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European Commission Spokesman's Briefing for 00-11-15
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 Service Presse et Communicationb
15/11/2000
CONTENTS / CONTENU
[I] Résultats de la Commission de ce jour - Outcome of today's Commission
meeting
[01] Commission adopts evaluation report on motor vehicle distribution and
servicing under Regulation 1475/95
[02] Accises : la Commission propose la prolongation ou l'abolition
d'exonérations fiscales pour des produits pétroliers
[03] Commission assesses the updated stability programme of Germany (2000-
2004)
[04] Commission assesses the updated stability programme of the Netherlands
(2000-2004)
[05] Commission assesses the updated stability programme of Finland (2000-
2004)
[06] Commission's third report on shipbuilding concludes that South Korea
is responsible for continuing market crisis
[07] Réforme : la Commission supprime l'avis préalable pour les marchés
inférieurs à 500.000 euros
[08] Commission approves proposal for a Council decision on the association
of Overseas Countries and Territories (OCTs) with the European Community
[09] La Commission décide que les aides à l'emploi octroyées par la
Belgique Cockerill Sambre S.A. sont illégales et ordonne leur récupération
[10] Commission investigates aid to porcelain manufacturer Kahla in
Thüringen
[11] La Commission décide que l'Italie ne peut pas octroyer la totalité
d'une aide à Solar Tech
[12] Green light for the prolongation of a Danish maritime training aid
scheme
[13] La Commission approuve le plan de modernisation, de rationalisation et
de restructuration de l'industrie houillère au Royaume-Uni
[14] Commission opens the State aid procedure concerning possible State aid
to Bahntrans
[15] Commission approves an aid scheme for the promotion of combined
transport in Bolzen - Alto Adige
[II] Other news - Autres nouvelles
[16] Le Président du Mozambique, Joaquim Chissano, rencontre le Président
Prodi et Poul Nielson le 16 novembre
[17] Court of Auditors' 1999 report supports reform efforts undertaken by
the Commission
[18] Commission clears acquisition of Bank Austria by HypoVereinsbank
[19] La Commission autorise la participation de Preussag dans Nouvelles
Frontières
[20] La Commission autorise l'acquisition d'Hurel-Dubois par Snecma
[21] Merger approved under the simplified procedure
[22] High level steering group sets out agenda for coordination of economic
assistance to FRY and SEE
[I] Résultats de la Commission de ce jour - Outcome of today's Commission
meeting
[01] Commission adopts evaluation report on motor vehicle distribution and
servicing under Regulation 1475/95
The European Commission has adopted an evaluation report on Regulation
1475/95 on motor vehicle distribution and servicing agreements which lays
down specific EU competition rules for this particular sector. The report
is a factual analysis of the current regime - a "block exemption" from the
normal rules which vehicle manufacturers can use as a binding framework for
their distribution systems - and as such does not contain any proposals for
the future. It analyses in particular whether or not the assumptions on
which the Regulation is based are still valid and whether the objectives
that it pursues have been met. Interested third parties who wish to comment
on the report should do so before 16 January 2001. A hearing will be
organised in February 2001.
[02] Accises : la Commission propose la prolongation ou l'abolition
d'exonérations fiscales pour des produits pétroliers
La Commission européenne a adopté une proposition de décision du Conseil
relative à la prolongation ou non des exonérations ou réductions de droits
d'accises applicables aux huiles minérales utilisées à des fins
spécifiques. Cette révision prévoit la suppression immédiate ou prochaine
de 25 dérogations, la prolongation pour deux ans sous réserve d'analyses
approfondies sous l'angle des aides d'Etat et sans aucune prolongation
supplémentaire ultérieure des dérogations relatives aux réductions
d'accises pour le diesel consommé par les véhicules utilitaires, une
prolongation limitée à deux ans pour 14 autres dérogations, ici encore sous
réserve d'analyses approfondies sous l'angle des aides d'Etat, et la
prolongation pour cinq ans de 61 dérogations. La proposition s'insère dans
le cadre de la Directive concernant l'harmonisation des structures des
droits d'accises sur les huiles minérales (92/81/CEE). Fondée sur le
principe d'un taux unique pour un couple "produit/utilisation", cette
Directive définit des taux minima d'accises sur les produits pétroliers
ainsi que des exemptions obligatoires et facultatives. Cependant, la
Directive prévoit aussi que les Etats membres peuvent demander des
exonérations ou des réductions supplémentaires pour des raisons de
politiques spécifiques. La Commission, en présentant ses propositions, doit
tenir compte des effets des dérogations sur le fonctionnement du marché
intérieur, d'éventuelles distorsions de concurrence et des politiques de
protection de l'environnement, des transports et de l'énergie.
[03] Commission assesses the updated stability programme of Germany (2000-
2004)
The European Commission has adopted a recommendation to the Council of
Ministers on the 2000 update of the stability programme of Germany (2000-
2004). The Commission concludes that the updated programme is in line with
the requirements of the Stability and Growth Pact and the Broad Economic
Policy Guidelines. The updated programme foresees economic growth of 2½%
per year over the period 2000-2004. A government surplus of 1½% of GDP is
projected in 2000 due to the UMTS receipts ; excluding these one-off
receipts there would have been a 1% deficit. In 2001, implementation of the
tax reform is likely to worsen temporarily the German budgetary position to
a deficit of 1½ % of GDP. As from 2002, however, the deficit is expected to
decline steadily and reach a balanced budgetary position by 2004. During
the same period, the debt ratio is expected to fall from 60% of GDP to
54½%. On the basis of the Commission's recommendation, the Ecofin Council
is expected to adopt a formal opinion on the updated German stability
programme on [27 November 2000].
[04] Commission assesses the updated stability programme of the Netherlands
(2000-2004)
The European Commission has adopted a recommendation to the Council of
Ministers on the 2000 update of the stability programme of the Netherlands
(2000-2004). The Commission concludes that the updated programme is in line
with the requirements of the Stability and Growth Pact and the Broad
Economic Policy Guidelines. The updated programme presents for the period
2002 to 2004 two macroeconomic scenarios. The Commission considers the
favourable scenario as more plausible. Due to the strong economic
performance the government balance turned into a surplus of 1% of GDP in
both years (excluding the UMTS proceeds in 2000). The year 2001 will be
marked by the implementation of a fiscal reform which includes a
significant reduction in taxes. Therefore, the general government surplus
will decrease to 0.7% of GDP in that year. The government debt ratio is
expected to be reduced from 56.6% in 2000 to 52.3% in 2001 and well below
50% by 2004. On the basis of the Commission's recommendation, the Ecofin
Council is expected to adopt a formal opinion on the update of the
stability programme of the Netherlands on [27 November 2000].
[05] Commission assesses the updated stability programme of Finland (2000-
2004)
The European Commission has adopted a recommendation to the Council of
Ministers on the 2000 update of the stability programme of Finland (2000-
2004). The Commission concludes that the updated programme is in line with
the requirements of the Stability and Growth Pact and the Broad Economic
Policy Guidelines. Finland's stability programme update projects an
expected general government surplus of 4.5% of GDP in 2000 and aims to
maintain surpluses of at least 4½% of GDP through the government's period
of office (to 2003) ; the projected surplus in 2004 is almost 5% of GDP.
Such surpluses would be clearly sufficient to provide a safety margin
against breaching the deficit threshold of 3% of GDP in normal cyclical
fluctuations. Continued fiscal consolidation embodied in the updated
programme is also justified in view of the impact on public finances of
population ageing, to which Finland is particularly exposed. The government
debt ratio is expected to continue fall to below 40% in 2001 and to some
32% in 2004. On the basis of the Commission's recommendation, the Ecofin
Council is expected to adopt a formal opinion on the updated Finnish
stability programme on [27 November 2000].
[06] Commission's third report on shipbuilding concludes that South Korea
is responsible for continuing market crisis
In its third report on the situation of the world shipbuilding market, the
European Commission finds that the world shipbuilding market continues to
face serious difficulties. Despite increased ordering activity ship prices
in general have not recovered. The Commission report concludes that the on-
going depression in prices is caused by low offer prices from South Korean
yards. In spite of the signing of "Agreed Minutes" in June 2000 to secure
binding commitments from South Korea in relation to non-intervention in the
financing of shipbuilding, bilateral talks with South Korea ended without
results. The European industry has filed a complaint under the Trade
Barriers Regulation to address the problem under WTO rules. The Member
States will discuss the findings and recommendations of the report on 5
December 2000 at the Industry Council in Brussels.
[07] Réforme : la Commission supprime l'avis préalable pour les marchés
inférieurs à 500.000 euros
La Commission européenne a décidé de relever de 46.000 euros à 500.000
euros le seuil de saisine de la CCAM (commission consultative des achats et
des marchés) (Action n° 89 du Livre blanc sur la Réforme). Le nombre de
dossiers traités par la CCAM devrait être réduit des deux tiers passant de
750 en 1999 à 250 environ. La réforme adoptée aujourd'hui s'inscrit dans le
cadre de la responsabilisation des ordonnateurs et de la rationalisation
des contrôles internes. Il s'agit d'une mesure temporaire car le Livre
blanc sur la Réforme (action 65) prévoit la suppression pure et simple de
l'avis préalable de la CCAM. Cette suppression ne sera définitive qu'après
l'adoption par le Conseil et le Parlement du projet de refonte du Règlement
financier que la Commission a proposée le 26 juillet dernier.
[08] Commission approves proposal for a Council decision on the association
of Overseas Countries and Territories (OCTs) with the European Community
The European Commission has adopted a proposal setting out its future
association with the Overseas Countries and Territories (OCTs) for the
period 1 March 2001 to 31 December 2007. The proposal effectively
translates into practice the Treaty clauses on the Communities cooperation
with those countries, including on free access of industrial and
agricultural goods of OCTs to the EU market. It represents one of the most
important reforms of the arrangements since the entry into force of the
Treaty of Rome, particularly regarding the allocation and use of funds, the
focus on trade related sectors, on the private sector and on access to EU
programmes. The proposal, which will now go to Council and Parliament, is
designed to replace the current OCT decision of 1991, extended in 1997 and
2000, which expires on 28 February 2001. Commenting the adoption of the
proposal, the Commissioner for Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Aid,
Mr Poul Nielson, stated : "This new proposal heralds a new departure for
the EU's relationship with the OCTs. With the emphasis on poverty reduction
and with reform of the trade aspects, this proposal is much better adapted
to the differing needs and development of the individual OCTs. This
proposal aims at giving them an updated, modernised relationship with
tailor-made cooperation in a whole host of areas. As they are almost part
of the EU, it is no less than they deserve."
[09] La Commission décide que les aides à l'emploi octroyées par la
Belgique Cockerill Sambre S.A. sont illégales et ordonne leur récupération
La Commission européenne a décidé que les aides d'un montant de 13.8
millions d'euros (BEF 553 millions) octroyées par la Belgique à
l'entreprise sidérurgique Cockerill Sambre S.A. sont incompatibles avec le
marché commun et doivent être récupérées. En effet, la Commission est
arrivée à la conclusion que par ces aides les pouvoirs publics prennent en
charge des coûts de fonctionnement de l'entreprise résultant d'une
réduction du temps de travail. Or, de telles aides sont incompatibles avec
le Code des aides à la sidérurgie.
[10] Commission investigates aid to porcelain manufacturer Kahla in
Thüringen
The European Commission has initiated the formal investigation procedure
against non-notified aid granted by the German Land of Thüringen to Kahla
Porzellan GmbH (Kahla I) and Kahla/Thüringen Porzellan GmbH (Kahla II). The
investigation concerns aid of euro 34.14 million which seems to constitute
unlawful State aid incompatible with the Common Market. The Commission has
also enjoined Germany to provide information on further euro 41.52 million,
which do not seem to be covered by approved aid schemes.
[11] La Commission décide que l'Italie ne peut pas octroyer la totalité
d'une aide à Solar Tech
La Commission européenne a décidé que l'Italie ne pourra octroyer qu'un
subside de 34 millions d'euros à Solar Tech srl (fabrication de panneaux
solaires), c'est-à-dire 9 millions de moins que les 43 millions d'euros
notifiés. La Commission a imposé cette réduction après avoir estimé que
Solar Tech ne pouvait pas bénéficier de la majoration d'aide qui est
autorisée en faveur des petites ou moyennes entreprises (PME). En effet, il
est apparu lors de l'enquête que Solar Tech fait en réalité partie du grand
groupe industriel Permasteelisa et ne souffre pas des handicaps typiques
des PME.
[12] Green light for the prolongation of a Danish maritime training aid
scheme
The European Commission has decided not to raise any objections to the
proposed modification and prolongation of a Danish maritime training aid
scheme for seafarers. The scheme is designed to improve maritime know-how
in Denmark and to develop maritime skills.
[13] La Commission approuve le plan de modernisation, de rationalisation et
de restructuration de l'industrie houillère au Royaume-Uni
La Commission européenne approuve le projet de modernisation de l'industrie
houillère britannique, ainsi que le régime d'aides envisagé par le Royaume-
Uni. La conformité des aides à la réglementation communautaire sera
appréciée régulièrement pour chaque siège d'extraction sur la base d'une
notification du Royaume-Uni.
[14] Commission opens the State aid procedure concerning possible State aid
to Bahntrans
The European Commission has decided to open the procedure provided for in
Art. 88(2) of the EC Treaty against Germany, concerning possible State aid
from the German Government for the freight forwarding and transport company
BahnTrans. Between 1994 and 1998, BahnTrans was jointly owned by Thyssen-
Haniel Logistics and the Deutsche Bahn AG. In 1998, it was sold to the
Belgian railway-company SNCB. The Commission has received information
according to which BahnTrans engaged in aggressive pricing and marketing
activities, made possible by direct or indirect State aid, channelled to
BahnTrans via its mother company DB AG.
[15] Commission approves an aid scheme for the promotion of combined
transport in Bolzen - Alto Adige
The European Commission has decided not to raise objections against an aid
scheme by the Italian Autonomous Province of Bolzen Alto Adige for the
promotion of combined transport, concluding that the aid scheme is
compatible with the EC-Treaty. The scheme will last until 31 December 2001
and is open to companies operating combined transport terminals ; euro 500,
000 are committed for the budget. Based on applicable precedents, the
Commission cleared the regional law, which foresees the possibility to give
investment aid amounting to 30% for transshipment equipment and
communication systems in combined transport terminals. Aid for up to 50% of
eligible costs concerning feasibility studies relating to combined
transport, staff training and terminal constructions was also deemed
compatible with the EC-Treaty.
[II] Other news - Autres nouvelles
[16] Le Président du Mozambique, Joaquim Chissano, rencontre le Président
Prodi et Poul Nielson le 16 novembre
M. Joaquim Chissano, Président de la République du Mozambique, rencontrera,
à Bruxelles, le jeudi 16 novembre, le Président de la Commission européenne,
M. Romano Prodi, et le commissaire chargé du développement et de l'aide
humanitaire, M. Poul Nielson. Les discussions porteront sur un large
éventail de questions, et notamment sur les conséquences des inondations
catastrophiques qui ont frappé la région il y a quelques mois. La
Commission, qui devrait dépenser 120 millions d'euros au Mozambique cette
année, félicitera le gouvernement et la population du pays d'avoir su gérer
cette crise. M. Prodi soulignera que la Commission continuera de manifester
sa solidarité avec le Mozambique pour aider celui-ci à surmonter les
conséquences des inondations. Au total, la Commission s'est engagée à
accorder une aide de 73,5 millions d'euros en faveur des opérations de
secours et des efforts de reconstruction, dont 9,4 millions au titre de
l'aide humanitaire pour pallier les conséquences des inondations. Les
autres sujets de discussion concerneront la situation politique et
économique du Mozambique, la coopération régionale et la coopération au
développement UE-Mozambique. Dans ce dernier domaine, deux initiatives
importantes seront annoncées : la première a trait à la lutte contre le
HIV/SIDA et la deuxième au soutien apporté à la société civile du
Mozambique.
[17] Court of Auditors' 1999 report supports reform efforts undertaken by
the Commission
Michaele Schreyer, European Commissioner in charge of the Budget,
summarised the findings of the Court of Auditors' 1999 report as follows :
"The European Commission is on the right path, thanks to its comprehensive
administrative reform efforts, but a lot remains to be done if it wishes to
meet the high expectations which rightly exist in the field of financial
management".
[18] Commission clears acquisition of Bank Austria by HypoVereinsbank
The European Commission has approved the proposed acquisition by German
bank HypoVereinsbank (HVB) of Bank Austria (BA), the leading Austrian
credit institution. Both undertakings are universal banks, with HVB having
its main activities in Germany, BA in Austria. The operation does not give
rise to serious competition concerns in the banking sector.
[19] La Commission autorise la participation de Preussag dans Nouvelles
Frontières
La Commission européenne a autorisé l'entreprise allemande Preussag AG à
prendre le contrôle en commun du voyagiste français Nouvelles Frontières.
Les marchés belge, espagnol et irlandais des vacances à l'étranger à
forfait sont les seuls sur lesquels les activités des parties se
chevauchent, mais l'opération n'augmente pas sensiblement la part de marché
dans aucun de ces pays. La Commission estime donc que cette opération ne
créera pas ou ne renforcera pas une position dominante.
[20] La Commission autorise l'acquisition d'Hurel-Dubois par Snecma
La Commission européenne a donné son feu vert à l'opération par laquelle
Snecma acquiert le contrôle unique de Hurel-Dubois dans le secteur des
systèmes nacelles et inverseurs de poussée pour avions commerciaux,
régionaux et d'affaires. L'enquête menée par la Commission a permis de
conclure que l'opération n'est pas de nature à créer ou renforcer une
position dominante sur les marchés considérés.
[21] Merger approved under the simplified procedure
Citigroup Inc. (USA) / Associates First Capital Corporation (USA)
[22] High level steering group sets out agenda for coordination of economic
assistance to FRY and SEE
The high level steering group (HLSG) in its third meeting in Paris at
Ministerial level since its creation last year reviewed developments in the
Region at a very crucial moment. Pedro Solbes, European Commissioner for
Economic and Monetary affairs and co-chair of the HLSG, pointed out that
"recent commitments for short term emergency aid to the Federal Republic of
Yugoslavia (FRY) must be accompanied by a concrete road map to delivering
medium term assistance and ensuring the transition to a market-oriented
economy." Sven Sandström, Managing Director of the World Bank and co-chair
of the World Bank added : "We are now moving ahead with the European Union
and other donors to design an economic reconstruction program for FRY in
support of substantial growth and improvement in the lives of people. This
is firmly embedded in the regional approach of the Stability Pact."
MIDDAY EXPRESS
From EUROPA, the European Commission Server at http://europa.eu.int/
© ECSC - EC - EAEC, Brussels-Luxembourg, 1995, 1996
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