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European Commission Spokesman's Briefing for 08-04-22Midday 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
MIDDAY EXPRESSNews from the Communication Directorate General's midday briefingNouvelles du rendez-vous de midi de la Direction Générale Communicationb22/04/08[01] Mergers: Commission approves proposed acquisition of Protac by RoxelThe European Commission has cleared under the EU Merger Regulation the proposed acquisition of Protac by Roxel, both of France. Both companies supply propulsion systems for guided weapons. After examining the transaction, the Commission concluded that it would not significantly impede effective competition in the European Economic Area (EEA) or any substantial part of it.[02] Accounting: Commission Services report on convergence efforts of key partner countriesThe Services of the European Commission have prepared a Working Paper on third countries in the process of converging their national Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAPs) towards International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and on the progress towards the elimination of reconciliation requirements that apply to Community issuers listed in these countries. In the report the Commission Services take the view that Japanese GAAP and United States GAAP both meet the criteria of equivalence to IFRS. Chinese GAAP will continue to be accepted, but since it moved to IFRS for the first time in 2007, more information on its implementation is needed.[03] EU and Japan discuss global challenges like climate change at Summit on 23 April 2008Summit talks between the European Union (EU) and Japan will be held in Tokyo on 23 April 2008. Discussions will focus on strengthening cooperation on key global challenges such as climate change and meeting the Millennium Development Goals, particularly in Africa. This meeting, ahead of the G8 from 7-9 July in Japan, will also address the situation in the WTO Doha Development Agenda negotiations, global economic prospects, and regional issues in East Asia, the Middle East, Afghanistan and Myanmar, as well as EU-Japan relations.[04] Commissioner Hübner in Serbia: Commission strongly committed to Serbia's European futureDanuta Hübner, Commissioner for Regional Policy, starts a two-day visit to Belgrade today. She will meet Serbian President Boris Tadic, Deputy Prime Minister Bozidar Djelic, and Minister of Finance Mirko Cvetkovic. She will discuss prospects for further cooperation with the EU through the new Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance (IPA), which will help to enhance Serbia’s European perspective.[05] Report shows EU imports from developing countries growingThe European Commission has presented to the European Parliament its regular report on the openness of the European market to imports from developing countries. The report sets out how the EU has continued in 2007 to use its trade policy to advance a pro-development agenda and analyses the relevant data for which the most recent available is for the period up to the end of 2006. The report shows that the EU continues to offer market access for developing country exports that is unmatched by any other major economy. EU imports from developing countries rose 16% in 2006 from 2005 and by 14% if imports from China are excluded. According to the WTO, overall global merchandise trade grew by around 8% over the same period.[06] Commission launches public consultation on the modernization of the emergency oil stock regimeThe consultation launched today will provide stakeholders with the opportunity to submit their views before the Commission develops its proposal for a possible revision of the current legislation. The on-line public consultation is open to all interested parties, who are invited to submit their views by 17 June 2008.[07] Beef on the bone: Commission increases the age limit at which the vertebral column must be removed from beefThe European Commission adopted today a Regulation raising the age limit at which the vertebral column must be removed from beef from 24 to 30 months. Following the 3 month scrutiny period by the European Parliament, the Regulation has been finally adopted by the European Commission. The Regulation, based on scientific advice from the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), increases the age at which the vertebral column of slaughtered cattle must be removed from 24 to 30 months. This measure is one of the EU measures set out in the TSE Roadmap (see <a href="http://europa.eu/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=IP/05/952&format=HTML&aged=1&language=EN&guiLanguage=en">IP/05/952) in July 2005 which have been made possible by the improvement in the BSE situation, while maintaining the highest levels of food safety and consumer protection.[08] EU27 current account deficit € 2.8 billionAccording to the latest revisions, the EU27 external current account recorded a deficit of 2.8 billion euro in the fourth quarter of 2007, compared with a deficit of 13.4 bn in the fourth quarter of 2006 and a deficit of 21.2 bn in the third quarter of 2007. In the fourth quarter of 2007, compared with the fourth quarter of 2006, a higher deficit was recorded in the goods account (-40.7 bn euro compared with -31.0 bn), while the surplus of the services account increased (+21.4 bn compared with +17.7 bn). The surplus of the income account nearly doubled (+32.8 bn compared with +16.5 bn) mainly due to the UK income account, which recorded a significant surplus after being in deficit for several quarters. The deficit of the current transfers account remained stable (-16.3 bn compared with -16.6 bn). These provisional data, issued by Eurostat are subject to revision.[09] Commission clears acquisition of Teeside Power by GDF and SuezThe European Commission has granted clearance under the EU Merger Regulation to the acquisition of joint control of Teesside Power Limited (TPL) of the UK by Gaz de France (GDF) of France, through its subsidiary GDF International, and Suez of France, through its subsidiary Electrabel. GDF is active in the gas sector at all levels, in electricity generation, electricity retail and related energy services. Suez is active in the gas and electricity sectors, in energy services and in water and environmental services. TPL owns a Combined Cycle Gas Turbine (CHP) plant in Wilton, Teesside, UK, which generates electricity and steam. It also sources gas for the generation of electricity both onshore and offshore. The operation was examined under the simplified merger review procedure.[10] Commission clears acquisition of Papyrus by AltorThe European Commission has granted clearance under the EU Merger Regulation to the acquisition of sole control of Papyrus AB of Sweden by Altor Fund II (Altor), also of Sweden. Altor is a private equity company. Papyrus distributes fine paper, packaging material, consumables and office supplies. The operation was examined under the simplified merger review procedure.[11] Consumers at the heart of EU Competition PolicyNeelie Kroes will tonight confirm that "defending consumers' interests is at the heart of the Commission's competition policy," in an address to European consumer organisations and MEPs in Strasbourg. Kroes says that the Commission's 2007 cases alone (cartel, antitrust, liberalisation and merger cases) are calculated to result in 13.8 billion euros of savings to consumers. About 30 euros per person in Europe. Kroes outlines the need for a private action system for antitrust damages actions. "We work hard for consumer interests in public enforcement, but gaps and flaws in our legal system mean victims of competition law infringements are foregoing billions in compensation." Kroes urges consumers and consumers groups to voice their opinions on the Commission's White Paper on antitrust damages actions. - EMBARGO 20:30 CET - see SPEECH/08/212.Rediffusion [12] Mergers: Commission approves proposed acquisition of Stork Food Systems by MarelThe European Commission has cleared under the EU Merger Regulation the proposed acquisition of the Dutch company Stork Food Systems (SFS) by Marel Food Systems hf of Iceland. Both companies are active in the manufacturing and sale of machinery and equipment for the processing of livestock, in particular poultry, fish and red meat (beef and pork). After examining the operation, the Commission concluded that the proposed transaction would not significantly impede effective competition in the European Economic Area (EEA) or any substantial part of it.[13] Classical swine fever in Slovakia: experts in Brussels review the measures put in place to control the outbreakFollowing the confirmation of classical swine fever (CSF) in domestic pigs in Slovakia about ten days ago and the adoption of interim protection measures by the Commission (see MEMO/08/261), the disease situation has been discussed at today's meeting of the veterinary experts from the Member States at the Standing Committee on the Food Chain and Animal Health.[14] Autre matériel diffusé• Memo 'Young Europeans discussed their social problems in Slovenia'• Speech by Commissioner Kroes 'Consumers at the heart of EU Competition Policy', Strasbourg – EMBARGO 20:30 CET – • Speech du Commissaire Piebalgs devant le Sénat français A disposition au secrétariat de Jonathan Todd (BERL 03/315): Notification préalable d'une opération de concentration : Bosch/Mahle/JV
From EUROPA, the European Commission Server at http://europa.eu.int/ Midday Express: News from the EU Commission Spokesman's Briefings Directory - Previous Article - Next Article |
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