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European Commission Spokesman's Briefing for 08-12-18Midday 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 Communicationb18/12/08[01] Crises in Myanmar: Commission provides a further €40.5 million in humanitarian aidThe European Commission has adopted two new funding decisions to ease the suffering of people affected by crises in Myanmar. A further €22 million has been allocated to meet the continuing needs of cyclone-hit communities in and around the Irrawaddy delta and €18.5 million is being provided for a 2009 programme targeting other highly vulnerable populations inside Myanmar, as well Burmese refugees in Thailand.[02] In less than a fortnight Slovakia adopts the euro; euro turns 10In less than a fortnight, the euro area will have two reasons to celebrate: the number of European Union countries that share the same currency will grow to 16 with Slovakia and it will be the 10th anniversary of the euro. A special €2 coin will be issued to commemorate the anniversary and a documentary film describing the road to the euro and its benefits will be screened today. In the meantime, preparations are in full swing in Slovakia.[03] Budget 2009 de l'UE: préparer la reprise économiqueEn 2009, la part du lion du budget de l'UE – 45%, soit 60 milliards d'euros – sera consacrée à des programmes en faveur de la recherche, de l'innovation, de l'emploi et du développement régional qui associent des mesures de court et de long terme visant à aider l'Europe à réagir le plus rapidement et efficacement possible pour sortir de la crise économique actuelle. L'augmentation de 11% des crédits pour la recherche et de 22% de ceux du programme communautaire en faveur de l'innovation contribuera à soutenir la compétitivité de l'UE dans une période difficile ainsi que ses efforts pour s'orienter vers une économie sobre en carbone. L'enveloppe destinée à l'agriculture restera stable, avec un peu plus de 40% des crédits UE, alors que les dépenses consacrées à l'environnement et au développement rural augmenteront de 2,9%. Quant à la rubrique "Europe, acteur mondial", sa dotation croîtra également en 2009, avec notamment une enveloppe de 0,6 milliards d'euros pour la facilité alimentaire d'un milliard d'euros destinée à aider les pays en développement à affronter la hausse des prix des denrées alimentaires.[04] El Salvador: EU deploys Election Observation Mission for the Legislative and Presidential Elections of 2009Following invitations from the Salvadorian electoral authorities, the European Commission has decided to deploy an EU Election Observation Mission (EOM) to El Salvador to observe the Legislative Elections of 18 January 2009 and the Presidential Elections of 15 March 2009. The EU EOM will be led by LuÃs Yáñez-Barnuevo GarcÃa, Spanish Member of the European Parliament.[05] Bolivia: EU deploys Election Observation Mission for the Constitutional Referendum of 25 January 2009Following invitations from the Bolivian electoral authorities, the European Commission has decided to deploy an EU Election Observation Mission (EOM) to Bolivia to observe the Referendum on the Ratification of new Constitution, scheduled on 25 January 2009. The EU EOM will be led by Renate Weber, Romanian Member of the European Parliament.[06] Mergers: Commission approves joint venture between Sofinco and Banco Popolare in Italian consumer credit marketsThe European Commission has cleared under the EU Merger Regulation the proposed merger of Italian companies Ducato and Agos into a new joint venture, to be controlled jointly by Sofinco of France and Banco Popolare of Italy. The Commission concluded that the transaction would not significantly impede effective competition in the European Economic Area (EEA) or any substantial part of it.[07] Mergers: Commission approves acquisition of Bradford & Bingley Assets by Banco Santander subsidiary AbbeyThe European Commission has cleared under the EU Merger Regulation the acquisition of certain assets of UK mortgage bank Bradford & Bingley plc by Abbey National plc, the UK arm of Banco Santander. After examining the operation, the Commission concluded that the transaction would not significantly impede effective competition in the European Economic Area (EEA) or any substantial part of it.[08] External Borders Fund 2007-2013 – GermanyThe Commission has adopted the multiannual programme under the External Borders Fund 2007-2013 for Germany for an estimated amount of € 84 Million Euro, together with the first two annual programmes (2007 and 2008).[09] Mergers: Commission clears proposed acquisition of SSTL by EADSThe European Commission has approved under the EU Merger Regulation the proposed acquisition of the UK-based satellite manufacturer Surrey Satellite Technology Limited (SSTL) by the Dutch company European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company EADS N.V. (EADS). The Commission concluded that the transaction would not significantly impede effective competition within the European Economic Area (EEA) or a substantial part of it.[10] External Borders Fund 2007-2013 – AustriaThe Commission has adopted the multiannual programme under the External Borders Fund 2007-2013 for Austria for an estimated amount of € 15 million, together with the first two annual programmes (2007 and 2008).[11] External Borders Fund 2007-2013 – BelgiumThe Commission has adopted the multiannual programme under the External Borders Fund 2007-2013 for Belgium for an estimated amount of € 26 Million Euro, together with the first two annual programmes (2007 and 2008).[12] Fonds pour les frontières extérieures 2007-2013 – République de ChypreLa Commission européenne a adopté le programme pluriannuel de mise en Å“uvre du Fonds pour les frontières extérieures 2007-2013 présenté par la République de Chypre, ainsi que ses deux premiers programmes annuels (2007 et 2008), pour un montant estimé de 22 millions d’euros.[13] External Borders Fund 2007-2013 – The Kingdom of DenmarkThe Commission has adopted the multiannual programme under the External Borders Fund 2007-2013 for Denmark for an estimated amount of € 6 million, together with the first two annual programmes (2007 and 2008).[14] Fonds pour les frontières extérieures, période 2007-2013 – République d’EstonieLa Commission européenne a adopté le programme pluriannuel de mise en Å“uvre du Fonds pour les frontières extérieures (2007-2013) présenté par la République d’Estonie, ainsi que les deux premiers programmes annuels (2007 et 2008) de celle-ci, pour un montant estimé de 29 millions d’euros.[15] Fonds pour les frontières extérieures 2007 2013 - GrèceLa Commission européenne a adopté le programme pluriannuel de mise en Å“uvre du Fonds pour les frontières extérieures 2007 2013 présenté par la Grèce, qui représente un montant estimatif de 148 millions €, ainsi que les deux premiers programmes annuels de cet État membre (2007 et 2008).[16] External Borders Fund 2007-2013 – ItalyThe Commission has adopted the multiannual programme under the External Borders Fund 2007-2013 for the Italian Republic for an estimated amount of € 211 million, together with the first two annual programmes (2007 and 2008).[17] Fonds pour les frontières extérieures 2007-2013 – LuxembourgLa Commission européenne a adopté le programme pluriannuel de mise en Å“uvre du Fonds pour les frontières extérieures 2007-2013 présenté par le Luxembourg, ainsi que ses deux premiers programmes annuels (2007 et 2008), pour un montant estimé de 500 000 euros.[18] External Borders Fund 2007-2013 – MaltaThe Commission has adopted the multiannual programme under the External Borders Fund 2007-2013 for Malta for an estimated amount of € 112 million, together with the first two annual programmes (2007 and 2008).[19] External Borders Fund 2007-2013 – the NetherlandsThe Commission has adopted the multiannual programme under the External Borders Fund 2007-2013 for the Netherlands for an estimated amount of € 35 million, together with the first two annual programmes (2007 and 2008).[20] External Borders Fund 2007-2013 – The Republic of SloveniaThe Commission has adopted the multiannual programme under the External Borders Fund 2007-2013 for the Republic of Slovenia for an estimated amount of € 47 million, together with the first two annual programmes (2007 and 2008).[21] Mergers: Commission approves proposed acquisition of joint control over Taranto Container Terminal by Hutchison and EvergreenThe European Commission has cleared under the EU Merger Regulation the proposed acquisition of joint control over Taranto Container Terminal S.p.A. (TCT) of Italy by Hutchison Whampoa Limited Group of Hong Kong and the Taiwan-based Evergreen Group. The Commission concluded that the operation would not significantly impede effective competition in the European Economic Area (EEA) or in any substantial part of it.[22] Commission launches public consultation on hedge fundsThe European Commission has launched a wide-ranging public consultation on policy issues arising from the activities of the hedge fund industry, in view of developing appropriate regulatory initiative. A significant part of global hedge fund assets are managed and administered in Europe. This consultation will make an important contribution to European and international reflections on whether the approach to the regulation and supervision of hedge funds should be reassessed in light of the financial crisis. The results of the consultation will be discussed at a high-level conference in Brussels in late February 2009, and will serve as the basis for European input into the parallel reflections on hedge funds at international level by the G20.[23] European Commission contributes EUR 4 million to the Enhanced Integrated Framework for Least Developed Countries (LDCs)The European Commission has today taken the lead in signing a EUR 4 million contribution agreement towards the Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF). The EIF is a multi-stakeholder partnership to support the sustainable development of Least Developed Countries (LDCs). It brings together LDCs, key international agencies and donors to ensure the integration of trade needs into national development plans and the implementation of priority trade projects. Trade ministers agreed in December 2005 in Hong Kong to redesign the EIF. The European financing will contribute to get the new EIF up and running in 2009.[24] La Commission se réjouit du vote du Parlement européen sur les nouveaux outils pour la mobilité et la qualité de l’enseignement et de la formation professionnelsLa Commission européenne se réjouit du vote d’aujourd'hui au Parlement européen, qui ouvre la voie à la création de deux nouveaux outils européens pour faciliter la mobilité et améliorer la qualité de l’enseignement et de la formation professionnels. Le système de crédits d’apprentissage européens pour la formation et l’enseignement professionnels (ECVET) aidera les apprenants à faire reconnaître les formations acquises dans des pays ou des contextes d’apprentissage différents. Le cadre européen d’assurance de la qualité (CERAQ) favorisera un enseignement et une formation professionnels meilleurs, en procurant aux autorités des outils communs de gestion de la qualité.[25] Standard Eurobarometer 70: Autumn 2008The Autumn Eurobarometer shows that general attitudes of citizens towards the EU have, overall, remained stable while their perception of the economic situation and outlook was dramatically affected by the financial crisis.La Commission invite les États membres à faire de souplesse dans l'actualisation des règles sur la télévision en 2009 Un an après l'entrée en vigueur d'une nouvelle directive européenne destinée à assouplir la réglementation concernant la télévision et à supprimer les restrictions caduques et bureaucratiques à la prestation de services de télévision numérique sur internet, de vidéo à la demande et de télévision mobile en Europe, les États membres de l'UE ont peu progressé dans l'adaptation de leur réglementation nationale. Seule la Roumanie a pleinement mis en Å“uvre les nouvelles dispositions européennes sur l'audiovisuel entrées en vigueur le 19 décembre 2007 (<a href="http://www.europa.eu/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=IP/07/1809&format=HTML&aged=1&language=FR&guiLanguage=fr">IP/07/1809). La directive européenne relative aux services de médias audiovisuels, adoptée par le Parlement européen et le Conseil des ministres de l'UE sur proposition de la Commission (<a href="http://europa.eu/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=IP/05/1573">IP/07/1809), a adapté l'ancienne réglementation européenne sur la diffusion télévisuelle traditionnelle à l'ère numérique et à sa nouvelle génération de services de type télévisuel. Les 26 autres États membres travaillent actuellement à sa transposition en droit interne. Ils ont jusqu'à décembre 2009 pour le faire. L'UE disposera alors d'un marché unique pour tous les services de médias audiovisuels, qui offrira une sécurité juridique aux entreprises et une programmation plus variée et de meilleure qualité aux téléspectateurs. [26] Euro area external trade surplus € 0.9 billionThe first estimate for the euro area (EA15) trade balance with the rest of the world in October 2008 gave a € 0.9 billion surplus, compared with € +4.2 billion in October 2007. The September 2008 balance was € -4.5 billion, compared with € +2.9 billion in September 2007. In October 2008 compared with September 2008, seasonally adjusted exports fell by 2.5% and imports by 4.6%. The first estimate for the October 2008 extra-EU27 trade balance was a deficit of € 17.1 billion, compared with € -15.3 billion in October 2007. In September 2008, the balance was € -23.5 billion, compared with € -16.6 billion in September 2007. In October 2008 compared with September 2008, seasonally adjusted exports fell by 2.0% and imports by 4.5%. These data are released by Eurostat.[27] EU27 real agricultural income per worker down by 4.3%EU27 real agricultural income per worker has decreased by 4.3% in 2008, after increasing by 12.2% in 2007, according to first estimates issued by Eurostat. This decline results from a reduction in real agricultural income (-6.3%), together with a fall in agricultural labour input (-2.1%).[28] Commission clears acquisition of Namisa by CSN and ITOCHUThe European Commission has granted clearance under the EU Merger Regulation to the acquisition of joint control of Nacional Minérios SA (Namisa) of Brazil by Companhia Siderúrgica Nacional (CSN) of Brazil and ITOCHU Corporation of Japan. CSN is active in steel production, mining and infrastructure. ITOCHU is active in the trading of diverse products including textiles, machinery, information and communications-related products, metals and food. Namisa mines and trades iron ore. The operation was examined under the simplified merger review procedure.Rediffusion [29] Climate change: Commission welcomes final adoption of Europe's climate and energy packageWith today's vote in the European Parliament on the climate and energy package, the EU has finalised a deal that will help Europe transform into a low-carbon economy and increase energy security. Fully in line with the Commission's proposals in January 2008, agreement has been reached on legally binding targets, by 2020, to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 20%, to establish a 20% share for renewable energy, and to improve energy efficiency by 20%. Deals were hammered out on revisions to the emissions trading system, the distribution of the reduction effort outside of the emissions trading system, a legal framework for environmentally safe carbon capture and storage (CCS) as well as on the related proposals on CO2 emissions from cars and on fuel quality. As the first region in the world to commit to such far-reaching and legally binding emission reductions, Europe is leading the fight against climate change. Today's vote is an important contribution towards an ambitious international climate agreement to be reached in Copenhagen by the end of 2009.[30] De meilleures conditions de travail pour les 300 000 marins que compte l’UnionLa Commission européenne se félicite de la décision arrêtée aujourd’hui par le Conseil, qui vise à améliorer les conditions de travail de quelque 300 000 marins. La directive donnera force de loi à l’accord européen conclu par les partenaires sociaux du secteur des transports maritimes afin d’appliquer les normes de travail internationales adoptées en 2006 par l’Organisation internationale du travail.[31] Ecodesign: Commission reduces standby electricity consumptionThe Commission has adopted today the ecodesign regulation to reduce standby energy consumption of all household and office products. The regulation lays down energy efficiency requirements which will cut the standby electricity consumption by almost 75% by 2020.[32] Des comités d'entreprises européens renforcés pour mieux informer et consulter les travailleurs en cas de restructurationLa Commission européenne se félicite de l'adoption en première lecture par le Parlement européen et le Conseil de sa proposition législative visant à améliorer le rôle des comités d'entreprise européens (voir aussi <a href="http://europa.eu/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=IP/08/1073&format=HTML&aged=0&language=FR&guiLanguage=en">IP/08/1073 et <a href="http://europa.eu/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=MEMO/08/468&format=HTML&aged=0&language=FR&guiLanguage=en">MEMO/08/468). En ces temps de crise, le rôle des comités d’entreprise européens est particulièrement important, permettant une meilleure anticipation des restructurations et un accompagnement des travailleurs touchés.[33] Autre matériel diffusé• Memo on Questions and Answers on the revised EU Emissions Trading System• Memo on Questions and Answers on the Decision on effort sharing • Memo on Questions and Answers on the directive on the geological storage of carbon dioxide • Memo on CO2 from passenger cars • Memo on Fuel Quality Directive • Memo on Audiovisual Media Services without Frontiers: Frequently Asked Questions • Memo on State aid: Commission and German Länder render the activities of ARD and ZDF compatible with the Community rules while considering the interests of commercial operators - joint press statement • Memo Antitrust: Commission welcomes Court of First Instance judgment in rubber chemicals cartel case • Memo Antitrust: Commission welcomes European Court of Justice judgment
in the French Beef case
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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