European Commission - Daily News

European Commission - Daily News

Daily News 24 / 01/ 2020
Brussels, 24 January 2020
Trade: EU and 16 WTO members agree to work together on an interim appeal arbitration
arrangement
Today, in Davos, Switzerland, the EU and Ministers from 16 members of the World Trade
Organization (WTO) have agreed to develop a multi-party interim appeal arrangement that will allow
the participating WTO members to preserve a functioning and two-step dispute settlement system at
the WTO in disputes among them. This initiative was launched in mid-December 2019 by the EU and
a number of other WTO members following the effective paralysis of the WTO Appellate Body, due to
the blockage of any new appointments since 2017. Commissioner for Trade Phil Hogan said: “This
statement testifies to the high importance that the EU and the participating WTO members attach to
retaining a two-step dispute settlement process in WTO trade matters. The multiparty appeal
arbitration arrangement will guarantee that the participating WTO members continue to have access
to a binding, impartial and high-quality dispute settlement system among them. Let me underline
again that this remains a contingency measure needed because of the paralysis of the WTO Appellate
Body. We will continue our efforts to seek a lasting solution to the Appellate Body impasse, including
through necessary reforms and improvements.” More information is available online in the press
release and Joint Statement. (For more information: Daniel Rosario - Tel.: + 32 229 56185;
Clémence Robin - Tel.: +32 229 52509)

Humanitarian aid: EU steps up support in Nigeria for conflict victims
As millions of people continue to be affected by the conflict in Nigeria's Lake Chad region,
Commissioner for Crisis Management Janez Lenarčič has announced a first emergency aid package
of €26.5 million for 2020. Speaking in north-east Nigeria today, an area devastated by the violence
of armed groups, Commissioner Lenarčič said: “I saw first-hand today the suffering that conflict has
brought to people's lives and how crucial humanitarian aid is to people's survival. What matters most
is that humanitarian organisations can reach all the people in need, without restrictions, including in
areas under the influence of non-state armed groups. It is vital that all States and parties to armed
conflicts respect their obligation to allow and facilitate the rapid and unimpeded passage of
humanitarian relief. It is also key to implement in parallel a comprehensive strategy in the region,
exploring political tracks while addressing the root causes of conflict.” The EU's new aid package will
provide food aid, access to clean water and sanitation facilities, shelter, basic primary healthcare and
education for children caught up in this conflict. The EU is one of the leading donors of humanitarian
and development aid in Nigeria with more than €830 million provided since 2014. Commissioner
Lenarčič is also meeting several high-level government authorities in Nigeria. The full press release
is available online in EN, FR and DE. Photo and video coverage are available here.(For more
information: Balazs Ujvari - Tel.: +32 229 54578; Daniel Puglisi – Tel.: +32 229 69140)

Investment Plan helps to finance eco-friendly buses in Hungary
Commuters in Hungary will enjoy safer, faster and more eco-friendly buses on regional and city lines
across Hungary as a result of a €47 million loan the European Investment Bank (EIB) has signed
with Volán Buszpark Kft, the country's biggest bus company. This is the first part of a €140 million
loan to modernise nearly half of Volán's bus fleet, together with commercial banks' finance. The EIB
loan is guaranteed by the Investment Plan's European Fund for Strategic Investments (EFSI) as the
project addresses the objective of smart and sustainable urban mobility in the EU. With its new
buses, Volán will reduce CO2 emissions by up to 38% over the next four years.Commissioner for the
Economy, Paolo Gentiloni, said: ”This financing under the Investment Plan is a great example of
how the EU is helping Member States in their transition to low-emission mobility. Our support will
not only reduce CO2 emissions in Hungary's transport sector, but also make travelling safer and
more comfortable for commuters on new eco-friendly buses.” Volán plans to add 3,200 new buses

over the next four years and improve the energy efficiency, safety and quality of public transport in
Hungary, where two-thirds of settlements are reachable only by bus. The press release is available
here. As of December 2019, the Investment Plan had mobilised €458.8 billion of investment across
the EU, and supported more than one million start-ups and small and medium businesses. (For more
information: Marta Wieczorek – Tel.: +32 229 58197; Siobhán Millbright – Tel.: +32 229 57361)

State aid: Estonia to recover incompatible aid from agricultural company AS Tartu Agro
The European Commission has found that agricultural company AS Tartu Agro received incompatible
aid from Estonia through the rent of agricultural land at a rate below market price. Estonia must now
recover this illegal aid from AS Tartu Agro. AS Tartu Agro is an Estonian private company, which
produces milk, meat and cereals. In 2017, following a complaint by a competitor, the Commission
opened an in-depth investigation to establish whether a land lease contract between the Estonian
Ministry of Rural Affairs and AS Tartu Agro was in line with EU State aid rules. The Commission's
investigation revealed that the lease of land involved State aid, as the lease fee paid by AS Tartu
Agro was, and still is, below the market price. On this basis, the Commission found that the lease
contract gives an undue and selective advantage to AS Tartu Agro over its competitors. The
Commission therefore concluded that the contract amounts to incompatible aid under EU State aid
rules, and that AS Tartu Agro now has to return the illegal advantage received. The amount is
estimated to be around EUR 1.2 million. The full press release is available online in EN, FR, DE and
ET. (For more information: Arianna Podesta – Tel. +32 229 87024; Maria Tsoni – Tel.: +32 229
90526)

Mergers: Commission approves ZF's acquisition of Wabco
The European Commission has approved unconditionally, under the EU Merger Regulation, the
proposed acquisition of WABCO by ZF. The Commission concluded that the transaction would raise
no competition concerns in the European Economic Area. ZF and Wabco are both manufacturers of
various commercial vehicle components, in particular for medium and heavy commercial vehicles
(“MHCV”). The companies' product portfolios are largely complementary in the MHCV market. ZF's
focus is on steering, chassis and driveline products such as transmission systems, for both cars and
commercial vehicles, while Wabco's focus is on braking and active safety technologies for commercial
vehicles.The Commission's investigation found that the transaction is unlikely to hinder effective
competition in the markets for the following products: (i) transmission systems, (ii) clutches for air
compressors, (iii) control levelling valves for cabin air suspension systems, (iv) automated driver
assistance solutions (“ADAS”). Commission concluded that the transaction would raise no
competition concerns, as ZF will continue to face effective competition after the transaction on the
relevant markets, and cleared the case unconditionally. The full press release is available online in
EN, FR, DE. (For more information: Arianna Podesta – Tel. +32 229 87024; Maria Tsoni – Tel.: +32
229 90526)

Mergers: Commission approves acquisition of ERT by Astorg, Nordic Capital and Novo
The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of joint
control over eResearchTechnology (“ERT”) of the U.S. by Astorg Asset Management S.à.r.l (“Astorg”)
of Luxembourg, Nordic Capital IX Limited (“Nordic Capital”) of the Channel Islands, and Novo
Holdings A/S (“Novo”) of Denmark. ERT, currently solely controlled by Nordic Capital, is active in the
provision of software-enabled clinical research solutions. Astorg is a private equity group. Nordic
Capital is a group of private equity funds investing across a broad array of industries. Novo is
responsible for managing the assets of the Novo Nordisk Foundation through strategic investments.
The Commission concluded that the proposed acquisition would raise no competition concerns given
the companies' moderate combined market position 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.9633. (For more information: Arianna Podesta – Tel. +32 229 87024; Maria Tsoni – Tel.:
+32 229 90526)

Concentrations : la Commission autorise la création d'une entreprise commune par InfraVia
et Iliad
La Commission européenne a approuvé, en vertu du règlement européen sur les concentrations, la
création d'une entreprise commune par Iliad S.A. et InfraVia Capital Partners (« InfraVia »), toutes

deux établies en France. L'entreprise commune interviendra dans la fourniture en gros d'accès local
en position déterminée en France, des activités précédemment exercées par Iliad. Iliad est un
fournisseur de services de téléphonie fixe et mobile, d'accès à internet et de services d'hébergement.
InfraVia est un fonds d'investissement spécialisé dans le secteur des infrastructures. La Commission
a conclu que l'opération envisagée ne soulèverait pas de problème de concurrence dans la mesure où
l'opération ne donne lieu qu'à de faibles chevauchements verticaux entre les activités de l'entreprise
commune et d'InfraVia. En outre, étant donné que l'entreprise commune ne fera que reprendre des
activités précédemment exercées par Iliad, il n'y aura aucun changement en ce qui concerne le
chevauchement des activités de l'entreprise commune et d'Iliad. La transaction a été examinée dans
le cadre de la procédure simplifiée du contrôle des concentrations. De plus amples informations sont
disponibles sur le site internet concurrence de la Commission, dans le registre public des affaires
sous le numéro d'affaire M.9701. (Pour plus d'informations : Arianna Podesta – Tél. +32 229 87024;
Maria Tsoni – Tél.: +32 229 90526)

Mergers: Commission clears acquisition of joint control over Mahis JV by Central Group and
SIGNA Prime
The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of joint
control over Mariahilfer Straße 10-18 Beteiligung S. à r. l (“Mahis JV”) of Luxembourg by Harng
Central Department Store Ltd (“Central Group”) of Thailand and SIGNA Prime Selection AG (“SIGNA
Prime”) of Austria. Mahis JV indirectly holds the real estate property at Mariahilfer Straße 10-18, in
Vienna, which is currently occupied, mainly, by a furniture store. Central Group is active worldwide in
merchandising, real estate, retailing, hospitality and restaurants primarily in Southeast Asia. In the
EU, it is active in the retail sector in Italy, Germany and to lesser extent in Denmark. SIGNA Prime
belongs to the business unit SIGNA Real Estate, which owns real estate properties in city centre
locations primarily in Austria and Germany. The Commission concluded that the proposed acquisition
would raise no competition concerns, because of its limited impact on the market. 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.9612. (For
more information: Arianna Podesta – Tel. +32 229 87024; Maria Tsoni – Tel.: +32 229 90526)

Mergers: Commission clears acquisition of joint control over World of Volvo by Volvo Cars
Corporation and AB Volvo
The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of joint
control over World of Volvo by Volvo Cars Corporation (“VCC”) and AB Volvo, all three of Sweden.
World of Volvo is a newly created joint venture that will establish and operate of a brand experience
centre for the Volvo brand in central Gothenburg, in Sweden. VCC is active in the manufacturing of
premium cars. AB Volvo is active in the manufacturing of trucks, buses, construction equipment and
marine and industrial engines and solutions related thereto. The Commission concluded that the
proposed acquisition would raise no competition concerns given that World of Volvo has negligible
actual or foreseen activities within the territory of the European Economic Area and it would have a
moderate market position resulting from the 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.9417. (For more information: Arianna
Podesta – Tel. +32 229 87024; Maria Tsoni – Tel.: +32 229 90526)

ANNOUNCEMENTS

High Representative/Vice-President Borrell in Berlin
On Monday 27 and Tuesday 28 January, High Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell will be in
Berlin, Germany. He will meet with the German Foreign Affairs Minister, Heiko Maas, followed by a
joint press conference at 10:30 CET, which will be available live on EbS. Josep Borrell will then
proceed to meet with President of the Bundestag, Wolfgang Schäuble, followed by meetings with the
Parliament's Committees on European Affairs, Foreign Affairs and Defence. In the evening, he will
conclude the day by meeting the Minister of Defence, Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer. On Tuesday, 28
January, the High Representative/Vice-President will deliver an opening statement at the ‘Green
Central Asia' conference, organised by the Federal Foreign Office. (For more information: Peter Stano

– Tel.: +32 2295 45 53)

Vice-Presidents Jourová and Schinas in Poland to commemorate 75th anniversary of
liberation of the German Nazi camp Auschwitz
On Monday, Vice-President for Values and Transparency, Věra Jourová, and Vice-President for
Promoting our European Way of Life, Margaritis Schinas, will be in Poland to participate in
commemoration of 75th anniversary of liberation of the German Nazi camp Auschwitz. The Vice-
Presidents will represent the European Commission during the commemoration events, and both
Vice-Presidents will visit the camp, meet with Holocaust survivors and pay tribute to the victims. On
the sidelines of the events, Vice-President Jourová will participate in a meeting with stakeholders on
the topic of ‘Historical or political truth?'. Vice-President Schinas will hold a discussion with survivors
and representatives of Jewish organisations. The official commemorations can be followed on EbS at
+/- 15:30. (For more information: Christian Wigand - Tel.: +32 229 62253; Guillaume Mercier -
Tel.: +32 229 80564; Katarzyna Kolanko - Tel.:+32 229 63444)

Commissioner Ferreira in Poland to discuss the transition towards a climate-neutral
economy
On 27 and 28 January, Commissioner for Cohesion and Reforms, Elisa Ferreira, will be in Poland. On
Monday, the Commissioner will have a bilateral meeting with Polish Minister of Funds and Regional
Policy, Malgorzata Jarosínska-Jedynak, to discuss the preparation of the 2021-2027 programming
period, the ongoing negotiations on the next EU long-term budget, and the Just Transition Fund.
Commissioner Ferreira will then give keynote speeches at the kick-off conference on the Just
Transition Fund as well as in a session discussing the green economy. Both speeches will be made
available on her website. In the afternoon, the Commissioner will participate in a panel discussion on
coal regions in transition and the need for fairness in the green transition. In the margins of the
Conference, Commissioner Ferreira will meet with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Culture and
National Heritage, Mr Piotr Gliński. Finally, the Commissioner will also visit several projects during
her stay in Poland: on Monday, she will visit the city of Bytom, which has been suffering from the
consequences of coal mining activities, and on Tuesday a former coal mine which has been converted
into the Silesian Museum of Katowice. During the latter project visit, the Commissioner will hold a
bilateral meeting with Mr Jakub Chelstowski, Marshal of the Silesian region. (For more information:
Stefan De Keersmaecker – Tel.: +32 229 84680; Sara Soumillion – Tel.: +32 229 67094)

La Journée internationale de la douane 2020 a lieu dimanche
Le 26 janvier, l'UE célèbre la Journée internationale de la douane 2020. Les autorités douanières des
États membres de l'UE travaillent sans relâche pour protéger la sécurité et la sûreté de notre société,
en luttant contre le commerce illicite tout en soutenant une activité commerciale légitime. Les
autorités douanières jouent aussi un rôle important dans la réalisation d'une UE neutre sur le plan
climatique d'ici 2050, conformément à l'accord de Paris. Elles luttent contre le commerce illicite des
déchets dangereux, des substances qui appauvrissent la couche d'ozone et des espèces menacées et
elles empêchent la propagation des maladies végétales et animales, ainsi que des espèces exotiques
envahissantes. Elles garantissent également que tous les produits chimiques, matériaux, aliments et
autres produits mis sur le marché européen sont pleinement conformes aux réglementations et aux
normes européennes applicables. L'UE soutient également les pays en développement sur les
questions douanières, en particulier dans le contexte de sa stratégie d'aide au commerce, et de la
mise en œuvre de l'accord de l'Organisation mondiale du commerce sur la facilitation des échanges
et du programme de développement durable à l'horizon 2030 des Nations unies. Des vidéos, des
faits et des chiffres sur l'union douanière de l'UE sont disponibles sur le site de la Commission. Pour
plus d'informations sur la Journée internationale de la douane, rendez-vous sur le site de
l'Organisation mondiale des douanes. (Pour plus d'informations : Daniel Ferrie – Tél.: +32 229
86500)

CALENDRIER – activités hebdomadaires des Commissaires

Eurostat: communiqués de presse
Prochains événements de la Commission européenne (ex-Top News)
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