European Commission - Daily News

European Commission - Daily News

Daily News 17 / 12 / 2021
Brussels, 17 December 2021
NextGenerationEU: European Commission disburses pre-financing to Estonia and Malta
The European Commission has today disbursed €126 million to Estonia and €41 million to Malta in
pre-financing under the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF). These payments are equivalent to
13% of each country's grant allocation under the RRF. These pre-financing payments will help to
kick-start the implementation of the crucial investment and reform measures outlined in each
national recovery and resilience plan. The Commission will authorise further disbursements based on
the implementation of the investments and reforms outlined in the national recovery and resilience
plans. Estonia is set to receive Estonia is set to receive €969.3 million and Malta €316.4 million over
the lifetime of their plans. Today's disbursements follow the recent successful implementation of the
first borrowing operations under NextGenerationEU. Since June 2021, the Commission has raised €71
billion for NextGenerationEU via long-term EU-Bonds – €12 billion of which through the first ever
NextGenerationEU green bond issuance. The RRF is at the heart of NextGenerationEU which will
provide €800 billion, in current prices, to support investments and reforms across Member States.
The Estonian and Maltese plans are part of the unprecedented EU response to emerge stronger from
the COVID-19 crisis, fostering the green and digital transitions and strengthening resilience and
cohesion in our societies. Press releases on the pre-financing payments to Estonia and Malta are
available online. (For more information: Veerle Nuyts – Tel.: +32 229 96302; Andrea Masini - Tel.:
+32 229 91519)

Protection des données: la Commission adopte une décision d'adéquation pour la
République de Corée
Le commissaire chargé de la justice, Didier Reynders, et le président de la commission de protection
des informations à caractère personnel Yoon Jong In se félicitent de l'adoption par la Commission
européenne d'une décision d'adéquation pour le transfert de données à caractère personnel de
l'Union européenne vers la République de Corée en vertu du règlement général sur la protection des
données. Après la conclusion des négociations sur l'adéquation en mars 2021, l'adoption de la
décision aujourd'hui marque la dernière étape du processus et confirme l'engagement commun de
l'UE et de la République de Corée en faveur d'un niveau élevé de protection des données. La
déclaration commune est disponible ici et les questions-réponses ici. (Pour plus d'informations:
Christian Wigand — Tél.: +32 229 62253; Jördis Ferroli — Tél.: +32 229 92729)

Tableau de bord de l'UE sur les investissements en R&D industrielle: l'UE reste solide dans
les secteurs des technologies de l'information et de la communication, de la santé et de
l'écologie en 2021
La Commission a publié aujourd'hui la 18 ème édition du tableau de bord de l'UE sur les
investissements en recherche et développement (R&D). Malgré un environnement économique
général difficile en 2020, les entreprises de l'UE ont augmenté leurs investissements en recherche et
développement dans les secteurs de la santé et des services TIC. L'UE reste dans le peloton de tête
pour les brevets verts à forte valeur technologique et pour les brevets verts dans les industries à
forte intensité énergétique, ce qui reflète sa transformation vers la neutralité climatique. La
commissaire à l'innovation, à la recherche, à l'éducation, à la culture et à la jeunesse, Mariya
Gabriel, a déclaré : « Investir dans la recherche et l'innovation est essentiel pour permettre à
l'industrie européenne de mener la transition écologique, d'exceller dans le secteur des TIC, qui
connaît une croissance rapide, et de prendre la tête de la nouvelle vague d'innovations
technologiques de fond. Le tableau de bord de l'UE sur les investissements en R&D industrielle
montre clairement où nous devons intensifier nos efforts, nous appelant à investir maintenant pour
l'avenir. » Les entreprises basées dans l'UE ont augmenté leurs investissements en R&D dans les
secteurs de la santé (10,3 %) et des services TIC (7,2 %), bien qu'à un rythme plus lent que les
entreprises basées aux États-Unis et en Chine. Toutefois, pour la première fois en 10 ans,

l'investissement global en R&D des entreprises de l'UE a diminué, principalement en raison de
l'affaiblissement de la R&D dans les secteurs de l'automobile, de l'aérospatiale et de la défense. En
2020, les entreprises de l'UE ont réduit leurs investissements globaux en R&D de 2,2 %. 14
entreprises de l'UE sont classées dans le groupe des 50 premiers investisseurs en R&D au niveau
mondial. Vous trouverez le détails des résultats ici et plus d'informations dans notre communiqué de
presse. (Pour plus d'informations: Johannes Bahrke - Tél.: +32 229 58615; Marietta Grammenou -
Tél.: +32 229 83583)

Clean and circular electronics: Commission ends use of mercury in lamps
The Commission has adopted a package of rules ending a broad range of existing exemptions for the
use of mercury in lamps. Under EU rules restricting the use of certain hazardous substances in
electrical and electronic equipment (RoHS Directive), electronics that contain mercury cannot be
placed on the market, except if time-limited and application-specific exemptions are granted by the
Commission. Most of these exemptions for general lighting will be discontinued as assessments
conducted by the Commission since 2016 concluded that safe, mercury-free alternatives are widely
available for fluorescent lamps. The new rules aim to increase the protection of health and the
environment from this hazardous substance, as well as boost innovation and promote cleaner
products. Executive Vice-President for the European Green Deal, Frans Timmermans, said:
“Chemicals are part and parcel of our daily life, and they allow us to develop innovative solutions to
green our economy. But we need to make sure that chemicals are produced and used in a way that
does not damage human health and the environment. It is especially important to stop using the
most harmful chemicals, like mercury, in everyday consumer products, such as lamps.”
Commissioner for the Environment, Oceans and Fisheries, Virginijus Sinkevičius, said: “Mercury-free
lamps exist and should take over. With these new rules to phase out mercury, the EU shows
determination to protect health and the environment and promote industrial innovation in achieving
our circular economy and zero pollution ambitions. Nearly 3 tonnes of mercury - one of the most
harmful chemicals ever – will never be used and more energy efficient non-toxic alternatives to
billions of lamps will be gradually deployed.” On a case-by-case basis, transition periods of 12 and
18 months will be granted to allow economic operators to adjust to the new rules. Exemptions will be
allowed only for few specialised applications, such as for medical use. For more information, please
consult our news item. (For more information: Tim McPhie – Tel.: +32 229 58602; Daniela
Stoycheva – Tel.: +32 229 53664)

Pays et territoires d'outre-mer: Renforcer la coopération pour une prospérité verte et
l'amélioration de l'apprentissage et des compétences
La Commission renforce son partenariat avec les pays et territoires d'outre-mer (PTOM), qui ont des
liens constitutionnels avec le Danemark, la France et les Pays-Bas, sur la base de domaines
prioritaires convenus d'un commun accord. Pour étayer cette coopération, la Commission a adopté
une contribution financière de 385,4 millions d'euros pour la période 2021-27 afin de soutenir des
partenariats fondés sur des priorités convenues avec la coopération de 10 PTOM: Aruba, Polynésie
française, Terres australes et antarctiques françaises, Groenland, Nouvelle-Calédonie, Saba, Saint
Barthélemy, Saint Pierre et Miquelon, Sint Eustatius et Sint Maarten, ainsi qu'un programme régional
PTOM Pacifique. La commissaire chargée des partenariats internationaux, Jutta Urpilainen, a déclaré
à ce sujet: « Je suis ravie de voir comment nous faisons progresser notre partenariat UE-PTOM. Les
PTOM sont des partenaires privilégiés de l'UE. Ensemble, nous nous attaquerons aux défis les plus
urgents d'aujourd'hui — action pour le climat, perte de biodiversité et le combat contre la pandémie
de la COVID-19 — tout en garantissant une prospérité partagée et en favorisant le développement
humain, en particulier pour les jeunes grâce à une éducation de meilleure qualité. Aujourd'hui, nous
avons présenté notre vision d'un soutien à long terme pour permettre aux PTOM un avenir plus vert
et plus résilient. » Les priorités convenues sont conformes au programme de développement durable
des Nations unies (Agenda 2030), à l'accord de Paris et aux priorités de l'UE, telles que le pacte vert
pour l'Europe et la stratégie numérique pour l'Europe. En outre, nombre d'entre eux appuieront
également la mise en œuvre effective de la stratégie du « Global Gateway. » Enfin, l'UE lancera
également un réseau de jeunes UE-PTOM (PTOM Youth Network) en 2022 afin de renforcer le
dialogue avec les jeunes qui y vivent. Pour en savoir plus sur la décision DOAG, cliquez ici. Lisez le
communiqué de presse ici. (Pour plus d'informations: Ana Pisonero — Tél.: + 32 229 54320; Gesine
Knolle — Tél: + 32 229 54323)

Report shows European Structural and Investment Funds have European added value by
supporting investment and helping companies, workers and citizens in coping with the

pandemic
Today, the European Commission has published the 2021 Summary Report on the Implementation of
the European Structural and Investment Funds (ESI Funds). The report presents the cumulative
achievements of the ESI Funds for the 2014-2020 period by the end of 2020. The ESI Funds amount
to €461 billion over the 2014-2020 period. Complemented by national co-financing, these funds
have triggered so far an overall investment of €640 billion (excluding the REACT-EU resources) to
foster lasting socio-economic convergence, a smooth green and digital transition, resilience, and
territorial cohesion. Executive Vice-President, Valdis Dombrovskis, said: “The European Structural
and Investment Funds provide real European added value through tailored growth-enhancing
investments for regional development. Throughout 2020, the ESI funds were a frontline response to
the coronavirus pandemic. ESI funds allowed workers to keep their jobs, businesses to survive and
healthcare facilities to cope with unprecedented pressure. In the future, ESI funds will continue to
play their part in reducing regional disparities and promoting long-term growth and a fair, digital and
green recovery in the EU.” Commission for Cohesion and Reforms, Elisa Ferreira, said: “In 2020, the
cohesion policy adapted quickly and with great flexibility, to provide a swift response to the public
health crisis. Through the CRII package, adopted just a few month after the pandemic outbreak,
cohesion policy offered immediate liquidity and financial support to regions and Member States. At
the same time, implementation in the main priority areas for sustainable and inclusive growth
continued to progress with investments in innovation, research, climate, employment and SMEs,
among others.” A press release with more information is available online. (Pour plus d'informations:
Tim McPhie – Tél.: +32 229 58602; Daniela Stoycheva – Tél.: +32 229 53664)

New rules on whistleblower protection start to apply in the EU
Today, the new EU-wide rules on whistleblower protection, outlined in the the Whistleblower
Protection Directive, enter into application. The new law guarantees a high level of protection for
persons who report breaches of EU law. The Directive provides for effective and widely available
reporting channels and for robust protection of whistleblowers, working in both public and private
sector across the EU. Vice president for Values and Transparency, Věra Jourová, commented:
“Whistleblowers are courageous people who dare to bring illegal activities to light. The new law will
help them to do so safely.” Commissioner for Justice, Didier Reynders, said: “Whistleblowers play a
crucial role in defending the public interest. Bringing illegal activities to light, they often put their
reputation, career and livelihood on the line. The new rules create a European space where
whistleblowers will feel safe to speak up about violations that threaten the public interest without
fearing retaliation for their courage. I call on those Member States that have not yet informed us of
transposition to ensure that these important rules are implemented without further delay”. The
Directive covers many key EU policy areas, from anti-money laundering, data protection, protection
of financial interests of the Union, food and product safety to public health, environmental protection
and nuclear safety. The Commission encourages Member States, when transposing the Directive, to
extend its scope of application to other areas, to ensure a comprehensive and coherent framework at
national level. If Member States fail to fulfill their obligations, the European Commission will not
hesitate to take legal steps to enforce compliance with the rules. (For more information: Christian
Wigand - Tel.: +32 229 62253; Jördis Ferroli – Tel.: +32 229 92729)

Horn of Africa drought: EU allocates €21.5 million in additional humanitarian funding
The Commission has allocated €21.5 million in additional humanitarian funding to the Horn of Africa
to help the region fight off what is rapidly becoming its worst drought in decades, already affecting
millions of people. This new EU humanitarian funding will ensure life-saving operations in the most
affected areas of Somalia and of the Arid and Semi-Arid lands in Kenya, addressing the urgent needs
of local populations, while seeking to enable resilience gains against future shocks. Commissioner for
Crisis Management, Janez Lenarčič, said: “The EU is among the first donors to respond to the
catastrophic drought situation affecting the Horn of Africa, which threaten the lives and livelihoods of
more than 26 million people. This additional funding will scale up emergency water provision as well
as cash, food assistance, nutrition, health services and emergency livelihood support for those most
vulnerable”. Out of the total amount, €18.5 million will be allocated to Somalia and €3 million to
Kenya. Populations in the worst drought-affected areas (southern and central Somalia and eastern
and northern Kenya) depend on seasonal rains to sustain themselves and their livelihoods. Currently,
six million people struggle to secure water and food for their survival, and acute malnutrition,
especially among children under five years old, is rampant. The press release is available online. (For
more information: Balazs Ujvari - Tel.: +32 229 54578; Daniel Puglisi - Tel.: +32 229 69140)

Commission decides to set up a group of experts on public administration and governance
Today, the Commission decided to set up a ‘Group of experts on public administration and
governance'. This expert group will advise the Commission and be a forum for dialogue with EU
Member States on reforms, including those supported by the Technical Support Instrument (‘TSI'),
and facilitate the exchange of information on thematic and methodological issues, as well as good
practices under the TSI. It will help strengthen administrative cooperation between Member States
and EU institutions, meaning that the application of EU law, as envisaged in Article 197 of the Treaty
on the Functioning of the European Union, and policies will be even more effective. The Director-
General of the Commission's Structural Reform Support (DG REFORM) will chair the expert group,
and all relevant Directorates-General of the European Commission will be involved in the group's
operations. Members will also include representatives from the national ministries responsible for
horizontal issues, policy, coordination or modernisation in the area of public administration. The
group will also be open - in full respect of Member States' organisation and procedures - to local and
regional level administrations, international organisations, EU bodies and research networks. The
expert group is expected to start its operations and organise its first meeting in the first quarter of
2022. The College decision is available here. (For more information: Tim McPhie – Tel.: +32 229
58602; Daniela Stoycheva – Tel.: +32 229 53664)

State aid: Commission approves €49 million Polish support to compensate Poczta Polska
for damages suffered due to the coronavirus outbreak
The European Commission has approved, under EU State aid rules, a €49 million Polish support to
compensate Poczta Polska S.A. for damages suffered due to the coronavirus outbreak and the
restrictive measures that Poland had to implement to limit the spread of the virus. Poczta Polska is
the postal operator entrusted with the provision of the Universal Service Obligation (USO) in Poland.
The measure aims at compensating Poczta Polska for the damages related to its USO activity,
suffered during the period between 13 March and 31 May 2020 due to its obligation to remain open
and deliver the Universal Postal Service in an uninterrupted manner despite the restrictions in place.
During the relevant period, and in order to ensure provision of the USO, Poczta Polska had to bear its
fixed costs as well as additional costs linked to the coronavirus outbreak. The measure was approved
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 companies
for the damage directly caused by exceptional occurrences, such as the coronavirus outbreak. The
Commission found that the notified measure will compensate damage that is directly linked to the
coronavirus outbreak. It 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 measure is in line with EU State aid rules. More information on actions taken by the Commission
to address the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic can be found here. The non-confidential
version of the decision will be made available under the case number SA.63700 in the State aid
register on the Commission's competition website once any confidentiality issues have been
resolved. (For more information: Daniel Ferrie – Tel.: 32 229 86500; Maria Tsoni – Tel.: +32 229
90526)

Aides d'État: La Commission autorise un régime belge d'un montant cumulé de 23,74
millions d'euros visant à soutenir les opérateurs ferroviaires de transport commerciaux de
passagers et de fret dans le contexte de la pandémie
La Commission européenne a approuvé, en vertu des règles de l'UE en matière d'aides d'État, un
régime d'aide belge d'un montant cumulé de 23,74 millions d'euros visant à soutenir les opérateurs
ferroviaires de transport commerciaux de passagers et de transport de fret, particulièrement touchés
par la pandémie de coronavirus et les mesures restrictives que les autorités belges ont dû mettre en
œuvre pour limiter la propagation du virus. Dans le cadre de ce régime, l'aide prendra la forme de (i)
une réduction linéaire de la redevance d'accès à l'infrastructure ferroviaire; et de (ii) neutralisation
des frais d'annulation et de réservation des sillons. La mesure couvre la période s'étendant du 1
janvier au 31 décembre 2021 et le budget est de 4,96 millions d'euros pour les opérateurs
ferroviaires de transport commerciaux de passagers et de 18,78 millions d'euros pour ceux de
transport de fret. La Commission a apprécié le régime au regard des règles de l'UE en matière
d'aides d'État, en particulier des lignes directrices de la Commission sur les aides d'État aux
entreprises ferroviaires de 2008. La Commission a constaté que les mesures étaient proportionnées
et nécessaires pour atteindre l'objectif poursuivi, à savoir soutenir les opérateurs ferroviaires
durement touchés par la pandémie de coronavirus. La Commission a également estimé que les
mesures étaient bénéfiques pour l'environnement et la mobilité, puisqu'elles soutiennent le transport
ferroviaire, moins polluant que le transport routier. En conséquence, la Commission a conclu que le

régime est compatible avec les conditions prévues par la section 6 des lignes directrices ferroviaires
de la Commission et avec le marché intérieur au regard de l'article 93 du TFUE. Sur cette base, la
Commission a autorisé la mesure en vertu des règles de l'UE en matière d'aides d'État. De plus
amples informations sur les autres mesures prises par la Commission pour faire face à l'incidence
économique de la pandémie de coronavirus sont disponibles ici. La version non confidentielle de la
décision sera publiée sous le numéro SA.62160 & SA.62498 dans le registre des aides d'État figurant
sur le site web de la Commission consacré à la concurrence, dès que les éventuels problèmes de
confidentialité auront été résolus. (Pour plus d'informations: Daniel Ferrie – Tél.: 32 229 86500;
Maria Tsoni – Tél.: +32 229 90526)

State aid: Commission approves €50 million Latvian scheme to support shopping and
sports centres, cultural, recreational and entertainment sites affected by the coronavirus
pandemic
The European Commission has approved a €50 million Latvian scheme to support shopping and
sports centres, cultural, recreational and entertainment sites in the context of the coronavirus
pandemic. The measure was approved under the State aid Temporary Framework. Under the scheme,
the aid will take the form of direct grants. The public support will cover certain operational costs
related to the use of buildings and premises from 1 October 2021 to 30 June 2022, including in
particular public utilities expenses. Eligible beneficiaries will be entitled to receive aid in a range
between €15 to €25 per square metre, depending on the sector. 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 €2.3 million per company; and (ii) will be granted no later than 30 June 2022.
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.100694 in the State aid register on the Commission's competition website once any
confidentiality issues have been resolved. (For more information: Daniel Ferrie – Tel.: 32 229 86500;
Maria Tsoni – Tel.: +32 229 90526)

Concentrations: la Commission autorise, sous conditions, l'acquisition du Groupe Ecore par
Derichebourg
Le 16 décembre, la Commission européenne a autorisé, en vertu du règlement de l'UE sur les
concentrations, l'acquisition du Groupe Ecore par Derichebourg. Cette autorisation est subordonnée
au respect intégral d'une série d'engagements proposés par Derichebourg. La Commission craignait
que l'opération, telle que notifiée initialement, ne pose de sérieux problèmes de concurrence. La
Commission a constaté que l'entité issue de la concentration aurait détenu une position forte sur le
marché et n'aurait dû faire face qu'à des contraintes limitées de la part de concurrents sur ces
marchés. Pour dissiper les craintes de la Commission en matière de concurrence, Derichebourg a
proposé: (i) de céder quatre usines de recyclage en France équipées d'un broyeur et quatre sites de
collecte; (ii) d'offrir, au choix de l'acquéreur, jusqu'à cinq sites de collecte supplémentaires en
France situés dans la même zone d'approvisionnement que celle des installations de recyclage
cédées, qui contribueront à la fourniture de déchets métalliques aux broyeurs; et (iii) d'offrir de
conclure des conventions de service transitoire, portant notamment sur l'accès à tous les actifs et
services requis pour exploiter l'activité cédée dans des conditions concurrentielles pendant une durée
permettant à cette dernière de devenir totalement indépendante de Derichebourg. Les engagements
définitifs, à la suite d'améliorations significatives fondées sur les retours d'information reçus par les
acteurs du marché, répondent pleinement aux problèmes de concurrence recensés par la
Commission. La Commission a donc conclu que l'opération envisagée, telle que modifiée par les
engagements, ne posait plus de problème de concurrence. Un communiqué de presse est disponible
en ligne. (Pour plus d'informations: Daniel Ferrie – Tél.: 32 229 86500; Maria Tsoni – Tél.: +32 229
90526)

STATEMENTS

International Migrants Day: Statement of the European Commission and the High
Representative
On the occasion of the International Migrants Day, the European Commission and the High
Representative made the following statement: “This International Migrants Day we celebrate the
potential of human mobility. Migration has contributed to shape the European Union as we know it
today. It is a defining part of the European identity, where different cultures, languages and talents
meet. The EU is a prominent destination, attracting young and highly qualified professionals from
across the world, with almost 3 million first residence permits issued per year, and guarantees a
space for refuge to those in need. It is the European Union's responsibility to make sure that the
dignity and human rights of migrants are protected. The New Pact on Migration and Asylum
upholds those fundamental rights, by pursuing a comprehensive, balanced and sustainable approach
to migration management. It also recognises the key role of legal migration in the European society
and economy, to counter irregular and dangerous journeys where people put their lives at risk. In
2020, over 8 million non-EU citizens were employed in the EU labour market, many of whom perform
essential jobs. In the race for global talent, the EU needs migration to address increasing skills
shortages. Several initiatives including the simplified Blue Card, Talent Partnerships and the
forthcoming skills and talents package, create safe and legal pathways to Europe, while responding
to labour market needs. In parallel, we are working with international partners on a coordinated
approach to migration management that balances the opportunities that well-managed migration
can bring to migrants and their families, their countries of origin, host societies, while addressing the
challenges of irregular migration. For Europe to remain prosperous and open to the world, we must
harness the potential of human mobility. As we emerge from another year of the pandemic and work
towards building a brighter future, we see the many ways in which migration enriches our lives.” See
the full statement here and latest statistics on migration to Europe. (For more information: Peter
Stano - Tel.: +32 229 54553; Adalbert Jahnz - Tel.: +32 229 53156; Ciara Bottomley - Tel.: +32
229 69971; Xavier Cifre Quatresols – Tel.: +32 229 54553)

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Commissioner Sinkevičius to attend the Future of our Seas conference
Today, Commissioner for the Environment, Oceans and Fisheries Virginijus Sinkevičius participates
in the virtual Marine Stakeholder Conference “Future of our Seas”. The European Commission
organised the conference to listen to expert views in the context of the ongoing review of the Marine
Strategy Framework Directive, a key piece of EU legislation protecting our seas. In anticipation of the
event, Commissioner Sinkevičius said: “Like many Europeans, I share a strong connection to the
sea. Healthy seas and oceans are essential for human and planetary well-being. They regulate our
climate and provide us with oxygen, food, transport and essential materials. I am grateful for the
expert views shared today, which will help us to review our EU laws and ensure that they can better
protect fragile marine ecosystems”. In the context of this review process, the conference will provide
the opportunity to showcase how the Directive serves the ambitions of the European Green Deal
initiatives and to discuss whether the Directive should be adapted to improve its performance and
better address the challenges ahead. You can follow the conference here. (For more information: Tim
McPhie – Tel.: +32 229 58602; Daniela Stoycheva – Tel.: +32 229 53664)

Calendrier des déplacements et visites des commissaires, du 26 décembre 2021 au 9 janvier 2022.

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.

Prochains événements de la Commission européenne
Eurostat: communiqués de presse

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