European Commission - Daily News

European Commission - Daily News

Daily News 04 / 04 / 2022
Brussels, 4 April 2022
Ukraine: Commission welcomes the adoption of its proposals for Cohesion's Action for
Refugees in Europe and for additional flexibility under the 2014-2020 Home Affairs funds
The Commission welcomes today's adoption by the Council of its proposals for Cohesion's Action for
Refugees in Europe (CARE) and for the 2014-2020 Home Affairs funds, following the European
Parliament's approval. As a result, Member States have the possibility to use remaining funds from
cohesion funds of the 2014-2020 programming period to provide emergency support to people
fleeing from Russia's invasion of Ukraine in their territory. This includes investments in education,
employment, housing, health and childcare services, but also on basic material assistance like food
and clothing. In addition the implementation period of the three Home Affairs funds will be extended
by one year. The new rules will support Member States on migration and border management needs
arising from the arrivals of people fleeing the war against Ukraine, especially as regards first
reception needs such as emergency accommodation, food, healthcare and extra staff. More
information is available on the EU efforts to support Ukraine and Member States welcoming those
fleeing the war against Ukraine on our dedicated website. We stand in solidarity with the Ukrainian
people. (For more information: Stefan De Keersmaecker – Tel.: +32 229 84680; Darragh Cassidy –
Tel.: +32 229 83978; Anitta Hipper - Tel.: +32 229 85691; Laura Bérard - Tel.: +32 229 55721)

Actions Marie Skłodowska-Curie: 405 millions d'euros pour des programmes de doctorat
dans des domaines tels que la recherche sur le cancer, les énergies renouvelables et la
résilience au changement climatique*
La Commission a annoncé aujourd'hui les résultats de l'appel à propositions de réseaux doctoraux
lancé en 2021 dans le cadre des actions Marie Skłodowska-Curie (AMSC). Un budget total de plus de
405 millions d'euros financera 144 programmes de doctorat en vue de former plus de 1 500
doctorants et de les doter de nouvelles compétences. 18 doctorats industriels formeront des
doctorants et développeront leurs compétences en dehors du monde universitaire et 10 doctorats
communs offriront une formation conduisant à des doctorats communs ou multiples. Les projets
sélectionnés promouvront la recherche dans des domaines tels que la recherche et les traitements
nouveaux contre le cancer, les énergies renouvelables et la résilience au changement climatique.
Mariya Gabriel, commissaire à l'innovation, à la recherche, à la culture, à l'éducation et à la
jeunesse, a déclaré: « Depuis des années, les réseaux de doctorat des actions Marie Skłodowska-
Curie soutiennent des programmes de doctorat de classe mondiale tout en créant des collaborations
durables au sein du monde universitaire et avec le monde non universitaire. Avec l'annonce faite
aujourd'hui, je me réjouis de voir une nouvelle impulsion importante à la collaboration transnationale
dans le domaine de la recherche et à la formation innovante d'une nouvelle génération de doctorants
brillants du monde entier. » Ces programmes de doctorat sont mis en œuvre par des partenariats
internationaux, couvrant près de 1 160 organisations établies dans 38 pays, y compris la
participation du secteur privé, notamment des petites et moyennes entreprises. Il s'agit du premier
appel à propositions de réseaux doctoraux MSCA dans le cadre du programme pour la recherche et
l'innovation « Horizon Europe ». Depuis 2014, les Actions Marie Skłodowska-Curie ont financé 1 080
programmes de doctorat. Plus d'informations sont disponibles ici. (Pour plus d'informations : Sonya
Gospodinova – Tél.: +32 229 66953; Célia Dejond – Tél.: +32 229 88199)

Financial services: European Commission adopts additional equivalence decisions for US
exchanges
The European Commission has today adopted a decision declaring that a number of United States
exchanges supervised by the US Securities Exchange Commission (SEC) are equivalent to EU
regulated markets. As a result, derivatives traded on these US exchanges will now be treated as
exchange-traded derivatives under EU law. In addition, the Commission has also amended its
equivalence decision regarding US central counterparties (‘CCPs'). It now covers certain products

(e.g. mortgage-backed securities issued or guaranteed by certain government sponsored agencies
traded on a ‘To-Be-Announced basis' (‘TBAs'). These decisions complement the equivalence decision
adopted by the Commission for US CCPs registered with the US Securities and Exchange Commission
adopted in 2021. Commissioner Mairead McGuinness, responsible for Financial Stability, Financial
Services and the Capital Markets Union, said: “Today's decisions are essential, facilitating EU market
participants' access to SEC-supervised US CCPs. These decisions are in the interest of the EU - we
want our capital markets to be better integrated with other international markets. We look forward
to continued good cooperation between the EU institutions and agencies and the US Securities and
Exchange Commission.” A number of US CCPs supervised by the US SEC have applied to the
European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) for recognition based on the equivalence decision
adopted in 2021. Today's decisions will allow ESMA to continue its work on the recognition process.
Upon successful completion of the recognition process, these US CCPs will be able to provide central
clearing services in the EU, to EU clearing members and trading venues. A press release is available
online. (For more information: Daniel Ferrie – Tel.: +32 229 86500; Aikaterini Apostola - Tel.: +32
229 87624)

Eurobarometer: EU citizens show strong support for common defence and security policy
The latest Standard Eurobarometer survey published today shows that already before the Russia's
invasion of Ukraine, 77% of Europeans were in favour of a common defence and security policy
among EU Member States, with a majority in favour of such a policy in each Member State.
Europeans thought that the most important issues facing the EU at the moment of the survey were
the environment and climate change (26%, +1 pp. since July 2021); rising prices, inflation, cost of
living (24%, +12 pp.); and immigration (22%, -3 pp.). 41% of respondents mentioned prices,
inflation, cost of living (+18pp.) as one of the most important issues facing their country, before
health (32%) and the economic situation (19%). Close to seven in ten Europeans (69%) back a
European economic and monetary union with one single currency, with support reaching 77% within
the euro area. The image of the EU has also remained fairly stable. 44% of Europeans have a positive
image of the EU, 38% a neutral image. The survey was conducted between 18 January and 14
February 2022. The full results are available here. (For more information: Dana Spinant – Tel.: +32
229 90150)

EU Digital COVID Certificate: Commission adopts equivalence decisions for Colombia and
Malaysia
The Commission adopted two new equivalence decisions certifying that COVID-19 certificates issued
by Colombia and Malaysia are equivalent to the EU Digital COVID Certificate. As a result, these two
countries are now being connected to the EU's system and the EU will accept their COVID certificates
under the same conditions as the EU Digital COVID Certificate. This also means that holders of
certificates issued by Colombia and Malaysia will be able to use them under the same conditions as
holders of an EU Digital COVID Certificate do. Commissioner for Justice, Didier Reynders said: “With
more than 1.7 billion certificates issued to date, our work to facilitate safe travel continues. As
Colombia and Malaysia join the EU Digital COVID Certificate, the list of countries and territories
connected to our system raises to 64, a number which I hope will only continue to increase”. The
Commission's decision entered into force on 2 April 2022. All decisions are available online. More
information on the EU Digital COVID Certificate can be found on the dedicated website. (For more
information: Johannes Bahrke - Tel.: +32 229 58615; Katarzyna Kolanko - Tel.: +32 229 63444;
Cristina Torres Castillo – Tel.: +32 229 90679).

InvestEU: Le comité d'investissement approuve la garantie de l'UE pour un investissement
de 1,9 milliards d'euros en faveur de l'énergie propre, de l'éducation, de l'amélioration des
connexions internet et des infrastructures d'approvisionnement en eau et de traitement des
eaux usées
La Commission européenne s'est félicitée de la confirmation, le 1 avril 2022, par le comité
d'investissement d'InvestEU, de la garantie de l'Union pour les financements de la Banque
européenne d'investissement (BEI) pour un montant total de 1.9 milliards d'euros. Cela fait suite à
la signature, le mois dernier, de l'accord de garantie InvestEU entre la Commission et la BEI. Les
investissements soutenus promouvront l'énergie propre, l'éducation, l'amélioration des connexions
internet et les infrastructures d'eau et de traitement des eaux usées. Les premiers projets à
bénéficier de la nouvelle garantie de l'Union relèvent des volets d'InvestEU « investissements sociaux
et compétences » et « infrastructures durables ». Le financement soutenu par la garantie de l'UE
soutiendra aussi les investissements dans l'ensemble de l'UE, y compris en Finlande, en Grèce, en

Irlande, en Italie, en Pologne, au Portugal et en Espagne. Des informations détaillées sur les projets
seront publiées dans les semaines à venir sur ce site. Le programme InvestEU se compose de trois
volets: le Fonds InvestEU, la plateforme de conseil InvestEU et le portail InvestEU. En fournissant
une garantie budgétaire de l'UE de 26,2 milliards d'euros pour soutenir les opérations de
financement et d'investissement, le Fonds InvestEU attirera des fonds publics et privés en vue de
mobiliser au moins 372 milliards d'euros d'investissements supplémentaires d'ici à 2027, en faveur
des citoyens et des entreprises dans toute l'Europe. Le groupe BEI exécutera 75 % de la garantie
budgétaire de l'UE. Le programme InvestEU fournit à l'UE un financement essentiel sur le long
terme, à l'appui d'une reprise durable, contribuant ainsi à mobiliser des investissements privés en
faveur des priorités politiques de l'UE, telles que le pacte vert pour l'Europe et la transition
numérique. (Pour plus d'informations: Veerle Nuyts — Tél.: + 32 229 96302; Flora Matthaes — Tél.:
+ 32 229 83951)

State aid: Commission approves €3 million Cypriot scheme to support companies and the
self-employed of certain sectors affected by the coronavirus pandemic
The European Commission has approved a €3 million Cypriot scheme to support companies and the
self-employed that had to suspend their activities due to the coronavirus pandemic and the
restrictive measures in place 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
measure will be open to companies and the self-employed active in certain sectors such as
nightclubs, organisation of conventions and trade shows, support activities to the performing arts
and theatres. The eligible beneficiaries that are registered for VAT will be entitled to receive direct
grants of up to €60,000. Theatres, which are not registered for VAT, will be entitled to receive direct
grants equal to 50% of the amount of de minimis support already granted under a scheme
established in 2021. The purpose of the new scheme is to address the liquidity needs of beneficiaries
and to help them cover part of their operating expenses. The Commission found that the Cypriot
scheme is in line with the conditions set out in the Temporary Framework. In particular, the aid (i)
will not exceed €2.3 million per beneficiary; and (ii) will be granted no later than 30 June 2022. The
Commission therefore concluded that the measure is necessary, appropriate and proportionate to
remedy a serious disturbance in the economy of a Member State, in line with Article 107(3)(b) TFEU
and the conditions set out in the Temporary Framework. On this basis, the Commission approved the
measure under EU State aid rules. More information on the Temporary Framework and other actions
taken by the Commission to address the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic can be found
here. The non-confidential version of the decision will be made available under the case number
SA.102081 in the State aid register on the Commission's competition website. (For more
information: Arianna Podesta – Tel.: +32 229 87024; Nina Ferreira - Tel.: +32 229 98163; Maria
Tsoni – Tel.: +32 229 90526)

State aid: Commission approves Latvian scheme, including €1.5 million budget increase, to
support the agricultural sector affected by the coronavirus pandemic
The European Commission has approved a Latvian scheme, including a €1.5 million budget increase,
to support companies active in the primary agricultural production sector affected by the coronavirus
pandemic. The measure was approved under the State aid Temporary Framework. The scheme is a
re-introduction of a measure approved by the Commission in April 2021 (SA.62681), which expired
on 31 December 2021. Under the scheme, the public support will take the form of zero-interest rate
loans. The purpose of the measure is to address the liquidity needs of the beneficiaries and to help
them continue their activities during and after the pandemic. The Commission found that the Latvian
scheme is in line with the conditions set out in the Temporary Framework. In particular, the aid (i)
will not exceed € 290,000 per company; and (ii) will be granted no later than 30 June 2022. The
Commission therefore concluded that the measure is necessary, appropriate and proportionate to
remedy a serious disturbance in the economy of a Member State, in line with Article 107(3)(b) TFEU
and the conditions set out in the Temporary Framework. On this basis, the Commission approved the
scheme 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.102274 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; Nina Ferreira - Tel.: +32 229 98163; Maria Tsoni – Tel.: +32 229 90526)

Mergers: Commission clears acquisition of joint control of WCX by CDPQ, Transurban,

AustralianSuper, CPP Investments and Tawreed
The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of joint
control of WestConnex (‘WCX') of Australia by Transurban Holdings Limited (‘Transurban') and
AustralianSuper Pty Ltd (‘AustralianSuper'), both of Australia, Caisse de dépôt et placement du
Québec (‘CDPQ') and Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (‘CPP Investments'), both of Canada,
and Tawreed Investments Limited (‘Tawreed') of the Cayman Islands. WCX is active in the
development, maintenance and operation of toll roads in Australia. Transurban manages and
develops urban toll road networks in Australia, Canada and the US. AustralianSuper is Australia's
largest superannuation and pension fund with global investment activities. CDPQ is a long-term
institutional investor that manages funds primarily for public and para-public pension and insurance
plans in the Province of Québec, and invests in infrastructure assets. CPP Investments is an
investment management organisation. Tawreed owns various infrastructure investments and
manages a global investment portfolio. 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.10675. (For
more information: Arianna Podesta – Tel.: +32 229 87024; Maria Tsoni – Tel.: +32 229 90526)

Mergers: Commission clears acquisition of ELAG and the accident and health insurance
portfolio of EVAG by Swiss Life
The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of Elips
Life AG (‘ELAG') and the accident and health insurance portfolio of Elips Versicherungen AG (‘EVAG'),
both of Liechtenstein, by Swiss Life International Holding AG (‘Swiss Life') of Switzerland. ELAG and
EVAG are providers of a range of insurance products to institutional clients, including pension funds,
collective foundations, companies, and associations with up to 10.000 employees. They are active in
Austria, Belgium, Germany, Italy, Liechtenstein, the Netherlands and Switzerland. Swiss Life is a
provider of life insurance, risk, pensions, asset management and other financial products, active in
the EU, Liechtenstein, Switzerland, Singapore and the UK. The Commission concluded that the
proposed acquisition would raise no competition concerns, given the companies' moderate combined
market positions resulting from the proposed transaction and the presence of a number of strong
players providing asset management services in all relevant countries. More information is available
on the Commission's competition website, in the public case register under the case number
M.10602. (For more information: Arianna Podesta – Tel.: +32 229 87024; Maria Tsoni – Tel.: +32
229 90526)

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Réunions de l'Eurogroupe et des ministres de l'économie et des finances, les 4-5 avril
Le vice-président exécutif Dombrovskis et le commissaire Gentiloni représenteront la Commission
européenne lors de la réunion de l'Eurogroupe qui aura lieu aujourd'hui à Luxembourg. Les ministres
procéderont tout d'abord à un échange de vues sur l'impact de la guerre en Ukraine dans la zone
euro, à court et moyen terme. Ils feront le point sur les derniers développements, dans la
perspective des prochaines réunions de la Banque mondiale et du Fonds monétaire international
(FMI). Les ministres continueront le débat sur la conception d'un euro numérique – notamment, sur
la question de la confidentialité – et feront le point sur les dernières évolutions du marché du
logement, en mettant l'accent sur la hausse des prix de l'immobilier qui a eu lieu ces dernières
années dans la zone euro. Le commissaire Gentiloni participera à la conférence de presse qui aura
lieu après la réunion. Demain, le vice-président exécutif Dombrovskis, le commissaire Gentiloni et
la commissaire McGuinness représenteront la Commission lors de la réunion de ministres de
l'économie et des finances qui aura lieu également à Luxembourg. Les ministres feront le point sur
les conséquences économiques et financières plus d'un mois après de l'invasion de l'Ukraine par la
Russie : en particulier, ils discuteront de l'impact macroéconomique et des sanctions mises en place
à l'encontre de la Russie et de leur mise en œuvre, ainsi que de l'aide nécessaire à l'accueil des
réfugiés ukrainiens. De plus, il y aura un échange de vues sur le renforcement de l'architecture
financière européenne pour le développement, en prenant l'exemple des mesures prises pour
répondre aux besoins exprimés par l'Ukraine. Puis, les ministres continueront leur débat sur

l'adoption d'une directive relative à la taxe sur la valeur ajoutée, ainsi que sur la mise en place d'un
niveau d'imposition minimum mondial pour les groupes multinationaux dans l'Union européenne. Ils
auront aussi un débat d'orientation pour la suite des travaux de préparation de la réunion des
ministres des finances et des gouverneurs des banques centrales du G20 et de la réunion de
printemps du FMI. Enfin, la Commission informera le Conseil de l'état d'avancement de la mise en
œuvre de la législation sur les services financiers. Le vice-président
exécutif Dombrovskis participera à la conférence de presse qui suivra la réunion. (Pour plus
d'informations: Veerle Nuyts - Tél.: + 32 229 96302; Daniel Ferrie – Tél.: +32 229 86500)

Food crisis: EU kick starts a week of intensive multilateral engagement to address food
insecurity in the Sahel
Commissioner for International Partnerships, Jutta Urpilainen, and Commissioner for Crisis
Management, Janez Lenarčič, will participate this week in key multilateral events to address the
food insecurity in the Sahel and West Africa, aggravated by the consequences of Russia's invasion of
Ukraine. The EU will call on partners to step up action in support of a region facing multiple
challenges ranging from the COVID-19 pandemic to the ongoing climate change impact and hike in
food prices due to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. On Monday, 4 April, Commissioner Urpilainen will
address the General Assembly of the Sahel Alliance in Madrid to discuss its worsening food and
nutrition situation, including the impact of the Russian aggression against Ukraine on the region, an
issue discussed last week during her mission to Niger, Côte d'Ivoire and Ghana to strengthen
partnerships for sustainable investments under the new Global Gateway strategy. During her
mission, the Commissioner reiterated the EU's full support to the partners and maintained that in the
current geopolitical context solid partnerships are needed more than ever. In Madrid, she will also
meet with fourth Deputy Prime Minister Teresa Ribera Rodríguez, Minister for Foreign Affairs José
Manuel Albares Bueno and Secretary of State for International Cooperation Pilar Cancela Rodríguez,
as well as members of the civil society. On Wednesday 6 April, both Commissioner Urpilainen and
Commissioner Lenarčič will participate in a high-level forum on Food Security and Nutrition in the
Sahel and West Africa Region, jointly organised by the EU, the OECD's Sahel and West Africa Club as
well as the Global Network Against Food Crises. This high-level event, which is the first
implementing phase of the process to increase food security in the region, was launched at the first
European Humanitarian Forum end of March and will focus on how to respond effectively to the
nutrition crisis in the region by raising awareness and increasing support from international partners.
The EU as a major humanitarian and development actor in food and nutrition security provides
substantial financial support to partner countries. (For more information: Peter Stano - Tel: +32 229
54553; Balazs Ujvari - Tel: +32 229 54578; Gesine Knolle - Tel: +32 229 54323; Daniel Puglisi -
Tel: +32 229 69140)

Tentative agendas for forthcoming Commission meetings
Note that these items can be subject to changes.

Upcoming events of the European Commission
Eurostat press releases

*Updated on 05-04-22, at 11:45
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