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European Commission Spokesman's Briefing for 97-06-05

Midday Express: News from the EU Commission Spokesman's Briefings Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

From: EUROPA, the European Commission Server at <http://europa.eu.int>

MIDDAY EXPRESS

News from the Spokesman's midday briefing

Nouvelles du rendez-vous de midi du Porte-Paroleb

05/06/97


CONTENTS / CONTENU

  • [01] Dialogue social: réunion restreinte à haut niveau, La Haye, le 6 juin 1997
  • [02] World Environment Day
  • [03] Maladies rares: la Commission propose un programme d'action communautaire
  • [04] Standards for trucks used for animal transport approved
  • [05] Commission supports urban renewal in Helsinki
  • [06] Commission invites the International Group of P&I Clubs to increase competition between its members
  • [07] La Commission approuve l'acquisition du contrôle unique par Worms & Cie du Groupe Saint-Louis
  • [08] Emma Bonino: "Avec la directive sur les contrats à distance, le consommateur devient, en toute sécurité juridique, un acteur du marché intérieur"
  • [09] Paraphe d'un nouveau protocole à l'accord de pêche entre l'Union européenne et la Guinée-Bissau
  • [10] Sir Leon Brittan: a prosperous, close-knit Europe fulfills the Marshall vision
  • [11] Hans van den Broek on engargement negotiations: possible differentiation is not discrimination
  • [12] Franz Fischler: European Union dairy sector must remain a major exporter

  • [01] Dialogue social: réunion restreinte à haut niveau, La Haye, le 6 juin 1997

    Une réunion restreinte à haut niveau aura lieu demain à La Haye entre les partenaires sociaux au niveau européen (les Présidents et Secrétaires Généraux de l'UNICE, de la CES et du CEEP), le Président de la Commission européenne, Jacques Santer, le Commissaire européen chargé de l'Emploi, des Affaires sociales et des Relations industrielles, Padraig Flynn, et le Premier ministre néerlandais, Wim Kok. A cette occasion seront présentés les résultats de la négociation des partenaires sociaux sur le travail à temps partiel qui constitue une concrétisation majeure du processus du Pacte de confiance pour l'emploi. Les aspects sociaux des restructurations industrielles, notamment l'information et la consultation des travailleurs, seront également débattus. Enfin, la Commission livrera une information sur les conclusions du groupe d'experts sur les systèmes européens de participation des travailleurs présidé par Etienne Davignon. Une rencontre similaire avait eu lieu en décembre 1996 à Dublin avant le Conseil européen marquant la fin de la présidence irlandaise. A cette occasion, les partenaires sociaux avient présentés leurs accord sur le congé parental. Le Président Santer et le Commissaire Flynn voient dans ces succès la confirmation de la vitalité du dialogue social et de la nécessité d'une intégration du protocole social dans le Traité à l'occasion de la CIG.

    [02] World Environment Day

    Speaking at a public meeting today, World Environment Day, to launch the new European Green Forum, the President of the European Commission, Mr Jacques Santer, and the Commissioner for the Environment, Mrs Ritt Bjerregaard, committed the Commission to giving a new momentum to the integration of European economic, environmental and social objectives. Mr Santer called on European leaders, in revising the Treaty at the Intergovernmental Conference, to strengthen the environment chapter of the Treaty. "Sustainable development has to be one of the main objectives of the European Union. The Commission has therefore long called for the improvement of the wording in the Treaty as a clear political commitment". On the global level President Santer concluded: "Unless we act together quickly and focus on priorities, we face an uncertain future." Mrs Bjerregaard announced her intention to produce a new framework of concrete measures to ensure Europe would be able to protect its environment and to move to sustainable development, in the next century. She mentioned integration, employment, implementation and enlargement as the most important environmental priorities in the next few years. The chairman of the Green European Forum, Mr Thorvald Stoltenberg, welcomed the commitment of the European Commission in the field of environment and underlined the need for visibility, a wide public debate and the development of a clear vision of what a sustainable Europe can and should be.

    [03] Maladies rares: la Commission propose un programme d'action communautaire

    La Commission européenne a adopté une communication et une proposition de programme quinquennal sur les maladies rares. Le programme proposé dans le cadre de l'action dans le domaine de la santé publique aura une durée de cinq ans et se concentrera sur trois objectifs: fournir de meilleures informations sur les maladies rares, en particulier aux patients, aux professionnels de la santé et aux chercheurs; créer, favoriser et renforcer des organisations bénévoles apportant une assistance aux personnes touchées par ces affections; veiller au traitement efficace du problème des "clusters" (concentrations de cas dans le temps et dans l'espace), si caractéristiques des maladies rares. Ces dernières sont définies comme des maladies entraînant une menace pour la vie ou une invalidité chronique, dont la prévalence est si faible (inférieure ou égale à 5 pour 10.000 dans la population) que des efforts particuliers sont nécessaires pour y faire face efficacement. Une action au niveau de l'Union européenne (UE) présente un intérêt particulier, car la taille de la population de l'ensemble de l'UE permet d'additionner les rares cas de maladie dans chacun des États membres pour former un groupe beaucoup plus important partageant les mêmes caractéristiques, et ainsi d'élargir la gamme des interventions et d'engager des actions coordonnées pour des patients qui, à défaut, pourraient se trouver isolés.

    [04] Standards for trucks used for animal transport approved

    The European Commission has approved a proposal on additional standards for trucks used to transport animals on journeys exceeding 8 hours in duration. The general rule for animal transport as laid down in the directive of the Council of Ministers of 22 June 1995 is that journey times may not exceed 8 hours after which the animals must be unloaded and rested for 24 hours. That decision however foresaw that journey times could be extended when the transport vehicle met additional requirements. In summary the additional requirements cover such matters as bedding, ventilation, water and feed supply and access to animals. The Agriculture Commissioner, Franz Fischler, insisted on the need for Member States authorities to apply and control this legislation in order to ensure that animal welfare considerations are fully taken into account.

    [05] Commission supports urban renewal in Helsinki

    Helsinki and the neighbouring community of Vantaa are to receive about ECU 4 million from the European Union's (EU) Structural Funds for urban renewal. The money comes under the EU's URBAN initiative and is to go to two housing estates, Myllypuro-Kontula in east Helsinki and Koivukylä- Havukoski in Vantaa. Together these areas house 43,000 people, a large proportion of whom (well over 25% in some parts) are unemployed.

    [06] Commission invites the International Group of P&I Clubs to increase competition between its members

    On 2 June 1997, Mr Karel van Miert, Commissioner responsible for competition, addressed a statement of objections to the International Group of P&I Clubs, a world-wide association of marine insurers, indicating that the arrangements concluded within this association are in breach of EC competition rules. They unduly restrict competition between the P&I Clubs by obliging them to offer the same level of cover and by imposing limits to price competition between them. The European Commission could only grant an exemption from these rules if the International Group allowed more competition between its members.

    [07] La Commission approuve l'acquisition du contrôle unique par Worms & Cie du Groupe Saint-Louis

    La Commission européenne a approuvé, ce jour, le projet d'acquisition du contrôle unique du groupe Saint-Louis par Worms & Cie. Avant la présente opération le groupe Saint-Louis était sous le contrôle conjoint d'une part de Worms & Cie et d'autre part d'IFIL. Worms & Cie est un groupe français présent dans l'assurance (Athena), la banque (Demachy Worms & Cie) et le transport maritime (Cie Nationale de Navigation). Saint-Louis est, pour sa part, actif dans le papier et le sucre. Bien que ces différents groupes aient des activités variées, il ne résultera pas de l'opération de concentration d'augmentation de parts de marché. En effet, le groupe Worms & Cie n'est pas actif sur les marchés sur lesquels sont présentes les filiales du groupe Saint-Louis.

    [08] Emma Bonino: "Avec la directive sur les contrats à distance, le consommateur devient, en toute sécurité juridique, un acteur du marché intérieur"

    La Commission européenne vient de publier sa directive concernant la protection des consommateurs en matière de contrats à distance. La directive établit un même niveau de protection pour les consommateurs sur tout le territoire de l'Union. Certaines informations essentielles doivent être fournies avant la conclusion de tout contrat à distance et le consommateur doit en avoir une preuve sur un support solide. Il dispose en outre d'un délai de réflexion de 7 jours ouvrables. La directive comporte aussi des dispositions sur les délais de livraison (30 jours) ainsi que sur les remboursements. Concernant la protection contre certaines méthodes commerciales agressives, il est prévu soit un système de consentement préalable (l'envoi de fax) soit un système de liste d'opposition (démarchage téléphonique). Enfin il est établi que l'absence de réponse ne vaut pas consentement. La directive comporte aussi une série de dispositions destinées à faciliter le règlement des litiges.

    [09] Paraphe d'un nouveau protocole à l'accord de pêche entre l'Union européenne et la Guinée-Bissau

    L'Union européenne et la République de Guinée-Bissau ont paraphé hier à Bruxelles un nouveau protocole à l'accord de pêche d'une durée de 4 ans du 16 juin 1997 au 15 juin 2001. L'accord prévoit pour la pêche chalutière 12.600 TJB (Tonnes Jauge Brut) par an et pour la pêche thonière le déploiement d'un total de 89 navires. La contrepartie financière globale que versera l'UE s'élève à 9 millions d'Ecus par an.

    [10] Sir Leon Brittan: a prosperous, close-knit Europe fulfills the Marshall vision

    (!!! embargo 8 pm !!!) Sir Leon Brittan pays homage, during the Marshall Plan commemorative ceremony in Bonn this evening, to America's role in rebuilding Europe after the war through the Marshall Plan, and points out that it is natural for Europe to start assuming a major role in the reunification of the European continent itself - indeed, Europe itself has already committed US$ 138 billion in assistance to eastern European and the former Soviet Union. The same joint transatlantic commitment to Europe is as vital now as it was during the Cold War, in securing peace, stability and prosperity across the continent, reshaping ties with Russia and renewing our defence alliance. It is natural that the US should wish to play a leading role in European security questions, just as it is natural that a close-knit, prosperous Europe should now take the lead on many major questions in Europe itself. Europe has successfully built common policies and institutions, showing its willingness to stand on its own two feet. lt is overwhelmingly in the interest of the US. The creation of a soundly based single currency, giving the Euro area commercial and economic weight comparable to that of the US, will carry this process further. The development of a closely unified, open and prosperous Europe will be the achievement of very vision of Marshall himself. (!!! embargo 8 pm !!!)

    [11] Hans van den Broek on engargement negotiations: possible differentiation is not discrimination

    At a meeting in Montreux, Switzerland, today Foreign Affairs Commissioner Hans van den Broek stressed that "not too much emphasis should be put on the question of whether the enlargement negotiations will start with all the countries at the same time, or whether a differentiation will take place. Although no decisions have yet been taken, differentiation in timing would not mean discrimination and suggestions to that effect could become self-fulfilling in the hearts and minds of citizens in the applicant countries." The Commissioner warned against failure on European Union reform at the European Council in Amsterdam: "it would block enlargement, because widening Europe without improving its functioning is a recipe for stagnation and paralysis. The choice is between sharing sovereignty or losing influence." Mr van den Broek was critical of the collective leadership in Bosnia Herzegovina urging it "to take on more responsibility for creating the right conditions for rebuilding the country. The nationalist virus is still virulent. At the same time the international community should not hesitate to bring to justice those suspected of war crimes. The most notorious ones will not be handed over voluntarily, so let the international community put justice where its mouth is. This is a moral obligation towards the victims, but a must for a genuine peace as well.

    [12] Franz Fischler: European Union dairy sector must remain a major exporter

    Addressing today the General Assembly 1997 of the European Dairy Association, Agriculture and Rural Development Commissioner Franz Fischler recalled that "any reform for the dairy sector will be guided by the need to maintain milk production at a level acceptable for producers and processors taking into account the need to bring European Union (EU) prices closer to those prevailing on world markets." The Commissioner recalled that in 1995 the share in the value of EU agricultural output was more than 18% and its importance is even bigger if we consider the close links to the cattle sector, which contributes a further 12% of output value. The EU is also the largest milk producer in the world contributing about 20% of world output. Up to now the Union's dairy industry has dominated most of the world markets for dairy products. Facing the increasing internal and external restrictions the key question for the dairy industry is the problem of maintaining throughput and incomes. Whatever the Common Market Organisation for milk will look like in the future, the main issue is the maintenance of competitiveness in an increasingly contested world market. It is in the vital interest of the EU dairy sector to remain a major exporter even under a more liberalized framework of world trade. Moreover, the need to maintain milk production throughout the Union as a key form of land use and as a factor of occupation, and the practice of "clean" and "environmentally friendly" livestock farming are also objectives to be achieved.

    MIDDAY EXPRESS


    From EUROPA, the European Commission Server at http://europa.eu.int/
    © ECSC - EC - EAEC, Brussels-Luxembourg, 1995, 1996


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