European Commission - Daily News

European Commission - Daily News

Daily News 12 / 10 / 2021
Brussels, 12 October 2021
EU-Ukraine Summit: Moving Forward Together
Today, at the 23rd EU-Ukraine Summit in Kyiv, the European Union and Ukraine reaffirmed their
strong partnership and commitment to strengthening the political association and economic
integration of Ukraine with the European Union. The European Union and Ukraine agreed on a Joint
Statement, demonstrating the richness of the bilateral agenda. President Ursula von der Leyen
said: “The European Union attaches the utmost importance to its relations with Ukraine. Together we
have built a special partnership, based on mutual solidarity and friendship. We share a commitment
to strengthening the political association and economic integration of Ukraine with the European
Union and progress has been made in many areas. We will continue to work together on the
untapped opportunities that the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement has to offer. This, alongside
continued unity on sanctions, shows the EU's commitment to Ukraine – one that remains
unwavering.” A press release and factsheet are available online. The joint press conference is
available on EbS. President von der Leyen's remarks will be available here shortly. (For more
information: Eric Mamer — Tel.: +32 229 94073; Peter Stano — Tel.: +32 229 54553; Paloma Hall
Caballero — Tel.: +32 229 68560)

Baltic Sea: Agreement reached on 2022 fishing
Today, the Council of the European Union reached an agreement on the fishing opportunities in the
Baltic Sea for 2022, on the basis of the Commission's proposal. The agreement comes at a difficult
time for the Baltic Sea, as environmental pressures and challenges stemming from pollution are
taking their toll on fish stocks as well. Virginijus Sinkevičius, Commissioner for the Environment,
Oceans and Fisheries, welcomed the agreement: “Restoring the marine environment and the fish
stocks in the Baltic Sea is at the heart of the Commission's approach to setting fishing opportunities
and I am happy that the Council has agreed to follow it for most of the stocks. In recent years, the
problems in the Baltic have had a devastating impact on our fishers. This is why our comprehensive
approach, with concrete actions targeting environment, is crucial. The decisions reached are difficult,
but necessary, so that the Baltic Sea can remain the source of livelihood for fishermen and women
today and tomorrow.” The Council adopted fishing opportunities for several stocks with substantial
reductions, such as -88% for western Baltic cod. It also agreed on additional recovery management
measures, such as limiting fishing to unavoidable by-catches for salmon in the southern main basin
and western herring, as well as extended spawning closure and a ban on recreational fisheries for
western Baltic cod. The agreement on the Joint Recommendation of Baltic Member States for a more
selective fishing gear for flatfish is a step change in fisheries management, which allowed to increase
the plaice total allowable catch (TAC) accordingly, without putting at risk the ailing cod stocks. The
Council agreed increases for herring in the Gulf of Riga, sprat and salmon in the Gulf of Finland. More
information will be available shortly in this news item. (For more information: Vivian Loonela - Tel.:
+32 229 66712; Daniela Stoycheva – Tel.: +32 229 53664)

Biodiversité : nouvelles orientations sur les espèces protégées au titre de la Directive
« Habitats »
A l'occasion de la semaine de la conférence des Nations unies sur la biodiversité, la Commission
publie aujourd'hui un nouveau document d'orientation sur la protection stricte des espèces animales
au titre de la Directive « Habitats », y compris les espèces emblématiques telles que les loups, les
ours et les dauphins. Ce document vise à aider les États membres à améliorer la mise en œuvre de la
directive sur le terrain par les organisations responsables, notamment les autorités nationales,
régionales et locales, ainsi que les organismes de conservation. Préparées en étroite collaboration
avec les États membres et d'autres acteurs, les orientations s'appuient sur leur riche expérience
pratique et sur les connaissances acquises au cours des 15 dernières années de mise en œuvre. Le
commissaire à l'environnement, aux océans et à la pêche, Virginijus Sinkevičius, a déclaré : « Ce

document d'orientation est un outil pratique pour les autorités des États membres et tous les acteurs
concernés qui jouent un rôle crucial pour assurer la protection des espèces rares menacées d'Europe.
Le guide donne une multitude de conseils pratiques afin de concilier la protection des espèces
sauvages et les activités humaines. Je suis persuadé qu'il aidera les États membres de l'UE à mieux
protéger la nature et à lui offrir l'espace dont elle a besoin pour continuer à nous protéger. » Le
document explique les obligations découlant des articles 12 (régime de protection stricte) et 16
(dérogations) de la Directive « Habitats », particulièrement en ce qui concerne les grands carnivores,
tels que les loups. Il met également en valeur les initiatives et les possibilités de financement
européennes qui contribuent à favoriser la coexistence de ces espèces protégées avec les activités
humaines. Outre les arrêts de la Cour de justice de l'Union européenne en la matière, le guide
s'appuie sur l'expérience et les exemples de systèmes de protection des espèces dans les États
membres de l'UE. Vous trouverez plus d'informations dans cet article. (Pour plus d'informations:
Vivian Loonela - Tél.: +32 229 66712; Daniela Stoycheva – Tél.: +32 229 53664)

24 more countries join the EU-US-led Global Methane Pledge
Yesterday, Executive Vice-President Frans Timmermans, who leads the EU's international
negotiations on climate, and Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry hosted a virtual
ministerial meeting to mobilise further support for the Global Methane Pledge. The co-convenors and
Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme Inger Andersen affirmed the
critical importance of rapidly reducing methane emissions as the single most effective strategy to
reduce near-term global warming and keep the goal of limiting warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius
within reach. Following initial announcement of support by Argentina, Ghana, Indonesia, Iraq, Italy,
Mexico and the United Kingdom at the MEF, 24 new countries announced today that they will join the
Global Methane Pledge. The new supporters are Canada, Central African Republic, Congo-Brazzaville,
Costa Rica, Cote d'Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Federated States of Micronesia, France,
Germany, Guatemala, Guinea, Israel, Japan, Jordan, Kyrgyz Republic, Liberia, Malta, Morocco,
Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines, Rwanda, Sweden, and Togo. With these commitments, 9 of the world's
top 20 methane emitters are now participating in the Pledge, representing about 30% of global
methane emissions and 60% of the global economy. The joint press release is available here and
Executive Vice-President Timmermans' remarks are available here. (For more information: Tim
McPhie – Tel.: +32 229 58602; Lynn Rietdorf – Tel.: +32 229 74959)

Antitrust: Commission carries out unannounced inspections in the wood pulp sector
On 12 October 2021, the European Commission is conducting unannounced inspections in locations
in several Member States at the premises of companies active in the wood pulp sector. The
Commission has concerns that the inspected companies may have violated EU antitrust rules that
prohibit cartels and restrictive business practices (Article 101 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the
European Union). The Commission officials were accompanied by their counterparts from the relevant
national competition authorities. Unannounced inspections are a preliminary step in an investigation
into suspected anticompetitive practices. The fact that the Commission carries out such inspections
does not mean that the companies are guilty of anti-competitive behaviour nor does it prejudge the
outcome of the investigation itself. 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 €7 million Italian scheme to support open top bus
operators in the context of the coronavirus outbreak
The European Commission has approved a €7 million Italian scheme to support open top bus
operators active in the tourism sector affected by the coronavirus outbreak. The measure was
approved under the State aid Temporary Framework. Under the scheme, the aid will take form of
direct grants. The aim of the scheme is to provide support for the uncovered fixed costs of open top
bus operators that had to reduce their business activity due to the coronavirus outbreak and the
restrictive measures that the Italian government had to implement to limit the spread of the virus.
Under this measure, the beneficiaries will be eligible to receive the aid provided that they
experienced a decline in turnover of at least 30% during the period between 1 March 2020 and 30
June 2021, including parts of that period, compared to the corresponding period in 2019. The
Commission found that the Italian scheme is in line with the conditions set out in the Temporary
Framework. In particular, the aid (i) will not exceed 70% of the uncovered fixed costs (90% for micro
and small enterprises); (ii) will not exceed €10 million per beneficiary; and (iii) will be granted no
later than 31 December 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 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.64469 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 sole control of Condesa Tubos by ArcelorMittal
The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of sole
control of Condesa Tubos, S.L. of Spain (‘Condesa'), by ArcelorMittal Aceralia Basque Holding, S.L. of
Spain, ultimately controlled by ArcelorMittal, S.A. of Luxembourg (‘ArcelorMittal'). Condesa is a
manufacturer of different types of small welded carbon steel tubes and operates three sites in Spain
and one site in Germany. Arcelor Mittal is active in mining, manufacturing and the distribution of
various steel products to the automotive, construction, energy, packaging, appliances, mining and
by-products industries. The Commission concluded that the proposed acquisition would raise no
competition concerns, given that ArcelorMittal already exerts joint control over Condesa and the
companies' combined market shares are moderate. 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.10375. (For more information: Arianna
Podesta – Tel.: +32 229 87024; Maria Tsoni – Tel.: +32 229 90526)

Mergers: Commission clears acquisition of Veritas Group by HDT Automotive Solutions
The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of sole
control of Veritas AG and its subsidiaries (‘Veritas Group'), of Germany, by HDT Automotive Solutions
LLC, of the US. Veritas Group supplies fluid technology and polymer based components to Original
Equipment Manufacturers (‘OEMs'). HDT Automotive Solutions is active in the manufacture and sale
of valve body devices, precision tubula assemblies and die casting products for the automotive
industry, supplying OEMs and their direct suppliers. The Commission concluded that the proposed
acquisition would raise no competition concerns, given the companies' moderate combined market
shares. 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.10379. (For more information: Arianna Podesta – Tel.: +32 229 87024; Maria
Tsoni – Tel.: +32 229 90526)

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Commission participation in the Annual Meetings of World Bank Group and International
Monetary Fund
Several Members of the College will participate in the Annual Meetings of the World Bank Group
(WBG) and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) taking place this week in Washington DC, United
States of America. The meetings will bring together central bankers, ministers of finance and
development, private sector representatives, civil society, and academics to discuss issues of global
concern, including the world economic outlook, global financial stability, poverty eradication, jobs
and growth, economic development, and aid effectiveness. Paolo Gentiloni, Commissioner for
Economy, will attend the meeting of G20 finance ministers and central bank governors and the G7
ministerial meeting. Executive Vice-President Valdis Dombrovskis will participate virtually in the
plenary session of the International Monetary and Financial Committee. A written statement will be
contributed by Jutta Urpilainen, Commissioner for International Partnerships, to the plenary session
of the Development Committee Meeting. This meeting will revolve around two topics: ‘WBG
Financing for Green, Resilient and Inclusive Development (GRID) – Towards A Post Pandemic
Approach' as well as ‘Prevention, Preparedness, and Response: The WBG's Role in Future Crises'.
Commissioner Gentiloni will also appear at an event organised by the Brookings Institution and will
hold an exchange of views with the US Chamber of Commerce on the economic outlook and current
policy priorities on Thursday, 14 October. (For more information: Veerle Nuyts – Tel.: +32 229
86500; Ana Pisonero - Tel.: +32 229 54320; Enda McNamara – Tel.: +32 229 64976; Gesine Knolle

– Tel.: +32 229 54323)

Modernisation des systèmes judiciaires de l'UE : la vice-présidente Jourová et le
commissaire Reynders organisent le « Forum ministériel sur la justice numérique »
Aujourd'hui, Věra Jourová, vice-présidente chargée des valeurs et de la transparence, et Didier
Reynders, commissaire chargé de la justice, accueillent le Forum ministériel sur la justice
numérique. Le commissaire Reynders a ouvert l'événement ce matin en présentant les prochaines
initiatives de l'UE en matière de numérisation de la coopération judiciaire, prévues dans le cadre des
efforts de modernisation de l'Union et de la réponse aux défis de la pandémie. En décembre de
l'année dernière, la Commission a présenté un ensemble d'initiatives de modernisation des systèmes
judiciaires de l'UE. La Commission lance également aujourd'hui la nouvelle version du portail
européen e-Justice, qui fournit des orientations pratiques ainsi qu'une multitude d'outils et
d'informations dans toutes les langues de l'UE aux citoyens, aux entreprises, au système judiciaire et
aux praticiens du droit sur leurs droits, les législations nationales et les procédures judiciaires. La
vice-présidente Jourová a déclaré: « Nous devons veiller à ce que, dans le cadre de la Décennie
numérique en Europe, les citoyens et les entreprises puissent tirer parti des avantages de la
numérisation. L'accès à la justice par des moyens numériques modernes est un élément essentiel de
ces efforts. » Le commissaire Reynders a déclaré: « Nous travaillons ensemble pour tirer parti des
avantages de la transformation numérique, y compris dans le domaine de la justice. Cela améliorera
l'accès des citoyens à la justice et rendra le travail quotidien des procureurs et des juges plus
efficace. Le mécanisme pour la relance et la résilience stimulera les efforts des États membres. »
Durant l'événement d'aujourd'hui, les ministres de la justice et les organisations professionnelles du
droit discutent de la numérisation des systèmes judiciaires nationaux et de l'impact au niveau de
l'UE. Plus tard dans l'après-midi, les agences et organes de l'UE chargés de la justice et des affaires
intérieures débattront de la manière dont la numérisation affecte leurs fonctions exécutives dans
l'espace européen de justice, de sécurité et de liberté. De plus amples informations sur les initiatives
de la Commission dans ce domaine sont disponibles ici. (Pour plus d'informations: Christian Wigand
— Tél.: +32 229 62253; Katarzyna Kolanko — Tél.: +32 229 63444; Jördis Ferroli — Tél.: +32 229
92729)

Commission launch expert group on tackling disinformation and promoting digital literacy
through education and training
Mariya Gabriel, Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth, will today
officially launch an expert group on tackling disinformation and promoting digital literacy through
education and training. The expert group's overall mission is to assist in the preparation of practical
guidelines for teachers and educators on tackling disinformation and promoting digital literacy
through education and training. This wills serve to reinforce the objective of the Commission's Digital
Education Action Plan, which aims to deliver on excellence in digital education to every learner in
every school across Europe. Commenting on the launch, Commissioner Gabriel said: “Nowadays,
critical thinking and assessing the quality of the information we access online is as crucial a
competence as reading and writing. We want to empower our young people to contribute to the
world of online debate and discussion. To succeed, we will work, through this expert group, with our
teachers and educators, as the true driving force of change in education and training.” The group
gathers 25 experts in the field - 21 selected through an open call, and four members representing
the OECD, the Council of Europe, UNICEF and the EU's Intellectual Property office. The expert group
will meet for the first time tomorrow. Commissioner Gabriel will launch the group, together with
experts Divina Meigs et Onno Hansen-Staszyński, today at 15:00 on EbS. (For more information:
Sonya Gospodinova – Tel.: +32 229 66953; Sinead Meehan-van Druten – Tel.: +32 229 84094)

Countering violent extremism: 10 years of the Radicalisation Awareness Network
This afternoon, Commissioner for Home Affairs, Ylva Johansson, will deliver an opening speech at
the High-Level Conference of the Radicalisation Awareness Network, marking 10 years since the
creation of the EU-funded network. The network brings together EU and national policy makers,
practitioners, researchers and experts, with the objective to exchange knowledge and first-hand
experiences on preventing and countering violent extremism in all its forms. This afternoon's
discussion will focus on radicalisation in prisons as well as on the rehabilitation of returning foreign
terrorist fighters and their families. It will also concern the online dimension of preventing
radicalisation, the changes brought by the pandemic and any possible impact of the situation in
Afghanistan. Since 2011, the RAN has brought together over 6,000 practitioners from all EU Member
States, among them social workers, youth workers, teachers, healthcare professionals, civil society

representatives, local authority representatives, police officers and prison officers, working daily with
those vulnerable to radicalisation and those already radicalised. Over the past decade, the network
has produced multiple handbooks and manuals to assist professionals in their daily work, including
on the rehabilitation and reintegration of former offenders, returnees, foreign terrorist fighters and
their families into society. The network's recent projects include the ‘YOUNG Platform', to provide
young people with a voice in preventing and countering violent extremism, and a new project in the
Western Balkans to facilitate exchanges with professionals in the region. Preventing and addressing
radicalisation is a priority under the EU Counter-Terrorism Agenda and an important part of the
Commission's work on fostering security for all those living in Europe under the EU Security Union
Strategy. Commissioner Johansson's opening speech by video message will be available online here
later this afternoon. (For more information: Adalbert Jahnz - Tel.: + 32 229 53156; Ciara Bottomley
- Tel.: +32 229 69971; Laura Bérard - Tel.: +32 229 55721)

Liste des points prévus à l'ordre du jour des prochaines réunions de la Commission
Veuillez noter que ces informations sont données sous réserve de modifications.

Eurostat: communiqués de presse

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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