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European Commission Spokesman's Briefing for 05-08-26
From: EUROPA, the European Commission Server at <http://europa.eu.int>
CONTENTS / CONTENU
[01] European Commission adopts €3.5 million for disaster preparedness in
the Caribbean
[02] The Commission welcomes France's and Belgium's announcements that they
intend to publish a list of airlines that are banned from serving their
airports.
[03] European Commission welcomes Israeli disengagement from Gaza and
prepares further measures to support the peace process
[04] Mergers: Commission approves acquisition of ink manufacturer Flint by
Xsys
[05] Avian Influenza: Commission asks Member States to step up surveillance
[06] Autre matériel diffusé
Midday Express of 2005-08-26
Reference: MEX/05/0826
Date: 26/08/2005
EXME05 / 26.8
MIDDAY EXPRESS
News from the Press and Communication Directorate General's midday briefing
Nouvelles du rendez-vous de midi de la Direction Général Presse etb
Communication
26 / 08 / 05
[01] European Commission adopts €3.5 million for disaster preparedness in
the Caribbean
The Humanitarian Aid department (ECHO) launched its 5th DIPECHO (for
Disaster Preparedness ECHO) Action Plan for the Caribbean. €3.5 million
will be allocated for disaster preparedness in the region. The main
objective is to increase the capability of vulnerable populations living in
areas most affected by recurrent natural hazards to cope with the effects
of natural disasters.
[02] The Commission welcomes France's and Belgium's announcements that they
intend to publish a list of airlines that are banned from serving their
airports.
“This is a good step towards the consolidated European list which the
Commission proposed on 16 February of this year”, said Vice-President
Jacques Barrot. The Commissioner looks forward to working closely with the
Council and Parliament over the coming months in order to secure final
adoption of that proposal as soon as possible, thereby ensuring that
information on the situation in all Member States is available to the
public and allowing the extension of a ban to the whole EU.
[03] European Commission welcomes Israeli disengagement from Gaza and
prepares further measures to support the peace process
The European Commission welcomes the Israeli disengagement from the Gaza
Strip and Northern parts of the West Bank as a significant step towards
implementing the Quartet Roadmap. The Commission is particularly encouraged
by the close coordination and the restraint shown by Israelis and
Palestinians which attest to the courage and commitment of both sides.
[04] Mergers: Commission approves acquisition of ink manufacturer Flint by
Xsys
The European Commission has cleared under the EU Merger Regulation the
proposed acquisition of the Flint Ink Corporation of the US by Aster 2 SA
of Luxembourg, the holding company for Xsys Print Solutions. Although there
were overlaps in the companies’ activities, in particular with respect to
paste inks for publication applications, the Commission concluded that the
concentration would not significantly impede effective competition in the
EEA or any substantial part of it and has therefore approved the
concentration.
[05] Avian Influenza: Commission asks Member States to step up surveillance
The European Commission today convened in Brussels a meting of EU
veterinary experts from all Member States to discuss the avian influenza
situation in Asia and Russia (Siberia) and which steps should be taken in
order to increase vigilance against the disease spreading to the EU. The
Commission has asked the Member States to step up surveillance and will
make financing available in order to facilitate this effort. A number of
actions were agreed at the meeting, including a review of contingency plans
and increased vigilance to ensure that existing measures such as import
bans are fully enforced. However, a generalised ban on keeping poultry
outdoors was not considered proportionate to the current risk of disease
introduction through migratory birds.
[06] Autre matériel diffusé
Timeline of actions by the European Commission on avian influenza and human
flu pandemic preparedness
Conclusions of the Standing Committee on the Food Chain and Animal Health
working group meeting on Avian Influenza
Calendrier du 29 août au 4 septembre 2005-08-26
From EUROPA, the European Commission Server at http://europa.eu.int/
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