European Commission - Daily News

European Commission - Daily News

Daily News 02 / 08 / 2021
Brussels, 2 August 2021
Commission launches calls worth €12 million in support of news media and the EU public
sphere
The Commission published four new calls for proposals aiming to stimulate a lively and diverse public
sphere and promoting citizens' access to reliable information across the EU. One call will support
multilingual media content on EU affairs through digital platforms, while the other aims to increase
content production in this area through a network of radio stations. In addition, a pilot project will
support youth media networks producing thought-provoking content on current affairs via social
media formats and events. Furthermore, a preparatory action for media platforms seeks to improve
citizens' access to trusted information, involving broadcasters and publishers. Together, the calls
represent close to €12 million in EU funding. All financed projects will operate with full editorial
independence. Vice-President for Values and Transparency, Věra Jourová, said: “The pandemic has
showed the key role of media to inform us, but it has also undermined the economic situation of the
sector. We are increasing and diversifying our sources of funding at European level, providing new
opportunities, tools and assistance. We expect Member States to do the same, while fully respecting
the independence of the media.” Commissioner for Internal Market, Thierry Breton, added: “The
news media sector has been severely hit by the challenges of the pandemic, increasing its resilience
and stimulating innovation is now more important than ever. It is through such initiatives that we
continue to promote and defend a free and pluralistic media ecosystem, placing the spotlight on
Europe's youth as well as on collaboration, to help people compare different viewpoints across
borders.” The new calls build on two others recently launched to support the news media sector: a
call on journalism partnerships to encourage sector-wide, cross-border collaboration among European
news media organisations under the new Creative Europe programme, and a call financed through
Horizon Europe, supporting projects focused on innovation for media. These initiatives are part of a
broader effort to support a free, viable and pluralistic media environment across the EU, as
announced in the European Democracy Action Plan and the Media and Audiovisual Action Plan. More
information on these and other calls in support of the media sector is available and a tool has also
been published to help the media find funding opportunities. Media professionals can also find
assistance at the national level via the Creative Europe desks. (For more information: Sonya
Gospodinova – Tel.: +32 229 66953; Charles Manoury – Tel: +32 229 13391)

Gestion des frontières extérieures: Les règles pour un système d'information sur les visas
modernisé désormais en vigueur
De nouvelles règles relatives à la modernisation du système d'information sur les visas entrent en
vigueur aujourd'hui. Le système modernisé permettra une vérification plus approfondie des
antécédents des demandeurs de visa et de titres de séjour, ainsi qu'un meilleur échange
d'informations entre les États membres sur les titulaires de ces documents, et garantira une
interopérabilité totale avec d'autres bases de données à l'échelle de l'UE. Tous les candidats seront
automatiquement contrôlés par rapport aux autres systèmes d'information de l'UE pour la sécurité
intérieure et la migration. Cette vérification croisée obligatoire permettra de détecter les demandeurs
utilisant des identités multiples et d'identifier toute personne présentant des risques pour la sécurité.
En outre, le système d'information sur les visas modernisé comprendra des informations sur les visas
de long séjour et les titres de séjour. Cela permettra d'améliorer l'échange d'informations entre les
États membres, en aidant les garde-frontières à déterminer rapidement si un visa de long séjour ou
un titre de séjour utilisé pour franchir les frontières extérieures de l'espace Schengen est valide et
entre les mains de son titulaire légitime, comblant ainsi un important déficit de sécurité. Le système
d'information sur les visas est une base de données de l'UE qui relie les gardes-frontières aux
frontières extérieures de l'UE avec les consulats des États membres dans le monde entier. L'UE met
actuellement à niveau ses systèmes d'information pour la sécurité intérieure, la gestion des
frontières et des migrations et les rend interopérables afin de combler les lacunes en matière
d'information et de renforcer la sécurité intérieure européenne. Le système d'information sur les

visas modernisé devrait être opérationnel et pleinement interopérable avec les autres systèmes
d'information d'ici fin 2023. (Pour plus d'informations: Adalbert Jahnz — tél. + 32 229 53156; Ciara
Bottomley — Tél.: + 32 229 69971; Laura Bérard — Tél.: + 32 229 55721).

Deposit Guarantee Schemes: Commission adopts reasoned opinion in case brought by
Latvia against Sweden for failing to comply with Union legislation
Today, the Commission adopted a reasoned opinion in a procedure brought by Latvia against Sweden
under Article 259 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union. According to Directive
2014/49/EU on deposit guarantee schemes (DGS), when a credit institution changes its affiliation to
a deposit guarantee scheme, the DGS of origin shall transfer to the receiving DGS the bank's
contributions paid during the 12 months preceding that transfer. Latvia argues that Sweden
infringed EU law by refusing to transfer some contributions collected by the Swedish deposit
guarantee scheme, while a branch of a Swedish bank in Latvia became a member of the Latvian DGS
following the reorganisation of the parent company. The Commission considers that the Swedish
authorities have incorrectly applied the provisions of the Directive 2014/49/EU on deposit guarantee
schemes. In particular, they failed to secure an interval of one year between two contributions and,
subsequently, refused to transfer the contributions collected in relation to the Latvian branch
concerned during the 12 months preceding the date of the transfer of its activities under the
responsibility of the Latvian DGS. Moreover, the Commission also considers that the period for which
the contributions are collected, rather than the actual dates of payments of contributions, should be
decisive for the determination of which contributions should be transferred. In the event of a dispute
between two Member States under Article 259, and before the matter is brought before the Court of
Justice, the Commission has the possibility to issue a reasoned opinion within three months of the
launch of the procedure by the complainant and after having given both sides an opportunity to
submit their observations. To this end, the Commission held an oral hearing with both Member
States on 1 July 2021. It is, however, ultimately for the Court of Justice to interpret Union law in the
case in question. Following the adoption of the reasoned opinion by the Commission, Latvia may
decide to refer the case to the Court of Justice of the EU. This does not preclude the parties from
finding an amicable settlement to the dispute. (For more information: Arianna Podesta – Tel.: +32
229 87024; Nerea Artamendi Erro – Tel: +32 229 90964)

Agriculture: La Commission approuve cinq nouvelles indications géographiques
La Commission a approuvé aujourd'hui l'inscription de « Őrségi tökmagolaj » (IGP), « Tuzséri alma »
(AOP), « Bayerischer Bärwurz » (IG), « Olio di Roma » (IGP), « Muškat momjanski/Moscato di
Momiano » (AOP) dans le registre des indications géographiques de l'Union européenne. « Őrségi
tökmagolaj » est une huile végétale non raffinée obtenue par pression des graines grillées de courges
cultivées spécifiquement à des fins de pressage dans les villages historiques de Őrség, en Hongrie.
Le terme « Tuzséri alma » désigne les pommes destinées à la consommation fraîche des variétés
Gala, Jonagold, Red Delicious, Golden Delicious, Mutsu, Idared, Jonathan et Granny Smith de
l'espèce Malus domestica. Elles doivent être cultivées dans le village de Tuzsér, dans la région de
Rétköz, dans le comté de Szabolcs-Szatmár-Bereg, en Hongrie. Le « Bayerischer Bärwurz » est une
boisson spiritueuse produite en Bavière, principalement dans la forêt bavaroise, de manière
traditionnelle depuis la racine de la plante du Meum athamanticum (Jacq.) ou de la Ligusticum
mutellina (L.) Crantz; « l'Olio di Roma » est une huile d'olive vierge extra de couleur allant du vert
au jaune doré selon son âge. Elle doit être produite dans les provinces italiennes de Viterbo, Rieti,
Rome, Frosinone et Latina. Le « Muškat momjanski/Moscato di Momiano » fait référence aux vins
croates non pétillants. Il s'agit d'une dénomination traditionnellement utilisée combinant le nom du
cépage (Muškat/Moscato) et le nom de l'aire géographique momjanski/di Momiano, issue de la ville
de Momjan située dans la partie nord de la péninsule Istrie. Ces cinq nouvelles dénominations
rejoindront les 3 435 dénominations de produits agroalimentaires déjà protégés. La politique de
qualité de l'UE vise à protéger les dénominations de produits spécifiques afin de promouvoir leurs
caractéristiques uniques liées à leur origine géographique et au savoir-faire traditionnel. En savoir
plus sur les systèmes de qualité de l'UE et dans notre base de données eAmbrosia. (Pour plus
d'informations : Miriam García Ferrer – Tél.: +32 2 299 90 75; Álvaro Rangel Hernández – Tél.: +32
2 291 36 65)

Incendies de forêt: l'UE mobilise une assistance en faveur de la Turquie
Le 1er août, la Turquie, ravagée par des incendies de forêt sans précédent, a activé le mécanisme de
protection civile de l'UE. En réponse, la Commission européenne a aidé à mobiliser un avion Canadair
de Croatie et deux avions Canadair d'Espagne. Ces avions de lutte contre les feux de forêts font

partie de rescEU, la réserve européenne de moyens de protection civile. Janez Lenarčič,
commissaire à la gestion des crises, a déclaré: « L'UE est solidaire avec la Turquie en cette période
très difficile. Je remercie tous les pays qui ont offert leur aide. Nos pensées vont au peuple turc, à
ceux qui ont perdu leurs proches et aux courageux premiers intervenants qui font de leur mieux pour
lutter contre ces incendies meurtriers. Nous sommes prêts à fournir de l'assistance
supplémentaire. » Le Centre de coordination de la réaction d'urgence de l'UE, qui fonctionne 24
heures sur 24 et 7 jours sur 7, reste en contact étroit avec les autorités turques afin de suivre
l'évolution de la situation et canaliser l'aide de l'UE. Le communiqué de presse complet est disponible
ici. (Pour plus d'informations : Miriam García Ferrer – Tél: +32 229 99075; Daniel Puglisi – Tél: +32
229 69140)

Clinical trials: launch of a new Information System
On Saturday 31 July, the Commission published its Decision launching the Clinical Trials Information
System (CTIS), a basic IT system tool designed to apply the Clinical Trials Regulation (CTR), as of 31
January 2022. The application will bring substantial changes to the authorisation and supervision of
human research on medicinal products. Stella Kyriakides, Commissioner for Health and Food Safety,
said: “The pandemic has clearly shown the importance of efficient clinical trials that do not
compromise on rigorous safety and efficacy standards. With the Clinical Trials Regulation, we will be
able to guarantee higher safety protection for participants of clinical trials, support EU-wide clinical
trials, and deliver faster access to the most promising safe and effective medical products to citizens,
for the COVID-19 crisis and beyond." The goal of the Clinical Trials Regulation is to create an
environment that stimulates the establishment and undertaking of clinical trials in the EU. At the
same time, it aims to guarantee the highest standards of safety for participants of clinical trials as
well as increased transparency of clinical trial information. The Regulation makes the use of the CTIS
mandatory for newly applied clinical trials. However, until 31 January 2023, applicants can still chose
whether to submit their application to start a clinical trial according to the current system (Clinical
Trials Directive) or according to the Clinical Trials Regulation. From 31 January 2023 onward,
submission according to the CTR becomes mandatory and by 31 January 2025, all ongoing trials
approved under the current clinical trial directive will need to transition to the new Regulation. The
Clinical Trials Information System will also, together with other EMA IT tools, support the coordinated
assessment of safety reporting in the context of clinical trials and therefore contribute to the
understanding of the benefits and the risks of medicinal products that are planned to enter or are
already on the market of the Union. More information on the Clinical Trials Regulation and on the
Clinical Trials Information System can be found here and here. (For more information: Arianna
Podesta – Tel.: +32 229 87024 ; Anna Wartberger – Tel.: +32 229 82054)

EU Digital COVID Certificate: Commission adopts equivalence decisions for Vatican and San
Marino certificates
The Commission has adopted decisions ensuring that COVID-19 certificates issued by the Vatican
City State and San Marino will be considered equivalent to the EU Digital COVID Certificate. This
means that both countries will be connected to the EU's system and that COVID certificates issued
by the Vatican and San Marino will be accepted in the EU under the same conditions as the EU
Digital COVID Certificate. In practice, holders of these certificates will be able to use these
certificates under the same conditions as holders of an EU Digital COVID Certificate. At the same
time, the Vatican and San Marino have indicated that they would accept EU Digital COVID
Certificates for travel to their countries. Commissioner for Justice, Didier Reynders, said: “I am
pleased to see that more countries are implementing a system based on the EU Digital COVID
Certificate. We are taking active steps to recognise certificates issued by other third countries.
However, they must be interoperable with the EU framework and allow for the verification of their
authenticity, validity and integrity.” The Commission decisions on the equivalence of the Vatican and
San Marino COVID certificates are available online. The Commission is also working on connecting
other third countries. It checks if their certificates are interoperable with the EU Digital COVID
Certificate, allowing for the verification of their authenticity, validity and integrity. The Commission
can issue an equivalence decision establishing its equivalence with the EU Digital COVID Certificate.
More information on the EU Digital COVID Certificate can be found on the dedicated website and
Q&A. (For more information: Adalbert Jahnz - Tel.: +32 229 53156; Jördis Ferroli - Tel.: +32 229
92729)

State aid: Commission approves German measures worth over €2.5 billion to support rail
freight and passenger operators affected by the coronavirus outbreak

The European Commission has approved, under EU State aid rules, two German schemes supporting
the rail freight sector and the long-distance rail passenger sector in the context of the coronavirus
outbreak. Support under the schemes will take the form of a reduction of the charges paid by railway
companies to access rail infrastructure in both the rail freight and the long-distance rail passenger
sectors. The measures will thereby help prevent the loss of market shares of rail transport vis-à-vis
competing modes of transport. The first measure, which has an estimated budget of €2.1 billion, will
relieve long-distance rail passenger operators of approximately 98% of the infrastructure charges
paid during the period from 1 March 2020 to 31 May 2022. The second measure amends an existing
aid scheme of 2018 supporting rail freight operators in Germany. With an estimated budget of €410
million, the amendment increases the support approximately 98% of the infrastructure charges paid
by rail freight operators during the period from 1 March 2020 to 31 May 2021. The Commission found
that the measures are beneficial for the environment and for mobility as they support rail transport,
which is less polluting than road transport, while also decreasing road congestion. The reduction of
infrastructure charges is in line with Regulation (EU) 2020/1429, which allows and encourages
Member States to temporarily authorise the reduction, waiver or deferral of charges for accessing rail
infrastructure below direct costs. As a result, the Commission concluded that the measures comply
with EU State aid rules, in particular the 2008 Commission Guidelines on State aid for railway
undertakings (‘the Railway Guidelines'). Executive Vice-President Margrethe Vestager, in charge of
competition policy, said: “The measures approved today will help rail freight and passenger operators
in Germany weather the difficult situation caused by the coronavirus outbreak. The measures will
contribute to maintaining the competitiveness of rail compared to other modes of transport, in line
with the objectives of the European Green Deal. We continue working with all Member States to
ensure that national support measures can be put in place as quickly and effectively as possible, in
line with EU rules.” A full press release is available online. (For more information: Arianna Podesta –
Tel.: +32 229 87024; Giulia Astuti – Tel.: +32 229 55344)

State aid: Commission approves €868 million Italian scheme to reduce labour costs borne
by private employers in certain sectors particularly affected by coronavirus outbreak
The European Commission has approved a €868 million Italian scheme to reduce the labour costs
borne by private employers operating in the tourism, spas, commerce, cultural or recreational
sectors, which have been particularly affected by the coronavirus outbreak. The scheme was
approved under the State aid Temporary Framework. The aid aims at preserving employment levels
and will consist of an exemption from the payment of employers' social security contributions due for
the period from 25 May 2021 to 31 December 2021. The maximum amount of aid that can be
granted is up to twice the employer's contribution not paid in relation to the hours of use of wage
subsidies (‘Cassa Integrazione') in January, February and March 2021. Eligible beneficiaries will not
be able to dismiss employees until 31 December 2021. Any breach of this prohibition would entail
the revocation of the aid (with retroactive effect) and the impossibility of applying for the benefit of
the pay supplements (so called ‘Cassa Integrazione'). The Commission found that the scheme is in
line with the conditions set out in the Temporary Framework. In particular, the aid (i) will not exceed
€1.8 million per company and (ii) will be granted no later than 31 December 2021. 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.63720 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)

Aides d'État: la Commission autorise un régime belge d'un montant de 80 millions d'euros
visant à soutenir les fournisseurs d'entreprises du secteur RECA dans le contexte de la
pandémie du coronavirus
La Commission européenne a autorisé un régime belge d'un montant de 80 millions d'euros visant à
soutenir les micro, petites et moyennes entreprises, y compris les travailleurs indépendants, qui
fournissent le secteur RECA (restaurants et cafés) touché par la pandémie du coronavirus et les
mesures restrictives que les autorités belges ont dû mettre en œuvre pour limiter la propagation du
virus. Le régime, applicable en Wallonie, a été autorisé en vertu de l'encadrement temporaire des
aides d'État. Dans le cadre de ce régime, l'aide prendra la forme de subventions directes
correspondant à 15% du chiffre d'affaires de l'entreprise à chaque trimestre de 2019, pour les

entreprises ayant perdu plus de 50% de leur chiffre d'affaires dans les trois derniers trimestres 2020
par rapport à ceux de 2019 (ou dans le premier trimestre 2021 par rapport au premier trimestre
2019). Le montant de l'aide par bénéficiaire sera calculé sur la base du nombre de salariés et de
l'ampleur de la baisse du chiffre d'affaires; il pourra atteindre 50,000 euros au maximum pour les
entreprises de plus de 50 salariés ayant subi une baisse de leur chiffre d'affaires de plus de 75 %. La
Commission a estimé que la mesure belge était conforme aux conditions énoncées dans
l'encadrement temporaire. En particulier, l'aide (i) ne dépassera pas 1,8 million d'euros par
bénéficiaire; et (ii) sera accordée au plus tard le 31 décembre 2021. La Commission a conclu que la
mesure était nécessaire, appropriée et proportionnée pour remédier à une perturbation grave de
l'économie d'un État membre, conformément à l'article 107, paragraphe 3, point b), du TFUE et aux
conditions énoncées dans l'encadrement temporaire. Sur cette base, la Commission a autorisé la
mesure en vertu des règles de l'UE en matière d'aides d'État. De plus amples informations sur
l'encadrement temporaire et les autres mesures prises par la Commission pour faire face à
l'incidence économique de la pandémie de coronavirus sont disponibles ici. La version non
confidentielle de la décision sera publiée sous le numéro SA.64031 dans le registre des aides d'État
figurant sur le site web de la Commission consacré à la concurrence, dès que les éventuels
problèmes de confidentialité auront été résolus. (Pour plus d'informations: Arianna Podesta – Tél.:
+32 229 87024; Giulia Astuti – Tél.: +32 229 55344)

State aid: Commission approves €31 million Czech scheme to compensate rail passenger
transport operators for damages suffered due to coronavirus outbreak
The European Commission has approved, under EU State aid rules, a €31 million (approximately CZK
800 million) Czech aid scheme to compensate rail passenger transport operators for the damage
suffered due to the coronavirus outbreak and the restrictive measures that Czechia implemented to
limit the spread of the virus. Under the scheme, rail passenger transport operators will be entitled to
compensation in the form of direct grants, for up to 100% of the damages incurred between 12
March and 30 June 2020. The Commission assessed the measure under Article 107(2)(b) of the
Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, which enables the Commission to approve State
aid measures granted by Member States to compensate companies for the damage directly caused
by exceptional occurrences, such as the coronavirus outbreak. The Commission found that the Czech
scheme will compensate damages that are directly linked to the coronavirus outbreak. It also found
that the measure is proportionate, as the envisaged compensation does not exceed what is necessary
to make good the damage. On this basis, the Commission concluded that the scheme is in line with
EU State aid rules. More information on 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.62375 in the State aid register on the
Commission's competition website. (For more information: Arianna Podesta – Tel.: +32 229 87024;
Giulia Astuti – Tel.: +32 229 55344)

State aid: Commission approves €3.9 million Czech scheme to support self-employed
persons affected by coronavirus outbreak
The European Commission has approved a €3.9 million Czech scheme to support self-employed
persons in the context of the coronavirus outbreak. The scheme was approved under the State aid
Temporary Framework. Under the scheme, the aid will take the form of deferral of payment of health
insurance contributions. The aim of the measure is to ease the liquidity constraints self-employed are
facing due to the coronavirus outbreak and the restrictive measures the Czech government had to
implement to limit the spread of the virus. The scheme is expected to benefit 900,000 self-employed
persons. The Commission found that the Czech scheme is in line with the conditions set out in the
Temporary Framework. In particular, (i) the deferred contributions will be paid before 31 December
2022; and (ii) the aid will be granted no later than 31 December 2021. 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.62970 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)

State aid: Commission approves €22.8 million Slovenian scheme to support companies in
various sectors affected by the coronavirus outbreak
The European Commission has approved a €22.8 million Slovenian scheme to support companies in
various sectors affected by the coronavirus outbreak and the restrictive measures that the Slovenian
government had to implement to limit the spread of the virus. The measure was approved under the
State aid Temporary Framework. The public support, which will take the form of direct grants, will
cover the costs corresponding to the holiday pay for employees' annual leave. The measure will be
open to companies of all sizes active in the sectors most severely affected by business disruption due
to the coronavirus outbreak and the restrictive measures in place, such as for example
accommodation and food service, travel and rental related activities, arts, entertainment and
recreation sectors. The financial, agriculture, fishery and aquaculture sectors are excluded from the
scope of the scheme. The beneficiaries must have suffered an annual turnover decline of at least
20% in 2021, compared to 2019 or 2020. The Commission found that this measure is in line with the
conditions set out in the Temporary Framework. In particular: the aid (i) will not exceed €1.8 million
per beneficiary; and (ii) will be granted no later than 31 December 2021. 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.64152 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)

State aid: Commission approves €26 million Danish scheme to support providers of public
passenger transport by rail in context of coronavirus outbreak
The European Commission has approved, under EU State aid rules, a €26 million Danish scheme to
support companies providing public passenger transport services by rail in the context of the
coronavirus outbreak. Under the scheme, the support will take the form of a waiver of the charges
paid by railway companies to access rail infrastructure during the period from September to
December 2020. The aim of the measure is to help rail passenger operators cope with the difficult
situation due to the coronavirus outbreak and to promote the shift of passenger transport from road
to rail- a greener mode of transport. This objective is in line with national and EU climate policy goals
in the area of transport and with Regulation (EU) 2020/1429, which enables Member States to
temporarily authorise the reduction, waiver or deferral of charges for accessing rail infrastructure
below direct costs. The Commission assessed the measure under EU State aid rules, in particular
Article 93 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union and the 2008 Commission
Guidelines on State aid for railway undertakings. The Commission found that, in addition to
supporting a greener form of mobility such as rail transport, the measure is proportionate and
necessary to achieve the objective pursued, namely to facilitate the modal shift from road to rail,
whilst not leading to undue competition distortions. On this basis, the Commission approved the
scheme under EU State aid rules. The measure follows the Commission's approvals of two schemes
(€134 million scheme in December 2020 and a €24 million scheme in June 2021), supporting
providers of public rail passenger transport in the context of the coronavirus outbreak. The non-
confidential version of the decision will be made available under the case number SA.62391 in the
State aid register on the Commission's competition website. (For more information: Arianna Podesta
– Tel.: +32 229 87024; Giulia Astuti – Tel.: +32 229 55344)

State aid: Commission approves €13 million Danish scheme to support large events
suppliers in the context of the coronavirus outbreak
The European Commission has approved a €13 million Danish scheme to support large events
suppliers affected by the coronavirus outbreak and the restrictive measures that the Danish
government had to implement to limit the spread of the virus. The scheme was approved under the
State aid Temporary Framework. Under the scheme, the aid will take the form of direct grants. The
public support will be open to suppliers of large events with at least 350 expected attendees that
faced a decline in turnover over 2021. The measure aims at mitigating the liquidity shortages that
the beneficiaries are facing and at addressing part of the losses they incurred due to the inability to
sign contracts with organisers of large events, scheduled to take place between May and September
2021, because of the risk of cancellation linked to the coronavirus outbreak. The Commission found
that the Danish scheme is in line with the conditions set out in the Temporary Framework. In

particular, the aid (i) will not exceed €225,000 per company active in the primary production of
agriculture products, €270,000 per company active in the fishery and aquaculture sector, and €1.8
million per company active in other sectors; and (ii) will be granted no later than 31 December 2021.
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.64159 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)

Mergers: Commission clears acquisition of EDCO by Gilde Fund VI
The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of Jadi
International S.A., (‘EDCO') of Luxembourg, by Gilde Fund VI of the Netherlands. EDCO is active in
the wholesale distribution of non-food fast moving consumer goods, both private label and branded,
mainly to large retail chains and petrol stations across Europe. Gilde Fund VI is a private equity fund
that invests in medium-sized companies in various sectors in Europe. The Commission concluded
that the proposed acquisition would raise no competition concerns, given the low combined market
shares in the limited areas of overlap between EDCO and the portfolio companies of Gilde Fund VI.
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 case number
M.10293. (For more information: Arianna Podesta – Tel.: +32 229 87024; Giulia Astuti – Tel.: +32
229 55344)

Mergers: Commission clears acquisition of Adapteo by Goldman Sachs
The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of Adapteo
Plc of Finland, by The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (‘Goldman Sachs'), of the US. Adapteo builds,
rents and sells temporary and permanent pre-fabricated modular building units for schools, day-care
centres, elderly care homes, offices, temporary accommodation and events, as well as for customers
within the governmental and healthcare sectors in Northern Europe. Goldman Sachs is active in
global investment banking, securities and investment management. The Commission concluded that
the proposed acquisition would raise no competition concerns, because the companies' activities do
not overlap and the transaction has limited impact 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.10340. (For
more information: Arianna Podesta – Tel.: +32 229 87024; Giulia Astuti – Tel.: +32 229 55344)

Mergers: Commission clears creation of joint venture between Lixil and Schüco
The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the creation of a joint
venture between Lixil Corporation (‘Lixil') of Japan and Schüco International KG (‘Schüco'), the latter
belonging to the group Otto Fuchs Beteiligungen KG (‘Otto Fuchs Group'), both of Germany. The
joint venture, Schueco Japan K.K., will be active in the design and sales of aluminium systems,
products and services in the architectural construction segment in Japan. Lixil is active in the
manufacturing and sale of building materials and housing equipment. Schüco manufactures and sells
system solutions made of aluminium, steel and uPVC for building envelopes. The Commission
concluded that the proposed acquisition would raise no competition concerns given that the joint
venture will not be active 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.10271. (For more information: Arianna
Podesta – Tel.: +32 229 87024; Giulia Astuti – Tel.: +32 229 55344)

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.

Eurostat: communiqués de presse

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