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European Commission Spokesman's Briefing for 00-11-15

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 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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