Daily News 20 / 09 / 2017 - Hoofdinhoud
Creating a stronger and more integrated European financial supervision for the Capital Markets Union
European consumers, investors and businesses will benefit from stronger and more integrated financial markets, thanks to plans by the Commission to reform the EU's supervisory architecture.The European Commission is today proposing reforms to pave the way for further financial integration and a full Capital Markets Union, to promote jobs, growth and investments in Europe and to strengthen the Economic and Monetary Union. President Juncker underlined the importance of the Capital Markets Union, one of the Commission's flagship projects, in his State of the Union Address. The proposals also include steps to foster the development of financial technologies (FinTech) and to make sure that sustainability considerations are systematically taken into account in supervisory practices at the European level. Once adopted, the proposals will improve the mandates, governance and funding of the ESAs for banking (European Banking Authority, EBA), for securities and financial markets (European Securities and Markets Authority, ESMA), and for insurance and pensions (European Insurance and Occupational Pensions Authority, EIOPA). To ensure a uniform application of EU rules and promote a true Capital Markets Union, the proposals also entrust ESMA with direct supervisory power in specific financial sectors. In addition, the Commission is proposing targeted changes to the composition and organisation of the ESRB, which monitors stability risks for the financial system as a whole. For more information, please consult thepress release, Q&A and factsheet. (For more information: Vanessa Mock - Tel.: +32 229 56194; Letizia Lupini - Tel: +32 229 51958)
Entrée en vigueur demain de l'accord commercial entre l'Union Européenne et le Canada
L'accord économique et commercial global entre l'UE et le Canada (AECG - ou CETA) entrera provisoirement en vigueur demain, jeudi 21 septembre. Saluant cette étape décisive dans la politique commerciale de l'UE, le président de la Commission européenne, Jean-Claude Juncker, a déclaré: «Cet accord représente la synthèse de ce que nous attendons de notre politique commerciale — qu'elle soit un instrument de croissance qui profite aux entreprises et aux citoyens européens, mais aussi un outil pour promouvoir nos valeurs, maîtriser la mondialisation et définir les règles du commerce international. (…) Le temps est maintenant venu pour nos entreprises et nos citoyens de tirer le meilleur parti de cette opportunité, et pour tout un chacun de voir comment notre politique commerciale peut produire des avantages concrets pour tous». Cecilia Malmström, commissaire chargée du commerce, a déclaré: «Les choses sont sur le point de changer pour nos exportateurs. L'entrée en vigueur provisoire permet aux entreprises et aux citoyens de l'UE de commencer à récolter les fruits de cet accord dès à présent. Le potentiel de stimuler la croissance économique et de créer des emplois dont l'accord est porteur donne un signal positif à l'économie mondiale. L'AECG est un accord moderne et novateur qui souligne notre attachement à un commerce libre et équitable fondé sur des valeurs. (…) Cet accord renforce aussi considérablement nos relations avec le Canada, un partenaire stratégique et un allié avec lequel nous entretenons de profonds liens historiques et culturels». L'application provisoire de l'AECG dès le 21 septembre fait suite à son approbation par les États membres de l'UE, exprimée au sein du Conseil, et par le Parlement européen. Cependant, ce n'est que lorsque tous les États membres de l'UE auront ratifié l'accord qu'il entrera pleinement et définitivement en vigueur. La Commission continuera de travailler main dans la main avec les États membres de l'UE et le Canada afin d'assurer sa mise en œuvre harmonieuse et efficace. Un communiqué de presse est disponible en ligne dans toutes les langues, comprenant également de nombreuses fiches d'informations sur les effets attendus de l'accord dans les Etats Membres et pour différents secteurs d'activité. (Pour plus d'informations: Daniel Rosario - Tel.: + 32 229 56185; Kinga Malinowska- Tel.: +32 229 51383)
EU strengthens its Syria crisis response through additional funding to UNICEF
With an additional €90 million support from the EU Regional Trust Fund in response to the Syrian Crisis, the European Union is enabling UNICEF to provide critical services and support to Syrian refugee and host community children and young people in Jordan, Lebanon and Turkey. The additional EU funding was signed on Tuesday by Commissioner Johannes Hahn and UNICEF Executive Director Anthony Lake in the margins of the UN General Assembly. This latest contribution brings the total funding from the EU Trust Fund for UNICEF's work on the Syria crisis response to nearly €200 million and will enable UNICEF to provide critical education and protection services to some 260,000 Syrian refugee and host community children and young people in Jordan, Lebanon and Turkey, so that they can attend school and learn. You can find the full press release here. (For more information: Maja Kocijancic - Tel.: +32 229 86570; Esther Osorio - Tel.: +32 229 62076)
EU announces additional humanitarian funding for Iraq
The European Commission will announce today an additional €10 million in humanitarian assistance to Iraq, bringing the total EU humanitarian contribution to this crisis to €350 million since 2015. The announcement comes as Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management Christos Stylianides co-chairs the Ministerial-level event on Iraq in the margins of the 72nd session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York: "The end of the Mosul military campaign has marked the beginning of a new phase of international support to Iraq. The EU is committed to continue being at the forefront of the humanitarian response. The protection of civilians is paramount and the international community must work together to help Iraqis rebuild their lives. Our additional funding announced today is for the most vulnerable Iraqis, including survivors of violence, children who have lost their parents and childhood to the war. The European Union will stand by them for as long as it takes." The new funding aims to provide lifesaving support to the affected populations in retaken areas and those affected by displacement, including in the aftermath of the Mosul military campaign. It will also provide psychosocial and mental health support to the survivors of violence during the conflict. More information on EU support to Iraq in our factsheet here. (For more information: Carlos Martin Ruiz de Gordejuela - Tel.: +32 229 65322; Christina Wunder - Tel.: +32 229 92256)
Les exportations agro-alimentaires de l'Union Européenne se maintiennent à un haut niveau
Les derniers chiffres du commerce publiés aujourd'hui montrent que les exportations agro-alimentaires de l'Union Européenne se sont montées au mois de juillet 2017 à €11,3 milliards, soit une hausse de 7% par rapport au mois de juillet 2016. Les hausses les plus importantes de la valeur des exportations (en millions d'euros ; en juillet 2016 comparé à juillet 2016) ont eu lieu vers les Etats-Unis (+194) et la Russie (+104 pour les produits non touchés par l'embargo russe). Les exportations ont en revanche fortement diminué vers l'Arabie Saoudite (-156), la Libye (-50) et les Emirats Arabes Unis (-40). En terme de secteur, les spiritueux et liqueurs ont le plus augmenté (+169) suivis par la poudre de lait (+107). Les importations agro-alimentaires de l'UE ont également subi une augmentation de 9% en valeur par-rapport au mois de juillet 2016. La balance commerciale agro-alimentaire de l'UE reste largement positive avec un surplus de plus de €2 milliards en juillet 2017. Le dernier rapport en ligne contient les chiffres complets des exportations et importations ainsi que l'aperçu des échanges agro-alimentaires sur les douze derniers mois. (Pour plus d'informations: Daniel Rosario - Tel.: +32 229 56185; Clémence Robin - Tel: +32 229 52509)
Commission creates forum of experts to overcome cross border obstacles
To unlockthe full economic potential of EU border regions, home to 150 million citizens, the Commission is launching a "Border Focal Point". In line with President Jean-Claude Juncker's call to ensure fairness in our single market in his 2017 State of the Union speech, the Border Focal Point will help border regions cooperate better with a set of concrete actions. It will improve access to jobs and services such as health care and public transport systems, and facilitate cross-border business. Commissioner for Regional Policy Corina Creţu said: "Over a quarter of Europe's wealth is produced in its border regions but their full economic potential remains untapped. We are looking at a gold mine of opportunities, just waiting to be explored.” The Border Focal Point will consist of Commission experts in cross border issues, who will offer advice to national and regional authorities, by gathering and sharing good practices via a new EU-wide online network. This initiative is part of a wider Communication on "Boosting growth and cohesion in EU border regions". A press release, a memo and case studies of cross border obstacles and good practices are available online. (For further information: Johannes Bahrke - Tel.: +32 229 58615; Sophie Dupin de Saint-Cyr - Tel.: +32 229 56169)
Mergers: Commission approves acquisition of joint control of Unica by UniHold and Triton
The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of joint control over Unica of the Netherlands by Triton of the Channel Islands and Unihold of the Netherlands. Unica, previously solely controlled by UniHold, supplies specialised mechanical, electrical and ICT services. Unihold is a holding and financing company with interests in heat and cold storage installations and technical services. Triton is a private equity company that invests in a variety of business sectors. The Commission concluded that the proposed transaction would raise no competition concerns because of the limited overlaps between the companies' activities. The transaction was examined under the simplified merger review procedure. More information is available on the Commission's competition website, in the public case register under the case number M.8609. (For more information: Ricardo Cardoso - Tel.: +32 229 80100; Maria Sarantopoulou - Tel.: +32 229 13740)
Mergers: Commission clears acquisition of Serena by Balder and Varma
The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of joint control over Serena Properties AB ("Serena") of Finland by Fastighets AB Balder ("Balder") of Sweden, together with the current parent Varma Mutual Pension Insurance Company ("Varma") of Finland. Serena is active in the Finnish real estate market for commercial use, specialising in retail properties such as grocery stores and discounters. Balder is a real estate company which owns, manages and develops residential and commercial properties and hotels. Varma is a mutual pension insurance company. The Commission concluded that the proposed acquisition would raise no competition concerns because of its limited impact on the market structure and given the limited overlaps in Finland. The transaction was examined under the simplified merger review procedure. More information is available on the Commission's competition website, in the public case register under the case number M.8576. (For more information: Ricardo Cardoso - Tel.: +32 229 80100; Maria Sarantopoulou - Tel.: +32 229 13740)
Mergers: Commission clears acquisition of joint control over AutoGravity by VW Credit and Daimler
The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of joint control over AutoGravity Corporation by VW Credit Inc., both of the US, and Daimler AG of Germany. AutoGravity provides a comparison service solution for vehicle financing and leasing to consumers in the US via a smartphone app or via its website. VW Credit serves Volkswagen's retail customers and dealers in the US offering financial products and services such as retail leasing and financing for new and used vehicles. Daimler is active in the manufacture and distribution of passenger cars and commercial vehicles, and also in the provision of financial services. The Commission concluded that the proposed acquisition would raise no competition concerns because of its limited impact on the market structure. The transaction was examined under the simplified merger review procedure. More information is available on the Commission's competition website, in the public case register under the case number M.8591. (For more information: Ricardo Cardoso - Tel.: +32 229 80100; Maria Sarantopoulou - Tel.: +32 229 13740)
ANNOUNCEMENTS
EU at UN General Assembly: Official Opening and a high number of bilaterals
The 72nd UN General Assembly officially opened on Tuesday in New York, with the participation of the high-level EU Delegation, including First Vice-President Frans Timmermans and High Representative/Vice-President Federica Mogherini alongside the President of the European Council Donald Tusk. First Vice-President Timmermans addressed an event co-hosted by the European Union and the United Arab Emirates on Oceans and Climate, where he stressed the need to tackle the challenges of plastics in our oceans and the need for an integrated approach with industry and NGOs to tackle it effectively. He also spoke at the OGP high-level event on Rebuilding Trust in Government, where he focussed in particular on the need to enhance transparency in order to gain the trust of citizens. High Representative/Vice-President Mogherini held a high number of bilateral meetings, including with US Vice-President Pence and Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov, with whom she discussed the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), the latest worrying developments in North Korea and the situation in Syria. She also met with the Colombian President Santos, Foreign Minister of El Salvador and Foreign Minister of Venezuela. Together with Commissioner Hahn, she had meetings with Egyptian Foreign Minister Shoukry and Lebanese Foreign Minister Bassil as well as President of Ukraine Poroshenko and Prime Minister Kvirikashvili of Georgia. She also met with Presidents Vučić of Serbia and Thaçi of Kosovo. Commissioner Avramopoulos held a number of bilateral meetings, including with Egyptian President Al-Sissi; he also discussed common actions on migration with UN High Commissioner for Refugees Grandi and Director General of the International Organisation for Migration Swing. Commissioner Mimica addressed the EU co-hosted event on Promoting Quality Infrastructure Investment where he underlined that quality infrastructure means building roads, ensuring long-term local jobs in maintenance and climate resilience for rainy seasons. He also highlighted the need for ambitious global efforts to ensure clean, green and reliable energy for all at the launch event of the report on Financial Flows for Energy Access and participated in a ministerial-level meeting on the Central African Republic. Furthermore, the EU and UN will jointly launch today their new "Spotlight Initiative" to eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls. With the EU as its main contributor in the order of half a billion Euro, the initiative will provide large-scale, targeted support to fight and prevent gender-based violence. A press release and Q&A MEMO will be available here as of 20h00 tonight. You can also watch the interventions of High Representative/Vice-President Federica Mogherini and Commissioner Mimica on EbS+. Commissioner Stylianides addressed a high-level event on Collective Private Sector Disaster Risk Reduction, Emergency Preparedness, Response and Recovery, besides a number of bilateral meetings, including with UNHCR Grandi, new Administrator of UNDP Steiner and Director of the International Rescue Committee Miliband. The annual EU event in the margins of UNGA this year gathered Erasmus and Erasmus+ alumni from around the world. Follow the events online under #UNGA, @EUatUN, @eu_eeas and find audio-visual material on EbS. (For more information: Maja Kocijancic - Tel.: +32 229 86570; Esther Osorio - Tel.: +32 229 62076)
La Commissaire Thyssen en visite à Lisbonne, Portugal
Demain et vendredi, le 21 et 22 septembre, la Commissaire en charge d'Emploi, des Affaires sociales, des Compétences et de la Mobilité des travailleurs, Marianne Thyssen, se rend à Lisbonne, au Portugal, où elle participera à un Dialogue Citoyen. Durant le Dialogue, elle répondra à des questions concernant l'agenda social de cette Commission, y compris le Socle européen des droits sociaux et la note de réflexion sur la dimension sociale de l'Europe. Vendredi, la Commissaire donnera un discours à la "Conférence ministérielle sur le Vieillissement: Une société durable pour tous les âges", organisée par la Commission économique pour l'Europe de l'Organisation des Nations Unies (CEE-ONU). Cette conférence rassemble les Ministres des Etats-Membres de la CEE-ONU, et a pour but d'évaluer le Plan d'action International de Madrid sur le vieillissement, adopté en 2002 dans l'optique d'affronter les défis liés au vieillissement au 21eme siècle. Cette année, la conférence se concentrera sur les opportunités offertes par une espérance de vie accrue. Le discours de la Commissaire Thyssen sera publié ici. (Pour plus d'informations:Christian Wigand- Tel.: +32 229 62253; Sara Soumillion - Tel.: + 32 229 67094)
EU Security Union Commissioner Julian King will be in Budapest, Hungary tomorrow to discuss issues related to security, in particular information exchange and cybersecurity. In the morning, Commissioner King will have a working breakfast with Szabolcs Takács, State Secretary for European Union Affairs, before meeting with the Hungarian National Assembly's Committee on European Affairs. Commissioner King will then meet with Krisztián Kecsmár, Minister of State for European and International Judicial Cooperation, Ministry of Justice, before visiting the Hungarian Passenger Information Unit and then having a working lunch with Dr Sándor Pintér, Minister of the Interior of Hungary. In the afternoon, the Commissioner will meet with Detlef Schröder, Deputy Director of the European Union Agency for Law Enforcement Training (CEPOL). (For more information: Natasha Bertaud - Tel.: +32 229 67456; Tove Ernst - Tel.: +32 229 86764; Katarzyna Kolanko - Tel.: +32 299 63444)
Vice-President Katainen in Finland
Vice-President Katainen will be in Finland from 21-22 September. He will participate at the EU Ministerial Committee of the Finnish government to discuss the proposals included in the State of the Union; and he will meet with Mr. Matti Saarelainen, Director of the European Centre of Excellence for Countering Hybrid Threats, to discuss cybersecurity. He will give a keynote speech in an EU Seminar at the Bank of Finland and participate in a working lunch with Mr Olli Rehn, member of its management board. Vice-President Katainen will visit the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) and he will give a keynote speech at the Helsingin Suomalainen Klubi (Helsinki Finnish Club). During his visit, he will participate in two public events: a Citizens' Dialogue at the University of Helsinki, following the State of the Union speech, also focusing on EU career opportunities for students; and an EU seminar organised by think-tank Kansio on the Future of Europe and the EU defence package, where he will deliver a keynote address.(For more information: Vanessa Mock - Tel.: +32 229 56194; Siobhán Millbright - Tel.: +32 229 57361)
STATEMENTS
Joint Statement by High Representative/Vice-President Federica Mogherini and Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management Christos Stylianides on the earthquake in Mexico City
The earthquake that struck Mexico yesterday has caused many deaths and casualties. This came only two weeks after another devastating earthquake hit the country. Our heartfelt condolences and thoughts go out to the victims, their families and loved ones. As President Juncker underlined in his letter to President Peña Nieto, the European Union stands in solidarity with our Mexican friends. We salute the first responders who are there from the beginning to help and save lives in this difficult time. We are in touch with the Mexican authorities and stand ready to help. Our capabilities to provide urgent support have been put on alert, as our Emergency Response Coordination Centre is monitoring the situation on the ground. (For more information: Margaritis Schinas - Tel.: +32 229 60524; Mina Andreeva - Tel.: +32 229 9138; Catherine Ray - Tel.: +32 229 69921)
Upcoming events of the European Commission (ex-Top News)
MEX/17/3364