European Commission - Daily News

European Commission - Daily News

Daily News 29 / 10 / 2021
Brussels, 29 October 2021
La Commission renforce la cybersécurité des dispositifs et produits sans fil
La Commission a pris aujourd'hui des mesures pour améliorer la cybersécurité des dispositifs sans fil
disponibles sur le marché européen. Étant donné que les téléphones portables, les montres
intelligentes, les dispositifs de fitness et les jouets sans fil sont de plus en plus présents dans notre
vie quotidienne, les cyber menaces représentent un risque croissant pour tous les consommateurs.
L'acte délégué relatif à la directive sur les équipements radioélectriques adopté aujourd'hui vise à
garantir que tous les dispositifs sans fil sont sûrs avant d'être vendus sur le marché de l'UE. Cet acte
fixe de nouvelles exigences juridiques en matière de garanties en matière de cybersécurité, dont les
fabricants devront tenir compte lors de la conception et de la production des produits concernés. Elle
protégera également la vie privée et les données à caractère personnel des citoyens, préviendra les
risques de fraude monétaire et garantira une meilleure résilience de nos réseaux de communication.
L'acte délégué sera complété par une loi sur la cyber-résilience, récemment annoncée par la
présidente von der Leyen dans son discours sur l'état de l'Union, qui viserait à couvrir davantage de
produits, en tenant compte de l'ensemble de leur cycle de vie. La proposition présentée aujourd'hui
ainsi que la future loi sur la cyber-résilience font suite aux actions annoncées dans la nouvelle
stratégie de cybersécurité de l'UE présentée en décembre 2020. Pour plus d'informations, veuillez
consulter notre communiqué de presse et notre document de questions et réponses. (Pour plus
d'informations: Sonya Gospodinova – Tél.: +32 229 66953; Federica Miccoli – Tél.: +32 229 58300;
Célia Dejond – Tél.: +32 229 88199)

REACT-EU: la Commission approuve aide supplémentaire de 923 millions d'euros pour la
relance en Espagne
La Commission a octroyé 923 millions d'euros pour la relance et la transition numérique et
écologique de l'Espagne dans le cadre de REACT-EU. Ces fonds seront mis en œuvre par
l'intermédiaire des programmes opérationnels du Fonds européen de développement régional
(FEDER) et du Fonds social européen (FSE). En Espagne, le programme opérationnel multirégional
pour le FEDER recevra des ressources supplémentaires de 890 millions d'euros. Elles permettront
l'acquisition de plus de 34 millions de doses de vaccin anti-COVID-19, ainsi que l'organisation du
processus de vaccination en Espagne, des investissements dans des produits et services dans le
secteur de la santé et des investissements contribuant à la transition vers une économie verte. Le
programme opérationnel du FSE en Aragon recevra 25,5 millions d'euros supplémentaires pour venir
en aide aux chômeurs, aux personnes âgées et aux personnes handicapées. Les jeunes chômeurs et
ceux qui sont au chômage de longue durée recevront un soutien sur mesure par le bais d'orientation
professionnelle adaptée et de formations afin de leur permettre d'améliorer leurs compétences ou
d'en acquérir de nouvelles. Ces fonds permettront également de renforcer la protection des groupes
vulnérables, par exemple en soutenant les soins et la protection sociale des personnes âgées, en
assurant la présence d'interprètes supplémentaires en langue des signes afin que les personnes
malentendantes puissent accéder plus facilement aux services, avec des projets adaptés de transport
social. Le programme opérationnel du FSE à Murcie recevra 7,3 millions d'euros supplémentaires
pour financer le recrutement de personnel éducatif supplémentaire pendant la pandémie et mettre
en place les mesures de santé et de sécurité nécessaires pour permettre l'enseignement en
présentiel de petits groupes dans les écoles. REACT-EU fait partie de NextGenerationEU et fournit un
financement supplémentaire de 50,6 milliards d'euros (en prix courants) aux programmes de la
politique de cohésion au cours des années 2021 et 2022. Un communiqué de presse est disponible
en ligne. (Pour plus d'informations: Stefan de Keersmaecker - Tél.: +32 229 84680; Veerle Nuyts -
Tél.: +32 229 96302; Claire Joawn - Tél.: +32 229 56859; Enda McNamara – Tél.: +32 229 64976)

Rapport de la Commission sur les incendies de forêt: le changement climatique devient plus
perceptible chaque année

Le Centre commun de recherche de la Commission (JRC) a présenté aujourd'hui la 21 e édition de son
rapport annuel sur les incendies de forêt en Europe, au Moyen-Orient et en Afrique du Nord, couvrant
l'année 2020. Après 2019, la pire année à ce jour en matière de feux de forêt, on a vu une nouvelle
fois de vastes zones naturelles d'Europe ravagées par les flammes en 2020. Malgré le niveau accru
de préparation des pays de l'UE, environ 340 000 hectares ont brûlé dans l'UE en 2020, soit 30 % de
plus que la superficie du Luxembourg. Les pays les plus touchés ont été la Roumanie, suivie du
Portugal, de l'Espagne et de l'Italie. Les sites Natura 2000 roumains, principalement dans la réserve
naturelle du delta du Danube, ont été fort impactés encore cette année, et comptent à eux seuls près
de la moitié des 136,331 ha ravagés. Davantage de personnes ont perdu la vie au cours de la saison
des incendies de 2020 par rapport à 2019. En 2020, le service Copernicus de gestion des urgences a
été activé 17 fois pour obtenir une cartographie détaillée des zones d'incendie de forêt, un chiffre
inférieur aux activations déjà enregistrées en 2021. Déjà cette année, quelque 0,5 million d'hectares
avaient déjà été consumés, dont 61% de forêts qui mettront des années à se reconstituer. L'UE a
renforcé cette année sa capacité à aider les pays au cours de la saison d'incendies, une capacité déjà
beaucoup utilisée pour combattre les grands incendies qui ont frappé la région méditerranéenne cet
été. En 2019, dans le cadre de rescEU, une flotte d'avions de lutte contre l'incendie est venue
renforcer le mécanisme de protection civile de l'UE accroissant ainsi sa capacité à aider les pays au
cours de la saison de feux. Le changement climatique devient plus perceptible chaque année, lui
aussi. Cette année, environ 130 000 ha étaient déjà partis en fumée à la fin du mois de juin, qui
correspond habituellement au début de la saison des incendies. Les incendies ne touchent plus
uniquement les pays du sud, mais représentent aussi une menace croissante pour l'Europe centrale
et septentrionale. Plus de neuf incendies sur dix dans l'UE sont le fait de l'homme. Pour plus
d'informations, veuillez consulter notre communiqué de presse, ainsi que le rapport. (Pour plus
d'informations: Johannes Bahrke – Tél.: +32 229 58615; Sinead Meehan-van Druten – Tél.: +32 229
84094)

Aide au commerce: l'Union européenne reste le premier pourvoyeur mondial avec 17,9
milliards d'euros
Le dernier rapport de suivi 2021 de l'UE sur l'aide pour le commerce, publié aujourd'hui, révèle
l'augmentation de l'aide de l'UE destinée à améliorer la capacité commerciale des pays partenaires et
à contribuer à la lutte contre la pandémie de COVID-19. L'aide de l'UE pour le commerce soutient la
mise en œuvre d'engagements concrets en faveur d'une transition vers une économie mondiale plus
inclusive et plus verte. « L'aide au commerce s'est révélée efficace pour réduire la pauvreté et
stimuler une croissance économique inclusive et durable grâce au commerce, au renforcement des
capacités commerciales et des infrastructures dans nos pays partenaires. L'Union européenne est
déterminée à soutenir ses partenaires dans le développement d'économies sobres en carbone et
résilientes au changement climatique », a déclaré Jutta Urpilainen, commissaire chargée des
partenariats internationaux. « L'aide au commerce aidera nos partenaires mondiaux à se redresser et
à se développer, notamment en soutenant les PMEs et en aidant les autorités à mettre en œuvre des
accords commerciaux. En outre, ce soutien contribuera à élaborer une programmation économique
plus inclusive et plus soucieuse du climat. À cet égard, l'aide pour le commerce est un excellent
exemple de notre programme commercial de l'UE fondé sur nos valeurs », a déclaré Valdis
Dombrovskis, vice-président exécutif pour une économie au service des personnes et commissaire
en charge du commerce. Le rapport confirme que l'UE et ses États membres sont ensemble le
premier pourvoyeur mondial d'aide au commerce, avec 17,9 milliards d'euros en 2019, bénéficiant à
environ 140 pays et territoires éligibles à l'aide publique au développement. Cela représente environ
38 % des fonds mondiaux de l'aide pour le commerce et une augmentation de 12 % par rapport à
2018. Voir ici le communiqué de presse, où vous trouverez également cette brochure et des liens
vers de plus amples informations sur les différents rapports. (Pour plus d'informations: Ana Pisonero
— Tél.: + 32 229 54320; Miriam Garcia Ferrer — Tél.: + 32 229 99075; Sophie Dirven — Tél.: + 32
229 67228; Gesine Knolle — Tél.: + 32 229 54323)

Coronavirus: EU medical teams deployed to Romania
Over the past three weeks, nine countries have offered assistance to Romania via the EU Civil
Protection Mechanism. A medical team from Denmark and another from Poland have arrived in
Bucharest this week to help Romanian doctors treat the increasing number of COVID-19 patients.
Also this week, 350 oxygen concentrators from the rescEU stockpile hosted by the Netherlands were
delivered to Romania, in addition to the 200 rescEU oxygen concentrators delivered earlier this
month. In the last days, via the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, Serbia has delivered 170 oxygen
concentrators and 6,365 doses of monoclonal antibodies, while Germany offered 12,750 units of
monoclonal antibodies and Slovakia offered 1, 000 doses of monoclonal antibodies, 500,000 antigen

tests and other medical devices. Also via the Mechanism, Poland made a second offer of 150 oxygen
concentrators, 55 cardiac monitors, 50 respirators, and other material. Commissioner for Crisis
Management, Janez Lenarčič, said: “The European Civil Protection Mechanism continues to prove its
worth in the ongoing fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. I would like to thank Serbia for their first
offer of assistance via the Mechanism and to Austria, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, the
Netherlands, Poland, Slovakia for their continuous assistance to Romania. The EU remains committed
to channel all the necessary help to Romania and other countries in need.” Following Romania's
request for assistance through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, 1,075 packages of different
intensive care medicines have been offered by Austria and an additional 89,030 vials of medicines,
18 ventilators, medical equipment and accessories have been offered by France. In addition to 50
oxygen concentrators from Poland, 5,200 vials of monoclonal antibodies from Italy, 15 ventilators
and 8 oxygen concentrators delivered from Denmark to Romania. A medical team from Moldova that
arrived in Romania two weeks ago continues to provide specialised medical assistance. Romanian
COVID-19 patients have been transported to Hungary, Poland and Austria for treatment. (For more
information: Balazs Ujvari - Tel.: +32 229 54578; Daniel Puglisi - Tel.: +32 229 69140)

Raising the bar for safer cosmetics: Commission bans more hazardous chemicals in
cosmetic products
The Commission is today prohibiting the use of 23 Carcinogenic, Mutagenic or Toxic for reproduction
(CMR) chemicals in cosmetic products, due to their long-term and serious effects on human health.
The ban is applicable from 1 March 2022, to ensure that cosmetic products used daily by Europeans
are safer, no matter which EU country they shop in and whether the products are EU-made or
imported. This is the fourth Regulation adopted restricting and/or prohibiting the use of CMR
substances in cosmetic products. The Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) and various
interested parties were consulted ahead of deciding on the ban. Over the years, the EU has
significantly reduced citizens' exposure to harmful chemicals. The Commission constantly evaluates
how to further enhance the protection of consumers based on technical and scientific progress. (For
more information: Sonya Gospodinova – Tel.: +32 229 66953; Federica Miccoli – Tel.: +32 229
58300; Célia Dejond – Tel.: +32 229 88199)

COP26: l'UE encourage les partenaires à traduire leur ambition en action pour mettre en
œuvre l'accord de Paris
Du 1 er au 12 novembre, la Commission européenne participera à la conférence des Nations unies sur
les changements climatiques (COP26), à Glasgow, au Royaume-Uni. Les 1 er et 2 novembre, la
présidente von der Leyen représentera la Commission lors du sommet mondial des dirigeants qui
ouvre officiellement la COP26. Frans Timmermans, vice-président exécutif, dirigera l'équipe de
négociation de l'UE. La commissaire Kadri Simson participera également à la COP26 et l'UE
accueillera plus de 150 évènements au pavillon de l'UE. La Commission incitera toutes les parties à
respecter leurs engagements au titre de l'Accord de Paris et à réduire leurs émissions de gaz à effet
de serre. Nous demanderons également aux pays développés d'accroître leur financement de la lutte
contre le changement climatique afin d'atteindre l'objectif de 100 milliards de dollars convenu à
Paris, auquel l'UE contribue déjà à hauteur de plus de 25 milliards de dollars, et plus encore à
l'avenir, et nous œuvrerons à la finalisation de l'Accord de Paris. S'exprimant avant la COP26, la
présidente Ursula von der Leyen a déclaré: « La course mondiale à la neutralité carbone d'ici à 2050
est lancée. En travaillant ensemble, nous pouvons tous être gagnants. À l'occasion de la COP26, nous
avons le devoir de protéger notre planète pour les générations futures En Europe, nous avons tout
mis en place pour parvenir à la neutralité climatique d'ici à 2050 et réduire nos émissions d'au moins
55 % d'ici à 2030. À Glasgow, je vais exhorter les autres dirigeants mondiaux à faire de même,
c'est-à-dire à innover et à investir dans une nouvelle stratégie de croissance plus durable. En bref, à
prospérer et à construire des sociétés plus saines tout en assurant un avenir meilleur à notre
planète. » La présidente von der Leyen a donné une conférence de presse hier soulignant les
aspirations de l'UE pour la COP26 - vous pouvez lire ses remarques ici. Un communiqué de presse,
des questions-réponses et une fiche d'information sur l'action climatique de l'UE à l'internationale
sont également disponibles en ligne. (Pour plus d'informations: Tim McPhie – Tél.: +32 229 58602;
Lynn Rietdorf – Tél.: +32 229 74959)

Union européenne de la santé: La Commission salue l'accord intervenu sur le renforcement
de l'Agence européenne des médicaments
Hier, le Parlement européen et le Conseil sont parvenus à un accord politique sur le renforcement du

rôle que l'Agence européenne des médicaments (EMA) doit jouer dans la préparation aux crises
sanitaires et pendant celles-ci. Le mandat révisé de l'EMA lui permettra de surveiller de près les
pénuries de médicaments et de dispositifs médicaux lors d'événements majeurs et dans les
situations d'urgence de santé publique, ainsi que d'atténuer ces pénuries, tout en jouant un rôle
essentiel qui consistera à faciliter le développement et l'approbation plus rapide de médicaments
susceptibles de traiter ou de prévenir une maladie à l'origine d'une crise de santé publique. Saluant
l'accord, le vice-président chargé de la promotion de notre mode de vie européen, Margaritis
Schinas, et la commissaire à la santé et à la sécurité alimentaire, Stella Kyriakides, ont fait la
déclaration suivante: « Nous faisons un pas de plus vers une Union européenne de la santé plus
forte, prête à faire face à la prochaine crise sanitaire. L'Agence européenne des médicaments a été à
l'avant-garde de nos efforts déployés tout au long de la pandémie de COVID-19 et a joué un rôle clé
en donnant des conseils relatifs aux vaccins et aux médicaments, ainsi qu'en évaluant et en
autorisant ceux-ci, afin de prévenir et de traiter cette maladie. C'est grâce à l'évaluation rigoureuse
de l'EMA que nos citoyens peuvent avoir confiance que les vaccins et les traitements utilisés dans
l'Union sont sûrs et efficaces. Une EMA plus forte nous permet de compter sur une réaction
coordonnée de l'Union pour atténuer et prévenir les pénuries de médicaments et de dispositifs
médicaux et faire en sorte que de nouveaux médicaments soient approuvés et disponibles plus
rapidement afin de répondre aux crises à l'avenir. » Vous pouvez trouver notre communiqué de
presse ici. (Pour plus d'informations : Stefan De Keersmaecker – Tel.: +32 229 84680; Anna
Wartberger – Tel.: +32 229 82054)

The EU and the Republic of Moldova strengthen engagement and cooperation on reforms
Yesterday, the European Union and the Republic of Moldova agreed to further strengthen and
enhance cooperation in a number of key areas in line with Moldova's commitments under the EU-
Moldova Association Agreement, this was confirmed in a Joint Statement. In the context of the
emergency situation in Moldova's gas sector, the EU will help Moldova by providing €60 million
through a new budget support programme. A high-level energy security dialogue was also launched
following the meeting between Commissioner Kadri Simson and Prime Minister Natalia Gavriliţa.
President Ursula von der Leyen said: ”The European Union stands side-by-side with Moldova in
overcoming the challenges it faces notably in the areas of health, energy and economy. With our
exceptional €60 million grant support we will help Moldova through this crisis by mitigating the
impact of the rise in gas prices on the most vulnerable people. We also strongly support the
ambitious reforms agenda of the Moldovan government, in particular to regain public trust in the
judiciary and in the public administration system, and improving the country's business and
investment climate.” Yesterday's 6th EU-Moldova Association Council chaired by the High
Representative Josep Borrell, with the participation of Commissioner for Neighbourhood and
Enlargement, Olivér Várhelyi, provided the opportunity to further strengthen cooperation and
implementation of reforms in a wide range of areas. They presented the outcomes at the press
conference afterwards. In the margins of the Association Council meeting, the EU and Moldova
agreed to launch a High-Level Political and Security Dialogue. The association of Moldova to Horizon
Europe, the EU research and innovation programme for 2021-2027 was also finalised. A press release
and factsheet are available online. (For more information: Peter Stano – Tel.: +32 229 54553;
Paloma Hall Caballero – Tel.: +32 229 68560)

State aid: Commission approves €173 million aid scheme for charging and refuelling
stations for zero and low emission vehicles in Poland
The European Commission has found Polish plans to invest into electric charging and hydrogen-
refuelling infrastructure for zero and low emission vehicles to be in line with EU State aid rules. The
measure will contribute to reducing CO2 and other pollutant emissions without unduly distorting
competition in the Single Market, in line with the Commission's Green Deal objectives. The objective
of the scheme is to create a comprehensive network of charging infrastructure along both local and
trans-European (TEN-T) roads. Under the scheme, the support will take the form of direct grants and
will be capped at 50% of the eligible investment costs. The scheme is open to all economic operators
meeting certain standards. The Commission assessed the measure under EU State aid rules, and in
particular Article 107(3)(c) of the TFEU. The Commission considers that the measure will encourage
a significant uptake of zero and low emissions vehicles, thus making a major contribution towards
the reduction of CO2 and pollutant emissions, in line with the EU's climate and environmental
objectives and the goals set by European Green Deal. The Commission concluded that the
contribution to EU environmental and climate goals of the scheme outweighs any potential distortion
of competition and trade brought about by the support. On this basis, the Commission approved the
measure under EU State aid rules. Executive Vice-President Margrethe Vestager, in charge of

competition policy, said: “This €175 million Polish scheme will promote alternative fuels and
encourage consumers to use greener vehicles, without unduly distorting competition. This will
contribute to the reduction of harmful emissions, in line with the European Green Deal's objective.” A
press release is available online. (For more information: Arianna Podesta – Tel.: +32 229 87024;
Maria Tsoni – Tel.: +32 229 90526)

State aid: Commission approves €100 million Lithuanian measure to support construction
and operation of four electricity storage facilities
The European Commission has approved, under EU State aid rules, a €100 million Lithuanian
measure to support the construction and operation of four electricity storage facilities (Lithium-Ion
batteries). The measure will be funded by the Recovery and Resilience Facility (‘RRF'), following the
Commission's positive assessment of the Lithuanian recovery and resilience plan and its adoption by
Council. The supported storage facilities, with a total capacity of 200 Mega Watts and directly
connected to high-voltage transmission lines, will ensure security of electricity supply to the
Lithuanian system, before the connection to the Continental Europe Network (CEN), which is
expected to start in 2023 and be completed by the end of 2025. The support will take the form of a
direct grant to Energy cells UAB, which is the company in charge of building and operating the
storage facilities. The Commission assessed the measure under EU State aid rules, in particular
under Article 107(3)(c) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, which allows Member
States to support the development of certain economic activities under certain conditions, and the
Guidelines on State aid for environmental protection and energy. The Commission found that the aid
is necessary and appropriate, as it will be used to provide a “back-up” to the system and ensure
security of electricity supply until the connection of the Lithuanian electricity network to the CEN.
Furthermore, the measure is proportionate, as the level of the aid corresponds to the effective
financing needs, and necessary safeguards limiting the aid to the minimum will be in place (i.a. a
competitive sale of the facilities as soon as the connection to the CEN is completed). The Commission
therefore concluded that the positive effects of the measure on security of supply outweigh any
potential distortion of competition and trade brought about by the support. On this basis, the
Commission approved the measure under EU State aid rules. The Commission assesses measures
entailing State aid contained in the national recovery plans presented in the context of the RRF as a
matter of priority and has provided guidance and support to Member States in the preparatory
phases of the national plans, to facilitate the rapid deployment of the RRF. The non-confidential
version of the decision will be made available under the case number SA.63178 in the State aid
register on the Commission's competition website once any confidentiality issues have been
resolved. (For more information: Arianna Podesta – Tel.: +32 229 87024; Maria Tsoni – Tel.: +32
229 90526)

State aid: Commission approves prolongation and amendment of Polish resolution scheme
for cooperative and small commercial banks
The European Commission has approved the prolongation of the Polish resolution scheme for twelve
months, until 29 October 2022. The objective of the scheme is to facilitate the work of the Polish
resolution authority, should a concrete case and need arise for it. The scheme was initially approved
on 20 December 2016. It has been prolonged five times, last time on 29 October 2020. In December
2020, the scheme was amended to exceptionally cover cooperative banks and small commercial
banks with total assets of less than €5 billion. More specifically, the Commission accepted a higher
balance sheet threshold compared the €3 billion threshold set in the 2013 Banking Communication,
given the exceptional circumstances linked to the coronavirus outbreak, the limited part of the Polish
banking market covered by the scheme and the safeguards against undue competition distortions
that Poland included in the scheme. In addition to extending the duration of the scheme for
additional twelve months, the prolongation approved today sets out specific conditions for the
operation of bridge institutions, in line with the 2013 Banking Communication. In this respect, the
scheme will allow a period of twelve months from the creation of a bridge institution to attempt its
sale or the sale of its assets. During this period, the bridge institution in question will have to be
managed prudently, it will not be able to enter new markets or pursue new activities, but it will be
able to accept new customers and continue providing services to existing ones. The amended
scheme also includes certain limits to the level of interest rates at which bridge institutions can offer
deposits in the event of a liquidity crisis and until the liquidity situation stabilises. These limits aim
at enabling more attractive alternatives to compete in the market and limit potential distortions of
competition. In the context of the ongoing coronavirus crisis, the measure will continue to be
exceptionally available for cooperative banks and small commercial banks with total assets below €5
billion. The Commission found the prolongation and amendment of the scheme to be in line with EU

State aid rules, in particular the 2013 Banking Communication, and EU banking rules. The non-
confidential version of the decision will be available on the Commission's competition website in the
case register under the case number SA.64522 once any confidentiality issues have been resolved.
(For more information: Arianna Podesta – Tel.: +32 229 87024; Maria Tsoni – Tel.: +32 229 90526)

Mergers: Commission adopts interim measures to prevent harm to competition following
Illumina's early acquisition of GRAIL
The European Commission has adopted interim measures to restore and maintain the conditions of
effective competition following Illumina's early acquisition of GRAIL, which is in breach of the
standstill obligation under the EU Merger Regulation. On 20 September 2021, the Commission sent a
Statement of Objections to the two companies informing them of the interim measures it intended to
adopt in response to their alleged breach of the standstill obligation under the EU Merger
Regulation. This is the first time the Commission adopts interim measures following an
unprecedented early implementation of a concentration. The interim measures aim to prevent the
potentially irreparable detrimental impact of the transaction on competition as well as possible
irreversible integration of the merging parties, pending the outcome of the Commission's merger
investigation. The measures are legally binding on both Illumina and GRAIL. The measures will be
applicable during an interim period, pending the final outcome of the Commission's in-depth merger
investigation. In parallel, and as communicated on 20 August 2021, the Commission will continue to
investigate whether Illumina's and GRAIL's decision to implement their transaction pending the
Commission's in-depth investigation constitutes an infringement of the EU Merger rules that may
trigger the imposition of fines under Article 14 of the EU Merger Regulation. The Commission is also
continuing its in-depth investigation into the transaction and has until 4 February 2022 take a
decision. A press release is available online. (For more information: Arianna Podesta – Tel.: +32 229
87024; Maria Tsoni – Tel.: +32 229 90526)

Mergers: Commission opens investigation into possible breach of Article 21 of the EU
Merger Regulation by Hungary in the VIG/AEGON transaction
The European Commission has decided to open an investigation to assess whether the decision by
Hungary to veto the acquisition of the two Hungarian subsidiaries of AEGON Group (‘AEGON') by
Vienna Insurance Group AG Wiener Versicherung Gruppe (‘VIG'), constitutes a breach of Article 21 of
the EU Merger Regulation, which confers upon the Commission exclusive jurisdiction for
concentrations having Union dimension. On 6 April 2021, basing itself on an emergency legislation
on foreign direct investments introduced in the context of the coronavirus outbreak, the Hungarian
government vetoed the transaction. The transaction concerns the acquisition by VIG of AEGON
Hungary Holding B.V., AEGON Hungary Holding II B.V., AEGON Poland/Romania Holding B.V. and
AEGON Turkey Holding B.V.. On 12 August 2021, the Commission unconditionally cleared the
transaction, which constitutes a concentration with a Union dimension within the meaning of the
Merger Regulation. Under Article 21 of the EU Merger Regulation, the Commission has sole
jurisdiction to examine concentrations with a Union dimension. Therefore, Member States shall not
apply their national laws to such concentrations but can only take appropriate measures to protect
their legitimate interests, subject to them being compatible with EU law. Any measures other than
those genuinely protecting public interest, plurality of the media and prudential rules have to be
communicated to the Commission for assessment prior to being implemented. The Hungarian
government did not communicate the measure to the Commission prior to its implementation nor
has it to date provided an adequate explanation of the reasons underpinning this veto in the
insurance sector. Therefore, the Commission decided to investigate whether Hungary's decision to
veto VIG's acquisition of AEGON Group's Hungarian subsidiaries constitutes a breach of Article 21 of
the EU Merger Regulation. In particular, the Commission's investigation aims to determine whether
Hungary's veto aims at protecting a legitimate interest and whether it is compatible with EU law. The
AEGON Group, based in the Netherlands, is active in life and non-life insurance, pension funds
management, asset management services and related ancillary services. VIG is established in
Austria and is the holding company of an international insurance group offering its services mainly in
the Central and Eastern Europe region. More information on the investigation under Article 21 of the
Merger Regulation will be available on the Commission's competition website, in the public case
register under the case number M.10494. (For more information: Arianna Podesta – Tel.: +32 229
87024; Maria Tsoni – Tel.: +32 229 90526)

Mergers: Commission modifies and partially waives commitments made by Gategroup to
obtain clearance of its acquisition of LSG European Business

The European Commission has modified and partially waived under the EU Merger Regulation the
commitments made by Gategroup to obtain clearance of its acquisition of Lufthansa's LSG European
in-flight catering business. The Commission approved the transaction, subject to conditions, in April
2020. The modification and partial waiver concerns certain in-flight catering contracts with airlines at
German airports (the ‘German divestment business'), as well as assets, that Gategroup committed to
divest under the commitments. Upon receipt of the waiver request from Gategroup, the Commission
has assessed the changed market conditions. The Commission's assessment revealed that the
structure of the relevant markets for in-flight catering in Germany has changed in a way that was not
reasonably foreseeable at the time of the adoption of the decision approving the transaction. The
Commission also considers that with the requested changes to the commitments relating to the
German divestment business, the competition concerns outlined in the clearance decision no longer
arise and are no longer likely to arise. On this basis, the Commission has decided to approve
Gategroup's waiver request. More information is available on the Commission's competition website,
in the public case register under the case number M.9546. (For more information: Arianna Podesta –
Tel.: +32 229 87024; Maria Tsoni – Tel.: +32 229 90526)

Mergers: Commission clears acquisition of joint control of CFGI by CVC and Carlyle
The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of joint
control of CFGI Eagle Parent, LLC (‘CFGI') of the US by CVC Capital Partners SICAVFIS S.A. (‘CVC')
of Luxembourg and the Carlyle Group, Inc. (‘Carlyle') of the US. CFGI, currently solely controlled by
Carlyle, is a financial consulting firm active in the US focused on offering technical accounting and
finance advisory services. CVC is a manager of investment funds and platforms holding interests in a
number of companies in various industries primarily in Europe, the US and the Asia-Pacific region.
Carlyle is a global alternative asset manager. The Commission concluded that the proposed
acquisition would raise no competition concerns, because of the limited impact it would have on the
market. 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.10482. (For more information: Arianna Podesta – Tel.: +32 229 87024; Maria
Tsoni – Tel.: +32 229 90526)

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Lisbon Web Summit: Vice-President Jourová and Commissioners Ferreira and Kyriakides to
represent the Commission at world's largest tech event
The Commission will participate in the Web Summit, the annual technology conference, taking place
from 1-4 November in Lisbon, Portugal. Bringing together founders and CEOs of technology
companies, fast-growing start-ups, policymakers and Heads of State or Government, the event aims
to share knowledge and experience around the latest technological trends. During the four-day
Summit, Commissioners and EU experts will engage in discussions around present challenges and
future perspectives of the EU digital transformation outlined in its Digital Targets for 2030. On
Monday, Elisa Ferreira, Commissioner for Cohesion and Reforms, will deliver the opening keynote
address for the Corporate Innovation Summit on ‘The Innovation Divide: Bridging the Gap for
Europe's Regions'. On Tuesday, Vice-President for Values and Transparency, Věra Jourová, will take
part in a centre-stage conversation with US Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett on ‘Building back
better', discussing the role of digital economies in post-COVID recovery and meet with
representatives of the tech companies. The Vice-President will also give a press conference to discuss
next steps in shaping Europe's digital rules. On Wednesday morning, the European Start-up Nations
Alliance, will be launched which will support Member states in ensuring their start-ups have the best
conditions to grow at every stage of their life cycle. In the afternoon, Stella Kyriakides,
Commissioner for Health and Food Safety, will reflect on the past, present and future of Europe's
pandemic response and preparedness in an interview ‘Back to the Future: Europe post-COVID'.
Digital transformation is also a topic of debate by citizens across the continent in the Conference on
the Future of Europe, both on the multilingual digital platform and in European Citizens' Panels. Join
the online debate on the digital transformation here. (For more information: Johannes Bahrke – Tel.:
+32 229 58615; Charles Manoury – Tel.: +32 229 13391)

Vice-President Jourová in Portugal to discuss the rule of law, media and disinformation*
Vice-President for Values and Transparency, Věra Jourová, will be in Lisbon next week on 2 and 3
November, to meet representatives of the Portuguese government, civil society and tech companies.
The Vice-President will hold bilateral meetings with Pedro Siza Vieira, Minister of Economy and
Digital Transition, Francisca Van Dunem, Minister of Justice, and Ana Paula Zacarias, Secretary of
State for European Affairs. She will discuss the rule of law, media freedom and pluralism as well as
issues related to digital transition and countering disinformation, among others. She will visit the
Portuguese Parliament, where she will discuss the findings of the latest Rule of Law Report,
published in July 2021. She will also meet Nicolau Santos, President of the Administration Board of
Rádio Televisão Portuguesa. The Vice-President will meet US Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett and US
Commissioner of the Federal Election Commission Ellen Weintraub to discuss EU-US cooperation in
areas of digital regulation and protection of elections. The Vice-President will also meet with the
representatives of social media and tech companies including Brad Smith, President of Microsoft, to
discuss issues related to disinformation, online political advertising and artificial intelligence. Finally,
she will participate in an event on ‘European Cities and the Media: untold stories' with the new local
newspaper Mensagem de Lisboa and deliver a keynote speech on ‘Threats to Democracy in a Digital
Era' (30') at Universidade Católica Portuguesa's 2021 Francisco Lucas Pires Distinguished Lecture.
(For more information: Stefan De Keersmaecker – Tel.: +32 229 84680; Jördis Ferroli – Tel.: +32
229 92729)

Commissioner Kyriakides in Lisbon to promote the European Health Union, Beating Cancer
Plan and EU Vaccines Strategy
On Wednesday, 3 November, Stella Kyriakides, Commissioner for Health and Food Safety, will be in
Lisbon, Portugal, where she will meet the Minister of Health of Portugal, Marta Temido. Discussions
will focus on the EU Vaccines Strategy and the roll-out of the national vaccination campaign in
Portugal, as well as the way forward on the proposals under the European Health Union and Europe's
Beating Cancer Plan. The meeting will be followed by a visit to the Portuguese Institute of Oncology
and a debate with the public on ‘European Health Union: prevent, care and collaborate', part of the
Conference on the Future of Europe, that can be followed here and here. The same day, the
Commissioner will speak at a fireside chat at the Web Summit on ‘Back to the future: Europe post-
COVID'. On 4 November, the Commissioner will visit the Champalimaud Foundation and deliver a
speech at the Advanced Breast Cancer Sixth International Consensus Conference. Ahead of the visit,
Commissioner Kyriakides said: “The EU Vaccines Strategy is a great example of the power and
efficacy of European collaboration and solidarity in action. In Portugal, over 90% of the adult
population is now fully vaccinated, which is truly impressive and a great achievement. Portugal's
vaccination campaign has demonstrated the effect of vaccines, with the rate of COVID-19 infections
and hospitalisations having gone down – it is an example to follow. However, winter is around the
corner, other respiratory viruses are re-appearing, and the pandemic is far from over. It is also more
crucial that we continue addressing the impact of COVID-19 on other major health challenges,
including cancer where decisive and ambitious action will be taken through Europe's Beating Cancer
Plan.” The visit is part of the Commission's ongoing efforts and Commissioner Kyriakides's
commitment to support the roll-out of Member States' national COVID-19 vaccination campaigns and
address the impact of COVID-19 on other diseases. (For more information: Stefan De Keersmaecker
– Tel.: +32 229 84680; Anna Wartberger – Tel.: +32 229 82054)

CALENDAR – Commissioners' weekly activities

Tentative agendas for forthcoming Commission meetings
Note that these items can be subject to changes.

Eurostat press releases

The Spokesperson's Service has re-opened the Berlaymont press room to a limited number
of journalists. For more information, please see here.

*Updated on 29-10-21, at 18:11
                                 MEX/21/5664