European Commission - Daily News

European Commission - Daily News

Daily News 17 / 11 / 2021
Brussels, 17 November 2021
RÉUNION DU COLLÈGE: La Commission adopte de nouvelles propositions pour mettre fin à
la déforestation, innover en matière de gestion durable des déchets et rendre les sols sains
pour l'homme, la nature et le climat
La Commission a adopté aujourd'hui trois nouvelles initiatives qui sont nécessaires pour faire du
Pacte vert européen une réalité. La Commission propose de nouvelles règles pour enrayer la
déforestation causée par l'UE, ainsi que de nouvelles règles pour faciliter les transferts de déchets à
l'intérieur de l'UE afin de promouvoir l'économie circulaire et de s'attaquer à l'exportation de déchets
illégaux et aux défis liés aux déchets vers les pays tiers. La Commission présente également une
nouvelle stratégie en faveur des sols afin que tous les sols européens soient restaurés, résilients et
protégés de manière adéquate d'ici 2050. Avec les propositions d'aujourd'hui, la Commission
présente les outils nécessaires pour passer à une économie circulaire, protéger la nature et relever
les normes environnementales dans l'Union européenne et dans le monde. Vous trouverez plus
d'informations dans le dossier de presse : Communiqué de presse sur les trois propositions
disponible; des documents questions-réponses sur La déforestation; Le transfert des déchets; Les
sols et des fiches d'information sur La déforestation; Le transfert des déchets; Les sols. (Pour plus
d'informations: Vivian Loonela – Tél.: +32 229 66712; Daniela Stoycheva – Tél.: +32 229 53664)

Belarus: EU allocates €700,000 in humanitarian assistance for vulnerable people stranded
at the border
Responding immediately to an appeal, the European Commission has allocated €200,000 in
humanitarian funding to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies
(IFRC). The funding is part of the EU's overall contribution to the Disaster Relief Emergency Fund,
managed by the IFRC. This immediate EU funding will support the IFRC and its national society, the
Belarus Red Cross, to deliver much needed relief assistance, including food, hygiene kits, blankets,
and first aid kits. The EU has mobilised an additional €500,000 in humanitarian funding and is
currently in contact with its humanitarian partner organisations for the implementation of the funds.
Commissioner for Crisis Management, Janez Lenarčič, said: “The EU is supporting its humanitarian
partners to help alleviate the suffering of people stranded at the border and in other parts of Belarus.
I am calling for continuous access of humanitarian organisations from both sides to reach this large
group of refugees and migrants to provide them with urgent assistance.” The European Commission
stands ready to provide additional humanitarian funding in response to clearly established
humanitarian needs, should the access for humanitarian partner organisations in Belarus further
improve. All EU humanitarian aid is based on international humanitarian principles. The EU provides
needs-based humanitarian assistance to the people hit by manmade and natural disasters with
particular attention to the most vulnerable victims. Aid is channelled impartially to the affected
populations, regardless of their race, ethnic group, religion, gender, age, nationality or political
affiliation. (For more information: Balazs Ujvari - Tel.: +32 229 54578; Daniel Puglisi - Tel.: +32 229
69140)

Corps européen de solidarité: plus de 138 millions d'euros pour soutenir les activités de
volontariat des jeunes en 2022
La Commission a lancé aujourd'hui l'appel à propositions dans le cadre du corps européen de
solidarité pour 2022. Le corps européen de solidarité est un programme de l'UE destiné aux jeunes
désireux de participer à des activités de solidarité dans toute une série de domaines allant de l'aide
aux personnes défavorisées à l'action dans les domaines de la santé et de l'environnement, dans
l'ensemble de l'UE et au-delà. Cet appel introduit également la possibilité de participer à des
opérations d'aide humanitaire dans le monde entier afin de développer la solidarité entre les
organisations et les volontaires dans les pays de l'UE, ainsi qu'entre les personnes et les
communautés situées en dehors de l'Union. Ce nouveau volet de projets internationaux est appelé le

corps volontaire européen d'aide humanitaire. En contribuant à créer davantage de possibilités de
solidarité pour les jeunes au cours de l'Année européenne de la jeunesse 2022, l'appel à propositions
met à disposition près de 139 millions d'euros. Au cours de sa période de sept ans, ce programme de
l'UE permettra à au moins 270 000 jeunes de participer à des actions de solidarité. Le programme
offre aux jeunes la possibilité d'apporter une contribution significative à la société, d'acquérir une
expérience inestimable et de développer de nouvelles compétences. Il est ouvert aux jeunes entre 18
et 30 ans pour des activités de solidarité répondant aux défis sociétaux et entre 18 et 35 pour les
activités d'aide humanitaire internationale. L'appel à propositions pour les projets de volontariat et
de solidarité est ouvert jusqu'au 23 février pour les projets ayant lieu la même année et jusqu'au 4
octobre pour les projets de l'année suivante. Pour de plus amples informations, veuillez consulter
notre communiqué de presse, la fiche d'information et le guide du programme 2022. (Pour plus
d'informations: Sonya Gospodinova – Tél.: +32 229 66953; Célia Dejond – Tél.: +32 229 88199)

First calls for proposals under the Digital Europe Programme are launched in digital tech
and European Digital Innovation Hubs*
Today, the Commission announced the first set of calls for proposals under the Digital Europe
Programme. This follows the adoption of the work programmes allocating nearly €2 billion for
investments aimed to advance on the digital transition. The calls are open to businesses,
organisations, and public administrations from the EU Member States, as well as entities from other
countries associated to the Digital Europe Programme. These grants will be targeted towards an
investment of over €415 million in cloud to edge infrastructure, data spaces, artificial intelligence
(AI), quantum communication infrastructure, in advancing people's digital skills, and projects that
promote a safer internet, fight child sexual abuse, and disinformation, until the end of 2022. The first
call for proposals is also opening for the set-up and deployment of the European Digital Innovation
Hub (EDIH) network. These hubs will support private companies, including SMEs and start-ups, and
the public sector in their digital transformation. More information as regards applying for grants
under this set of calls for proposals is available online. Further calls will be published in early 2022.
(For more information: Johannes Bahrke – Tel.: +32 229 58615; Marietta Grammenou – Tel.: +32
229 83583)

Raw Materials Scoreboard highlights urgency to strengthen the resilience and sustainability
of raw materials supply in the EU
Today, the Commission presented the 3 rd Raw Materials Scoreboard at the 2021 Raw Materials Week.
The Scoreboard presents an in-depth analysis of Europe's raw material supply chains, their
competitiveness and trade flows. It provides input to the EU's policy efforts at a time when global
raw material supply chains continue to be severely disrupted, including as a result of the COVID-19
pandemic and the recent surge in energy prices around the world. Vice-President Maroš Šefčovič,
responsible for Interinstitutional Relations and Foresight said: “Raw materials are no longer a simple
commodity but a crucial enabler of the green and digital transitions. Their secure and sustainable
supply is essential for preserving the global competitiveness of the EU's most strategic sectors, as we
develop and deploy clean and low-carbon technologies such as batteries, and digital solutions. We
must therefore accelerate our efforts to build a more resilient raw materials value chain, by investing
not only in primary raw materials extraction but also in domestic refining facilities recycling and R&I
all critical for a secure supply of secondary raw materials”. Commissioner Thierry Breton, responsible
for the Internal Market, said: “To address the climate change, inaction is not an option. The recent
COP26 summit in Glasgow made it clear. While the European ambition is set, this transition is
anything but seamless. Technologies we need to make it happen will require more raw materials,
innovation, technological breakthroughs, skills as well as resilient, reliable and diversified sources of
supply. We also need to equip ourselves with tools to anticipate and mitigate tensions in supply
chains and shortages and make the most out of the opportunities offered by the Internal Market.
Today's conference is a strong signal of our readiness to work together and to invest our time and
money to address these challenges while striving for a sustainable global competitiveness of our
industrial ecosystems.” The 3 rd Raw Materials Scoreboard focuses on four main raw material groups:
materials, metals, wood and industrial minerals. These materials are essential to several key sectors
of the European economy, such as automotive, electronics, or manufacturing industries, which
depend on their secure supply. Among the findings, the report highlights that Europe lags behind
and has high levels of dependency on other regions for certain raw material production, while
domestic production of raw materials secures jobs and added value in the EU, and decarbonisation
with circular use of raw materials also offer further opportunities. The Scoreboard is an initiative of
the European Innovation Partnership (EIP) on Raw Materials. The results of this Scoreboard provide
evidence that will feed into the implementation of the 2020 Critical Raw Materials Action Plan. It will

support the work of the European Raw Materials Alliance, which has recently published its
recommendations for a resilient and sustainable EU's value chain of rare earths permanent magnets.
(For more information: Sonya Gospodinova – Tel.: +32 229 66953; Federica Miccoli – Tel.: +32 229
58300)

Le plan d'investissement pour l'Europe aide les étudiants à obtenir des prêts d'études
abordables en Lettonie
Le Fonds européen d'investissement (FEI) a signé une garantie qui permettra à ALTUM de poursuivre
son programme de garantie en faveur des banques lettones qui soutiennent les étudiants en Lettonie
afin de couvrir leurs frais d'études et de logement. Le programme de garantie est soutenu par le
projet pilote relatif aux garanties pour les compétences et l'éducation du Fonds européen pour les
investissements stratégiques (FEIS). Au total, jusqu'à 13 500 étudiants dans les universités lettones
devraient bénéficier de conditions de prêt plus favorables pour couvrir leurs frais d'études et de
logement. Valdis Dombrovskis, vice-président exécutif pour une économie au service des
personnes, a déclaré: « Il est important d'investir dans les jeunes et l'avenir de notre économie. Je
suis heureux d'annoncer qu'avec le soutien du FEI et du plan d'investissement pour l'Europe, les
étudiants lettons qui cherchent à faire progresser leurs études et leurs compétences recevront des
prêts à des conditions favorables. L'extension du régime de garantie existant permettra à un nombre
encore plus élevé de jeunes de couvrir leurs frais d'études et de subsistance ». Grâce à la nouvelle
garantie, ALTUM sera non seulement en mesure de soutenir un plus grand nombre d'étudiants des
universités lettones, mais aussi d'étendre le programme à des formations non universitaires, ainsi
qu'aux droits d'inscription et aux frais de subsistance des étudiants qui étudient à l'étranger. Jusqu'à
présent le plan d'investissement pour l'Europe a mobilisé 546,5 milliards d'euros d'investissements.
Un communiqué de presse est disponible en ligne. (Pour plus d'informations: Veerle Nuyts — Tél.:
+32 229 96302; Flora Matthaes — Tél.: +32 229 83951)

Values and Identities: Overwhelming support for EU values in all EU countries says new
Commission report
The Commission's Joint Research Centre (JRC) publishes today a new report, highlighting the need
to take into account values and identities, such as social justice, equality or security, when policies
are designed, evaluated and communicated. The report, underpinned by a new Eurobarometer
survey, shows that the traditional political divide in Europe, based on socio-economic interest, is
shifting towards political behaviour driven by individual values, attitudes and identities. Vice-
President for Values and Transparency, Věra Jourová said: “To reinforce trust in democracy we need
to understand the diversity of personal values of citizens and their identities. The results from a new
Eurobarometer – discussed in this comprehensive report – show an overwhelming support for our EU
values. However, we also need to understand the full spectrum of values held by EU citizens. This
will help reach better policy results and reduce political polarisation. The report suggests innovative
ways to reflect the diversity of citizens' values in the EU's policymaking.” Commissioner for
Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth, Mariya Gabriel said: “This report provides a
robust approach about how to link scientific evidence with citizens' values and identities when
discussing public policy. It is important for policy makers to consider citizens' values and identities,
attitudes and behaviours. Knowing and addressing citizens' concerns will contribute to developing
evidence-informed policies.” According to the results of a Special Eurobarometer conducted for the
report, the EU value most strongly supported by citizens is the independence of courts and the right
to a fair trial, followed by the independence of judges. 82% of the respondents agreed that judges
should be independent and should not be under the influence of others. The most important
identities to citizens are their family and national identity. Values is also a theme on which people
are asked to share their views on in the Conference on the Future of Europe, with one of the
European Citizens' Panels dedicated to European democracy/values and rights, rule of law, security.
Read the full JRC report here and join the launch event here. Find out more on the Eurobarometer
survey here. (For more information: Johannes Bahrke – Tel.: +32 229 58615; Célia Dejond – Tel.:
+32 229 88199)

Agriculture: the Commission approves new geographical indication from Sweden
The Commission has approved today the addition of ‘Vänerlöjrom' from Sweden in the register of
Protected Designation of Origin (PDO). ‘Vänerlöjrom' is made from vendace roe, a freshwater fish
caught in Lake Vänern, in south-western Sweden, and salt. It is characterised by whole eggs that
give a distinct ‘pop' if pressed to the roof of the mouth when tasting. It has a mild flavor and a clean
fish taste of salmon. ‘Vänerlöjrom' obtains its specific properties from the minerals and nutrients in

the waters of Lake Vänern. It also has a strong local connection. Every year various events linked to
Lake Vänern and roe fishing, including Vendace Roe Day, attract large numbers of visitors. The new
denomination will be added to the list of 1,565 products already protected in the eAmbrosia
database. More information online on quality products. (For more information: Miriam Garcia-Ferrer -
Tel.: +32 229 99075; Thérèse Lerebours - Tel.: +32 229 63303)

State aid: Commission approves €22.7 million Croatian scheme to support the primary
agricultural sector affected by the coronavirus outbreak
The European Commission has approved a €22.7 million (HRK 171 million) Croatian scheme to
support companies active in certain primary agricultural sectors affected by the coronavirus
outbreak. The scheme was approved under the State aid Temporary Framework. Under the scheme,
the aid will take the form of direct grants. The measure will be open to horse breeders, cattle, pig
and poultry producers as well as to companies active in the sheep and goat sector. The scheme aims
to address the liquidity needs of the beneficiaries and to help them continue their activities during
and after the outbreak. The measure is expected to benefit more than 21,800 companies. The
Commission found that the Croatian scheme is in line with the conditions set out in the Temporary
Framework. In particular, the aid (i) will not exceed €225,000 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 the 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.100417 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 joint control of a newly created joint venture by
NREP, Novo Holdings and Industriens Pensionsforsikring
The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of joint
control of a newly created joint venture by NREP AB of Sweden and Novo Holdings A/S and
Industriens Pensionsforsikring A/S, both of Denmark. The joint venture will own, develop, operate,
and sell residential and commercial properties in the district of Jernbanebyen, located in central
Copenhagen. NREP administers funds, which invest in, operate and develop real estate in the Nordic
countries. Novo Holdings manages the investment assets of the Novo Nordisk Foundation as the
holding company of the Novo Group. It invests in life sciences as well as high quality infrastructure
and modern and sustainable real estate. Industriens Pensionsforsikring is an occupational pension
company, which administers the compulsory labour market pension scheme for employees under the
Danish Collective Bargaining Agreement for Industrial Employees. It invests in various assets,
including properties, mostly in developed countries. The Commission concluded that the proposed
acquisition would raise no competition concerns given its limited impact 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.10468. (For more information: Arianna Podesta – Tel.: +32 229 87024; Maria Tsoni – Tel.:
+32 229 90526)

Mergers: Commission clears creation of joint venture by Neste and Ravago
The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the creation of a joint
venture by Neste Oyj of Finland and Ravago S.A. of Luxembourg. The joint venture will be active in
the production and sale of liquefied waste plastic. Neste is active in oil refining and
commercialisation. Ravago is active in the distribution of plastics, rubber and chemicals and in the
production of recycled/compounded polymers. The Commission concluded that the proposed
acquisition would raise no competition concerns, given that the newly created joint venture will have
limited foreseen activities within 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.10474. (For more
information: Arianna Podesta – Tel.: +32 229 87024; Maria Tsoni – Tel.: +32 229 90526)

Concentrations: La Commission autorise l'acquisition de Destia par Bouygues
La Commission européenne a approuvé, en vertu du règlement européen sur les concentrations,
l'acquisition du control exclusif de Destia Oy, basée en Finlande, par Bouygues SA, basée en France.
Destia est une société de construction de routes et de voies ferrées qui fournit des services de
terrassement, principalement en Finlande. Bouygues est un groupe avec des activités diversifiées,
notamment dans le secteur de la construction. La Commission a conclu que la concentration
envisagée ne soulèverait pas de problème de concurrence, compte tenu des activités limitées de
Bouygues en Finlande et de l'absence de tout lien avec les activités de Destia dans ce pays. La
transaction a été examinée dans le cadre de la procédure simplifiée de contrôle des concentrations.
De plus amples informations sont disponibles sur le site internet concurrence de la Commission, dans
le registre public des affaires sous le numéro d'affaire M.10501. (Pour plus d'informations: Arianna
Podesta – Tél.: +32 229 87024; Maria Tsoni – Tél.: +32 229 90526)

APPOINTMENTS

COLLEGE MEETING: The European Commission appoints a new Director for the European
Anti-Fraud Office
Today, the European Commission has decided to appoint Joanna Krzeminska-Vamvaka as Director of
the Directorate in charge of Expenditure - Operations and Investigations in the European Anti-Fraud
Office (OLAF). OLAF is a Directorate-General of the European Commission that investigates fraud
against the EU budget, corruption and serious misconduct within the European institutions, and
develops anti-fraud policy for the European Commission. It has statutory independence in the
conduct of investigations. Joanna Krzeminska-Vamvaka, a Polish national, works currently as Head of
Unit for Enforcement, Market access and SMEs in the Directorate-General for Trade (TRADE) where
she is in charge of the Single Entry Point for enforcement of trade agreements. In her new position,
she will draw on her extensive experience in conducting investigations in the field of trade defence,
and on her thorough knowledge of budgetary, financial and human resources management issues, as
well as on her solid communication and on her leadership skills. Earlier in her career, from 2006 until
2020, she worked for the Trade Defence Directorate in DG TRADE, being in charge of legal and
economic aspects of trade defence investigations, becoming Head of Unit in 2016. She joined the
Commission in 2005 as legal officer for the Directorate-General for Energy (ENER) where she was
notably in charge of monitoring the implementation of financial rules and procedures. The date of
effect will be determined later. (For more information: Balazs Ujvari - Tel.: +32 229 54578; Claire
Joawn - Tel.: +32 229 56859)

The European Commission appoints a new Head of Representation in Estonia
Today, Vivian Loonela has been appointed as Head of the European Commission's Representation in
Tallinn and will take office on 16 January 2022. In this function, she will act as the official
representative of the European Commission in Estonia under the political authority of President
Ursula von der Leyen. Vivian Loonela, an Estonian national, has been working for the European
Commission for over 16 years. During this time, she has acquired a thorough knowledge of the key
EU policy areas and she is equipped with the political expertise necessary for representation and
communication tasks as Head of the Commission Representation. Since 2019, Vivian Loonela is a
Coordinating Spokesperson of the Commission for the European Green Deal, coordinating the
Commission's communication on this priority, in the areas of climate, energy, environment, oceans,
transport, food safety and cohesion. Before, she was a Member of the Cabinet of Vice-President
Andrus Ansip, leading the work on cybersecurity and on outreach to third countries on the Digital
Single Market policies; as well as a Member of the Cabinet of Executive Vice-President Valdis
Dombrovskis. She previously worked on Justice and Home Affairs cooperation with the US and
Ukraine. Before joining the Commission she served as a diplomat at the Estonian Permanent
Representation to NATO. The press release is available online (For more information: Balazs Ujvari -
Tel.: +32 229 54578; Claire Joawn - Tel.: +32 229 56859)

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Commissioner Ferreira at the Conference of Presidents of the Outermost Regions
Commissioner for Cohesion and Reforms, Elisa Ferreira, will participate in the Conference of
Presidents of the Outermost Regions, which is taking place from today until 19 November.
Commissioner Ferreira said: “We are committed to working together with the Outermost Regions'
Presidents and other key partners in shaping our future strategy with and for these special regions,
listening to their concerns and proposals. Due to the constraint of their extreme remoteness, small
size and vulnerability to climate change, the EU provides specific support measures towards these
regions, including tailored conditions for the implementation of EU legislation and access to EU
programmes." In 2022 the Commission plans to present a Communication on a new strategic
approach to lay the foundations for a sustainable recovery and build the cornerstones for a successful
green and digital transition for these regions. Extensive consultations to prepare this strategy
highlighted the need for green transition and skills. The EU's outermost regions – Guadeloupe,
French Guiana, Martinique, Mayotte, Reunion Island and Saint-Martin (France), the Azores and
Madeira (Portugal) and the Canary Islands (Spain) – are located in the Atlantic Ocean, the Caribbean
Sea, South America and the Indian Ocean. More information is available on the Outermost regions
webpage (For more information: Vivian Loonela - Tel.: +32 229 66712; Veronica Favalli – Tel.: +32
229 87269)

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.

Upcoming events of the European Commission
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.

UPDATED ON 17-11-2021 at 18:00
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