European Commission - Daily News

European Commission - Daily News

Daily News 03 / 12 / 2021
Brussels, 3 December 2021
Disinformation: new actions from online platforms and extension of the monitoring
programme
The Commission announces today the extension of its Coronavirus disinformation monitoring
programme for another six months until June 2022, as it publishes the latest reports by online
platforms on their actions taken between September and October. Věra Jourová, Vice-President for
Values and Transparency, said: “The pandemic is not over yet, this is why we want platforms to
intensify efforts in addressing COVID-19 disinformation, including on vaccines and in all EU
languages. We also expect the platforms to translate lessons learned from the COVID monitoring
programme into a stronger monitoring framework for the new anti-disinformation Code”. Thierry
Breton, Commissioner for Internal Market, added: “Current and prospective signatories must work
together efficiently and deliver a strong Code. Expectations are high given the stakes and time is
pressing. This Code will be a clear game changer to adapt the responsibility of online platforms by
ensuring timely, adequate and efficient measures to fight disinformation in the EU. The informational
space should not be a Wild West exposing citizen to untamed disinformation flux.” The latest reports
show that YouTube expanded its medical misinformation policy to include claims about vaccines that
contradict local health authorities' consensus or the WHO. TikTok increased the number of keywords /
hashtags that can trigger tags and banners related to COVID-19 and vaccines. Twitter updated its
policy on misleading information about vaccines. Microsoft's LinkedIn has widened the collaboration
with influencers in Europe to spread authoritative messages about vaccination. Meta / Facebook has
updated its policies worldwide on COVID-19 vaccination for children, for example false content
claiming that vaccines do not exist for children, or are unsafe and untested. Recently, 26 new
prospective signatories have joined the drafting process for the strengthening of the Code of Practice
on Disinformation which is now expected by the end of March 2022. The extended timeframe shall
allow signatories to draft a strong instrument with granular commitments adapted also to the diverse
services represented by the broader range of prospective signatories. The Commission urges the
signatories to carry out the revision swiftly, respecting its Guidance, and step up their monitoring
programme efforts, taking into account the recent recommendations from the European Regulators
Group for Audiovisual Media Services (ERGA)'s. (For more information: Sonya Gospodinova – Tel.:
+32 229 66953; Charles Manoury – Tel.: +32 229 13391)

EU mobilises additional €2.5 million to support vulnerable refugees and migrants in Bosnia
and Herzegovina
The EU has allocated additional humanitarian aid to support vulnerable refugees and migrants in
Bosnia and Herzegovina. While many refugees and migrants are accommodated in EU-funded
facilities, it is estimated that over 1,000 people are outside the temporary accommodation facilities,
with limited access to basic services. They are exposed to increasingly cold temperatures with winter
approaching and numerous protection risks, with the situation of unaccompanied minors requiring
particular attention. Janez Lenarčič, Commissioner for Crisis Management, said: ”Around 4,000
refugees and migrants stranded in Bosnia and Herzegovina, many of whom sleep outside, are in
need of shelter, food, water, sanitation, healthcare, protection and clothes. To address these needs,
the EU stands ready to continue providing humanitarian assistance. The dignity and safety of all
persons, especially the most vulnerable, need to be ensured and protected at all times. Humanitarian
partners need full access to people in need, wherever they are.” The newly allocated €2.5 million will
further support child protection as well as unaccompanied minors, both inside and outside centres.
The funding will also be used to address the critical need of healthcare, exacerbated by the COVID-
19 pandemic, including psychosocial support and mental health assistance. (For more information:
Balazs Ujvari - Tel.: +32 229 54578; Daniel Puglisi - Tel.: +32 229 69140)

Consumer Protection: 2021 data on the EU Rapid Alert System

Today, Didier Reynders, Commissioner for Justice, presents data on the Commission's work on
product safety and the EU Safety Gate Rapid Alert System. Fresh data from 2021 shows that this
year so far more than 1,800 alerts between Member State authorities have been circulated on the
system. Most of these alerts concern motor vehicles or related products (27%) and toys (19%).
Christmas lights and candles have also been regularly notified. The most common risks related to
dangerous products in 2021 were injuries (28%) or risks caused by chemicals (23%). Didier
Reynders, Commissioner for Justice said: “Thanks to the Safety Gate Rapid Alert System, the
European Commission and national consumer authorities work together every day to guarantee that
the presents you give to your loved ones are safe. This is a very concrete example of cooperation at
EU-level that benefits consumers.” When national authorities detect a dangerous product, they send
alerts within the Safety Gate, with information on the product, a description of the risk and the
measures taken by the economic operator or ordered by the authority, such as removing the product
from the market. As a result, other authorities follow-up on the alert and take their own measures,
withdrawing the same product on their national markets. The overall number of actions reported on
the Safety Gate is growing year by year, confirming that national authorities prioritise consumers'
safety. Commissioner Reynders's video messages, in which he provides illustrated examples of
dangerous products, are available on EbS. All alerts can be found online on EU Safety Gate. (For
more information: Christian Wigand - Tel.: +32 229 62253; Katarzyna Kolanko - Tel.:+32 229 6 34
44; Jördis Ferroli – Tel: +32 229-92729)

L'UE et des membres de l'OMC concluent un accord majeur de simplification du commerce
des services
Un groupe de 67 membres de l'Organisation mondiale du commerce (OMC), dont l'Union
européenne, ont conclu hier des négociations sur un accord historique visant à réduire les formalités
administratives dans le commerce des services. L'initiative conjointe sur la réglementation intérieure
dans le domaine des services simplifiera les réglementations inutilement compliquées et réduira les
obstacles procéduraux auxquels sont confrontées les PME en particulier. Le vice-président exécutif en
charge du commerce, Valdis Dombrovskis, a déclaré: « Il s'agit d'une réalisation majeure. L'accord
conclu hier porte sur 90 % du commerce mondial des services et permettra l'avènement d'une
croissance qui se chiffre en milliards d'euros grâce à des règles plus claires, à une transparence
accrue et à la diminution des formalités administratives. Grâce à cela, nos PME, en particulier, seront
davantage prospères sur la scène mondiale. Nous avons été à l'avant-garde de cette initiative, qui
constitue également une priorité dans le cadre de la nouvelle stratégie commerciale de l'UE. » Les
membres de l'OMC participant à cette initiative prendront, d'ici la fin de 2022, des engagements
spécifiques visant à faciliter le commerce des services sur leurs marchés, par exemple en simplifiant
les procédures d'autorisation ou en garantissant la transparence. Plus d'informations sont disponibles
dans ce communiqué de presse. (Pour plus d'informations: Miriam Garcia Ferrer - Tél.: +32 229
99075; Sophie Dirven - Tél.: +32 229 67228)

La Commission sollicite des avis sur une nouvelle initiative visant à faciliter la planification
des voyages et l'émission de billets au sein de l'UE
La planification et l'achat de billets pour des voyages combinant différents moyens de transport ou
impliquant différents opérateurs peuvent s'avérer compliqués dans l'UE. C'est pourquoi la
Commission européenne prépare une nouvelle proposition législative sur les services de mobilité
numériques afin de faciliter la planification des voyages et l'émission des billets. Une consultation
publique a été lancée hier, afin de recueillir des commentaires sur la proposition à venir. Cette
initiative a été annoncée dans la stratégie pour une mobilité durable et intelligente et vise à relever
les défis du marché liés au développement des services de mobilité numérique. À terme, l'objectif
est de mieux intégrer les transports publics et les services ferroviaires dans une combinaison
multimodale pour une expérience sans faille pour les passagers. Les solutions numériques peuvent
contribuer à rendre les modes de transport durables plus attrayants pour les voyageurs, aidant ainsi
l'UE à atteindre ses objectifs en matière de développement durable. La consultation publique est
divisée en deux sections : une première, qui recueille les points de vue des citoyens et des
voyageurs, et une seconde, qui cible les experts et les parties prenantes concernées. La consultation
est disponible ici et ouverte jusqu'au 23 février. (Pour plus d'informations: Stefan De Keersmaecker -
Tél : +32 229 84680 ; Anna Wartberger - Tél : +32 229 82054)

Eurobarometer: survey shows strong support for euro, SURE and Recovery and Resilience
Facility
Public support for the euro is strong and stable, according to the European Commission's latest

Eurobarometer survey. A majority of respondents (78%) across the euro area believe the euro is
good for the EU. Furthermore, 69% of them consider the euro positive for their own country. These
results indicate the second highest support for the euro since the start of the annual surveys in
2002. This Eurobarometer survey was conducted among some 17,600 respondents from the 19 euro
area Member States, between 25 October and 9 November 2021. The results also show strong
support for the European instrument for temporary support to mitigate unemployment risks in an
emergency (SURE), with 82% of the respondents agreeing on the relevance of providing loans to
help Member States keep people in employment. Likewise, financial support provided by the
Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF) was positively perceived by 77% of the respondents. Finally,
65% of respondents were in favour of the abolition of one and two-cent coins through mandatory
rounding of the final sum of purchases to the nearest five cents. The Eurobarometer survey is
available here. (For more information: Arianna Podesta – Tel.: +32 229 87024; Andrea Masini – Tel.:
+32 229 9151

L'UE renforce le partenariat avec les pays d'Amérique latine et des Caraïbes
Les dirigeants de l'Union européenne et d'Amérique latine et des Caraïbes (ALC) ont tenu une
réunion virtuelle le 2 décembre 2021. Le président du Conseil européen, Charles Michel, a présidé la
réunion, représentant l'UE aux côtés de la présidente de la Commission européenne, Ursula von der
Leyen. Le haut représentant pour les affaires étrangères et la politique de sécurité, Josep Borrell,
participait également à la réunion. Les chefs d'État ou de gouvernement de sept pays ALC, exerçant
les présidences d'organisations régionales et sous-régionales en 2021, ont participé à la réunion.
L'UE a annoncé un financement supplémentaire en faveur de la région d'Amérique latine et des
Caraïbes et a renouvelé son engagement à renforcer encore la coopération dans les domaines de la
santé, de l'environnement et de la lutte contre le changement climatique et la numérisation, entre
autres. Par exemple, l'UE a annoncé que 3,4 milliards d'euros seront mis à la disposition de l'ALC au
titre de le « NDICI-Global Europe » (2021-2027) afin de soutenir une reprise durable à long terme
après la pandémie. Le Fonds européen pour le développement durable Plus (FEDD+) constituera un
nouveau volet de ce programme et vise à mobiliser plus de 12 milliards d'euros d'investissements
publics et privés dans la région. Au moins 800 millions d'euros seront réservés pour soutenir les
Caraïbes et la mise en œuvre de l'accord post-Cotonou. La présidente von der Leyen a déclaré ce
qui suit: « Nos régions sont des partenaires essentiels. Nous partageons une culture et des valeurs,
nous soutenons le multilatéralisme et nous sommes liés par le commerce et les investissements. Sur
la base de ces liens, l'UE est prête à collaborer avec l'Amérique latine et les Caraïbes en vue d'une
reprise durable, numérique et inclusive sur le plan social. La stratégie intitulée « Global Gateway »,
que nous venons de lancer, peut faire avancer ce partenariat. Il s'agit d'un modèle montrant
comment l'Europe peut établir des liens plus résilients avec ses partenaires dans le monde entier. Au
cours de la pandémie de coronavirus, l'UE et ses États membres ont prouvé leur solidarité. Nous
avons soutenu les pays de la région au moyen de vaccins destinés à répondre aux besoins urgents en
matière de soins de santé et au moyen de financements visant à faire face aux conséquences socio-
économiques, en particulier parmi les groupes les plus vulnérables. Nous devons à présent travailler
ensemble pour apporter une réponse pérenne à la crise. » De plus amples informations sont
disponibles dans le communiqué de presse. (Pour plus d'informations: Peter Stano — Tél.: + 32 229
54553; Daniel Puglisi – Tél.: +32 229 69140)

Politique de cohésion de l'Union: la Commission dévoile les noms des gagnants des prix
Regiostars 2021
La Commission européenne a rendu public les noms des gagnants de l'édition 2021 des prix
Regiostars, qui récompensent les meilleurs projets en matière de politique de cohésion dans
l'ensemble de l'Union. Elisa Ferreira, commissaire chargée de la cohésion et des réformes, s'est
exprimée en ces termes: « Je félicite chaleureusement les lauréats des projets de la politique de
cohésion de l'Union pour l'année 2021. Ils incarnent des modèles pour tous ceux qui souhaitent
améliorer la vie des citoyens grâce à l'utilisation des fonds de l'Union. J'espère qu'ils seront une
source d'inspiration pour beaucoup d'autres sur l'ensemble du continent. Regiostars nous a appris
que l'excellence et l'innovation sont partout en Europe. Il suffit de les chercher et de les mettre en
évidence comme elles le méritent. Nous continuerons à les chercher et à les soutenir. » Les prix sont
décernés dans cinq catégories, auxquelles s'ajoute le prix du public: « Une Europe intelligente -
accroître la compétitivité des entreprises locales dans un monde numérique »; « Une Europe verte -
des communautés écologiques et résilientes en milieu urbain et rural » ; « Une Europe équitable -
favoriser l'inclusion et la lutte contre les discriminations »; « Une Europe urbaine - promouvoir des
systèmes alimentaires écologiques, durables et circulaires dans des zones urbaines fonctionnelles »
et le thème de l'année, « Renforcer la mobilité verte dans les régions - Année européenne du rail

2021 ». Enfin, le prix du public est attribué à cinq projets. Les prix Regiostars sont octroyés dans le
cadre d'un concours annuel organisé par la Commission depuis 2008. Le concours est devenu un
label d'excellence de l'Europe pour des projets financés dans le cadre de la politique de cohésion qui
mettent en avant des approches innovantes et inclusives en matière de développement régional.
Tous les détails dans le communiqué de presse. (Pour plus d'informations: Vivian Loonela - Tél.: +32
229 66712; Veronica Favalli - Tél.: +32 229 87269)

State aid: Commission approves amendment to Irish scheme to compensate airport
operators in the context of the coronavirus outbreak
The European Commission has approved, under EU State aid rules, an amendment to an existing
Irish scheme to compensate airport operators for the losses caused by the coronavirus outbreak and
the travel restrictions put in place to limit the spread of the virus. The original scheme was approved
by the Commission in February 2021 (SA.59709). The aid consists of three measures: (i) a damage
compensation measure; (ii) an aid measure to support the airport operators in the form of limited
amounts of aid; and (iii) an aid measure to support the uncovered fixed costs of these companies.
Ireland notified the following modifications to the existing scheme: (i) a budget increase for damage
compensation by €87.5 million; and (ii) a modification of the eligibility criteria for granting limited
amounts of aid to include airport operators handling fewer than 3 million passengers per year and to
increase the budget of this measure by €3.5 million. The Commission assessed the amendment to
the first measure under Article 107(2)(b) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union
(TFEU), which enables the Commission to approve State aid measures granted by Member States to
compensate companies for the damage directly caused by exceptional occurrences, such as the
coronavirus outbreak. The Commission found that the scheme will compensate damages that are
directly linked to the coronavirus outbreak. It also found that the measure is proportionate, as the
envisaged compensation does not exceed what is necessary to make good the damage. With regard
to the amendments to the measure concerning limited amounts of aid, the Commission found that
they are in line with the conditions set out in the State aid Temporary Framework as amended on 18
November 2021. The Commission therefore concluded that the scheme, as amended, is in line with
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.100481 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 €23.33 million Danish scheme to support travel operators
in the context of the coronavirus outbreak
The European Commission has approved a €23.33 million (approximately DKK 173.55 million)
Danish scheme to support travel operators 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 measure will be open to travel operators registered in the Danish Travel Guarantee
Fund (‘Rejsegarantifonden'). The Fund is a private entity, fully financed by travel operators, which
aims at refunding travellers, should their travel packages be cancelled. The aim of the scheme is to
support these travel operators that now have to pay an additional fee to cover the liquidity shortages
of the Fund due to the coronavirus outbreak and the consequent bankruptcies of certain travel
operators. The Commission found that the Danish 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 2022. 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 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.100368 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 Sydney Airport by IFM and GIP
The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of joint

control of Sydney Airport Limited and Sydney Airport Trust 1 (‘Sydney Airport') by IFM Investors Pty
Ltd (‘IFM'), both of Australia, and Global Infrastructure Management, LLC (‘GIP') of the US. Sydney
Airport provides aeronautical services, retail, property and car rental services as well as parking and
ground transport. IFM Investors manages a global portfolio of infrastructure, listed equities, private
capital and debt investments. GIP is a leading independent infrastructure investor active in the
transport, energy, waste and water sectors. The Commission concluded that the proposed acquisition
would raise no competition concerns given that Sydney Airport has no actual or foreseen activities
within 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.10532. (For more information: Arianna Podesta – Tel.:
+32 229 87024; Maria Tsoni – Tel.: +32 229 90526)

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Executive Vice-President Dombrovskis, and Commissioners Schmit and Dalli participate in
the Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council, on 6 December
Executive Vice-President Valdis Dombrovskis, Commissioner for Jobs and Social Rights, Nicolas
Schmit, and Commissioner for Equality, Helena Dalli, will represent the Commission at the
Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council (EPSCO) taking place on 6
December, in Brussels. The Ministers will discuss a general approach on the Commission's proposals
for adequate minimum wages and for a Directive on binding pay transparency measures. The
Ministers will also hold a debate on sustainable work and on the autumn package in the context of
the European semester 2022. Other initiatives on the agenda include ALMA (Aim, Learn, Master,
Achieve), the High-Level Group on the future of social protection and the welfare state, and the
revision of the EU's social security coordination rules, amongst others. In addition, on the basis of
the Commission's Gender Equality Strategy 2020-2025 and the ongoing implementation of the
European Pillar of Social Rights, the Ministers will hold a debate on promoting equality between
women and men in society and the labour market, including the impact of Artificial Intelligence on
gender equality. They will also discuss the updated proposals for Directives on equal treatment and
gender balance on company boards. Lastly, as this will be the final EPSCO under the Slovenian
Presidency, the incoming French Presidency will present its work programme in the fields of
employment and social affairs. You can follow the meeting's public session here. Commissioners
Schmit and Dalli will represent the Commission at the press conferences that will follow morning
and afternoon sessions at 13:00 and 18:00, respectively. (For more information: Daniel Ferrie - Tel.:
+32 229 86500; Flora Matthaes — Tel.: +32 229 83951)

CALENDRIER - Activités hebdomadaires des commissaires

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.

Prochains événements de la Commission européenne
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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