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European Commission Spokesman's Briefing for 04-03-31

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>


CONTENTS / CONTENU

  • [01] La Commission boucle la modernisation du régime d'application des règles communautaires en matière d'ententes et d'abus de position dominante
  • [02] Commission approves €223.5 million Euratom Loan to finance safety measures at nuclear power plant in Cernavodã, Romania
  • [03] Western Balkans : launch of first European Partnerships, Annual Report
  • [04] Gibraltar planned corporate tax not in line with EU State aid rules
  • [05] Un régime italien d'aides aux entreprises acquérant des entreprises en liquidation déclaré contraire aux règles européennes en matière d'aides d'Etat
  • [06] Commission approves modified German environmental tax, including special rules for energy intensive users
  • [07] La Commission autorise des aides d'Etat mises en place à travers la "taxe d'abattage" en France
  • [08] Commission authorises aid to the coal industry in the Autonomous Community of Castile-Leon
  • [09] La Commission examine le nouveau régime d'aide en faveur de plusieurs entreprises charbonnières espagnoles
  • [10] Free movement of capital : Commission asks Germany to amend the Volkswagen law
  • [11] Free movement of services : Commission inquires into Danish restrictions on sports betting
  • [12] Marchés publics : la Commission demande à six Etats membres de remédier à des infractions aux réglementations communautaires
  • [13] Freedom to provide services : infringement proceedings against Germany and Austria
  • [14] Commission takes legal action against Germany on breach of EU environmental law
  • [15] Nuclear safeguards : Commission imposes binding measures to put an end to an infringement at the Sellafield site in the United Kingdom
  • [16] Austria faces legal action for lack of conformity of its legislation with Euratom provisions on Radiation Protection
  • [17] Radioactivité dans l'environnement : le Portugal confronté à un recours pour non-application des exigences d'Euratom
  • [18] Port State control and marine equipment : Commission decides to take Finland and Italy to the European Court of Justice
  • [19] Sécurité maritime : la Commission envoie des avis motivés à six Etats membres
  • [20] Short Sea Shipping : Commission sends reasoned opinions to three Member States
  • [21] Road safety : Commission sends reasoned opinions to eight Member States
  • [22] Nuisances sonores autour des aéroports : la Commission somme huit Etats membres de mettre en oeuvre la législation communautaire
  • [II] Other news - Autres nouvelles

  • [23] Romano Prodi congratulates Eddie Fenech Adami
  • [24] Le nouveau Centre européen de prévention et de contrôle des maladies
  • [25] Influenza and how the EU should respond to a pandemic
  • [26] EU ratifies international treaty on plant genetic resources improving access to seeds and agricultural biodiversity
  • [27] Lutte contre le terrorisme : la Commission propose des mesures sur les échanges d'informations et sur le "casier judiciaire européen"
  • [28] March 2004 : economic sentiment sees small improvement
  • [29] March 2004 : the euro area Business Climate Indicator fell for the second month in a row
  • [30] Estimation rapide - mars 2004 : l'inflation de la zone euro estimée à 1,6%
  • [31] Fonds de placement : la Commission propose un plan en vue de rapprocher les règles nationales sur les dépositaires d'OPCVM
  • [32] European Parliament votes for safer paint to fight air pollution
  • [33] Services financiers : l'approbation par le Parlement européen de la proposition de directive sur la transparence est une bonne nouvelle pour les investisseurs
  • [34] Investment Services : European Parliament approval of proposed Directive brings integrated capital market nearer
  • [35] Arrêt de la Cour de Justice sur le pouvoir d'investigation de l'OLAF au Parlement européen
  • [36] Restrictions lifted on poultry imports from the USA and Canada ; only Texas and a part of British Columbia still restricted
  • [37] EU-Ukraine : Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA) extended to the enlarged EU (30 March 2004)
  • [38] Autre matériel diffusé Midday Express 31/03/2004 TXT: FR ENPDF:DOC:Midday Express 31/03/2004[I] Résultats de la Commission du 30 mars 2004 - Outcome of Commission meeting of 30 March 2004

  • [01] La Commission boucle la modernisation du régime d'application des règles communautaires en matière d'ententes et d'abus de position dominante

    La Commission européenne a adopté une série de documents qui achèvent la modernisation historique des règles et des procédures applicables dans l'Union européenne en matière d'ententes et d'abus de position dominante. Ces documents, qui portent sur des sujets tels que le traitement des plaintes, la publication de lettres d'orientation et le fonctionnement du réseau européen de la concurrence (REC) reliant l'ensemble des autorités européennes de la concurrence, entreront en vigueur le 1er mai, au même moment que le nouveau règlement relatif à la mise en œuvre des règles applicables en matière d'ententes et d'abus de position dominante.

    [02] Commission approves €223.5 million Euratom Loan to finance safety measures at nuclear power plant in Cernavodã, Romania

    On behalf of Euratom, the European Commission has approved a loan to the Romanian National Nuclear Power Company (SNN) for the completion and safety upgrade of unit 2 at the Cernavodã nuclear power plant. The project concerns the implementation of some safety measures during the completion of the unit so as to ensure an internationally acceptable safety level. The third-generation nuclear power unit is of Canadian design (CANDU6) and is located on the north shore of the River Danube/Black Sea Canal close to the Bulgarian border.

    [03] Western Balkans : launch of first European Partnerships, Annual Report

    The European Commission has approved the first ever European Partnerships for the Western Balkans which are inspired by the Accession Partnerships that have helped prepare countries for eventual EU membership in the past. The Partnerships are based on the third Annual Reports on these countries, also published. Since the Commission will publish shortly its Opinion on Croatia's application for EU membership, no individual country paper is published for Croatia for the moment. In the 2004 annual report on the Stabilisation and Association Process (SAp), the Commission reviews progress across the region : reforms are underway in many sectors, and there has been significant development of regional co operation. However, many challenges remain to complete the transition to functioning democracies and market economies. Further efforts are needed to forge reconciliation in the region, and recent events in Kosovo show that stabilisation in certain parts of the region remains fragile.

    [04] Gibraltar planned corporate tax not in line with EU State aid rules

    The European Commission has decided that the planned reform of Gibraltar's company taxation laws is not in line with EU rules on State aid. Therefore, it shall not be implemented. The reform aimed at abolishing the current 35% corporate tax rate and replacing it with a payroll tax and a business property occupation tax - both capped at 15% of profit. Thereby, companies registered in Gibraltar would benefit from a much lower tax rate than the corporate tax rate applicable in the United Kingdom. This will give companies registered in Gibraltar an unfair advantage. In addition, since the tax is based on payroll and occupation of business premises, offshore companies which have no physical presence in Gibraltar will not incur any tax liability at all.

    [05] Un régime italien d'aides aux entreprises acquérant des entreprises en liquidation déclaré contraire aux règles européennes en matière d'aides d'Etat

    La Commission européenne a adopté une décision selon laquelle le régime italien accordant des subventions et certaines réductions de cotisations de sécurité sociale ne peut se justifier au regard des règles relatives aux aides d'Etat. Le régime italien octroyait ces avantages aux entreprises acquérant une grande entreprise en difficulté. L'Italie est à présent tenue de récupérer auprès de leurs bénéficiaires toutes les aides illégalement accordées.

    [06] Commission approves modified German environmental tax, including special rules for energy intensive users

    The European Commission has approved the modified version of the German environmental tax scheme, including the rules applicable to the most energy intensive users (so-called "Spitzenausgleich"). The approval applies retroactively for the period 1 January 2003 to 31 December 2006.

    [07] La Commission autorise des aides d'Etat mises en place à travers la "taxe d'abattage" en France

    La Commission européenne a décidé de ne pas soulever d'objection à l'égard des mesures en faveur des éleveurs et des entreprises d'abattage, financées par la nouvelle "taxe d'abattage" française ainsi que des contributions directes du budget.

    [08] Commission authorises aid to the coal industry in the Autonomous Community of Castile-Leon

    The European Commission has decided not to raise any objections to the subsidies amounting to almost €2 million annually up to 2007 which the Autonomous Community of Castile-Leon is proposing to grant to private coal- mining companies to improve working safety in mines and to protect the environment. Neither does the Commission raise objections to subsidies for the years 2001 and 2002 which have been granted by the same Community without prior authorisation of the Commission. The aid is compatible with the proper functioning of the internal market.

    [09] La Commission examine le nouveau régime d'aide en faveur de plusieurs entreprises charbonnières espagnoles

    La Commission européenne a décidé d'ouvrir une procédure formelle d'examen concernant la proposition espagnole d'accorder des aides à plusieurs reprises charbonnières pour la période 2003-2005. La Commission doit examiner si le plan de restructuration qui lui a été notifié par les autorités espagnoles est conforme à la législation européenne sur les aides d'Etat à l'industrie houillère. L'Espagne est donc invitée à présenter ses observations et à fournir toutes les informations dont la Commission a besoin pour évaluer le régime d'aide.

    [10] Free movement of capital : Commission asks Germany to amend the Volkswagen law

    The European Commission has decided to send a formal request to Germany to amend certain provisions of a 1960 law privatising Volkswagen (VW-law). This state measure, based on a 1959 agreement between the Bund (federal government) and the Land of Lower Saxony, confers special rights on shareholders which have 20% of voting rights. Additionally, the law confers on the Bund and the Land a specific right of mandatory representation in the company's Supervisory Board, irrespective of the number of shares they hold. Traditionally, both the Bund and the Land held roughly 20% voting rights in VW, whereas nowadays the Land is its main shareholder, with roughly 20% voting rights and two mandatory members of the board. The Commission argues that these provisions of the VW law make it substantially less attractive for other EU investors to acquire the company's shares with a view to participating effectively in management decisions or controlling it. The infringement procedure was initiated by sending a letter of formal notice in March 2003 and the reply by the German authorities has not changed the Commission's view that certain provisions of that law act as a disincentive on investment from other Member States, in violation of EC Treaty rules on the free movement of capital (Article 56) and the right of establishment (Article 43). The Commission's request takes the form of a reasoned opinion, the second stage of infringement procedures under Article 226 of the EC Treaty. Should the German authorities not take satisfactory steps to remedy the infringement of Community law within two months of receiving the reasoned opinion, the Commission may decide to refer the case to the European Court of Justice.

    [11] Free movement of services : Commission inquires into Danish restrictions on sports betting

    The European Commission has decided to send Denmark an official request for information on its legislation, adopted on 26 March 2003, which prohibits the supply or advertisement of, and the facilitation of participation in, gambling services offered by providers licensed in other Member States. Danish law restricts in particular the provision of sports betting services. The Commission intends to verify the compatibility of the ban in question with the provisions of the EC Treaty on the free movement of services and on the freedom of establishment. The Commission's request will take the form of a letter of formal notice, the first step of an infringement procedure under Article 226 of the EC Treaty. Denmark will be asked to respond within two months. If the Commission were not satisfied with the response, it could send a formal request (known as a reasoned opinion) for the system to be changed and if Denmark did not comply, the Commission could take the case to the European Court of Justice.

    [12] Marchés publics : la Commission demande à six Etats membres de remédier à des infractions aux réglementations communautaires

    La Commission européenne a décidé de demander formellement à six Etats membres de rectifier un total de neuf infractions au droit communautaire des marchés publics. Elle invite l'Italie à assurer une concurrence équitable, ouverte aux soumissionnaires des autres Etats membres, lors de l'attribution de contrats visant à la construction de lignes de chemin de fer à grande vitesse. La Grèce est priée de se conformer aux directives "Marchés publics" en ce qui concerne l'attribution de contrats relatifs à l'impression et à la publication de manuels scolaires, alors que le Portugal est appelé à mettre correctement en œuvre le droit communautaire sur les marchés publics de l'eau, de l'énergie, des transports et des télécommunications. La Commission a en outre décidé de demander à l'Irlande et au Royaume-Uni de prévoir des procédures permettant aux soumissionnaires de contester les décisions prises par les autorités adjudicatrices avant qu'il ne soit trop tard pour modifier ces décisions, conformément à la directive "Procédures de recours en matière de passation de marchés publics". En Basse Saxe, la municipalité de Hinte a conclu un contrat de traitement d'eaux usées sans passer par un appel d'offres et l'Allemagne est invitée à remédier à cette situation. Ces demandes officielles se présentent sous la forme d'avis motivés, qui constituent la deuxième étape dans une procédure d'infraction engagée au titre de l'article 226 du traité CE. En l'absence de réponse satisfaisante, la Commission peut renvoyer les Etats membres en question devant la Cour européenne de justice. Dans deux autres cas concernant l'Allemagne, la Commission s'appuie sur l'article 228 du traité pour demander aux autorités nationales d'appliquer des décisions déjà prises par la Cour à propos de l'attribution illégale de contrats portant sur la collecte des eaux usées à Bockhorn et sur le traitement des déchets à Braunschweig (villes situées toutes deux en Basse Saxe également). Si l'Allemagne ne se met pas en conformité, la Commission pourra demander à la Cour de lui imposer une astreinte journalière.

    [13] Freedom to provide services : infringement proceedings against Germany and Austria

    The European Commission has decided to take Germany and Austria to the Court of Justice because of the obligation they impose, in infringement of EC Treaty rules on the freedom to provide services (Article 49), on private inspection bodies in the field of organic farming, including those established in other Member States, to be established in their territory. The Commission has also decided to send Austria formal notice, in the form of a reasoned opinion, requesting it to amend its legislation on regular inspections of pressure vessels (e.g. boilers), which is contrary to the freedom to provide services as laid down by the Treaty. The reasoned opinion is the second stage of the infringement procedure laid down in Article 226 of the EC Treaty. If there is no satisfactory reply within two months, the Commission may refer the matter to the Court of Justice.

    [14] Commission takes legal action against Germany on breach of EU environmental law

    The European Commission has sent Germany a first written warning for failing, in connection with an extension to Frankfurt Airport, to implement correctly an EU law aimed at avoiding major industrial accidents. The Hessian Government wishes to proceed with a new northwest runway at Frankfurt Airport, despite the close proximity of this to the Ticona chemical plant and despite a negative opinion from the German Accident Commission ("Störfallkommission"). The Commission believes that the land- use planning rules of the EU's Seveso II Directive have not been respected. The Commisson will also send Germany final written warnings for failing to implement correctly EU laws on nature conservation and on environmental impact assessment in three other cases. One case concerns the natural site "Niederungen der Unteren Havel" in Brandenburg. A stretch of this land might be affected by the construction of a new road (B 102n), and Germany did not correctly define the exact borders of the site when planning the road. Another case concerns the failure of four German states - Brandenburg, Rheinland-Pfalz, Saarland and Sachsen-Anhalt - to adopt state laws on the environmental assessment of plans and projects that may significantly affect EU nature conservation sites. Laws for such assessments should have been put in place by June 1994. The final case relates to the failure to undertake an environmental impact assessment for a large wind farm project at "Brualer Moor" in Niedersachsen. Under EU environmental law, environmental impact assessments are an important safeguard for ensuring that development projects are well-designed and do not lead to unnecessary environmental harm.

    [15] Nuclear safeguards : Commission imposes binding measures to put an end to an infringement at the Sellafield site in the United Kingdom

    The UK authorities have received a request from the European Commission to put an end to a situation regarded as unacceptable at the Sellafield nuclear facility. Loyola de Palacio, the Vice-President responsible for Energy and Transport, said : "The Commission is responsible for checking that the Member States comply with the provisions agreed by the Member States in the framework of the Euratom Treaty; it is essential that these checks can be carried out". The Commission's analysis concludes that the UK operator, British Nuclear Fuel plc (BNFL) has failed to comply with the provisions of the Euratom Treaty and the rules concerning accounting for nuclear material and the access of Commission inspectors to nuclear material to check the nature and quantity of the nuclear material. The UK will have to submit an action plan by 1 June 2004 proposing the measures needed to put an end to this infringement.

    [16] Austria faces legal action for lack of conformity of its legislation with Euratom provisions on Radiation Protection

    The European Commission has decided to send two reasoned opinions to Austria because of the lack of conformity of its legislation with two key directives of the Euratom Treaty that ensure the protection of the health of workers and general public against ionising radiation.

    [17] Radioactivité dans l'environnement : le Portugal confronté à un recours pour non-application des exigences d'Euratom

    La Commission européenne a envoyé un avis motivé au Portugal pour non- respect d'un certain nombre d'obligations Euratom concernant le contrôle du niveau de la radioactivité en rapport avec les activités de l'Instituto Tecnológico e Nuclear sur le campus de Sacavém, à Lisbonne.

    [18] Port State control and marine equipment : Commission decides to take Finland and Italy to the European Court of Justice

    The European Commission has decided to lodge a complaint to the Court of Justice against Finland for failure to respect EU legislation on Port State control of shipping. The aim of the infringed legislation is to reduce substandard shipping in the waters under the jurisdiction of Member States by increasing compliance with international and Community legislation. The Commission also decided to take Italy to the Court of Justice for failure to transpose into national law EU legislation on marine equipment aimed at ensuring the uniform application of the international instruments relating to equipment placed on board seagoing ships.

    [19] Sécurité maritime : la Commission envoie des avis motivés à six Etats membres

    La Commission européenne a envoyé des avis motivés - dernier stade de la procédure avant la saisine de la Cour de justice - à la Belgique, à la France, à l'Italie, aux Pays-Bas, à l'Autriche et à la Finlande, pour non- respect de la législation de l'UE sur le chargement et le déchargement sûrs des vraquiers. La législation en question a pour objet de renforcer la sécurité des vraquiers faisant escale aux terminaux des Etats membres en réduisant les risques de contraintes excessives et d'avarie matérielle de structure du navire au cours du chargement ou du déchargement.

    [20] Short Sea Shipping : Commission sends reasoned opinions to three Member States

    The European Commission has sent reasoned opinions - the last step before a formal complaint to the Court of Justice - to Italy, Portugal and Belgium for failure to respect EU legislation on formalities for ships arriving in and/or departing from EU ports. "It is unfortunate that this Directive that facilitates Short Sea Shipping and has such a wide backing of both the Member States and industry has not been fully implemented yet", said Vice- President Ms Loyola de Palacio.

    [21] Road safety : Commission sends reasoned opinions to eight Member States

    The European Commission has sent reasoned opinions to Belgium, Greece, Spain, Ireland, Italy, Luxemburg, Austria and Portugal for failure to respect EU Directive (2000/56/EC of 14 September 2000) on the setting of new minimum standards for theory and practical driving tests. This Directive adapts the minimum standards to scientific and technological progress in the field. It aims at further harmonising driving tests and bringing the testing requirements into line with the demands of road safety by increasing the minimum examination level. Member States had to adopt the necessary legislation before 30 September 2003. They now have two months to reply to the reasoned opinions - the last step for the Commission before referring the infringement to the Court of Justice.

    [22] Nuisances sonores autour des aéroports : la Commission somme huit Etats membres de mettre en oeuvre la législation communautaire

    La Commission européenne a décidé d'envoyer un avis motivé à l'Allemagne, la Grèce, l'Italie, le Luxembourg, les Pays-Bas, l'Autriche, la Finlande et la Suède pour non-communication des mesures nationales de transposition de la Directive (2002/30/CE du Parlement européen et du Conseil du 26 mars 2002) relative à l'établissement de règles et procédures concernant l'introduction de restrictions d'exploitation liées au bruit dans les aéroports de l'UE. Une lettre de mise en demeure leur avait déjà été envoyée le 25 novembre 2003. Bien que la plupart des Etats membres concernés aient transmis des observations indiquant que les autorités compétentes préparent actuellement les mesures nécessaires pour se conformer à la directive, la Commission n'a pas encore reçu la preuve que ces mesures ont été adoptées. La mise en place de cette Directive est particulièrement importante pour garantir le développement durable des activités de transport aérien dans le respect de l'environnement sonore des riverains.

    [II] Other news - Autres nouvelles

    [23] Romano Prodi congratulates Eddie Fenech Adami

    On 30 March, the President of the European Commission, Romano Prodi, sent the following message to the President of the Republic of Malta, Eddie Fenech Adami : "I have learned of your election as President of the Republic of Malta and I am sending you my warmest congratulations. Although I will miss your active contribution to our discussions in the European Council, I understand that after so many years at the centre of political life in Malta, you were looking for an orderly succession and you wanted to start a new phase in your life in the service of your people. I am sure that the Maltese people will always remember your commitment to the modernisation of the Maltese economy and society and its integration into the European Union and the way you have successfully conducted the accession negotiations. I wish you all the best in the prestigious and weighty duties that await you. I take this opportunity to ask you to convey my gratitude to Professor Guido de Marco for his contribution to the first phase of Malta's application to the EU and for the admirable way he performed his duties as President of the Republic."

    [24] Le nouveau Centre européen de prévention et de contrôle des maladies

    Le Conseil des ministres a approuvé la proposition de la Commission européenne de créer un nouveau centre européen de prévention et de contrôle des maladies (CEPCM). Ceci conclut le processus engagé en juillet 2003 par la Commission qui présentait alors le projet de règlement instituant le CEPCM (voir IP/03/1091). Le Parlement et le Conseil ont reconnu l'importance de la nouvelle agence et ont entamé une procédure législative rapide. Les deux institutions ont travaillé avec la Commission pour que le texte créant le CEPCM puisse être adopté dès la première lecture au Parlement européen. Dans le courant de l'année débuteront les travaux en vue de la constitution du conseil d'administration de l'agence. Le CEPCM devrait être opérationnel en 2005. Lors du sommet européen de décembre 2003, il a été décidé de baser le CEPCM en Suède et le gouvernement suédois a choisi la ville de Stockholm.

    [25] Influenza and how the EU should respond to a pandemic

    The European Commission has adopted a paper outlining how the EU and its Member States could work together to counter an influenza pandemic. Seasonal outbreaks of influenza occur every year in Europe. During the 20th century influenza pandemics global outbreaks causing widespread illness and a high number of deaths occurred about once every 25 years. Public health experts have warned that a new pandemic may be imminent and could present a major health threat. This concern was raised by the EU and the World Health Organisation (WHO) in the context of the current avian influenza outbreak in Asia (see IP/04/206) as some animal influenza viruses can, occasionally, mutate into highly infectious human strains. The Commission's document explains the stages, based on WHO definitions, of an influenza pandemic and sets out objectives for action. Moreover, it outlines the role of the Commission and EU Member States in pandemic preparedness planning and defines key actions in the main areas and at each of these stages. The paper also proposes areas where enhanced EU cooperation would clearly add value, including the creation of an EU network of reference laboratories for human influenza (an EU network for avian influenza already exists) and a mechanism to establish outbreak assistance teams (OATs). The importance of the EU's existing early warning and response system for infectious diseases is emphasised, as is the initiative of the European Medicines Evaluation Agency (EMEA) to create a fast track approval mechanism for vaccines. The Commission's document is intended to stimulate debate and to provide guidelines to Member States as they update their national preparedness plans.

    [26] EU ratifies international treaty on plant genetic resources improving access to seeds and agricultural biodiversity

    Today the European Community and nine of its Member States deposited at the FAO their instruments of ratification of the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture, making it possible for the Treaty to enter into force in 90 days. The Treaty facilitates access (for research and breeding) to seeds of the most important agricultural plant species. The sharing of commercial profits for the benefit of conservation and the sustainable use of genetic resources will be an important step forward in North-South relations.

    [27] Lutte contre le terrorisme : la Commission propose des mesures sur les échanges d'informations et sur le "casier judiciaire européen"

    Après les attentats de Madrid et suite aux conclusions du Conseil européen des 25 et 26 mars, la Commission européenne a adopté une Communication sur la lutte contre le terrorisme qui propose des nouvelles mesures pour améliorer les échanges d'informations dans l'UE permettant aux services de lutte anti-terroristes de mieux remplir leurs missions. L'initiative de la Commission ouvre aussi la voie à un futur "casier judiciaire européen". Les échanges d'informations concerneront toutes les infractions, condamnations et déchéances liées au terrorisme, y compris toute forme de financement des activités terroristes. La Commission propose que les Etats membres soient équipés de systèmes d'enregistrement des comptes bancaires, ce qui facilitera la recherche des preuves, notamment dans les cas de financement du terrorisme.

    [28] March 2004 : economic sentiment sees small improvement

    After having remained steady in February, the economic sentiment indicator (ESI) improved slightly in March for both the EU and the euro area. The indicator increased for both areas by 0.1 points to a level of 96.8 in the EU and to 96.0 in the euro area. The increase of the ESI is due to improvements in confidence in the construction sector and in retail trade. Confidence in the industry sector and consumer confidence remained steady. Confidence in the services sector (which is not a component of the ESI) deteriorated slightly.

    [29] March 2004 : the euro area Business Climate Indicator fell for the second month in a row

    After the general improvement during the second half of 2003, the Business Climate Indicator for the euro area fell in March for the second consecutive time, reaching again a value of -0.1. This decrease was driven by a worsening of production trends in the recent past, and, to a lesser extent, by a deterioration in opinions about production expectations. Total and export order books and stocks of finished products remained unchanged.

    [30] Estimation rapide - mars 2004 : l'inflation de la zone euro estimée à 1,6%

    Selon une estimation rapide publiée aujourd'hui par Eurostat, le taux d'inflation annuel de la zone euro s'établirait à 1,6% en mars 2004. En février 2004, le taux était de 1,6%.

    [31] Fonds de placement : la Commission propose un plan en vue de rapprocher les règles nationales sur les dépositaires d'OPCVM

    La Commission européenne a élaboré une approche progressive visant à réduire les divergences entre les règles nationales sur les dépositaires chargés d'assurer la garde des actifs pour le compte des investisseurs dans des organismes de placement collectif en valeurs mobilières (OPCVM) tels que les unit trusts, les fonds communs de placement et les SICAV. La mise en œuvre de cette approche au cours des deux prochaines années, en coopération avec les régulateurs nationaux, facilitera l'activité transfrontalière de ces OPCVM. Les quatre principaux domaines d'action sont la prévention des conflits d'intérêts, la clarification de la responsabilité des dépositaires, la convergence des exigences prudentielles nationales et le renforcement de la transparence et de l'information de l'investisseur. Au terme de cette période de deux ans, la Commission proposera au besoin de nouvelles actions, éventuellement des mesures législatives. Les OPCVM sont établis dans tous les Etats membres et le total de leurs actifs s'élève à environ quatre mille milliards d'€.

    [32] European Parliament votes for safer paint to fight air pollution

    The European Commission welcomes the final adoption by the European Parliament of new EU legislation which will significantly reduce the quantity of dangerous solvents in paints, varnishes and car repair products. On 30 March, the European Parliament unanimously agreed to support the Commission and Council proposal for the new legislation, which will cut emissions of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) from these products. This is a significant step towards reducing air pollution in the Union.

    [33] Services financiers : l'approbation par le Parlement européen de la proposition de directive sur la transparence est une bonne nouvelle pour les investisseurs

    La Commission européenne s'est félicitée de l'approbation par le Parlement européen de sa proposition de directive introduisant des exigences de transparence pour les émetteurs de valeurs mobilières, qui ouvre la voie à une adoption rapide par le Conseil de ministres de l'UE. La proposition, qui est une composante clé du plan d'action sur les services financiers, vise à renforcer l'attrait du marché financier européen en améliorant l'information fournie aux investisseurs de façon à leur permettre de placer plus efficacement leurs fonds et de dynamiser l'économie dans son ensemble. Ses avancées majeures sont les suivantes : les investisseurs devront à l'avenir recevoir des rapports de gestion intérimaires des émetteurs d'actions qui ne publient pas de rapports trimestriels et des rapports financiers trimestriels des émetteurs de nouvelles obligations. En outre, tous les émetteurs de valeurs mobilières seront tenus de publier leurs rapports financiers annuels dans les quatre mois suivant la clôture de l'exercice. La directive proposée favorisera également une meilleure diffusion de l'information sur les émetteurs dans tous les Etats membres. Conformément à la directive, la Commission mettra en place au niveau de l'UE un mécanisme d'évaluation de l'équivalence entre les normes comptables internationales et les normes comptables des pays tiers.

    [34] Investment Services : European Parliament approval of proposed Directive brings integrated capital market nearer

    The European Commission has welcomed the European Parliament's approval of the proposed Directive on Financial Instruments Markets, also known as the Investment Services Directive. The proposed Directive will give investment firms an effective "single passport", which would allow them to operate throughout the EU on the basis of authorisation in their home Member State. It will, for example, require all Member States to allow investment firms to process client orders outside regulated exchanges, whereas this is not currently possible in some Member States. It will also make sure investors enjoy a high level of protection when employing investment firms, wherever they are located in the EU. The Directive seeks to establish, for the first time, a comprehensive regulatory framework governing the organised execution of investor transactions by exchanges, other trading systems and investment firms. It is a crucial part of the Financial Services Action Plan. Negotiations between the Parliament, the Council and the Commission in the run up to the Parliament's vote have prepared the ground for swift adoption by the EU's Council of Ministers, to which the text as approved by the Parliament will now return.

    [35] Arrêt de la Cour de Justice sur le pouvoir d'investigation de l'OLAF au Parlement européen

    Le 30 mars, la Cour de Justice européenne a confirmé un arrêt du Tribunal de première instance rejetant un requête d'un groupe de députés européens contre une décision du Parlement selon laquelle le Parlement et ses membres peuvent faire l'objet d'enquêtes de la part de l'Office européen de Lutte Anti-Fraude. L'OLAF peut mener des enquêtes administratives au sein du Parlement européen, comme dans toutes les institutions communautaires, en cas de suspicion de fraude, corruption ou d'autres activités illégales.

    [36] Restrictions lifted on poultry imports from the USA and Canada ; only Texas and a part of British Columbia still restricted

    On 30 March, the Standing Committee on the Food Chain and Animal Health approved European Commission proposals to limit the suspension of imports of live poultry, poultry meat and products and eggs from the USA and Canada to the areas where the outbreaks of avian influenza occurred and a large surrounding buffer zone. Import restrictions for the entire US and Canadian territory were imposed after the confirmation of high pathogenic avian influenza outbreaks in the two countries. However, the current disease situation and available information now allow a reduction of the protective measures to a confined area. For the USA, the import restrictions are now limited to the State of Texas and for Canada to a part of the province of British Columbia.

    [37] EU-Ukraine : Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA) extended to the enlarged EU (30 March 2004)

    The Protocol providing for the new Member States of the European Union to become Parties to the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement was officially initialled yesterday by Mr Michael Leigh, Deputy Director General DG External Relations, and Ambassador Roman Shpek, Representative of Ukraine to the European Union (EU). The initialling launches the procedure for formal signature by Ukraine and the EU of the Protocol, which will ensure provisional application of the PCA to all 25 EU Member States as of 1 May, pending ratification by both sides.

    [38] Autre matériel diffusé

    Discours de M. Prodi : " Des progrès dans la bonne voie" au Parlement européen (Strasbourg)

    Speech by Chris Patten at EP plenary debate on the Greater Middle East Region (30/03, Strasbourg)

    Speech by Chris Patten on Kosovo at EP plenary session (30/03, Strasbourg)

    Speech by Michaele Schreyer : "Jahrestreffen des Rechnungshöfe der mittel- und Osteuropäischen Länder" (Riga)


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


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