European Commission - Daily News

European Commission - Daily News

Daily News 18 / 12 / 2020
Brussels, 18 December 2020
European Innovation Council awards €176 million to 38 start-ups and SMEs
Today, the Commission has selected 38 of Europe's most promising start-ups and small and
medium-sized businesses (SMEs) to receive a total of €176 million to develop and scale up ground-
breaking innovations in Europe. With 4,200 received applications, this is the last round of funding in
the pilot phase of the European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator, supporting top-class
innovators, entrepreneurs, small companies and scientists. The innovations include a revolutionary
device for rapid detection of sepsis, innovative robotic sorting technology to reduce hazardous waste,
as well as the first indoor plant light that can be controlled to cut energy costs. The start-ups and
SMEs selected for the EIC Accelerator Pilot come from 18 countries, with the highest number coming
from Germany, France and Israel, while at the same time 21% of them are female CEOs. Each
company will receive a grant of up to €2.5 million to support the development of their innovation and
19 of them are set to get a direct equity investment of up to €15 million from the recently
established EIC Fund. In addition to the financial support, these start-ups and SMEs will have access
to coaching, networking and business acceleration services, to help them build their businesses.
Mariya Gabriel, Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth, said: “This
huge demand for European Innovation Council support demonstrates that Europe has no shortage of
excellent ideas for breakthrough technologies and innovations. The new blended financing model is
filling a funding gap and the fully-fledged EIC will enable many more of these visionary researchers
and entrepreneurs to realise their dreams in Europe.” Since December 2019, a total of 293
companies have been selected for funding worth over €1 billion under the EIC Accelerator. Following
this successful pilot phase, the fully-fledged EIC with a budget of €10 billion, will be launched in
early 2021 under the next research an innovation programme Horizon Europe (2021-2027). More
information is available here. (For more information: Johannes Bahrke – Tel.: +32 229 58615;
Marietta Grammenou – Tel.: +32 229 83583)

Commission welcomes political agreement on Recovery and Resilience Facility
The European Commission welcomes the political agreement reached between the European
Parliament and the Council on the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF). The Recovery and
Resilience Facility is the key instrument at the heart of NextGenerationEU, the EU's plan for emerging
stronger from the current crisis. It will make €672.5 billion in loans and grants available to support
reforms and investments undertaken by Member States. It will play a crucial role in mitigating the
economic and social impact of the coronavirus pandemic and making European economies and
societies more sustainable, resilient and better prepared for the green and digital transitions. The
agreement provides that the scope of the RRF will be structured around six pillars: green transition;
digital transformation; smart, sustainable and inclusive growth and jobs; social and territorial
cohesion; health and resilience; and policies for the next generation, children and youth, including
education and skills. It also provides that a minimum of 37% of expenditure on investments and
reforms contained in each national recovery and resilience plan should support climate objectives. A
minimum of 20% of expenditure should support the digital transition. The recovery and resilience
plans are also expected to contribute to effectively address the challenges identified in relevant
country-specific recommendations under the European Semester, the framework for coordinating
economic and social policies across the Union. The text of the Regulation will now have to be finalised
at technical level. The European Parliament and the Council must then formally approve the text so
that the Regulation can enter into force as soon as possible. A press release is available here. (For
more information: Marta Wieczorek – Tel.: +32 229 58197; Flora Matthaes – Tel.: +32 229 83951)

La Commission publie des recommandations pour les plans stratégiques nationaux de la
politique agricole commune
La Commission a publié aujourd'hui des recommandations à l'intention de chaque État membre pour

contribuer à l'élaboration de leurs plans stratégiques relevant de la politique agricole commune
(PAC), accompagnés d'une communication. Ces recommandations s'inscrivent dans le cadre du
dialogue entre la Commission et les États membres afin de les aider à mettre en œuvre la PAC à
partir de 2023 et de veiller à ce que leurs plans stratégiques relevant de la PAC contribuent de
manière ambitieuse au pacte vert pour l'Europe. Ces plans stratégiques étant un élément clé de la
réforme de la PAC, définiront la manière dont chaque État membre utilisera les instruments de la
PAC sur la base d'une analyse de leurs conditions et de leurs besoins et dans le but d'atteindre les
objectifs spécifiques de la PAC ainsi que ceux du pacte vert pour l'Europe. Janusz Wojciechowski,
commissaire chargé de l'agriculture et du développement rural, a déclaré à ce propos : « Les
recommandations adressées aux États membres constituent une étape cruciale dans la transition
vers le renforcement de la durabilité et de la résilience de notre secteur agricole. J'encourage
vivement les États membres à tenir compte de ces recommandations lors de l'élaboration de leurs
plans stratégiques relevant de la PAC. Ce faisant, nous pouvons garantir une PAC qui est alignée au
pacte vert et qui soutient les agriculteurs en tant que moteurs de la transition écologique. Avec le
Parlement européen et le Conseil, nous veillerons à ce que la réforme de la PAC maintienne les
ambitions nécessaires en matière d'environnement et de climat. » Le communiqué de presse et les
questions et réponses sont disponibles en ligne. (Pour plus d'informations: Miriam Garcia Ferrer –
Tél.: +32 229 99075; Sophie Dirven – Tél.: +32 229 67228)

Les institutions de l'UE s'accordent sur des priorités pour stimuler notre relance post-
COVID, verte, numérique et résiliente
La présidente de la Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, le président du Parlement européen, David
Sassoli, et la chancelière Angela Merkel, au nom de la présidence du Conseil, ont signé la déclaration
commune sur les priorités législatives pour 2021, en s'engageant à adopter rapidement les
propositions nécessaires pour stimuler la reprise de l'UE après la pandémie de COVID-19, tout en
saisissant les possibilités offertes par les transitions climatique et numérique. Les trois présidents ont
également signé les toutes premières conclusions communes sur les objectifs et priorités politiques
pour la période 2020-2024, approuvant la mise en œuvre d'un programme politique et législatif
ambitieux en faveur de la relance et d'une vitalité renouvelée jusqu'en 2024. La présidente de la
Commission européenne, Ursula von der Leyen, s'est exprimée dans les termes suivants: « Ces
accords communs témoignent de la détermination partagée de l'UE à œuvrer de concert pour
préserver la santé et l'emploi des citoyens de toute l'Europe. L'Europe a besoin d'une reprise durable
qui profite à tous et améliore notre capacité à réagir aux crises sanitaires. Le moment est venu de
passer à la mise en œuvre. » La déclaration commune sur les priorités législatives pour 2021 se
fonde sur le programme de travail de la Commission pour l'année à venir. La déclaration attire
l'attention politique sur les principales propositions législatives qui ont déjà été présentées par la
Commission ou qui seront présentées à l'automne 2021. Dans le même temps, les toutes premières
conclusions communes énoncent les priorités convenues pour orienter le programme législatif de l'UE
jusqu'en 2024. Un communiqué de presse est disponible ici. (Pour plus d'informations: Daniel
Ferrie – Tél.: +32 229 86500; Sinéad Meehan – van Druten – Tél.: +32 229 84094)

European Commission welcomes political agreement on the Citizens, Equality, Rights and
Values Programme
The Commission welcomes yesterday's political agreement on the Citizens, Equality, Rights and
Values Programme reached by the European Parliament and EU Member States. With a considerably
increased budget of more than €1.5 billion for the funding period 2021-2027 – the programme is the
biggest EU fund ever to promote and protect Union values of democracy, rule of law and fundamental
rights. This programme is one part of the Justice, Rights and Values Fund, the other part is the
Justice Programme (2021 2027) with a likely budget of €305 million, negotiations are still ongoing.
Didier Reynders, Commissioner for Justice, said: "With today's agreement we show that we are
committed to supporting initiatives upholding EU values and the rule of law with the funds they
need. And the amount – we are speaking about €1.8 billion in total – is important. This will make a
real difference!”. Helena Dalli, Commissioner for Equality, added: “I am grateful to the Council and
the Parliament for reaching this political agreement. As we work to recover from the current crisis,
we must protect and enhance fundamental rights, non-discrimination and solidarity. Through this
budget, funding opportunities will be made available to the civil society sector as of early 2021. The
calls will be tailored to help us speed the progress towards a Union of Equality, and free our societies
from discrimination. Our efforts are concerted to promote equality and safety in the EU-27 and
around the world.” (For more information: Christian Wigand - Tel.: +32 229 62253; Katarzyna
Kolanko - Tel.:+32 229 6 34 44; Jördis Ferroli – Tel: +32 229-92729)

Climate Action: EU submits new greenhouse gas emissions reduction target to UNFCCC
Following the European Council's endorsement of a new and more ambitious target to reduce the
EU's greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030 from 1990 levels, the EU and its 27 Member
States have now formally submitted this target as their new nationally determined contribution
(NDC) under the Paris Agreement. In parallel, negotiations on the European Climate Law are
continuing among co-legislators. The Climate Law puts the objective of climate neutrality by 2050
and the EU's 2030 target into binding EU legislation. The Commission conceived the European Green
Deal as the EU new growth strategy. Its main goal, to make Europe the first climate neutral
continent by 2050, gives certainty to our businesses. Our new NDC is a necessary step to speed up
decarbonisation efforts in the context of our contribution to the goal of the Paris Agreement to limit
global warming to well below 2°C and pursuing efforts to limit it to 1.5°C. The ambitious new EU
NDC reaffirms the EU's commitment to global climate leadership and serves as an example and
incentive for our international partners to step up their NDCs in the lead up to the COP26 in Glasgow
next year. We have already seen a number of encouraging commitments by other major economies
in the fight against climate change over the last months, last week we saw 70 world leaders stand up
at the UN Climate Ambition Summit and another 60 of Europe's biggest companies stand behind the
2030 target. The speech by Executive Vice-President Frans Timmermans at yesterday's
Environment Council is available here and the remarks of Environment Commissioner, Virginijus
Sinkevičius, at the subsequent press conference are available here. A factsheet on the Paris
Agreement and the EU's climate diplomacy is available online. For more information on the EU's
international action on climate change, see here. (For more information: Tim McPhie – Tel: +32 229-
58602; Lynn Rietdorf – Tel: +32 229 74959)

More transparency: Following EU action, Booking.com and Expedia align practices with EU
consumer law
The European Commission announced yesterday that Booking.com and the Expedia Group have
improved the presentation of their accommodation offers, aligning it with EU consumer law. The
changes followed close dialogue with the European Commission and EU consumer authorities and
concern information on promotional offers and discounts as well as influencing techniques.
Consumers should now be better able to make informed comparisons in line with the requirements of
EU consumer law. The agreement between the Commission and the two companies is part of an
ongoing process in which the Commission works continuously to protect consumers. Didier
Reynders, Commissioner for Justice, said: “I would like to thank the two companies for their
cooperation. In view of evolving travel restrictions, I encourage all online travel service operators to
follow this example and ensure that European consumers can trust their accommodation offers and
easily find information on cancellation practices.” More information is available here. (For more
information: Christian Wigand - Tel.: +32 229 62253; Katarzyna Kolanko - Tel.:+32 229 63444;
Jördis Ferroli – Tel: +32 229 92729)

EU budget for 2021-2027: Commission welcomes political agreement on the LIFE
programme
The Commission welcomes the agreement reached between the European Parliament and the EU
Member States on the LIFE programme for the Environment and Climate Action, as part of the next
long-term EU budget 2021-2027. Trilogue negotiations have now concluded pending the final
approval of the legal texts by the European Parliament and the Council. LIFE funding will focus on
protecting the environment, providing support for nature and biodiversity, and climate change
adaptation and mitigation action. The programme will support the implementation of the European
Green Deal, enabling the EU to become climate-neutral by 2050. Welcoming the agreement
Executive Vice-President Frans Timmermans said: “LIFE is a unique European environment program
and I am pleased with the agreement reached. By continuing to support concrete climate and
biodiversity action, LIFE will help to achieve the objectives of the European Green Deal."
Commissioner for Environment, Oceans and Fisheries Virginius Sinkevičius added: "This agreement
on the LIFE programme is an additional step towards a safer and better future for our planet. With
more funding, we can increase our support for the protection of the environment, speed up the
transition to a circular economy and reduce our footprint on nature and biodiversity". The LIFE
programme is among the EU funding programmes for which the Commission has proposed the
largest proportional increase for the period 2021-2027. More information on the LIFE programme is
available online. (For more information: Tim McPhie – Tel: +32 229 58602; Lynn Rietdorf – Tel: +32
229 74959)

New rules on freezing and confiscating assets across EU borders enter into application
As of tomorrow, the regulation on the mutual recognition of freezing and confiscation orders will start
applying in the EU. With these new rules, it will be easier for EU Member States to cooperate on
freezing and confiscating criminal assets located in different Member States. Confiscating assets
generated by criminal activities is an important tool in fighting organised crime and terrorism.
Beefing up the EU rules in this regard was one of the key element of the Commission efforts to fight
terrorist financing. Commissioner for Justice, Didier Reynders said, “With these new rules, the EU is
delivering on its promise to go after the money of criminals and terrorists. This will strengthen our
hand in the fight against terrorist financing cross-border and make it harder for terrorists and
criminals to function in Europe. At the same time, it will also provide more rights for victims when it
comes to compensation for damages and retrieving their assets.” It is estimated that 98.9% of
possible criminal profits are not confiscated and remain at the disposal of criminals. This means that
they can use those funds to commit new crimes. The new regulation will replace the existing rules
closing any gaps and potential loopholes exploited by criminals. The new rules will also ensure the
rights of victims to restitution and compensation in cross-border cases. They also include safeguards
ensuring that mutual recognition of freezing or confiscation orders are in line with the EU Charter of
Fundamental Rights. The regulation was published in the Official Journal of the European Union 24
months ago, following the agreement and formal adoption by the Council and the European
Parliament. As of tomorrow, the regulation will apply between Member States (except Denmark and
Ireland). More information can be found here. (For more information: Christian Wigand - Tel.: +32
229 62253; Katarzyna Kolanko - Tel.: +32 229 63444; Jördis Ferroli – Tel.: +32 229 92729)

Coronavirus: large rescEU medical shipment dispatched to Serbia
Following a request for assistance from Serbia, the EU is sending 500,000 FFP2 and FFP3 protective
facemasks, 540,000 medical gloves, 49,200 protective overalls, 49,200 cover shoes for overalls, and
5,500 goggles from the rescEU medical equipment reserve hosted in Greece. The European
Commission finances 100% of the assets, including storage and transport. ”Already in its first year
the rescEU medical reserve keeps growing and becoming more effective. With more than one million
high quality masks, ventilators and other personal protective equipment delivered, rescEU has
helped nine countries, both within and outside the EU, in the fight against the coronavirus. We aim
for the new European medical stockpile to grow even more in the year to come in order to support
countries in their efforts to overcome this global pandemic,” said Commissioner for Crisis
Management, Janez Lenarčič. Serbia already benefited from the rescEU medical reserve earlier this
year in July, by receiving 10,000 FFP2 masks. Via rescEU, so far more than one million FFP2 and
FFP3 protective facemasks have been delivered to Italy, Spain, Croatia, Lithuania, as well as North
Macedonia, Montenegro and Serbia. The first 30 ventilators were sent to Czechia in October and are
now on their way back to the rescEU warehouse in Romania. The reserve was initially hosted by
Germany and Romania, who were joined in September by Denmark, Greece, Hungary and Sweden as
host countries. More Member States are expected to join as hosts in early 2021. The press release is
available online. (For information: Balazs Ujvari - Tel.: +32 229 54578; Daniel Puglisi - Tel.: +32
229 69140)

Coronavirus réponse globale: L'UE mobilise €84 millions d'euros en soutien au Benin, à la
République de Centrafrique, au Liberia et à la Sierra Leone
La Commission européenne a annoncé aujourd'hui la mobilisation de 84,26 millions d'euros en
soutien à quatre pays africains face aux conséquences économiques et sanitaires de la crise du
coronavirus. Les nouveaux fonds bénéficieront le Benin (46,6 millions d'euros), la République de
Centrafrique (14 millions d'euros), le Liberia (8,7 millions d'euros) et la Sierra Leone (15 millions
d'euros). La commissaire aux partenariats internationaux, Jutta Urpilainen, a déclaré : « Notre
réponse globale au coronavirus consiste à offrir un soutien d'urgence à nos pays partenaires dans
leurs efforts pour répondre à la crise sur les plans sanitaires et socio-économiques. Au-delà, il s'agit
de planifier la reprise sur le long terme afin qu'ensemble nous construisions un monde plus vert, plus
juste et plus durable pour les générations futures. Je suis convaincue que la mobilisation européenne
aux côtés de nos partenaires africains va permettre d'atteindre ces deux objectifs essentiels. » La
réponse globale de l'Équipe Europe à la crise du coronavirus s'élève au total à près de 38.5 milliards
d'euros, dont au moins 8 milliards d'euros sont consacrés aux pays d'Afrique. Plus d'informations
sont disponibles dans le communiqué de presse. Pour plus détails, consultez le site web consacre à
l'appui budgétaire de l'UE. (Pour plus d'informations: Ana Pisonero – Tél.: +32 229 54320; Gesine
Knolle – Tél.: +32 229 54323)

Commission publishes guidance on key provisions of EU Global Human Rights Sanctions
Regime
The European Commission has published guidance on the implementation of specific provisions of
Council Regulation (EU) 2020/1998 concerning serious human rights violations and abuses. The
Guidance Note seeks to address the questions most likely to arise in the implementation of these
new sanctions. It includes information about the scope of the financial restrictions therein and their
application. It also explains in detail the responsibilities of those who must comply with the
Regulation, covering notions such as ownership and control, and the functioning of derogations.
Josep Borrell, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President
for a Stronger Europe in the World, said: “The EU Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime sends a
clear message to those responsible for serious human rights violations and abuses. It is a sign of our
determination to take action and to hold those responsible for violations and abuses accountable.
This Guidance Note seeks to ensure that we provide the necessary information to EU operators to
facilitate/ensure their compliance.” Mairead McGuinness, Commissioner for Financial Services,
Financial Stability and Capital Markets Union, said: “The proper implementation of EU sanctions is a
priority. For the first time, a new EU sanctions regime is accompanied by a Guidance Note, to ensure
uniform implementation from the outset. The Commission remains open to the views of operators
and national authorities, and will continue issuing guidance and opinions to ensure that EU sanctions
are targeted and effective.” A full press release is available online. (For more information: Daniel
Ferrie – Tel.: 32 229 86500; Aikaterini Apostola – Tel.: +32 229 87624)

EU cohesion policy: end of year wrap-up of action against the effects of the coronavirus
pandemic
Today, the Commission is announcing the 2020 results of the Coronavirus Response Investment
Initiative (CRII) and the Coronavirus Response Investment Initiative Plus (CRII+) launched by the
Commission to fight the effects of the coronavirus pandemic. The EU mobilised investments of
around €18 billion since the beginning of the crisis to support the health and socio-economic sectors.
Commissioner for Cohesion and Reforms, Elisa Ferreira, said: “We are reaching the end of a very
difficult year for everyone. The amount of EU Cohesion funds that were reprogrammed and directed
to the most affected sectors, show how the two CRII packages were crucial in supporting Member
States, citizens and businesses in this crisis. Cohesion Policy was at the forefront of the fight against
the adverse effects of the pandemic, and will remain so in the relaunch of our economies and in
ensuring that they'll emerge from this crisis stronger than before”. Investments triggered by the
exceptional flexibilities of the CRII and CRII+ legislative packages were enabled by close cooperation
between the Commission, Member States and regions. This cooperation facilitated among others the
adjustment of 82% the cohesion policy Investment for Growth and Jobs programmes in 25 Member
States and the UK. The possibility to use the 100% EU co-financing rate has provided Member States
with additional €3.2 billion in their budgets for this accounting year. Small and Medium sized
enterprises (SMEs) have benefited from most of the funding available, over €10 billion, that helped
businesses to stay afloat. €3 billion were directed to people, including for social services to
vulnerable groups and temporary employment schemes for workers. Lastly, €6.6 billion supported
the health sector, in addition to the €10.2 billion from the EU budget that were already allocated to
this area in the years 2014-2020. More details can be found in our press release while data on
resources mobilised can be found on the Commission's Coronavirus dashboard and on the InfoRegio
webpage. (For more information: Stefan De Keersmaecker - Tel +32 2 298 46 80; Veronica Favalli –
Tel.: +32 229 87269)

EU Member States present report of best practices on fast network rollout, a first step
towards the Connectivity Toolbox
Today, EU Member States presented a report that compiles their proposed best practices for cutting
the cost of network rollout and for providing timely access to radio spectrum for 5G. Today's report
marks the first step towards developing the Toolbox of best practices, following the Commission's
Recommendation from September 2020. The report gathers the measures, which Member States
reported as the most efficient in those two areas, identifying main trends and providing the finest
examples for improving connectivity. This ‘Connectivity Toolbox' should be completed by 30 March
2021. Measures for cutting the costs of network rollout include streamlining administrative
procedures for network installation permits, as well as expanding operators' information and their
rights to access existing infrastructure to install networks. Regarding 5G spectrum assignment, the
report addresses financial incentives for operators at spectrum auctions and cross-border
coordination for radio spectrum assignments, to support innovative 5G services, particularly in the
industry and road and rail transport. Thierry Breton, Commissioner for Internal market, said: “Faster

and more efficient networks will benefit every citizen and every business in Europe. We have set
clear priorities, including though the Recovery and Resilience Facility, to remove obstacles to digital
investments and pave the way for the deployment of gigabit networks. We are therefore determined
to achieve them by working together, learning from each other and acting timely.” The timely
deployment of secure fibre and 5G networks will offer significant economic opportunities for the years
to come, as a crucial asset for European competitiveness, sustainability and a major enabler for
future digital services in core areas of citizens' lives. The Commission continues working on reviewing
the Broadband Cost Reduction Directive and recently launched a public consultation to gather
aspects on current measures and proposed updates in view of regulatory, technological and market
developments. More information is available here. (For more information: Johannes Bahrke – Tel.:
+32 229 58615; Marietta Grammenou – Tel.: +32 229 83583)

Gender equality: Commission ensures excellence and improves gender balance in trade and
investment arbitration
The European Commission has today set in place a new system for the appointment of arbitrators,
also referred to as adjudicators, to handle disputes under the EU's trade and investment agreements.
With this new system we seek to step up enforcement of our trade agreements and to address the
lack of gender balance in the EU's existing pool of arbitrators, while ensuring that all arbitrators meet
the highest professional and ethical standards. In addition to these efforts, the Commission has
signed up to the Equal Representation in Arbitration Pledge, which aims to increase the
representation of women in international dispute settlement. “We are seeking outstanding and
highly-qualified candidates to settle trade disputes. As part of today's call, we have also pledged to
improve gender balance in the arbitration community. This Pledge is part of the European
Commission's long-standing commitment to gender balance in all areas of work and life – one of our
most firmly held values. We will also pay close attention to geographic balance,” said Executive Vice-
President and Commissioner for Trade Valdis Dombrovskis. “Securing excellent arbitrators for
disputes is part of our overall process of upgrading our trade enforcement tools and mechanisms.” A
press release is available online. (For more information: Miriam Garcia Ferrer – Tel.: +32 229-99075;
Sophie Dirven – Tel.: +32 229-67228)

Le Plan d'investissement pour l'Europe soutient un groupe européen de soin au service des
personnes âgées et fragiles
La Banque européenne d'investissement (BEI) et Korian, groupe européen de soin au service des
personnes âgées et fragiles, ont conclu un accord de financement de 55 millions d'euros. Ce prêt
permettra à Korian d'investir dans le développement immobilier de son réseau Ages&Vie, qui propose
des solutions d'hébergement adaptées aux personnes âgées autonomes. À horizon 2024, le réseau
Ages&Vie comptera en France plus de 500 résidences neuves d'une capacité de plus de 4 000 lits
dans 70 départements, offrant 1 500 emplois. Le financement de la BEI est garanti par le Fonds
européen pour les investissements stratégiques (FEIS), le pilier central du Plan d'investissement
pour l'Europe. Le commissaire à l'économie, Paolo Gentiloni, a déclaré : « Avec le soutien du Plan
d'Investissement pour l'Europe, ce financement de la BEI permettra au groupe Korian de participer à
l'initiative Ages&Vie, qui propose des solutions innovantes de cohabitation pour les personnes âgées
en France. En permettant aux personnes âgées de rester proches de leurs communautés et en créant
de nouveaux emplois dans des régions moins développées, cette initiative est une situation
doublement bénéfique pour la cohésion régionale et sociale. » Jusqu'à présent, le Plan
d'investissement pour l'Europe a mobilisé 535 milliards d'euros d'investissements dans l'ensemble
de l'UE, dont 87,3 milliards en France. Un communiqué de presse est disponible en ligne. (Pour plus
d'informations: Marta Wieczorek – Tél.: +32 229 58197; Flora Matthaes – Tél.: +32 229 83951)

Investment Plan for Europe supports SMEs and mid-caps in the Baltic countries
The EIB Group has issued a guarantee to Luminor AS, the third-largest provider of financial services
in the Baltics, to support new lending to SMEs and mid-cap businesses based in Estonia, Latvia and
Lithuania. Part of this transaction is supported by the European Fund for Strategic Investments
(EFSI), the main pillar of the Investment Plan for Europe. With support from the EIB Group and the
Investment Plan for Europe, Luminor will provide additional lending to SMEs and mid-cap businesses
in these difficult economic conditions. The guarantee structure can support at least €660 million of
additional loans and leases. Executive Vice-President for an Economy that Works for People, Valdis
Dombrovskis, said: “I am glad that with a guarantee under the Investment Plan for Europe, the EIB
Group and Luminor bank are joining forces to make at least €660 million of additional lending
available, mainly to SMEs and mid-cap companies in Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania. Banks are

essential for Europe's recovery. They keep the economy financed by providing liquidity to households
and businesses, and especially to SMEs – the backbone of our economy. The European Union will
continue to support businesses in these difficult times to weather the crisis and get the recovery
properly underway.” The Investment Plan for Europe has so far mobilised €535 billion of investment
across the EU, benefitting over 1.4 million SMEs in total. The press release is available here. (For
more information: Marta Wieczorek – Tel.: +32 229 58197; Flora Matthaes – Tel.: +32 229 83951)

EU signs final contracts under the €6 billion budget of the Facility for Refugees in Turkey
The European Commission concluded yesterday the final contracts under the operational €6 billion
budget of the Facility for Refugees in Turkey. The signature of the final eight contracts worth €780
million covers support for basic needs, health care, protection, municipal infrastructure as well as
training, employment and business development for refugees and local vulnerable populations alike.
Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement, Olivér Várhelyi, commented: “The signature of
the last eight contracts under the EU Facility for Refugees in Turkey confirms the European Union's
delivers on its pledges. In total, €6 billion in support to refugees and host communities in Turkey
have been fully contracted since 2016. This is an extraordinary achievement. I would like to
commend the Turkish authorities for their cooperation in this joint effort, especially in the areas of
health and education. The European Union will continue to stand by refugees and host communities
in Turkey.” So far, over 1.7 million refugees in Turkey receive support through the EU's biggest ever-
humanitarian programme; 750,000 refugee children and youth have access to school and 13 million
healthcare consultations have been delivered. Turkey hosts over 4 million refugees, the largest
refugee community in the world. More information is available in the press release. For more details,
please consult the dedicated website on the EU Facility for Refugees in Turkey as well as this
factsheet and the overview of projects under this Facility. (For more information: Ana Pisonero – Tel.:
+32 229 54320; Zoi Muletier – Tel.: +32 229 94306)

Antitrust: Commission to launch public consultation on revision of Vertical Block Exemption
Regulation and Guidelines
The European Commission has today launched a public consultation on the revision of the Vertical
Block Exemption Regulation and accompanying Vertical Guidelines. This consultation is part of the
on-going review process which was initiated in October 2018 with a view to having revised rules in
place when the current rules expire in May 2022. With this public consultation, the Commission
seeks to gather views from stakeholders through an online questionnaire on the different policy
options and additional issues outlined in the Inception Impact Assessment. The public consultation
forms part of the impact assessment phase of the review that seeks to address the issues raised
during the evaluation phase and to assess the impact of the policy options proposed by the
Commission. The deadline for providing feedback is 24 March 2020. At a later stage, stakeholders
will have the possibility to provide their views on a draft of the revised rules that the Commission will
publish on its website for comments. The preceding evaluation phase showed that the Vertical Block
Exemption Regulation and the Vertical Guidelines are useful tools that greatly facilitate the self-
assessment by businesses. At the same time, the evaluation identified a number of issues with
regard to the functioning of the rules. The Staff Working Document concluded that legal certainty
could be improved by addressing those areas of the rules where gaps exist or there is a lack of
clarity, or which have been found to be no longer adapted to recent market developments. The online
questionnaire is available here and more information about the review process can be found here.
(For more information: Arianna Podesta – Tel. +32 229 87024; Maria Tsoni – Tel.: +32 229 90526)

Mergers: Commission clears acquisition of Fitbit by Google, subject to conditions
The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of Fitbit by
Google. The approval is conditional on full compliance with a commitments package offered by
Google. Today's decision follows an in-depth investigation of the proposed transaction, which
combines Google's and Fitbit's complementary activities. Commission's investigation focused on the
data collected via Fitbit's wearable devices and the interoperability of wearable devices with Google's
Android operating system for smartphones. Following its investigation, the Commission had concerns
that the transaction, as initially notified, would have harmed competition in several markets, in
particular with respect to (i) Advertising, (ii) Access to Web Application Programming Interface
(‘API') in the market for digital healthcare, and (iii) Wrist-worn wearable devices. To address the
Commission's competition concerns, Google offered a commitments package. The duration of the
commitments is ten years. Because of Google's entrenched position in the market for online

advertisement, the Commission may decide to extend the duration of the Ads Commitment by up to
an additional ten years, having justified the necessity for such an extension. A trustee, who has to be
appointed before the transaction can close, will monitor the implementation of the commitments.
The Commission concluded that the proposed transaction, as modified by the commitments, would
no longer raise competition concerns. This decision is conditional upon full compliance with the
commitments. Executive Vice-President Margrethe Vestager, in charge of competition policy, said:
“We can approve the proposed acquisition of Fitbit by Google because the commitments will ensure
that the market for wearables and the nascent digital health space will remain open and competitive.
The commitments will determine how Google can use the data collected for ad purposes, how
interoperability between competing wearables and Android will be safeguarded and how users can
continue to share health and fitness data, if they choose to.” The full press release is available online.
(For more information: Arianna Podesta – Tel. +32 229 87024; Maria Tsoni – Tel.: +32 229 90526)

State aid: Commission approves €3.3 million Danish scheme to support acquisition of
alternatively fuelled vehicles and corresponding infrastructure for commercial transport
sector
The European Commission has approved, under EU State aid rules, a €3.3 million (approximately
DKK 24 million) Danish scheme to support a nationwide programme for the purchase of alternatively
fuelled commercial vehicles and corresponding refuelling infrastructure for the commercial road
transport sector in Denmark. The measure will support either (i) the installation of
refuelling/recharging infrastructure for alternative fuels for lorries, trucks and commercial vans; or
(ii) the acquisition of lorries, trucks and commercial vans using alternative fuels in combination with
the installation of refuelling/recharging infrastructure for those vehicles. Under the scheme, the
support will take the form of non-repayable direct grants. The beneficiaries will be selected through
an open and transparent bidding procedure. The Commission assessed the measure under EU State
aid rules, and in particular Article 107(3)(c) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,
which allows Member States to support the development of certain economic activities under certain
conditions, as well as the Guidelines on State aid for environmental protection and energy. The
Commission considers that the measure will encourage the uptake of alternatively fuelled commercial
vehicles, thus contributing to the reduction of CO2 and pollutant emissions, in line with the EU's
climate and environmental objectives, and the goals set by European Green Deal. Furthermore, the
Commission found that the necessary safeguards limiting the aid to the minimum will be in place as
the aid will be granted through a competitive bidding process. 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.58036 in the State aid register on the Commission's
competition website once any confidentiality issues have been resolved. (For more information:
Arianna Podesta – Tel. +32 229 87024; Giulia Astuti – Tel.: +32 229 55344; Maria Tsoni – Tel.: +32
229 90526)

State aid: Commission approves compensation to energy-intensive companies in Wallonia
for indirect emission costs
The European Commission has approved, under EU State aid rules, Belgian plans to partially
compensate energy-intensive companies in the Region of Wallonia for higher electricity prices
resulting from indirect emission costs under the EU Emission Trading Scheme (ETS). The scheme will
cover indirect emission costs incurred in the year 2020 and has a provisional budget of €40 million.
The measures will benefit companies active in Wallonia in sectors facing significant electricity costs
and which are particularly exposed to international competition. The compensation will be granted
through a partial refund of indirect ETS costs to eligible companies. The Commission assessed the
measure under EU State aid rules, in particular the Guidelines on certain State aid measures in the
context of the greenhouse gas emission allowance trading scheme post-2012 and found that it is in
line with the requirements of the Guidelines. In particular, the scheme will help avoid an increase in
global greenhouse gas emissions due to companies relocating to countries outside the EU with less
stringent environmental regulation. Furthermore, the Commission concluded that the aid granted is
limited to the minimum necessary. More information will be available on the Commission's
competition website, in the State Aid Register under the case number SA.59751. (For more
information: Arianna Podesta – Tel. +32 229 87024; Giulia Astuti – Tel.: +32 229 55344)

State aid: Commission approves €15 million Irish scheme to support Ireland-based inbound
tourism agents affected by coronavirus outbreak

The European Commission has approved a €15 million Irish scheme to support Ireland-based
inbound tourism agents affected by 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.
Beneficiaries will receive a grant based on their average inbound tourism revenue for the period from
2017 to 2019. The aid will not exceed (i) the revenue lost from the eligible inbound business for
2020, as compared with the average of 2017-2019 or (ii) the average operating costs for the eligible
inbound business over 2017-2019, excluding payroll costs. The purpose of the measure is to mitigate
the sudden liquidity shortages that these companies are facing because of the restrictive measures
imposed by the government to limit the spread of the virus. The Commission found that the Irish
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. 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.59719 in
the State aid register on the Commission's competition website once any confidentiality issues have
been resolved. (For more information: Arianna Podesta – Tel. +32 229 87024; Giulia Astuti – Tel.:
+32 229 55344; Maria Tsoni – Tel.: +32 229 90526)

State aid: Commission approves a Luxembourg scheme to support the seed sector affected
by coronavirus outbreak
The European Commission has approved a €500,000 Luxembourg scheme to support the seed sector
in the context of the coronavirus outbreak. The scheme was approved under the State Aid Temporary
Framework. The public support, which will take the form of direct grants, will be open to enterprises
active in the processing and commercialisation of seed. The scheme aims at addressing the liquidity
needs of the beneficiaries, thus helping them continue their activities during and after the
coronavirus outbreak. The Commission found that the Luxembourgish scheme is in line with the
conditions of the Temporary Framework. In particular, (i) the aid does not exceed €800,000 per
beneficiary as provided by the Temporary Framework; and (ii) the scheme will run until 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 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.59944 in the State aid register on the Commission's competition website once any confidentiality
issues have been resolved. (For more information: Arianna Podesta – Tel. +32 229 87024; Giulia
Astuti – Tel.: +32 229 55344; Maria Tsoni – Tel.: +32 229 90526)

State aid: Commission approves modification of several Lithuanian schemes to support
certain sectors affected by coronavirus outbreak
The European Commission has found the modification of several existing Lithuanian State aid
schemes to support certain sectors affected by the coronavirus outbreak to be in line with the State
Aid Temporary Framework. The original schemes were approved by the Commission under the case
numbers SA.57514, SA.57529, SA.57823, SA.58856, SA.57008 and SA.57665. Lithuania notified
certain modifications to the original schemes, in particular: (i) an extension of the period in relation
to which the aid may be granted until 30 June 2021; (ii) the modification of the aid eligibility
conditions of the beneficiaries, which will now include small and micro enterprises that were already
in difficulty on 31 December 2019, provided that, at the moment of the granting, they are not
subject to collective insolvency procedure under national law; and (iii) an increase of the budget for
loans for the scheme SA.57823, from EUR 90 million to EUR 135 million. The Commission concluded
that the schemes, as modified, remain 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
measures 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 cases number
SA.60073, SA.60096, SA.60139 and SA.60266 in the State aid register on the Commission's
competition website once any confidentiality issues have been resolved. (For more information:

Arianna Podesta – Tel. +32 229 87024; Giulia Astuti – Tel.: +32 229 55344; Maria Tsoni – Tel.: +32
229 90526)

State aid: Commission approves €370 million Italian scheme to support companies active
in the congress and fair industry affected by coronavirus outbreak
The European Commission has approved a €370 million Italian scheme to support companies active
in the congress and fair industry affected by the coronavirus outbreak. The measure was approved
under the State aid Temporary Framework. The scheme will be open to fair agencies and organisers
of conventions and trade shows as well as providers of logistics, transport and stand builders with
more than 50% of the turnover deriving from trade shows and conventions. The scheme will be
accessible to companies that suffered a reduction of turnover due to the cancellation or
postponement of at least one event due to the coronavirus outbreak between 23 February and 30
September 2020. The support will take the form of direct grants calculated as a proportion of the
reduction in revenues experienced by the beneficiary from 23 February 2020 to 31 July 2020,
compared to the same period in 2019. The purpose of the scheme is to mitigate the economic
difficulties and the sudden liquidity shortages that the beneficiaries are facing due to the restrictive
measures that the Italian government had to impose to limit the spread of the virus.The Commission
found that the Italian scheme is in line with the conditions set out in the Temporary Framework. In
particular, (i) the aid will not exceed €800,000 per company; and (ii) it will be granted before 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 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.59992 in the State aid register on the Commission's competition website once any
confidentiality issues have been resolved. (For more information: Arianna Podesta – Tel. +32 229
87024; Giulia Astuti – Tel.: +32 229 55344; Maria Tsoni – Tel.: +32 229 90526)

Mergers: Commission clears the acquisition of joint control over Japan Marine United by
Imabari Shipbuilding
The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of joint
control over Japan Marine United Corporation (‘JMU') by Imabari Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. (‘Imabari
Shipbuilding'), together with JMU's current controlling shareholders JFE Holdings Inc (‘JFE') and IHI
Corporation (‘IHI'), all of Japan. JMU and Imabari Shipbuilding are both active in the development,
design, construction, marketing and repair of a wide range of commercial vessels. JFE is a holding
company with interests in steel, engineering and the trading of raw materials, machinery,
electronics, real estate and food. IHI is a heavy-industry manufacturer with activities in a range of
industries. The Commission concluded that the proposed acquisition would raise no competition
concerns given the moderate combined market position of the companies involved and the remaining
presence of sufficient alternative suppliers in the relevant global shipbuilding markets. 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.9936.
(For more information: Arianna Podesta – Tel. +32 229 87024; Maria Tsoni – Tel.: +32 229 90526)

Concentrations: La Commission autorise l'acquisition du contrôle conjoint d'une entreprise
commune nouvellement créée par ABN AMRO et ODDO BHF
La Commission européenne a approuvé, en vertu du règlement européen sur les concentrations,
l'acquisition du contrôle conjoint d'ABN AMRO-ODDO BHF B.V., une entreprise commune
nouvellement créée, par ABN AMRO Bank N.V. (« ABN AMRO »), basée aux Pays-Bas, et ODDO BHF
SCA (« ODDO BHF »), basée en France. L'entreprise commune fournira aux investisseurs
institutionnels des ordres de réception et de transmission, des services de soutien pour les banques
d'investissement et des services de recherche de courtiers. ABN AMRO offre des services de banque
de détail, de banque d'affaires et d'investissement, ainsi que des services de courtage, de
compensation et de conservation. ODDO BHF offre des services de banque privée, de banque
d'affaires et d'investissement, de gestion d'actifs, de recherche et de courtage, ainsi que des services
concernant les opérations sur devises et métaux. La Commission a conclu que la concentration
envisagée ne soulèverait pas de problème de concurrence, compte tenu de son impact très limité sur
la structure du marché. La transaction a été examinée dans le cadre de la procédure simplifiée de
contrôle des concentrations. De plus amples informations sont disponibles sur le site internet

concurrence de la Commission, dans le registre public des affaires sous le numéro d'affaire M.10029.
(Pour plus d'informations: Arianna Podesta – Tél. +32 229 87024; Maria Tsoni – Tél.: +3 229 90526)

Mergers: Commission clears the acquisition of SmartBear by Vista and Francisco Partners
The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of joint
control over SmartBear Software, Inc. (‘SmartBear‘) by Vista Equity Partners Management, LLC
(‘Vista') and Francisco Partners Management, LP, (‘Francisco Partners') all of the U.S. SmartBear is a
provider of software solutions focused on application testing, monitoring, and development. It
provides tools across the entire software development lifecycle, including tools for test automation,
API lifecycle, collaboration, performance testing, and test management. Vista is an investment firm
focused on empowering and growing enterprise software, data and technology-enabled businesses,
which controls portfolio companies active in IT services such as the provision of business software.
Francisco Partners is a private equity firm exclusively focused on investments in technology and
technology-enabled businesses. The Commission concluded that the proposed acquisition would raise
no competition concerns, because the target has no or negligible actual or foreseen activities within
the European Economic Area and the horizontal overlap between the companies' activities is very
limited. 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.10042. (For more information: Arianna Podesta – Tel. +32 229 87024; Maria
Tsoni – Tel.: +32 229 90526)

Mergers: Commission clears acquisition of certain businesses and assets of UFG by Eni
The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of certain
businesses, assets and interests currently belonging to Unión Fenosa Gas (‘UFG') of Spain, including
100% shares of UFG Comercializadora S.A. (‘UFG Com') of Spain, by Eni S.p.A. (‘Eni') of Italy. UFG
was jointly controlled by Eni and Naturgy Energy Group S.A. prior to the transaction. The acquired
business is active in the supply of natural gas to retailers, traders, gas-powered electricity plants and
industrial clients in Spain, and the transportation of liquefied natural gas (LNG) by vessel. Eni is a
global oil and gas group, active within exploration, production, refining and selling operations,
electricity and chemistry. The Commission concluded that the proposed acquisition would raise no
competition concerns because it consists of a change from joint to sole control and, hence, could not
result in new horizontal or vertical overlaps between the activities of the companies. 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.10052. (For
more information: Arianna Podesta – Tel. +32 229 87024; Maria Tsoni – Tel.: +32 229 90526)

Mergers: Commission clears acquisition of Freja Transport & Logistics by SDK
The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of Freja
Transport & Logistics Holding A/S (‘FTL') by SDK A/S (‘SDK'), both of Denmark. FTL provides
domestic and cross-border freight forwarding services by land and to a limited extent by air and sea.
SDK is active in shipping, logistics, chartering and services to the cruise industry in Northern Europe,
including freight forwarding services by road and sea and to a limited extent by air. 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 other players providing freight forwarding and contract logistics services in all relevant
countries. 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.10062. (For more information: Arianna Podesta – Tel. +32 229 87024; Maria
Tsoni – Tel.: +32 229 90526)

Announcements

Commissioner Johansson takes part in EU-Canada event on integration of migrant women