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European Commission Spokesman's Briefing for 06-06-06
From: EUROPA, the European Commission Server at <http://europa.eu.int>
CONTENTS / CONTENU
[01] "Common Visa Application Centres" and introduction of biometrics in
Visa Information System (VIS) will reinforce internal security and
facilitate legitimate travelling to EU
[02] "Common Visa Application Centres" and introduction of biometrics in
Visa Information System (VIS) will reinforce internal security and
facilitate legitimate travelling to EU
[03] Markos Kyprianou welcomes agreement on revision of food additives and
sweeteners legislation
[04] European countries are joining a European-wide Campaign against
Climate Change.
[05] Vingt-quatre États membres sont d’ores et déj parties
l’accord relatif la lutte contre la contrebande conclu entre PMI, la
Communauté européenne et les États membres
[06] Fostering the competitiveness of Europe's ICT industry: Commission
launches Task Force
[07] Meeting between Vice President Margot Wallström and The European
Ombudsman Nikiforos Diamandouros with the European Commission coordinators
[08] Euro-Mediterranean Conference to discuss the economic benefits of the
European Neighbourhood Policy
[09] Rédiffusion
[10] Mergers: Commission approves acquisition of Arcelor by Mittal, subject
to conditions
[11] Mergers: Commission authorises creation of joint venture for lactose
between Campina and Fonterra
[12] Mergers: Commission clears takeover of bearing manufacturer SNFA by
competitor SKF
[13] Mergers: Commission clears acquisition of UPC Sweden by
Providence/Carlyle
[14] Un groupe haut niveau recommande des mesures urgentes pour la mise
en place d'un système énergétique européen la fois compétitif et
durable
[15] Influenza: Commissioner Kyprianou regrets failure to agree on EU anti-
viral stockpile
[16] Classical Swine Fever in Germany: measures eased slightlyA
draft Commission Decision modifying certain measures in place due to
classical swine fever in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, over the past few
months (see IP/06/589) was backed by the Standing Committee on the Food
Chain and Animal Health today. The Committee agreed that pigs from the
surveillance zone established around the most recent outbreaks in Borken
may be moved to empty farms in the protection zone, subject to certain
conditions. This is for animal welfare reasons, to avoid overcrowding on
the farms in the surveillance zone, to which a movement standstill applies.
Before movement of pigs from the surveillance zone to a farm in the
protection zone, the holding of destination must be have been empty and
thoroughly cleansed for at least 21 days, it must be situated at least 10km
away from the national border, the pigs must undergo a veterinary test
prior to departure, and they cannot be moved once they arrive on the farm,
unless for slaughter. In Detmold and Köln (territories in North Rhine
Westphalia most distant from the surveillance zone) measures have been
lifted, so that these areas will now subject to the same conditions as the
rest of Germany outside North Rhine-Westphalia. In Münster, Arnsberg and
Dusseldorf, two zones are established: one (the Northen part surrounding
the previous outbreaks) from which movement of pigs to other parts of
Germany will not be allowed and the other one in the Southern part from
which these movements will be allowed subject to certain conditions. The
Decision will apply until 31 July 2006, subject to review if new
developments occur. However, from 30 June 2006 on, only certain restrictive
measures on the movement of pigs in the surveillance zone in Borken will
remain in place for a limited period.
[17] Avian Influenza : import ban on all Romanian poultry and poultry
products
[18] Autre matériel diffusé
Midday Express of 2006-06-06
Reference: MEX/06/0606
Date: 06/06/2006
EXME06 / 6.6
MIDDAY EXPRESS
News from the Communication Directorate General's midday briefing
Nouvelles du rendez-vous de midi de la Direction Générale Communicationb
06/06/06
[01] "Common Visa Application Centres" and introduction of biometrics in
Visa Information System (VIS) will reinforce internal security and
facilitate legitimate travelling to EU
The European Commission adopted on 2 June a proposal for a Regulation
introducing biometric identifiers in the Visa Information System (VIS).
This proposal also includes different options allowing Member States to
jointly organise the reception and processing of visa applications.
[02] "Common Visa Application Centres" and introduction of biometrics in
Visa Information System (VIS) will reinforce internal security and
facilitate legitimate travelling to EU
The European Commission adopted on 2 June a proposal for a Regulation
introducing biometric identifiers in the Visa Information System (VIS).
This proposal also includes different options allowing Member States to
jointly organise the reception and processing of visa applications.
[03] Markos Kyprianou welcomes agreement on revision of food additives and
sweeteners legislation
The European Commissioner for Health and Consumer Protection, Markos
Kyprianou, has welcomed the agreement at Health Council on 2 June to amend
two EU Directives on food additives and sweeteners. The proposed amendments
include stricter requirements for nitrites and nitrates in meat, in line
with a Court of Justice ruling and a European Food Safety Authority opinion
on the levels of these substances which can be considered safe in meat.
This proposal also allows the use of seven new food additives and extends
the permitted uses of certain other additives. These changes to the current
legislation for food additives and sweeteners will ensure the better
functioning of the internal market, and maintain a high level of food
safety and consumer protection.
[04] European countries are joining a European-wide Campaign against
Climate Change.
Over the last few days, countries across Europe have been joining in the
European Commission’s campaign against climate change. The campaign
entitled “You Control Climate Change” reaches out to people to convince
them that small changes in their daily routine can help significantly in
the fight against climate change. The EU, which has been leading the fight
against climate change, has been urging the US and other major polluting
countries to make commitments to reduce the level of greenhouse gases.
“Climate change is the biggest environmental challenge that the planet
faces. We cannot afford losing the battle against climate change. We need
to engage all actors: we need global commitment, strong EU legislation
targeting all major polluters, and we need citizens to do their bit by
changing habits - turn down, recycle, walk...”, said European
Commissioner Stavros Dimas on the occasion.
http://ec.europa.eu/environment/index_en.htm
<a href="http://europa.eu/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=IP/06/684&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en">http://europa.eu/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=IP/06/684&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en
[05] Vingt-quatre États membres sont d’ores et déj parties
l’accord relatif la lutte contre la contrebande conclu entre PMI, la
Communauté européenne et les États membres
Depuis juillet 2004, quatorze États membres ont rejoint la Communauté
européenne et les dix États membres initiaux dans leur lutte contre la
contrebande de cigarettes et ont signé l’accord relatif la lutte
contre la contrebande et la contrefaçon avec Philip Morris International,
Inc, faisant passer le nombre total de pays signataires vingt-quatre. Cet
important accord qui met en place une coopération substantiellement
renforcée différents niveaux de la lutte contre le commerce illégal de
cigarettes, s'est avéré être d’une grande efficacité.
[06] Fostering the competitiveness of Europe's ICT industry: Commission
launches Task Force
The information and communication technology (ICT) sector is a key
contributor to growth in the EU. Meeting for the first time today, the new
Task Force – launched by the European Commission – will tackle barriers
to competition and the competitiveness of the ICT sector. Today’s meeting
kicks off a 5-month debate on challenges to ICT producers and users, in
particular on the challenges and opportunities created by the convergence
of digital networks, content and devices. It will identify major obstacles
for competitiveness of Europe’s ICT industry and for the completion of
the internal market for this sector. The Task Force will recommend possible
policy responses. It will deliver its report to the Commission by the end
of the year. The ICT Task Force is composed of high-level representatives
of the ICT industry and of civil society. This is one of several Commission
initiatives that aim to help create a more favourable environment for
business in the EU.
[07] Meeting between Vice President Margot Wallström and The European
Ombudsman Nikiforos Diamandouros with the European Commission coordinators
Today, European Commission Vice-President Margot Wallström, responsible
for Institutional Relations and Communication Strategy and European
Ombudsman Mr. Diamandouros met the network of civil servants, who in
various Directorates General at the Commission, follow the Ombudsman’s
enquiries. The purpose of the meeting is to achieve greater transparency in
the Commission’s work and enhance its capacity to listen to citizens’
complaints. The new procedure adopted by the Commission last October gives
stronger political ownership of the Ombudsman’s enquiries, with each
Commissioner now signing replies to the Ombudsman in the name and under the
authority of the whole Commission. The meeting also provided an opportunity
to review the relations between the Commission and the Ombudsman and
examine how the commitments entered into at the meeting between the
Ombudsman and the College of Commissioners on 25 May 2005 were followed up,
especially as regards the possibility of reaching friendly solutions more
frequently in the disputes between complainants and the Commission. The
Ombudsman plays an active role as an external control mechanism to
guarantee the right of citizens to good administration on the part of
European institutions, and also as a resource at the disposal of the EU
administration to set up structures based on a culture of service and
respect of human rights and the rule of law. The Commission and the
Ombudsman have decided to organize joint initiatives on a more regular
basis, particularly a meeting with Directors General and Heads of service
and another meeting between the Ombudsman and the College of Commissioners
to review progress.
[08] Euro-Mediterranean Conference to discuss the economic benefits of the
European Neighbourhood Policy
The 10th annual Euro-Mediterranean Economic Transition Conference “Giving
the Neighbours a stake in the EU Internal Market” takes place in Brussels
on 6-7 June. This year conference deals with the economic aspects of the
European Neighbourhood Policy, the potential benefits that neighbours can
derive from gradual participation in the EU internal market and from trade
liberalisation in services. Over two days, more than 300 economic policy
makers, researchers, private sector representatives and media from the
EU’s Mediterranean Partners countries, together with representatives of
the Eastern Neighbourhood countries, will focus on specific aspects of the
internal market and their potential applications and benefits for them.
Discussions will focus on clarifying what is meant by “a stake in the EU
Internal Market”, enhancing awareness of the potential benefits of that
“stake” and explaining how this articulates with economic policies
under the Euro-Mediterranean Association Agreements and the Barcelona
Process. Commissioner Ferrero-Waldner will deliver the opening address.
[09] Rédiffusion
[10] Mergers: Commission approves acquisition of Arcelor by Mittal, subject
to conditions
The European Commission has cleared under the EU Merger Regulation the
proposed acquisition of the company Arcelor S.A. (Luxembourg) by the Mittal
Steel Company N.V. (The Netherlands), subject to conditions. Both companies
are major steel producers. The Commission has found that the proposed
transaction would not give rise to competition concerns in the EEA markets
for most steel products, except for heavy section beams, a specific type of
long carbon steel product. However, Mittal offered remedies that would
remove the concerns identified by the Commission. In the light of the
remedies submitted, the Commission has concluded that the transaction would
not significantly impede effective competition in the European Economic
Area (EEA) or a significant part of it.
[11] Mergers: Commission authorises creation of joint venture for lactose
between Campina and Fonterra
The European Commission has cleared under the EU Merger Regulation the
proposed joint venture between Campina of The Netherlands and Fonterra of
New Zealand, both active in dairy products. Campina and Fonterra will
combine their respective pharmaceutical and fine chemical lactose
activities. The Commission concluded that the proposed transaction would
not significantly impede effective competition in the European Economic
Area (“EEA”) or a substantial part of it.
[12] Mergers: Commission clears takeover of bearing manufacturer SNFA by
competitor SKF
The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the
proposed acquisition by Sweden-based Aktiebolaget Svenska Kullagerfabriken
(“SKF”) of French company SNFA S.A.S. (“SNFA”). Both companies
manufacture anti-friction bearings. As the combined entity will continue to
face strong competition from major bearing manufacturers, the Commission
concluded that the transaction would not significantly impede effective
competition in the European Economic Area (EEA) or any significant part of
it.
[13] Mergers: Commission clears acquisition of UPC Sweden by
Providence/Carlyle
The European Commission has cleared under the EU Merger Regulation the
proposed acquisition of NBS Nordic Broadband Services AB (UPC Sweden) by
private investment firms Carlyle Europe Partners II L. P. (“Carlyle”)
and Providence Equity Offshore Partners V LP (“Providence”). The
Commission has concluded that the operation would not result in a
significant impediment to effective competition in the EEA, or any
substantial part of it.
[14] Un groupe haut niveau recommande des mesures urgentes pour la mise
en place d'un système énergétique européen la fois compétitif et
durable
Le groupe haut niveau (GHN) sur la compétitivité, l’énergie et
l’environnement a adopté aujourd’hui son premier rapport qui contient
un certain nombre de recommandations concrètes concernant des questions
urgentes comme l’amélioration et la mise en œuvre du cadre
réglementaire européen dans le domaine de l’énergie, l’utilisation
plus rationnelle des ressources par les industries forte intensité
énergétique, l’efficacité énergétique ou le fonctionnement et la
révision du système communautaire d’échange des quotas d’émission.
Composé de représentants haut niveau des parties intéressées, le GHN
s’attache renforcer la cohérence entre les initiatives politiques et
législatives et contribue la mise en place d’un cadre réglementaire
plus stable, plus prévisible et plus concurrentiel (voir IP/06/244 et
IP/06/226). La Commission estime que seule une approche globale de toutes
les composantes de la chaîne énergétique et des trois objectifs que sont
la sécurité de l’approvisionnement énergétique, la
protection de l’environnement et le maintien de la compétitivité peut
produire des effets positifs durables ainsi qu’elle l’a suggéré dans
son récent Livre vert sur l’énergie. Les recommandations du GHN
contribueront atteindre cet objectif.
[15] Influenza: Commissioner Kyprianou regrets failure to agree on EU anti-
viral stockpile
Markos Kyprianou, European Commissioner for Health and Consumer Protection,
has expressed his regret that EU Health Ministers today failed to agree to
proceed with the creation of a European strategic stockpile of anti-virals
against influenza. The possibility of a stockpile had been discussed as
part of the overall EU pandemic preparedness measures. It would have served
as a pool of anti-virals which could have been re-distributed according to
need should pandemic influenza occur in Europe. Following months of
discussion with Member State health experts on the issue, the Commission
today put forward a concept paper which set out the basic purpose and
principles of the stockpile. The aim was not that it would substitute
national stockpiles, which must continue to be compiled by every Member
State, but to have it as an additional and complementary resource.
Commissioner Kyprianou said "I very much regret that Member States have
failed to agree with the idea of establishing an EU strategic stockpile of
antivirals. The Commission has put a lot of effort into working on this
idea and how it would operate in practice, and it is my view that such a
stockpile could have given us reinforced defences throughout the EU,
particularly in the early stages of a pandemic. Today’s debate showed
there was no agreement on the development of such a measure and it means
that it is even more important that Member States make every effort to
build up their own anti-viral stockpiles. The responsibility now lies fully
with national authorities to ensure that there are sufficient resources, at
the very least for the most vulnerable, in the case of a pandemic."
[16] Classical Swine Fever in Germany: measures eased slightlyA
draft Commission Decision modifying certain measures in place due to
classical swine fever in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, over the past few
months (see IP/06/589) was backed by the Standing Committee on the Food
Chain and Animal Health today. The Committee agreed that pigs from the
surveillance zone established around the most recent outbreaks in Borken
may be moved to empty farms in the protection zone, subject to certain
conditions. This is for animal welfare reasons, to avoid overcrowding on
the farms in the surveillance zone, to which a movement standstill applies.
Before movement of pigs from the surveillance zone to a farm in the
protection zone, the holding of destination must be have been empty and
thoroughly cleansed for at least 21 days, it must be situated at least 10km
away from the national border, the pigs must undergo a veterinary test
prior to departure, and they cannot be moved once they arrive on the farm,
unless for slaughter. In Detmold and Köln (territories in North Rhine
Westphalia most distant from the surveillance zone) measures have been
lifted, so that these areas will now subject to the same conditions as the
rest of Germany outside North Rhine-Westphalia. In Münster, Arnsberg and
Dusseldorf, two zones are established: one (the Northen part surrounding
the previous outbreaks) from which movement of pigs to other parts of
Germany will not be allowed and the other one in the Southern part from
which these movements will be allowed subject to certain conditions. The
Decision will apply until 31 July 2006, subject to review if new
developments occur. However, from 30 June 2006 on, only certain restrictive
measures on the movement of pigs in the surveillance zone in Borken will
remain in place for a limited period.
[17] Avian Influenza : import ban on all Romanian poultry and poultry
products
A draft European Commission proposal to extend the import ban on Romanian
live poultry and poultry products to cover the whole country has been
endorsed by the Standing Committee on the Food Chain and Animal Health on 2
June. The proposal was put forward on the basis that the highly pathogenic
H5N1 virus has been spreading rapidly in Romania since avian influenza
began re-occurring in the country in mid-May. During the meeting the
Romanian authorities gave an extensive overview on the avian influenza
situation in their country and the measures they have undertaken to contain
the disease, including an overview of the diagnostic procedures in place in
their avian influenza laboratories. The Romanian authorities have notified
an outbreak outside the area currently under restriction, from where
imports of poultry and poultry products are already banned by the EU (see
IP/06/590). Romania is applying stringent eradication and control measures
in the affected counties and supplementary biosecurity measures are in
force in all 42 Romanian counties. However, outbreaks are still being
detected and the situation is being closely monitored by the Commission.
The measures in place will be reviewed at the meeting of the Standing
Committee on the Food Chain and Animal Health in July 2006.
[18] Autre matériel diffusé
« Common Visa Application Centres and the introduction of biometrics
in the Visa Information System (VIS)
<!-- PRV_REF ID="MEMO|06/229|0|EN" -->ECOFIN Council of 6 and 7 June
From EUROPA, the European Commission Server at http://europa.eu.int/
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