European Commission : Daily News 14 / 11 / 2016

Comment améliorer la position des agriculteurs dans la chaîne d'approvisionnement alimentaire? Le groupe de travail sur les marchés agricoles rend ses recommandations à la Commission

Le groupe de travail sur les marchés agricoles, présidé par l'ancien ministre néerlandais de l'agriculture et professeur d'université, M. Cees Veerman, a présenté aujourd'hui son rapport au commissaire européen chargé de l'agriculture et du développement rural, M. Phil Hogan. Ce groupe de travail, constitué de douze experts indépendants, est né suite aux inquiétudes croissantes concernant les évolutions au niveau mondial de la chaîne d'approvisionnement alimentaire et, en particulier, la position des producteurs dans cette chaîne. Le groupe de travail a donc été invité à examiner un certain nombre de questions pertinentes en vue d'assurer un meilleur équilibre. En recevant le rapport, fruit de dix mois de travail, le Commissaire Hogan s'est exprimé en ces termes: «Au vu des difficultés auxquelles certains secteurs spécifiques ont récemment été confrontés, nous nous sommes rendu compte de la nécessité de renforcer le rôle des agriculteurs dans la chaîne alimentaire dans le but de garantir qu'ils tirent une juste rémunération de leurs produits. Faire en sorte que la position des agriculteurs soit renforcée et que leur voix soit davantage entendue est une priorité essentielle de mon action. Le rapport du groupe de travail sur les marchés agricoles constitue une contribution précieuse au débat sur la façon d'atteindre cet objectif. Nous allons à présent accorder la priorité à l'examen du rapport et de ses recommandations afin d'apporter la réponse appropriée. Le programme de travail de la Commission pour 2017 reconnaît déjà l'importance de cette question, et le rapport présenté aujourd'hui jouera un rôle essentiel dans la réalisation de cet engagement.» Parmi les conclusions figurant dans le rapport, il est demandé que de nouvelles règles soient adoptées au niveau de l'Union pour remédier à certaines pratiques commerciales déloyales et que des régimes de contrôle de l'application de la législation efficaces soient mis en œuvre dans les États membres, comme le recours à un arbitre. Dans le rapport, il est également recommandé d'augmenter la transparence du marché, de renforcer la coopération entre les agriculteurs, de faciliter l'accès de ces derniers au financement et d'améliorer l'utilisation des outils de gestion des risques. Un communiqué de presse dans toutes les langues est disponible en ligne. Le Commissaire Hogan et M. Veerman ont par ailleurs participé à une conférence de presse aujourd'hui à 11h qui est accessible en ligne. (Pour plus d'informations: Daniel Rosario - Tel.: + 32 229 56185; Clémence Robin - Tel.: +32 229 52509)

Investment Plan for Europe: EUR 105 million support for thermal energy in Germany

The European Investment Bank (EIB) has agreed with Stadtwerke Kiel AG to provide a EUR 105 million loan towards financing a thermal power plant in Kiel, Germany. This transaction benefits from the support of the European Fund for Strategic Investments (EFSI), the heart of the Investment Plan for Europe. The project, the first of its kind in Europe, sets new standards in environmental sustainability and marks an important contribution to Germany's energy transition. Commission Vice-President Maroš Šefčovič, responsible for Energy Union, said: 'Public funds cannot and should not replace private investment but they can absorb some of the risk, creating a more favourable investment environment, especially in the field of energy. I therefore welcome the decision of the European Investment Bank to support the K.I.E.L coastal power station which will make a significant contribution to Germany's Energiewende and Europe's transition to a low-carbon economy.' (For more information see here or contact Annika Breidthardt - Tel.: +32 229 56153; Siobhán Millbright - Tel.: + 32 229 57361)

European Commission sets up an internal Task Force on Financial Technology

Commission services are today launching a Task Force on Financial Technology (TFFT) that aims to assess and make the most of innovation in this area, while also developing strategies to address the potential challenges that FinTech poses. The work of this Task Force builds on the Commission's goal to develop a comprehensive strategy on FinTech. Technological development provides great opportunities for existing financial institutions, alternative service providers and new business models, provided that any risks are carefully managed. This internal Task Force brings together the expertise of Commission staff across several areas, such as: financial and digital services, digital innovation and security, competition and consumer protection. It will also engage with stakeholders and present policy suggestions and recommendations in the first half of 2017. Commission Vice-President Valdis Dombrovskis, responsible for Financial Stability, Financial Services and Capital Markets Union said: 'We see technological innovation in finance as a development that we need to encourage and enable. It brings huge opportunities for consumers and for industry, both by established players and new Fintech firms. Our Task Force will help us make sure that our policy supports the pursuit of these opportunities, while addressing any risks that may emerge. Efficient financial markets need to make the best possible use of the opportunities that technology presents, while also preserving competition and making sure that new operating systems are safe.'Commissioner for Digital Economy and Society Günther H. Oettinger said: 'Digital innovation is transforming the entire economy and in particular the financial services sector. It disrupts business models and value chains, leads to the emergence of new players and services. The Digital Single Market strategy aims at laying down an appropriate framework and enabling solutions concerning for instance electronic authentication or cybersecurity. Our ambition is to foster financial innovation while preserving financial stability and protecting consumers and investors.' (For more information: Vanessa Mock - Tel.: +32 229 56194; Nathalie Vandystadt - Tel.: +32 229 67083; Letizia Lupini - Tel.: +32 229 51958; Marie Frenay - Tel.: +32 229 64532)

Concentrations: la Commission autorise l'acquisition de TimePartner par NAXICAP

La Commission européenne a approuvé, en vertu du règlement européen sur les concentrations, l'acquisition de TimePartner GmbH basée en Allemagne par NAXICAP Partners basée en France via sa société de portefeuille indirect The House of HR N.V. ('THOHR') basée en Belgique. Tant TimePartner que THOHR fournissent des services de travail temporaire et de placement permanent. Leurs activités se chevauchent en Allemagne. La Commission a conclu que l'opération envisagée ne soulèverait pas de problème concurrentiel, étant donné la présence limitée des deux entreprises sur le marché concerné et l'impact restreint de la transaction. L'opération a été examinée dans le cadre de la procédure simplifiée du contrôle des concentrations. De plus amples informations sont disponibles sur le site internet concurrence de la Commission, dans le registre public des affaires sous le numéro d'affaire, sous le numéro d'affaireM.8151. (Pour plus d'informations: Ricardo Cardoso - Tel.: +32 229 80100; Angela Nardella - Tel.: +32 229 86801)

The EU imposes provisional anti-dumping duties on steel and iron products from China

The EU has decided to impose provisional anti-dumping duties on seamless pipes and tubes of iron and steel from China. This product is typically used in power plants, in construction, and in the oil and gas industry. The Commission's investigations confirmed that the Chinese products had been sold in Europe at heavily dumped prices. To provide EU companies with necessary breathing space, the Commission imposed duties ranging between 43.5% and 81.1%. This should prevent damage to the European companies involved in the production of the steel tubes and pipes. The investigation was initiated on 13 May 2016 following a complaint submitted by the industry. The Commission will decide within the coming six months whether these measures would become definitive and apply for a period of five years. The EU currently has an unprecedented number of trade defence measures in place targeting unfair exports of steel products from third countries, with a total of 40 anti-dumping and anti-subsidy measures, 18 of which on products originating from China. 14 more investigations concerning steel products are still ongoing, including three cases for which duties are being provisionally applied. The full details of the decision can be found here.(For more information: Daniel Rosario - Tel.: + 32 229 56185; Axel Fougner - Tel.: +32 229 57276)

EUROSTAT: Durée de la vie active - Dans l'UE, on peut s'attendre à travailler près de deux ans de plus qu'il y a dix ans

La durée escomptée de la vie active dans l'Union européenne s'établissait à 35,4 ans en moyenne en 2015, soit 1,9 an de plus qu'en 2005. Plus précisément pendant cette décennie, la durée de la vie active a augmenté plus rapidement pour les femmes (32,8 ans en 2015, contre 30,2 ans en 2005, soit +2,6 ans) que pour les hommes (37,9 ans en 2015, contre 36,7 ans en 2005, soit +1,2 an). Parmi les États membres de l'UE, la durée escomptée de la vie active en 2015 était la plus longue en moyenne en Suède (41,2 ans) et la plus courte en Italie (30,7 ans). Un communiqué de presse est disponible ici. (Pour plus d'informations: Christian Wigand- Tel.: +32 229 62253; Sara Soumillion - Tel.: +32 229 67094)

EUROSTAT: La production industrielle en baisse de 0,8% dans la zone euro

En septembre 2016 par rapport à août 2016, la production industrielle corrigée des variations saisonnières a baissé de 0,8% dans la zone euro (ZE19) et de 0,7% dans l'UE28, selon les estimations d'Eurostat, l'office statistique de l'Union européenne. En août 2016, la production industrielle avait augmenté de 1,8% dans la zone euro et de 1,6% dans l'UE28. Un communiqué de presse est disponible ici. (Pour plus d'informations: Lucia Caudet - Tel.: +32 229 56182; Mirna Talko - Tel.: +32 229 87278)

ANNOUNCEMENTS

First Vice-President Timmermans speaks at meeting of National Parliaments

Today in Bratislava, First Vice-President Frans Timmermans takes part in a meeting of the Conference of Parliamentary Committees for Union Affairs of Parliaments of the EU (COSAC), hosted by the Slovak Council Presidency. The First Vice-President will deliver a keynote speech on 'Strengthening the Role of National Parliaments in the EU' during the second session of today's conference. More information is available on the COSAC website here. (For more information: Natasha Bertaud - Tel.: +32 2 29 67456; Tim McPhie - Tel.: +32 229 58602)

Commissioner Avramopoulos in Egypt

Today, Commissioner Avramopoulos is in Egypt where he is meeting with the President of the Arab Republic of Egypt, Abdel Fatah Al Sisi and the Egyptian Minister of Foreign Affairs Sameh Shoukry. Discussions focus on common security and migration challenges. (For more information: Natasha Bertaud - Tel.: +32 229 67456; Tove Ernst - Tel.: +32 229 86764; Markus Lammert - Tel.: +32 229 80423; Katarzyna Kolanko - Tel.: +32 229 63444)

Commissioner Thyssen gives keynote speech at conference on 'The Future of Work we Want'

Tomorrow, 15 November, Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs, Skills and Labour Mobility, Marianne Thyssen, will give a keynote speech at the conference 'The Future of Work We Want', taking place in Brussels on 15 and 16 November. The conference is jointly organised by the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) and the International Labour Organisation. Aim of the conference is to discuss ways to tackle challenges such as globalisation, technological innovation, demographic shifts, migration and climate change with EESC members. More specifically, participants will discuss whether Europe will be able to keep its high standards of employment in the face of technological innovation and global competition. Ahead of the conference, Commissioner Thyssen said: 'TheEuropean Pillar of Social Rights has played an important role in the debate on the future of work and welfare. Launched in March, the consultation on the Pillar has gathered input from experts, stakeholders and citizens across the EU. All Member States have now also been consulted, but citizens and all interested parties have until 30 December to contribute. One thing is already clear: There is a strong demand for policy answers which address the broad agenda of social fairness.' At 10:30, a press conference will take place, in which Commissioner Thyssen will participate together with the President of the Economic and Social Committee, Georges Dassis, and the Director-General of the International Labour Organisation, Guy Ryder. Journalists can register by sending an email to press@eesc.europa.eu. The conference can also be followed online. Commissioner Thyssen's keynote speech will be made available here. (For more information: Christian Wigand- Tel.: +32 229 62253; Sara Soumillion - Tel.: +32 229 67094)

Commissioner Thyssen participates in Alliance for YOUth gathering in the European Parliament

Tomorrow, 15 November, Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs, Skills and Labour Mobility, Marianne Thyssen, will participate in the Alliance for YOUth gathering which takes place in the European Parliament. EU policy-makers and business representatives will gather to hold a High-Level policy debate on how to strengthen business-education partnerships. Ahead of the event, Commissioner Thyssen said: 'The Alliance for YOUth shows how investing in youth is also good for business. Since 2013 youth unemployment in the EU has gone down by 1.4 million people and the Commission has proposed an additional €2 billion in financial support to the Youth Guarantee implementation. In the next phase, we would like to see more business involvement in the Youth Guarantee delivery and the Alliance for YOUth could play a role in this.' Alliance for YOUth is a business-driven initiative, aiming to create job opportunities for people under 30 years old. Initiated by Nestlé in 2014, it united more than 200 large and small companies. The debate can be watched live here. (For more information: Christian Wigand- Tel.: +32 229 62253; Sara Soumillion - Tel.: +32 229 67094)

Commissioner King in Austria

Today Commissioner King visits Vienna, Austria, where he will meet Mr Wolfgang Brandstetter, Minister of Justice and Mr Peter Gridling, Director of the Federal Office for Constitutional Protection and the Fight against Terrorism (BAT) to discuss closer cooperation in the fields of justice and counter-terrorism. He will also participate in a meeting of the Heads of Justice and Home Affairs Agencies organised by the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) where he will discuss how to best improve the cooperation between agencies and between agencies and Member States in delivering the European Agenda for Security. (For more information: Natasha Bertaud - Tel.: +32 229 67456; Tove Ernst - Tel.: +32 229 86764; Katarzyna Kolanko - Tel.: +32 229 63444)

International Product Safety Week 2016 will focus on protecting consumers in a digital world

Consumer safety professionals from around the world are in Brussels to discuss with the European Commission how to improve product safety for consumers on the occasion of the 2016 International Product Safety Week. This year participants will pay particular attention to improving consumer safety in a digital world, as 65 % of all European internet users now shop online. Commissioner Jourová delivered the opening speech this morning. She said: ' Products need to be safe when put on the market in the EU whether they are sold online or in traditional shops, and regardless of where they come from. (…) But action in the EU alone will not make the difference in our connected world. Because of global trade, increasingly also online, it is crucial that we step up our international cooperation, in particular with our biggest trading partners: The US and China.' Consumer safety experts from the European Commission will meet their Chinese counterparts from the General Administration of Quality Supervision (AQSIQ), as well as their American counterparts from the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to discuss how effective quality controls of exported goods can be guaranteed. Further events will focus on the safety of products sold online on boosting the impact of product safety alerts and on the EU's product safety alert system (RAPEX). Market surveillance experts will get the chance to exchange best practices among their peers. A full programme of the week is available online. (For more information:Christian Wigand - Tel.: +32 229 62253; Mélanie Voin - Tel.: +32 229 58659)

European Political Strategy Centre (EPSC) hosts Annual Conference of the European Strategy and Policy Analysis System (ESPAS)

On Wednesday,Commissioners Moedas and King will participate in the 2016 Annual Conference of the European Strategy and Policy Analysis System (ESPAS) hosted by the European Political Strategy Centre (EPSC), the European Commission's in-house think tank. The conference entitled 'Global Trends 2030: Society and Governance', brings together various key speakers including Geoff Mulgan, Chief Executive of UK charity Nesta; Pascal Lamy, President Emeritus of the Jacques Delors Institute; Bruce Stokes from the Pew Research Center; Heather Grabbe, Director of the Open Society European Policy Institute; Stefano Scarpetta, Director for Employment, Labour and Social Affairs at the OECD; Mark Spelman, Co-Head of the Future of the Internet Initiative for the World Economic Forum, as well as many others. The European Strategy and Policy Analysis System (ESPAS) is an inter-institutional collaboration between the European Commission, the European Parliament, the Council of the EU and the External Action Service, initiated in 2010. It engages in strategic foresight, anticipates future challenges and opportunities, and examines global trends. The conference will take place on the 5 floor of the Commission's Berlaymont building. To attend, register here. You can follow the conference on Twitter with the hashtag #ESPAS16.(For more information: Natasha Bertaud - Tel.: +32 229 67456; Lucia Caudet - Tel.: +32 229 56182; Joseph Waldstein - Tel.: +32 229 56184)

Upcoming events of the European Commission (ex-Top News)