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European Commission Spokesman's Briefing for 01-04-04
From: EUROPA, the European Commission Server at <http://europa.eu.int>
MIDDAY EXPRESS
News from the Spokesman's midday briefing
Nouvelles du rendez-vous de midi du Service Presse et Communicationb
Midday Express 04/04/2001
[I] Résultats de la Commission du 3 avril 2001 - Outcome of Commission
meeting of 3 April 2001
[01] BSE : Commission adopts special market measures for beef
The European Commission has formally adopted the special market measures
for cattle older than 30 months. Carcases of animals which belong to
categories not eligible for intervention purchases, which are more than 30
months of age and which have all been tested negatively for BSE are
covered. It will be up to the Member States concerned to decide whether
they want to store, destroy or release the meat upon prior approval of the
Commission. The scheme will have to be applied in those Member States which
have demonstrated full BSE-testing capacity for cattle older than 30 months,
provided they have a weak market for cow meat. Therefore purchases shall
only be made, through tender procedure, in Member States where the price
for cows is below the trigger price during a period of two weeks. This
trigger-price is fixed for each Member State (see IP/01/407). The EU-
financing of purchases is fixed at 70% of the price for the meat. For the
Member States without full testing capacity, the provisions of the
"purchase for destruction scheme" remain in force until 30 June 2001. This
means that no beef without BSE-test may enter the food chain. Those Member
States may equally apply the special market measure, if they have a weak
market for cow meat. Be it for storage, be it for processing through
rendering, no fixed quantities per Member States apply. The special
measures will remain in force until the end of 2001. The decision will
enter into force three days after publication in the Official Journal of
the European Communities, foreseen for the next few days.
[02] Introduction de l'euro : la Commission dresse un bilan détaillé de
l'état des préparatifs et identifie vingt bonnes pratiques
272 jours avant le "€-day", la Commission européenne a présenté une
Communication "sur les préparatifs pour l'introduction finale de l'euro"
qui dresse un état des lieux de la préparation des différents acteurs
économiques et de l'application de la recommandation de la Commission du 11
octobre 2000 et identifie des exemples de bonne pratique de nature à
faciliter une transition harmonieuse vers la nouvelle monnaie. Pedro Solbes,
Commissaire responsable des Affaires économiques et monétaires, conclut :
"L'état des lieux est contrasté. Les bonnes nouvelles voisinent avec des
sources persistantes d'inquiétude. Il faut de toute urgence faire un effort
à destination des PME et intensifier progressivement les actions
d'information à l'égard des consommateurs. Aucune des bonnes pratiques
identifiées n'est révolutionnaire. Mais leur application cumulée est
susceptible de mettre de "l'huile dans les rouages" de la machinerie du
changement de monnaie". Le texte est disponible à l'adresse suivante :
http://europa.eu.int/comm/economy_finance/document/euro/com2001_190/com2001_190_en.htm
[03] La Commission propose des normes minimales pour l'accueil des
demandeurs d'asile dans l'UE
La Commission européenne a adopté une proposition de Directive fixant des
normes minimales pour l'accueil des demandeurs d'asile par les Etats
membres de l'Union européenne. En vertu de cette proposition, tous les
Etats membres seraient tenus d'accorder aux demandeurs d'asile un niveau
d'aide minimum afin de leur assurer un digne niveau de vie, ainsi qu'une
aide spécifique pour ceux d'entre eux qui ont des besoins particuliers. La
proposition prévoit aussi des règles communes visant à empêcher tout usage
abusif du système d'accueil.
[04] Commission clears takeover of ADtranz by Bombardier, subject to
commitments
The European Commission has authorised the takeover of DaimlerChrysler's
rail business division ADtranz by Bombardier of Canada, subject to
commitments. As initially notified, the operation would have led to the
creation of a dominant position on the markets for regional trains and
trams in Germany. But the companies offered a number of divestments and
other undertakings which will ensure the emergence of a strong competitor
in Germany to replace the elimination of competition from ADtranz.
[05] Commission approves euro 213 million aid package for UK livestock
farmers
The European Commission has adopted a number of decisions giving the go-
ahead for agrimonetary aid to be paid in the United Kingdom. The aid is
aimed at offsetting the adverse effects of fluctuating Sterling/euro
exchange rates on prices and on the premiums paid under the Common
Agricultural Policy (CAP) to dairy, cattle and sheep farmers. The overall
aid package amounts to euro 212,616,444 (£153,843,057), euro 118,016,715
(£95,615,456) of which will be paid out of the Community budget.
Agriculture Commissioner, Franz Fischler, stated : "This aid is aimed at
compensating livestock farmers for losses stemming from currency
fluctuations. It will also provide some relief for UK farmers who are
currently facing serious problems as a result of foot and mouth disease."
[06] Marc Franco est nommé Directeur Général adjoint d'Europe Aide Office
de coopération
La Commission européenne a décidé de nommer Marc Franco (qui est de
nationalité belge et est âgé de 54 ans) comme Directeur Général adjoint
d'Europe Aide - Office de coopération, à la suite d'une proposition de M.
Neil Kinnock, vice-président responsable de la Réforme administrative, et
en accord avec Romano Prodi, Président, M. Poul Nielson, Commissaire chargé
du Développement et de l'Aide humanitaire, et Chris Patten, Commissaire
responsable des Relations extérieures.
[II] Other news - Autres nouvelles
[07] Fièvre aphteuse : conclusions du comité vétérinaire permanent
Le comité vétérinaire permanent (CVP) a examiné la situation en ce qui
concerne la fièvre aphteuse au Royaume-Uni, en Irlande, en France et aux
Pays-Bas. La réunion de deux jours a repris aujourd'hui et les membres
examineront la question d'une reconduction éventuelle des restrictions
mises en place ainsi qu'une proposition de la Commission européenne visant
à fixer des dispositions précises applicables à la vaccination des animaux
de zoos. Hier, le CVP a toutefois accueilli favorablement une proposition
de la Commission visant à étendre le programme de vaccination d'urgence
actuellement mis en place aux Pays-Bas.
[08] EU will fight to save Kyoto agreement
The European Union troika represented by European Environment Commissioner
Margot Wallström, Swedish Environment Minister Kjell Larsson and Marc
Pallemaerts from the Belgian State Secretary's Office for Energy and
Sustainable Development expressed concern and disappointment over the US
Administration's withdrawal from the Kyoto Protocol following talks 3 April
in Washington. The troika underlined that the Kyoto Protocol remains the
framework for international efforts to combat climate change and that the
EU remains committed to ratifying the Kyoto protocol by 2002. The EU
representatives warned that climate change is already happening and that it
is a serious threat to the future of mankind. The troika also underlined
that one country cannot declare dead an international process that deals
with a major global issue. The EU still hopes to have the US involved in
the Kyoto Protocol as soon as possible but is prepared to go forward
without the US if necessary.
[09] La Commission prend des mesures à l'encontre de l'Italie dont la
législation sur les déchets est inadéquate
La Commission européenne a décidé d'adresser deux avis motivés (deuxième
lettre d'avertissement) à l'Italie pour non-conformité de la réglementation
italienne en matière de déchets à la Directive-cadre communautaire sur les
déchets. La première décision concerne la législation nationale dispensant
les entreprises et établissements qui effectuent des opérations de
valorisation des déchets de demander une autorisation. La Commission estime
que la dispense ne respecte pas les conditions strictes pertinentes prévues
par la Directive. La deuxième décision porte sur l'application de la
législation communautaire sur les déchets au niveau régional : certaines
régions italiennes ne suivent pas correctement les dispositions de la
Directive relatives aux déchets alimentaires destinés à l'alimentation des
animaux. La Commissaire responsable de l'Environnement, Mme Margot
Wallström, a déclaré : "Pour une gestion sûre et cohérente des déchets, il
est important que le cadre juridique communautaire soit respecté dans tous
les Etats membres, aussi les autorités italiennes sont-elles invitées à
assurer la pleine conformité de leur législation".
[10] Commission moves against Finland for failure to protect the mires of
Kemihaara
The European Commission has decided to send a Reasoned Opinion (second
written warning) to Finland for failing to protect the mires of Kemihaara,
an important habitat for birds in north-east Finland. The Finnish
authorities recently granted a construction permit to the Vuotos power
plant. It involves construction of an artificial lake that would flood
approximately 250 square kilometres of mires and forests around the upper
Kemijoki river, including the mires of Kemihaara where a great number of
vulnerable bird species protected under the Wild Birds Directive occur. The
Commission considers that the Vuotos power plant and the artificial lake
would significantly damage these habitats and disturb the protected birds.
This is contrary to the Directive. Environment Commissioner Margot
Wallström, commented : "This decision stresses the responsibility that
national authorities have to take the EU's nature conservation Directives
into account when considering individual projects."
[11] Syrian cotton yarn exports to the EU to be monitored
Following a recent surge in Syrian cotton yarn exports to the European
Union, the EU has decided to examine closely the impact of such imports
from Syria and the conditions under which such exports are taking place.
The EU has not, however, decided to impose any restrictions on cotton yarn
imports from Syria.
[12] EU and Japan sign trade facilitation agreement
(! embargo 1 pm !) Today in Brussels, the EU and Japan signed a Mutual
Recognition Agreement (MRA) intended to reduce the cost of certifying
products for conformity with the two parties' technical regulations. The
products covered are in four specific areas: pharmaceuticals, chemicals,
telecommunication equipment and electrical equipment. The agreement could
cover trade worth an estimated euro 21358 million a year, and mean annual
savings for exporters of up to euro 400 million. The MRA will require
formal ratification by the EU Council of Ministers and the Japanese
Parliament, which is expected to be completed before the summer, allowing
the MRA to come into force in the autumn. Welcoming the signature, European
Trade Commissioner Pascal Lamy said : "I'm glad we have finally managed to
conclude negotiations on an agreement which will contribute significantly
to facilitating trade between the EU and Japan".
[13] Visit of Chris Patten to Zagreb and Tirana
European External Relations Commissioner Chris Patten will visit Zagreb on
4th April and Tirana on 5th April. In Zagreb Mr Patten will participate in
a session of the Croatian Government discussing "EU-Croatia relations".
This special point will particularly focus on the ongoing negotiations for
a Stabilisation and Association Agreement (SAA) between Croatia and the EU.
The Commissioner will make a short intervention in the proceedings. In
Tirana Mr Patten will focus on the progress made by Albania the framework
of the Stabilisation and Association Process (SAP) and also participate in
the opening of the second meeting of the EU- Albania High Level Steering
Group (HLSG). The Commissioner will have meetings with President Rexhep
Meidani, Prime Minister Ilir Meta and Albanian Minister of Foreign Affairs
Paskal Milo.
[14] Michaele Schreyer welcomes granting of 1999 discharge
The European Parliament today gave the European Commission discharge for
its budget of the financial year 1999. Welcoming this decision, Budget
Commissioner Michaele Schreyer remarked that "it is the first time for
several years that the discharge decision has been made at the April
session. This results from the good working relationship that the
rapporteur established with the Commission. I commend the work of the
Budgetary Control Committee (Cocobu) and its general rapporteur, Mr Blak.
Apart from the extensive and professional work of the Court of Auditors, Mr
Blak examined thousands of pages of documents forwarded by the Commission.
Twelve Commissioners were heard in the Committee. I see this resolution as
an encouragement to pursue internal reform and improve financial
management. The Prodi Commission is dedicated to that." She added : "Freddy
Blak has a reputation as a trenchant critic of mismanagement. He remains
true to this reputation but he also shows balance and fairness. The
Commission can and will draw on the major findings of his work to help us
to improve our financial management. The Commission will carry on in this
good cooperative spirit and continue with its efforts to merit the
taxpayers trust."
[15] Convergence entre l'OCDE et l'UE sur l'importance de l'éducation et de
l'apprentissage au long de la vie
Viviane Reding, Commissaire européenne responsable de l'Education et de la
Culture, a souligné ce matin, lors d'une intervention à l'occasion de la
conférence des ministres de l'Education de l'OCDE, les efforts entrepris
par l'Union européenne dans les domaines du e-Learning et de l'éducation
tout au long de la vie. L'intervention de la Commissaire s'est concentrée
en particulier sur les relations entre nouvelles technologies et manières
d'enseigner et d'apprendre. Viviane Reding a appelé à "développer une
utilisation critique et responsable des nouvelles technologies dans le
milieu éducatif". Elle a encouragé les ministres à répondre à deux défis :
une réorganisation des systèmes éducatifs fondés sur une plus grande
flexibilité et un échange accru des bonnes pratiques, et l'application de
nouveaux modes de financement pour ouvrir l'école aux nouvelles
technologies de l'information et de la communication. Mme Reding a présenté
le plan d'action e-learning adopté la semaine dernière par la Commission et
a annoncé qu'aura lieu à Bruxelles, les 10 et 11 mai prochains, le Sommet e-
Learning, destiné à développer les partenariats public/privé dans ce
domaine. Lors de cette conférence de l'OCDE, plusieurs ministres ont
soutenu l'approche choisie par l'UE depuis le Conseil européen de Lisbonne.
Un large consensus se dégage sur la nécessité de commencer l'éducation le
plus tôt possible dans la vie et de ne pas subordonner l'éducation au seul
besoin de l'économie. Les ministres conviennent que l'éducation a d'abord
pour rôles l'épanouissement de l'individu et la transmission des valeurs de
citoyenneté démocratique.
[16] February 2001 - Industrial producer prices rose by 0.2% in euro-zone ;
up 0.1% in EU15
(! embargo 12 am !) The euro-zone industrial producer price index rose by
0.2% in February 2001 compared with the previous month, Eurostat estimates
today. EU15 prices gained 0.1% in February. The indices remained unchanged
in both areas in January. In February, like in January, the index for non-
durable consumer goods gained 0.5% and 0.4% respectively in the euro-zone
and the EU15. Prices for durable consumer goods increased in February by
0.3% in the euro-zone (0.6% in January) and by 0.2% in the EU15 (0.5% in
January). For intermediate goods, prices were unchanged in the euro-zone
and rose by 0.1% in the EU15 after a fall of -0.8% and -0.7% respectively
in January. In February 2001, producer prices increased by 4.4% in the euro-
zone and 3.9% in the EU15 compared to the same month of the previous year.
In January the rates reached 4.8% in the euro-zone and 4.2% in the EU15.
Since October 2000, annual increase of industrial producer prices regularly
slowed down, following the trend of intermediate goods prices. Prices for
intermediate goods increased by 6.7% in February in the euro-zone (7.8% in
January) and by 6.8% in the EU15 (7.7% in January). For capital goods,
durable and non-durable consumer goods the annual rates were identical to
those in January 2001 or increased only slightly in the euro-zone and in
the EU15.
[17] Euro area business climate indicator down 0.38 - March 2001
(! embargo 12 am !) After a virtual stabilisation last month at 0.97, the
business climate indicator decreased markedly in March to 0.59, according
to the business climate indicator for March 2001 published today by the
European Commission (Directorate General Economic & Financial Affairs).
This level is comparable to the level reached in September 1998. While the
decline indicates a deterioration in the confidence of industrial firms,
the indicator is still in line with industrial production that is hovering
above its 1986-2000 average. The document will be available on the internet
at the following address: http://europa.eu.int/comm/economy_finance/indicators/climate_en.htm
[18] Racism and xenophobia : series of workshops on research aspects
The Directorate General for Research has organised four workshops on the
phenomenon of racism and xenophobia funded by its programme 'Improving the
socio-economic knowledge base'. These workshops are devoted to debating and
defining research and policy agendas in the following areas : concepts and
models explaining racism and xenophobia ; identity processes in immigrant
and host populations : ambivalence and conflicts in their relationships and
in border areas ; racism and xenophobia as challenges to the European
integration process, including enlargement ; constructing pluralist,
tolerant and democratic societies. After those workshops scientists, policy-
makers and NGOs will discuss the conclusions of the workshops and strategic
policy issues. Date and venue : 5th and 6th of April 2001, Centre
Borschette, rue Froissart 36, Brussels, start 9h00. Journalists are invited
to participate.
[19] Lancement de l'initiative "GoDigital" à Bruxelles, le 6 avril 2001
La Commission européenne a décidé d'organiser une manifestation d'une demi-
journée, le 6 avril, pour lancer son initiative GoDigital et informer tous
les intervenants du soutien apporté par l'UE à l'adoption du commerce
électronique par les petites et moyennes entreprises (PME). La Commission
demandera le soutien total et la participation active des Etats membres,
des autorités régionales, du monde des entreprises et d'autres organismes
multiplicateurs d'information afin d'exploiter les synergies entre le plan
de mise en œuvre GoDigital et les initiatives existantes aux niveaux
national, régional et local.
[20] Autre matériel diffusé
Discours de M. Prodi : "After Stockholm" (PE, Strasbourg)
Statement of David Byrne on the latest developments on foot-and-mouth
disease (FMD) (03/04, EP, Strasbourg)
MIDDAY EXPRESS
From EUROPA, the European Commission Server at http://europa.eu.int/
© ECSC - EC - EAEC, Brussels-Luxembourg, 1995, 1996
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