European Commission - Daily News

European Commission - Daily News

Daily News 20 / 12 / 2021
Brussels, 20 December 2021
Single Market Scoreboard 2021: Member States edging forward to a better implementation
of Single Market rules for a more resilient Europe
Today, the Commission published the Single Market Scoreboard 2021, which shows that, despite
improvements in certain areas, better implementation of Single Market rules is needed on the
ground. Such improvements would help EU businesses and citizens fully benefit from their freedoms
and rights, to facilitate green and digital transitions. Thanks to the Single Market, the EU is limiting
the effects of shortages by driving innovation and diversifying supply chains across Europe. A well-
functioning Single Market, where innovation can flourish, is the best ally for a resilient European
economy. In agreement with Member States, the scope of the Single Market Scoreboard 2021 has
been extended to three new policy areas and indicators. These concern the circular
economy/greening of industry, market surveillance and SMEs' business environment. The main
findings are presented in the form of a ‘traffic light' chart, by attributing red (below average), yellow
(average) and green (above average) cards per tool or area, while the arrows in the table below
represent the improvements from one year to the other. Compared to 2019, this year's Scoreboard
notes a steady situation in most Member States, and observes a very slight improvement in overall
performance of the monitored areas More detailed data per country and areas are provided in the
online tool. A press release on the Single Market Scoreboard 2021 is available here. (For more
information: Johannes Bahrke – Tel.: +32 229 58615; Federica Miccoli – Tel.: +32 229 58300)

Long-term vision for rural areas: launch of Rural Pact
Today, the Commission is launching the Rural Pact, an initiative, which was announced in its Long-
term Vision for the Rural Areas presented in June 2021. The new pact aims to mobilise public
authorities and stakeholders to act on the needs and aspirations of rural communities. It will provide
a common framework to engage and cooperate between stakeholders at EU, national, regional and
local level. Vice-president Šuica, Commissioner Wojciechowski and Commissioner Ferreira
extended an open invitation to join the discussion on the Rural Pact. All interested parties are invited
to express their commitment to the goals of the vision and participate in the development and
implementation of the Rural Pact. The Commission will facilitate this framework with partners and
networks, and encourage the exchange of ideas and best practices at all levels. Based on wide
consultations with citizens and rural stakeholders, the long-term vision for the EU's rural areas
identifies pressing challenges and highlights some of the most promising opportunities that are
available to these areas. With the support of the Rural Pact and Rural Action Plan rolled out by the
Commission, the long-term vision aims to make EU's rural areas stronger, more connected, more
resilient and more prosperous. Between now and June 2022, stakeholders and actors can join the
Rural Pact Community and share reflections and ideas on its implementation and development. In
June 2022, the Rural Pact high-level conference will be the opportunity to take stock of commitments
taken and ideas put forward and define next steps. More information online. (For more information:
Miriam Garcia-Ferrer - Tel.: +32 229 99075; Thérèse Lerebours - Tel.: +32 229 63303)

Progressive roll-out of the In Vitro Diagnostic Medical Devices Regulation
Thanks to today's adoption by the European Parliament and the Council, the In Vitro Diagnostic
Medical Devices Regulation which will apply as from 26 May 2022, can now be progressively rolled
out. In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic Member States, health institutions and economic
operators redeployed financial and other resources to address the unprecedented challenges of the
crisis. By doing so, they delayed the implementation of the In Vitro Diagnostic Medical Devices
Regulation of 2017, which introduced certain requirements for medical devices and a stronger role
for so-called conformity assessment bodies. To prevent disruption of supply of essential healthcare
products as a result of these delays, the Commission proposed in October a progressive roll-out of
the Regulation of 2017. The adoption of this proposal by the co-legislators will keep the supply of

these essential healthcare products flowing. Welcoming the adoption, Commissioner for Health and
Food Safety Stella Kyriakides said: “In the midst of an unprecedented public health crisis, we
cannot risk shortages of essential medical devices. Health systems and routine health services have
been tested like never before. The pandemic has at the same time highlighted the vital need for
accurate diagnostics and a resilient regulatory framework for in vitro medical devices.” The amending
Regulation does not change any requirements of the original In Vitro Diagnostic (IVD) Regulation of
2017. It only changes the dates of application of some of these requirements for certain medical
devices. More information is available in our press release. (For more information: Stefan De
Keersmaecker – Tel.: +32 229 84680; Anna Wartberger – Tel.: +32 229 82054)

La Commission approuve une nouvelle indication géographique protégée d'Allemagne
La Commission européenne a approuvé la demande d'inscription du « Bayerischer Blutwurz »
d'Allemagne dans le registre des Indications Géographiques Protégées (IGP). Le « Bayerischer
Blutwurz » est une liqueur produite en Bavière, essentiellement dans la région de la forêt bavaroise,
à partir de la racine de la plante potentille tormentille. Il est aussi produit dans les Préalpes
bavaroises, le piémont alpin et les autres régions de montagne de Bavière, qui se caractérisent par
des forêts mixtes, des landes, des prairies et, dans certains cas, des tourbières aux sols légèrement
acides. Ces régions offrent des conditions géographiques et climatiques optimales pour la potentille
tormentille. La tradition de production remonte au 17e siècle. Le « Bayerischer Blutwurz » était
utilisé comme une solution alcoolique aqueuse, notamment à des fins médicales, mais aussi à des
fins de consommation. De nombreuses références à la tradition figurent également dans les archives
historiques. Cette nouvelle appellation va rejoindre les 255 boissons spiritueuses déjà protégées dont
la liste est disponible dans la base de données eAmbrosia. Pour plus d'informations, voir aussi les
pages sur la politique de qualité. (Pour plus d'informations: Miriam Garcia-Ferrer - Tél.: +32 229
99075; Thérèse Lerebours - Tél.: +32 229 63303)

State aid: Commission approves €900 million German scheme to support investments in
production of renewable hydrogen
The European Commission has approved, under EU State aid rules, a €900 million German scheme to
support investments in the production of renewable hydrogen in non-EU countries, which will be then
imported and sold in the EU. The scheme, called ‘H2Global', aims at meeting the EU demand for
renewable hydrogen that is expected to significantly increase in the coming years, by supporting the
development of the unexploited renewable resource potential outside the EU. It will contribute to the
EU environmental objectives, in line with the European Green Deal, without unduly distorting
competition in the Single Market. The Commission assessed the scheme under EU State aid rules, in
particular the 2014 Guidelines on State aid for environmental protection and energy. The
Commission found that the aid is necessary and has an incentive effect, as the projects would not
take place in the absence of the public support. Furthermore, the Commission found that aid is
proportionate and limited to the minimum necessary, as the level of aid will be set through
competitive auctions. Finally, it found that the positive effects of the measure, in particular on the
environment, outweigh any possible negative effects in terms of distortions to competition. On this
basis, the Commission concluded that H2Global is in line with EU State aid rules. Executive Vice-
President Margrethe Vestager, in charge of competition policy, said: “This €900 million German
scheme will support projects leading to substantial reductions in greenhouse emissions, in line the
EU's environmental and climate objectives set out in the Green Deal. It will contribute to addressing
the increasing demand for renewable hydrogen in the Union, by supporting the development of this
important energy source in areas of the world where it is currently not exploited with a view to
importing it and selling it in the EU. The design of the scheme will enable only the most cost
effective projects to be supported, reducing costs for taxpayers and minimising possible distortions
of competition.” A press release is available online. (For more information: Arianna Podesta – Tel.:
+32 229 87024; Maria Tsoni – Tel.: +32 229 90526)

State aid: Commission approves Austrian scheme to support production of electricity from
renewable energy sources
The European Commission has approved, under EU State aid rules, an Austrian aid scheme to
support electricity production from renewable sources. The measure will help Austria reach its target
of 100% renewable energy in 2030, in line with its Recovery and Resilience Plan as endorsed by the
Commission and approved by Council, and will contribute to the European objective of achieving
climate neutrality by 2050, without unduly distorting competition in the Single market. Under the
scheme, the aid will take the form of a top-up premium, calculated as the difference between the

average production cost for each renewable technology and the electricity market price. The measure
will apply until the end of 2030. The aid will be paid out to the selected beneficiaries for a period of
maximum 20 years from the starting of the operation of the plant. Payments under the scheme have
been estimated to amount to around €4.4 billion until end 2032. The Commission assessed the
scheme under EU State aid rules, in particular the 2014 Guidelines on State aid for environmental
protection and energy. On this basis, the Commission concluded that the Austrian scheme is in line
with EU State aid rules. Executive Vice-President Margrethe Vestager, in charge of competition
policy, said: “This scheme will enable Austria to support renewable technologies, as it has set its goal
to achieve 100% CO2 free electricity generation in 2030. The measure will contribute to the
reduction of CO2 and other greenhouse gas emissions, in line with the EU Green Deal objectives and
the environmental targets set in Austria's Recovery and Resilience Plan, without unduly distorting
competition in the Single Market.” A press release is available online. (For more information: Arianna
Podesta – Tel.: +32 229 87024; Maria Tsoni – Tel.: +32 229 90526)

State aid: Commission approves 2022-2027 regional aid map for Romania
The European Commission has approved under EU State aid rules Romania's map for granting
regional aid from 1 January 2022 to 31 December 2027, within the framework of the revised
Regional aid Guidelines (‘RAG'). The revised RAG, adopted by the Commission on 19 April 2021 and
entering into force on 1 January 2022, enable Member States to support the least favoured European
regions in catching up and to reduce disparities in terms of economic well-being, income and
unemployment – cohesion objectives that are at the heart of the Union. They also provide increased
possibilities for Member States to support regions facing transition or structural challenges such as
depopulation, to contribute fully to the green and digital transitions. At the same time, the revised
RAG maintain strong safeguards to prevent Member States from using public money to trigger the
relocation of jobs from one EU Member State to another, which is essential for fair competition in the
Single Market. Romania's regional aid map defines the Romanian regions eligible for regional
investment aid. The map also establishes the maximum aid intensities in the eligible regions. The aid
intensity is the maximum amount of State aid that can be granted per beneficiary, expressed as a
percentage of eligible investment costs. Under the revised RAG, regions covering 89.34% of the
population of Romania will be eligible for regional investment aid. A press release is available online.
(For more information: Arianna Podesta – Tel.: +32 229 87024; Maria Tsoni – Tel.: +32 229 90526)

Aides d'État : la Commission ouvre une enquête approfondie concernant une aide
potentielle de l'État français en faveur de l'Institut national de recherches archéologiques
préventives
La Commission européenne a ouvert une enquête approfondie concernant une aide potentielle de
l'État français en faveur de l'Institut national de recherches archéologiques préventives (INRAP).
Suite à une plainte de la société EHEVA (Études et valorisations archéologiques), la Commission a
des craintes préliminaires sur l'existence et la compatibilité avec les règles de l'UE en matière d'aides
d'État d'un subventionnement croisé éventuel entre des activités non-concurrentielles de l'INRAP
subventionnées par l'État (activités de diagnostics d'archéologie préventive, d'exploitation
scientifique des opérations d'archéologie préventive, de diffusion des résultats, d'enseignement, de
diffusion culturelle et de valorisation de l'archéologie) et les activités concurrentielles de fouilles
archéologiques sur lequel est aussi actif le plaignant. La Commission va à présent mener une
enquête plus approfondie pour déterminer si ses craintes initiales sont confirmées. L'ouverture d'une
enquête approfondie donne à la France et à toutes les parties intéressées l'occasion de formuler leurs
observations sur la mesure en cause. Elle ne préjuge en rien de l'issue de l'enquête. Plus
d'informations sont disponibles sur le site web de la Direction Générale de la Concurrence de la
Commission dans le registre des aides d'État, sous les numéros SA.51268. (Pour plus d'informations:
Arianna Podesta – Tél.: +32 229 87024; Maria Tsoni – Tél.: +32 229 90526)

Aides d'État: la Commission autorise régime français de 500 millions d'euros partiellement
financé par l'intermédiaire de la FRR visant à prévenir et réparer les dommages causés aux
forêts notamment par les scolytes
La Commission européenne a autorisé, en vertu des règles de l'UE en matière d'aides d'État, un
régime d'aides français visant à mettre à disposition des opérateurs de la filière forêt-bois les outils
nécessaires à la prévention et à la réparation des dommages causés par des organismes nuisibles ou
des maladies végétales aux forêts en lien avec des phénomènes climatiques extrêmes. Le régime
sera partiellement financé par l'intermédiaire de la facilité pour la reprise et la résilience (FRR), à la
suite de l'évaluation positive par la Commission du plan français pour la reprise et la résilience et de

son adoption par le Conseil. Le dispositif se concentrera en particulier sur l'effort de reconstitution
des forêts suite aux attaques de scolytes (des insectes ravageurs qui provoquent le dépérissement
des arbres), résultant d'événements climatiques exceptionnels, tels que la sécheresse de 2018,
couplée à des températures anormalement élevées sur une période longue au cours de l'été 2019,
qui ont eu de fortes conséquences sur les arbres forestiers. Le régime, avec un budget de 500
millions d'euros, sera en place jusqu'au 31 décembre 2027. Le support sera destiné aux entreprises
opérant dans le secteur forestier (exploitants forestiers, entreprises de travaux forestiers,
coopératives et scieries) et aux propriétaires forestiers publics ou privés ou leurs groupements. La
Commission a évalué la mesure sur la base des règles de l'UE en matière d'aides d'État, et
notamment sur la base de ses lignes directrices de 2014 concernant les aides d'État dans les
secteurs agricole et forestier et dans les zones rurales. La Commission a constaté que l'aide prévue
contribuera aux objectifs de l'UE consistant, entre autres, à promouvoir l'utilisation efficace des
ressources, afin de parvenir à une croissance intelligente et durable. En outre, la Commission a
constaté que les éventuelles distorsions de concurrence engendrées par le soutien de l'État seront
réduites au minimum. Dès lors, la Commission a conclu que la mesure est conforme aux règles de
l'UE en matière d'aides d'État. La Commission apprécie en priorité les mesures comportant des aides
d'État contenues dans les plans de relance nationaux présentés dans le cadre de la FRR et a fourni
des orientations et un soutien aux États membres au cours des phases préparatoires des plans de
relance nationaux, afin de faciliter le déploiement rapide de la FRR. Plus d'informations sont
disponibles sur le site web de la Direction Générale de la Concurrence de la Commission dans le
registre des aides d'État, sous le numéro SA.59197. (Pour plus d'informations: Arianna Podesta –
Tél.: +32 229 87024; Maria Tsoni – Tél.: +32 229 90526)

State aid: Commission approves Greek measure to support construction and operation of
pumped hydroelectricity storage facility in Amfilochia
The European Commission has approved, under EU State aid rules, a Greek measure to support the
construction and operation of a pumped hydroelectricity storage facility in Amfilochia, Greece. The
measure will be partly funded by the Recovery and Resilience Facility (‘RRF'), following the
Commission's positive assessment of the Greek Recovery and Resilience Plan and its adoption by
Council. The aid will take the form of a €250 million investment grant and of an annual support –
financed from a levy on electricity suppliers – to complement market revenues, in order to reach an
acceptable rate of return on the investment. The supported storage facility will have a capacity of
680 Megawatts (MW) and will be directly connected to high-voltage transmission lines. By
supporting the operation of existing renewable energy units as well as by enabling the introduction
of new ones, the project will contribute to a smooth and effective transition to clean renewable
energy of the Greek power system, , in line with the decarbonisation target of the European Green
Deal. The Commission assessed the measure under EU State aid rules, in particular Article 107(3)(c)
of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, which enables Member States to support the
development of certain economic activities subject to certain conditions, and the Guidelines on State
aid for environmental protection and energy. The Commission found that the aid is necessary and
has an incentive effect, as the project would not be carried out without the public support.
 Furthermore, the measure is proportionate, as the level of the aid corresponds to the effective
financing needs and necessary safeguards limiting the aid to the minimum will be in place (e.g.,
adjustment of the annual support and of the target internal rate of return, in case of an increase in
construction costs). The Commission also took into account the inclusion of the project in the list of
European Projects of Common Interest in the energy sector. The Commission therefore concluded
that the positive effects of the measure outweigh any potential distortion of competition and trade
brought about by the support. On this basis, the Commission approved the measure under EU State
aid rules. The Commission assesses measures entailing State aid contained in the national recovery
plans presented in the context of the RRF as a matter of priority and has provided guidance and
support to Member States in the preparatory phases of the national plans, to facilitate the rapid
deployment of the RRF. The non-confidential version of the decision will be made available under the
case number SA.57473 in the State aid register on the Commission's competition website once any
confidentiality issues have been resolved. (For more information: Arianna Podesta – Tel.: +32 229
87024; Maria Tsoni – Tel.: +32 229 90526)

State aid: Commission approves modification of Romanian aid scheme to support high
efficient cogeneration
The European Commission has approved, under EU State aid rules, the modification of a Romanian
scheme supporting high efficient cogeneration. The original scheme was approved by the
Commission in 2009 and subsequently amended in 2016. Under the existing scheme, new high

efficient combined heat and power (CHP) plants could receive aid for up to 11 years in the form of a
bonus on top of the electricity market price. The Romanian authorities provided evidence that the
duration of support was insufficient to ensure the long-term viability of these plants. In order to
allow CHP production, district heating and hot water supply to citizens to continue, Romania notified
to the Commission the following modifications to the existing scheme: (i) an increase in the support
period from up to 11 years to up to 21 years (until 2033 at the latest); and (ii) an increase in the
budget of scheme, from approximately €2.2 billion (approximately (RON 10.735 billion) to
approximately €4.4 billion (RON 21.883 billion) to cover the additional period during which a plant
can receive support. The Commission assessed the measure under EU State aid rules, in particular
the 2014 Guidelines on State aid for environmental protection and energy. The Commission found
that the modification of the scheme is necessary and appropriate for stimulating the production of
high efficient cogeneration, reduce emissions and realise energy savings. Furthermore, it found that
the aid is proportionate, as the scheme includes appropriate safeguards to avoid overcompensation
and a price adjustment mechanism that will be applied in accordance with the methodology set by
the Romanian National Energy Regulator ANRE. On this basis, the Commission concluded that the
measure is in line with EU State aid rules, as it will support the production of electricity from high-
efficiency cogeneration and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, in line with the European Green Deal,
without unduly distorting competition in the Single Market. More information will be available on the
Commission's competition website, in the State Aid Register under the case number SA.57969. (For
more information: Arianna Podesta – Tel.: +32 229 87024; Maria Tsoni – Tel.: +32 229 90526)

State aid: Commission approves Finnish investment aid to NordFuel and Veolia for the
construction of advanced biofuels plants in Finland
The European Commission has approved, under EU State aid rules, two support measures for the
construction of advanced biofuels plants in Finland. More specifically, the Commission has approved
the following two investment aid measures notified by Finland: (i) €24.5 million in favour of
NordFuel, to support the construction of an advanced biofuel demonstration plant; and (ii) €9.5
million in favour of Veolia, to support the construction of a biomethanol demonstration plant. The
objective of the two measures is to increase the production of advanced biofuels and biogas for
transport. The Commission assessed the two measures under EU State aid rules, in particular
the Guidelines on State Aid for environmental protection and energy. The Commission found that the
measures are necessary and appropriate to promote the production of advanced biofuels. In addition,
the aid will be limited to the minimum necessary and will not exceed the aid intensity limits set out
in the Guidelines. Finally, the two measures will only support plants producing advanced biofuels
that meet the sustainability criteria, as required by the revised Renewable Energy Directive (RED II).
On this basis, the Commission concluded that the measures will support projects promoting
sustainable biofuels, in line with the European Green Deal, without unduly distorting competition in
the Single Market. Therefore, the Commission approved the measures under the EU State aid rules.
The non-confidential version of the decision will be made available under the case number SA.58416
(NordFuel) and SA.62154 (Veolia) in the State aid register on the Commission's competition website
once any confidentiality issues have been resolved. (For more information: Arianna Podesta – Tel.:
+32 229 87024; Maria Tsoni – Tel.: +32 229 90526)

State aid: Commission approves €134 million Austrian scheme to support digital
transformation of news media
The European Commission has approved, under EU State aid rules, an Austrian scheme to support
the digital transformation of news media. The support will take the form of direct grants to news
print media, as well as to radio and television broadcasters.More specifically, the scheme aims at
assisting news media organisations to expand their digitisation through the modernisation of
distribution channels, the creation and renewal of digital infrastructure, and the provision of digital
content. The scheme, with an estimated budget of €134 million, will run until 31 October 2027. The
Commission assessed the scheme under Article 107(3)(c) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the
European Union (TFEU), which allows State aid to facilitate the development of certain economic
activities or areas. The Commission found that the scheme will facilitate the development of the
news media sector and contribute to promoting media pluralism, which is essential for the
functioning of a democratic society. The Commission concluded that the positive effects of the
measure outweigh any possible negative effects in terms of distortions of competition. On this basis,
the Commission approved the scheme under EU State aid rules. The non-confidential version of the
decision will be made available under case number SA.62555 in the State aid register on the
Commission's competition website once any confidentiality issues have been resolved. (For more
information: Arianna Podesta – Tel.: +32 229 87024; Maria Tsoni – Tel.: +32 229 90526)

State aid: Commission approves Latvian scheme to support energy-intensive companies
The European Commission has approved, under EU State aid rules, a Latvian scheme to partially
compensate energy-intensive users for charges paid to support the financing of renewable energy
production. The scheme replaces a previous scheme that the Commission approved in May 2017 and
that expired on 31 December 2020. Under the previous scheme, companies active in Latvia in sectors
that were particularly electro-intensive and more exposed to international trade were entitled to a
reduction of up to a maximum of 85% of the electricity surcharge financing support for renewable
electricity production. Latvia notified to the Commission the reintroduction of the scheme until 31
December 2021 with some modifications and a provisional budget of €7 million for 2021. The notified
scheme includes the following changes compared to the previous scheme: (i) the extension of the
list of sectors that are entitled to the reduction on the surcharge; and (ii) in order to take the
economic consequences of the coronavirus outbreak into account, the easing of the electro-intensity
requirement and the possibility for companies which entered into difficulties from 1 January 2020 to
30 June 2021 to remain eligible to receive support under the scheme. The Commission assessed the
notified scheme under EU State aid rules, in particular, the 2014 Guidelines on State aid for
environmental protection and energy, which allow Member States to grant reductions from
contributions to the financing of renewable energy production under certain conditions. The aim is to
avoid that companies that are particularly affected by such contributions are put at a significant
competitive disadvantage. Notably, this concerns energy-intensive users in sectors that are
particularly energy-intensive and/or exposed to international competition. The Commission found
that, under the scheme, the compensation will only be granted to energy intensive companies
exposed to international trade, in line with the requirements of the Guidelines. Furthermore, the
measure will promote the EU energy and climate goals set out in the European Green Deal without
unduly distorting competition. On this basis, the Commission concluded that the scheme is in line
with EU State aid rules. The non-confidential version of the decision will be made available under the
case number SA.61149 in the State aid register on the Commission's competition website once any
confidentiality issues have been resolved. (For more information: Arianna Podesta – Tel.: +32 229
87024; Maria Tsoni – Tel.: +32 229 90526)

State aid: Commission approves amendment to Croatian scheme to support the maritime,
transport, travel and infrastructure sectors affected by the coronavirus pandemic
The European Commission has found an amendment to an existing Croatian scheme to support the
maritime, transport, travel and infrastructure sectors to be in line with the State aid Temporary
Framework. The Commission approved the original scheme in June 2020 (SA.57711) and its
subsequent amendments in July 2020 (SA.58128), in August 2020 (SA.58136), in December 2020
(SA.59924 & SA.59942) and in September 2021 (SA.64375). Croatia notified the following
modifications to the existing scheme: (i) an overall budget increase by €132,8 million (HRK 1
billion); and (ii) the prolongation of the measure until 30 June 2022. The Commission found that the
amended scheme is in line with the conditions set out in the Temporary Framework. In particular,
the aid (i) will not exceed €2.3 million per beneficiary; and (ii) will be granted no later than 30 June
2021. The Commission concluded that the scheme, as modified, remains necessary, appropriate and
proportionate to remedy a serious disturbance in the economy of a Member State, in line with Article
107(3)(b) TFEU and the conditions of the Temporary Framework. On this basis, the Commission
approved the measure under EU State aid rules. More information on the Temporary Framework and
other actions taken by the Commission to address the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic
can be found here. The non-confidential version of the decision will be made available under the case
number SA.100913 in the State aid register on the Commission's competition website once any
confidentiality issues have been resolved. (For more information: Arianna Podesta – Tel.: +32 229
87024; Maria Tsoni – Tel.: +32 229 90526)

Concentrations : La Commission approuve l'acquisition du contrôle conjoint de NeuConnect
par Meridiam et Allianz
La Commission européenne a autorisé, en vertu du règlement européen sur les concentrations,
l'acquisition du contrôle conjoint de NeuConnect Holdings BV, basée aux Pays-Bas, par Meridiam
SAS, basée en France, et le groupe Allianz, basé en Allemagne. NeuConnect est active dans le
développement et la construction ultérieure d'une interconnexion électrique sous-marine et
souterraine à courant continu à haute tension entre le Royaume-Uni et l'Allemagne. Meridiam est un
investisseur mondial et gestionnaire d'actifs spécialisé dans les investissements à long terme dans
les infrastructures publiques et communautaires. Allianz est un prestataire mondial de services

financiers offrant des services principalement dans le domaine de l'assurance et de la gestion
d'actifs. La Commission a conclu que l'acquisition envisagée ne soulèverait pas de problème de
concurrence compte tenu i) de la position négligeable de Meridiam et d'Allianz sur le marché de la
production d'électricité et (ii) des réglementations en vigueur, y compris celles fixant les obligations
d'accès aux interconnexions électriques. L'opération a été examinée dans le cadre de la procédure
normale 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.10387. (Pour plus d'informations: Arianna Podesta – Tél.: +32 229 87024; Maria Tsoni – Tél.: +32
229 90526)

STATEMENTS

Union européenne de la santé : HERA dotée de pouvoirs accrus face aux futures urgences
sanitaires
Aujourd'hui, le Conseil est parvenu à un accord politique sur le règlement permettant l'activation de
contre-mesures médicales urgentes et ciblées par l'Autorité européenne de préparation et de réaction
aux urgences sanitaires (HERA) lors d'urgences de santé publique au sein de l'UE. Ces mesures
comprennent l'acquisition et l'achat de médicaments, d'équipements médicaux, de matières
premières adaptées à la gestion de la crise, l'activation d'installations industrielles réservées à la
fabrication de vaccins et de produits thérapeutiques, la mise en place d'un comité de crise sanitaire
avec les États membres et la création de mécanismes de surveillance rapide. Saluant l'accord
politique, la commissaire à la santé et à la sécurité alimentaire, Stella Kyriakides, a fait la
déclaration suivante : « Une Autorité européenne de préparation et de réaction aux urgences
sanitaires dotée de pouvoirs est la pièce maîtresse d'une Union européenne de la santé forte, capable
de réagir rapidement et efficacement aux urgences sanitaires. L'HERA doit être mise en place et
fonctionner à pleine capacité le plus rapidement possible, et l'accord politique conclu aujourd'hui au
Conseil est une étape clé dans cette direction. HERA sera notre tour de guet et notre bouclier contre
les futures menaces sanitaires. Elle nous permettra de garder une longueur d'avance et de disposer
de l'équipement médical nécessaire pour lutter contre les urgences sanitaires et protéger nos
citoyens des futures menaces pour la santé. La pandémie actuelle a mis en évidence le rôle décisif de
la coordination et de la coopération de l'UE à chaque phase de la pandémie, de la réponse à la crise
au rétablissement. En nous appuyant sur cette importante leçon, nous devons nous assurer que nous
disposons des outils et des pouvoirs adéquats pour réagir face à une situation d'urgence. »
L'intégralité de la déclaration est disponible ici. (Pour plus d'informations: Stefan De Keersmaecker -
Tél : +32 229 84680; Anna Wartberger - Tél: +32 229 82054)

Tentative agendas for forthcoming Commission meetings
Note that these items can be subject to changes.

Upcoming events of the European Commission
Eurostat press releases

The Spokesperson's Service has re-opened the Berlaymont press room to a limited number
of journalists. For more information, please see here.
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