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European Commission Spokesman's Briefing for 06-01-25
From: EUROPA, the European Commission Server at <http://europa.eu.int>
CONTENTS / CONTENU
[I] Résultats de la Commission de ce jour - Outcome
of today's Commission meeting
[01] "Time to move up a gear" - Commission President Barroso presents
Annual Progress Report on Growth and Jobs
[02] Commission simplifies External Cooperation Programmes
[03] Commission approves aid to Centocor Inc. for the setting-up of a
biopharmaceutical production plant in Ireland
[04] La Commission poursuit l'Italie et la Belgique devant la Cour de
Justice pour non récupération d’aides illégales
[05] Commission does not authorise reimbursement mechanism for the German
toll system
[06] Commission approves Polish aid scheme for combined transport
[07] Commission approves Spanish aid for people with reduced mobility in
road transport
[08] Commission authorises Slovakia's investment plan for the coal industry
for the years 2005 to 2010
[09] La Commission autorise la prolongation des aides visant améliorer
la sécurité dans les mines des Asturies
[10] Commission approves State aid to Hungarian coal and gas companies
[II] Other news - Autres nouvelles
[11] Commission allocates €20 million in humanitarian aid to Afghanistan,
Iran and Pakistan
[12] Tackling the EU's drugs problems : Commission joins forces with civil
society and NGOs
[13] Concours Scolaire Semaine Verte 2006 : les écoliers européens font
appel leur créativité pour illustrer la biodiversité
[14] Commission clears acquisition of Reebok by adidas
[15] Commission clears acquisition of Multirent, SAG IFC and HBF by SCF and
SAG GEST
[16] Statement by Commissioner Olli Rehn on Turkey's Cyprus initiative
(24/01)
[17] La Commission félicite le nouveau Président de l'Union africaine
[18] Commission to take part in International Forum for new generation of
nuclear research
[19] Autre matériel diffusé
Midday Express of 2006-01-25
Reference: MEX/06/0125
Date: 25/01/2006
EXME06 / 25.1
MIDDAY EXPRESS
News from the Press and Communication Directorate General's midday briefing
Nouvelles du rendez-vous de midi de la Direction Générale Presse etb
Communication
25/01/06
[I] Résultats de la Commission de ce jour - Outcome
of today's Commission meeting
[01] "Time to move up a gear" - Commission President Barroso presents
Annual Progress Report on Growth and Jobs
(! embargo 14h00 !) The European Commission has published its new Annual
Progress Report on the Lisbon Strategy, the partnership between the EU and
Member States for growth and more and better jobs. The Annual Progress
Report is designed to reinforce momentum and force the pace of delivery.
There are three main elements in the Progress Report. First, the Report
provides an analysis of the 25 new National Reform Programmes submitted by
Member States in October 2005. Second, it identifies the strengths in
different national programmes with a view to promoting the exchange of good
ideas. Third, it highlights areas where there are shortcomings and proposes
concrete action at EU and national level to deal with them. Four priority
action areas are identified: investment in education, research and
innovation; freeing up SMEs; employment policies to get people into work;
and guaranteeing a secure and sustainable energy supply. For each of these
areas, the Commission's Spring Report makes clear proposals for European
leaders to commit to when they meet at the March Summit in Brussels and to
implement by 2007.
[02] Commission simplifies External Cooperation Programmes
The European Commission approved today seven new thematic programmes in the
framework of the reform of its External Actions. With the EU's country and
regional programmes, the new thematic programmes will form the backbone of
the Commission’s external cooperation activities from 2007 onwards. The
seven new thematic programmes regroup the 15 current thematic programmes.
The aim is to simplify the delivery of foreign assistance and achieve more
and better results with the resources available. Thematic programmes are
set up to achieve policy objectives that are not geographically limited and
where the goal cannot be fully achieved through country and regional
programmes. The decision is part of a larger reform of the Community's
external cooperation for the new financial period until 2013 under which
the Commission will deliver foreign assistance more effectively and more
efficiently, under a reduced number of budget lines. The financial
allocations for the new thematic programmes await final agreement.
[03] Commission approves aid to Centocor Inc. for the setting-up of a
biopharmaceutical production plant in Ireland
The European Commission has authorised, under the EC Treaty’s rules on
state aid (Article 87), a direct grant of €48.25 million that the Irish
Industrial Development Agency (IDA) plans to provide to Centocor Inc. for
the establishment of a biopharmaceutical production plant on a greenfield
site at Ringaskiddy, County Cork, Ireland. The Commission considered that
the aid would not give rise to undue distortion of competition within the
Single Market.
[04] La Commission poursuit l'Italie et la Belgique devant la Cour de
Justice pour non récupération d’aides illégales
La Commission européenne a décidé de saisir la Cour de Justice en
raison du non-respect par l'Italie et la Belgique de deux décisions
déclarant des aides incompatibles et ordonnant leur récupération. Pour
l'Italie, la décision du 20 octobre 2004 considérait que les aides
accordées par l'Italie en faveur d'entreprises réalisant des
investissements dans des communes affectées par des calamités naturelles
en 2002 étaient incompatibles et devaient être récupérées auprès des
bénéficiaires (voir IP/04/1253). Pour la Belgique, la décision du 24
avril 2002 déclarait l'aide accordée par les autorités wallonnes en
faveur de Beaulieu incompatible et ordonnait sa récupération auprès du
bénéficiaire (voir IP/02/608). Dans les deux cas, la Commission a
constaté qu'aucune aide n'avait été récupérée. Par conséquent, elle
a décidé de saisir la Cour afin d’obtenir l'exécution de ses
décisions.
[05] Commission does not authorise reimbursement mechanism for the German
toll system
The European Commission has decided that the proposed German aid measure
concerning a reimbursement mechanism for the toll of heavy goods vehicles
on German motorways is incompatible with the European common market.
[06] Commission approves Polish aid scheme for combined transport
The European Commission has authorised a Polish scheme which intends to
encourage the development of combined transport through the construction of
logistics centres and terminals. The notified scheme is expected to
generate a growth of 7% in intermodal freight transport. The scheme is
available to all EU companies which perform or plan to perform haulage
operations in Poland and which invest in intermodal transport.
[07] Commission approves Spanish aid for people with reduced mobility in
road transport
The European Commission has authorised the prolongation for the years 2006
to 2010 of a programme from the Community of Madrid which helps taxis and
occasional or regular interurban bus service undertakings to acquire new
vehicles with devices for people with reduced mobility and/or wheelchair
users. The annual budget is €250,000. The Commission has considered the
aid compatible with the competition rules.
[08] Commission authorises Slovakia's investment plan for the coal industry
for the years 2005 to 2010
The European Commission has decided not to raise any objections to the SKK
525 million (€13.9 million) aid which Slovakia is proposing to grant to
mining company Hornonitrianske Bane Prievidza a.s. (HBP) in the years 2005
to 2010 for initial investments. The aid is compatible with the proper
functioning of the common market.
[09] La Commission autorise la prolongation des aides visant améliorer
la sécurité dans les mines des Asturies
La Commission européenne a décidé d'autoriser la Principauté des
Asturies octroyer des subventions d'un montant de €3,300,000 aux
charbonnages privés pour la période 2005-2007. Ce régime d'aide vise
améliorer la sécurité du personnel travaillant dans les mines et
protéger l'environnement.
[10] Commission approves State aid to Hungarian coal and gas companies
The European Commission has decided not to raise any objections to the
€67.6 million aid which Hungary is proposing to grant to mining company
Vértesi Erömü Rt. for the years 2005 and 2006. The aid is compatible
with the proper functioning of the common market. At the same time, it
decided that the fixed feed-in tariffs for coal which Hungary imposed upon
the state-owned electricity undertaking MVM in the years 2004 and 2005 did
constitute State aid, which is compatible with the common market.
[II] Other news - Autres nouvelles
[11] Commission allocates €20 million in humanitarian aid to Afghanistan,
Iran and Pakistan
The political situation in Afghanistan, though fragile, is progressing and
post-emergency development assistance is beginning to have a significant
impact on people’s lives. Nonetheless, humanitarian aid is still needed
for the most vulnerable people affected by the long and violent crisis and
by recent climatic conditions (notably drought). Returning refugees,
internally displaced people (IDPs) and their host communities face
particular challenges. To address the continuing humanitarian needs and
foster the return and reintegration process, the Commission has allocated
€20 million in humanitarian aid. Assistance is also planned for regions
in neighbouring Pakistan and Iran with high numbers of Afghan refugees. The
two countries still play host to four million Afghans.
[12] Tackling the EU's drugs problems : Commission joins forces with civil
society and NGOs
There are up to two million problem drug users in the European Union and
around 8000 people die of a drugs overdose every year. Drug use is at
historically high levels and remains a threat to the entire international
community. To confront this challenge the Commission has organised in
Brussels a two-day conference (26-27 January 2006) on "Civil Society and
Drugs". The number of participants attending the meeting, over 140,
reflects the interest of civil society in working together with the
Commission on drugs issues. There are representatives not only of European
NGO networks but also from voluntary organisations in 16 Member States, 4
Accession and Candidate Countries, and Norway.
[13] Concours Scolaire Semaine Verte 2006 : les écoliers européens font
appel leur créativité pour illustrer la biodiversité
Le Concours Scolaire Semaine Verte de cette année met en exergue la
biodiversité. Il s'inscrit dans le cadre de la conférence et de
l'exposition annuelles de la Semaine Verte qui auront lieu du 30 mai au 2
juin 2006. Ce concours encourage les jeunes de tous les Etats membres de
l'UE, des pays candidats et des pays membres de l'AELE parfaire leur
connaissance en matière de questions environnementales et s'exprimer par
les arts. Les plus jeunes pourront créer des dessins et des peintures
illustrant leur point de vue sur la biodiversité, tandis que les plus
âgés seront invités soumettre un bref document vidéo numérique sur
le même sujet. Les trois meilleurs participants de chaque catégorie du
concours seront invités Bruxelles pour assister la cérémonie de
remise des prix qui aura lieu pendant la Semaine Verte. Une sélection des
meilleures contributions dans chaque catégorie sera présentée lors de la
conférence. La date limite de participation est le 25 mars.
[14] Commission clears acquisition of Reebok by adidas
The European Commission has cleared under the EU Merger Regulation the
proposed €3.1 billion acquisition of US based Reebok International Ltd
("Reebok") by adidas-Salomon AG ("adidas") of Germany. The Commission
concluded that the transaction would not significantly impede effective
competition in the European Economic Area or any substantial part of it.
[15] Commission clears acquisition of Multirent, SAG IFC and HBF by SCF and
SAG GEST
The European Commission has granted clearance under the EU Merger
Regulation to the acquisition of joint control of Multirent-Aluguer e
Comércio de Automóveis, S.A. (Multirent) of Portugal, SAG International
Finance Company Limited (SAG IFC) of Ireland and HBF Auto-Renting S.A. (HBF
business) of Spain by Santander Consumer Finance, S.A. (SCF) of Spain, a
wholly owned subsidiary of Grupo Santander, and Soluçes Atomóvel Globais,
SGPS S.A. (SAG GEST) of Portugal. The proposed concentration concerns the
markets for the provision of fleet management services in Portugal and
Spain. Grupo Santander is a group of banking and financial companies which
operates across various European and Latin American countries. SAG GEST is
mainly active in the car distribution business (wholesale and retail) in
Portugal. Multirent and HBF are active in the provision of fleet management
services. The operation was examined under the simplified merger review
procedure.
[16] Statement by Commissioner Olli Rehn on Turkey's Cyprus initiative
(24/01)
"The European Commission welcomes efforts to achieve progress in the
current deadlock with regard to the Cyprus problem. The status quo is in no-
one's interest. Turkey's initiative announced by Foreign Minister Gül
deserves careful examination and I have asked my services to do so. I
understand it is intended as a basis for further discussion with the
concerned parties, under the auspices of the United Nations. The Commission
is ready to contribute to such a discussion. By signing the Additional
Protocol in July 2005, Turkey has made commitments towards the EU and all
its Member States, including the Republic of Cyprus, and is expected to
meet them fully. The EU has in April 2004 made the commitment to end the
isolation of the Turkish Cypriot community. The Commission made proposals
to this end and hopes that the Council will soon take a decision on this
basis. In line with its long-standing position, the Commission remains
fully committed to supporting a resumption of UN-led talks for a
comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus issue as soon as possible.
[17] La Commission félicite le nouveau Président de l'Union africaine
La Commission européenne a félicité le 24 janvier le président du Congo,
M. Sassou Nguesso, pour sa désignation la présidence de l'Union
africaine, qui occupe une place centrale dans la politique de la Commission
vis- -vis de l'Afrique. Le Commissaire au Développement et l'Aide
humanitaire, Louis Michel, a souligné cette occasion que l'Union
africaine "est devenue en peu de temps un acteur indispensable dans
l’intégration et le développement du continent. Elle constitue aussi un
interlocuteur fiable et privilégié pour le dialogue politique qui est
la base de la Stratégie pour l’Afrique approuvée en décembre dernier
par l'Union européenne". Ensemble avec les différentes organisations
régionales, l'Union africaine constitue un pilier du partenariat long
terme pour les relations entre les deux continents. Sur cette base, la
Commission entend avancer vite dans la mise en œuvre de cette stratégie
tout au long de la Présidence de M. Sassou Nguesso. Le Commissaire Michel,
qui rencontrera lundi prochain M. Sassou Nguesso Brazzaville, a souligné
son souhait de "renforcer le dialogue politique entre nos continents".
[18] Commission to take part in International Forum for new generation of
nuclear research
Janez Potočnik European Commissioner for Science and Research has signed
the letter of accession of the European Atomic Energy Community (Euratom)
to the Generation IV International Forum (GIF) Framework Agreement. The
Forum serves as a framework for international research and development on
promising new nuclear energy systems to meet future energy challenges. The
objective is nuclear systems with advanced nuclear safety, improved nuclear
non-proliferation resistance and physical protection, competitive costs of
energy production and minimized waste and the best use of natural
resources. EURATOM membership in GIF provides the opportunity for all
interested Member States to participate in GIF Research & Development
activities, to build competence and knowledge and gain information about
the technical and safety issues connected to the next generation of nuclear
reactor systems. It is expected that GIF R&D will also lead to significant
developments in non-nuclear fields, e.g. materials, electronics and
informatics.
[19] Autre matériel diffusé
Lisbon Strategy for Growth and Jobs : Commission's annual progress report -
frequently asked questions
Discours de M. pidla : "Pour un action commune contre les coutumes
traditionnelles dommageables"
Discours de M. Barroso : "La France et l'Europe: une communauté de
destins" devant l'Assemblée nationale française (24/01, Paris)
Discours de M. Barrot la première Conférence ministérielle sur les
autoroutes de la mer (24/01, Ljubljana)
Speech by Andris Piebalgs : "The European initiative on Energy Efficiency"
at joint meeting ITRE – National Parliaments (24/01)
From EUROPA, the European Commission Server at http://europa.eu.int/
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