Daily News 22 / 02 / 2016

European Commission - Daily News
Daily News 22 / 02 / 2016
Brussels, 22 February 2016
Investment Plan for Europe: new guidelines on combining European Structural and
Investment Funds with the EFSI
Today the Commission, in partnership with the European Investment Bank (EIB), is publishing
guidelines to help local authorities and project promoters make full use of the opportunities of
combining European Structural and Investment (ESI) Funds with the European Fund for Strategic
Investments, the heart of the Investment Plan for Europe. The brochure provides an overview of the
possible combinations of EFSI and ESI Funds, either at project level or through a financial instrument
such as an investment platform. European Commission Vice-President Jyrki Katainen, responsible for
Jobs, Growth, Investment and Competitiveness, said: "The EFSI was created to be as flexible as
possible and there are huge opportunities for project promoters to apply for EFSI financing as well as
ESI Funds". Commissioner for Regional Policy, Corina Creţu, said: "Achieving the objectives of the
Investment Plan for Europe is a joint effort and all sources and actors need to be mobilised". (For more
information see the press release and Q&A or Annika Breidthardt – Tel.: +32 229 56153 or Jakub
Adamowicz Tel.: +32 229-50595)
Lutte contre l'évasion fiscale: l’Union européenne et la Principauté de Monaco paraphent un
nouvel accord en matière de transparence fiscale
Aujourd’hui, l’Union européenne et Monaco paraphent un nouvel accord pour la transparence fiscale,
qui constitue une nouvelle avancée majeure dans la lutte contre l'évasion fiscale. L'accord prévoit que
Monaco et les États membres de l’Union échangeront automatiquement dès 2018 les informations
relatives aux comptes financiers de leurs résidents, qui seront collectées à compter du 1er janvier
2017. Pierre Moscovici, Commissaire aux affaires économiques et financières, fiscalité et douanes,
estime que "cet accord représente le début d'une nouvelle ère dans les relations entre Monaco et
l'Union européenne. Nous avons le même objectif, qui est de lutter contre la fraude, au bénéfice des
contribuables honnêtes. Cet accord concrétise cet objectif commun, de façon efficace et équitable."
L’Union européenne a signé des accords similaires l'année dernière avec la Suisse (IP/15/5043), avec
Saint-Marin (IP/15/6275), le Liechtenstein (IP/15/5929) et, en 2016, avec Andorre (IP/16/288). Lors
de sa visite, le Commissaire Moscovici sera reçu en audience par S.A.S. le Prince Souverain Albert II de
Monaco, rencontrera S.E. M. Serge TELLE, Ministre d’Etat, ainsi que plusieurs Membres du
gouvernement monégasque, et visitera deux entreprises locales. Pour de plus amples informations, un
communiqué de presse sera publié. (Pour plus d'informations: Vanessa Mock - +32 229 56194; Patrick
McCullough - +32 229 87183)
New report highlights need to teach and promote entrepreneurship skills
A new report published today by the European Commission examines how European countries teach
and promote entrepreneurship in schools. Entrepreneurship skills involve a full range of competences
needed to adapt to a constantly changing economy and competitive labour market, such as an
entrepreneurial mind-set, creativity, problem-solving, teamwork, languages or communication.
Whereas these skills are closely linked to young people's chances of finding a job, but also their ability
to realise ambitions and find their place in society, the report highlights that very few countries include
entrepreneurship in schools' curricula. The Commission supports the development of entrepreneurship
skills in the EU, notably through its education and training programme Erasmus+, which provides 450
000 traineeship opportunities from 2014 to 2020 that support the development of those skills.
Entrepreneurship skills will also be part of a broader Skills Agenda which the Commission will present
later this year to encourage the development of skills required both on today’s labour market and in
the long term. On Wednesday 24 February, the Council will organise a first policy debate on the Skills
Agenda between Education Ministers and both Commissioners Tibor Navracsics, responsible for
Education, Culture, Youth and Sport, and Marianne Thyssen, in charge of Employment, Social Affairs,
Skills and Labour Mobility. The full report is available here. (For more information: Nathalie
Vandystadt - Tel: +32 229 67083, Axel Fougner +32 229 13213)
Two EU-funded films won Silver Bears at Berlin International Film Festival
Two films supported by the Creative Europe – MEDIA programme were awarded a Silver Bear at the
66th Berlin International Film Festival (Berlinale), one of the world's leading film festivals. Danish
actress Trine Dyrholm received the Silver Bear for Best Actress for her role in the film Kollektivet (The
Commune) by Thomas Vinterberg. Polish movie United States of Love by Tomasz Wasilewski won the
Silver Bear for Best Script. Independent juries also awarded other films supported by MEDIA (more
information here). In total 20 EU-funded films were pre-selected for the competition. Vice-President
Ansip, in charge of the Digital Single Market, and Commissioner Oettinger, responsible for the Digital
Economy and Society, and who was at the Berlinale last week (see his speech – in German and
English), said: "We congratulate all the winners for such a great success. Their work contributes to our
cultural diversity. We will continue to support creativity with our MEDIA programme – which celebrates
its 25th anniversary this year – and through our work to create a Digital Single Market. Our aim is help
creators succeed in the digital era and promote the circulation of their masterpieces across Europe".
EU-funded films were also successful at the British Academy Film Awards ceremony on 14 February:
Amy directed by Asif Kapadia won the Best Documentary Award and Brooklyn directed by John Crowley
and Paul Tsan was awarded the Outstanding British Film. (For more information: Nathalie Vandystadt –
Tel.: +32 229 67083; Marie Frenay - Tel.: +32 229 64532)
Mergers: Commission clears acquisition of CBA and Sella Life by HDI
The European Commission has approved under the EU Merger Regulation the acquisition of CBA Vita
S.p.A. and its wholly owned subsidiary Sella Life Limited, both of Italy, by HDI Assicurazioni S.p.A. also
of Italy which is a subsidiary of the German insurance group Talanx. HDI offers insurance products to
private and commercial customers in Italy. CBA supplies life insurance products in Italy to private,
professional and corporate customers. Sella Life provides unit-linked insurance contracts (offering at
the same time insurance and investment services) in Italy. The Commission concluded that the
proposed acquisition would raise no competition concerns, because of its very limited impact on the
market structure. 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.7939. (For more information: Ricardo Cardoso – Tel. +32 229 80100; Carolina Luna
Gordo – Tel.: +32 229 68386)
Mergers: Commission clears acquisition of Norske Skog by Blackstone
The European Commission has approved under the EU Merger Regulation the acquisition of Norske
Skog of Norway by Blackstone of the US. Blackstone is a global alternative asset manager and provider
of financial advisory services. Norske Skog is a Norwegian-based public company active in the forest
products industry with operations in Europe, Australia and New Zealand. Its core activity is the
production and sale of wood-based printing paper (newsprint and magazine). The Commission
concluded that the proposed acquisition would raise no competition concerns, because the companies'
activities do not overlap. Moreover, none of the companies held by Blackstone are active in markets
related to those were Norske Skog is active. 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.7934. (For more information: Ricardo Cardoso – Tel. +32 229
80100; Carolina Luna Gordo – Tel.: +32 229 68386)
STATEMENTS
Statement by Commissioner Jourová on the occasion of the European Day for victims of
crime
On the occasion of the European day for victims of crime, Commissioner for Justice, Consumers and
Gender Equality, Vera Jourová said: "Millions of Europeans who fall victim to crime every year in
Europe deserve better support, and better protection. The new rules in place since last November
better protect anyone who becomes a victim of crime, in their home country and abroad. They give
victims clear rights to information, protection, and access to support service, and they give clear rights
to victims’ family members, who are often indirect victims themselves. But better rights on paper will
not automatically guarantee access to these rights in real life (…). Member States have to ensure that
these rules become a reality. This means that all actors must work together at every step throughout a
criminal proceeding; this includes police, prosecutors, legal professions as well as members of support
services." The Victims' rights directive entered into force on 16 November 2015. Commissioner
Jourová together with the Dutch Justice Minister, Ard Van der Steur, launched the European Network
for Victims on Friday. This network of policymakers will work to ensure that victims are able to exercise
their basic rights and that best practices are shared across the EU, such as a website in several
languages dedicated to tourists or a handbook for practitioners on how to implement the Victims' rights
directive. Full statement is available here. A Q&A and a factsheet are available online. (for more
information: Christian Wigand – Tel.: +32 229 62253; Mélanie Voin – Tel.: +32 229 58659)
ANNOUNCEMENTS
The High Representative / Vice-President Federica Mogherini to visit Mozambique and South
Africa from 24-26 February
The High Representative / Vice-President Federica Mogherini will travel to Mozambique on 24-25
February and South Africa on 25-26 February. In Mozambique, the HR/VP will meet with President
Nyusi and the Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr Baloi, as well as representatives of the main political
parties and civil society, including key economic players. The HR/VP will have the opportunity to
discuss the EU's strong economic, political and development partnership with the country. In South
Africa, the HR/VP will hold the European Union - South Africa Ministerial Political Dialogue in Pretoria
with Foreign Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane. The HR/VP will also visit Soweto and take part in a
panel discussion at the WITS University in Johannesburg. Both visits will discuss the strong relations of
the EU with the Southern Africa region. (For more information: Catherine Ray – Tel.: +32 229 6992;
Daniel Puglisi – Tel.: +32 229 6914)
Commissioner Avramopoulos launches Europol's new European Migrant Smuggling Centre
(EMSC)
Dimitris Avramopoulos, Commissioner for Migration, Home Affairs and Citizenship, will launch today
Europol's new European Migrant Smuggling Centre (EMSC) in The Hague. The EMSC, as envisioned in
the European Agenda on Migration in May 2015 and called for by the Council of Justice and Home
Affairs Ministers in November 2015, will proactively support EU Member States in dismantling criminal
networks involved in organised migrant smuggling. The Centre will focus on areas with high levels of
criminal activity, and will build a better capability across the European Union to fight people smuggling
networks. Ahead of the launch, Commissioner Avramopoulos said: "The fight against migrant
smuggling is a key priority for the European Union in addressing the refugee crisis. In order to step up
and coordinate efforts across Member States, the European Commission announced the creation of a
European Migrant Smuggling Centre within Europol in its European Agenda on Migration. The launch of
this Centre will reinforce cooperation with Member States, international organisations, national
stakeholders and European agencies, with a responsibility to fight migrant smuggling." The EMSC will
help implement the EU's Action Plan against migrant smuggling presented in May 2015. By the end of
2016, the Commission will present proposals to improve the existing EU legal framework to tackle
migrant smuggling. A press release by Europol will be available here as of 13.30 today. (For more
information: Natasha Bertaud – Tel.: +32 229 67456; Tove Ernst – Tel.: +32 229 86764; Markus
Lammert – Tel.: +32 229 80423)
Vice-President Ansip and Commissioner Oettinger at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona
Today and tomorrow, Vice-President Ansip, responsible for the Digital Single Market, and
Commissioner Oettinger, in charge of the Digital Economy and Society, are at the Mobile World
Congress in Barcelona. This morning, they opened the Commission's stand showcasing EU-funded
research projects in the area of 5G mobile technology (coverage on EbS to be online this afternoon).
Commissioner Oettinger is now participating in a roundtable on connected cars and will then hold a
press conference with companies of the 5G public-private partnership on the role of 5G for industries
such as transport, energy, health or manufacturing (more information will be published here at around
15.00 CET). This afternoon, Vice-President Ansip will give a keynote speech on "Mobile as the
Foundation for Digital Identity" (to be available here at around 16.30). Tomorrow, Commissioner
Oettinger will deliver a keynote speech on "5G: Creating value for industry verticals" (to be available
here after 11.00) and will then sign an agreement on 5G cooperation with Brazilian Minister of
Communications André Figueiredo (press release to be published at around 13.15). Both Vice-President
Ansip and Commissioner Oettinger will have a series of bilateral meetings with political and business
leaders (full agenda of the Commission at the Mobile World Congress can be found here). (For more
information: Nathalie Vandystadt – Tel.: +32 229 67083; Marie Frenay - Tel.: +32 229 64532)
Vice-President Maroš Šefčovič brings the Energy Union to Lithuania
On 22-23 February, the Vice-President for the Energy Union Maroš Šefčovič will visit Lithuania in order
to exchange information on the state of play of the Energy Union. Ahead of the visit Šefčovič said:
"Through infrastructure projects such as NordBalt, LitPolLink, GIPL and the Klaipeda LNG Terminal,
Lithuania has significantly improved the energy security, not only of its own citizens but of the entire
Baltic region and has strengthened its integration within the EU. I am looking forward to discussing the
opportunities that the Energy Union offers to Lithuanian citizens, businesses and the environment". The
Vice-President will meet H.E. Dalia Grybauskaité, President of the Republic of Lithuania and Algirdas
Butkevičius, Prime Minister of the Republic of Lithuania during his visit. In addition The Vice-President
will discuss with Loreta Graužiniené, Speaker of the Seimas, and Members of the Seimas as well as
with Rokas Masiulis, Lithuanian Minister for Energy. Vice-President Šefčovič will also meet with local
stakeholders, representatives of public and regional authorities and visit the Klaipėda University. Follow
the Energy Union Tour on the Vice President's blog, as well as on his Twitter and Facebook accounts.
Find more information on the Commission’s website of the Energy Union. (For more information: AnnaKaisa Itkonen - Tel.: +32 229 56186)
La Commissaire Thyssen en visite à Paris
La Commissaire de l'Emploi, des Affaires sociales, des Compétences et de la Mobilité des travailleurs,
Marianne Thyssen, sera à Paris le mardi 23 février. La Commissaire y rencontrera le Premier Ministre
français Manuel Valls ainsi que la Ministre du Travail, de l'Emploi, de la Formation professionnelle et du
Dialogue social, Myriam El Khomri. Les réunions seront l'occasion de discuter du plan d'emploi présenté
le mois dernier par le Président de la République française François Hollande, ainsi que de
l'implémentation de la Recommandation du Conseil relative à la lutte contre le chômage de longue
durée. La Commissaire Thyssen donnera également plus de détails sur le Socle européen des Droits
sociaux et la Stratégie de l'Union européenne en matière de compétences à venir. (Pour plus
d'informations: Christian Wigand– Tel.: +32 229 62253; Sara Soumillion – Tel.: + 32 229 67094)
MEX/16/389