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Friday, 19 April 2024
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European Commission Spokesman's Briefing for 06-01-11Midday Express: News from the EU Commission Spokesman's Briefings Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: EUROPA, the European Commission Server at <http://europa.eu.int>CONTENTS / CONTENU[I] Résultats de la Commission de ce jour - Outcome of today's Commission meeting
[II] Other news - Autres nouvelles
MIDDAY EXPRESSNews from the Press and Communication Directorate General's midday briefingNouvelles du rendez-vous de midi de la Direction Générale Presse etbCommunication11/06/06[I] Résultats de la Commission de ce jour - Outcome of today's Commission meeting[01] Commission recommends correction of UK budget deficitThe European Commission has taken the view that at 3.3% of GDP in the 2004/05 financial year, the United Kingdom is running an excessive budget deficit within the meaning of the European Union Treaty and the revised Stability and Growth Pact. Since the deficit was already 3.2% in the previous fiscal year and is expected to remain above 3% for the current fiscal year and in 2006/07, it cannot be considered temporary. This opinion takes account of the fiscal measures announced by the UK government in its pre-budget report, in December. The Commission is asking the Council to endorse this opinion and to recommend that the deficit be brought below 3% by the forthcoming 2006/07 financial year.[02] Commission assesses stability and convergence programmes of Finland, Czech Republic, Denmark, Slovakia and Sweden ; recommends Hungary submits a new programmeHaving examined their respective updated programmes, the European Commission is of the opinion that Finland, Denmark and Sweden meet the requirements of the revised Stability and Growth Pact by maintaining appropriate medium-term objectives for their public finances. While Slovakia and the Czech Republic seem to be on track to correct their excessive deficits by 2007 and 2008 respectively, as recommended by the Council, they are invited to strengthen the fiscal adjustment effort, also in the light of their favourable economic prospects. As regards the Hungarian programme, the Commission recommends that Hungary be invited to present - by 1 September - a revised update in which concrete and structural measures are identified that are fully consistent with the medium-term deficit reduction path. The Commission's recommendations for a Council opinion on each of the six programmes will be on the agenda of the European Union finance ministers meeting on 24 January.[II] Other news - Autres nouvelles[03] José Manuel Barroso et Ján Figel' rencontrent des personnalités du monde culturel pour discuter la promotion de la culture et de l'identité européennesDix-huit figures de proue de la scène culturelle européenne, dont la chanteuse d'opéra Barbara Hendricks, les écrivains Amin Maalouf, Dorota Ilczuk et Tzvetan Todorov, rencontrent ce 12 janvier 2006 le Président de la Commission européenne, José Manuel Barroso, et le Commissaire à l'éducation, formation et culture, Ján Figel', afin d'identifier des stratégies de promotion de la culture et identité européennes.[04] Andris Piebalgs inaugurates Biofuels stand in Brussels Motor ShowThe European Energy Commissioner Andris Piebalgs will participate tomorrow Thursday 12 January at 16h00 in the official inauguration of the stand "Biofuels" of the Brussels Motor Show in the presence of Belgium's Prince Laurent. Commissioner Piebalgs will travel from the Berlaymont Building, Headquarters of the European Commission, to the venue in a car that uses 85% of Bioethanol. On 7 December the Commission adopted a detailed action plan designed to increase the use of energy from forestry, agriculture and waste materials. This plan aims at reducing Europe's dependence on imported energy, cutting greenhouse gas emissions, protecting jobs in rural areas and extending the EU’s technological leadership in these sectors. "The measures in favour of transport biofuels are a practical response to the problem of high oil prices, and will help us to honour our environmental commitments", Andris Piebalgs said.For more info on bio energy, see: <a href="http://europa.eu.int/comm/energy/res/sectors/bioenergy_en.htm">http://europa.eu.int/comm/energy/res/sectors/bioenergy_en.htm Information on legislation on biofuels: <a href="http://europa.eu.int/comm/energy/res/legislation/biofuels_en.htm">http://europa.eu.int/comm/energy/res/legislation/biofuels_en.htm Brochure on promoting biofuels in Europe: <a href="http://europa.eu.int/comm/energy/res/publications/doc/2004_brochure_biofuels_en.pdf">http://europa.eu.int/comm/energy/res/publications/doc/2004_brochure_biofuels_en.pdf [05] Commission clears acquisition of O2 by Telefónica, subject to conditionsThe European Commission has cleared under the EU Merger Regulation the proposed acquisition of UK telecommunications company O2 by the Spanish telecommunications company Telefónica. The Commission was concerned that the acquisition would result in distortions of competition in the market for international roaming services, in particular in the UK. In order to remove the Commission's concerns, Telefónica has undertaken to leave the FreeMove alliance. In light of this commitment, the Commission has concluded that the transaction will not significantly impede effective competition in the European Economic Area or any part of it. From EUROPA, the European Commission Server at http://europa.eu.int/Midday Express: News from the EU Commission Spokesman's Briefings Directory - Previous Article - Next Article |
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