European Commission - Daily News

European Commission - Daily News

Daily News 15 / 03 / 2023
Brussels, 15 March 2023
L'UE contribue à une mobilité plus verte grâce à 189 millions d'euros pour financer des
points de recharge et des stations de ravitaillement en hydrogène
La Commission a annoncé aujourd'hui que 26 projets de 12 États membres (Estonie, France,
Finlande, Allemagne, Grèce, Italie, Lettonie, Pologne, Roumanie, Espagne, Suède et Pays-Bas) ont
été sélectionnés pour bénéficier d'un financement permettant d'installer des infrastructures de
carburants alternatifs le long du réseau transeuropéen de transport (RTE-T). Ils recevront, en
totalité, des subventions de l'UE de près de 189 millions d'euros au titre de la Facilité pour les
infrastructures de carburants alternatifs (AFIF).
La commissaire aux transports, Adina Vălean, a déclaré : « Les demandes de financement au titre
de l'AFIF continuent d'augmenter, ce qui illustre l'engagement du secteur des transports en faveur
du passage à des solutions durables. Notre investissement de 189 millions d'euros se traduira par la
mise en place d'environ 2 000 points de recharge et de quelque 63 stations de ravitaillement en
hydrogène. Quatre projets soutiendront l'électrification des services d'assistance au sol dans les
aéroports, notamment en les électrifiant et en y installant des infrastructures de recharge pour les
véhicules de service. »
AFIF associe des subventions provenant du Mécanisme d'interconnexion européen (Connecting
Europe Facility) à des capitaux émanant d'institutions financières visant à accroître l'impact des
investissements. De plus amples détails et la liste des projets sont disponibles ici.
(Pour plus d'informations: Adalbert Jahnz – Tél.: +32 2 295 31 56; Daniela Stoycheva – Tél.: +32 2
295 36 64)

EU and Thailand relaunch trade negotiations
Today, the EU and Thailand announced the relaunch of negotiations for an ambitious, modern and
balanced free trade agreement (FTA), with sustainability at its core. This announcement confirms
the key importance of the Indo-Pacific region for the EU trade agenda, paving the way for deeper
trade ties with the second largest economy in South-East Asia and further strengthening the EU's
strategic engagement with this burgeoning region.
Executive Vice-President and Commissioner for Trade, Valdis Dombrovskis, said: “I warmly
welcome the relaunch of our negotiations for a trade deal with Thailand - the second largest economy
in the ASEAN region. A modern and dynamic FTA would lead to benefits for both sides, and
strengthen EU trade ties with the Indo-Pacific region. It will boost the scale and sustainability of our
trade, drive innovation and strengthen our supply chains. Open trade is one of the pillars of our
Green Deal Industrial Plan, aiming to increase the EU's global competitiveness. Pursuing
important new deals such as this one will be crucial to its success and we aim to advance quickly
with the negotiations.”
The EU and Thailand already have well-established trade relations, with clear potential for an even
closer relationship: trade in goods was worth over €42 billion in 2022, while trade in services was
worth over €8 billion in 2020. The EU is Thailand's 4th largest trade partner; and Thailand, the
second largest economy in the ASEAN region, is the EU's 4th most important trading partner in the
region.
The EU and Thailand are committed to advancing swiftly in the FTA talks and aim to hold a first
round of negotiations in the coming months. The EU text proposals will be published after the first
negotiating round, in line with our exemplary transparency policy. The EU will also commission a
Sustainability Impact Assessment in support of the negotiations, to carry out an analysis of the
possible economic, environmental, human rights and social impacts of the agreement, and to provide
recommendations on how to maximise the expected positive effects, whilst minimising potential
negative ones.

You will find more details in our press release.
(For more information: Miriam García Ferrer – Tel.: +32 2 299 90 75; Roberta Verbanac – Tel.: +32
2 298 24 98)

DiscoverEU : les candidatures permettant à 35 000 jeunes de recevoir un titre de transport
gratuit sont ouvertes
Aujourd'hui, la Commission lance l'appel de printemps DiscoverEU, grâce auquel 35 000 jeunes
recevront un billet de train gratuit pour explorer l'Europe.
La période de candidature s'ouvre aujourd'hui à 12h00 CET et se terminera le 29 mars à 12h00
CET. Pour gagner un titre de transport, les jeunes sont invités à postuler sur le Portail européen de la
jeunesse, à répondre à cinq questions et à une question subsidiaire. Les candidats retenus nés entre
le 1er juillet 2004 et le 30 juin 2005 pourront voyager en Europe jusqu'à 30 jours pendant la
période de voyage du 15 juin 2023 au 30 septembre 2024.
Cette année, les participants pourront découvrir le parcours du Nouveau Bauhaus européen, lancé en
janvier 2023. Ce parcours vise à inspirer les jeunes dans le choix de leurs destinations et à les
sensibiliser à l'importance de rendre l'Union européenne « belle, durable, unie ». Les participants
continueront également de bénéficier des initiatives lancées en 2022 lors de l'Année européenne de
la jeunesse, parmi lesquelles l'itinéraire culturel DiscoverEU qui combine diverses destinations et
disciplines culturelles, notamment l'architecture, la musique, les beaux-arts, le théâtre, la mode, et
le design. Les voyageurs DiscoverEU pourront visiter les capitales européennes de la culture, les
destinations inscrites sur la prestigieuse liste du patrimoine mondial de l'UNESCO ou les détenteurs
du label du patrimoine européen. Les participants recevront une carte de réduction, avec plus de 40
000 possibilités de réduction sur les transports publics, la culture, l'hébergement, la nourriture, les
sports et d'autres services disponibles dans les pays éligibles. Plus d'informations sont disponibles
dans un communiqué de presse.
(Pour plus d'informations : Sonya Gospodinova – Tél. : +32 2 296 69 53 ; Flore Boutier – Tél. : +32
2 296 60 43)

Circular Economy: Commission consults on the evaluation of the Ship Recycling Regulation
Today, the    Commission is launching a public consultation in order to gather views from a wide range
of actors –   shipowners, recyclers, industry, national authorities, NGOs and citizens on the EU Ship
Recycling     Regulation. The feedback received will help the ongoing evaluation of the regulatory
framework     for the recycling of EU-flagged ships that is in place since 2013.
The evaluation aims to assess how well the Regulation has been applied and its impact to date;
assess how well it contributes to the general policy objectives of the European Green Deal and the
Circular Economy Action Plan; and identify shortcomings in its implementation and enforcement.
Most ships are built with materials that are suitable for recycling. When ships are dismantled, steel,
other scrap metals and various types of equipment become available and can be further reused.
Many ships, however, are dismantled outside the EU, under conditions that are often harmful to
workers' health and the environment. The EU's Ship Recycling Regulation is the only dedicated
legally binding framework regulating ship recycling at international level and aims to significantly
reduce the negative effects of recycling EU-flagged ships.
Once the evaluation is completed, depending on its findings, the Commission might launch a revision
process for the Regulation.
Interested actors are invited to share their views via an online public consultation that runs until 7
June 2023.
(For more information: Adalbert Jahnz – Tel.: +32 2 295 31 56; Daniela Stoycheva – Tel.: +32 2
295 36 64)

Global Gateway: EU, Latin America and Caribbean partners launch in Colombia the EU-LAC
Digital Alliance
Yesterday, 14 March, in Bogota, Colombia, the European Union-Latin America and Caribbean
Digital Alliance was launched, a joint initiative to champion a human-centric approach to digital
transformation. It is supported by an initial contribution of €145 million from Team Europe,

including €50 million from the EU budget to boost digital cooperation between both regions.
The Alliance's aim is to foster the development of secure, resilient and human-centric digital
infrastructures on the basis of a values-based framework, and it is the first intercontinental digital
partnership agreed between both regions under Global Gateway investment strategy.
It will provide a forum for regular high-level dialogue and cooperation on priority topics. Both sides
will work together on crucial digital areas such as infrastructure, regulatory environment, skills
development, technology, entrepreneurship and innovation, and digitalisation of public services, as
well as Earth observation data and satellite navigation applications and services.
A press release with more information is available online.
(For more information: Johannes Bahrke – Tel.: +32 2 295 86 15; Ana Pisonero Hernandez – Tel.:
+32 2 295 43 20; Peter Stano – Tel.: +32 460 75 45 53)

Agriculture : la Commission approuve « Sörmlands Ädel » de Suède comme nouvelle
Indication géographique protégée
Aujourd'hui la Commission a approuvé l'addition du « Sörmlands Ädel » de Suède dans le registre
des Indications géographiques protégées (IGP).
Le « Sörmlands Ädel » est un fromage affiné à pâte molle et persillée, produit à partir de lait de
vache entier, biologique et ayant subi une pasteurisation, produit dans la province de Södermanland.
Le « Sörmlands Ädel » est savoureux et présente un arrière-goût long et agréable, sans l'amertume
présente dans d'autres fromages à pâte persillée. Les caractéristiques du « Sörmlands Ädel »
dépendent de l'expérience du fromager et de sa capacité à adapter le processus d'élaboration du
fromage, au moyen de ses sens de la vue, du goût et du toucher, entre autres aux variations
saisonnières de la teneur en matières grasses et en protéines du lait, en adaptant les durées et les
températures au cours des différentes étapes de la fabrication du « Sörmlands Ädel ».
Cette nouvelle dénomination sera ajoutée à la liste des 1 616 produits agricoles déjà protégés. La
liste de toutes les indications géographiques protégées se trouve dans la base de
données eAmbrosia. Plus d'informations sont disponibles en ligne sur les systèmes de qualité et sur
notre portail GIView.
(Pour plus d'informations: Miriam Garcia Ferrer – Tél.: +32 2 299 90 75; Thérèse Lerebours – Tél.:
+32 2 296 33 03)

Commission publishes the General Report 2022: EU's solidarity in action at the time of
geopolitical challenges
Today, the Commission published the 2022 edition of the EU General Report, in line with the Treaty
on the Functioning of the European Union. The report presents the key activities of the EU in
2022, with a strong focus on EU's response to Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine
and the unwavering solidarity with Ukraine.
In particular, the EU adopted more than 200 measures to help the Ukrainian state and people, and
support the Member States in dealing with consequences especially on Europe's economy and energy
security. Around 4 million people fleeing the war received temporary protection in the Member
States. The EU adopted nine packages of harsh sanctions to curtail Russia's ability to wage war and
mobilised close to €50 billion in support for Ukraine.
The EU also acted decisively to phase out its dependency on Russian fossil fuels, support citizens
facing high energy bills and accelerate the EU's clean-energy transition. Thanks to its REPowerEU
plan, it progressively diversified its supplies, reached record gas storage levels (above 95% in
November), and overshot the target for reducing gas consumption.
The EU also continued delivering on its green agenda and sustainable and inclusive growth, as well
as the successful implementation of the 800 billion Recovery Plan NextGenerationEU. The EU stayed
the course of the Green Deal: its net domestic emissions were 30% lower than in 1990, and the EU is
well on track to meet the 2030 target. The EU also increased the 2030 target for renewables to 45%
compared to the previous target of 40%, while important political agreements were reached on the
revision of the EU Emissions Trading System, the creation of a Social Climate Fund and
implementation of the new Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism.
In the digital sector, the year saw the adoption of the Digital Services Act and the Digital Markets
Act, along with new legislation on universal chargers. In terms of equality, decisive steps were taken

on the Women on Boards Directive, on pay transparency measures, and on the directive on adequate
minimum wages. The report is available in all official languages of the EU as a fully illustrated book
and in an online version.
(For more information: Eric Mamer – Tel.: +32 2 299 40 73; Dana Spinant – Tel.: +32 2 299 01 50)

State aid: Commission approves amendment to 2022-2027 regional aid map for Croatia
The European Commission has approved, under EU State aid rules, an amendment to Croatia's map
for granting regional aid from 1 January 2022 to 31 December 2027, within the framework of the
revised regional aid guidelines.
On 23 November 2021, the Commission approved the 2022-2027 regional aid map for Croatia. On 2
December 2022, the Commission approved Croatia's Territorial Just Transition Plan that identifies the
territories eligible for support from the Just Transition Fund. The territories are located in a region
eligible for aid under Article 107(3)(a) Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (so-called 'a'
areas), which allows aid to support the most disadvantaged regions.
In order to further address regional disparities, the amendment to Croatia's regional aid map
approved today enables higher maximum amounts of aid to investments in those territories. The
maximum amounts of aid will increase from 50% to 60% of the eligible investment costs in parts of
the region of Panonska Hrvatska.
The non-confidential version of today's decision will be made available under the case number
SA.106113 in the State Aid Register on the Commission's competition website. New publications of
state aid decisions on the internet and in the Official Journal are listed in the Competition Weekly e-
News.
(For more information: Arianna Podesta – Tel.: +32 2 298 70 24; Nina Ferreira - Tel.: +32 229 9 81
63; Maria Tsoni – Tel.: +32 2 299 05 26)

State aid: Commission approves €1.75 million Slovenian scheme to support the apple and
pear production sector in the context of Russia's war against Ukraine
The European Commission has approved an approximately €1.75 million Slovenian scheme to
support the apple and pear production sector in the context of Russia's war against Ukraine. The
scheme was approved under the State aid Temporary Crisis and Transition Framework, adopted by
the Commission on 9 March 2023 to support measures in sectors which are key to accelerate the
green transition and reduce fuel dependencies. The new Framework amends and prolongs in part the
Temporary Crisis Framework, adopted by the Commission on 23 March 2022 to enable Member
States to support the economy in the context of the current geopolitical crisis, already amended on
20 July 2022 and on 28 October 2022.
Under the scheme, the aid will take the form of direct grants. The purpose of the scheme is to
compensate the eligible beneficiaries for part of the additional costs incurred due to the energy and
other inputs price increase and to help them overcome their financial difficulties linked to the current
crisis.
The Commission found that the Slovenian scheme is in line with the conditions set out in the
Temporary Crisis and Transition Framework. In particular, the aid (i) will not exceed €250,000 per
beneficiary; and (ii) will be granted no later than 31 December 2023. The Commission concluded
that the scheme is necessary, appropriate and proportionate to remedy a serious disturbance in the
economy of a Member State, in line with Article 107(3)(b) TFEU and the conditions set out in the
Temporary Crisis and Transition Framework. On this basis, the Commission approved the
scheme under EU State aid rules.
More information on the Temporary Crisis and Transition Framework and other actions taken by the
Commission to address the economic impact of Russia's war against Ukraine and foster the transition
towards a net-zero economy can be found here. The non-confidential version of the decision will be
made available under the number SA.106497 in the State aid register on the Commission's
competition website once any confidentiality issues have been resolved.
(For more information: Arianna Podesta – Tel.: +32 2 298 70 24; Nina Ferreira - Tel.: +32 229 9 81
63; Maria Tsoni – Tel.: +32 2 299 05 26)

Mergers: Commission clears acquisition of sole control of Midsona by Stena

The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of sole
control of Midsona AB (‘Midsona') by Stena Adactum AB (‘Stena'), both of Sweden.
Midsona develops, produces and markets health food, self-care and hygiene products, and sells
them through several different channels, including grocery stores, pharmacies, specialised health
stores, gyms as well as online. Stena is an investment company active in various areas with a long-
term investment horizon.
The Commission concluded that the proposed acquisition would raise no competition concerns, given
the absence of overlaps and vertical links between the companies' activities in the relevant markets
in the European Economic Area. 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.11035.
(For more information: Arianna Podesta – Tel.: +32 2 298 70 24; Maria Tsoni – Tel.: +32 2 299 05
26)

Concentrations: la Commission autorise l'acquisition du contrôle conjoint du Groupe Saur
par PGGM, DIF et EFMS
La Commission européenne a approuvé, en vertu du règlement européen sur les concentrations,
l'acquisition du contrôle conjoint de Saur S.A.S. et ses filiales (« Groupe Saur ») basées en France,
par EQT Fund Management S.à r.l. (« EFMS ») basé au Luxembourg, PGGM Vermogensbeheer B.V. («
PGGM ») et DIF Management B.V. (« DIF »), toutes les deux basées aux Pays-Bas.
Le Groupe Saur est actif dans la gestion de l'eau et des eaux usées, essentiellement en France. Il
conçoit et construit également des infrastructures hydrauliques ainsi que des systèmes de traitement
des eaux pour des clients industriels. PGGM est active dans la gestion de fonds de pension. DIF et
EFMS sont des sociétés de gestion de fonds d'investissement.
La Commission a conclu que l'acquisition envisagée ne soulèverait pas de problème de concurrence
compte tenu de son impact très limité sur la structure du marché. La transaction 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 M.11040.
(Pour plus d'informations: Arianna Podesta – Tél.: +32 2 298 70 24; Maria Tsoni – Tél.: +32 2 299
05 26)

ANNOUNCEMENTS

High Representative Borrell and Commissioner Várhelyi in Albania and North Macedonia for
the bilateral Stabilisation and Association Councils
High Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell, and Commissioner for Neighbourhood and
Enlargement, Oliver Várhelyi, will be in Albania on 15-16 March and in North Macedonia on 16-17
March for the 12th and 16th Stabilisation and Association Councils that take place for the first time
respectively in Tirana and Skopje.
These meetings will be an opportunity to review EU-Albania and EU-North Macedonia bilateral
relations under their respective Stabilisation and Association Agreements, and to discuss recent
developments in both countries and in the Western Balkans, as well as the overall progress on EU
accession.
Today in Albania, HR/VP Borrell and Commissioner Várhelyi will meet with Prime Minister Edi
Rama. Tomorrow, High Representative Borrell will chair the 12 th EU-Albania Stabilisation and
Association Council, which will be followed by a joint press conference, with Prime Minister Rama and
Commissioner Várhelyi, which will be broadcast on EbS.
The same day, High Representative Borrell will hold a bilateral meeting with Minister of Defence

Niko Peleshi. He will also participate in the inauguration of the Venetian Tower in Durres, the
restoration of which has been funded by the EU following the devastating earthquake in 2019
together with Minister of Foreign Affairs, Olta Xhacka and Minister for Culture Elva Margariti and hold
an exchange with youth representatives. On his side, Commissioner Várhelyi will meet with Minister
of Foreign Affairs, Olta Xhacka, and Deputy Prime Minister, Belinda Balluku. He will also hold
discussions with members of the National Council of European Integration in the Albanian Parliament
together with representatives of the judiciary, the civil society and the academia.
In North Macedonia, HR/VP Borrell and Commissioner Várhelyi will meet with Prime Minister
Dimitar Kovacevski on Thursday, 16 March. On Friday, High Representative Borrell will lead the EU
delegation in the 16 th EU-North Macedonia Stabilisation and Association Council. After the Council,
High Representative Borrell, Prime Minister of North Macedonia, Dimitar Kovacevski, and
Commissioner Várhelyi will hold a press conference which will be transmitted live on EbS at around
11:30 CET.
The same day, HR/VP Borrell will hold a number of bilateral meetings, including with Minister of
Defence, Slavjanka Petrovska; and the Speaker, Deputy Speakers, Political Party Coordinators and
Chairs of the National Council for European Integration Committee on European Affairs of the
Parliament of North Macedonia. He will also meet with President Stevo Pendarovski, with whom he
will jointly address the press.
Press points, pictures and videos will be available on EbS. More information on EU-Albania is
available here and on EU-North Macedonia relations here.
(For more information: Peter Stano – Tel.: +32 460 75 45 53; Ana Pisonero Hernandez – Tel.: +32 2
295 43 20; Zoi Muletier– Tel.: +32 2 299 43 06)

Le vice-président Šefčovič en Suisse pour discuter des relations bilatérales avec l'UE
Le vice-président Maroš Šefčovič, se rend en Suisse aujourd'hui et demain. Il s'agit de sa première
visite dans le pays depuis qu'il est responsable des relations entre l'UE et la Suisse.
Un large éventail de réunions permettra de faire le point sur les entretiens exploratoires en cours
entre l'UE et la Suisse et de discuter de la voie à suivre. Le vice-président rencontrera Ignazio Cassis,
conseiller fédéral en charge des affaires étrangères ; les membres des commissions des affaires
étrangères de la Chambre basse et de la Chambre haute, ainsi que Markus Dieth, président de la
Conférence des gouvernements cantonaux. Il rencontrera également les présidents et directeurs de
l'Union syndicale suisse, de « Travail.Suisse », de l'Union patronale suisse et de l'Union
professionnelle suisse. Le vice-président prononcera un discours sur « Les relations entre l'UE et la
Suisse », à l'invitation de l'université de Fribourg, qui sera retransmis aujourd'hui sur EbS à 19h00
CET.
Le vice-président Šefčovič tiendra un point de presse à 18h15 CET demain.
(Pour plus d'informations: Balazs Ujvari - Tél.: +32 2 295 45 78; Claire Joawn - Tél.: +32 2 295 68
59)

Commissioner Breton visits Bulgaria to discuss industrial ramp-up of EU ammunition
production
Today, Commissioner for Internal Market Thierry Breton is travelling to Bulgaria to meet with EU
defence industry manufacturers. During his visit, Commissioner Breton will meet with Minister of
Defence Dimitar Stoyanov and Deputy Minister of Economy and Industry Irina Shtonova to exchange
views on the urgent need to increase ammunition production to ensure EU's security.
Commissioner Breton will then visit manufacturing sites of two major defence equipment factories in
Bulgaria. He will meet with representatives of manufacturers in order to assess the needs of the EU
defence industry to better calibrate support, including potentially through EU funds, and to address
relevant bottlenecks.
In the weeks to come, the Commissioner will continue to engage with EU defence industry and visit
industrial facilities in order to facilitate and accelerate industrial ramp-up.
(For more information: Sonya Gospodinova – Tel.: +32 2 296 69 53; Flore Boutier – Tel.: +32 2 296
60 43)

Le vice-président exécutif Timmermans et la commissaire Ferreira à Turin pour le Cities
Forum 2023
Demain et vendredi 17 mars, le vice-président exécutif pour le Pacte vert européen, Frans
Timmermans, et la commissaire à la cohésion et aux réformes, Elisa Ferreira, seront à Turin, en
Italie, pour participer à la 5e édition du Cities Forum 2023.
Organisé par la Commission, il s'agit de l'événement biennal qui rassemble les principaux acteurs
urbains aux niveaux européen, national, régional et local qui s'engagent à rendre l'avenir des villes
européennes vert, équitable et durable pour tous. Des représentants des villes ukrainiennes de Lviv
et Kopychentsi participeront également. Le forum mettra en lumière les développements récents
dans le cadre des politiques et initiatives clés engageant les villes telles que l'agenda urbain pour
l'UE, la mission de l'UE pour 100 villes intelligentes et neutres pour le climat d'ici 2030 et le nouveau
Bauhaus européen.
La commissaire Ferreira ouvrira le forum demain, 16 mars à 13h15 CET, en compagnie de Stefano
Lo Russo, maire de Turin, et d'Aleksander Jevšek, ministre slovène de la cohésion et du
développement régional. La commissaire aura ensuite des entretiens bilatéraux avec Stefano Lo
Russo, Daniel Leca, vice-président de la Région Hauts-de-France, Paolo Zangrillo, ministre italien de
l'administration publique et Alberto Cirio, président de la région Piémont.
Vendredi, le vice-président exécutif Timmermans prononcera le discours d'ouverture à 14h00 CET
avant un débat avec des maires. En marge, il aura une réunion bilatérale avec le maire de Turin et,
dans la matinée, il prendra la parole à l'Université des sciences gastronomiques inaugurant son
année académique à Bra.
Vous pouvez retrouver le programme et le suivre en direct sur le site du Cities Forum 2023.
(Pour plus d'informations : Stefan De Keersmaecker – Tél. : +32 2 298 46 80; Tim McPhie – Tél. :
+32 2 295 86 02; Veronica Favalli – Tél. : +32 2 298 72 69; Ana Crespo Parrondo – Tél. : +32 2 298
13 25)

La commissaire Kyriakides en Lettonie pour discuter des priorités en matière de santé et de
sécurité alimentaire
Ce jeudi et vendredi, 16-17 mars, la commissaire en charge de la santé et de la sécurité alimentaire,
Stella Kyriakides, se rendra à Riga, en Lettonie, pour discuter de la coopération sur les priorités clés
dans le domaine de la santé et de la sécurité alimentaire.
La commissaire Kyriakides rencontrera la ministre de la santé, Līga Menģelsone, pour discuter des
défis les plus urgents en matière de santé, à savoir la réforme de la législation pharmaceutique de
l'UE, le soutien sanitaire de l'UE à l'Ukraine, la vaccination et la préparation face au COVID-19, les
investissements dans les soins de santé liés au plan pour la reprise et la résilience de la Lettonie
ainsi que le plan européen de lutte contre le cancer, entre autres.
Aux côtés de la ministre Menģelsone, la commissaire visitera également l'hôpital universitaire pour
enfants de Riga, en mettant l'accent sur l'approche de la Lettonie en matière de prévention, de
détection précoce, de dépistage, de traitement et de soins du cancer infantile.
La commissaire Kyriakides rencontrera aussi le ministre de l'agriculture et du développement rural,
Didzis Šmits, afin de discuter des principales priorités liées à la stratégie de l'UE « De la ferme à la
table ».
(Pour plus d'informations: Stefan De Keersmaecker - Tél.: +32 2 298 46 80; Veronica Favalli – Tél.:
+32 2 298 72 69)

Commissioner Reynders in Greece to discuss the Rule of Law Report and other justice
matters
Commissioner for Justice, Didier Reynders, will travel to Athens, Greece on 16 -17 March, to discuss
the findings of the 2022 Rule of Law Report and other issues related to justice.
On the first day of the visit, Commissioner Reynders is set to meet with the Prime Minister of
Greece, Kyriakos Mitsotakis; the President of the Parliament, Konstantinos Tasoulas; as well as the
Vice-Presidents of the Parliament, the Minister for Justice, Kostas Tsiaras; Minister of State Georgios
Gerapetritis; the Alternate Minister of Foreign Affairs, Miltiadis Varvitsiotis; and with the leader of the
main opposition party Alexis Tsipras. Commissioner Reynders will also meet with the President of
the Hellenic Authority for Communication Security and Privacy, Christos Rammos and with the

President of the Hellenic Data Protection Authority, Konstantinos Menoudakos.
On the second day of the visit, Commissioner is set to meet with representatives of local non-
governmental organisation active in the field of Rule of Law, media freedom, fundamental rights and
humanitarian aid. Finally, he will meet the President of the Athens Bar Association Dimitrios Vervesos
and with the President of the Council of State, Evangelia Nika.
(For more information: Christian Wigand - Tel.: +32 2 296 22 53; Yuliya Matsyk – Tel.: +32 2 291
31 73)

Commissioner Johansson visits Serbia to strengthen migration and border management
cooperation
Tomorrow, Commissioner for Home Affairs, Ylva Johansson, will visit Serbia to discuss migration
and border management cooperation. During her visit, she will meet with President Aleksandar
Vučić, Prime Minister Ana Brnabić, Minister for Interior Bratislav Gašić, Minister for Foreign Affairs
Ivica Dačić, and Minister for EU Integration Tanja Miščević. The discussions will focus on
strengthening border management, asylum procedures, supporting reception capacity,
combating migrant smuggling, improving and providing support on return and readmission,
and aligning Serbia's visa policies with those in the EU.
The Commissioner will also go to the Serbia-Hungary border with Minister Gašić and Frontex
Executive Director Hans Leijtens to visit the recently deployed Frontex officers, under the current
Frontex Status Agreement.
Finally, Commissioner Johansson will also meet with the Commissioner for Refugees, Nataša
Stanisavljević to witness the signing of the Administrative Arrangement for Serbia to become an
observing member of the European Migration Network. The EU adopted the Western Balkans Action
Plan last December and this mission highlights the Commission's commitment to support Serbia in
its efforts to strengthen border management and migration policies.
(For more information: Anitta Hipper - Tel.: +32 2 298 56 91; Yuliya Matsyk – Tel.: +32 2 291 31
73)

Liste des points prévus à l'ordre du jour des prochaines réunions de la Commission
Veuillez noter que ces informations sont données sous réserve de modifications.

Prochains événements de la Commission européenne
Eurostat: communiqués de presse
                                                                                             MEX/23/1681