European Commission - Daily News

European Commission - Daily News

Daily News 15 / 12 / 2020
Brussels, 15 December 2020
Europe fit for the Digital Age: Commission proposes new rules for digital platforms
The Commission has proposed today an ambitious reform of the digital space, a comprehensive set
of new rules for all digital services, including social media, online market places, and other online
platforms that operate in the European Union: the Digital Services Act and the Digital Markets Act.
The new rules will better protect consumers and their fundamental rights online, and will lead to
fairer and more open digital markets for everyone. Furthermore, the new rules will prohibit unfair
conditions imposed by online platforms that have become or are expected to become gatekeepers to
the single market. The two proposals are at the core of the Commission's ambition to make this
Europe's Digital Decade. Under the Digital Services Act, binding EU-wide obligations will apply to all
digital services that connect consumers to goods, services, or content, including new procedures for
faster removal of illegal content as well as comprehensive protection for users' fundamental rights
online. Concretely, the Digital Services Act will introduce a series of new, harmonised EU-wide
obligations for digital services, carefully graduated on the basis of those services' size and impact.
The Digital Markets Act addresses the negative consequences arising from certain behaviours by
platforms acting as digital “gatekeepers” to the single market. Sometimes, such companies have
control over entire platform ecosystems. The Digital Markets Act sets out harmonised rules defining
and prohibiting those unfair practices by gatekeepers and providing an enforcement mechanism
based on market investigations. The European Parliament and the Member States will discuss the
Commission's proposals in the ordinary legislative procedure. If adopted, the final text will be
directly applicable across the European Union. Margrethe Vestager, Executive Vice-President for a
Europe fit for the Digital Age, said: “The two proposals serve one purpose: to make sure that we, as
users, have access to a wide choice of safe products and services online. And that businesses
operating in Europe can freely and fairly compete online just as they do offline. This is one world. We
should be able to do our shopping in a safe manner and trust the news we read. Because what is
illegal offline is equally illegal online.” Commissioner for Internal Market Thierry Breton said: “Many
online platforms have come to play a central role in the lives of our citizens and businesses, and even
our society and democracy at large. With today's proposals, we are organising our digital space for
the next decades. With harmonised rules, ex ante obligations, better oversight, speedy enforcement,
and deterrent sanctions, we will ensure that anyone offering and using digital services in Europe
benefits from security, trust, innovation and business opportunities.” More information can be found
online: Press Release, Q&A on the Digital Services Act, Q&A on the Digital Markets Act, Facts page:
The Digital Services Act, Facts page: The Digital Markets Act. (For more information: Johannes
Bahrke – Tel.: +32 229 58615; Arianna Podesta – Tel.: +32 229 87024; Charles Manoury – Tel.:
+32 229 13391; Maria Tsoni – Tel.: +32 229 90526)

La Commission propose une révision des règles applicables aux infrastructures
énergétiques transfrontalières conformément au pacte vert pour l'Europe
La Commission européenne a adopté aujourd'hui une proposition visant à réviser les règles de l'UE
relatives aux réseaux transeuropéens d'énergie (à savoir le règlement RTE-E) afin de mieux soutenir
la modernisation des infrastructures énergétiques transfrontalières de l'Europe et de réaliser les
objectifs du pacte vert pour l'Europe. Pour progresser sur la voie d'une économie neutre pour le
climat, alimentée par des énergies propres, l'Europe doit en effet se doter de nouvelles
infrastructures adaptées aux nouvelles technologies. La politique RTE-E soutient cette transformation
au moyen de projets d'intérêt commun (PIC), qui doivent contribuer à la réalisation des objectifs de
réduction des émissions de l'UE à l'horizon 2030 et à la neutralité climatique d'ici à 2050. Le
règlement révisé continuera à garantir que les nouveaux projets répondent aux objectifs
d'intégration du marché, de compétitivité et de sécurité de l'approvisionnement. Le nouveau
règlement RTE-E aussi contribuera à la réalisation des objectifs de réduction des émissions de l'UE
en promouvant l'intégration des énergies renouvelables et des nouvelles technologies énergétiques
propres dans le système énergétique. Un communiqué de presse, un mémo, une fiche d'information

et le discours de la commissaire à l'énergie, Kadri Simson, prononcé cet après-midi au Comité ITRE
du Parlement européen sont disponibles en ligne. (Pour plus d'informations: Tim McPhie - Tél.: +32
229 58602; Ana Crespo Parrondo - Tél.: +32 229 81325)

Team Europe: European Commission and EIB contribute €500 million to COVAX initiative to
provide one billion COVID-19 vaccine doses for low and middle income countries
Today, the European Commission, the European Investment Bank (EIB) and Gavi, the Vaccine
Alliance, signed the agreements for a €500 million EU financial package for the COVAX Facility to
secure fair and equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines for 92 low and middle income countries. This
contribution will help COVAX to make one billion doses of vaccines available for millions of people
across Africa, Asia, the Caribbean and Pacific, and in Europe's eastern and southern neighbourhood.
The package includes a €100 million grant from the European Commission and a €400 million EIB
loan, guaranteed by the European Fund for Sustainable Development (EFSD). “The European
Commission and the European Investment Bank are strong supporters of COVAX, the world's facility
to ensure fair and universal access to COVID-19 vaccines. Together with the EU Member States,
Team Europe has so far allocated more than €850 million to COVAX, which makes the European
Union COVAX's biggest donor. The European Commission and EIB's combined support of €500
million will enable COVAX to make one billion doses of vaccines available as rapidly as possible to
people in low and middle income countries”, said the President of the European Commission, Ursula
von der Leyen. Commissioner for International Partnerships, Jutta Urpilainen, added: “By working
together, Team Europe and its partners help to make the vaccine a global public good to help end
the pandemic, ensure a sustainable recovery, and build back better. EU's €100 million grant and the
€400 million EIB loan, backed by the EFSD guarantee, will support access, to COVID-19 vaccines in
low and middle-income countries.” More information is available in the press release. For more
details, please consult the websites of COVAX, the Gavi COVAX AMC and Team Europe´s global
response to COVID-19. (For more information: Ana Pisonero – Tel.: +32 229 54320; Gesine Knolle –
Tel.: +32 229 54323)

COLLEGE MEETING: The European Commission appoints a new Deputy Secretary-General.
Today, the European Commission has decided to appoint Mr John Watson as Deputy Secretary-
General. He will be responsible for Interinstitutional and External Relations. Mr Watson will bring his
broad experience in the Commission, his extensive knowledge of Union policy, his leadership and
representation skills to this challenging function, which is pivotal within the institutional context. Mr
Watson, an Irish national, has worked in management functions in the Secretariat-General (SG) for
the past 13 years. He is currently Acting Commission Representative in COREPER II and Director for
Single Market and Connectivity in SG. Prior to that, he was Director for Better Regulation and Work
Programme in SG where he also occupied several Head of unit positions. Earlier in his career, he
served as Member of Cabinet Hübner for Regional Policy and held various positions in the
Commission, notably in the Directorates-General for Communications Networks, Content and
Technology (CONNECT), for Economic and Financial Affairs (ECFIN) and for Employment, Social
Affairs and Inclusion (EMPL). The date of effect of this decision will be determined later. (For more
information: Balazs Ujvari – Tel.: +32 460 760296; Claire Joawn – Tel.:+32 460 756859)

Commission welcomes political agreement on EU4Health
The Commission welcomes the provisional political agreement on the EU4Health programme reached
by the European Parliament and Council. Vice-President for Promoting the European Way of Life,
Margaritis Schinas, said: “The provisional agreement is yet another proof that the European Health
Union is becoming a tangible reality. It is our dedicated answer to Europeans who want Europe
central, and not an accessory to health policies. We are taking concrete action for more cooperation,
more coordination and definitely more EU overall in health.” Stella Kyriakides, Commissioner for
Health and Food Safety, said: “I warmly welcome the swift provisional agreement of the European
Parliament and the Council on the most ambitious funding programme for health ever. With €5.1
billion, EU4Health will help strengthen our crisis preparedness and management of cross-border
health threats as well as reinforcing EU's healthcare systems overall. EU4Health opens up a new
chapter for EU health policy, and sends a clear signal to people in Europe that public health is our
priority and that we have listened to their concerns.” EU4Health will be the largest EU health
programme to date, with €5.1 billion allocated to it under the agreement by the European Parliament
and Council on the next multiannual financial framework. In the first years of the programme, there
will be a clear focus on recovery and resilience. EU4Health aims to make health systems more
resilient to deal with cross-border health threats like COVID-19; make the European Health Union a

reality by investing in cancer care, better pandemic preparedness and availability of medicines; and
boost digital health and preventive actions. A press release is available online. (For more
information: Stefan De Keersmaecker +32 229 84680, Darragh Cassidy +32 229 83978)

Rapport sur la citoyenneté de l'Union: donner aux citoyens les moyens d'agir et protéger
leurs droits
La Commission a publié aujourd'hui le rapport 2020 sur la citoyenneté de l'Union, qui fait le point sur
les progrès accomplis en matière de citoyenneté de l'Union depuis le dernier rapport de 2017. Le
rapport définit également de nouvelles priorités et actions visant à donner aux citoyens de l'Union les
moyens d'agir, telles qu'une mise à jour des lignes directrices de l'UE sur la libre circulation, en
tenant compte des enseignements tirés de la pandémie de COVID-19. Didier Reynders, commissaire
chargé de la justice, a fait la déclaration suivante : « Nous avons été confrontés à des défis sans
précédent pour certains des droits fondamentaux que nous tenons généralement pour acquis en
Europe — des restrictions à la libre circulation en raison de la pandémie aux défis auxquels nos
institutions démocratiques sont confrontées. Aujourd'hui, nous réaffirmons notre engagement à
renforcer les moyens d'action des citoyens et à protéger leurs droits en faveur d'une Union plus forte
et plus résiliente. » Le rapport 2020 sur la citoyenneté de l'Union complète le plan d'action pour la
démocratie européenne, qui définit le cadre d'action pour donner aux citoyens les moyens d'agir et
construire des démocraties plus résilientes. Il prévoit un certain nombre d'actions concrètes
destinées à renforcer la participation démocratique, à faciliter la libre circulation, à protéger et à
promouvoir la citoyenneté de l'Union et à protéger les citoyens de l'Union en Europe et dans le
monde. Un communiqué de presse est disponible en ligne. (Pour plus d'informations: Christian
Wigand — Tél. + 32 229 62253; Katarzyna Kolanko — Tél.: + 32 229 63444; Jördis Ferroli — Tél.: +
32 229 92729)

Central America: EU increases humanitarian support by €5 million and delivers additional in
kind assistance to hurricane victims
Further EU assistance has been delivered today in Honduras to the victims of Hurricanes ETA and
IOTA in the country through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism. Queen Letizia of Spain is in Honduras
as two shipments totalling some 17.7 tonnes of cargo, including COVID-19 tests, tents, blankets,
jerry cans, kitchen sets and other items are being delivered by Spain. Austria is also sending
assistance to Honduras in the next days via the EU Civil Protection Mechanism. “The passage of
Hurricanes ETA and IOTA has made the humanitarian situation in Central America even more
dramatic. Before the year is over, we are channelling an additional €5 million to provide lifesaving
activities in a region already affected by a situation of severe food insecurity. I am grateful to Queen
Letizia and Spain to bring relief and attention to the situation in Central America as well as to Austria
and France for their assistance to the region”, said Janez Lenarčič, European Commissioner for Crisis
Management. This latest allocation, brings the total amount of EU humanitarian funding to Central
America to €17.85 million in 2020. Out of these, €3.2 million were channelled over the last month in
emergency aid to the victims of the hurricanes across the region. In addition, the EU Civil Protection
Mechanism had already facilitated earlier deliveries of assistance from France and Spain to Honduras,
from Spain to Panama, and from France to Guatemala. The press release is available online. (For
information: Balazs Ujvari - Tel.: +32 229 54578; Daniel Puglisi - Tel.: +32 229 69140)

Agreement on a Mandatory Transparency Register
On 15 December, European Parliament, Council of the EU and European Commission reached a final
political agreement to strengthen transparent and ethical interest representation. The agreement
establishes principles and rules for a coordinated approach to transparent and ethical interest
representation at EU level, building a common culture of transparency while taking into account the
signatory institutions' respective specificities. Vice-President for Values and Transparency, Věra
Jourová said: “Today is a good day for transparency in the European Union. All three EU institutions
will respect the same principles. I am glad that the transparency standards applied by the
Commission have been a good example. Citizens deserve to know whom the decision-makers are
meeting and who is trying to influence new legislation and policy. This is key for European
democracy.” Vice-President Jourová participated in a joint press conference at 15:45 together with
the negotiators, Parliament's Vice-President Katarina Barley and Constitutional Affairs Committee
Member Danuta Hübner, German Minister of State for Europe Michael Roth. The press conference can
be followed on EbS. More information is available in the joint press release and Questions & Answers
published online. (For more information: Christian Wigand — tel. + 32 229 62253; Katarzyna
Kolanko — Tel.: + 32 229 63444; Jördis Ferroli — Tle.: + 32 229 92729)

Commission welcomes political agreement on Customs Programme
The Commission welcomes the provisional political agreement reached today by the European
Parliament and EU Member States on the new Customs Programme for 2021-2027. The new €950
million Programme will help further modernise the Customs Union, equipping it with the tools
needed to conduct appropriate controls, keep up with increasing trade volumes and tackle new and
emerging forms of fraud. It will contribute to the implementation of the Customs Action Plan adopted
in September this year. Paolo Gentiloni, Commissioner for the Economy, said: “This year has proven
once more that the Customs Union is crucial for both our lives and livelihoods. Whether to source
vaccines and life-saving equipment, or to ensure smooth trade flows with our international partners,
we need to ensure that we have modern, digital customs services that protect both trade and the
wellbeing of Europeans. Today's provisional agreement brings us closer to that goal!” A press release
and a factsheet are available online. (For more information: Daniel Ferrie – Tel.: +32 229 86500;
Nerea Artamendi Erro – Tel.: +32 229 90964)

Commissioner Ferreira welcomes the political agreement on the EU Cohesion policy
legislative package 2021-2027
With the political agreement by the European Parliament and the Council on the Commission's
proposals for 2021-2027 on the Recovery Assistance for Cohesion and the Territories of Europe
package (REACT-EU); the Common Provisions Regulation (CPR) for shared management funds; the
European Territorial Cooperation programmes (“Interreg”); the European Regional Development
Fund (ERDF) and the Cohesion Fund (CF) and the Just Transition Fund (JTF), all instruments related
to cohesion policy for the period 2021-2027 have now been agreed and are pending the final
approval of the legal texts by the European Parliament and the Council. Commissioner for Cohesion
and Reforms, Elisa Ferreira, said: “Cohesion policy has been a pioneer in the response to the crisis
and is now also a first mover in finalizing the legislative framework for the next period. This set of
legislation provides the financial muscle for Europe to recover in a fair and territorially balanced
manner and the vision to rebuild our economies in a forward-looking way. Cohesion policy remains
the beating heart of European solidarity. We need now to fill it with content and prioritize the
investments that will turn all these achievements into real change for our Member States, regional
and local authorities, citizens and companies. A spirit of partnership was key to finalize these
proposals; the partnership principle will be crucial for their implementation”. More on the whole
legislative package can be found in our memo. (For more information: Stefan De Keersmaecker - Tel
+32 229 84680; Veronica Favalli — Tel.: + 32 229 87269)

Investment Plan for Europe: €290 million to support sustainability and innovation at
chemical company in Germany
The European Investment Bank (EIB) will provide €290 million of financing to the German company
Wacker Chemie AG, a technological leader active in the chemical industry, more specifically silicone,
polymer, life sciences and polysilicon markets. The additional funding, which is backed by a
guarantee from the European Fund for Strategic Investments (EFSI), will benefit Wacker's R&D
programme with a strong focus on sustainability and an energy-efficient economy. This will assist
Wacker Chemie in reaching its sustainability goals, including a 33% reduction in CO2 emissions by
2030 and becoming fully carbon-neutral by 2050. Commissioner for the Economy, Paolo Gentiloni,
said: “The agreement, backed by the Investment Plan for Europe, is a clear example of how the EU
supports businesses in their transition towards a sustainable and circular economy. The new
financing will bolster Wacker Chemie's innovation and sustainability strategy, help reduce its CO2
emissions and put it on track to reach full climate neutrality by 2050, in line with our EU climate
objectives.” The Investment Plan for Europe has so far mobilised €535 billion of investment across
the EU, of which €38 billion in Germany. The press release is available here. (For more information:
Marta Wieczorek – Tel.: +32 229 58197; Flora Matthaes – Tel.: +32 229 83951)

Investment Plan for Europe: financing to upgrade agricultural production facilities in
Bulgaria
With a guarantee from the European Fund for Strategic Investments (EFSI), the European
Investment Bank (EIB) will provide a €30 million loan to agri-business company Boni Holding AD in
Bulgaria. The new financing will be invested by Boni in the modernisation of existing and
construction of new pork production facilities in Levski, Lovech, Pordim, Brestak and Targovishte. This

will help improve the company's energy consumption, maintain the highest standards in animal
welfare and environmental protection, as well as create new and secure existing employment in rural
areas. It is also in line with the EU's policy goals of producing food more efficiently and with a
reduced environmental footprint on existing agricultural land, which are key elements of the Farm to
Fork Strategy, recently published as part of the European Green Deal. Janusz Wojciechowski,
Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, said: “This agreement is a good example of
the EU's effort to build a sustainable and healthy food system. The project will not only reduce the
environmental and climate impact of animal production, but also foster higher standards of animal
welfare while creating jobs in rural areas across Bulgaria. This is a further step towards sustainable
production practices, in line with the European Green Deal objectives.” The Investment Plan for
Europe has so far mobilised €535 billion of investment across the EU. The press release is available
here. (For more information: Marta Wieczorek – Tel.: +32 229 58197; Flora Matthaes – Tel.: +32
229 83951)

Le Plan d'investissement pour l'Europe contribue au financement d'un fonds de dettes
français
La Banque européenne d'investissement (BEI) a contribué au financement du fond GAGEO à
concurrence de 30 millions d'euros. Ce fonds propose des financements de long terme aux
entreprises ayant des positions fortes sur leurs marchés. La participation de la BEI est garantie par le
Fonds européen pour les investissements stratégiques (FEIS), le pilier central du Plan
d'investissement pour l'Europe. Paolo Gentiloni, commissaire chargé de l'économie, a déclaré : « Le
climat d'incertitude économique provoqué par la pandémie de COVID-19 continue à peser sur les
entreprises. Le fonds Gagéo, soutenu par la BEI dans le cadre de son Plan d'investissement pour
l'Europe, offre aux entreprises des solutions de financement sur mesure et de long terme pour leur
permettre de résister à la tempête. » Jusqu'à présent, le Plan d'investissement pour l'Europe a
mobilisé 535 milliards d'euros d'investissements dans l'ensemble de l'UE, dont 87,3 milliards en
France. Un communiqué de presse est disponible en ligne. (Pour plus d'informations: Marta
Wieczorek – Tél.: +32 229 58197; Flora Matthaes – Tél.: +32 229 83951)

Commission welcomes political agreement on €7.5 billion Digital Europe Programme
Yesterday, the Commission has welcomed the political agreement between the European Parliament
and the EU Member States on the first EU programme that aims to accelerate the recovery and drive
the digital transformation of Europe. Worth €7.5 billion (in current prices), the Digital Europe
Programme is a part of the next long-term EU budget that covers the 2021-2027 period. It will
provide funding for projects in five crucial areas: supercomputing, artificial intelligence,
cybersecurity, advanced digital skills, and ensuring the wide use of digital technologies across the
economy and society. The programme is fine-tuned to fill the gap between the research of digital
technologies and their deployment, and to bring the results of research to the market - for the
benefit of Europe's citizens and businesses, and in particular small and medium-sized enterprises.
Investments under the Digital Europe Programme support the Union's twin objectives of a green
transition, digital transformation, strengthen the Union's resilience and open strategic autonomy. It
will complement other EU programmes, such as the Horizon Europe, the EU programme for research
and innovation, on which a political agreement has been reached last week, as well as
the Connecting Europe Facility for digital infrastructure. As next steps after the Trilogue negotiations
have been concluded, the provisional political agreement has to be approved by the European
Parliament and the Council. Following this, the act will be adopted, allowing the implementation of
the programme to start in 2021 with the entry into force of the new Multiannual Financial
Framework. More information is available in this press release. (For more information: Johannes
Bahrke – Tel.: +32 229 58615; Charles Manoury – Tel.: +32 229 13391)

Commission welcomes political agreement on Creative Europe programme
Yesterday, the Commission welcomed the political agreement reached between the European
Parliament and EU Member States on the new Creative Europe programme (2021 2027). Trilogue
negotiations have now concluded, pending the final approval of the legal texts by the European
Parliament and the Council. With a dedicated budget of more than €2.4 billion, made up of €1.8
billion in current prices and an additional top-up of €0.6 billion in 2018 prices, the new programme
will continue to promote cultural and linguistic diversity, heritage and competitiveness, and will allow
cultural and creative organisations and professionals to co-create and cooperate across borders and
to reach wider audiences, tackling current societal questions and supporting emerging artists.
Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth, Mariya Gabriel said: "I

welcome the political agreement on the new Creative Europe programme. The programme has been
critical for promoting Europe's cultural diversity as well as the competitiveness of cultural and
creative sectors. Now it has been modernised to better equip these sectors to face today's
challenges, including those brought about by the pandemic." Commissioner for Internal Market
Thierry Breton noted: "The culture and creative ecosystem continues to be deeply affected by the
current crisis. This agreement is an important signal for all European media partners, small and big,
and all our creators, at a time when they need our support more than ever before. Creative Europe is
an essential tool for further digitalisation and internationalisation of these key sectors. It will also
strengthen the resilience of our media and audiovisual industry and reinforce media freedom and
pluralism across the European Union." The Creative Europe programme is the flagship instrument in
support of the cultural and creative sectors – and the only one designed by the EU to support them
specifically. For more information, please read the press release. (For more information: Sonya
Gospodinova – Tel.: +32 229 66953; Sinéad Meehan - van Druten - Tel.: +32 229 84094).

La Commission salue l'accord politique sur le Fonds européen de la défense
Hier, la Commission a salué l'accord politique entre le Parlement européen et les États membres de
l'UE sur le Fonds européen de la défense proposé par la Commission en juin 2018. Les négociations
se sont conclues avec l'accord politique, dans l'attente de l'approbation définitive des textes
juridiques par le Parlement européen et le Conseil. Il s'agit du tout premier programme financier
pluriannuel visant à soutenir la recherche et le développement dans le domaine de la défense dans
l'UE. Avec un montant total convenu de 7 953 milliards d'euros en prix courants (7 014 aux prix de
2018), environ un tiers financera des projets de recherche compétitifs et collaboratifs, notamment au
moyen de subventions, et deux tiers compléteront les investissements des États membres en
cofinançant les coûts de développement des capacités de défense à l'issue de la phase de recherche.
Thierry Breton, commissaire chargé du marché intérieur, a déclaré : « Je salue l'accord politique sur
le Fonds européen de la défense. Il s'agit d'une avancée majeure car, pour la première fois, l'UE
disposera d'un programme spécifique pour soutenir la coopération industrielle dans le domaine de la
défense. Une base industrielle et technologique de défense européenne plus intégrée, innovante et
compétitive est essentielle pour une Europe plus forte, plus résiliente et plus autonome sur le plan
stratégique. Grâce à la coopération en matière de défense et à des investissements conjoints dans la
recherche et le développement, le Fonds européen de la défense fournira des technologies et des
équipements de défense interopérables et de pointe, en fonction des besoins des États membres en
matière de capacités. » Le Fonds européen de la défense apportera une contribution essentielle à la
souveraineté de l'Europe, à la protection et à la défense de ses citoyens. Il encouragera la
coopération en matière de défense entre les entreprises, les acteurs de la recherche et entre les États
membres afin de stimuler l'innovation et de développer des technologies de défense de pointe. Elle
encouragera également vivement la participation des petites et moyennes entreprises (PME) aux
projets collaboratifs et encouragera des solutions innovantes grâce à un budget consacré aux
technologies de rupture dans le domaine de la défense. Depuis l'accord partiel de 2019, la
Commission s'est préparée pour commencer à assurer son applicabilité à partir de janvier 2021. Vous
trouverez de plus amples informations dans le communiqué de presse. (Pour plus d'informations :
Sonya Gospodinova – Tél.: + 32 229 66953; Célia Dejond – Tél.: + 32 229 88199)

Lutte contre la corruption : Premier examen de la mise en œuvre par l'UE de la convention
des Nations unies contre la corruption
La Commission a présenté hier son approche pour procéder à un examen de la mise en œuvre par
l'UE de la convention des Nations unies contre la corruption. En tant que partie à la convention, l'UE
doit évaluer la conformité de ses règles et pratiques avec les principes, les objectifs et les exigences
de la convention en matière de lutte contre la corruption afin de recenser les lacunes qui nécessitent
des réformes législatives, institutionnelles et pratiques. Dans la communication présentée hier, la
Commission: 1) Informe toutes les institutions de l'Union de son intention de lancer le processus
d'examen avant la session extraordinaire de l'Assemblée générale des Nations unies contre la
corruption en 2021; 2) Établit un cadre pour faciliter l'examen afin de permettre des progrès rapides
dans le respect de toutes les obligations juridiques nécessaires, dans le plein respect du principe de
coopération loyale et de l'autonomie administrative des institutions; 3) Invite les institutions de l'UE
à participer et à coopérer à toutes les étapes du processus. Cette communication est le dernier
développement en date et s'inscrit dans le cadre des mesures prises par la Commission pour lutter
contre la corruption dans l'UE. Des progrès importants ont été accomplis en ce qui concerne la
législation relative à la lutte contre le blanchiment de capitaux, les marchés publics, la protection des
lanceurs d'alerte et le recouvrement des avoirs. Dans le cadre du Semestre européen, la lutte contre
la corruption figure parmi les thèmes abordés dans les recommandations par pays. D'autres mesures

de l'UE sont en place pour protéger les intérêts financiers, y compris le nouveau Parquet européen,
avec pour mandat d'enquêter sur les infractions portant atteinte au budget de l'UE, de les poursuivre
et de les traduire en jugement. Le récent rapport de l'UE sur l'état de droit souligne que la lutte
contre la corruption est un pilier fondamental du respect de l'état de droit. La corruption a également
une incidence sur l'environnement des entreprises, raison pour laquelle la lutte contre la corruption
est également un élément important des plans pour la reprise et la résilience. Un communiqué de
presse détaillé est disponible ici. (Pour plus d'informations : Adalbert Jahnz — Tél. + 32 229 53156;
Ciara Bottomley — Tél. + 32 229 69971; Laura Bérard — Tél. + 32 229 55721)

Déclaration UE-Mercosur sur le développement durable suite à la réunion ministérielle
informelle UE27-ALC
À l'occasion de la réunion ministérielle informelle UE27-ALC qui s'est tenue à Berlin hier, le 14
décembre, le vice-président exécutif et commissaire chargé du commerce, Valdis Dombrovskis, le
haut représentant/ vice-président, Josep Borrell, et les ministres de l'Argentine, du Brésil, du
Paraguay et de l'Uruguay ont discuté de la voie à suivre en vue de la ratification et de l'entrée en
vigueur de l'accord UE-Mercosur. Ils ont exprimé leur conviction que la mise en œuvre de l'accord
devrait bénéficier aux deux parties dans les aspects économique, sociale et environnementale du
développement durable. Ils ont réaffirmé leur volonté de mettre en œuvre les engagements
internationaux énoncés dans l'accord de manière efficace, y compris l'accord de Paris. La déclaration
commune est disponible en ligne. (Pour plus d'informations: Miriam Garcia Ferrer - Tél.: + 32 229
99075; Sophie Dirven - Tél.: + 32 229 67228)

State aid: Commission approves a Luxembourg scheme to support the wine sector affected
by coronavirus outbreak
The European Commission has approved a €124,500 Luxembourg scheme to support winegrowers in
the context of the coronavirus outbreak. The scheme was approved under the State Aid Temporary
Framework. The public support will take the form of direct grants. The scheme aims at addressing
the liquidity needs of the beneficiaries, thus helping them continue their activities during and after
the coronavirus outbreak. The Commission found that the Luxembourgish scheme is in line with the
conditions of the Temporary Framework. In particular, (i) the aid does not exceed €100,000 per
beneficiary as provided by the Temporary Framework for undertakings in the primary agricultural
sector and (ii) the scheme will run until 30 June 2021. The Commission concluded that the measure
is 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 set out in the Temporary
Framework. On this basis, the Commission approved the scheme 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.59945 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; Giulia Astuti – Tel.: +32 229 55344; Maria
Tsoni – Tel.: +32 229 90526)

State aid: Commission approves modification of Italian “umbrella” scheme to support
uncovered fixed costs of companies affected by coronavirus outbreak
The European Commission has found the modification of the existing Italian “umbrella” scheme to
support companies affected by the coronavirus outbreak to be in line with the State aid Temporary
Framework. The existing scheme was approved by the Commission on 21 May 2020 under case
number SA.57021, and has been subsequently amended by cases SA.58547 and SA.59655. Italy
notified the following modifications to the existing scheme: (i) an increase of the budget by €1
billion; and (ii) the possibility to grant aid in the form of support for uncovered fixed costs. The aid
will take the form of direct grants, public guarantees and loans at favourable conditions. The
Commission found that the modification is in line with the conditions set out in the Temporary
Framework. In particular: i) the aid will support uncovered fixed costs incurred during the period
between 1 March 2020 and 30 June 2021; ii) it will be granted to undertakings that suffer a decline
in turnover during the eligible period of at least 30% compared to the same period in 2019; iii) the
aid will not exceed 90% of the fixed costs that are not covered by revenues for micro and small
companies and 70% for other undertakings. In addition, the aid will not exceed €3 million per
beneficiary. The Commission concluded that the modification is 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 set out in 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.59827 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; Giulia Astuti – Tel.: +32 229 55344; Maria Tsoni – Tel.: +32 229
90526)

Mergers: Commission clears acquisition of joint control of GASAG by Vattenfall and ENGIE
The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of joint
control of GASAG of Germany by Vattenfall of Sweden and ENGIE of France. GASAG operates in
Germany and is mainly active in sales and distribution of gas in Berlin, Brandenburg and parts of
Saxony-Anhalt and Saxony. Vattenfall is mainly active in the generation, trade, sales and distribution
of electricity, as well as in district heating in Berlin. ENGIE is active in the field of gas, electricity and
energy services throughout the energy value chain. The planned transaction was cleared
unconditionally by the Commission in 2015, but not implemented at the time. After re-examining
the current market conditions, the Commission concluded that the proposed transaction would raise
no competition concerns given the companies' limited combined market positions resulting from the
proposed transaction. The operation was examined under the normal merger review procedure. More
information will be available on the Commission's competition website, in the public case register
under the case number M.9990. (For more information: Arianna Podesta – Tel. +32 229 87024;
Maria Tsoni – Tel.: +32 229 90526)

Mergers: Commission clears acquisition of Community Psychiatry by LGP and Centerbridge
The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of
Community Psychiatry Management, LLC (‘Community Psychiatry') by Leonard Green & Partners
(‘LGP') and Centerbridge Partners, L.P. (‘Centerbridge'), all three of the US. Community Psychiatry,
currently controlled by Centerbridge, owns and operates a chain of outpatient clinics in California,
US, which provide psychiatric and therapeutic services for patients with mild-to-moderate mental
and behavioural disorders. LGP is a private equity investment firm, which invests in companies that
provide services, including consumer, business, and healthcare services, as well as retail,
distribution, and industrials at global level. Centerbridge is a private investment management firm
active in private equity, credit, and real estate at global level. The Commission concluded that the
proposed acquisition would raise no competition concerns, given its limited impact in the European
Economic Area. 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.10014. (For more information: Arianna Podesta – Tel. +32 229 87024; Maria
Tsoni – Tel.: +32 229 90526)

Concentrations: La Commission autorise l'acquisition d'une partie des activités d'Ørsted au
Royaume-Uni par TOTAL
La Commission européenne a approuvé, en vertu du règlement européen sur les concentrations,
l'acquisition d'une partie des activités d'Ørsted au Royaume-Uni par la société TOTAL basée en
France. L'activité acquise comprend la majorité du portefeuille de contrats d'électricité et de gaz
d'Ørsted pour les clients professionnels en Grande-Bretagne et certains actifs connexes. TOTAL est
active dans toute la chaîne d'approvisionnement de l'industrie pétrolière et gazière. Les activités des
sociétés se chevauchent en ce qui concerne la fourniture au détail d'électricité et de gaz aux petites
entreprises et aux grands clients industriels en Grande-Bretagne. La Commission a conclu que le
projet d'acquisition ne soulèverait pas de problèmes de concurrence, compte tenu de la part de
marché combinée modérée des sociétés et de la présence de nombreux concurrents sur le marché de
la fourniture au détail d'électricité et de gaz en Grande-Bretagne. L'opération a été examinée dans le
cadre de la procédure normale de contrôle des concentrations. De plus amples informations seront
disponibles sur le site web de la Commission consacré à la concurrence, dans le registre public des
affaires, sous le numéro M.9968. (Pour plus d'informations: Arianna Podesta – Tel. +32 229 87024;
Maria Tsoni – Tel.: +32 229 90526)

Mergers: Commission clears acquisition of Automation24 and Process+Lab Devices Online
by ifm electronic and Endress+Hauser Group Services

The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of
Automation24 GmbH of Germany and Process+Lab Devices Online GmbH (‘PLDO') of Switzerland, by
ifm electronic gmbh of Germany and Endress+Hauser Group Services AG (‘E+H Group Services') of
Switzerland. After the acquisition of joint control, Automation24 and PLDO will merge into a joint
venture. Automation24 operates an online shop for standard products of automation and control
technology from various manufacturers. PLDO operates a cross-sector and cross-brand online shop
for industrial automation products. ifm electronic is a wholly owned subsidiary of ifm stiftung & co,
kg (‘ifm') of Germany. ifm electronic is active in sales services for ifm, which develops, produces and
distributes sensors, controls, software and systems as standard products for industrial automation.
E+H Group Services is a wholly owned subsidiary of Endress+Hauser AG (‘E+H') of Switzerland. E+H
Group Services provides management and support services within E+H, which is active in the
development, manufacture and sale of products in the field of process automation and laboratory
measurement technology. The Commission concluded that the proposed acquisition would raise no
competition concerns, given the limited combined market positions resulting from the proposed
transaction. 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.10018. (For more information: Arianna Podesta – Tel. +32 229 87024; Maria
Tsoni – Tel.: +32 229 90526)

ANNOUNCEMENTS

European Green Deal : Executive Vice-President Frans Timmermans to participate in Climate
Pact launch event
Tomorrow, on December 16 th, Executive Vice-President Frans Timmermans will join the launch
event of the European Climate Pact, an EU-wide initiative inviting people, communities and
organisations to participate in climate action and build a greener Europe. Executive Vice-President
Frans Timmermans said: “Climate change affects us all and everyone can contribute to avoid its
worst consequences. The Climate Pact brings people together to learn, encourage others, and take
action: everyone is welcome to join!” The Commission launched the European Green Deal a year ago
as a plan to transform the EU into a fair, healthy, sustainable and prosperous society and to
rebalance our relationship with nature. The Commission is putting in place the policy and legislation
needed for systemic changes, but the solutions outlined in the Green Deal can only succeed if
everyone is involved and contributes actively. The European Climate Pact provides a space for people
across all walks of life to connect and collectively develop and implement climate solutions, big and
small. By sharing ideas and inspiring each other, we can multiply our collective impact. The Pact is
an open, inclusive and evolving initiative for climate action. The event will take place tomorrow, 16
December, 9:00-11:00 CET. It will feature an introduction to the first EU Climate Pact Ambassadors,
a discussion on upcoming Climate Pact pledges and contributions from special guests about the
actions we can all take to combat climate change. Executive Vice-President Timmermans will
discuss climate action with the Pact's ambassadors and reply to questions from the audience. You
can register here, or follow the event live on EbS. (For more information: Tim McPhie – Tel: +32 229
58602; Lynn Rietdorf – Tel: +32 229 74959)

Eurogroup meeting on 16 December 2020
Executive Vice-President Dombrovskis and Commissioner Gentiloni will represent the Commission
at the Eurogroup meeting taking place via videoconference tomorrow, Wednesday 16 December. The
Eurogroup will hold an exchange of views on the macroeconomic situation. It will also discuss the
Opinions on euro area Member States' Draft Budgetary Plans and the 2021 euro area
recommendation which the Commission presented as part of the European Semester Autumn
Package. Commissioner Gentiloni will take part in the press conference which follows the meeting,
which you can follow live on EbS. (For more information: Marta Wieczorek – Tel.: +32 229 58197;
Enda McNamara – Tel.: +32 229 64976)

Eurostat: communiqués de presse

Europe Direct Contact Centre: Brexit helpline for citizens
As we are approaching the end of the transition period on 1 January 2021, the Europe Direct Contact
Centre (EDCC) – the EU's single phone number for citizens – will remain at the disposal of citizens,
businesses and stakeholders to answer Brexit-related questions in all 24 official languages. Questions
related to the UK will be treated as a matter of priority. This is part and parcel of the EU's overall
readiness for the end of the transition period. The Contact Centre is available via free phone from all
Member States and the United Kingdom (00 800 6 7 8 9 10 11) and by webform. For more
information about the EDCC, see facts and figures, 2019 Annual Activity Report and audiovisual
material).

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