European Commission - Daily News

European Commission - Daily News

Daily News 10 / 05 / 2021
Brussels, 10 May 2021
Commission makes €11 million available to strengthen cybersecurity capabilities and
cooperation
The European Commission will make €11 million of funding available for 22 new projects seeking to
strengthen the European Union's capacity to deter and mitigate cyber-threats and incidents, by
employing the latest technologies. The projects, which have been selected following a recent call for
proposals under the Connecting Europe Facility programme, will support various cybersecurity
organisations in 18 Member States. The beneficiaries of the funding include Computer Security
Incident Response teams, operators of essential services in the health, energy, transport and other
sectors, as well as bodies dealing with the cybersecurity certification and testing, as defined in the
EU Cybersecurity Act. They will start working after the summer on tools and skills necessary to
comply with the requirements set by the NIS Directive and the Cybersecurity Act, while at the same
time they will engage in activities aimed to enhance cooperation at the EU level. So far the EU has
funded almost €47.5 million to reinforce EU cybersecurity between 2014 and 2020, through the
Connecting Europe Facility programme. Furthermore, over €1 billion under the Digital Europe
Programme will be directed towards the areas of focus of the new EU Cybersecurity Strategy. More
information is available here. More information about Europe's actions to strengthen cybersecurity
capacities is available here and EU-funded cybersecurity projects can be found here. (For more
information: Johannes Bahrke – Tel.: +32 229 58615; Marietta Grammenou – Tel.: +32 229 83583)

Conférence sur l'avenir de l'Europe : événement inaugural à Strasbourg
A l'occasion de la Journée de l'Europe 2021, le Parlement européen à Strasbourg a accueilli
l'événement inaugural de la Conférence sur l'avenir de l'Europe. La présidente von der Leyen et les
présidents des autres institutions de l'UE ont prononcé des discours pour présenter leur vision pour
l'Europe, suite à un discours d'accueil du Président Macron. Ensuite, les co-présidents du comité
exécutif ont répondu aux questions posées par des citoyens de l'ensemble des États membres. Des
étudiants Erasmus de toute l'UE, ainsi que les membres du comité exécutif de la conférence, étaient
présents physiquement, en respectant pleinement les règles sanitaires en vigueur, et plus de 500
citoyens ont assisté à l'événement à distance. Des ministres en charge des affaires européennes, des
eurodéputés, des membres des Parlements nationaux et d'autres invités VIP ont également participé
à distance. Vous pouvez lire le discours de la présidente von der Leyen ici, et revoir l'évènement ici.
Le jour même, le comité exécutif a approuvé le règlement intérieur fixant la composition de la
plénière de la conférence, ainsi que son mode de fonctionnement. Le comité exécutif fixera
prochainement la date de la première plénière. Les préparatifs des panels de citoyens se poursuivent,
alors que le nombre de participants et d'événements sur la plateforme numérique ne cessent de
croître. Des communiqués de presse sont disponibles ici et ici. (Pour plus d'informations: Eric Mamer
– Tél.: +32 229 94073; Dana Spinant – Tél.: +32 229 90150; Daniel Ferrie – Tél.: 32 229 86500;
Sinéad Meehan-van Druten– Tél.: +32 229 84094)

EU-India leaders' meeting advances strategic partnership on connectivity and trade
On Saturday 8 May, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen joined Council President Charles
Michel, High Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell, the 27 EU Heads of State or Government
and the Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi via video conference for a landmark EU-India leaders'
meeting. The leaders' agreed a joint statement, which covers the breadth of the discussions and
gives further impetus to cooperation moving forward. “It was a remarkable Summit because it
widened the scope and the view on the untapped potential in the relationship of the European Union
and India”, said President von der Leyen at the joint press conference. The European Union and
India have agreed to resume negotiations on a free trade agreement and to launch negotiations on
an investment protection agreement and on an agreement on geographical indications. Leaders also
concluded the EU-India Connectivity Partnership, which will bring collaboration on supporting

resilient and sustainable connectivity both in India and in third countries and regions, including
Africa, Central Asia and the Indo-Pacific. The meeting was also an opportunity to reiterate the
European Union's full solidarity with the Indian people in the face of the coronavirus pandemic. The
European Union has mobilised oxygen, medicines, and equipment worth over €100 million co-
ordinated through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism. Leaders discussed climate change and the
need to set ambitious goals ahead of COP26 later this year, as well as the digital transformation,
global digital standards, and regulatory convergence. They also discussed foreign and security
challenges and possibilities for cooperation, in particular in light of the EU's recently-adopted Indo-
Pacific Strategy. Reaffirming their mutual commitment to protect and promote human rights, they
agreed to intensify cooperation in human rights fora. One day before the leaders' meeting, the
European Investment Bank announced three new measures totalling €325 million to support India's
coronavirus recovery. Information on the outcomes of the meeting is available on the dedicated
website and factsheet, and a press release and factsheet on the Connectivity Partnership are also
available. (For more information: Eric Mamer – Tel.: +32 229 94073; Peter Stano – Tel.: +32 229
54553; Adam Kaznowski – Tel.: +32 229 89359)

Sommet social de Porto : tous les partenaires s'engagent à atteindre les objectifs sociaux à
l'horizon 2030
Dans un engagement du Sommet social de Porto conjoint de vendredi dernier, les partenaires ont
souscrit aux trois grands objectifs européens pour 2030 du plan d'action du socle européen des
droits sociaux de la Commission: 1) au moins 78 % des personnes âgées de 20 à 64 ans devraient
avoir un emploi; 2) au moins 60 % des adultes devraient participer à des activités de formation
chaque année; 3) le nombre de personnes menacées de pauvreté ou d'exclusion sociale devrait
diminuer d'au moins 15 millions, dont au moins 5 millions d'enfants. Cet engagement a été pris dès
le premier jour du Sommet social de Porto par la présidente de la Commission européenne, le
président du Parlement européen, le premier ministre portugais exerçant actuellement la présidence
du Conseil de l'Union européenne, les partenaires sociaux européens et les organisations de la
société civile. Ces acteurs se sont également engagés à mettre tout en œuvre pour construire une
Europe plus inclusive et plus sociale. Ils ont salué le plan d'action sur le socle européen des droits
sociaux et se sont engagés plus fermement à traduire les principes de ce socle en actions concrètes
afin d'entraîner une reprise forte, équitable et créatrice d'emplois. La présidente de la Commission
européenne, Ursula von der Leyen, a déclaré à ce sujet: « Les objectifs sociaux de l'Europe doivent
aller de pair avec ses objectifs écologiques et numériques. Nous souhaitons nous rapprocher du plein
emploi, offrir à plus d'Européens un accès aux compétences dont ils ont besoin et garantir l'égalité
des chances à tous dans une économie plus numérique et durable. Le Sommet social de Porto
symbolise notre engagement conjoint en faveur d'une Europe sociale adaptée à l'époque dans
laquelle nous vivons et qui profite à tous. » Vous trouverez plus d'informations en ligne dans un
communiqué de presse ; un enregistrement de la conférence de presse conjointe des présidents von
der Leyen et Sassoli avec le premier ministre portugais Costa ; et le discours de la présidente von
der Leyen lors de la session d'ouverture du sommet. (Pour plus d'informations: Eric Mamer – Tél.:
+32 229 94073; Dana Spinant – Tél.: +32 229 90150; Daniel Ferrie – Tél.: 32 229 86500; Flora
Matthaes – Tél.: +32 229 83951)

Ebola: soutien matériel médical supplémentaire à la Guinée grâce à la coordination de l'UE
Ces derniers jours, grâce au soutien de l'Union européenne, des cargaisons d'équipements de
protection individuelle contre le virus Ebola, envoyées par l'Allemagne et la France, sont arrivées en
Guinée pour soutenir les autorités dans leur lutte contre le virus. L'envoi comprend près de 43 000
articles de vêtements et équipements médicaux de protection, 96 000 gants, 850 lunettes de
protection, du matériel de laboratoire et des kits de test PCR. Plus tôt, la Belgique a livré 760 000
masques de protection. Ces donations, coordonnées par le Mécanisme de protection civile de l'UE,
répondent à une demande d'assistance formulée au début de l'épidémie par la République de Guinée
après la réapparition de la maladie à virus Ebola dans le pays. Janez Lenarčič, commissaire chargé
de gestion des crises, a remarqué: « Je remercie l'Allemagne, la Belgique et la France pour ces offres
d'assistance supplémentaires visant à soutenir les hôpitaux et les laboratoires d'analyse dans la lutte
contre les épidémies en Guinée. Cette action coordonnée est un autre exemple concret de l'UE
agissant dans son ensemble en réponse à une situation d'urgence. » Outre cette aide, la France avait
déjà livré plus de 500 kits d'équipements de protection, également grâce au Mécanisme de
protection civile de l'UE. L'UE cofinance jusqu'à 75 % des coûts de transport de l'assistance déployée
par le biais du mécanisme. L'aide supplémentaire fournie par l'UE comprend aussi un financement de
3,2 millions d'euros mobilisé pour soutenir la réponse sanitaire et les soins aux patients. Le 14
février, la République de Guinée a signalé une épidémie d'Ebola dans le pays, la première de la

région depuis l'épidémie mortelle de 2013-2016. A la date du 4 mai 2021, 23 cas ont été
enregistrés, 16 confirmés et 7 probables. La situation continue d'être surveillée de près. (Pour plus
d'informations: Balazs Ujvari — Tél.: +32 229 54578; Daniel Puglisi- Tél.: +32 229 69140)

European Year of Rail: Connecting Europe Express will travel across 26 countries in 36 days
Yesterday, on Europe Day, the Commission announced the route and timetable of the Connecting
Europe Express, as part of the European Year of Rail 2021. Beginning its journey on 2 September in
Lisbon and stopping in more than 70 cities in 26 countries, the train will link the Portuguese,
Slovenian and French Presidencies of the Council of the EU, arriving in Paris on 7 October. The special
train will demonstrate the power of rail to connect people and businesses, and the importance of EU
infrastructure policy in making this possible. Commissioner for Transport, Adina Vălean, said:
“Crisscrossing the continent, from Lisbon to Bucharest and from Berlin to Paris, the Connecting
Europe Express will follow routes that bind us together – whether countries, businesses or people.
While a symbol for connectivity, this train also serves as a reminder that we still have a long way to
go and much work to do before rail becomes the transport option of choice for Europeans. Welcome
the Connecting Europe Express as it stops at a station near you and join the events taking place
around the continent.” The project is a unique endeavour, involving the European Commission and
the Community of European Railway and Infrastructure Companies (CER), European rail operators,
infrastructure managers and numerous other partners at EU and local level. At each of the stops,
events and other activities, adapted to local COVID-19 measures, will shine a light on the key role
that rail plays for our society, but also on the challenges that rail must still overcome to attract more
passengers and freight. You can have a look at the main stops or at the full map of the route here,
and watch Commissioner Vălean's video message. Find more details here. (For more information:
Stefan de Keersmaecker – Tel.: +32 229 84680; Stephan Meder - Tel.: +32 229 13917)

EU and Japan hold high-level policy dialogue on education, culture and sport
Today, Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth, Mariya Gabriel, held a
videoconference with the Japanese Minister for Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology,
Koichi Hagiuda, to discuss EU-Japan cooperation in the fields of their portfolios. Both sides reaffirmed
their commitment to continued cooperation and support from their respective programmes, and
agreed to join forces on researcher mobility. This ongoing cooperation has taken on new significance
during the COVID-19 crisis, which has hit these sectors hard. Commissioner Gabriel said:
“Education, culture and sport bring people together – to learn, to teach, to create and to compete.
International cooperation in these areas will always lead to a better understanding – like between
Europe and Japan. In Brussels, as in Tokyo, we are looking at the future of education and the digital
transition. I was delighted to exchange ideas and good practices in this field, as well as in culture
and sport, with Mr Hagiuda and his team.” Ahead of the Summer Olympic Games in Japan, Minister
Haiuda shared updates during the meeting on the organisation of such a large-scale event in these
unprecedented times. Commissioner Gabriel and Minister Hagiuda also welcomed the progress of
the three special joint EU-Japan Erasmus Mundus Master programmes in robotics, extended reality,
and history, which were launched as an outcome of the first policy dialogue of July 2018. Finally,
they both emphasised the importance of people-to-people exchanges and agreed to maintain direct
discussions on a regular basis. The forthcoming EU-Japan Summit will further highlight the scale and
breadth of cooperation under the EU-Japan Strategic Partnership Agreement. A joint statement and
more information following today's meeting are available online. (For more information: Sonya
Gospodinova – Tel.: +32 229 66953; Sinéad Meehan–van Druten – Tel.: +32 229 84094)

State aid: Commission approves Danish scheme to compensate companies for damages
suffered due to coronavirus outbreak
The European Commission has approved, under EU State aid rules, a Danish scheme to compensate
damages suffered by companies in the tourism and travel-related sectors, with a budget of
approximately €47 million (DKK 350 million) per month. The scheme will be open to companies
active in sectors that are still affected by border and travel related measures implemented by the
Danish government to limit the spread of the coronavirus. This scheme follows a similar scheme
approved by the Commission in July 2020, which covered the period between 9 July and 31 August
2020 (SA.57932). Under the new scheme, legal entities registered in the Danish Central Business
Register (CVR), which have a documented decline in turnover of more than 35% because of the
emergency measures taken to limit the spread of the virus, will be entitled to compensation for the
damage they suffered in the period between 29 October 2020 and 20 April 2021. This damage is
calculated compared to a reference period, which in principle is the same months the year before (or

a period in 2019, in case the damage was suffered in the period as of March 2021). The aid will take
the form of direct grants to partially or fully compensate the fixed costs that these companies
continue to bear, with several levels of compensation according to the level of turnover decline. The
maximum aid amount per company is approximately €4 million (DKK 30 million) per month. The
Danish authorities will carry out ex-post checks to ensure that the compensation does not exceed the
actual damage suffered. The public support in excess of the actual damage received by the
beneficiaries will have to be paid back to the Danish State. The Commission found that the scheme is
in line with Article 107(2)(b) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU), which
enables the Commission to approve State aid measures granted by Member States to compensate
specific companies or specific sectors for the damages directly caused by exceptional occurrences,
such as the coronavirus outbreak. The Commission found that the scheme will compensate damages
that are directly linked to the coronavirus outbreak and the subsequent measures adopted by the
Danish government. It also found that the measure is proportionate, as the envisaged compensation
does not exceed what is necessary to make good the damage. The Commission therefore concluded
that the scheme is in line with EU State aid rules. More information on the 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.62226 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 €8.8 million Estonian scheme to support organisers of
cultural events in context of coronavirus outbreak
The European Commission has approved a €8.8 million Estonian scheme to support organisers of
cultural events in the context of the coronavirus outbreak. The scheme was approved under the State
aid Temporary Framework. Under the scheme, the support will take the form of direct grants of up to
€150,000 per company to cover the costs related to their activities that have been cancelled due to
the coronavirus outbreak as well as other costs incurred to ensure the continuation of their
operations. The purpose of the scheme is to mitigate the sudden liquidity shortages that the
beneficiaries are facing due to the coronavirus outbreak. The Commission found that the Estonian
scheme is in line with the conditions set out in the Temporary Framework. In particular, (i) the
support will not exceed the maximum amount per company provided by the Temporary Framework;
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 of 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.62815 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 €22 million Portuguese scheme to support micro, small
and medium-sized enterprises in the region of Madeira in context of coronavirus outbreak
The European Commission has approved a €22 million Portuguese scheme to support micro, small
and medium-sized enterprises with head offices and activity in the region of Madeira, in the context
of the coronavirus outbreak. The scheme, called “APOIAR.PT.Madeira”, will be open to such
companies operating in the sectors most severely affected by the economic impact of the coronavirus
outbreak. The measure was approved under the State aid Temporary Framework. Under the scheme,
the public support will take the form of direct grants to companies that have experienced a fall in
turnover of at least 25% in 2020, compared to the same period in 2019. The Commission found that
the Portuguese measure is in line with the conditions set out in the Temporary Framework. In
particular, (i) the support will not exceed €1.8 million per company; 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.62647 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)

Mergers: Commission clears creation of joint venture between Saudi Aramco Development
Company and Cognite
The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the creation of a joint
venture between Saudi Aramco Development Company (‘SADC') of Saudi Arabia and Cognite of
Norway. The joint venture will be active in digital transformation services as well as cloud products
and their related professional services in Saudi Arabia. SADC is a wholly owned subsidiary of the
Saudi Arabian Oil Company (‘Saudi Aramco') of Saudi Arabia. Saudi Aramco explores, produces and
markets crude oil, and produces and markets refined products and petrochemicals. Cognite is a
software provider that offers data services and industrial artificial intelligence services. 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.10182. (For more
information: Arianna Podesta – Tel. +32 229 87024; Maria Tsoni – Tel.: +32 229 90526)

Mergers: Commission clears acquisition of joint control over Signature Aviation by
Blackstone, GIP and Cascade Investment
The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the proposed acquisition
of joint control over Signature Aviation plc (‘Signature') of the UK by Blackstone Group Inc.
(‘Blackstone'), Global Infrastructure Partners (‘GIP') and Cascade Investment, L.L.C. (‘Cascade
Investment'), all of the U.S. Signature operates a global fixed based operations network for business
and general aviation travellers, providing premium flight support services, including fuel and non-
fuel services, and flight-related support for passengers, crew and aircraft. Blackstone is a global
asset manager, which invests across a variety of asset classes such as private equity, real estate,
public debt and equity, growth equity and secondary funds. GIP is an independent infrastructure
investor focused on the transport, energy, waste and water sectors. Cascade is a private investment
entity that manages the assets of William H. Gates III and is primarily active in North America. The
Commission concluded that the proposed acquisition would raise no competition concerns, given its
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.10200. (For more information: Arianna Podesta –
Tel. +32 229 87024; Maria Tsoni – Tel.: +32 229 90526)

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Commissioner Gabriel meets Innovation Ecosystem Leaders Group to support start-ups in
Europe
Today, Mariya Gabriel, Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth, will
meet for the second time with the Innovation Ecosystem Leaders Group. The recently established
group, led by Commissioner Gabriel, brings together leading independent start-up ecosystem
leaders from across the 27 Member States and aims to provide feedback to the European
Commission on how it can further support and promote European start-up ecosystems.
Commissioner Gabriel said: “We need stronger cooperation at the European, regional and national
level to create an innovation ecosystem in which start-ups can thrive. Learning from leaders in the
field is essential if we want to build a renewed innovation policy that provides smart investments for
scaling up companies, new forms of financial instruments and how to best exploit synergies between
EU, national and regional funds.” During the meeting, Commissioner Gabriel will receive the group's
plans, which include a list of recommendations in key areas, such as education, talent, ecosystems,
diversity, tax incentives, share options, and public procurement. Horizon Europe, the new EU
research and innovation programme, is designed with new initiatives such as the European
Innovation Council that will support start-ups at every stage, the reinforced European Institute of
Innovation and Technology with the largest network of innovation ecosystems partners in Europe,
and the European Innovation Ecosystems, which will build an effective and interconnected innovation

ecosystem at European level. Today's meeting is part of an ongoing process of consultation and
engagement with stakeholders. (For more information: Johannes Bahrke – Tel.: +32 229 58615;
Marietta Grammenou – Tel.: +32 229 83583)

Vice-President Schinas and Commissioner Johansson participate in ministerial conference
on migration management with African partners
Tomorrow, Vice-President for Promoting our European Way of Life, Margaritis Schinas, and
Commissioner for Home Affairs, Ylva Johansson, will take part virtually in a ministerial conference
on migration management gathering Interior ministries from EU Member States, the African Union
Commissioner for Social Affairs, the Chairs of the Rabat Process and the Khartoum Process and
partner countries in Africa. Organised by the Portuguese Presidency of the Council of the EU, the
event will focus on two main areas in the EU's migration partnership with African partners: the
management of irregular movements, including border management and return; and new
opportunities for legal migration. Senior officials from the African Union, the European Commission
and the European External Action Service, Justice and Home Affairs Agencies, the International
Organization for Migration and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees will also
participate. Portugal's Home Affairs Minister Eduardo Cabrita and Commissioner Johansson will hold
a press conference after the meeting at +/- 14.30 CET. (For more information: Adalbert Jahnz - Tel.:
+ 32 229 53156; Ciara Bottomley - Tel.: +32 229 69971; Laura Bérard - Tel.: +32 229 55721)

Eurostat communiqués de presse
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