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European Commission Spokesman's Briefing for 07-07-11Midday 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 du 10 juillet 2007 -
[II] Other news - Autres nouvelles
MIDDAY EXPRESSNews from the Communication Directorate General's midday briefingNouvelles du rendez-vous de midi de la Direction Générale Communicationb11/07/07[I] Résultats de la Commission du 10 juillet 2007 -Outcome of Commission meeting of 10 July 2007[01] Réformer l'Europe pour le 21e siècle : adoption de l'avis formel de la Commission avant la conférence intergouvernementaleLa Commission européenne a émis son avis formel avant l'ouverture de la conférence intergouvernementale. Intitulé "Réformer l'Europe pour le 21e siècle", l'avis de Commission examine comment un traité modificatif respectant le mandat adopté lors du dernier Conseil européen répondra aux exigences politiques stratégiques auxquelles est confrontée l'Europe aujourd'hui. Il énonce les avantages qu'apportera un traité modificatif aux citoyens. La Commission se félicite de la convocation de la conférence intergouvernementale et souligne que l'Europe se doit de disposer d'un traité modificatif adopté et ratifié avant les élections européennes de juin 2009.[02] 'Solvency II' : EU to take global lead in insurance regulationThe European Commission has proposed a ground-breaking revision of EU insurance law designed to improve consumer protection, modernise supervision, deepen market integration and increase the international competitiveness of European insurers. Under the new system, known as 'Solvency II', insurers would be required to take account of all types of risk to which they are exposed and to manage those risks more effectively. In addition, insurance groups would have a dedicated 'group supervisor' that would enable better monitoring of the group as a whole. The Commission aims to have the new system in operation in 2012. This proposal is part of the Commission's Better Regulation strategy and its firm commitment to simplify the regulatory environment and cut red tape. It will mean replacing 14 existing directives with a single directive. The proposal now passes to the European Parliament and Council for consideration.[03] La Commission adopte des orientations consolidées concernant les compétences en matière de contrôle des concentrationsLa Commission européenne a adoptée des orientations expliquant les pratiques actuelles de la Commission en matière de compétence dans le domaine du contrôle des concentrations. La nouvelle communication codifie les textes existants et les adapte à la lumière des récents arrêts rendus par les tribunaux européens et du nouveau règlement communautaire sur les concentrations adopté en 2004 (voir IP/04/70 et MEMO/04/9). La nouvelle communication fournira une orientation à jour de la compétence de la Commission quand à l'examen des opérations sous l'empire du règlement sur les concentrations.[04] La Commission autorise l'aide à l'investissement de €99 millions en faveur d'Artensa (Artenius) destinée à l'installation d'une nouvelle usine au PortugalLa Commission européenne a donné son aval, en vertu des règles du traité CE en matière d'aides d'Etat, à l'aide à l'investissement d'un montant de €99,29 millions en faveur d'Artensa (Artenius), en Espagne. L'aide se présente sous la forme d'un prêt à taux réduit et d'un avantage fiscal pour l'établissement d'une nouvelle usine destinée à la production de substances chimiques dans la région industrielle de Sines, au Portugal. Le coût total de ce nouvel investissement s'élève à environ €360 millions.[05] Commission endorses proposed €150 million aid for chemical production plant in Alentejo, PortugalThe European Commission has authorised, under EC Treaty state aid rules, investment aid worth €150 million which the Portuguese Government intends to grant to Repsol Polimeros SA, a subsidiary of the Repsol group. The aid takes the form of a corporate tax relief and a soft loan for the establishment of two new plants that will produce polypropylene and linear polyethylene, both forms of plastic, in Alentejo, Portugal. The Commission's investigation found the aid to be compatible with the Single Market, as it meets the requirements of the regional aid guidelines and the rules for regional aid for large investment projects (see IP/05/1653).[06] La Commission approuve un financement public de €2 millions pour un réseau de très haut débit en FranceLa Commission européenne a approuvé sur la base des règles communautaires en matière d'aides d'Etat le financement par le Sicoval, une communauté d'agglomérations dans le Sud Est Toulousain, d'un réseau de très haut débit destiné exclusivement aux entreprises et établissements publics situés sur son territoire.[07] Commission opens in-depth investigation into €39 million aid to IBIDEN HungaryThe European Commission has opened a formal investigation under EC Treaty state aid rules into public funding of over €39 million for an investment project by IBIDEN Hungary Gyártó Kft. in the Dunavarsány Industrial Park, Central Hungary. The Commission has doubts as to the compatibility of the proposed aid with the EC state aid rules because there are concerns regarding the relevant product market and the market share of the beneficiary. The opening of an in-depth investigation gives interested parties the possibility to comment on the proposed measure. It does not prejudge the outcome of the procedure.[08] Commission opens in-depth enquiry into €12.5 million training aid to Vauxhall MotorsThe European Commission has launched a formal investigation under EC Treaty state aid rules into the UK's plans to grant public funding worth €12.5 million (£8.5 million) for a staff training programme at the Vauxhall car plant in Ellesmere Port (near Liverpool). The Commission has doubts whether the aid would add value to the training programme, in that Vauxhall may well have carried out the training even without aid. The opening of the inquiry gives interested parties an opportunity to comment on the measures. It does not prejudge the outcome of the procedure.[09] La Commission autorise une aide à la recherche-développement de €12, 25 millions au groupe SOITECLa Commission européenne a décidé de ne pas soulever d'objection en vertu des règles CE sur les aides d'Etat à l'égard du soutien financier que la France va apporter au programme de recherche-développement (R&D) "Bernin 2010". La Commission a pris cette décision à l'issue de l'examen approfondi prévu par le nouvel encadrement communautaire des aides à la recherche, au développement et à l'innovation (voir IP/06/1600). Ce projet relève du domaine des nanotechnologies et vise le développement d'une nouvelle génération de supports (ou substrats) pour les composants microélectroniques. Le programme associe les groupes: S.O.I.TEC Silicon On Insulator Technologies S.A, TRACIT Technologies S.A.S et le Laboratoire d'Electronique et de Technologie de l'Information issu du Commissariat à l'Energie Atomique (CEA-LETI). Le financement public s'élève à €14,3 millions dont €12,25 millions sont attribués au groupe SOITEC.[10] Commission cleared Greek State financial participation in the construction of Thessaloniki submerged tunnelThe European Commission has decided not to raise objections to the concession agreement concluded by the Greek government on the construction of Thessaloniki submerged tunnel. The agreement includes State financing in the amount of € 96 million. The Thessaloniki submerged tunnel project is an integral part of the city's multi-modal transport strategy. This aims to alleviate congestion in the historic city centre whilst linking the populated South-East metropolitan area with the economically strong North- West area.[11] Maritime transport : Commission initiates investigation into aid proposed by DenmarkThis investigation has been launched in the wake of a request from Denmark to be allowed to give dredging and cable-laying companies the right to benefit from an aid scheme which has until now been reserved for seagoing ships registered in the Danish International Shipping (DIS) register. The scheme exempts shipowners from having to pay income tax and social security contributions for the seafarers they employ.[12] Commission approves real-estate tax exemption for Polish portsThe European Commission has decided today to authorise a local real-estate tax exemption to benefit the development of seaports in Poland. The exemption to be granted to all Polish port management entities is worth an estimated PLZ 1.98 million (€520,000).[13] La Commission conclut à l'incompatibilité d'un régime d'aides en faveur des entreprises de navigation sardesLa Commission européenne a adopté une décision à l'égard d'un régime d'aide mis en place par la Sardaigne en faveur des entreprises de navigation souhaitant construire, acquérir, transformer, modifier ou réparer des navires. Cette décision fait suite à l'annulation par la Cour de justice européenne d'une décision précédente. La Commission considère que la mesure est incompatible avec le marché commun et demande aux autorités italiennes la récupération de l'aide versée.[14] Commission launches formal investigation into potential State aid to Flughafen Schönefeld GmbH and air carriers operating from Berlin Schönefeld airportThe European Commission has decided to launch a formal investigation into several arrangements of Flughafen Schönefeld GmbH owning and operating Berlin Schönefeld airport. The publicly owned company has concluded since 2003 several bilateral contracts with airlines based at the airport. These might constitute illegal and incompatible State aid, as they offer these airlines lower airport charges than those foreseen by the published airport charge regulation. Furthermore, Flughafen Schönefeld GmbH offers marketing support to these companies and has concluded an exclusive agreement with one airline. This consists of an exclusive use agreement for Terminal B of the airport and lower airport charges than the published charges.[15] Commission launches formal investigation into potential State aid involving Dortmund airportThe European Commission has decided to launch a formal investigation into an incentive scheme of Flughafen Dortmund GmbH, the company operating Dortmund airport. The publicly owned company has put in place in 2004 an incentive scheme for airlines establishing new routes or extending existing routes from and to the airport. This scheme is called NERES (New and Existing Route Expansion Scheme). The NERES scheme may constitute illegal and incompatible State aid, as it offers airlines more favourable airport charges than those foreseen by the published airport charge regulation. Under NERES, Flughafen Dortmund GmbH also offers marketing support to these companies.[16] La Commission ouvre une procédure formelle d'examen concernant une aide d'Etat présumée en faveur de l'aéroport de LübeckLa Commission européenne a décidé d'ouvrir une procédure formelle d'examen au sujet de plusieurs arrangements intéressant la société Flughafen Lübeck GmbH, gestionnaire de l'aéroport de Lübeck Blankensee. Cette entreprise publique a conclu en 2000 un contrat bilatéral avec la compagnie aérienne à bas prix Ryanair, présente sur l'aéroport. Il pourrait s'agir là d'une aide d'Etat illégale et incompatible, dans le sens où une compagnie aérienne à bas prix bénéficie de redevances aéroportuaires beaucoup plus favorables que celles prévues par la réglementation tarifaire officielle de l'aéroport. En outre, la Commission considère que Flughafen Lübeck GmbH pourrait avoir reçu une aide au fonctionnement sous la forme d'une reprise de ses pertes annuelles par la ville de Lübeck, ainsi qu'une aide à l'investissement pour des infrastructures de la part du Land de Schleswig-Holstein. Enfin, la Commission n'exclut pas à ce stade que la compagnie néo-zélandaise Infratil puisse avoir reçu une aide d'État lors du rachat de Flughafen Lübeck GmbH en 2005, sous la forme d'un prix de vente inférieur au prix du marché.[17] Commission opens investigation into suspected State aid at Tampere Pirkkala airport in FinlandThe European Commission has decided to open a formal investigation with respect to suspected State aid in air transport granted by the Finnish authorities. The potential beneficiaries are two State-owned companies, Finavia and Airpro, and Irish air-carrier Ryanair when operating from Tampere Pirkkala Airport.[18] Commission authorises creation of marketing fund for Norrköping airport in SwedenThe European Commission has decided to allow Norrköping Municipality along with seven other private companies and entities to participate in a marketing and business development fund. The measure is aimed at the development of air routes to and from Norrköping airport and to improve connectivity by enhancing access to air transport services. These are of major importance for the economic and social development of the city and its catchment area. The measure is designed to encourage the private sector to invest in new air services by sharing the risk between the airlines and the public authorities. The Commission found that the scheme did not amount to State aid.[19] Télévision sans frontières : la Commission met en garde l'Espagne pour non-respect des règles sur la publicité téléviséeLa Commission européenne a envoyé à l'Espagne une lettre de mise en demeure pour non-respect des règles de la Directive "Télévision sans frontières" sur la publicité télévisée. Un rapport effectué par un consultant indépendant révèle de nombreuses et fréquentes violations des règles par les plus grandes chaînes espagnoles de télévision. Ces violations concernent notamment la limite de 12 minutes par heure de spots publicitaires et de télé-achat imposée par la Directive.[20] Free movement of services : infringement proceedings against Austria, Germany, Spain and the United KingdomThe European Commission has taken action to put an end to obstacles to the free movement of services in Austria, Germany, Spain and the United Kingdom. The Commission has decided to refer Germany to the European Court of Justice over its application of a bilateral agreement with Poland in relation to the construction sector. Austria will be referred to the Court over its legislation restricting the free movement of services for patent agents. The Commission has also decided to send formal requests to Spain and the United Kingdom concerning their rules on reimbursement of urgent hospital treatment in another Member State. These requests take the form of 'reasoned opinions', the second stage of the infringement procedure under Article 226 of the EC Treaty. If there is no satisfactory reply within two months, the Commission may refer the matter to the European Court of Justice.[21] Commission appoints Martine Reicherts as Director-General of the Office for Official Publications of the European CommunitiesThe European Commission has appointed Martine Reicherts as Director-General of the Office for Official Publications of the European Communities (OPOCE). She will be responsible for the overall strategic direction, management and governance of the Publications Office, acting under the authority of the Management Committee. This appointment brings to three the number of women in Director-General posts.[II] Other news - Autres nouvelles[22] La Commission adopte un livre vert sur la préparation à la menace biologiqueAujourd'hui, la Commission européenne a adopté un livre vert sur la préparation à la menace biologique. Celui-ci vise à susciter un débat et à engager un processus de consultation au niveau européen sur la manière de réduire les risques biologiques et de renforcer les capacités de préparation et de réaction.[23] More than 1,700 suspects arrested in Europe in 2005 : Commission’s second report confirms effectiveness of European arrest warrantThe European Commission has published its second evaluation report on the state of transposition of the Framework Decision of 13 June 2002 on the European arrest warrant and the surrender procedures between Member States for the years 2005, 2006 and 2007. The report highlights the high rate of recourse to this instrument and identifies Member States' good practices as well as the difficulties still remaining in the transposition of the European arrest warrant into some national laws.[24] La Commission adopte le livre blanc sur le sportLa Commission européenne a adopté aujourd'hui sa première initiative de grande ampleur sur le sport. Le livre blanc veut donner une orientation stratégique sur le rôle du sport dans l'UE. Il reconnaît l'importance sociale et économique du sport tout en respectant les exigences du droit communautaire. Le livre blanc est le fruit de consultations élargies conduites ces deux dernières années avec les organisations sportives telles que les comités olympiques et les fédérations sportives ainsi qu'avec les Etats membres et d'autres parties prenantes. La Commission a ainsi reçu 777 réponses à la consultation en ligne lancée en février de cette année.[25] Commission and Algeria reach agreement on territorial restrictions and alternative clauses in gas supply contractsThe European Commissioner for Competition, Neelie Kroes, and the Algerian Minister for Energy and Mines, Dr Chakib Khelil, have reached a common understanding on the clauses dealing with territorial restrictions and profit sharing mechanisms in gas supply agreements by the Algerian gas producer Sonatrach destined to satisfy the gas requirements of the European countries. Both sides welcome this outcome and regard it as a further step in deepening the strategic relations between Algeria and the EU.[26] Benita Ferrero-Waldner on the ruling of the Libyan court on Bulgarian nurses caseEuropean Commissioner for External Relations and European Neighbourhood Policy, Benita Ferrero-Waldner reacted to the ruling of the Libyan Supreme Court regarding the case of the Bulgarian nurses and the Palestinian doctors.[27] Consumers : Spain withdraws contaminated toothpaste of Chinese originThe European Commission confirmed on 10 July reception of a formal notification from the Spanish Authorities relating to a decision to withdraw from the Spanish market two brands of toothpaste of Chinese origin because of a risk to public health. The formal notification is part of the EU wide Rapid Alert System for non-food dangerous products (RAPEX), that alerts and co-ordinates an EU wide response to dangerous consumer goods found in the Single Market. The notification relates to two brands of toothpaste: Spearmint and Trileaf Spearmint. Spanish laboratory tests have detected the presence of DEG (diethylene glycol) a substance used in antifreeze and as a solvent. The measures adopted are compulsory – a withdrawal from the Spanish Market. The notification has been entered into the Commission's RAPEX system, alerting other Member States to the hazard. Once a formal "notification" is made by a Member State, there is a legal obligation for other Member States to take follow up actions on their market and to inform the Commission about the measures taken.[28] Commission opens in-depth investigation into proposed acquisition of BSG Group's wireless business by SyniverseThe European Commission has opened an in-depth investigation under the EU Merger Regulation into the proposed acquisition by US technology group Syniverse of the wireless business of its competitor, the BSG Group, a company with global activities in a range of wireless and wireline communication services. The Commission's initial market investigation indicates that the proposed merger would raise serious doubts as to its compatibility with the Single Market given the two companies' horizontal overlaps in the market for GSM roaming data clearing services. The Commission now has 90 working days (until 16 November 2007) to take a final decision. The decision to open an in-depth inquiry does not prejudge the final result of the investigation.[29] La Commission se félicite de l'accord du Parlement sur une réduction significative de l'utilisation de mercureLa Commission européenne se félicite de l'adoption, par le Parlement européen, de la proposition visant à supprimer progressivement l'utilisation de mercure toxique dans les appareils de mesure, lorsqu'il existe des alternatives plus sûres, afin de protéger la santé et l'environnement. L'accord supprimera progressivement l'utilisation de mercure dans les nouveaux thermomètres médicaux à usage professionnel et privé et dans tous les autres appareils de mesure, tels que les thermomètres d'appartement, les tensiomètres et (après deux ans) les baromètres vendus au grand public. Les objets d'antiquité ne seront pas touchés par la proposition. Les Etats membres ont également marqué leur accord avec la directive, qui devrait donc bientôt entrer en vigueur.[30] Commission hails approval of the adoption of the euro in Cyprus and MaltaThe European Commission welcomes the final and formal decision by the Ecofin Council on 10 July allowing Cyprus and Malta to adopt the euro as from 1 January 2008. On a proposal by the Commission, the Council also fixed at 0.585274 the rate at which the Cypriot pound will be converted into euro. The equivalent rate for the Maltese lira is 0.429300 for one euro. In the coming 5½ months, both countries will have to complete and finalise their crucial practical preparations to ensure that the changeover to the euro takes place smoothly, as was the case in Slovenia this year.[31] Commission to set up a cell to oversee the stability of electric networks during summer monthsEuropean Energy Commissioner Andris Piebalgs called European electricity transport network operators to get ready for possible disturbances this summer due to extreme weather conditions. In order to improve information flow, Commissioner Piebalgs has proposed to set up a cell within the Commission which would oversee the situation during the summer months. Those are the main conclusions of the meeting of the Electricity Cross- Border Committee which has taken place today to evaluate the risks of possible disturbances in electricity supply this summer.[32] Andris Piebalgs welcomes more stringent energy efficiency standards in public procurementThe European Parliament has adopted on 10 July a new version of the regulation on the ENERGY STAR programme. It requires the Member States to apply demanding energy efficiency criteria in the public procurement of office equipment. This marks the first time that the Council, the European Parliament and the Commission agree that certain energy efficiency criteria become binding in public procurement. ENERGY STAR is part of the EU's strategy to better manage energy demand, contribute to security of energy supply and mitigate climate change.[33] EU and China to develop markets for quality products with Geographical Indications (GIs)The European Union and China took a major step in their cooperation to protect top quality products, as they exchanged today, at a meeting in China, applications for the protection of geographical indications (GIs) on 10 products each from the European Union and China. It is the first time that the EU and a third country have started an initiative to register a national group of GIs. The two sides will now process the applications based on the principles of equal, reciprocal and national treatment. The 10 EU products to be registered in China are: West Country farm cheddar, White stilton cheese/blue stilton cheese, Scottish farmed salmon, Prosciutto di Parma, Grana Padano, Pruneau d'Agen/Pruneaux d'Agen mi-cuits, Roquefort, Comté, Sierra Mágina and Priego de Córdoba. The 10 Chinese products are: Dongshan White Asparagus, Guanxi Honey Pomelo, Jinxiang Garlic, Lixian Yam, Longjing Tea, Longkou Vermicelli, Shaan'xi Apple, Zhenjiang Vinegar, Pinggu Big Peach and Yancheng Crayfish. The exchange today concludes work which began in November 2006 and is based on a Memorandum of Understanding signed between the EU and China in September 2005. Both sides agreed to continue and strengthen the administrative cooperation in this area.[34] EU to observe Presidential and Parliamentary Elections in Sierra LeoneThe European Commission is deploying an EU Election Observation Mission (EOM) for the Presidential and Parliamentary elections in Sierra Leone scheduled to take place on 11 August 2007. The EOM is a European Commission contribution to supporting peace and democracy in Sierra Leone.[35] MAKE IT HAPPEN : book now for EU Regions and Cities Open Days 2007 (08- 11/10, Brussels)Book now for 'OPEN DAYS 2007 – European Week of Regions and Cities' in Brussels from 8 to 11 October to make sure of your place at the biggest- ever edition of this event, the theme of which is MAKING IT HAPPEN - Regions and Cities deliver Growth and Jobs. Registration is now open for the fifth annual OPEN DAYS, which will this year involve a record 212 regions and cities of which 36 cities or city regions, including 16 European capitals, from 33 countries. Organised by the EU Committee of the Regions and the European Commission's Directorate General for Regional Policy, OPEN DAYS brings together EU decision-makers, national, local and regional politicians, policy experts and representatives of business, banking and civil society organisations. Up to 5,000 people are expected to take part in events including 150 seminars and workshops.[36] Autre matériel diffuséQuestions and Answers on the IGC mandate for a Reform TreatyIntergovernmental Conference – procedural aspects Speech by Margot Wallström : "European Parliament opinion on the convening of the IGC" (Strasbourg) SOLVENCY II : Frequently Asked Questions Speech by Charlie McCreevy at 'SOLVENCY II' Launch Event (10/07, Strasbourg) Questions on State aid for Airports and start-up aid to airlines Second rapport d'évaluation sur l'état de transposition de la décision- cadre relative au mandat d'arrêt européen et aux procédures de remises entre les Etats membres Livre vert sur la préparation à la menace biologique The White Paper on Sport - frequently asked questions Speech by Charlie McCreevy : "Update on Financial Services" (10/07, Strasbourg) Speech by Joe Borg : "Towards a future maritime policy for the Union: a
European vision for the oceans and seas" (10/07, Strasbourg)
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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