European Commission Spokesman's Briefing for 01-09-05

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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

[01] Sciences du vivant et biotechnologie: lancement d'une consultation publique La Commission a lancé aujourd'hui une consultation publique de grande ampleur sur les sciences du vivant et la biotechnologie, en vue d'une action de politique générale prévue en fin d'année. Elle a publié un document de consultation intitulé "Vers une vision stratégique des sciences du vivant et de la biotechnologie" qui recense le large éventail de questions liées à la révolution biotechnologique. Elle organisera, les 27 et 28 septembre prochains, une conférence réunissant les nombreuses parties intéressées, afin d'encourager un débat public ouvert et constructif sur la biotechnologie en Europe. Au Conseil européen de mars 2001 à Stockholm, la Commission a souligné la nécessité pour l'Europe de maîtriser les technologies de pointe qui sont indispensables à la transition vers une économie durable fondée sur la connaissance. Reconnaissant également que les sciences du vivant et la biotechnologie soulèvent des questions éthiques, sociales et économiques complexes, la Commission s'est engagée à élaborer un document d'orientation détaillé avant la fin de 2001. La Commission souhaite, par cette initiative, contribuer au développement d'une approche stratégique de la biotechnologie en Europe qui soit orientée vers l'avenir. L'exécutif européen présentera un plan d'action portant sur de nouvelles initiatives communautaires en matière de biotechnologie et proposera, en conformité avec le principe de subsidiarité et le Livre blanc sur la gouvernance, des recommandations destinées aux États membres, aux autorités locales, aux entreprises et autres parties concernées.

[02] Commission clears acquisition of Tempus by Havas Advertising The European Commission has granted clearance under the European Union's merger control law to the proposed acquisition of Tempus PLC of Britain by France's Havas Advertising. The proposed takeover does not raise any competition concerns in the markets for marketing communication services or media buying.

[03] Commission clears Italian car rental joint venture between Fidis (Fiat) and Sei (Enel) The European Commission has cleared a proposed joint venture between Fiat- controlled company Fidis and Sei, controlled by Italian electrical group ENEL, which will provide long-term renting of light and heavy vehicles and fleet management services in Italy. The operation raises no competition concerns in the Italian markets at stake which count with such strong players as Arval, Axus, GE Capital Service, and Europcar.

[04] Commissioner Nielson outlines his vision on food security in the world. Speaking today at the Conference on 'Sustainable Food Security for all by 2020', organised by the International Food Policy Research Institute, Mr Nielson stresses that food security for all is a top priority for the Commission. "With close to 800 million people still suffering from hunger and malnutrition, the attention given to food security is a moral imperative", states Mr Nielson. The Commissioner uses this keynote speech to set out the Commission's policy on food security in the run up to the upcoming World Food Summit due to be held later this year and the actions that need to be taken by the international community and national governments. The Commissioner argues that the best way to achieve food security is to implement a broad-based policy for sustainable growth and poverty reduction and explains the measures the Commission is taking to achieve this goal. Mr Nielson states " Economic growth is a necessary condition for food security but on its own it is not enough. Above all, it is also essential to strengthen people's access to food by tackling poverty. " The new overall development policy fo the EC focuses on poverty reduction as the overarching objective and includes food security as one of the six priority areas. The European Union provides more than half of the total development aid in the world and the main trading partner with developing countries. A disposition au secrétariat de Michael Tscherny et/ou Amelia Torres (BREY 06/80): Trois notifications préalables d'opérations de concentration: USG/Deutsche Perlite Tyco/Sensormatic Fusions approuvées selons la procédure simplifié - HUK-Coburg Holding GmbH (D)/Wiener Städtische Allgemeine Versicherung Ag (A)/Hamburger-Mannheimer Auslandsbeteiligunsgesellschaft GmbH - Endesa S.A. (S)/Elettrogen S.p.A. (I)

MIDDAY EXPRESS

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From EUROPA, the European Commission Server at http://europa.eu.int/
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