Daily News 31 / 05 / 2016

European Commission - Daily News
Daily News 31 / 05 / 2016
Brussels, 31 May 2016
L'UE accroît son aide humanitaire face à la crise au Burundi: 22 millions d'euros en 2016
La Commission européenne a annoncé une aide humanitaire supplémentaire de 10 millions d’euros
pour secourir les Burundais déplacés en nombre croissant. Cette enveloppe vient s'ajouter aux 12,2
millions d'euros déjà mobilisés depuis le début de l'année, ce qui porte à 22 millions d'euros l'aide
humanitaire apportée en 2016 par l'UE dans le cadre de la crise burundaise. On estime que plus de
260 000 personnes, dont plus de la moitié sont des enfants, auraient quitté le Burundi depuis avril
2015 pour chercher refuge dans les pays voisins. «L’UE est déterminée à soutenir le peuple burundais
en ces temps difficiles. La situation humanitaire de la population burundaise reste très préoccupante.
Plus d’un quart de million de personnes ont fui leur foyer. Les capacités d’a ccueil des pays voisins sont
sollicitées à l’extrême et la situation en Tanzanie est particulièrement inquiétante. Les fonds
supplémentaires accordés par l'UE contribueront à apporter une aide essentielle aux personnes dans le
besoin et à améliorer les conditions de vie des réfugiés, notamment en Tanzanie», a déclaré M.
Christos Stylianides, commissaire européen chargé de l'aide humanitaire et de la gestion des crises.
Le communiqué de presse complet est disponible en ligne en FR, EN, DE. (For more information:
Alexandre Polack – Tel.: +32 229 90677; Daniel Puglisi – Tel.: +32 229 69140)
Commission reaches agreement with major IT companies to counter illegal online hate
speech efficiently and quickly [Updated: 31/05/2016 at 16:44]
The Commission together with Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Microsoft today unveil a code of
conduct that includes a series of commitments to combat the spread of illegal hate speech online in
Europe. The definition of illegal online content is based on the Framework Decision on Combatting
Racism and Xenophobia which criminalises the public incitement to violence or hatred directed against
a group of persons or a member of such a group defined by reference to race, colour, religion, descent
or national or ethnic origin. Vĕra Jourová, EU Commissioner for Justice, Consumers and Gender
Equality, said: "The Internet is a place for free speech, not hate speech. The Code of Conduct against
illegal online hate speech, agreed with IT companies today, will ensure that public incitement to
violence to hatred has no place online. I welcome the commitment of worldwide IT companies to
review the majority of valid notifications for removal of illegal hate speech in less than 24 hours and
remove or disable access to such content, if necessary." By signing this code of conduct, the IT
companies commit to tackling quickly and efficiently illegal hate speech online. This will include the
establishment of internal procedures and staff training to guarantee that a majority of illegal content is
assessed and, where necessary, removed within 24 hours. IT companies will strengthen their
partnerships with civil society organisations who are the main actors in flagging content that promotes
incitement to violence and hateful conduct. The partnership will also support civil society organisations
in delivering effective anti-hate campaigns to countering hateful rhetoric online.The IT Companies and
the European Commission agree to assess the public commitments in this code of conduct on a regular
basis, including their impact. They also agree to further discuss how to promote transparency and
encourage counter and alternative narratives. To this end, regular meetings will take place and a
preliminary assessment will be reported to the High Level Group on Combating Racism, Xenophobia
and all forms of intolerance by the end of 2016. For more information, see full press release and Code
of Conduct online. (For more information: Nathalie Vandystadt - Tel.: +32 229 67083, Melanie Voin tel.: +32 229 58659)
Europe supports social finance deal in Poland with €8 million
The European Investment Fund (EIF) and Towarzystwo Inwestycji Spoleczno-Ekonomicznych SA (TISE)
have signed a Social Entrepreneurship guarantee agreement under the European Commission's EU
Programme for Employment and Social Innovation (EaSI). This new guarantee agreement allows TISE
to provide a total of €8 million to at least 60 social entrepreneurs in Poland and Central and Eastern
Europe, many of whom face difficulties in accessing credit from traditional banking sources. Social
entrepreneurs in sectors including recruitment, fair trade and targeted child care will be able to benefit
from loans at a reduced interest rate. Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs, Skills and Labour
Mobility, Marianne Thyssen, commented: "Through this €8 million EU funding, TISE will be able to
offer loans on preferential conditions to over 60 social enterprises in Poland. By providing them a
greater access to finance, we contribute to the development of social enterprises in key sectors for
social inclusion, such as education, job promotion and fair trade. This shows again that the European
Commission is fully committed to combat poverty and improve working conditions in Europe, with
particular efforts directed towards the most vulnerable people on the labour market." The EaSI
Guarantee scheme was launched in June 2015 and is funded by the European Commission and
managed by the European Investment Fund. More information can be found here. (For more
information: Nathalie Vandystadt – Tel.: +32 229 67083; Sara Soumillion – Tel.: + 32 229 67094)
Le premier cycle de négociations pour redynamiser l'accord de commerce entre l'UE et le
Mexique fixé pour la mi-juin
La commissaire européenne pour le commerce, Cecilia Malmström, a rencontré hier le ministre
mexicain de l’économie, Ildefonso Guajardo Villarreal, afin de lancer de nouvelles négociations de
commerce et d'investissement entre les deux partenaires. Ces négociations visent à moderniser et à
élargir le champ de l’actuel «accord global» de 1997 afin de prendre en considération d'autres accords
ambitieux que l’UE et le Mexique ont négociés depuis lors avec d’autres partenaires. La réunion d'hier a
établi une feuille de route pour parvenir à un accord qui libère pleinement le potentiel des relations
commerciales et des investissements entre l’ UE et le Mexique. S'exprimant à l'issue de la réunion, la
commissaire européenne pour le commerce, Cecilia Malmström, a déclaré: "Je me réjouis de voir une
autre initiative prendre forme dans le cadre de notre stratégie «Le commerce pour tous». Nos
discussions avec le ministre Guajardo ne laissent aucun doute: nous sommes en train d'écrire une page
dans l’histoire des relations UE-Mexique. Nous souhaitons étendre la portée de l’accord et approfondir
le degré d'ouverture mutuelle afin de stimuler notre croissance, rendre nos entreprises plus
compétitives, créer de nouveaux emplois de meilleure qualité et proposer un choix plus vaste aux
consommateurs. Nous prévoyons d'ores et déjà d'organiser le premier cycle des négociations à
Bruxelles d'ici la mi-juin.» La structure des échanges internationaux a considérablement évolué depuis
l'entrée en vigueur de l'accord existant il y a plus de 15 ans. Aujourd'hui, il convient d’aller plus loin
dans l'abaissement des droits de douane et d'offrir à nos entreprises davantage de possibilités et de
qualité en matière de prestations de services, de participation à des appels d’offres publics ou
d'investissements. La relation entre le commerce, le développement durable et les droits de l’homme
doit également être davantage prise en compte. La décision d'aujourd’hui fait suite à des mois de
préparation du côté de la Commission, y compris des consultations avec les parties prenantes, une
analyse des différentes solutions envisageables pour renforcer les relations entre l’UE et le Mexique et
une évaluation de leurs effets potentiels. Plus d'information est disponible dans le communiqué de
presse. (For more information: Daniel Rosario – Tel.: +32 229 56185; Axel Fougner - Tel.: +32 229
57276)
Mergers: Commission clears the acquisition of Calypso Technology by Bridgepoint and
Summit Partners
The European Commission has approved under the EU Merger Regulation the acquisition of Calypso
Technology of the US by Bridgepoint of the UK and Summit Partners of the US. Calypso Technology is
a global provider of application software and services in the treasury and capital markets. Bridgepoint
is a private equity group focused on investing in established European businesses in a broad range of
sectors. Summit Partners is an international equity investment firm focused on investing in businesses
in the technology, healthcare and life sciences sectors. The Commission concluded that the proposed
acquisition would raise no competition concerns, because none of companies controlled by Bridgepoint
and Summit Partners are active in the same markets as Calypso Technology. The transaction was
examined under the simplified merger review procedure. More information is available on the
Commission's competition website, in the public case register under the case number M.8021. (For
more information: Ricardo Cardoso – Tel.: +32 229 80100; Giulia Komel – Tel.: +32 229 61175)
Mergers: Commission clears acquisition of joint control of Evertree by Avril, Bpifrance and
Biopolymer Technologies
The European Commission has approved under the EU Merger Regulation the acquisition of joint
control of Evertree by Avril Group, Bpifrance, all of France, and Biopolymer Technologies, of Israel.
Evertree will be active in the research and development, manufacture and supply of products derived
from vegetable proteins. Avril Group manufactures vegetable oils and proteins, condiment sauces,
biofuels and renewable chemistry. Bpifrance is an investment fundoffering funds and direct
investments to industrial projects. Biopolymer Technologies is a start-up that develops and tests a
broad range of intellectual property related to the use of protein in applications. The Commission
concluded that the transaction would raise no competition concerns, because the companies' combined
market shares will remain limited. The transaction was examined under the simplified merger review
procedure. More information is available on the Commission's competition website, in the public case
register under the case number M.8007. (For more information: Ricardo Cardoso – Tel.: +32 229
80100; Giulia Komel – Tel.: +32 229 61175)
Mergers: Commission clears acquisitionof joint control of Eurolife by Fairfax and OPG
The European Commission has approved under the EU Merger Regulation the acquisition of joint
control over Eurolife ERB Insurance Group Holdings S.A. of Greece by Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited
of Canada and OPG Commercial Holdings S.à r.l. of Luxembourg, belonging to the OMERS Group of
Canada. Eurolife provides insurance and reinsurance in Greece and Romania. OPG is the holding
company of OMERS. OMERS is the administrator of the Ontario Municipal Employees Retirement
System Primary Pension Plan. The Commission concluded that the proposed acquisition would raise no
competition concerns, because the companies' market shares remain very limited. The transaction was
examined under the simplified merger review procedure. More information is available on the
Commission's competition website, in the public case register under the case number M.8028. (For
more information: Ricardo Cardoso – Tel.: +32 229 80100; Giulia Komel – Tel.: +32 229 61175)
Mergers: Commission clears joint venture between RCI Banque and Banco Bilbao Vizcaya
Argentaria Colombia
The European Commission has approved under the EU Merger Regulation the creation of a joint
venture in Colombia between RCI Banque S.A. and Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria Colombia ("BBVA
Colombia"), a subsidiary of Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria S.A. ("BBVA"). RCI provides financing to
Renault and Nissan dealers as well as to private and commercial customers who purchase cars in
Renault or Nissan dealerships. BBVA Colombia is active in the banking sector in Colombia. The joint
venture will provide retail and wholesale financing to Renault purchasers and dealers in Colombia. The
Commission concluded that the proposed transaction would raise no competition concerns because the
joint venture will have no activities in the European Economic Area (EEA). The transaction was
examined under the simplified merger review procedure. More information is available on the
Commission's competition website, in the public case register under the case number M.8026. (For
more information: Ricardo Cardoso – Tel.: +32 229 80100; Giulia Komel – Tel.: +32 229 61175)
EUROSTAT: Le taux d’i nflation annuel de la zone euro en hausse à -0,1%
Le taux d'inflation annuel de la zone euro est estimé à -0,1% en mai 2016, en hausse par rapport au
mois d'avril où il était de -0,2%, selon une estimation rapide publiée par Eurostat, l'office statistique de
l'Union européenne. S'agissant des principales composantes de l'inflation de la zone euro, les services
devraient connaître le taux annuel le plus élevé en mai (1,0%, comparé à 0,9% en avril), suivis de
l'alimentation, alcool et tabac (0,8%, stable comparé à avril), des biens industriels non énergétiques
(0,5%, stable comparé à avril) et de l'énergie (-8,1%, comparé à -8,7% en avril). Un communiqué de
presse Eurostat est disponible en ligne. (Pour plus d'informations: Annika Breidthardt – Tel.: +32 229
56153; Annikky Lamp – Tel.: +32 229 56151)
EUROSTAT: Avril 2016 - Le taux de chômage à 10,2% dans la zone euro, à 8,7% dans l'UE28
Dans la zone euro (ZE19), le taux de chômage corrigé des variations saisonnières s’est établi à 10,2%
en avril 2016, stable par rapport à mars 2016 et en baisse par rapport au taux de 11,0% enregistré en
avril 2015. Il s’agit du taux le plus faible enregistré dans la zone euro depuis août 2011. Dans l’UE28,
le taux de chômage s’est établi à 8,7% en avril 2016, en baisse par rapport au taux de 8,8% de mars
2016 et à celui de 9,6% d'avril 2015. Il s’a git du taux le plus faible enregistré dans l'UE28 depuis avril
2009. Eurostat estime qu’en avril 2016, 21,224 millions d’hommes et de femmes étaient au chômage
dans l’UE28, dont 16,420 millions dans la zone euro. Par rapport à mars 2016, le nombre de chômeurs
a diminué de 106 000 dans l’UE28 et de 63 000 dans la zone euro. Comparé à avril 2015, le chômage
a baissé de 2,096 millions de personnes dans l’UE28 et de 1,309 million dans la zone euro.
Commissaire à l'Emploi, aux Affaires sociales, aux compétences et à la mobilité des travailleurs,
Marianne Thyssen, a dit: " La baisse continue et graduelle du taux de chômage souligne la reprise de
l'économie européenne mais on doit continuer à réduire les inégalités entre les pays et régions
européennes pour construire une société inclusive et un marché intérieur équitable. Ceci est au cœur
de toutes nos initiatives, y inclus l'agenda européenne pour les compétences que la Commission
présentera prochainement." Un communiqué de presse Eurostat est disponible en ligne. (Pour plus
d'informations: Nathalie Vandystadt – Tel.: +32 229 67083; Sara Soumillion – Tel.: + 32 229 67094)
STATEMENTS
President Juncker addresses EPP 40th anniversary event
On Monday 30 May in Luxembourg, European Commission President, Jean-Claude Juncker, took part
in the 40th anniversary celebrations of the European People's Party (EPP). In his speech President
Juncker outlined some of the urgent challenges facing the EU, warned of the dangers of populism, and
recalled the EPP's contribution to European integration. "We should not pursue simplistic
populism,"said the President. "Those who do will become populists themselves and only the originals
will be elected." On the refugee crisis, President Juncker called for solidarity: "The question of
refugees and the refugee crisis is a major challenge for everybody, but especially for Christian
Democrats true to their values. Solidarity towards refugees goes hand in hand with our understanding
of humanity and of Europe. We must therefore once again prove – on the basis of rules to be
established and without excluding anybody – that the EU is also steeped in solidarity when it comes to
the refugee issue." (For more information: Mina Andreeva – Tel.: +32 229 91382)
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Commissioners Avramopoulos and Jourová to participate in the EU-US Justice and Home
Affairs Ministerial meeting
On 1-2 June Commissioner for Migration, Home Affairs and Citizenship, Dimitris Avramopoulos and
Commissioner for Justice, Consumers and Gender Equality, Věra Jourová will participate on behalf of
the Commission in the EU-US Ministerial meeting on Justice and Home Affairs, taking place in
Amsterdam. The EU-US Ministerial on Justice and Home Affairs is held twice a year with the aim of
promoting Trans-Atlantic cooperation in the fight against terrorism and transnational crime and
strengthening the rights of citizens in this context. Participants will also include the Netherlands EU
Council Presidency and the incoming Slovak EU Council Presidency, the European External Action
Service and a number of European agencies. The United States will be represented by Attorney
General Loretta Lynch and Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security, Alejandro Mayorkas. Commissioner
Jourová and Attorney-General Lynch are set to sign the EU-US Data Protection Umbrella Agreement,
which will enhance the data protection rights of individuals when their personal data is collected for law
enforcement purposes, and thereby ensure legal certainty for swift and efficient cooperation in the
fight against crime, including terrorism. The EU and the US will also review the functioning of the 2010
Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty that ensures effective criminal justice cooperation across the Atlantic,
as well as recent legislative developments in combatting money laundering and terrorism financing.
They will also discuss migration and asylum and will exchange views on their respective visa policies,
on information sharing in the context of security, on counterterrorism and the fight against
transnational organised crime. For more information on the EU-US Data Protection Umbrella
Agreement see the latest statement and Q&A.The signature of the agreement on 2 June will be
broadcast live on EbS (For more information: Natasha Bertaud – Tel.: +32 229 67456; Tove Ernst –
Tel.: +32 229 86764; Markus Lammert – Tel.: +32 229 58602; Mélanie Voin – Tel.: +32 229 58659)
Vice-President Šefčovič and Commissioner Moedas in USA to participate in a global initiative
to accelerate clean energy revolution
Energy Union Vice-President Maroš Šefčovič and Research Commissioner Carlos Moedas will be
travelling to San Francisco this week on a research and innovation mission. Following COP21, the
Commission signalled the EU's intention to join Mission Innovation in the Communication The road
from Paris, assessing the implications of the Paris Agreement. A decision on EU accession to Mission
Innovation will be taken by current members. If positive, Maroš Šefčovič, the European Commission's
Vice-President for the Energy Union, and EU Commissioner for Research Science and Innovation Carlos
Moedas will announce the decision during the Mission Innovation Ministerial Meeting, which coincides
with the seventh Clean Energy Ministerial (CEM7) meeting where Commissioner Moedas will represent
the EU. Vice-President Šefčovič and Commissioner Moedas will also meet US Energy Secretary Ernest
Moniz. In addition Vice-President Šefčovič will provide a key note at the University of Stanford Hoover
and visit the Argonne National Laboratory in Illinois to showcase EU-US scientific cooperation in evehicle, smart grids and more clean energy technologies. (For more information: Anna-Kaisa Itkonen -
Tel.: +32 229 56186, Lucía Caudet –Tel.: +32 229 56182, Nicole Bockstaller – Tel.: +32 229 52589,
Joseph Waldstein - Tel.: +32 229 56184)
EU Commission to deepen political dialogue and announce support programmes during visit
to Pacific
Today, European Commissioner for International Cooperation and Development, Neven Mimica, will
participate in the 8th Summit of African, Caribbean, Pacific (ACP) Heads of State and Government and
will hold a series of bilateral meetings in Papua New Guinea. He will also begin his visit to the Pacific
Region, where he will announce new support for post cyclones Pam (in Vanuatu) and Winston (in Fiji)
recovery and response to the effects of El Niño (for the most affected six Pacific countries). Together
with New Zealand Foreign Affairs Minister Murray McCully and New Zealand Climate Change Minister
Paula Bennett, he will leave for a joint official visit to Vanuatu, Kiribati and Tuvalu. The Commissioner
will conclude his visit in New Zealand by co-hosting a high-level conference on energy, agriculture and
climate change in the Pacific. The visit will also be an occasion to expand the cooperation with New
Zealand in energy with Tonga and Nieu, as well as in agriculture in Vanuatu. EU Commissioner for
International Cooperation and Development, Neven Mimica, said: "The European Commission is
amongst the Pacific's leading partners, not only in the struggle against climate change, but also in
achieving sustainable development in the region. In addition to the €634 million allocated for the
Pacific Region in the period 2014-2020, we will be contributing an additional €54.5 million for climate
change mitigation and climate relevant actions. We value the strong foundations of our partnership and
remain committed to contribute to the wellbeing of the citizens of the Pacific." (For more information:
Alexandre Polack Tel.: +32 229 90677; Sharon Zarb – Tel.: +32 229 92256)
Commissioner Pierre Moscovici visits customs facilities at the Port of Rotterdam and meets
with local municipal leaders today
Pierre Moscovici, Commissioner for Economic and Financial Affairs, Taxation and Customs Union,
travels to The Netherlands today to visit the customs facilities of the Port of Rotterdam, the largest of
its kind in Europe. The visit follows the entry into force on 1 May of the new Union Customs Code: new
rules for customs which are designed to make life simpler for businesses that trade in Europe and to
better protect consumers against illegal and counterfeit goods. During his visit, Commissioner
Moscovici will meet Eric Wiebes, Secretary of State for Finance of The Netherlands. Later, the
Commissioner will meet Ahmed Aboutaleb, Mayor of Rotterdam. (For more information: Vanessa Mock
– Tel.: +32 229 56194; Patrick McCullough – Tel.: +32 229 87183)
La Commissaire Bulc à l'ouverture du tunnel de base du Gothard en Suisse
La Commissaire européenne aux Transports Violeta Bulc sera en Suisse aujourd'hui et demain, où elle
assistera mercredi à l'inauguration officielle du tunnel de base du Gothard, le tunnel ferroviaire le plus
long au monde. Une fois mis en service en décembre, le tunnel améliorera significativement la
compétitivité du transport ferroviaire le long du Corridor Rhin-Alpes, l'un des axes de fret les plus
denses, reliant les ports de la Mer du Nord au nord-ouest de l'Italie. La Commissaire participera
également à la réunion des Ministres des transports des pays alpins se tenant aujourd'hui à Lugano,
dans le cadre du processus dit "de Zurich". En amont de sa visite, la Commissaire Bulc a dit
"L'ouverture du tunnel de base du Gothard représente un moment historique dans l'histoire ferroviaire
européenne et pour le transport à travers les Alpes. Il permettra de renforcer le marché unique en
rapprochant le nord et le sud de l'Europe. Il contribuera également à nos objectifs de décarbonisation
du transport en facilitant le report modal de la route vers le rail. Je félicite chaleureusement les
autorités suisses d'avoir su mener à bien ce projet titanesque, dans les temps, dans le budget et avec
le soutien du public." (Pour plus d'informations: Jakub Adamowicz – Tel.: +32 229 50595; Alexis Perier
- Tel.: +32 229 69143)
Upcoming events of the European Commission (ex-Top News)
MEX/16/2006