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European Commission Spokesman's Briefing for 05-07-06

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

[I] Résultats de la Commission du 5 juillet 2005 -

  • [01] Commission presents the new EU strategic guidelines for cohesion, growth and jobs
  • [02] Taxation des voitures particulières : la Commission propose d'améliorer le fonctionnement du marché intérieur et de promouvoir la durabilité environnementale
  • [03] Commission adopts strategic guidelines for rural development (2007- 2013)
  • [04] Aides dans le secteur de l'équarrissage en France en 2003
  • [05] Aides en faveur des producteurs de bergamotes et d'huile essentielle de bergamote en Italie
  • [06] La Commission autorise des aides d'Etat octroyées par l'Italie en faveur de la modernisation du secteur de l'élevage
  • [07] Dutch aid to make inland waterways vessels more environmentally friendly
  • [08] La Commission autorise un régime belge d'aide au transport combiné
  • [09] Imports of cars to Austria, Poland and France : Commission tackles red tape and extra costs
  • [10] Commission endorses €45 million of public funding for an R&D project by BIAL in Portugal
  • [11] Commission concludes no aid involved in restructuring of Polish steel company Huta Czestochowa, but orders recovery of €4 million operating aid
  • [12] La Commission défend les droits des passagers aériens
  • [13] Aviation noise pollution : Commission sends reasoned opinion to Estonia, Latvia and Malta
  • [14] Air transport safety : Commission requires Cyprus to apply strictly EU legislation
  • [15] Public procurement : Commission acts on Greek legislation excluding certain companies from public contracts
  • [16] Commission sends reasoned opinions to nine Member States for failure to implement European legislation on biofuels
  • [17] Marchés de l'énergie : la Commission saisit la Cour de Justice à l'encontre de cinq Etats Membres
  • [II] Other news - Autres nouvelles

  • [18] La Commission autorise le rachat des activités de Pirelli dans les secteurs de l'énergie et des télécommunications par Goldman Sachs
  • [19] Financial services : Commission launches "Lamfalussy league table" on Member States' implementation of securities Directives
  • [20] Autre matériel diffusé Midday Express of 2005-07-06 Reference: MEX/05/0706 Date: 06/07/2005 EXME05 / 6.7

    MIDDAY EXPRESS

    News from the Press and Communication Directorate General's midday briefing

    Nouvelles du rendez-vous de midi de la Direction Général Presse etb

    Communication

    06/07/05


  • [I] Résultats de la Commission du 5 juillet 2005 -

    Outcome of Commission meeting of 5 July 2005

    [01] Commission presents the new EU strategic guidelines for cohesion, growth and jobs

    The European Commission has adopted a Communication on the EU strategic guidelines on economic, social and territorial cohesion. The new guidelines will establish priorities for the next generation of cohesion policy programmes, helping Member States to focus on key areas for growth and employment. The Commission will propose the guidelines for formal adoption by Council and European Parliament, once the legal regulations underpinning the new cohesion policy have been adopted. Meanwhile, a public consultation will help to shape the final version. Interested parties are invited to submit their observations before 30Â September 2005 through internet at:

    <a href="http://europa.eu.int/comm/regional_policy/sources/docoffic/2007/osc/index_en.htm">http://europa.eu.int/comm/regional_policy/sources/docoffic/2007/osc/index_en.htm

    [02] Taxation des voitures particulières : la Commission propose d'améliorer le fonctionnement du marché intérieur et de promouvoir la durabilité environnementale

    La Commission européenne a présenté une proposition de directive prévoyant la restructuration des systèmes de taxation des voitures particulières des Etats membres. La proposition vise à améliorer le fonctionnement du marché intérieur en supprimant les obstacles fiscaux actuels au transfert des voitures particulières d'un Etat membre vers un autre. Elle a aussi pour objet de promouvoir la durabilité environnementale en restructurant la base d'imposition des taxes d'immatriculation et des taxes annuelles de circulation, afin d'y inclure un élément directement lié aux émissions de dioxyde de carbone des voitures particulières. Les mesures proposées consistent uniquement à établir une structure uniforme à l'échelle de l'UE pour la taxation des voitures particulières. Il ne s'agit nullement d'harmoniser les niveaux de taxation ni d'obliger les Etats membres à introduire de nouvelles taxes.

    [03] Commission adopts strategic guidelines for rural development (2007- 2013)

    The European Commission has adopted EU strategic guidelines for rural development. Following political agreement by the Agriculture Council on the new Rural Development Regulation on 20 June, the guidelines set out a strategic approach and a range of options which Member States could use in their national rural development programmes. Since the reform of the Common Agricultural Policy, rural development is playing an increasingly important role in helping rural areas to meet the challenges of the 21st century. Rural areas make up 90% of the territory of the enlarged EU and the new regulation broadens the possibilities to use rural development funding to boost growth and create jobs in rural areas – in line with the Lisbon Strategy – and to improve sustainability, in line with the Göteborg sustainability goals.

    [04] Aides dans le secteur de l'équarrissage en France en 2003

    La Commission européenne a adopté une décision positive autorisant des aides d'Etat d'environ €325 millions octroyées dans le cadre du service public d'équarrissage pour le stockage et la destruction des farines animales, ainsi que des aides pour le transport et la destruction d'animaux trouvés morts et des déchets d'abattoir en 2003. Au même temps la Commission a décidé d'ouvrir la procédure formelle d'examen pour l'aide en faveur de certains commerces de viande, consistant en une exemption de la taxe d'équarrissage en 2003.

    [05] Aides en faveur des producteurs de bergamotes et d'huile essentielle de bergamote en Italie

    La Commission européenne a approuvé un régime d'aides, doté d'un budget de €6.200.000 en faveur des producteurs de bergamotes et d'huile de bergamote en Calabre, Italie. L'approbation est toutefois soumise au respect de certaines conditions (adaptations techniques à la réglementation en matière d'aides d'Etat), auxquelles les autorités italiennes devront s'adapter dans un délai de deux mois à compter de la date de la notification de la décision.

    [06] La Commission autorise des aides d'Etat octroyées par l'Italie en faveur de la modernisation du secteur de l'élevage

    La Commission européenne a approuvé des aides d'un montant total de €54, 30 millions octroyées par l'Italie à la fin des années 90 en vue de la rationalisation et de la restructuration du secteur de l'élevage bovin. La Commission a également conclu que certaines interventions de la FINAGRA, société holding majoritairement contrôlée par l'Etat italien, ne devaient pas être considérées comme aides d'Etat ou étaient des aides compatibles.

    [07] Dutch aid to make inland waterways vessels more environmentally friendly

    The European Commission has authorised a Dutch aid scheme on the basis of which subsidies can be granted for the replacement or retrofitting of diesel engines used by inland waterways vessels. The scheme will be in force for five years with a total budget of approximately €20 million.

    [08] La Commission autorise un régime belge d'aide au transport combiné

    Le régime d’aide belge approuvé par la Commission européenne sera en vigueur pendant trois ans avec un budget de €30 millions par an (dont 15 millions en 2005). L'objectif du régime est de maintenir sur le rail le trafic existant de 300.000 UTI (Unité de transport intermodal), en évitant leur transfert vers la route, et d'accroître ce trafic de 20% sur une période de trois ans.

    [09] Imports of cars to Austria, Poland and France : Commission tackles red tape and extra costs

    The European Commission has taken steps against Austria, Poland and France, because these Members States make the import of cars difficult. All three cases, which are at varying stages of the infringement procedure, constitute impediments to the free movement of goods. Austria requires unnecessary double checks of conformity prior to the importation of cars. Poland maintains obstacles to the registration of imported second hand cars while certain obstacles still exist in France concerning registration of imported vehicles.

    [10] Commission endorses €45 million of public funding for an R&D project by BIAL in Portugal

    The European Commission has authorised, under the EC Treaty's rules on State aid, a €45.2 million grant for a research and development project by Portela & Cª S.A. (better known as "BIAL") in Portugal. The company is active in the pharmaceutical sector and is established in Ave (in the Norte region), an area suffering from an abnormally low standard of living. The project is aimed at developing two new medicines for the central nervous system. As all the requirements of the EU framework for state aid for research and development are satisfied, the Commission considers that the positive effects of the aid outweigh possible negative effects on competition in the Single Market and that it is therefore compatible with the EC Treaty (Article 87).

    [11] Commission concludes no aid involved in restructuring of Polish steel company Huta Czestochowa, but orders recovery of €4 million operating aid

    The European Commission has decided that the restructuring of Huta Czestochowa, one of Poland's main steel producers, does not involve State aid, thereby clearing the way for the sale of the company. The sale is part of the restructuring and serves to pay the company's creditors. The Commission investigated because the restructuring required a significant debt write off, from inter alia public creditors. On the basis of a detailed assessment of all claims and waivers the Commission concluded that the write-off of public claims was compliant with normal market behaviour and therefore does not involve state aid. However, the Commission also decided that some €4 million of operating aid previously given to the company was illegal and must be recovered.

    [12] La Commission défend les droits des passagers aériens

    La Commission européenne vient de lancer des procédures d'infraction contre l'Autriche, la Belgique, l'Italie, le Luxembourg, Malte et la Suède qui n'ont pas rempli toutes leurs obligations en vertu du règlement entré en vigueur le 17 février 2005 et qui offre aux passagers aériens une protection renforcée en cas de refus d'embarquement, d'annulation de vol ou de retard important. Par cette opération, la Commission démontre sa détermination à garantir aux citoyens européens un traitement équitable dans tous les Etats membres et sa volonté de mieux promouvoir les bénéfices que l'UE leur apporte.

    [13] Aviation noise pollution : Commission sends reasoned opinion to Estonia, Latvia and Malta

    The European Commission has sent a reasoned opinion – the last step before a formal complaint to the European Court of Justice is lodged – to Estonia, Latvia and Malta for failure to transpose European legislation regarding the introduction of noise-related operating restrictions at European Union airports.

    [14] Air transport safety : Commission requires Cyprus to apply strictly EU legislation

    The European Commission has sent a reasoned opinion – the last step before a formal complaint to the Court of Justice is lodged – to Cyprus for failure to transpose European legislation regarding the investigation of civil aviation accidents and incidents. The objective of this piece of legislation is to improve air safety by facilitating the expeditious holding of investigations that are held for the prevention of future accidents and incidents. The Commission will not tolerate any failure by Member States to implement rules that protect European citizens' lives.

    [15] Public procurement : Commission acts on Greek legislation excluding certain companies from public contracts

    The European Commission has decided to ask Greece for its observations on the compatibility with EU law of Greek national law (3021/2002) preventing companies "interconnected" with Greek mass media businesses from obtaining public contracts. The Commission's request takes the form of a letter of formal notice, the first stage of the infringement procedure under Article 226 of the EC Treaty.

    [16] Commission sends reasoned opinions to nine Member States for failure to implement European legislation on biofuels

    The European Commission has sent reasoned opinions and letters of formal notice to Member States that have not fulfilled their responsibilities under the biofuels Directive. "This is particularly unfortunate since biofuels have an important role to play in European transport and energy policy as one of the few options available for replacing oil-based transport fuels", said Commissioner Piebalgs in charge of energy. "They tackle climate change by avoiding emissions of greenhouse gases ; they diversify Europe's sources of energy and reduce dependence on oil imports; and they offer new markets for European agriculture."

    [17] Marchés de l'énergie : la Commission saisit la Cour de Justice à l'encontre de cinq Etats Membres

    La Commission européenne a décidé de saisir la Cour de justice européenne à l'encontre de l'Estonie, de l'Irlande, de la Grèce, de l'Espagne et du Luxembourg et d'envoyer un avis motivé au Portugal, pour défaut de transposition dans leur droit national de l'une et/ou l'autre des deux directives européennes relatives au marché intérieur de l'électricité et du gaz. C'est la troisième étape de la procédure d'infraction après l'envoi par la Commission en octobre 2004 de lettres de mise en demeure à 18 Etats. La situation s'est considérablement améliorée notamment dans les pays de l'Europe du nord (Belgique, Allemagne et Suède) mais la situation de la péninsule ibérique reste préoccupante.

    [II] Other news - Autres nouvelles

    [18] La Commission autorise le rachat des activités de Pirelli dans les secteurs de l'énergie et des télécommunications par Goldman Sachs

    La Commission européenne a autorisé, en application du règlement CE sur les concentrations, le projet d'acquisition de deux divisions de la société italienne Pirelli par la banque d'investissement américaine Goldman Sachs. Ces deux divisions, dénommées "Pirelli Cavi e Sistemi Energia" et "Pirelli Cavi e Sistemi Telecom", produisent et commercialisent à l’échelon mondial des systèmes câblés dans les secteurs de l'énergie et des télécommunications. La Commission est parvenue à la conclusion que l'opération n'entraverait pas de manière significative la concurrence effective dans l'Espace économique européen ou une partie substantielle de celui-ci.

    [19] Financial services : Commission launches "Lamfalussy league table" on Member States' implementation of securities Directives

    The European Commission has published a "Lamfalussy league table" on Member States' success in meeting deadlines for writing into national law a series of securities Directives that were adopted as part of the Financial Services Action Plan (FSAP) launched in 1999. The league table shows that 20 Member States did not fully implement the prospectus Directive (2003/71/EC) before the deadline of 1 July 2005, which could disrupt the smooth introduction of the "single passport for issuers", intended to make securities available to investors either through a public offer procedure or by admitting their shares to trading (see IP/03/1018). Also, it shows that 16 Member States did not fully implement the market abuse Directive (2003/6/EC) and its implementing measures for which the deadline was 12 October 2004. It is available at:

    <a href="http://europa.eu.int/comm/internal_market/securities/transposition/index_en.htm">http://europa.eu.int/comm/internal_market/securities/transposition/index_en.htm

    [20] Autre matériel diffusé

    EU strategic guidelines for cohesion, growth and jobs

    Passenger car taxation : frequently asked questions

    Speech by Benita Ferrero-Waldner : "The EU and Iraq - a framework for Engagement" at the European Parliament (Strasbourg)

    Speech by Benita Ferrero-Waldner : "Belarus - Political Situation and the Independence of the Media" at the European Parliament (05/07, Strasbourg) From EUROPA, the European Commission Server at http://europa.eu.int/


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