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European Commission Spokesman's Briefing for 08-07-18Midday 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 Communicationb18/07/08[01] Practical preparations for the euro: final countdown for SlovakiaWith only 5½ months to go before the adoption of the euro, Slovakia's preparations are quite advanced but further efforts are necessary. Slovakia last week received the final and formal approval for adopting the euro on 1 January 2009 and the conversion rate was set. It must now concentrate on ensuring that the population and businesses are well prepared and the changeover takes place smoothly.[02] The European Commission appoints new Head of Representation in AustriaThe European Commission has appointed Mr. Richard Kuehnel, a Commission official, as Head of Representation in Austria, with effect from 1st September 2008.[03] Community Fisheries Control Agency sets up offices in VigoOn 19 July the Community Fisheries Control Agency (CFCA) will formally take up residence in Vigo, Spain. Commissioner for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Joe Borg, will inaugurate the new offices at a ceremony to be attended by Spanish Minister of Environment, Marine and Rural Affairs Elena Espinosa, President of the Galician Government Emilio Perez Touriño and many prominent personalities in the field of fisheries. The Community Fisheries Control Agency is a cornerstone of the EU's efforts to ensure sustainability in Europe's fisheries sector. Operational since the beginning of 2007, the Agency organises coordination and cooperation between national control and inspection activities, to ensure that the rules of the EU's common fisheries policy are respected and applied effectively.[04] Augmentation des prix des denrées alimentaires au niveau mondial: la Commission propose la création d'un instrument financier spécial doté de 1 milliard € pour aider les agriculteurs des pays en développementLa Commission européenne a proposé aujourd'hui de mettre en place un «instrument financier de réaction rapide à l'envol des prix des denrées alimentaires dans les pays en développement». Ce fonds serait doté de 1 milliard € et couvrirait les années 2008 et 2009. Il viendrait s'ajouter aux fonds de développement existants et serait alimenté grâce à la partie non utilisée du budget agricole de l'Union européenne. Cet argent serait octroyé aux pays en développement qui en ont le plus besoin en fonction d'un ensemble de critères objectifs. La priorité serait donnée à des mesures relatives à l'offre, à une amélioration de l'accès aux intrants agricoles comme les engrais et les semences, éventuellement par le crédit, et à un dispositif de sécurité visant à améliorer la capacité de production dans l'agriculture. Cette aide serait versée par l'intermédiaire d'organisations internationales, y compris régionales. La mesure proposée relève de la procédure de codécision et la Commission espère que le Conseil et le Parlement parviendront à un accord d'ici le mois de novembre pour éviter de perdre les fonds qui n'ont pas été utilisés en 2008.[05] Statement of President of the European Commission, José Manuel Barroso, on the occasion of Mr. Nelson Mandela's 90th birthdayOn behalf of the whole European Commission and on my own behalf, I'm delighted to congratulate Nelson Mandela on his 90th birthday tomorrow Friday. I would like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to a life devoted to human rights and the dignity of every single human being, irrespective of his or her ethnic origin. There is an African proverb which says that "until the lion has his own storyteller, the hunter will always have the best part of the story". It took a long time, far too long, until the lion Nelson Mandela, imprisoned and forced into silence, was able to tell his story and his people' story. When he finally could do so, his words were those of freedom and reconciliation. I remember well the first time I met Nelson Mandela. It was in Namibia, in the day of the independence of Namibia, even before he became President of South Africa. And I was there in 1994 for his inauguration as President of South Africa. It was a great moment that I'll never forget. Nelson Mandela has been and will remain a source of inspiration for generations of Africans and world citizens. His life illustrates the power of the will, of courage, the power of freedom and also the force of reconciliation. Happy Birthday, Nelson Mandela! I look forward with pleasure to your 100th which is going to be quite a party![06] Euro area external trade deficit € 4.6 billionThe first estimate for the euro area (EA15) trade balance with the rest of the world in May 2008 gave a € 4.6 billion deficit, compared with +€ 1.4 billion in May 2007. The April 20082 balance was +€ 2.5 billion, compared with +2.0 bn in April 2007. In May 2008 compared with April 2008, seasonally adjusted exports fell by 3.4% and imports by 1.3%. The first estimate for the May 2008 extra-EU271 trade balance was a deficit of € 21.5 billion, compared with - €14.7 billion in May 2007. In April 2008, the balance was - €15.4 billion, compared with - €12.9 billion in April 2007. In May 2008 compared with April 2008, seasonally adjusted exports fell by 4.0% and imports by 1.3%. These data3 are released by Eurostat.Rediffusion [07] Mergers: Commission approves proposed acquisition of V&S Vin & Sprit by Pernod Ricard, subject to conditionsThe European Commission has cleared under the EU Merger Regulation the proposed acquisition of the Swedish state-owned company V&S Vin & Sprit (V&S) by Pernod Ricard of France. The Commission's decision is conditional on the sale of a number of brands in markets where the Commission identified competition concerns. These were in the market for aniseed flavoured spirits in Finland, gin in Poland, vodka in Greece and cognac, port, Canadian whisky and gin in Sweden. In light of these commitments, the Commission has concluded that the proposed transaction would not significantly impede effective competition in the European Economic Area (EEA) or any substantial part of it.[08] Mergers: Commission opens in-depth investigation into dairy products merger between Campina and FrieslandThe European Commission has opened an in-depth investigation under the EU Merger Regulation into the planned merger between Campina and Friesland Foods, both of The Netherlands and both active in a range of dairy product markets such as milk, cheese and lactose. The Commission’s initial market investigation has found that the proposed transaction raises serious doubts as to its compatibility with the common market given that the two companies’ compete on the same dairy product markets. In addition, it is possible that the combination of the two companies' activities will lead to potential supply problems for competitors. The decision to open an in-depth inquiry does not prejudge the final result of the investigation. The Commission now has 90 working days (until 24 November 2008) to take a final decision on whether the concentration would significantly impede effective competition within the Single Market.[09] Autre matériel diffusé• Memo on Antitrust: Commission confirms supplementary Statement of Objections sent to Intel• Speech by Commissioner Fischer Boel at the Press Conference ahead of WTO talks, Brussels • Speech by Commissioner Ferrero-Waldner "El referendum irlandés y la acción exterior de la UE" at the Foro Nueva EconomÃa in Madrid • Calendrier hebdomadaire du 21 au 31 juillet • Top News from the European Commission A disposition au secrétariat de Jonathan Todd (BERL 03/315): Notification préalable d'une opération de concentration : KLM / MARTINAIR
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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