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European Commission Spokesman's Briefing for 07-06-28Midday Express: News from the EU Commission Spokesman's Briefings Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: EUROPA, the European Commission Server at <http://europa.eu.int>CONTENTS / CONTENU[I] Résultats de la Commission du 27 juin 2007 -
[II] Other news - Autres nouvelles
MIDDAY EXPRESSNews from the Communication Directorate General's midday briefingNouvelles du rendez-vous de midi de la Direction Générale Communicationb28/06/07[I] Résultats de la Commission du 27 juin 2007 -Outcome of Commission meeting of 27 June 2007(voir aussi – see also ME of 27.6) [01] Bulgaria and Romania make progress but much remains to be done to tackle judicial reform and corruptionThe European Commission has issued its reports on progress by Bulgaria and Romania in meeting the accompanying measures decided by the Commission when both countries joined the EU. The Commission concludes that genuine efforts and some progress has been made following extensive legislative activity by the two Governments but that the focus should now be on implementation. The reports focus mainly on judicial reform and the fight against corruption and organised crime. They highlight the need for sustained political commitment and implementation on the ground if the benchmarks set at the time of accession are to be met in full. The reports put forward a series of concrete follow up measures. This includes action plans to be drawn up by these two Member States, a targeting of available funding and continued support for institution building from the Commission as well as assistance from other Member States.[02] La Commission lance une nouvelle série de procédures d'infractionLa Commission européenne a décidé de prendre des mesures supplémentaires dans 955 actions en justice l'encontre des Etats membres qui, selon elle, ont enfreint les obligations qui leur incombent en vertu du droit communautaire. Il s'agit de la deuxième série trimestrielle de procédures d'infractions que la Commission lance en 2007.[03] Commission closes infringement procedure after Czech Republic brings Competition Act into lineThe European Commission has closed an infringement procedure against the Czech Republic which had limited the Czech Competition Authority's power to apply Articles 81 (prohibiting cartels and other restrictive business practices) and 82 (prohibiting abuses of dominant position) of the EC Treaty to anticompetitive behaviour in the electronic communications sector. The Commission issued a formal request to the Czech Republic to amend the legislation in March 2007, in the form of a so-called 'reasoned opinion' under EC Treaty infringement procedures (Article 226 – see IP/07/400). The Czech Republic has now repealed the relevant provisions of the Czech Competition Act so that EC Treaty competition rules can now be fully applied in the electronic communications sector.[04] Commission closes infringement procedures against Austria and Spain following complete implementation of Financial Transparency DirectiveThe European Commission has decided to close the infringement procedures against Austria (see IP/06/894) and Spain (see IP/07/401) for their failure to implement the Commission Directive on the transparency of financial relations between Member States and public undertakings. The decisions of the Commission follow the adoption by Austria on 20 April 2007 of a law on separate accounts implementing the Transparency Directive (2000/52/EC, amending Directive 80/732/EC) and the adoption by Spain on 3 April 2007 of legislation implementing in full the Transparency Directive and the three amending Directives (2000/52/EC, 93/84/EC and 85/413/EC amending Directive 80/723/EC).[05] Commission requests Malta to adjust import monopoly for petroleum productsThe European Commission has issued a formal request to Malta to adjust its monopoly for the importation, storage and wholesale of petroleum products. Under the Accession Treaty, Malta was required to comply no later than 1 January 2006 with Article 31 of the EC Treaty, which forbids discrimination between Member States' nationals with regard to commercial state monopolies. The Commission's request takes the form of a reasoned opinion, the second step in EU infringement proceedings (Article 226 EC Treaty). Malta has now two months to confirm to the Commission that it has implemented the measures required to fulfil its obligations under the Accession Treaty.[06] La Commission se félicite de la simplification de l'accès aux marchés des télécommunications au LuxembourgLa Commission européenne a clos la procédure d'infraction qu'elle avait ouverte contre le Luxembourg, qui ne s'était pas conformé un arrêt de la Cour de Justice relatif aux marchés luxembourgeois des télécommunications. En janvier, la Commission avait invité le Luxembourg se conformer un arrêt de la Cour de justice du 12 juin 2003 confirmant qu'il n'avait pas entièrement transposé en droit national la directive 90/388/CEE relative la concurrence dans les marchés des services de télécommunication (voir IP/07/10). Suivant l'adoption, par le Luxembourg, de deux règlements établissant des conditions d'accès transparentes pour de nouveaux exploitants, la Commission considère que cet Etat membre respecte maintenant le droit communautaire.[07] Commission requests information from Spain on recovery of incompatible aid granted to Basque companiesThe European Commission has formally requested Spain to provide information concerning measures taken to implement a 14 December 2006 Court of Justice ruling condemning Spain to recover illegal and incompatible fiscal aid granted to Basque companies in the 1990s. Since the judgment, Spain has not notified the Commission of any measures adopted to ensure effective recovery. The Commission has therefore decided to send a so-called 'letter of formal notice' to Spain, the first step of EC Treaty infringement procedures for failure to respect Court judgements (Article 228), in order to seek information from Spain on any measures taken.[08] Commission acts to close gaps in race equality rulesThe European Commission has sent formal requests to 14 Member States to fully implement EU rules banning discrimination on the grounds of race or ethnic origin (2000/43/CE). The countries concerned – Spain, Sweden, Czech Republic, Estonia, France, Ireland, United Kingdom, Greece, Italy, Latvia, Poland, Portugal, Slovenia and Slovakia – have two months to respond, failing which the Commission can take them to the European Court of Justice. The Race Equality Directive was agreed in 2000 with a deadline for implementation into national law by 2003.[09] La Commission classe le dossier des anciens lecteurs ('Lettori') après avoir reçu de fermes garanties de l'ItalieLa Commission européenne a reçu de fermes garanties des autorités italiennes que la législation nationale régissant les conditions d'emploi des anciens lecteurs de langue maternelle étrangère ('Lettori') dans les universités italiennes serait effectivement appliquée. La législation en question a été jugée compatible avec le droit communautaire par la Cour de justice européenne en juillet 2006. En conséquence, la Commission a décidé de classer la procédure d'infraction contre l'Italie, restée ouverte tandis que la Commission demandait des garanties.[10] Vessel traffic monitoring and information system : Poland and Malta targeted by the CommissionThe European Commission has sent a reasoned opinion to Poland and Malta due to their incorrect transposition into national law of EU legislation on the Community system to monitor the traffic of ships in European waters.[11] Airport tax at Malta Airport : Commission takes Malta to the Court of JusticeThe European Commission considers the airport tax levied at Malta International Airport to discriminate between air passengers. The Commission has therefore decided today to lodge a formal complaint to the European Court of Justice. Air passengers travelling from Malta to other EU Member States will benefit from eliminating the discriminatory effects of the airport tax.[12] Cabotage maritime : la Commission adresse une mise en demeure l'EspagneLa Commission européenne a envoyé une lettre de mise en demeure l'Espagne pour ne pas avoir exécuté un arrêt de la Cour relatif la libre prestation des services de transport maritime l'intérieur de l'Etat membre (cabotage maritime).[13] Formation des conducteurs professionnels : la Commission adresse un avis motivé dix Etats membresLa Commission européenne a envoyé un avis motivé dix Etats membres pour ne pas avoir notifié les dispositions prises pour se conformer la directive sur la formation des conducteurs professionnels. Cette directive rend obligatoire la qualification initiale et la formation continue des conducteurs de certains véhicules routiers affectés aux transports de marchandises ou de voyageurs. Elle vise améliorer la sécurité routière et la sécurité des conducteurs.[14] Port reception facilities for ship-generated waste and cargo residues: Commission takes Germany, Spain and Estonia to the Court of JusticeThe European Commission has decided to act against Germany, Spain and Estonia for failure to respect EU legislation on better availability and use of port reception facilities for ship-generated waste and cargo residues.[15] Safety requirements for tunnels : Commission takes Greece and Luxembourg to Court of JusticeThe European Commission has decided to initiate proceedings before the European Court of Justice against Greece and Luxembourg for failure to transpose the Directive on minimum safety requirements for tunnels and to notify the implementing measures. This Directive requires a minimum level of safety of tunnels and shall apply to all tunnels in the trans-European road network, with lengths of over 500 metres.[16] Safety assessment of third-country aircraft : Commission sends reasoned opinion to Poland and takes four Member States to CourtThe European Commission has decided to send a reasoned opinion to Poland and refer the cases of Greece, Ireland, Italy and Luxembourg before the European Court of Justice for not having communicated their national implementing measures to transpose the Directive on the safety of third- country aircraft using Community airports. This directive gave Member States a window for implementation by 30 April 2006, after which date they were each required to inform the Commission of the laws, regulations and administrative provisions enacted at a national level in order to comply with the Directive.[17] Environment : Belgium and Italy receive final warning of possible fines over infringements of EU lawThe European Commission is sending Belgium and Italy final warnings that they will face renewed court action and possible fines if they do not fully transpose EU environmental laws over which they were condemned by the European Court of Justice (ECJ) last year. Belgium's Flemish region has not transposed the EU's directive on strategic environmental assessment, while Italy's transposition of the Water Framework Directive is still incomplete. Should Belgium and Italy fail to remedy these shortcomings in response to the final warnings, the Commission has the powers under Article 228 of the Treaty to ask the ECJ to impose fines against both Member States.[18] Italy : Commission starts legal action over waste crisis in Campania regionThe European Commission is launching legal action against Italy over the chronic waste crisis affecting Naples and the rest of the Campania region. Thousands of tonnes of garbage have been left uncollected in the streets and waste has been disposed of at illegal dump sites. This situation poses serious health and environmental risks through the spread of disease and through pollution of air, water and land. The Commission considers that the region's waste disposal installations are inadequate and pose serious problems for human health and the environment. This constitutes a violation of EU waste legislation. The Commission is therefore sending Italy a first written warning and requesting information about the measures being taken to protect human health and the environment in the region. In parallel the Commission is assessing government plans to open four new waste landfill sites in Campania to check their compliance with EU law and to understand if they will help solve the region's waste problems, especially in the longer term.[19] Protection de la nature : la Commission engage des poursuites contre onze Etats membres en ce qui concerne des zones de protection des oiseauxLa Commission européenne va intenter une action contre onze Etats membres pour ne pas avoir désigné suffisamment de zones de protection spéciale pour des espèces d'oiseaux sauvages migrateurs et vulnérables. Ce manquement constitue une violation de la directive communautaire sur la conservation des oiseaux sauvages. La Commission traduit l'Allemagne, l'Autriche et la Pologne devant la Cour de justice européenne (CJE) et adresse un premier avertissement écrit huit autres Etats membres (Chypre, République tchèque, Slovaquie, Hongrie, Lettonie, Lituanie, Malte et Slovénie).[20] Austria : Commission takes Court action over violations of nature legislationThe European Commission is taking Austria to the European Court of Justice in two cases involving violations of the EU's nature protection laws. Austria has infringed the directives on the protection of natural habitats and the conservation of wild birds, which together form the core of EU policy on nature and biodiversity conservation, by failing to designate sufficient protected areas.[21] La Commission confirme sa décision de mars 2007 de saisir la Cour une seconde fois dans l'affaire relative la pollution par les nitrates des eaux de surface en BretagneLa Commission européenne confirme sa décision de saisir pour la seconde fois la Cour européenne de justice en raison de la pollution persistante par les nitrates de captages d'eau en Bretagne. La Commission avait décidé le 21 mars 2007 d'accorder la France un sursis de trois mois avant de saisir une nouvelle fois la Cour de justice au vu d'un nouveau plan d'actions proposé par les autorités françaises. Au terme de ce délai, la France a pris un certain nombre de mesures pour mettre en place le plan d'actions (par exemple, adoption d'un cadre réglementaire, procédures entamées pour la fermeture de 4 prises d'eau). Néanmoins, seul un nombre très faible d'exploitants ont souscrit les mesures agro- environnementales volontaires essentielles la mise en œuvre en 2007 du plan alors que la mise en place effective des mesures obligatoires doit être impérativement concrétisée avant le 1er janvier 2008.[22] Télécommunications : quinze procédures d'infraction engagées, six clôturées, une suspendueDans le cadre d'un nouveau cycle de procédures d'infraction sous les règles européennes en matière de télécommunications, la Commission européenne a décidé de déférer quelques dossiers la Cour de justice concernant l'Allemagne, la Pologne et le Portugal. La Commission a également engagé de nouvelles procédures contre la Pologne et l'Espagne. Dans le même temps, dans les affaires en cours, la Commission s'apprête envoyer huit avis motivés (deuxième étape de la procédure d'infraction) et clôturer six dossiers.[23] Telecoms : Commission to take Germany to Court over its "regulatory holiday" lawIn the dispute over Germany's new telecom law, the European Commission will refer Germany to the European Court of Justice. Germany has failed to remove new provisions in German law that could grant Deutsche Telekom a 'regulatory holiday' in spite of its dominant position in the broadband market.[24] La Commission demande des informations l'Espagne sur la récupération d'aides incompatibles avec le marché commun accordées des entreprises basquesLa Commission européenne a formellement demandé l'Espagne de lui fournir des informations sur les mesures prises en vue d'exécuter un arrêt de la Cour de justice du 14 décembre 2006 la condamnant récupérer des aides fiscales illégales et incompatibles avec le marché commun accordées des entreprises basques dans les années 1990. Depuis l'arrêt de la Cour, l'Espagne n'a notifié la Commission aucune mesure visant assurer la récupération effective des aides concernées. En conséquence, la Commission a décidé d'adresser une "lettre de mise en demeure" l'Espagne, première étape de la procédure d'infraction prévue par le traité CE pour les cas de non respect d'un arrêt de la Cour (article 228), afin d'obtenir de l'Espagne des informations sur les mesures éventuellement prises en l'espèce.[25] Commission urges Greece to lift its ban on gaming machinesThe European Commission has formally reminded the Greek authorities of its obligation to lift its total ban on gaming machines, including computer games. The European Court of Justice in Case C-65/05 of 26 October 2006 ruled that the Greek laws which ban the installation and operation of all gaming machines violate a number of internal market principles.[26] Commission asks European Court to impose fine on Portugal for hindering import of water pipesThe European Commission has asked the European Court of Justice to impose a financial penalty on Portugal for hindering the import of polyethylene water pipes. Already in 2005 the Court ruled that Portuguese legislation on this particular form of import had to be changed. Importers of polyethylene PEX water pipes into Portugal must have these type approved, which entails additional costs and bureaucracy, even if these tubes have been approved in another Member State. This is a breach of the principle of the free movement of goods. Therefore, the Commission has decided to refer Portugal for the second time to the Court of Justice, pending the complete enforcement of case C-432/03 of the Court of 10 November 2005.[27] Marché intérieur : procédure d'infraction concernant l'Italie en matière de stations-service (distribution de carburants)La Commission européenne a décidé de demander formellement l'Italie de modifier ses règles relatives l'établissement des stations-service. Cette demande de la Commission prend la forme d'un "avis motivé" qui constitue la deuxième étape de la procédure d'infraction en vertu de l'article 226 du traité CE. En l'absence de réponse satisfaisante dans un délai de deux mois, la Commission pourra saisir la Cour de justice. Cette procédure d'infraction porte sur les règles qui sont en vigueur tant au niveau étatique qu'au niveau régional dans le domaine de la distribution des carburants au détail et qui, travers une série de restrictions, rendent impossible ou en tout extrêmement difficile l'entrée sur le marché italien de nouveaux concurrents provenant d'autres Etats membres de l'UE. La Commission a en même temps décidé de classer la procédure d'infraction ayant pour objet la législation nationale relative aux concessions hydroélectriques dans le Trentino-Alto Adige.[28] Marché intérieur: procédures d'infraction contre la France, l'Irlande, le Luxembourg, l'Espagne et le Royaume-UniLa Commission européenne a décidé de saisir la Cour de justice européenne contre la France et le Luxembourg pour avoir omis de lui communiquer leur liste des "tribunaux des dessins ou modèles communautaires" comme cela leur était imposé par le règlement sur les dessins ou modèles communautaires. La Commission a également décidé, en application de l'article 228 du traité CE, d’envoyer un avis motivé l'Espagne et une lettre de mise en demeure l'Irlande pour demander ces Etats membres de l’informer complètement au sujet de l'exécution d’arrêts antérieurs de la Cour concernant la mise en œuvre de la directive relative au droit de location et de prêt. Enfin, la Commission a officiellement demandé au Royaume-Uni d'assurer une transposition correcte de la directive relative au droit de location et de prêt. Cette demande est faite sous la forme d'un avis motivé, qui est la deuxième étape de la procédure d'infraction prévue l'article 226 du traité CE. En l'absence de réponse satisfaisante dans un délai de deux mois, la Commission pourra saisir la Cour de justice.[29] Commission inquires into discriminatory restrictions on the granting of dwelling authorisations in IrelandThe European Commission has decided to send to Ireland an official request for information on certain county development plans that require specific criteria to be fulfilled before a dwelling authorisation can be granted. The Commission wishes to verify whether the measures in question are compatible with Article 43 and 56 of the EC Treaty which guarantee respectively the freedom of establishment and the free movement of capital. This official request takes the form of a 'letter of formal notice', the first step in the infringement procedure under Article 226 of the EC Treaty. Ireland has two months in which to respond.[30] Liberté d'établissement : la Commission demande au Portugal de modifier sa législation en matière de services de détailLa Commission européenne a pris des mesures pour mettre fin certaines entraves la liberté d'établissement dans le domaine des services de détail au Portugal. Elle a officiellement demandé au Portugal de modifier sa législation régissant l'établissement des commerces, car elle considère que la procédure d'autorisation prévue par la législation portugaise est discriminatoire, inutilement lourde et injuste dans la mesure où elle accorde aux opérateurs en place un rôle décisif. Cette demande prend la forme d'un "avis motivé", qui constitue la deuxième étape de la procédure d’infraction prévue l'article 226 du traité CE. En l'absence de réponse satisfaisante dans un délai de deux mois, la Commission pourra saisir la Cour de justice.[31] Free movement of services : infringement proceedings against Austria and PortugalThe European Commission has taken action to put an end to obstacles to the free movement of services in Austria and Portugal. The Commission has decided to refer Austria to the European Court of Justice over its legislation obliging doctors to open an account at a specific bank. The Commission has also decided to formally request Portugal to modify its legislation on construction services and on the reimbursement of medical expenses incurred by patients in another Member State. These requests take the form of 'reasoned opinions', the second stage of the infringement procedure under Article 226 of the EC Treaty. If there is no satisfactory reply within two months, the Commission may refer the matter to the European Court of Justice.[32] Libre circulation des capitaux : la Commission clôture la procédure engagée contre la France concernant sa législation qui impose aux copropriétaires de notifier leur syndic un domicile en FranceLa Commission européenne a clos la procédure d'infraction engagée contre la France en raison de sa législation qui impose aux copropriétaires de notifier au syndic une adresse en France. Cette obligation constituait une entrave injustifiée la libre circulation des capitaux, en violation du traité CE (article 56). La décision de clore l'affaire a été prise suite une modification de la législation française qui supprime cette obligation.[33] Free movement of capital : Commission asks Poland to amend its law on special powersThe European Commission has decided to send a formal request to Poland to amend its Act on Special Powers of the Treasury and their Exercise in Companies of Special Importance for Public Order or Public Security. This law, together with its implementing ordinances, grants special rights to the Polish state in currently fifteen Polish companies considered of special importance. These special rights consist of the right to veto certain key management decisions, which makes it substantially less attractive for other EU investors to acquire the company’s shares. In the Commission's view such a disincentive to investment from other Member States violates 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 Polish 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.[34] Libre circulation des capitaux : la Commission demande au Portugal de renoncer ses droits spéciaux sur Energias de Portugal et GALP EnergiaLa Commission européenne a officiellement demandé l'Etat portugais de renoncer aux droits spéciaux que celui-ci souhaite conserver l'égard de deux entreprises du secteur de l'énergie, Energias de Portugal (EDP) et GALP Energia. Ces droit spéciaux découlent des décrets-lois de privatisation et des statuts de ces deux entreprises. Les deux procédures d'infraction ont été engagées par des lettres de mise en demeure en octobre 2006. Après examen des réponses des autorités portugaises ces lettres, la Commission reste d'avis que ces droits spéciaux constituent des restrictions la libre circulation des capitaux, en violation des règles du traité CE. La demande de la Commission prend la forme d'un avis motivé, deuxième étape de la procédure d'infraction prévue l'article 226 du traité CE. Au cas où les autorités portugaises ne prendraient pas de mesures satisfaisantes pour remédier l’infraction au droit communautaire dans les deux mois après réception de l'avis motivé, la Commission pourrait décider de porter l'affaire devant la Cour de justice.[35] Freedom of establishment : Commission drops infringement proceedings against Italy concerning hydroelectric concessionsThe European Commission has decided to take no further action against Italy over national provisions relating to hydroelectric concessions in Trentino- Alto Adige.[36] Free movement of services : Commission acts to remove obstacles to the provision of sports betting services in France, Greece and SwedenThe European Commission has taken action to put an end to obstacles to the free movement of sports betting services in France, Greece and Sweden. The Commission has formally requested France and Sweden to amend their laws following consideration of their replies to letters of formal notice sent in April and October 2006 (see IP/06/436 and IP/06/1362). These formal requests take the form of "reasoned opinions", 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 European Court of Justice. In relation to Greece the Commission has decided to send an official request for information on national legislation restricting the supply of sports betting services. This takes the form of a letter of formal notice, the first step in the Article 226 infringement procedure. Greece has two months in which to respond.[37] Marché intérieur : la Commission prend des mesures l'encontre de huit Etats membres pour garantir la mise en œuvre du droit de l'UELa Commission européenne a décidé d'engager des procédures d'infraction l'encontre de huit Etats membres (France, Allemagne, Grèce, Luxembourg, Malte, Portugal, Espagne et Suède) pour défaut de transposition en droit national de certaines directives relatives au marché intérieur. La Commission va saisir la Cour européenne de justice l'encontre de la France, de l'Allemagne, du Luxembourg, du Portugal et de la Suède pour défaut de mise en œuvre d'une directive relative au respect des droits de propriété intellectuelle. Elle entend également inviter formellement la Grèce, Malte et l'Espagne mettre en œuvre la directive sur l’adéquation des fonds propres, et l'Espagne mettre en œuvre la directive sur les marchés publics. Les demandes officielles prendront la forme d'«avis motivés», qui constituent la deuxième étape de la procédure d'infraction prévue l'article 226 du traité CE. En l'absence de réponse satisfaisante dans un délai de deux mois, la Commission pourra saisir la Cour de justice.[38] Financial services : Commission formally requests 24 Member States to write Markets in Financial Instruments Directive ("MiFID") fully into national lawThe European Commission has formally requested a total of 24 Member States – all except the United Kingdom, Ireland and Romania – to write into national law the Markets in Financial Instruments Directive ("MiFID") and its implementing Directive. These requests take the form of 'reasoned opinions', the second stage of the infringement procedure under Article 226 of the EC Treaty. If there is no satisfactory reply within two months, the Commission may refer the matter to the European Court of Justice.[39] Marché intérieur : la Belgique devant la Cour de justice pour obstacles au détachement de travailleurs ressortissants de pays tiersLa Commission européenne a décidé de saisir la Cour de justice contre la Belgique pour les conditions imposées aux employeurs communautaires qui, dans le cadre d’une prestation transfrontalière de services, souhaitent détacher des travailleurs ressortissants de pays tiers. La Commission estime que ces conditions sont contraires aux règles du Traité en matière de libre circulation des services (article 49 du Traité).[40] Marchés publics : la Commission clôture une procédure d'infraction contre la France relative certaines dispositions du code de l'urbanismeLa Commission européenne a décidé de classer une procédure d'infraction qu'elle avait ouverte contre la France au titre de l'article 226 du Traité CE relative certaines dispositions du code de l'urbanisme qui permettaient aux pouvoirs adjudicateurs d'attribuer des contrats visant des opérations d'aménagement (conventions d'aménagement) sans publicité ni mise en concurrence préalables. Cette situation configurait une violation du droit communautaire des marchés publics.[41] Conditions de nationalité applicables aux notaires : la Commission traduit sept Etats membres devant la Cour de justice pour garantir le respect du principe de non-discriminationLa Commission européenne a décidé de saisir la Cour de Justice l'encontre de la Belgique, l'Allemagne, la Grèce, la France, le Luxembourg et l'Autriche car ces Etats membres ne permettent l'accès et l’exercice de la profession de notaire qu' leurs nationaux. La Commission a aussi décidé de saisir la Cour de Justice car le Portugal n'a toutefois pas encore transposé la directive 89/48 pour la profession de notaire.[42] Professional qualifications : infringement proceedings against Greece and LuxembourgThe European Commission has taken action to correct breaches of EU law on professional qualifications. The Commission has decided to refer Greece to the European Court of Justice under Article 228 of the EC Treaty over a previous Court judgment requiring it to allow companies to open opticians' shops. The Commission has also decided to refer Greece to the European Court of Justice under Article 226 of the EC Treaty over its legislation on recognition of doctors' qualifications. Finally, the Commission has formally requested Luxembourg to modify its legislation on recognition of lawyers' qualifications. This request takes the form of a "reasoned opinion", the second stage of the infringement proceedings provided for in Article 226 of the EC Treaty. If there is no satisfactory reply within two months, the Commission may refer the matter to the European Court of Justice.[43] Public procurement : Commission refers Germany to Court of Justice over the construction of new trade fair halls in CologneThe European Commission has decided to refer Germany to the European Court of Justice over a contract for the construction of four trade fair halls awarded by the city of Cologne to a private investment company without conducting a transparent and competitive procedure. The Commission considers that this is a public works contract which should have been awarded in a competitive procedure with European-wide call for tenders complying with the EU Directives on the award of public contracts.[44] Marchés publics : la Commission clôt des procédures engagées contre la Finlande, l'Italie et la SlovénieLa Commission a décidé de clore les procédures d’infraction suivantes dans le domaine des marchés publics : Italie - coopération secteur public-secteur privé en dehors du champ d'application des règles de l'UE en matière de marchés publics; Italie: services de gestion des eaux dans le Basilicate; Finlande: transposition des directives "marchés publics" dans le droit national; Slovénie : transposition des directives "marchés publics" dans le droit national.[45] Public procurement : infringement proceedings against GermanyThe European Commission has taken action to correct breaches of EU public procurement law in Germany. The Commission has decided to refer Germany to the European Court of Justice over the award of rescue transport services in certain federal states and over contracts awarded by public broadcasting organisations. The Commission has also decided to send a reasoned opinion to Germany concerning a contract for the supply of a software application concluded between two public-law bodies. This request takes the form of a 'reasoned opinion', the second stage of the infringement procedure under Article 226 of the EC Treaty. If there is no satisfactory reply within two months, the Commission may refer the matter to the European Court of Justice. Finally the Commission has decided to close a case concerning the granting of bus route licences.[46] Marchés publics : la Commission défère l'Espagne devant la Cour de justice pour sa loi sur l'aménagement de la ville de ValenceLa Commission européenne a décidé de déférer l'Espagne devant la Cour européenne de justice en raison de ses lois sur l'aménagement du territoire applicables la Communauté autonome de Valence (désignées sous le nom de "LRAU" et "LUV").[47] Marchés publics : procédures d'infraction l'encontre de la FranceLa Commission européenne a pris des mesures afin de corriger des dispositions législatives françaises en matière de marchés public qui vont l'encontre du droit communautaire. La Commission a officiellement demandé la France de modifier certaines règles qui concernent l'attribution de marchés et les services fournis par les communes et les communautés territoriales. Ces demandes prennent la forme d'«avis motivés», qui constituent la deuxième étape de la procédure d'infraction prévue l'article 226 du traité CE. En l'absence de réponse satisfaisante dans un délai de deux mois, la Commission pourra saisir la Cour de justice européenne. En outre, la Commission a décidé d'envoyer la France, au titre de l'article 228 du traité CE, un avis motivé qui lui demande d'exécuter immédiatement un arrêt de 2005 de la Cour de justice qui concerne une disposition législative française relative la mission de maîtrise d'ouvrage déléguée. Si elle ne reçoit pas de réponse dans les deux mois, la Commission peut saisir nouveau la Cour de justice.[48] Marchés publics : procédures d'infraction l'encontre de l'ItalieLa Commission européenne a pris des mesures l'encontre de l'Italie pour remédier des infractions la législation communautaire en matière de passation de marchés publics. Elle a décidé de lui adresser quatre demandes officielles concernant l'achat de services informatiques et de conseils en gestion dans la région Pouilles, sa législation nationale sur la prestation de services comptables et de recouvrement des créances, la construction de prisons d'Etat et l'achat de services de gestion des déchets dans la municipalité de Contigliano. Ces demandes prennent la forme d'«avis motivés», qui constituent la deuxième étape de la procédure d’infraction prévue l'article 226 du traité CE. En l'absence de réponse satisfaisante dans un délai de deux mois, la Commission pourra saisir la Cour de justice européenne.[49] Public procurement : Commission requests Spain to comply with previous Court of Justice judgement on health service contractsThe European Commission has decided, under Article 228 of the EC Treaty, to send Spain a further reasoned opinion requesting it to comply immediately with a 2005 European Court of Justice judgement concerning the award of contracts for health services relating to home respiratory treatments and other assisted breathing techniques. If there is no response within two months, the Commission may refer the case to the Court of Justice.[50] Public procurement : Commission refers Germany to Court of Justice over the procurement of group pension services by municipal authorities and undertakings in GermanyThe European Commission has decided to refer Germany to the European Court of Justice over the practice of local authorities and municipal enterprises to award contracts for group pension services without conducting competitive tendering procedures required by EU public procurement law. Under a collective agreement for payment conversion for local civil servants, the pension services in question are reserved to three specific groups of service providers, excluding a large number of insurance companies from the market. The respect of the autonomy of social partners calls for a specific treatment under Community law of collective agreements aimed at improving employment and working conditions. The Commission considers however that, under the specific circumstances of the present case, local authorities and municipal enterprises cannot rely on the collective agreement to justify the failure to apply Internal Market rules on the award of public contracts.[51] Public procurement : Commission requests Ireland to modify award procedure for agriculture advertising contractsThe European Commission has formally requested the Irish government to modify the procedure followed by the Department of Agriculture and Food for awarding a contract for the provision of advertising services. This request takes the form of a 'reasoned opinion', the second stage of the infringement procedure under Article 226 of the EC Treaty. If there is no satisfactory reply within two months, the Commission may refer the matter to the European Court of Justice.[52] Energy Performance of Buildings : Commission takes legal action against Greece, Estonia and PolandThe European Commission has launched court proceedings against Greece for failure to notify its implementing measures on the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive adopted in 2002. Reasoned Opinions – the last step before a formal complaint to the Court of Justice is lodged – were also sent to Estonia and Poland for failure to notify the necessary measures. The aim of the Directive is to reduce energy consumption in buildings by laying down national minimum energy performance standards for new buildings and major renovations of larger existing buildings. By failing to implement this important Directive Greece, Estonia and Poland miss an opportunity to realise cost effective energy savings.[53] Commission requests legal action against Portugal over failure to apply Euratom requirementsThe European Commission has referred Portugal to the Court of Justice for failure to comply with a number of Euratom obligations regarding compulsory administrative procedures in connection with the activities of the Instituto Tecnológico e Nuclear research reactor at the Sacavém Campus in Lisbon.[54] Commission takes action against Luxemburg and Ireland regarding EU rules on electricity and gasThe European Commission has sent reasoned opinions to Ireland and Luxemburg for failing to implement the security of supply Directive on gas. Furthermore, Luxemburg has not yet provided follow up on a Court judgement for not having implemented directives establishing common rules for the internal market on electricity and gas. The Commission has thus clearly confirmed its commitment to the implementation of internal energy market legislation.[55] La Belgique devant la Cour de justice pour insuffisance du niveau de ses stocks pétroliersLa Commission européenne a décidé de saisir la Cour de justice l'encontre de la Belgique pour ne pas avoir maintenu le niveau minimal des stocks pétroliers prévu par la législation communautaire. Le respect rigoureux de ces règles est indispensable au bon fonctionnement du système des stocks qui vise garantir le niveau nécessaire de sécurité d'approvisionnement en cas de perturbation de l'offre.[II] Other news - Autres nouvelles[56] State aid : latest Scoreboard analyses harm done by illegal aidThe spring 2007 update of the State Aid Scoreboard, just adopted by the European Commission, concludes that illegal state aid is in general much more harmful to competition and trade than notified aid. The analysis is based on some 600 Commission decisions on illegal state aid adopted during the past seven years. Illegal aid is aid which has been implemented in a Member State without prior notification to the Commission or before a Commission decision has been taken. The Scoreboard shows that illegal aid is a particular problem in the large Member States (France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the UK account for 73% of the illegal aid cases) and in the industry and services sectors. The Scoreboard also indicates that the amount of incompatible aid effectively recovered has increased significantly in recent years although further efforts are required to ensure more immediate and effective execution of recovery decisions.[57] Commission approves regional aid map 2007-2013 for The NetherlandsThe European Commission has approved under EC Treaty state aid rules the regional aid map covering the period 2007-2013 for The Netherlands. This decision forms part of a wider exercise to review the regional aid regimes in place in all Member States in accordance with the new Regional Aid Guidelines (see IP/05/1653 and MEMO/05/491) adopted in December 2005. The new Guidelines aim at re-focussing regional aid on the most disadvantaged regions of the enlarged EU, while allowing aid to improve competitiveness and to provide for a smooth transition. The maps of twenty-five other Member States have already been approved by the Commission (see IP/06/1176, IP/06/1393, IP/06/1451, IP/06/1528, IP/06/1871, IP/07/79, IP/07/153, IP/07/211 and IP/07/290).[58] La Commission approuve les subventions accordées par l'Italie pour de l'équipement numériqueLa Commission européenne a décidé que les subventions accordées par l'Italie, en 2007, pour de l'équipement destiné la réception de signaux numériques de télévision étaient conformes aux règles du traité CE régissant les aides d'Etat. L'enquête de la Commission a conclu que les déductions fiscales d'un montant total de €40 millions étaient neutres sur le plan technologique et proportionnées l'objectif poursuivi, qui était de promouvoir le passage la télévision numérique et l'interopérabilité. La Commission soutient la transition vers la radiodiffusion numérique conformément ses communications de 2003 et 2005 (voir IP/03/1276 et IP/05/595), pour autant que les aides publiques soient compatibles avec les règles en la matière.[59] Airlines black list : new measures against unsafe carriersThe European Commission has received the unanimous opinion of its Air Safety Committee on the fourth update of the Community list of airlines banned in the European Union. On this basis, an operating ban to all Indonesian airlines as well as to the Angolan flag carrier, TAAG Angolan airlines, and to Volare Aviation Enterprise from Ukraine, should be imposed in the coming days. The restrictions imposed on Pakistan International Airlines will be modified. In addition, airlines from Russia (10), Bulgaria (6), and Moldova (8) will stop to operate in the European Union on the basis of new measures adopted by these States following consultations with the European Commission.[60] A single database for all EU-related terminology (InterActiveTerminology for Europe) in 23 languages opens to the publicA one-stop shop for EU-related terminology was today officially opened to the general public in a ceremony organised by the European Parliament and the European Commission. The InterActive Terminology for Europe database, more familiarly referred to as IATE, combines the terminology databases of the individual EU institutions and bodies in a single database containing 8.7 million terms and covering all 23 official EU languages. IATE ,which has been in use by the translation services of the EU institutions since 2005, already plays a major role in ensuring the quality of the written communication of the EU institutions and bodies. Offering easy access to validated EU-related terminology, it ensures the consistency and reliability of terminology which is indispensable for producing the clear and unambiguous texts necessary for guaranteeing both the validity and transparency of the legislative process and effective communication with the citizens of the Union.[61] USA to take account of EU data protection principles to process data received from SwiftFollowing a joint undertaking by the European Commission and the Council Presidency, the European Union has got a set of unilateral commitments ("Representations") of the United States Treasury Department regarding their handling of EU originating personal data received from SWIFT in the United States under compulsion of administrative subpoenas. These "Representations" take account of EU data protection concerns.[62] Contrôles relatifs la sécurité des aliments : presque la moitié des notifications du système d'alerte rapide concernent des importations refusées aux frontières de l'UEQuelque 45% des notifications du système communautaire d'alerte rapide pour les denrées alimentaires et les aliments des animaux (RASFF) en 2006 ont concerné des produits en provenance de pays tiers, bloqués la frontière par les autorités de contrôle de l'UE la suite de la détection de risques. Le commissaire européen chargé de la santé Markos Kyprianou a visité ce jour le poste d'inspection frontalier d'Anvers afin de mettre en évidence l'importance des contrôles réalisés et du système d'alerte rapide mis en place par l'UE pour garantir la sécurité des aliments. M. Kyprianou a présenté le rapport annuel 2006 sur le système communautaire d'alerte rapide pour les denrées alimentaires et les aliments des animaux (RASFF), qui indique que les notifications de risques en matière de sécurité des aliments ont diminué de 5% en 2006 par rapport 2005. C'est la première fois depuis l'établissement de ce système que le nombre de notifications décroît. La baisse peut être expliquée en grande partie par la mise en œuvre de mesures efficaces pour régler le problème des colorants interdits et par l'application de nouveaux critères au niveau communautaire pour certains microbes pathogènes, qui remplacent les différents critères nationaux en vigueur jusqu' présent. Au total, 6.840 notifications de risques concernant des denrées alimentaires et des aliments des animaux ont été transmises grâce au RASFF l'année dernière contre 7.170 en 2005. Les produits de la pêche constituent la catégorie qui a suscité le plus grand nombre d'alertes (21%), suivie par la viande et les produits carnés (13%) et par les céréales et les produits de boulangerie (12%). Le rapport RASFF 2006 s'intéresse également quelques-uns des principaux incidents survenus durant l'année en matière de sécurité des aliments et détaille les mesures qui ont été prises pour y remédier.[63] New rules on Health Claims and Fortified Food begin to applyOn Sunday 1st July, the new legislation on Health and Nutrition Claims, and on Fortified Foods, will come into application across the EU. These two Regulations aim to create a clearer situation for consumers in terms of the food that they are buying, and a level playing field for food manufacturers across Europe. Under the Health and Nutrition Claims Regulation, only claims which are clear, accurate and substantiated will be allowed to be used in the labelling, marketing and advertising of food. Detailed conditions are laid down for the use of nutrition claims such as "low fat" and "high in fibre", and following a transition period of 4 years, a nutrition claim will only be allowed to used if it fits a certain nutritional profile (i.e. below a certain salt, fat and/or sugar level). The Commission will draw up a positive list of well-established health claims, such as "calcium is good for your bones", which may be used on a label so long as they are proven to apply to the food in question. Nutrition and health claims will not be allowed on alcoholic drinks from July 1st, unless they refer to a reduction in alcohol or energy content. The Commission also adopted a proposal today to introduce a transition period for the use of claims referring to children's health and development. This was unintentionally omitted from the main Health Claims Regulation during the last phase of the adoption of the text. The transitional period is important so as to allow industry time to adapt to the new rules (either by phasing out products which do not meet the new criteria, or by applying for claim authorisation). The Regulation on Fortified Foods sets out harmonised EU rules on the addition of vitamins, minerals and other substances to foods. For example, all fortified foods will have to carry nutritional label, and alcoholic drinks above 0.2% alcohol content will not be allowed to be fortified.[64] ITER : Barcelone accueille l'organisme européen "Fusion des fins énergétiques"M. Janez Potočnik, membre de la Commission européenne chargé de la science et de la recherche, a participé aujourd'hui la cérémonie d'inauguration du siège de la nouvelle "entreprise commune européenne pour ITER et le développement de l'énergie de fusion", ou "Fusion des fins énergétiques", implantée Barcelone, en Espagne. ITER, le plus gros projet scientifique du globe, concerne le développement de la fusion, une future source d'énergie inépuisable, sûre et respectueuse de l'environnement, en vue de se rapprocher des conditions d'une utilisation commerciale. Cette initiative associe 7 parties (UE, Chine, Japon, Corée du Sud, Russie, Inde et Etats-Unis) qui représentent plus de la moitié de la population mondiale. ITER sera construit en Europe (près de Cadarache dans le Sud de la France), et les sept parties sont convenues de collaborer avec leurs propres industries et organismes de recherche au développement et la construction des divers composants nécessaires pour le réacteur. L'Europe, en qualité de partie hôte d'ITER, contribuera hauteur d'environ la moitié des composants. L'organisation de ces contributions incombe l'organisme "Fusion de fins énergétiques", qui se situera Barcelone, en Espagne, et sera doté d'un budget d'environ €4 milliards pour les dix premières années. L'accord relatif l'accueil de cet organisme et la mise disposition de locaux, qui fixe également les conditions de ses activités et le statut de son personnel, a été signé aujourd'hui par la ministre espagnole de la science et de l'éducation, Mme Mercedes Cabrera Calvo-Sotelo et M. Potočnik.[65] The European Social Fund celebrates 50 years investing in peopleToday in Potsdam, Germany, a high-level event to mark the official 50th birthday of the European Social Fund (ESF) is bringing together EU Ministers and key players in the Fund. Organised by the German Presidency, the event will reflect on how the ESF is helping millions of Europeans join and progress in the job market. The next generation of ESF programmes (2007- 2013) will have a budget of EUR 77 billion for 27 Member States, providing funding in areas like training, ensuring better access to jobs, fighting discrimination and improving public services.[66] Launch of new Transatlantic Economic Council in BerlinOn 28 June 2007 EU Council President, Angela Merkel, has invited European Commission Vice-President Günter Verheugen and Al Hubbard, Assistant to the US President for Economic Policy and Director of the National Economic Council, to Berlin to launch the newly-established Transatlantic Economic Council. The Transatlantic Economic Council (TEC) will oversee, guide and accelerate the implementation of this work programme, covering transatlantic cooperation initiatives in the areas of Regulatory Cooperation, Intellectual Property Rights, Secure Trade, Financial Markets, Innovation and Technology and Investment. The new permanent body will bring together those European Commissioners and US Cabinet Members who carry the political responsibility for the policy areas covered by the "Framework for Advancing Transatlantic Economic Integration between the United States of America and the European Union", which was signed at the EU-US Summit on 30 April 2007.[67] GDP per inhabitant varied from one to more than seven across the EU27 Member StatesBased on first preliminary estimates for 2006, Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per inhabitant expressed in Purchasing Power Standards (PPS), varied from 37% to 280% of the average across the EU27 Member States. GDP per inhabitant in Luxembourg was more than two-and-a-half times the EU27 average in 2006. Ireland, the Netherlands, Austria and Denmark were between 25% and 45% above this average, while Belgium, Sweden, the United Kingdom, Finland, Germany and France were between 10% and 25% above. Italy and Spain were slightly above the EU27 average. Cyprus, Greece and Slovenia were between 5% and 15% below average, while the Czech Republic, Malta and Portugal were between 20% and 25% below. Estonia, Hungary, Slovakia, Lithuania, Latvia and Poland were between 30% and 50% below the EU27 average, while the two new Member States, Romania and Bulgaria, were more than 60% below the average. These figures for GDP per inhabitant, expressed in PPS, are published by Eurostat.[68] Finland, first Member State to submit National Energy Efficiency Action PlanEuropean Energy Commissioner Andris Piebalgs welcomed today Finland's National Energy Efficiency Action Plan (NEEAP), transmitted yesterday by Mr Taisto Turunen, Director General of the Finnish Ministry of Trade and Industry. Finland is thereby the first Member State to present its national strategy on how to achieve the 9% savings target set by the energy end-use efficiency and energy services directive. "With its Energy Efficiency Action Plan Finland has shown its commitment to the cleanest, cheapest and most secure of energies – the energy that we do not use. I expect the rest of the Member States to submit as well their own plans in due time", said Commissioner Piebalgs.[69] Autre matériel diffuséRapport sur l'état d'avancement du mécanisme de coopération et de vérification – aspects procédurauxKey findings of the progress report on the Cooperation and Verification Mechanism with Bulgaria Key findings of the progress report on the Cooperation and Verification Mechanism with Romania New round of infringement proceedings under the EU telecom rules: What are the issues? State Aid: Commission Guidelines on National Regional Aid for 2007-2013, The Netherlands – frequently asked questions The Race Equality Directive La Directive "race et origine ethnique": liste des Etats membres auxquels un avis motivé sera envoyé Le Fonds social européen a 50 ans Speech by President Barroso on the results of the European Council of 21-23 June 2007 at European Parliament (27/06) Discours de M. Louis Michel : "UE–Chine-Afrique: d'une relation de concurrence un partenariat triangulaire pour le développement de l'Afrique" la Conférence 'UE-Chine-Afrique' Speech by Charlie McCreevy : "Company law and corporate governance today" at 5th European Corporate Governance and Company Law Conference (Berlin) Speech by Neelie Kroes : "How best to complete the Single European Market for energy?" to General Assembly of International Federation of Industrial Energy Consumers (! embargo 13h00 !) Speech by Mariann Fischer Boel : "The CAP: walking confidently into the future" at meeting with agricultural sector (Nicosia, ! embargo 15h00 !) Speech by Joe Borg : "The future of ports - Part of our future vision for the Oceans and Seas" at conference 'Ports of the Future' (Rotterdam) Speech by Joe Borg : "A European Maritime Policy: An investment in the future of the oceans and seas" at the World Investment Forum (27/06, La Baule) Speech by Andris Piebalgs : "East meets West: new Frontiers of Energy Security" (26/06, Istanbul) Speech by Leonard Orban : "Speaking with one voice, and in many languages"
at IATE opening ceremony
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