Daily News 31 / 10 / 2016 - Hoofdinhoud
EU and Canada sign CETA
Yesterday, 30 October, in Brussels, the European Union and Canada signed both the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) and a new Strategic Partnership Agreement that deepens cooperation across numerous policies. Speaking at the end of the 16th EU-Canada Summit, European Commission President, Jean-Claude Juncker, said: "Today, the people of Canada and the European Union have opened a new chapter in their relationship. More than half a billion people on both sides of the Atlantic will enjoy new opportunities. For many people, it will mean new jobs and better jobs.” By removing almost all import duties, CETA will allow European exporters of industrial and agricultural goods to save more than 500 million euros every year. The agreement protects workers' rights, environmental standards and consumer safety. Governments will retain all of their powers to legislate, regulate and provide public services. "CETA promotes all of the things that Canadians and Europeans care about," said President Juncker, “decency in the workplace, our health and safety, our cultural diversity, the quality of the land, sea and air that surround us.” By signing the Strategic Partnership Agreement, the EU and Canada have taken their relationship to a new level. The agreement deepens cooperation in vital areas of policy including security, the fight against terrorism, defence, migration, climate change, energy, development, research and innovation. President Juncker said: “Today we have signed two agreements that not only symbolise our commitment to a shared future but also set out a common project that will improve the lives of millions of Canadians and Europeans.” President Juncker's remarks at the joint press conference with President Tusk and Prime Minister Trudeau are available online. For more information on EU-Canada relations, see the factsheet. For more information on CETA, see the factsheet and the website (available in six languages). (For more information: Margaritis Schinas - Tel.: +32 229 60524; Maja Kocijancic - Tel.: +32 229 86570; Daniel Rosario - Tel.: +32 229 56185)
Commission welcomes progress at international level to tackle maritime emissions
The European Commission welcomes progress made within the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) to address greenhouse gas emissions in the maritime sector. IMO notably adopted a global and mandatory system to collect fuel consumption data from ships. The European Union and its Member States have been among the main advocates of such a system, as outlined in the European Strategy for low-emission mobility adopted by the Commission in July 2016. Following the international agreement to tackle aviation emissions, reached earlier this month, Friday's deal is another significant addition to the global efforts to tackle climate change and modernise the economy. Commissioner for Transport Violeta Bulc said: "Three weeks after the aviation deal in Montreal, the momentum for global action on climate remains strong. This agreement is a milestone for a cleaner shipping sector. Data collection is an important first step, and it is very positive that we also started a discussion on a fair contribution of shipping to the climate efforts". Commissioner for Environment, Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Karmenu Vella welcomed the decision on sulphur emissions: "The IMO took a landmark decision. The global cap agreed is fully in line with the sulphur cap already applicable in EU waters under the Sulphur Directive. The decision will significantly reduce the impact of ship emissions on human health and ensure a global level-playing-field for ship operators. I congratulate the coordinated support from EU Member States that was instrumental for the positive outcome achieved". More information is available in a press release and on the DG MOVE website. (For more information: Anna-Kaisa Itkonen - Tel.: +32 229 56186; Alexis Perier - Tel.: +32 229 69143)
European Commission decides to set up new High Level Expert Group on sustainable finance and calls for members
The European Commission has formally decided to establish a High Level Expert Group (HLEG) on sustainable finance and has, as a first step, launched a call for the expression of interest for members of this group. The decision builds on the Commission's goal to develop an overarching and comprehensive EU strategy on sustainable finance as part of the Capital Markets Union. The Commission committed to moving ahead on this issue in the Communication on accelerating implementation of the Capital Markets Union (CMU). Sustainable investment is broadly understood as encompassing environmental, social and governance considerations in the investment process. Capital markets and private sources will play an essential role in mobilising investment in sustainable technologies, applications and infrastructure, and in helping the European Union meet its climate and environment objectives. Vice-President Valdis Dombrovskis, responsible for Financial Stability, Financial Services and Capital Markets Union, said: "The European Union is pushing for a global transition towards a more sustainable economy. The work we are doing on sustainable finance within the Capital Markets Union is part of this. We've made a start by supporting market initiatives such as green bonds. We're looking at ways to encourage institutional investors to have more sustainable investment policies. We want to see what more can be done to support the transition to a low-carbon economy in the financial sector. Our Expert Group will help shape this crucial policy agenda." The HLEG will be composed of up to 20 senior experts coming from civil society, the business community and other non-public sector institutions. Interested individuals are invited to submit their application by 25 November 2016. The selection of the group's members will be carried out next month and the HLEG will start its work in January 2017. (For more information: Vanessa Mock - Tel.: +32 229 56194; Letizia Lupini - Tel.: +32 229 51958)
Mergers: Commission opens in-depth investigation into proposed acquisition of Syngenta by ChemChina
The European Commission has opened an in-depth probe to assess whether the proposed acquisition of Syngenta by ChemChina is in line with the EU Merger Regulation. The Commission will assess whether the deal may reduce competition in crop protection products and the supply of certain input chemicals. The proposed merger would combine Syngenta of Switzerland, one of the main global seeds and crop protection companies, and ChemChina of China, which controls Adama, the largest supplier of generic crop protection products in Europe. The transaction would take place in an industry that is already relatively concentrated. Commissioner Margrethe Vestager, in charge of competition policy, said: "This deal would lead to the combination of a leading crop protection company with one of its main generic competitors. Therefore we need to carefully assess whether the proposed merger would lead to higher prices or a reduced choice for farmers". The transaction was notified to the Commission on 23 September 2016.The Commission now has 90 working days, until 15 March 2017, to take a decision. The full press release is available online in EN, FR and DE. (For more information: Ricardo Cardoso - Tel.: +32 229 80100; Angela Nardella - Tel.: +32 229 86801)
Mergers: Commission clears acquisition of Chemetall by BASF
The European Commission has approved under the EU Merger Regulation the proposed acquisition of Chemetall of the US by BASF of Germany. Chemetall develops, manufactures and supplies surface treatment products and services for a range of industries including aerospace, aluminium and automotive. BASF is a global chemical company. The activities of the companies overlap to a very limited extent. The companies are active on neighbouring markets, in particular in the automotive industry, where Chemetall offers automotive surface treatment products and BASF offers automotive coating products to automotive manufacturers. However, after the transaction BASF's position will remain moderate on both of these markets and it will continue to face competition from other important suppliers active in the European Economic Area. The Commission therefore concluded that the proposed transaction would raise no competition concerns. The transaction was examined under the normal merger review procedure. More information is available on the Commission's competition website, in the public case register under the case number M.8136. (For more information: Ricardo Cardoso - Tel.: +32 229 80100; Angela Nardella - Tel.: +32 229 86801)
Mergers: Commission clears joint acquisition of Glencore Agri by Glencore and CPPIB
The European Commission has approved under the EU Merger Regulation the acquisition of joint control over Glencore Agri of Jersey by Glencore of Jersey and the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board ('CPPIB'). Glencore Agri, which is currently solely controlled by Glencore, globally procures, processes and markets grains, oilseeds and other products. Glencore is active worldwide in the sale of commodities and raw materials. CPPIB invests in public equities, private equities, real estate, infrastructure and fixed income instruments. The Commission concluded that the proposed acquisition would raise no competition concerns because the companies' activities do not overlap and are very limited on related markets. The operation was examined under the simplified merger review procedure. More information will be available on the Commission's competition website, in the public case register under the case number M.8208. (For more information: Ricardo Cardoso - Tel.: +32 229 80100; Angela Nardella - Tel.: +32 229 86801)
Mergers: Commission clears acquisition of BASF's industrial coatings business by AkzoNobel
The European Commission has approved under the EU Merger Regulation the acquisition of the industrial coatings business of German chemicals company BASF by AkzoNobel of the Netherlands. BASF's industrial coatings business develops, manufactures and sells various industrial coating products. AkzoNobel is a global manufacturer of a wide range of paints, performance coatings and specialty chemicals. Both companies manufacture and supply industrial coatings, which are applied to various substrates to improve surface properties, including appearance, adhesion, corrosion resistance and scratch resistance. Their activities overlap in particular in the area of coil coatings, applied to aluminium or steel where they have a relatively strong combined market position. However, the Commission concluded that the proposed acquisition would raise no competition concerns, because the merged entity will continue to face strong competition from other suppliers present on these markets. Although the companies are the leading suppliers of coil coating paint systems for domestic appliances, a number of well-established or expanding suppliers remain active in the market and customers are large sophisticated buyers. More information is available on the Commission's competition website, in the public case register under the case number M.8004. (For more information: Ricardo Cardoso - Tel.: +32 229 80100; Angela Nardella - Tel.: +32 229 86801)
Concentrations : la Commission approuve l'acquisition de certains actifs de Sanofi Pasteur MSD par Sanofi Pasteur
La Commission européenne a autorisé, en vertu du règlement de l'UE sur les concentrations, le projet d'acquisition de certains actifs de Sanofi Pasteur MSD par Sanofi Pasteur, deux entreprises françaises. Sanofi Pasteur MSD est une entreprise commune réunissant Sanofi Pasteur et Merck et est active dans le développement et la commercialisation de vaccins humains dans 18 pays de l'Espace économique européen ("EEE"). Sanofi Pasteur est actif dans la recherche, le développement, la production et la commercialisation de vaccins humains à l'échelle mondiale, excepté dans les 18 pays de l'EEE où Sanofi Pasteur MSD est actif. La Commission a conclu que le projet d'acquisition ne posait aucun problème de concurrence, étant donné que les activités des entreprises ne se chevauchent pas et ne sont pas verticalement liées. L'opération a été examinée dans le cadre de la procédure normale d'examen des opérations de concentration. Des informations plus détaillées sont disponibles sur le site internet concurrence de la Commission, dans le registre public des affaires, sous le numéro d'affaire M.8016. (Pour plus d'informations: Ricardo Cardoso - Tel.: +32 229 80100; Angela Nardella - Tel.: +32 229 86801)
Concentrations: La Commission approuve l'acquisition de FPS Distribution par Alliance Automotive Group
La Commission Européenne a approuvé, en vertu du Règlement sur les concentrations de l'Union Européenne, l'acquisition du contrôle de la société britannique FPS Distribution par la société française Alliance Automotive Group. FPS Distribution est une société holding active, par l'intermédiaire de ses trois filiales (Ferraris Piston Service Ltd, Apec Ltd et BTN Turbocharger Service Ltd), dans la fourniture et la distribution en gros de pièces détachées automobiles au Royaume-Uni. Alliance Automotive Group est active dans la distribution en gros de pièces détachées et la fourniture de services après-vente dans le secteur automobile en France, au Royaume-Uni et en Allemagne. La Commission a conclu que la concentration envisagée ne soulevait pas de problème de concurrence en raison de son impact limité sur le marché. La transaction a été examinée dans le cadre de la procédure simplifiée du contrôle des concentrations. De plus amples informations sont disponibles sur le site internet concurrence de la Commission, dans le registre public des affaires sous le numéro d'affaire M.8198. (Pour plus d'informations: Ricardo Cardoso - Tel.: +32 229 80100; Angela Nardella - Tel.: +32 229 86801)
EUROSTAT: Le taux d'inflation annuel de la zone euro en hausse à 0,5%
Le taux d'inflation annuel de la zone euro est estimé à 0,5% en octobre 2016, contre 0,4% en septembre selon une estimation rapide publiée par Eurostat, l'office statistique de l'Union européenne. S'agissant des principales composantes de l'inflation de la zone euro, les services devraient connaître le taux annuel le plus élevé en octobre (1,1%, stable comparé à septembre), suivis de l'alimentation, alcool & tabac (0,4%, comparé à 0,7% en septembre), des biens industriels non énergétiques (0,3%, stable comparé à septembre) et de l'énergie (-0,9%, comparé à -3,0% en septembre). Un communiqué de presse est disponible ici. (Pour plus d'informations: Annika Breidthardt - Tel.: +32 229 56153; Siobhán Millbright - Tel.: + 32 229 57361)
EUROSTAT: Le PIB en hausse de 0,3% dans la zone euro et de 0,4% dans l'UE28
Au cours du troisième trimestre 2016, le PIB corrigé des variations saisonnières a augmenté de 0,3% dans la zone euro (ZE19) et de 0,4% dans l'UE28 par rapport au trimestre précédent, selon l'estimation rapide préliminaire publiée par Eurostat, l'office statistique de l'Union européenne. Au cours du deuxième trimestre 2016, le PIB avait aussi progressé de 0,3% dans la zone euro et de 0,4% dans l'UE28. En comparaison avec le même trimestre de l'année précédente, le PIB corrigé des variations saisonnières a enregistré une hausse de 1,6% dans la zone euro et de 1,8% dans l'UE28 au troisième trimestre 2016, après également +1,6% et +1,8% au deuxième trimestre 2016. Un communiqué de presse est disponible ici. (Pour plus d'informations: Annika Breidthardt - Tel.: +32 229 56153; Siobhán Millbright - Tel.: + 32 229 57361)
STATEMENTS
Joint Statement ahead of the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists on 2 November 2016
Ahead of the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists on 2 November 2016, a Joint Statement has been issued today by First Vice-President Frans Timmermans, High Representative/Vice-President Federica Mogherini, Vice-President Andrus Ansip and Commissioners Günther H. Oettinger and Věra Jourová. They state that: "We call on all States, media companies, media professionals and all concerned parties to join efforts to end impunity for crimes against journalists. We attach the highest priority to the safety of journalists, bloggers and other media actors. We consistently oppose - in bilateral contacts with third countries as well as in multilateral and regional fora - any legislation, regulation or political pressure that limits freedom of expression and we take concrete steps to prevent and respond to attacks against journalists and bloggers. (…) Free press and media pluralism are essential to a free, pluralistic and open society. Attacks against media and journalists are attacks against democracy. (…) The Commission is organising its second Annual Colloquium on Fundamental Rights on the topic of "Media Pluralism and Democracy" on 17-18 November. The Colloquium will bring together national and EU policy-makers, international organisations, NGOs, and media actors around the same table to discuss concrete and workable actions to improve the fundamental rights situation in the European Union, including on the protection of journalists." The full statement is available online here. (For more information: Natasha Bertaud - Tel.: +32 229 67456; Maja Kocijancic - Tel.: +32 229 86570; Nathalie Vandystadt - Tel.: +32 229 67083)
Statement of First Vice-President Timmermans and Commissioners Thyssen and Jourová on European Equal Pay Day
Thursday 3 November is European Equal Pay Day, representing the day in the year when women across Europe stop being paid due to the gender pay gap; with the average hourly wage for women in Europe being 16.7% lower than it is for men, they in effect work 16% of the year for free. Ahead of this occasion, First Vice-President Timmermans, Commissioner Thyssen and Commissioner Jourová said: "If the average European man stops work today, he still gets paid as much this year as the average European woman who keeps working until 31 December. That is not fair, not sustainable and frankly not acceptable. European employers must stop sending the message that women are worth two pay cheques less than men each year. (…) The glass-ceiling still exists: although more women have a university degree than men, less than 5% of company leaders in the EU are women. This is a waste of female talent. In general, women often work in lower paid sectors, and in addition, men are less likely to interrupt their careers and to take care of their children or of dependent relatives. As a result, it is most of the time women who spend less time in paid work and have a harder time to combine work and family. These inequalities are reflected in the hourly pay for women. It is still 16.7% lower than that of their male colleagues. (…) The Commission is committed to work hard to close the gender pay gap. (…) Now that the consultations with our social partners are closed, the Commission will come forward with a proposal for working families in 2017 which will not only help working parents and carers to find the right balance between their private and professional life, but will also increase women's participation in the labour market." More information is available in the EU and country specific factsheets and the full statement is available here. (For more information: Nathalie Vandystadt - Tel.: +32 229 67083; Sara Soumillion - Tel.: + 32 229 67094)
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Commissioner Hogan in official visit to Hong Kong, Vietnam and Indonesia with EU agri-food producers
From 1 November, Phil Hogan, Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, is visiting Hong Kong, Vietnam and Indonesia accompanied by a business delegation of European agri-food executives from 16 different Member States. In 2016, over €100 million from the EU budget is available to promote EU agri-food products in third countries and promote consumption outside and inside the EU. "I'm continuing my 'diplomatic offensive' of 2016, by visiting Vietnam. With a population of 90 million, Vietnam is a fast-growing and dynamic economy, with huge potential to continue growing in the coming years. During our mission, I will be accompanied by 42 representatives of EU agri-food businesses active in sectors with large potential in Vietnam and Indonesia. The total turnover of the European companies that are represented in this mission is in excess of 170 billion euros. Importantly, there are producer groups and cooperatives heavily represented, so that the European farmer can have a direct route to global markets. They will be meeting buyers and potential business partners in order to highlight the quality of our products and introduce to importers and authorities the stories and values behind our agricultural production", said the Commissioner ahead of his journey. "This is a follow on from previous visits to Mexico, Colombia, China and Japan in 2016, where we have already witnessed major growth in exports of European food and drink." The Commissioner's programme foresees a series of political meetings with, among others, Mr Nguyen Xuan Phuc, Prime Minister of Vietnam, and the Vietnamese Ministers of Agriculture and Health; the Head of the Indonesian National Agency for Drugs and Food Control, and the Secretary for Food and Health of Hong-Kong. The visit's core objective being to promote EU agri-food products, Commissioner Hogan will also meet business stakeholders and chambers of commerce and will open events on Geographical Indications in Jakarta and on the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement in Hanoi. In addition to the Commissioner's programme, the representatives in the business delegation will hold several meetings on site and will participate in different events. More information as well as the full visit's programme is available online. (For more information: Daniel Rosario - Tel.: + 32 229 56185; Axel Fougner - Tel.: +32 229 57276)
Upcoming events of the European Commission (ex-Top News)
MEX/16/3588