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European Commission Spokesman's Briefing for 05-04-18
From: EUROPA, the European Commission Server at <http://europa.eu.int>
CONTENTS / CONTENU
[01] President Barroso visits Moscow for talks with President Putin ahead
of May 10 EU-Russia Summit (21/04)
[02] Les exportations de la zone euro révèlent peu de faiblesses
sectorielles ou géographiques
[03] Mars 2005 : le taux d'inflation annuel stable à 2,1% dans la zone euro
et l'UE25
[04] Commission clears acquisition of Investkredit by ÖVAG
[05] Commission clears acquisition of Crown Entertainment and Crown Media
International by 3i and Providence
[06] Commission clears acquisition of Multon by Coca-Cola
[07] Register of existing GM food and feed products published
[08] Financial sector : Commission launches survey on obstacles to cross-
border mergers and acquisitions
[09] Commission welcomes electoral success of Mr Talat, new leader of the
Turkish Cypriot community
[10] La Commission et la Banque Mondiale ont accordé d'intensifier leur
partenariat pour appuyer les efforts de l'Afrique pour atteindre les
Objectifs du Millénaire pour le Développement (OMD)
[11] Louis Michel emphasizes importance of partnership between Commission
and World Bank for development in his meeting with Paul Wolfowitz
[12] Joe Borg to visit fishing areas in Denmark
[13] Louis Michel and Peter Mandelson to attend ACP-EU Joint Parliamentary
forum in Mali (19/04)
[14] Autre matériel diffusé
Midday Express of 2005-04-18
Reference: MEX/05/0418
Date: 18/04/2005
EXME05 / 18.4
MIDDAY EXPRESS
News from the Press and Communication Directorate General's midday briefing
Nouvelles du rendez-vous de midi de la Direction Général Presse etb
Communication
18/04/05
[01] President Barroso visits Moscow for talks with President Putin ahead
of May 10 EU-Russia Summit (21/04)
European Commission President José Manuel Barroso will be in Moscow on
April 21 for talks with President Putin. These talks come ahead of the 15th
EU-Russia Summit, which President Putin will be hosting on May 10. The
meeting will provide an opportunity for the two leaders to exchange views
on the agenda of the Summit, and in particular on the progress made towards
establishing closer EU-Russia cooperation in the following areas : a common
economic space ; a space for justice, freedom, and security ; a common
space for external security ; and a space in the area of research,
education, including culture. President Barroso and President Putin will
also have an opportunity to exchange views on the latest international
developments. This is President Barroso's first visit to Russia as
President of the European Commission.
[02] Les exportations de la zone euro révèlent peu de faiblesses
sectorielles ou géographiques
En dehors de quelques fluctuations liées au taux de change, les
exportations de la zone euro sont restées relativement stables au cours de
la dernière décennie. Toutefois, les résultats varient d'un Etat membre
à l'autre compte tenu de l'évolution de la compétitivité en termes
de prix et de coûts et du degré de dépendance à l'égard de certaines
régions ou de secteurs spécifiques. Le dernier rapport trimestriel de la
Commission européenne sur la zone euro publié ce jour est essentiellement
consacré aux exportations. D'une manière plus générale, l'économie
semble s'être redressée au cours du premier trimestre de 2005 grâce à la
demande intérieure qui continue à se raffermir dans la zone euro.
Cependant, compte tenu des signaux mitigés donnés par les enquêtes de
conjoncture, on ne peut surestimer l'amélioration sous-jacente de
l'économie.
[03] Mars 2005 : le taux d'inflation annuel stable à 2,1% dans la zone euro
et l'UE25
Le taux d'inflation annuel de la zone euro a eté de 2,1% en mars 2005,
inchangé par rapport à février, indique Eurostat. Un an auparavant, il
s'élevait à 1,7%. Le taux d'inflation mensuel a été de 0,7% en mars
2005. Le taux d'inflation annuel de l'UE25 a été de 2,1% en mars 2005,
inchangé par rapport à février. Un an auparavant, il s'élevait à 1,7%.
Le taux d'inflation mensuel a été de 0,6% en mars 2005. Le taux
d'inflation annuel de l'IPCE a atteint 2,1% en mars 2005.
[04] Commission clears acquisition of Investkredit by ÖVAG
The European Commission has granted clearance under the EU Merger
Regulation to the acquisition of sole control of Investkredit Bank AG
(Investkredit) of Austria by Österreichische Volksbanken-Aktiengesellschaft
(ÖVAG), also of Austria. ÖVAG provides banking services, in particular
for small and medium-sized companies in Austria. Its subsidiaries also
operate in retail banking, investment funds, leasing, investment banking
and real-estate. It also operates a network of banks in several Central and
Eastern European countries. Investkredit is a specialised banking group
which operates mainly in Austria. It is active in the financing of
undertakings, public entities and real-estate investment. The operation was
examined under the simplified merger review procedure.
[05] Commission clears acquisition of Crown Entertainment and Crown Media
International by 3i and Providence
The European Commission has granted clearance under the EU Merger
Regulation to the acquisition of joint control of UK company Crown
Entertainment and Crown Media International of the US by 3i Group (3i) of
the UK and Providence Equity Offshore Partners IV (Providence) of the US.
3i is an international private equity house. Providence is a global private
investment firm specialising in media and communications companies. Crown
Entertainment and Crown Media International, subsidiaries of Crown Media
Holdings, compile and distribute the Hallmark branded pay-TV channel. The
operation was examined under the simplified merger review procedure.
[06] Commission clears acquisition of Multon by Coca-Cola
The European Commission has granted clearance under the EU Merger
Regulation to the acquisition of sole control of the Russian undertaking
Multon by The Coca-Cola Company (TCCC) of the US and Coca-Cola Hellenic
Bottling Company S.A. (CCHBC) of Greece. TCCC is the brand owner and
licensor of the Coca-Cola brands and supplies soft drink concentrates,
syrups and finished beverages which it sells to bottling and canning
companies. CCHBC is a licensed bottler that produces and sells TCCC branded
beverages in the EU and elsewhere in Europe, Eurasia and Africa. As a
bottler, CCHBC operates in accordance with a Bottler's Agreement with TCCC.
CCHBC was formed in 1999 and is jointly controlled by TCCC and the Kar-Tess
Group. Multon is a Russian company that bottles, distributes and markets
fruit juices and nectars in Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Kazakhstan,
Uzbekistan and Tajikistan. Its main production assets are two plants,
located in the regions of St. Petersburg and Moscow. The operation was
examined under the simplified merger review procedure.
[07] Register of existing GM food and feed products published
The European Commission has published a list of 26 genetically modified
(GM) products which have been legally on the EU market since before the new
legislative framework for authorising GM food and feed had entered into
effect. These so-called "existing products" were either approved under
former EU legislation, or did not require approval at the time that they
were put on the market. They have been added to a specific section of the
Community register of genetically modified (GM) food and feed in order to
clarify exactly which GM products are legally permitted to be sold in the
EU and to have full information on these products.
[08] Financial sector : Commission launches survey on obstacles to cross-
border mergers and acquisitions
The European Commission has launched an online survey on why there is
little cross-border consolidation in the financial sector. The survey will
be open until 15Â June 2005. The responses received will serve as an input
for a report that the Commission will submit to the Ministers of the ECOFIN
Council in September.
[09] Commission welcomes electoral success of Mr Talat, new leader of the
Turkish Cypriot community
The European Commission welcomes the electoral success of the new leader of
the Turkish Cypriot community Mr Talat. His success confirms the strong
desire of the Turkish Cypriot community for reunification and full
integration into the EU. The Commission expects that this result will
create favourable conditions for a resumption of talks under the aegis of
the UN in view of a comprehensive solution to the Cyprus issue. The
Commission remains ready to actively support all efforts to this aim and to
play a more active role in this respect. The Commission also hopes that a
compromise will allow the rapid adoption of its proposals on both the
financial assistance (€259 million) and on special conditions for trade.
These proposals are seen as a way to put an end to the isolation of Turkish
Cypriot community and to facilitate reunification by encouraging the
economic development of the Turkish Cypriot community. The Commission also
hopes that two additional crossing points at the green line will be opened
soon.
[10] La Commission et la Banque Mondiale ont accordé d'intensifier leur
partenariat pour appuyer les efforts de l'Afrique pour atteindre les
Objectifs du Millénaire pour le Développement (OMD)
(! embargo 15h00 !) La Commission européenne et la Banque Mondiale
travailleront en étroite collaboration pour soutenir les priorités des
pays africains pour le développement, en particulier dans les domaines
critiques tels que les infrastructures, le commerce et l'intégration
régionale. Les représentants des deux institutions ont également
souligné que l'amélioration de la gouvernance et le renfort des
capacités des administrations sont des éléments clé pour des
aboutissements dans chacun de ces domaines. L'Union européenne et la
Banque Mondiale représentent ensemble plus de la moitié des ressources
nouvelles engagées chaque année dans le développement de l'Afrique. Cet
accord est intervenu lors de la réunion entre le Commissaire au
Développement et à l'Aide humanitaire, Louis Michel, el le Vice-Président
pour le Région Afrique de la Banque Mondiale, Gobind Nankani. Les
discussions ont eu lieu dans le cadre des Réunions de Printemps du FMI et
de la Banque Mondiale. Elles se basent sur un partenariat opérationnel
fort entre les deux institutions et suivent aux consultations en janvier
dernier qui ont établi les fondements pour une coopération croissante en
Afrique.
[11] Louis Michel emphasizes importance of partnership between Commission
and World Bank for development in his meeting with Paul Wolfowitz
The European Commissioner for Development and Humanitarian Aid, Louis
Michel, and the next President of the World Bank, Paul Wolfowitz, had a
first exchange of views on development issues. Meeting on Saturday 16 April
in Washington, Commissioner Michel congratulated Mr Wolfowitz for his
recent nomination and stressed the importance of an increased collaboration
between the two institutions. He highlighted Africa’s development as a
priority for this partnership.
[12] Joe Borg to visit fishing areas in Denmark
Earlier today, Joe Borg, European Commissioner for Fisheries and Maritime
Affairs, started a two-day visit of Danish fishing areas. He will be
accompanied throughout by Mr Hans Christian Schmidt, Danish Minister for
Food, Agriculture and Fisheries. During his visit, Commissioner Borg will
meet with fishermen and other stakeholders from the various branches of the
fishing industry as well as elected representatives and non-governmental
organisations. The visit began in the port of Esberg. It will continue in
Hanstholm, following visits to Hvide Sande and Thyboron harbours on the
way. After a working breakfast with Minister Schmidt on Tuesday morning,
Commissioner Borg will visit Hantsholm harbour before boarding a plane to
Bornholm, in the Baltic Sea. During his first visit as Commissioner, Mr
Borg will be listening to the concerns and suggestions of Danish
stakeholders who are affected by the decline of many of the fish stocks
they target. Mr Borg will stress his commitment to strengthening and
developing dialogue with the Parties concerned, in particular through the
Regional Advisory Councils (RACs) in whose creation and workings Danish
stakeholders have been playing an active role. RACs will enable
stakeholders to participate in the fisheries management process which the
Commissioner sees as essential to achieving sustainable fisheries. Also
important is the gradual application of long-term recovery and management
plans for fish stocks. More effective and uniform control of fishing
activities, which will be encouraged by the creation of the Community
Fisheries Control Agency next year, will lead to better compliance with the
rules and as a result contribute to the rebuilding and conservation of fish
stocks on which the future of the sector depends.
[13] Louis Michel and Peter Mandelson to attend ACP-EU Joint Parliamentary
forum in Mali (19/04)
European Commissioners for Development Louis Michel and for Trade Peter
Mandelson will attend the 9th ACP Parliamentary forum in Bamako, Mali on
April  19. The forum brings together parliamentarians from the European
Union and African, Caribbean and Pacific countries. Commissioner Michel
will report to the Assembly on the EU's humanitarian and development
relations with the ACP. Commissioner Mandelson will report to the Assembly
on the state of the EU's Economic Partnership Agreement negotiations with
the six ACP regions. He will also make a strong show of support for cotton
producers in West Africa.
[14] Autre matériel diffusé
Questions & answers on GMO "existing products" register
Commission consultation on obstacles to cross-border mergers and
acquisitions in financial sector - frequently asked questions
Discours de M. Michel : "Il y a quarante ans que nous promettons le 0.7% de
notre PIB au développement, il n'y a plus d'excuse" à la Banque Mondiale -
Comité du Développement (17/04, Washington)
Speech by Markos Kyprianou for the opening session of the 7th Annual
Meeting of the Transatlantic Consumer Dialogue (TACD) (Washington, !Â
embargo 15h !)
From EUROPA, the European Commission Server at http://europa.eu.int/
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