European Commission - Daily News

European Commission - Daily News

Daily News 01 / 12 / 2020
Brussels, 1 December 2020
SURE : La Commission verse 8,5 milliards d'euros à cinq États membres
La Commission européenne a versé 8,5 milliards d'euros, correspondant à la troisième tranche de
l'assistance financière apportée à cinq États membres au titre de l'instrument SURE. Dans le cadre
des transactions réalisées ce jour, la Belgique a reçu 2 milliards d'euros, la Hongrie 200 millions
d'euros, le Portugal 3 milliards d'euros, la Roumanie 3 milliards d'euros et la Slovaquie 300 millions
d'euros. Ce soutien, qui prend la forme de prêts accordés à des conditions favorables, permettra à
ces États membres de faire face à l'augmentation soudaine des dépenses publiques destinées à
préserver l'emploi. Plus précisément, il aidera à couvrir les coûts directement liés au financement des
dispositifs nationaux de chômage partiel et des autres mesures similaires qu'ils ont mises en place
en réaction à la pandémie de coronavirus, y compris pour les travailleurs indépendants. Avec le
versement d'aujourd'hui, 15 États membres ont reçu environ 40 milliards d'euros au titre de
l'instrument SURE de l'UE entre la fin du mois d'octobre et la fin novembre. Lorsque tous les
versements au titre de l'instrument SURE auront été effectués, la Belgique aura reçu 7,8 milliards
d'euros, la Hongrie 504 millions d'euros, le Portugal 5,9 milliards d'euros, la Roumanie 4,1 milliards
d'euros et la Slovaquie 631 millions d'euros. L'instrument SURE peut fournir un soutien financier
allant jusqu'à 100 milliards d'euros pour l'ensemble des États membres. À ce jour, la Commission a
proposé de mettre à la disposition de 18 États membres un soutien financier de 90,3 milliards
d'euros. Les prochains versements auront lieu au cours des mois à venir, à la suite des émissions
d'obligations correspondantes. Plus de détails figurent dans le communiqué de presse. (Pour plus
d'informations: Balazs Ujvari — Tél.: +32 460 760296 ; Claire Joawn — Tél.: + 32 460 756859)

Lutte contre le coronavirus : 25 million d'euros pour aider la Guyane à faire face à la crise
du coronavirus
La Commission européenne a approuvé la modification du programme opérationnel régional (PO) de
la Guyane française, qui prévoit d'allouer 25 million d'euros pour faire face aux conséquences de la
crise du coronavirus dans le département et la région d'outre-mer de la France. La commissaire
chargée de la cohésion et des réformes, Elisa Ferreira, a commenté: « La Commission européenne
est prête à soutenir les départements et régions d'outre-mer de l'UE. À la suite de la décision
d'aujourd'hui, des fonds européens essentiels seront réalloués pour aider la Guyane à prendre des
mesures pour surmonter les défis imposés par la pandémie, car aucune région ne peut être laissée
pour compte ». 4 million d'euros seront réaffectés pour soutenir les PME locales et 3,5 million d'euros
pour lutter contre l'isolement social des jeunes touchés, tandis que 0,3 million d'euros seront utilisés
pour réduire la fracture numérique en Guyane. Enfin, 17,2 million d'euros serviront à soutenir
l'adaptation des conditions de travail et le maintien d'un service de qualité. Le taux de
cofinancement sera temporairement porté à 100 % dans certains cas, ce qui aidera la région à
surmonter le manque de liquidités dans la mise en œuvre du programme. La modification de ce PO
est possible grâce à la flexibilité exceptionnelle prévue dans le cadre de l'initiative d'investissement
en réponse au coronavirus (CRII) et de l'initiative d'investissement en réponse au coronavirus Plus
(CRII+), qui permet aux États membres d'utiliser les fonds de la politique de cohésion pour soutenir
les secteurs les plus exposés à la pandémie. De plus amples informations sont disponibles ici. (Pour
plus d'informations : Vivian Loonela - Tél : +32 229 66712 ; Veronica Favalli - Tél : +32 229 87269)

Coronavirus response: €183.5 million to support Greek economy
The European Commission has approved the modification of three national Operational Programmes
(OPs) in Greece that will redirect €183.5 million to address the effects of the coronavirus crisis in the
economy, mainly through the funding of entrepreneurship in the form of working capital and/or
guarantees. Commissioner for Cohesion and Reforms, Elisa Ferreira, said: “I am pleased that Greece
is for the second time using the flexibility made available in Cohesion policy to support the economy
and in particular SMEs and the employment. The Coronavirus Response Investment Initiative

continues to be there to help Member States direct European funding to where it is most needed.”
Thanks to the transfer of resources from OP “Infrastructure” and OP “Public Sector Reform” to OP
“Competitiveness, Entrepreneurship and Innovation” more SMEs will receive support. Greece has
quickly set up a comprehensive framework for crisis response measures and, since April, has
launched four business support schemes: loan guarantees to businesses through the creation of a
Guarantee Fund for working capital loans; interest subsidy for existing SME loans; interest subsidy
for new SME working capital loans; repayable advance scheme in the form of grants to SMEs. In
total, approximately 105,500 enterprises are expected to be supported through these schemes.
Modifying this OP is possible thanks to the exceptional flexibility provided under the Coronavirus
Response Investment Initiative (CRII) and Coronavirus Response Investment Initiative Plus (CRII+)
which allow Member States to use Cohesion policy funding to support the most exposed sectors to
the pandemic. Further details are available here. (For more information: Vivian Loonela - Tel.: +32
229 66712; Veronica Favalli – Tel.: +32 229 87269)

Team Europe: EU announces €20 million to support health systems in ASEAN
Today, the European Commission announced a new €20 million programme to support the
Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN), as part of Team Europe's global response to
COVID-19. The South-East Asia Pandemic Response and Preparedness programme will enhance
regional coordination in responding to the coronavirus pandemic and strengthen the capacity of
health systems in the region. The programme, with a duration of 42 months and implemented by the
World Health Organisation, will also pay special attention to vulnerable populations and support
timely communication about the COVID-19, its symptoms and risks, especially in rural and remote
areas. Commissioner for International Partnerships, Jutta Urpilainen, announced the programme at
the 23rd EU-ASEAN Foreign Affairs Ministers meeting: “The South-East Asia Pandemic Response and
Preparedness programme is part of the European Union's €350 million solidarity response to support
our ASEAN partners in tackling the COVID-19 pandemic. Strong regional coordination on access to
information, equipment and vaccines are essential for overcoming this crisis. We are in this together
and, as partners, stronger together.” Since the beginning of the pandemic, the EU and its Member
States have mobilized a total €800 million for the South-East Asian region through Team Europe
response. More information is available in the press release. For more details, consult this factsheet
on the Team Europe support to ASEAN and the dedicated website on the ASEAN-EU Dialogue on
Sustainable Development. (For more information: Ana Pisonero – Tel.: +32 229 54320; Gesine
Knolle – Tel.: +32 229 54323)

Ukraine: EU report notes continued implementation of the reform agenda though
challenges remain*
Today, the European Union published its annual Association Implementation Report on Ukraine,
ahead of the meeting of the EU-Ukraine Association Council on 8 December. The report outlines
Ukraine's implementation of reforms over the past year under the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement,
which entered into force in 2017. Despite the coronavirus pandemic, several positive developments
took place, including in the areas of banking, land reform and the digital sector, as well as justice,
the rule of law and the fight against corruption, although further efforts are needed. High
Representative/Vice-President, Josep Borrell, said: “Despite Russia's destabilising actions, conflict in
the east and the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic, Ukraine has continued to make progress on
its reform path. It is crucial that Ukraine's political leaders continue these efforts and make reforms
irreversible, particularly regarding the rule of law. The Ukrainian people expect it.” Commissioner for
Neighbourhood and Enlargement, Olivér Várhelyi, added: “The EU will continue to support Ukraine
in taking forward the reform agenda, to fully implement and reap the benefits of the Association
Agreement, and to mitigate the negative impact of the coronavirus crisis. We expect Ukraine to
uphold the shared common values of democracy, rule of law, respect for international law and human
rights, including the rights of persons belonging to minorities. Our joint objective is to support
Ukraine's strategic orientation towards closer integration with the European Union.” More information
is available in the press release. For more details, consult the factsheet and the EU Delegation to
Ukraine website. (For more information: Peter Stano – Tel.: +32 229 54553; Ana Pisonero – Tel.:
+32 229 54320; Adam Kaznowski – Tel.: +32 229 89359; Zoi Muletier – Tel.: +32 229 94306)

Investment Plan for Europe in Austria: fresh lending to help households and businesses
build energy-efficient homes
The EIB Group has provided a financial guarantee to Hypo Vorarlberg Bank in Austria to expand its
lending capacity for households, SMEs and mid-cap customers. This agreement is backed by the

European Fund for Strategic Investments (EFSI), the main pillar of the Investment Plan for Europe.
Thanks to this new agreement, Hypo Vorarlberg will be able to support the construction of highly
energy-efficient residential buildings, thus helping the environment and the Austrian economy in the
challenging COVID-19 context. Paolo Gentiloni, Commissioner for the Economy, said: “Thanks to
this support from the Investment Plan for Europe, Hypo Vorarlberg will be able to increase its lending
capacity to households, SMEs and mid-caps for the construction of new energy-efficient homes. This
initiative will help the hard-hit construction sector in this difficult time, as well as contributing to the
achievement of our climate goals.” The press release is available here. The Investment Plan for
Europe has so far mobilised €535 billion of investment across the EU, benefitting over 1.4 million
SMEs in total. (For more information: Marta Wieczorek – Tel.: +32 229 58197; Flora Matthaes – Tel.:
+32 229 83951)

A roadmap for vocational education and training until 2025: Ministers, Commission and
social partners endorse the Osnabrück Declaration
On 30 November, the Ministers in charge of vocational education and training (VET) of the Member
States, the EU Candidate Countries and the EEA-EFTA countries, the Commission and the European
social partners endorsed the “Osnabrück 2020 Declaration on vocational education and training as an
enabler of recovery and just transitions to digital and green economies” at a virtual ceremony
organised by the German Presidency of the Council of the EU. Nicolas Schmit, Commissioner for Jobs
and Social Rights, said: "I welcome this joint commitment to the Osnabrück Declaration. It will
provide a concrete roadmap to modernise vocational education and training. Only by working
together can we ensure that VET remains a key driver for innovation and growth and contributes to
having the workforce we need in our societies and economies for the recovery and the green and
digital transitions.” The Declaration outlines four key objectives that are accompanied by concrete
measures for action at EU and national level: a) fostering resilience and excellence through quality,
inclusive and flexible VET; b) establishing a new lifelong learning culture adapting to digitalisation;
c) including sustainability and greening in VET; d) strengthening the international dimension of VET
and a European education and training area. The Declaration is supported by EU training associations
and learners' organisations. More information on EU action in the field of VET can be found here,
including the recently adopted Commission proposal for a Council Recommendation on VET and the
Communication on a European Skills Agenda. The celebration of the best approaches to VET was also
at the heart of the European Vocational Skills Week, which took place last month and involved over
1,100 events in 39 partner countries, reaching over 3.7 million people. (For more information: Marta
Wieczorek – Tel.: +32 2 295 81 97; Flora Matthaes – Tel.: +32 229 83951)

Premier forum Schengen : vers un espace Schengen renforcé et plus résilient
Le tout premier forum Schengen, convoqué hier par la Commission, a permis des échanges
constructifs en vue de l'édification d'un espace Schengen plus fort et plus résilient. La
visioconférence a réuni des députés européens et les ministres de l'Intérieur dans le but de favoriser
la coopération et le dialogue politique et de rétablir la confiance. Ces discussions ont essentiellement
porté sur les points suivants : améliorer le mécanisme permettant d'évaluer la mise en œuvre des
règles de Schengen, faire progresser le dossier de la révision du code frontières Schengen, mieux
gérer les frontières extérieures de l'UE, approfondir la coopération policière et l'échange
d'informations et renforcer la gouvernance de l'espace Schengen. Les discussions d'hier marquent la
première étape d'un débat politique ouvert à tous et orienté vers la construction d'un espace
Schengen plus fort, reposant sur la confiance mutuelle. Elles seront prises en compte dans la
stratégie pour un espace Schengen renforcé que la Commission a l'intention de présenter à la mi-
2021. Après la première visioconférence d'hier, le forum Schengen continuera à se tenir
régulièrement, aux niveaux tant politique que technique. La prochaine réunion du forum au niveau
politique aura lieu au printemps 2021, en amont de la présentation de la stratégie Schengen. Au
cours des prochains mois, des consultations ciblées au niveau technique de représentants du
Parlement européen et d'autorités nationales seront également menées. Un communiqué de presse
est disponible en ligne. Pour plus d'informations, vous pouvez également consulter le discours
prononcé par la présidente von der Leyen, l'intervention du vice-président Schinas et l'allocution
d'ouverture de la commissaire Johansson. (Pour plus d'informations : Adalbert Jahnz - Tél. : + 32
229 53156; Ciara Bottomley - Tél. : +32 229 69971; Laura Bérard – Tél. : +32 229 55721)

The EU prepares for the end of LIBOR: The Commission welcomes the agreement reached
between the European Parliament and the Council on financial benchmarks
The European Commission yesterday welcomed the agreement reached by the European Parliament

and the Council on important amendments to EU rules on financial benchmarks. The Commission
proposed these amendments on 24 July 2020 to ensure that the EU's financial stability is not harmed
when a widely used benchmark is phased out, as will soon be the case with the London Interbank
Offered Rate (LIBOR). Benchmarks are an intrinsic part of financial markets: they are indices used, in
particular, to price financial instruments and contracts (including household mortgages) or to
measure the performance of an investment fund. Today's agreement on the proposed changes is
very timely, as the UK's Financial Conduct Authority - the supervisor of LIBOR - has announced in
2017 that it will stop supporting this benchmark at the end of 2021 and expects its cessation shortly
thereafter. The agreed amendments to the Benchmark Regulation empower the Commission to
designate a replacement benchmark that covers all references to a widely used reference rate that is
phased out, such as LIBOR, when this is necessary to avoid disruption of the financial markets in the
EU. Mairead McGuinness, Commissioner for Financial Services, Financial Stability and the Capital
Markets Union, said: “I welcome today's swift agreement on financial benchmarks, which means that
we will now not be faced with a legal vacuum when LIBOR disappears. This will ensure continuity in
our financial system and protect our financial stability. Market participants should nonetheless
continue preparations for the end of LIBOR.” Regarding other “-IBOR” rates, it is still in market
participants' best interests to actively prepare for the transition to alternative reference rates, as this
offers them the greatest degree of control over the fate of contracts if a reference rate ceases to be
published. The European Parliament and the Council also agreed today to postpone the entry into
application of the rules on third country benchmarks until 31 December 2023, with the possibility of
an extension by the Commission afterwards. This means that EU benchmark users will continue to
have access to these benchmarks. The agreed amendments will apply immediately after publication
in the Official Journal of the European Union. (For more information: Daniel Ferrie – Tel.: +32 229
86500; Aikaterini Apostola – Tel.: +32 229 87624)

Aides d'État: la Commission autorise la compensation octroyée par l'État italien à Poste
Italiane pour son obligation de service postal universel
La Commission européenne a estimé que la compensation octroyée par l'Italie à Poste Italiane en
contrepartie de l'exercice de sa mission de service public (« obligation de service universel » ou
« OSU ») au cours de la période 2020-2024 était conforme aux règles de l'UE en matière d'aides
d'État. En octobre 2020, l'Italie a notifié à la Commission son intention d'octroyer à Poste Italiane
une compensation d'un montant de 1,3 milliard d'euros en contrepartie de l'exécution de son
obligation de service postal universel au cours de la période 2020-2024, avec une compensation
annuelle maximale de 262 millions d'euros. Cette obligation englobe la prestation de services
postaux de base dans tout le pays à des prix abordables et selon certaines exigences minimales de
qualité. La Commission a examiné la mesure au regard des règles de l'UE en matière d'aides d'État
applicables aux compensations de service public. Afin de se conformer aux règles de l'UE en matière
d'aides d'État, l'Italie a présenté des informations pertinentes pour calculer le coût net évité du
service postal universel. Les informations fournies par l'Italie ont permis à la Commission d'exclure
tout risque de surcompensation. Sur cette base, la Commission a conclu que la mesure était
conforme aux règles de l'UE en matière d'aides d'État. Margrethe Vestager, vice-présidente
exécutive chargée de la politique de concurrence, s'est exprimée en ces termes : « Garantir l'accès à
des services postaux est essentiel pour toutes les entreprises et tous les citoyens européens. La
décision de ce jour permet à Poste Italiane de continuer de fournir des services postaux de base sur
l'ensemble du territoire italien à des prix abordables, sans fausser indûment la concurrence. » La
version non confidentielle de la décision sera publiée sous le numéro SA.55270 dans le registre des
aides d'État figurant sur le site web de la DG Concurrence, dès que les éventuels problèmes de
confidentialité auront été résolus. Plus de détails figurent dans le communiqué de presse. (Pour plus
d'informations: Arianna Podesta – Tél. +32 229 87024; Maria Tsoni – Tél.: +32 229 90526)

State aid: Commission approves €11.7 million Croatian grant to compensate Croatia
Airlines for damage caused by coronavirus outbreak
The European Commission has found a Croatian grant of €11.7 million (approximately HRK 88.5
million) to the state-owned airline Croatia Airlines to be in line with EU State aid rules. The measure
aims at compensating the airline for the losses directly caused by the coronavirus outbreak and the
travel restrictions introduced by Croatia and other destination countries to limit the spread of the
coronavirus in the period between 19 March 2020 and 30 June 2020. This has forced Croatia Airlines
to cancel most of its scheduled flights, and resulted in major losses in turnover. The public support
will take the form of a direct grant. The Commission assessed the measure under 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 (in the form of schemes) for the damages directly caused by exceptional occurrences, such
as the coronavirus outbreak. The Commission found in particular that the Croatian measure will
compensate damage that is directly linked to the coronavirus outbreak. An independent external
audit firm will verify that the aid does not exceed the amount of damage suffered during the period
between 19 March 2020 and 30 June 2020. Following the audit, any public support received by
Croatia Airlines in excess of the actual damage suffered will have to be returned to Croatia. The risk
of overcompensation is therefore excluded. The Commission also found that the measure is
proportionate as the compensation does not exceed what is necessary to make good the damage. On
this basis, the Commission concluded that the Croatian measure is in line with EU State aid rules.
More information will be available on the Commission's competition website, in the public case
register under the case number SA.55373 once confidentiality issues have been resolved. (For more
information: Arianna Podesta – Tel. +32 229 87024; Maria Tsoni – Tel.: +32 229 90526)

State aid: Commission approves €15 million Bulgarian scheme to support micro, small and
medium-sized coach companies affected by the coronavirus outbreak
The European Commission has approved a BGN 30 million (approximately €15 million) Bulgarian
scheme to support micro, small and medium-sized coach companies affected by the coronavirus
outbreak. The scheme was approved under the State aid Temporary Framework. The aim of the
measure is to mitigate the sudden liquidity shortages that these companies are facing given the
extent of the impact of the coronavirus outbreak on their operations. The support will take the form
of direct grants. The grants will partially cover the operating costs of the transport of passengers by
coach or bus from 1 February 2020 until six months after the entry into force of the grant agreement
concluded between the beneficiary and the Ministry of Transport, Information Technology and
Communications. Applicants can submit applications worth BGN 3,000 (approximately €1,500) up to
BGN 450,000 (approximately €230.000). The Commission found that the Bulgarian scheme is in line
with the conditions set out in the Temporary Framework. In particular, the support (i) will not exceed
€800,000 per company; and (ii) will be granted no later than 30 June 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. The non-confidential version of the decision will be made available under the case
number SA.59182 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 approves acquisition of joint control over Tejo and Roller by Mann
Mobilia and Tessner Holding
The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the proposed acquisition
of joint control over Tejo Möbel Management Holdding GmbH & Co. KG (‘Tejo') and Roller GmbH &
Co. KG (‘Roller') by Mann Mobilia Beteiligungs GmbH (‘Mann Mobilia'), and Tessner Holding KG
(‘Tessner Holding'), all of Germany. All companies involved are active in the retail supply of furniture,
furnishings and household goods and in the corresponding procurement markets. Mann Mobilia is a
subsidiary of XXXLutz. Following a partial referral of the case, the German Federal Cartel Office
investigated the retail furniture markets and conditionally cleared the transaction on 25 November
2020. The Commission investigated the horizontal overlaps between the activities of the companies
in the procurement of furniture and the procurement of furnishings and household goods, which are
traded across the European Economic Area (‘EEA'). With regard to the market for the procurement of
furniture, the Commission assessed in particular possible segmentations for low-cost, ready-to-
assemble furniture for distribution in discount stores, as well as possible further segmentations by
area of use of the furniture (such as kitchen, office, upholstery, matrasses and living room). The
Commission's investigation found that the transaction is unlikely to hinder effective competition in
any of these possible segments of the market for the procurement of furniture at the EEA level, or in
the market for the procurement of furnishings and household goods at the EEA level. This was
because the companies' combined market shares would remain moderate, the increment in the
market share as a result of the transaction would be limited and suppliers would have sufficient
alternative customers at the EEA level. In its assessment, the Commission did not take into
consideration vertically integrated companies, which have a different procurement model than other
discount stores. The Commission therefore concluded that the transaction would raise no competition
concerns in any of the markets examined. The transaction was examined under the normal merger
review procedure. More information is available on the Commission's competition website, in the
public case register under the case number M.9609. (For more information: Arianna Podesta – Tel.

+32 229 87024; Maria Tsoni – Tel.: +32 229 90526)

Mergers: Commission clears the proposed acquisition of control over G4S by GardaWorld
The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the proposed acquisition
of control over G4S plc of the UK by GardaWorld Security Corporation (‘GardaWorld') of Canada, by
public bid. G4S is a global integrated security business, offering a broad range of security services
around the world. GardaWorld is a security services and cash services company, offering physical
security services, end-to-end cash management solutions and security risk management. The
Commission concluded that the proposed acquisition would raise no competition concerns, because
of the limited impact it would have on the market. The transaction was examined under the normal
merger review procedure. More information is available on the Commission's competition website, in
the public case register under the case number M.9985. (For more information: Arianna Podesta –
Tel. +32 229 87024; Maria Tsoni – Tel.: +32 229 90526)

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Web Summit 2020: President von der Leyen and nine College members participate at the
world's largest technology conference
The Commission will be represented at the virtually held Web Summit from 2-4 December, which
brings together political, industry and societal leaders to discuss the future of the global tech
industry. During this event, which usually takes place in Lisbon, the President and nine Vice-
Presidents and Commissioners will highlight key EU policies, focusing on upcoming investments to
shape Europe's Digital future for a transition that puts people first. President Ursula von der Leyen
will open the event and deliver a speech on ‘A Europe for everybody'. She will explain how the
European Commission will rewrite the digital market rulebook for small start-ups as well as big
platforms. Under the name ‘The future of Europe is green', Executive Vice-President Frans
Timmermans will speak about the European Green Deal. Executive Vice-President for a Europe Fit
for the Digital Age, Margrethe Vestager, will hold a press conference and take part in a conversation
on the EU's digital future. Furthermore, Executive Vice-President Valdis Dombrovskis, in charge of
an Economy that Works for People, will speak on ‘Building a European economy for the people',
which will also be followed by a press conference. Vice-President for Values and Transparency Věra
Jourová will participate in a conversation on ‘Defending democracy in Europe' and give a press
conference on the second day of the event. Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture,
Education and Youth Mariya Gabriel will allow participants an insight in her expertise in the session
on ‘Innovating and connecting during a pandemic', while Thierry Breton, Commissioner for Internal
Market, will speak in the session on ‘Deeper and wider: A European digital economy' and participate
in a press conference. Commissioner Elisa Ferreira, responsible for Cohesion and Reforms, will talk
about ‘A more cohesive Europe', while Commissioner for Health and Food Safety Stella Kyriakides
will be addressing the question ‘Collaboration in a crisis: Is COVID-19 stress testing the EU?'.
Finally, Mairead McGuinness, Commissioner for Financial Services, Financial Stability and Capital
Markets Union will take part in a conversation on ‘Building back up: The economy in 2021'. More
information on the Web Summit and its schedule can be found here. The press conferences and
discussions with Commissioners will also be broadcast live on EbS. (For more information: Johannes
Bahrke – Tel.: +32 229 58615; Charles Manoury – Tel.: +32 229 13391)

Vice-President Jourová and Commissioner Reynders attend informal videoconference of the
Ministers of Justice
Tomorrow, on 2 December, Věra Jourová, Vice-President for Values and Transparency, and Didier
Reynders, Commissioner for Justice, will participate in an informal videoconference of Ministers of
Justice, organised by the German Presidency. There will be two sessions. During the first part in the
morning, the Commissioner and EU Ministers will discuss justice aspects of countering terrorism,
such as combatting hate speech online more effectively. Other topics will be the support for victims
of terrorism and how to improve digital cooperation in the field of justice. In the afternoon session,
Ministers will discuss three initiatives that the Commission will adopt on the day of the meeting:
Vice-President Věra Jourová will present the New Strategy for the Implementation of the Charter of

Fundamental Rights, and Commissioner Reynders will give a brief presentation on the Commission's
new Communication on the digitalisation of the justice systems and the legislative proposal on cross-
border e-justice in Europe (e-CODEX). Afterwards, the debate will focus on developments regarding
the rule of law as well as the European Public Prosecutor's Office. The incoming Portuguese
Presidency will conclude the meeting with a presentation of its work programme for the upcoming
months. Commissioner Reynders and Christine Lambrecht, German Minister for Justice, will hold a
press conference at +/- 16:30, which will be live on EbS. (For more information: Christian Wigand -
Tel.: +32 229 62253; Katarzyna Kolanko - Tel.: +32 229 63444; Jördis Ferroli - Tel.: +32 229
92729)

Commissioner Gabriel to participate in Western Balkans Ministerial Conference on
Education & Training and Research & Innovation
Tomorrow, on 2 December, Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth,
Mariya Gabriel, will take part in the virtual ministerial meeting of the Western Balkans Platforms on
Education & Training and Research & Innovation, where she will set out her vision for a Western
Balkans Agenda in these areas. Ahead of the conference, Commissioner Gabriel said: “Strong
cooperation with the Western Balkans has always been at the core of my work, first as Commissioner
for digital economy and society and now as Commissioner responsible for research, innovation,
education, culture, youth and sport. I look forward to strengthening further our cooperation in these
fields and achieving tangible results for citizens, for the economy and for society. It is important to
join forces to fully unlock the talent of the region and its potential, while accelerating the green and
digital transitions.” The Western Balkans Agenda on Innovation, Research, Education, Culture, Youth
and Sport, to be discussed with Ministers tomorrow, is a comprehensive, long-term strategy to
support reaching the goals of the Commission's October 2020 Economic and Investment Plan for the
Western Balkans. It will be essential for enhancing human capital development and nurturing a
knowledge-based society, for encouraging brain circulation, and ultimately fostering a sustainable
innovation ecosystem and a long-term sustainable economy in the region. It will lay the foundations
for evidence-based policymaking and promote inclusive and high quality education and training
systems, with a view to offering new opportunities for the young people in the region. More
information is available in this factsheet. (For more information: Sonya Gospodinova – Tel.: +32 229
66953; Sinéad Meehan - van Druten - Tel.: +32 229 84094)

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
*UPDATED ON 01-12-2020, at 12:24
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