefing for 04-05-27
From: EUROPA, the European Commission Server at <http://europa.eu.int>
CONTENTS / CONTENU
[01] Afghanistan: Commission allocates €35.16 million in humanitarian aid
[02] Commission approves acquisition of Raisio Chemicals by Ciba Specialty
Chemicals
[03] April 2004 – Monthly note on the euro-denominated Bond Markets
[04] Economic Sentiment Indicator: inclusion of new Member States and
Methodological Changes
[05] Rédiffusion de notes
[06] Commission approves acquisition of British combat vehicles maker Alvis
by General Dynamics
[07] Autre matériel diffusé
Midday Express of 2004-05-27
Reference: MEX/04/0527
Date: 27/05/2004
EXME04 / 27.5
MIDDAY EXPRESS
News from the Press and Communication Directorate General's midday briefing
Nouvelles du rendez-vous de midi de la Direction Générale Presse etb
Communication
27/05/04
[01] Afghanistan: Commission allocates €35.16 million in humanitarian aid
The European Commission has allocated €35.16 million for humanitarian aid
to vulnerable people affected by the consequences of the Afghan crisis in
both Afghanistan and in neighbouring Pakistan and Iran in 2004. The
overarching objective of this aid is to continue assisting the most
vulnerable sections of the population while supporting the return and
reintegration of refugees and internally displaced people (IDPs).
Activities will include the rehabilitation of water and sanitation systems;
the provision of shelter, healthcare and nutrition; the establishment of
‘cash for work’ activities; and the protection of vulnerable groups.
Funding is also being provided for air transport and security information
systems to facilitate access and boost the security of humanitarian aid
workers. Funds are managed by the Commission’s Humanitarian Aid Office
(ECHO).
[02] Commission approves acquisition of Raisio Chemicals by Ciba Specialty
Chemicals
The European Commission has granted clearance under the Merger Regulation
to the proposed acquisition of Raisio Chemicals Oy, a Finnish company that
makes chemicals for the paper industry, by Ciba Specialty Chemicals Holding
Inc. The deal does not raise any competition concerns.
[03] April 2004 – Monthly note on the euro-denominated Bond Markets
Despite evidence of accelerating growth in the global economy, recovery in
the euro area economy seems to be lagging. In consequence, the euro yield
curve shifted only marginally upward in April with a largely unchanged
slope. Total issuance of euro-denominated bonds amounted to €133bn in
April, compared to €179bn in March and €140bn in April 2003. The
composition of issuance in April was characterised by the high share of
central government bonds (55% of total), with Italy a major contributor
(accounting for nearly half of central government issuance or 25% of
total). The other main characteristic of issuance in April was an increased
share of double-A rated bonds, mirroring mainly the high share of Italian
government bonds, while the share of lower rated bonds was reduced in
accordance with the small share of corporate borrowing. Full document and
statistical annex are available on : <a href="http://europa.eu.int/comm/economy_finance/publications/bondmarkets_en.htm">http://europa.eu.int/comm/economy_finance/publications/bondmarkets_en.htm
[04] Economic Sentiment Indicator: inclusion of new Member States and
Methodological Changes
 As from the May publication onwards, the Economic Sentiment Indicator for
the EU includes the data for the ten new Member States. Moreover, the
calculation of the index (for the EU, the EA and the Member States) has
been revised with a view to improving its performance, transparency and
readability. Most notably, the service confidence indicator has been added
as the fifth sectoral component making up the ESI, entailing also a new
weighting scheme. A streamlined setup now provides a benchmark index level
of 100 and enhanced readability due to a simplified scaling approach. For
more information see:<a href="http://europa.eu.int/comm/economy_finance/indicators/businessandconsumersurveys_en.htm">http://europa.eu.int/comm/economy_finance/indicators/businessandconsumersurveys_en.htm
[05] Rédiffusion de notes
[06] Commission approves acquisition of British combat vehicles maker Alvis
by General Dynamics
The European Commission has granted clearance under the Merger Regulation
to the proposed acquisition of Alvis plc, a UK-based manufacturer of
armoured combat vehicles, by US-based General Dynamics Corporation. The
deal does not raise any competition concerns in Europe since it presents
only limited overlaps and there are other large and capable competitors in
the market.
[07] Autre matériel diffusé
Speech by Commissioner Liikanen: « An industrial Policy for an enlarged
Europe »
Speech by Commissioner Liikanen: « New Challenges and Opportunities »
Speech by Commissioner Byrne : « Patient centred health policy in
Europe »
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