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European Commission Spokesman's Briefing for 97-06-23
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
23/06/97
CONTENTS / CONTENU
[01] Jacques Santer: "Europe in Denver with a single voice and strong
messages"
[02] Commission challenges US exceptions to authors exclusive rights
[03] Adoption finale de la nouvelle directive "Télévision sans frontières"
[04] Commission opens in-depth enquiry on Guinness / Grand Metropolitan
merger
[05] European Commission and South Africa pursue technical discussions on
future bilateral agreement
[06] Hans van den Broek stresses importance of rule of law in applicant
countries
[01] Jacques Santer: "Europe in Denver with a single voice and strong
messages"
The European Union (EU) participated in the Denver Summit with "a single
voice and strong messages", said European Commission President Jacques
Santer at the outset of the meeting. He highlighted EU's commitment to
"massive contributions to stability and prosperity in the whole of the
European continent" and its readiness to become "an important player with a
strong unified currency on world financial markets". Jacques Santer said
the EU had "reinforced its credentials as a major actor on the world
stage". Commenting on the conclusions of the Denver Summit, Jacques Santer
underlined the EU ambitious position on environment protection and said he
was "frankly disappointed that not all our partners were able here and now
to take quantified commitments on the reduction of green house gas
emissions". The EU is committed to a reduction by 2010 of 15% of its 1990
levels. On Africa, the EU has presented a strong case as world leader on
trade and development aid to the continent. It hopes that other partners'
increased interest will soon be translated into "concrete support".
[02] Commission challenges US exceptions to authors exclusive rights
As part of its Market Access Strategy and following a complaint filed by
the Irish Music Rights Organisation (IMRO) under the Trade Barriers
Regulation, the European Commission has initiated an examination procedure
into certain obstacles in the United States of America to the licensing of
music. The complaint challenges a particular provision of the US Copyright
Act which exempts restaurants, bars, shops etc. from the obligation to
obtain licenses for the broadcast of music works by radio or TV in their
premises. Subsequent losses for IMRO members and other European Union
authors are alleged to be substantial.
[03] Adoption finale de la nouvelle directive "Télévision sans frontières"
La Commission européenne se réjouit de l'adoption finale de la nouvelle
directive "télévision sans frontières". Marcelino Oreja, Commissaire
responsable de la politique audio-visuelle, s'en est félicité, en
remarquant que cette nouvelle directive est modernisée, clarifiée et
complétée et qu'elle fournit un cadre juridique sûr pour que les opérateurs
de télévision européens puissent développer leurs activités.
[04] Commission opens in-depth enquiry on Guinness / Grand Metropolitan
merger
The European Commission has decided to continue its investigations into the
proposed merger between Guinness and Grand Metropolitan (Grand Met). The
merger would result in the creation of the world's largest company in the
alcoholic drinks industry. The Commission has several concerns, including
the significant overlaps resulting from the proposed merger, and the large
portfolio of leading brands which will be brought together.
[05] European Commission and South Africa pursue technical discussions on
future bilateral agreement
Representatives of the European Commission and the government of South
Africa met on 19-20 June in Brussels for their 12th round of technical
discussions on the planned European Union/South Africa bilateral agreement.
This latest round of talks focused on the question of trade cooperation and
improved access to each others markets. Both sides underlined their firm
intention to negotiate a Free Trade Area which is fully compatible with
World Trade Organisation obligations, taking account of both sides'
sensitivities. A ministerial meeting will take place in Brussels on 18
July 1997.
[06] Hans van den Broek stresses importance of rule of law in applicant
countries
Less than a month before issuing the European Commission's opinions on the
applications of 10 central and eastern European countries to the European
Union (EU), Foreign Affairs Commissioner Hans van den Broek underlined that
democracy and the rule of law are an essential condition for membership.
At a conference in Noordwijk this morning he stated: "the EU cannot and
will not accept as a member any country which is not fully committed to the
principles of rule of law and democracy". Implementation of the Community
acquis requires independent judges and prosecutors in addition to changes
in the national legislation. This can only be achieved through education
and training and a gradual evolution of daily practice. The Commissioner
also welcomed the enforcement mechanism set up by the Treaty of Amsterdam
to safeguard the principles of liberty, democracy, respect for human rights
and fundamental freedoms and the rule of law. The EU's Phare assistance
programme has considerably increased funding for institution building and
the development of a civil society, in order to help prepare the applicants
for accession.
MIDDAY EXPRESS
From EUROPA, the European Commission Server at http://europa.eu.int/
© ECSC - EC - EAEC, Brussels-Luxembourg, 1995, 1996
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