European Commission - Daily News

European Commission - Daily News

Daily News 18 / 10 / 2021
Brussels, 18 October 2021
The EU Digital COVID Certificate: a global standard with more than 591 million certificates
Today, the Commission adopted a report on the EU Digital COVID Certificate and its implementation
across the EU. The report shows that the EU certificate has been a crucial element in Europe's
response to the COVID-19 pandemic, with more than 591 million certificates generated. The
certificate, which covers COVID-19 vaccination, test and recovery, facilitates safe travel for citizens,
and it has also been key to support Europe's hard-hit tourism industry. The EU Digital COVID
Certificate is a success worldwide: it has set a global standard and is currently the only system
already in operation at international level. 43 countries across four continents are plugged into the
system, and more will follow over the coming weeks and months. As said by President Ursula von
der Leyen in her 2021 State of the Union Address, the EU Digital COVID Certificate shows that
“When we act together, we are able to act fast.” To know more about the success of the EU Digital
COVID Certificate, figures and next steps, you can see our press release online. (For more
information: Johannes Bahrke – Tel.: +32 229 58615; Katarzyna Kolanko – Tel.: +32 229-63444;
Charles Manoury – Tel.: +32 229 13391).

Commission and UEFA launch #EveryTrickCounts campaign to tackle climate change
Today, the Commission is launching a new public awareness campaign with UEFA, focused on
individual actions to tackle climate change. Through this partnership, a video featuring famous
footballers performing tricks to save energy and cut emissions will be broadcast in 57 countries in TV
advertising breaks during the UEFA Champions League and other major competitions. The video,
which will also be shown in stadia during the matches, will be aired for the first time tomorrow, 19
October. Frans Timmermans, Executive Vice-President for the European Green Deal, said: "Football
brings our continent and our planet together. To keep enjoying our favourite game, we need to win
the fight against climate change, as a team. I'm delighted that UEFA and the European Commission
are kicking off this campaign to assist our climate goals. With the European Green Deal, we are
pressing for the big, structural changes necessary to make our economy and society ready for a
climate-neutral future. But we will not succeed without everybody tackling the issue, by taking
small, individual steps like getting to the pitch or stadium sustainably, recycling the waste from our
half-time snacks, or turning off a couple of lights as we glue our eyes to the match on TV. Let's kick
our bad habits, for the sake of our planet.” More details about this partnership are available on the
Commission's website here and the video can be watched here. (For more information: Tim McPhie –
Tel.: +32 229 58602; Lynn Rietdorf – Tel.: +32 229 74959)

Media pluralism: Commission launches call for proposals to extend media ownership
monitoring system to all Member States
Today, the Commission has launched a second call for proposals for the media ownership monitoring
system, a project co-funded by the EU. This call will complement the coverage of the first ongoing
pilot project and provide a country-based database on media ownership in the remaining 12 Member
States not covered by the first edition. The media ownership monitoring system will systematically
assess relevant legal frameworks, as well as risks to media ownership transparency. It will also show
potential risks to media pluralism and provide valuable information for a better understanding of the
news media market. This tool will make this information available to everyone through an interactive
online platform, displaying results in formats adapted to the needs of the different users. Interested
consortia working in the field of media freedom and pluralism at a European, regional, and local level
can apply for this call until 15 December. The maximum amount of EU support allocated to this
project is €500,000. This initiative is part of a broader effort in the field of media freedom and
pluralism, as outlined in the European Democracy Action Plan. More information on this and other
calls related to the field of media, either ongoing or under preparation, is also available. (For more
information: Johannes Bahrke – Tel.: +32 229 58615; Charles Manoury – Tel.: +32 229 13391)

L'Institut européen d'innovation et de technologie soutient le Nouveau Bauhaus européen à
hauteur de 5 millions d'euros
L'Institut européen d'innovation et de technologie (EIT) lance aujourd'hui le « Community Booster de
l'EIT — Soutenir l'expansion de nouveaux projets du Bauhaus européen » afin de soutenir le nouveau
Bauhaus européen. Ce premier appel soutiendra 20 entreprises innovantes dotées d'un budget
maximal de 50 000 euros chacune pour accélérer les solutions intégrant la durabilité (des objectifs
climatiques à la circularité, zéro pollution et biodiversité), l'esthétique (qualité de l'expérience et du
style, au-delà de la fonctionnalité) et l'inclusion (y compris la diversité, garantir l'accessibilité et le
caractère abordable). Le présent appel s'inscrit dans le cadre d'un budget plus large de 5 millions
d'euros pour les activités du nouveau Bauhaus européens soutenues par la nouvelle communauté de
l'EIT entre 2021 et 2022. L'appel « Community Booster » de l'EIT est ouvert jusqu'au 17 décembre
2021. Les start-ups et les entreprises en expansion sont encouragées à postuler et à développer leur
projet. Une phase pilote de ce booster communautaire, lancée au début de l'année 2021, a déjà
soutenu 13 projets d'un montant total de 650 000 euros. Pour de plus amples informations, veuillez
consulter notre communiqué de presse. (Pour plus d'informations : Sonya Gospodinova – Tél.: +32
229 66953; Vivian Loonela - Tél.: +32 229 66712; Célia Dejond – Tél.: +32 229 88199)

Aviation: EU and Qatar sign landmark aviation agreement
The European Union and the State of Qatar today signed a comprehensive air transport agreement,
upgrading rules and standards for flights between Qatar and the EU. The agreement sets a new
global benchmark by committing both sides to fair competition, and by including social and
environmental protection. The signing means new opportunities for consumers, airlines and airports
in Qatar and the EU. Qatar is an increasingly important aviation partner for the EU. It was the 15 th
largest extra-EU market in 2019 with 6.3 million passengers travelling between the EU and Qatar.
Ensuring open and fair competition for air services between both is therefore crucial, also for routes
between the EU and Asia. Adina Vălean, Commissioner for mobility and transport, said: "This
agreement, the first one between the EU and the Gulf region, is a global benchmark for forward-
looking aviation agreements. It is testimony to our shared commitment to economically, socially and
environmentally sustainable aviation, based on a modern framework covering fair competition and
closer cooperation on social and environmental matters. This agreement will bring new opportunities,
more choice and higher standards for passengers, industry and aviation workers.” A press release
and a questions and answers is available online. (For more information: Stefan de Keersmaecker -
Tel.: +32 229 62253; Darragh Cassidy – Tel.: +32 229 83978)

NextGenerationEU: La Bulgarie présente son plan officiel pour la reprise et la résilience
La Commission a reçu un plan officiel pour la reprise et la résilience de la part de la Bulgarie. Ce plan
expose les réformes et les projets d'investissement public que la Bulgarie prévoit de mettre en
œuvre avec le soutien de la facilité pour la reprise et la résilience (FRR). La FRR, l'instrument au
cœur de NextGenerationEU, apportera jusqu'à 800 milliards d'euros (en prix courants) pour soutenir
les investissements et les réformes dans l'ensemble de l'UE. Elle jouera un rôle crucial pour aider
l'Europe à sortir plus forte de la crise et à assurer les transitions écologique et numérique. La
présentation de ce plan fait suite à un dialogue soutenu entre la Commission et les autorités
Bulgares. La Commission va à présent évaluer le plan bulgare sur la base des onze critères énoncés
dans le règlement et traduire son contenu en actes juridiquement contraignants. Le Conseil
disposera en principe de quatre semaines pour adopter la proposition de décision d'exécution du
Conseil présentée par la Commission. La Commission a reçu à présent 26 plans pour la reprise et la
résilience. Elle continuera à dialoguer avec les autorités néerlandaises afin de les aider à élaborer un
plan de grande qualité. La Commission a adopté des évaluations positives de 22 plans. Son
évaluation des plans suédois, polonais et hongrois est toujours en cours. Un communiqué de presse
est disponible online. (Pour plus d'informations: Veerle Nuyts — Tél.: +32 229 96302; Enda
McNamara — Tél.: +32 229 64976)

State aid: Commission approves €31.9 billion Italian scheme to support companies affected
by the coronavirus outbreak
The European Commission has approved a €31.9 billion Italian scheme to support companies
affected by the coronavirus outbreak. The scheme was approved under the State aid Temporary
Framework. The scheme consists of two measures: (i) limited amounts of aid; and (ii) support for

uncovered fixed costs incurred during the period between March 2020 and December 2021 or parts
of that period. The scheme will be open to all companies, irrespective of their size and of the sector
where they operate (with the exception of the financial sector). Under the scheme, limited amounts
of aid will take the form of (i) tax exemptions and reductions; (ii) tax credits; and (iii) direct grants.
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 aid
measure under EU State aid rules. Executive Vice-President Margrethe Vestager, in charge of
competition policy, said: “Many companies in Italy have seen their revenues significantly decline
because of the coronavirus outbreak and of the measures necessary to limit its spread. This €31.9
billion scheme will enable Italy to support these companies by helping them meet their liquidity
needs and cover the fixed costs that are not covered by their revenues. We continue working in close
cooperation with Member States to find workable solutions to mitigate the economic impact of the
coronavirus outbreak, in line with EU rules.” A press release is available online. (For more
information: Arianna Podesta – Tel.: +32 229 87024; Giulia Astuti – Tel.: +32 229 55344; Maria
Tsoni – Tel.: +32 229 90526)

Aides d'État : la Commission autorise un régime français d'un montant de 700 millions
d'euros en faveur de certains commerces de détail et services touchés par la pandémie
La Commission européenne a autorisé, en vertu des règles de l'UE en matière d'aides d'État, un
régime français d'un montant de 700 millions d'euros visant à soutenir certains commerces de détail
et certains services touchés par la pandémie et les mesures restrictives mises en place par le
gouvernement français pour limiter la propagation du virus. Le régime sera ouvert à certains
commerces de détail (ameublement, habillement, informatique, sport, optique, bijouterie) et à
certains services (réparation de biens personnels et domestiques, coiffure et soins de beauté)
lorsqu'ils ont été interdits d'accueil du public pour certaines périodes entre février et mai 2021. Les
bénéficiaires admissibles au régime pourront obtenir une indemnisation sous la forme de subventions
directes à hauteur d'un montant ne dépassant pas le montant des loyers payés pendant les périodes
de fermeture, diminué, le cas échéant, des recettes potentielles provenant d'une hausse induite des
ventes en ligne et d'autres compensations éventuelles, tels que par exemple, les montants versés
par les assurances. La Commission a analysé la mesure au regard de l'article 107(2)(b) du Traité sur
le fonctionnement de l'Union européenne, qui autorise les États membres à indemniser les
dommages causés directement par des évènements extraordinaires, tels que la pandémie de
coronavirus. La Commission a donc conclu que le régime était conforme aux règles de l'UE en
matière d'aides d'État. Margrethe Vestager, vice-présidente exécutive chargée de la politique de
concurrence, a déclaré: « Les fermetures pour limiter la propagation de la pandémie ont abouti à des
pertes de chiffre d'affaires très sensibles pour certains commerces de détail et services. Ce régime de
700 millions d'euros permettra à la France d'indemniser partiellement ces entreprises pour les
dommages subis. Nous continuons à travailler en étroite coopération avec les États membres afin de
trouver des solutions pratiques permettant d'atténuer les répercussions économiques de la pandémie
du coronavirus, dans le respect de la réglementation de l'UE. » Un communiqué de presse est
disponible en ligne. (Pour plus d'informations: Arianna Podesta – Tél.: +32 229 87024; Giulia Astuti
– Tél.: +32 229 55344; Maria Tsoni – Tél.: +32 229 90526)

State aid: Commission approves €110 million Belgian scheme to support hotels, restaurants
and cafés in the context of the coronavirus outbreak
The European Commission approved a €110 million Belgian scheme to support the hotels,
restaurants and cafés sector (HoReCa) in the context of the coronavirus outbreak. The scheme was
approved under the State aid Temporary Framework. Belgium notified two different aid measures in
favour of employers active in the HoReCa sector related to the payment of the annual social security
contributions financing the annual holidays' scheme for manual workers. In particular, Belgium
notified both: (i) its initial decision to grant a deferral of payment from April to October 2021; and
(ii) its subsequent decision to exempt these employers from the payment of these contributions.
Therefore, under the scheme, the aid will take the form of (i) a deferral of and (ii) an exemption from
payment of the abovementioned contributions. The measure aims at mitigating the liquidity
shortages that the beneficiaries are facing due to the coronavirus outbreak and the restrictive
measures that the Belgian government had to implement to limit the spread of the virus. The
Commission found that the Belgian measures are in line with the conditions set out in the Temporary
Framework. In particular, with respect to the first measure, the end date of the deferral is 31 October
2021, i.e. before 31 December 2022. As regards the second measure, the aid (i) will not exceed €1.8
million per beneficiary; and (ii) will be granted no later than 31 December 2021. On this basis, the

Commission approved the measures 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.63490 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 €2 million Italian scheme to support the pyrotechnics
sector in the context of the coronavirus outbreak
The European Commission has approved a €2 million Italian scheme to support companies active in
the pyrotechnics sector affected by the coronavirus outbreak and the restrictive measures that the
Italian government had to implement to limit the spread of the virus. The scheme was approved
under the State aid Temporary Framework. Under the scheme, the aid will take the form of direct
grants. In order to be eligible, companies must have suffered a decline in turnover during the period
between 23 February 2020 and 31 December 2020, compared to the same period in 2019. The aid
amount per beneficiary will not exceed the difference between its revenues in 2019 and those
reported in 2020. The Commission found that the Italian scheme is in line with the conditions set out
in the Temporary Framework. In particular, the support (i) will not exceed €1.8 million per company;
and (ii) 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 measures 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.100142 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)

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Executive Vice-President Frans Timmermans in Indonesia for international climate talks
ahead of the COP26
Executive Vice-President Frans Timmermans is in Indonesia today and tomorrow as part of his
international outreach ahead of the COP26. He will meet President Joko Widodo; Arifin Tasrif, Minister
for Energy and Mineral Resources; Airlangga Hartarto, Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs;
Syahrul Yasin Limpo, Minister for Agriculture; and Retno Marsudi Minister of Foreign Affairs. He will
also meet members of Commission VII (Energy, Mineral Resources, Research and Technology,
Environmental Affairs) of the House of Representatives. While in Indonesia, he will meet Dato Lim
Jock Hoi, Secretary-General of ASEAN and launch the Smart Green Cities for ASEAN Project. In
addition, he will give a speech at the public event ‘Climate Action & Ambition EU & Indonesia,
Partners for Green Transition', organised by the foreign policy community of Indonesia tomorrow.
(For more information: Tim McPhie – Tel.: +32 229 58602; Lynn Rietdorf – Tel.: +32 229 74959)

Première obligation verte NextGenerationEU: Le commissaire Hahn participe au signal
d'ouverture de la séance à la bourse à Luxembourg
Le mardi 19 octobre, le commissaire Johannes Hahn se rendra à Luxembourg à l'occasion de
l'admission à la cotation de la première obligation verte de l'UE à la Bourse de Luxembourg. La
cérémonie débutera à 9h30. Le commissaire Johannes Hahn, le premier ministre Xavier Bettel et le
PDG de LuxSE Julie Becker prononceront des discours à cette occasion. La première obligation verte
NextGenerationEU, d'un montant de 12 milliards d'euros, a été émise le mardi 12 octobre. Elle sera
utilisée exclusivement pour des investissements verts et durables dans l'ensemble de l'UE et
représente la plus grande émission d'obligations vertes jamais réalisée au monde. L'obligation a
rencontré un intérêt considérable de la part des investisseurs et les souscriptions ont dépassé de
plus de 11 fois les capacités, avec un carnet d'ordres de plus de 135 milliards d'euros. Avec la forte
sursouscription et les excellentes conditions financières obtenues, l'émission de la première

obligation verte a constitué un début prometteur pour le programme d'obligations vertes de
NextGenerationEU, dont le montant devrait atteindre 250 milliards d'euros à la fin de 2026.
L'émission a fait suite à l'adoption, en septembre, d'un cadre d'obligations vertes NextGenerationEU
de dernière génération, qui contribuera à faire de l'UE le plus grand émetteur d'obligations vertes au
monde. Le signal d'ouverture de la séance à la bourse (« Ring the Bell » ceremony) sera retransmis
en direct sur EbS, des photos seront disponibles en ligne. (Pour plus d'informations: Balazs Ujvari -
Tél.: + 32 229 54578; Claire JOAWN - Tél.: + 32 229 56859)

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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