European Commission - Daily News

European Commission - Daily News

Daily News 18 / 11 / 2020
Brussels, 18 November 2020
REUNION DU COLLEGE: Semestre européen – paquet d'automne: soutenir une reprise
durable et inclusive dans un contexte de grande incertitude
Le vice-président exécutif Dombrovskis, le commissaire Gentiloni et le commissaire Schmit ont
présenté aujourd'hui le paquet d'automne du Semestre européen. Ce paquet marque la seconde
étape du cycle du Semestre européen pour 2021, lancé en septembre avec la publication de la
stratégie annuelle pour une croissance durable (SACD), qui a pour cœur le concept de durabilité
compétitive. Le paquet fait suite aux prévisions économiques de l'automne 2020, établies dans un
contexte de grande incertitude, selon lesquelles, du fait du choc causé par la pandémie de COVID-
19, la production de la zone euro et de l'UE dans son ensemble n'aurait pas retrouvé son niveau
d'avant la pandémie en 2022. Selon l'évaluation de la Commission, tous les projets de plan
budgétaire pour 2021 sont globalement conformes aux recommandations du Conseil du 20 juillet
2020. Étant donné la grande incertitude que fait toujours peser la pandémie de COVID-19, la
Commission estime qu'aucune décision de nouvelles mesures ne devrait être prise à ce stade au titre
de la procédure concernant le déficit excessif de la Roumanie. La recommandation concernant la
politique économique de la zone euro donne des orientations stratégiques sur les priorités que les
États membres de la zone euro devraient fixer dans leurs plans pour la reprise et la résilience. Le
rapport sur le mécanisme d'alerte conclut que les risques de déséquilibres apparaissent en hausse
dans les États membres qui en connaissaient déjà avant la pandémie de COVID-19. La proposition
de rapport conjoint sur l'emploi analyse l'incidence de la pandémie de COVID-19 sur l'emploi et la
situation sociale en Europe. Le huitième rapport de surveillance renforcée concernant la Grèce conclut
qu'en dépit des circonstances défavorables causées par la pandémie de COVID-19, les autorités
grecques ont pris les mesures nécessaires pour respecter les engagements pris, allant de l'avant sur
un certain nombre de réformes fondamentales. Les rapports de surveillance post-programme pour
Chypre, l'Irlande, le Portugal et l'Espagne concluent que chacun de ces pays conserve de saines
capacités de remboursement. Un communiqué de presse et un mémo sont disponibles en ligne.
(Pour plus d'informations: Marta Wieczorek – Tél.: +32 229 58197; Enda McNamara – Tél.: +32 229
64976; Flora Matthaes – Tél.: +32 229 83951)

COLLEGE MEETING: Coronavirus: Commission steps up actions on testing with a
recommendation on rapid antigen tests and support to increase testing capacity
Today, the European Commission adopted a recommendation on the use of rapid antigen tests for
the diagnosis of COVID-19. This follows the Commission's recommendation on 28 October to ensure
a common approach and more efficient testing strategies across the EU. It builds on the guidance
developed with Member States input and expert advice from the European Centre for Disease
Prevention and Control. The recommendation provides guidance on how to select rapid antigen tests,
when they are appropriate and who should perform them. It also calls for validation and mutual
recognition of tests and their results. This comes ahead of the European Leaders' virtual meeting on
19 November on the EU response to the COVID-19 pandemic, following the 29 October European
Council, where it was agreed to coordinate more on testing methods. The Commission has also
signed an agreement with the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies
 (IFRC) contributing €35.5 million, financed by the Emergency Support Instrument (ESI), to scale
up COVID-19 testing capacity in the EU. The funding will be used to support training of staff for
sampling collection and analysis and performance of tests, especially via mobile equipment. Stella
Kyriakides, Commissioner for Health and Food safety said: “Testing tells us what the extent of the
spread is, where it is, and how it develops. It is a decisive tool to slow down the spread of COVID-19.
To increase EU coordination on testing methods, we are today providing guidance to Member States
on the use of rapid antigen test to better manage COVID-19 outbreaks. Being efficient on testing
also requires having the necessary resources, which is why we are also today stepping up our
support to increase Member States testing capacity. Support and solidarity is key to overcome this
pandemic.” A press release is available online. (For more information: Stefan De Keersmaecker –

Tel.: +32 229 84680; Darragh Cassidy – Tel.: +32 229 83978)

EU Cohesion policy: €150 million for a high-quality and inclusive education in Croatia
thanks to digital technologies
The European Commission has approved an investment worth more than €150 million from the
European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and the European Social Fund (ESF) to integrate
innovative digital technologies in Croatia's education system. The project e-Schools will roll out a
comprehensive ICT infrastructure, provide state-of-the-art IT equipment, develop educational
software and connect students and teachers in 1166 public primary and secondary schools
throughout the country. This unique national network will improve conditions for teaching and
learning and make the management of schools more efficient and transparent. At the same time,
students and teachers will benefit from targeted training to upgrade their e-skills. Commissioner for
Cohesion and Reforms, Elisa Ferreira, commented: “Thanks to EU Cohesion policy, Croatia's
education system will be able to fully reap the benefits of the digital era and better prepare young
people for their professional future. This project also contributes to boosting the resilience of the
sector during the coronavirus pandemic.” The project builds on a successful pilot phase, which has
already helped over 150 Croatian schools to switch to a new level of education. It also received the
award for ‘Skills & education for a digital Europe' of the 2020 edition of the REGIOSTARS awards. In
the current programming period 2014-2020, Cohesion policy is investing in Croatia €8.5 billion in
boosting competitiveness, sustainability and improving the quality of life of Croatian citizens. A
factsheet is available here. (For more information: Vivian Loonela - Tel.: +32 229 66712, Veronica
Favalli - Tel.: +32 229 87269)

COLLEGE MEETING: The European Commission appoints two new Directors in DG RTD
Today, the College has decided to appoint two Directors in the Directorate-General for Research and
Innovation (RTD). Ms Rosalinde van der Vlies, a Dutch national, will take on the function as Director
for the Directorate ‘Clean Planet'. She has held numerous positions of Head of Unit in DG RTD,
Deputy-Head of Cabinet for the Environment Commissioner Potočnik and Deputy-Head of Unit in the
previous Directorate-General for Justice and in the Directorate-General for Environment. She is
currently the Head of Unit for the Inter-Institutional and Coordination Unit as well as the acting Head
of Unit for Communication and Citizens in DG RTD. Ms Irene Norstedt, a Swedish national, has been
appointed Director for the People Directorate in DG RTD. She has worked as Acting Director in this
position for over two years and has held various positions in this Directorate including as Head of
Unit for Economic and Social Transition and previously as Head of Unit for the Personalised Medicine
Unit in the Health Directorate. She has also been Acting Director for the Innovative Medicines
Initiative 2 Joint Undertaking. (For more information: Balazs Ujvari – Tel.: +32 460 760296; Claire
Joawn – Tel.:+32 460 756859)

European day on the protection of children against sexual exploitation and sexual abuse
On the occasion of the European day on the protection of children against sexual exploitation and
sexual abuse, the Commission reaffirms its determination to fight child sexual abuse with all the
tools at its disposal. Margaritis Schinas, Vice-President for Promoting our European Way of Life, said:
“Under the Security Union Strategy, we are working to protect all those living in Europe, both online
and offline. Children are particularly vulnerable, especially as the coronavirus pandemic correlates
with increased sharing of child sexual abuse images online, and we have an obligation to protect
them.” Commissioner for Home Affairs, Ylva Johansson, said: “Imagine as a child victim knowing
the worst moment in your life is still circulating on the internet. Even worse, imagine that an
opportunity to be saved from ongoing abuse was missed because tools had become illegal.
Companies need to be able to report so that police can stop images circulating and even save
children.” Over the last years, there has been a significant increase in child sexual abuse and
exploitation cases and recently the coronavirus pandemic has exacerbated the situation. Europol
found that as Member States introduced lockdown and quarantine measures, the number of self-
produced materials increased, while travel restrictions and other restrictive measures means that
offenders increasingly exchange materials online. In July, the Commission adopted a
comprehensive EU strategy for a more effective fight against child sexual abuse. Under the Strategy,
we proposed legislation to ensure that providers of online communications services can continue
voluntary measures to detect child sexual abuse online. In addition, Europol provides support to
operations such as the recent action targeting child trafficking. The agency also monitors criminal
trends in the Internet Organised Crime Threat Assessment (IOCTA) and dedicated reports on the
evolution of threats, including child sexual abuse, in the times of COVID-19. (For more information:

Adalbert Jahnz - Tel.: + 32 229 53156; Ciara Bottomley - Tel.: +32 229 69971; Laura Bérard - Tel.:
+32 229 55721)

State aid: Commission approves €100 million Lithuanian scheme to support businesses
affected by coronavirus outbreak
The European Commission has approved a €100 million Lithuanian scheme enabling the deferred
payment of social security contributions for enterprises affected by the coronavirus outbreak. The
scheme was approved under the State aid Temporary Framework. The scheme will be open to
businesses active in sectors affected by the emergency measures ordered by the Lithuanian
government to limit the spread of the coronavirus. The aim of the measure is to address the liquidity
needs of the eligible enterprises, to help them continue their activities during and after the outbreak.
The Commission found that the Lithuanian scheme is in line with the conditions set out in the
Temporary Framework. In particular: (i) the measure assists businesses that are particularly affected
by the coronavirus outbreak and the related containment measures; (ii) the aid will be granted
before 30 June 2021; and (iii) the deferred contributions will be paid no later than 31 December
2022. The Commission concluded that the measure 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 Framework. On this basis, the Commission approved the
measure under EU State aid rules. More information on the Temporary Framework and other actions
taken by the Commission to address the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic can be found
here. The non-confidential version of the decision will be made available under the case number
SA.58885 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; Giulia
Astuti – Tel.: +32 229 55344; Maria Tsoni – Tel.: +32 229 90526)

State aid: Commission approves €22.2 million Cypriot term loan to Hermes Airports Limited
in the context of the coronavirus outbreak
The European Commission has approved a €22.2 million Cypriot scheme to support Hermes Airports
Limited (‘Hermes'), an airport operator of Larnaka and Pafos international airports affected by the
coronavirus outbreak. The scheme was approved under the State aid Temporary Framework. The
support will take the form of a term loan facility in order to remedy the difficulties which Hermes
faces. The aim of the scheme is to ensure sufficient liquidity for Hermes in order to meet its financial
obligations and continue operating. The Cypriot airports contribute significantly to the Cypriot
economy by ensuring connectivity for businesses and by conveying tourists to the country. In
addition, the two airports operating Larnaka and Pafos will help addressing the effects of the
coronavirus crisis when it comes to reconnecting Cypriot companies with international customers and
will help boosting tourism once the health crisis ends. The Commission considers that the aid to
Hermes will contribute to limit the negative impact of the coronavirus crisis and will contribute
towards addressing a serious disturbance in the Cypriot economy. The Commission found the
measure to be in line with the conditions set out in the Temporary Framework. In particular, (i) the
aid measure will be granted until the end of 2020, (ii) the maturity of the loan is six years, and (iii)
the overall amount of the loan is not more than 25% of the total turnover of Hermes in 2019. The
Commission therefore concluded that the measure 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 Framework. On this basis, the Commission approved the
measure under EU State aid rules. More information on the Temporary Framework and other actions
taken by the Commission to address the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic can be found
here. The non-confidential version of the decision will be made available under the case number
SA.58923 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; Giulia
Astuti – Tel.: +32 229 55344; Maria Tsoni – Tel.: +32 229 90526)

Mergers: Commission clears acquisition of SUEZ Nordic by PreZero
The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of SUEZ
Nordic AB of Sweden by PreZero International GmbH (‘Prezero'), belonging to the Schwarz Group,
both of Germany. SUEZ Nordic comprises the waste management operations of the Suez Group in
Sweden, and is active in the collection, pre-treatment, sorting, recycling, disposal of waste and
trading of waste and commodities. PreZero provides waste disposal and recycling services, and is
active in Austria, Belgium, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland and the US. The Schwarz Group
is also active in the retail sale of consumer goods in Sweden, through its chain of Lidl and Kaufland

stores. The Commission concluded that the proposed acquisition would raise no competition
concerns, given the negligible overlaps between the activities of the companies. 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.10000. (For
more information: Arianna Podesta – Tel. +32 229 87024; Maria Tsoni – Tel.: +32 229 90526)

Mergers: Commission clears the creation of a joint venture by Silverlake and Engie
The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of joint
control over a newly created joint venture based in the U.S. by Endeavor Operating Company, LLC
(‘Endeavor'), ultimately controlled by Silver Lake Partners (‘Silver Lake'), and Culturespaces USA, Inc
(‘Culturespaces'), all of the U.S., ultimately controlled by ENGIE SA (‘ENGIE') of France. The joint
venture will be mainly active in the display of digital immersive cultural exhibitions based on art
and/or music. Endeavor is active in talent representation, commercial marketing and endorsements,
brand strategy, activation and licensing, media production and distribution, and event management.
Silver Lake is an investment group focused on private investments in large scale companies within
the technology, technology-enabled, and related growth industries. Culturespaces specialises in the
management of cultural establishments, including museum and art centres, historic monuments,
gardens and collection and digital art centres, primarily in France. ENGIE is a global energy player
active in the fields of natural gas, electricity and energy services. The Commission concluded that the
proposed transaction would raise no competition concerns because the joint will have no activities in
the European Economic Area in the foreseeable future. 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.9976. (For more information: Arianna
Podesta – Tel. +32 229 87024; Maria Tsoni – Tel.: +32 229 90526)

ANNOUNCEMENTS

President von der Leyen participates in the G20 Virtual Leaders' Summit
This weekend, on 21-22 November, President Ursula von der Leyen will take part in the G20
Leaders' Summit along with the President of the European Council, Charles Michel. Together as the
‘European Union' delegation, they will jointly represent the EU as a full member of the G20. Due to
the current sanitary situation, the Summit will take place entirely by videoconference. This year's
Summit themed ‘Realizing Opportunities of the 21st Century for All' meets under the presidency of
the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The first session will start on Saturday afternoon and will focus on
‘Overcoming the Pandemic and Restoring Growth and Jobs'. The second session takes place on
Sunday afternoon under the title ‘Building an Inclusive, Sustainable and Resilient Future'. On Friday
at midday, Presidents von der Leyen and Michel will hold a joint press conference to present the
EU's priorities ahead of the beginning of the Summit. The press conference will be broadcast on EbS.
The Saudi presidency has prepared a microsite dedicated to media interested in following the
Leaders' Summit. The information for accreditation is available here. (For more information: Eric
Mamer – Tel.: +32 229 94073; Nabila Massrali - Tel.: +32 229 88093)

The High Representative and various Commissioners attend the 7th EU-Nigeria Ministerial
Political Dialogue
Today, the High Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell is co-chairing the 7th EU-Nigeria
Ministerial Political Dialogue together with Nigerian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Geoffrey Onyeama.
During the meeting, the participants will discuss common priorities with an aim to re-invigorating
the EU-Nigeria comprehensive strategic partnership. In line with the EU's strategy with Africa, the
partnership should focus on investment in jobs and human capital, digitalisation, green economic
growth, while promoting good governance, peace and resilience, respect for human rights and
International Humanitarian Law and establishing a partnership on migration and mobility. The
meeting is also attended by Commissioners for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth,
Mariya Gabriel, for Home Affairs, Ylva Johansson, for Crisis Management, Janez Lenarčič, for
International Partnerships, Jutta Urpilainen; for Energy, Kadri Simson; and the German Minister of
State, Michelle Müntefering. On the Nigerian side, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Onyeama, will

participate, together with eight Ministers. (For more information: Nabila Massrali – Tel.: +32 229
88093; Gesine Knolle – Tel.: +32 229 54323)

President von der Leyen and Commissioner Johansson participate in the Inter-
parliamentary Conference on Migration and Asylum in Europe
Tomorrow, on 19 November, President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen and
Commissioner for Home Affairs, Ylva Johansson are taking part in the Inter-parliamentary
Conference on Migration and Asylum in Europe. The conference will open with keynote speeches from
the President of the European Parliament, David Sassoli, President von der Leyen, the Presidents of
the German Parliament, Wolfgang Schäuble, of the Portuguese Parliament, Eduardo Ferro Rodrigues,
and of Slovenian Parliament, Igor Zorčič. A panel discussion on ‘Managing asylum and migration
together' will follow with contributions from Presidents Sassoli, von der Leyen and Schäuble as well
as Director-General of the International Organisation for Migration, António Vitorino. Commissioner
Johansson will participate in a roundtable with German Federal Minister of the Interior, Building and
Community, Horst Seehofer, on the ‘Relationship between solidarity and responsibility in migration
and asylum management'. The conference will be an opportunity for MEPs and national MPs to gather
virtually to discuss how to manage migration and asylum in Europe. (For more information: Adalbert
Jahnz - Tel.: + 32 229 53156; Ciara Bottomley - Tel.: +32 229 69971; Laura Bérard - Tel.: +32 229
55721)

European Higher Education Area: Commissioner Gabriel to address Ministerial conference
on the 2030 vision and priorities for the Bologna Process
Tomorrow, 19 November, Education Ministers from the 48-country European Higher Education Area
will meet at the Rome Ministerial Conference, in virtual format. They will welcome San Marino as a
new member and adopt the Rome Communiqué, which outlines the 2030 vision for an inclusive,
innovative and inter-connected European Higher Education Area, as a key contributor to the United
Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The latest Bologna Process Implementation Report,
published today, shows that major progress has been achieved in a number of areas – harmonising
degree structures, establishing trustworthy quality assurance systems, and creating an environment
that supports internationalisation. Nevertheless, work needs to be stepped up on many issues, as
European higher education is far from being sufficiently inclusive and learner centred. A common
understanding of shared fundamental and academic values can no longer be taken for granted.
Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth, Mariya Gabriel, will deliver
the keynote address. Ahead of the conference, she said: "Academic freedom and institutional
autonomy should not be taken for granted. They are the result of the constant and shared
commitment of the whole academic community. This is one of the many challenges that higher
education institutions are facing today, which require a higher level of shared ambition as well as
deeper cooperation for a peaceful, healthy, green, digital and resilient Europe. None of us can
address the current challenges in isolation. However, we can succeed if we act together. I want the
European Education Area to act as a driver for the Bologna Process, inspiring and supporting other
countries of the European Higher Education Area to benefit from a similar path." The Rome
Communiqué is fully in line with the Commission's vision for higher education, as set out in the
recent communications on achieving a European Education Area by 2025, the Digital Education
Action Plan and the new European Research Area. (For more information: Susanne Conze – Tel.: +32
229 80236; Sinéad Meehan - van Druten - Tel.: +32 2 298 40 94)

Eurostat press releases
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