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European Commission Spokesman's Briefing for 07-07-12Midday Express: News from the EU Commission Spokesman's Briefings Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: EUROPA, the European Commission Server at <http://europa.eu.int>CONTENTS / CONTENU
MIDDAY EXPRESSNews from the Communication Directorate General's midday briefingNouvelles du rendez-vous de midi de la Direction Générale Communicationb12/07/07[01] SOLVIT : cinq ans de réussite dans la résolution plus efficace de problèmes concrets en EuropeDepuis sa création en 2002, le réseau SOLVIT de l'Union européenne a apporté aux citoyens qui vivent, travaillent, étudient ou font des affaires dans un autre pays de l'UE que le leur des solutions rapides et efficaces à plus de 1.800 problèmes concrets. Les difficultés surviennent lorsque les administrations nationales n'appliquent pas correctement le droit européen et ignorent les droits des citoyens et des entreprises dans le marché intérieur. SOLVIT a permis, par exemple, à une société autrichienne de vendre ses fromages en France, à un coiffeur britannique d'ouvrir un salon en Allemagne et à un médecin hongrois de travailler en Irlande. SOLVIT vise maintenant à asseoir son succès en augmentant sa capacité de traitement et en faisant connaître davantage ce service.[02] Auditing : consultation shows support for Commission action on non-EU audit firmsThe European Commission has published a summary of the responses to its recent public consultation on the regulation of non-EU audit firms (see IP/07/31). Overall, respondents support Commission action within the framework of the Directive on Statutory Audit to regulate and supervise non- EU audit firms, as well as to increase co-operation with competent authorities from non-EU countries.[03] La Commission présente sa vision sur la simplification du droit communautaire des sociétés, de la comptabilité et du contrôle des comptesLa Commission européenne a présenté des mesures qui visent à simplifier l’environnement des entreprises de l'UE en matière de droit des sociétés, de comptabilité et de contrôle des comptes. Les mesures proposées, qui sont présentées dans une communication, supprimeraient ou réduiraient une série d'exigences administratives considérées comme dépassées ou excessives. Toutes les parties intéressées sont invitées à commenter les propositions d'ici à la mi-octobre 2007.[04] Accounting : Commission report shows progress on standards convergence in key partner countriesThe European Commission has published a report on the work underway in Canada, Japan and the United States on convergence between their national Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAPs) and the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) used in the EU. The report also contains some preliminary information on convergence work in other important jurisdictions. Under EU accounting rules the Commission is required to inform the European Parliament and European Securities Committee regularly about the progress on convergence and of progress on the elimination of reconciliation requirements that apply to EU issuers.[05] Erasmus Mundus II – la référence pour la coopération internationale dans l'enseignement supérieurLa Commission européenne a adopté aujourd'hui une proposition concernant le lancement de la nouvelle mouture du programme Erasmus Mundus, pour la période 2009-2013. Entamé en 2004, Erasmus Mundus avait pour objectif de promouvoir l'enseignement supérieur européen en tant que centre d'excellence dans le monde. Au cours des trois premières années universitaires (2004-2006), plus de 2.300 étudiants ont participé au programme et plus de 1.800 viennent juste d'être sélectionnés pour commencer des études en Europe cette année, en septembre. Le nouveau programme Erasmus Mundus II entend prolonger cette action et devenir le programme de référence de l'UE pour la coopération avec les pays tiers dans ce domaine. Durant cinq ans, un peu plus de €950 millions seront dégagés pour que les universités européennes et celles des pays tiers unissent leurs forces au sein de programmes d'études communs ou de partenariats, et pour que des Européens ou des ressortissants de pays tiers bénéficient de bourses pour étudier à l'étranger.[06] Equipping Europe's schools for the 21st century : Commission begins a public consultationToday the European Commission is launching a public consultation entitled "Schools for the 21st Century". Based on eight key questions, the consultation seeks views about the development and modernisation of school education in the Member States. The objective is to identify those areas where joint action at the European Union level could effectively support the Member States in their own school modernisation efforts. The consultation will be available in all official languages and is open to stakeholders and the general public, including teachers', parents' and pupils' associations. It will be open until 15 October 2007.[07] Environnement : la nouvelle réglementation UE sur les transferts de déchets entre en vigueur aujourd'huiLe nouveau règlement sur les transferts transfrontaliers de déchets, qui s'applique à compter d'aujourd'hui, vise à assurer la bonne gestion des déchets entre le moment de leur chargement et celui de leur élimination ou valorisation à destination. Pour atteindre ces objectifs, le règlement renforce et clarifie le cadre juridique actuel applicable au transfert de déchets à l'intérieur de la Communauté et en provenance et à destination des pays non-communautaires. Le règlement – qui a été adopté l'année dernière mais qui ne s'applique qu'à compter du 12 juillet 2007 – interdit également l'exportation de déchets dangereux vers certains pays ou leur élimination dans ces pays.[08] Commission endorses two new Dutch film fundsThe European Commission has endorsed under EC Treaty state aid rules two new funds in The Netherlands for supporting cinema films. The funds with a total budget of €162 million are available in the form of direct grants for the production and the release in cinemas of feature films of cultural value that contribute to the diversity of films in The Netherlands. The Commission's investigation found that the schemes were compatible with the criteria set out in its 2001 Communication on state aid for cinema and audiovisual works (see IP/01/1326). The schemes have been approved until 1 July 2013.[09] La Commission approuve des aides d'Etat d'un montant de €12 millions destinées à des producteurs slovènes de bois sous réserve de la mise en oeuvre de leurs plans de restructurationLa Commission européenne a autorisé, en vertu des règles du traité CE régissant les aides d'Etat, des aides à la restructuration d'un montant de €6 millions chacune en faveur de Javor Pivka et Novoles Straža, deux entreprises slovènes fabriquant des produits semi finis en bois et des meubles. En mai 2006, la Commission avait ouvert une enquête approfondie afin de vérifier si les aides d'Etat accordées à ces deux entreprises étaient compatibles avec les règles du traité CE régissant les aides d'Etat (IP/06/637). L'autorisation est subordonnée à la mise en oeuvre des plans de restructuration présentés par ces entreprises.[10] Commission endorses €47 million investment aid to Hungarian company Mátrai Erőmű ZrtThe European Commission has authorised under the EC Treaty state aid rules investment aid worth €47 million to Mátrai Erőmű Zrt The aid takes the form of a tax relief for the extension of an existing plant generating electricity in Heves, Hungary. The total costs of the new investment amount to approximately €669 million.[11] Commission clears acquisition of EMI by Terra FirmaThe European Commission has granted clearance under the EU Merger Regulation to the acquisition of sole control of EMI group plc (EMI) of the UK by Terra Firma Group of Guernsey, the Channel Islands. Terra Firma is an investment fund company. EMI is active in music recording and music publishing. The operation was examined under the simplified merger review procedure.[12] Telecoms : regulatory supervision delivers results but a truly single market is still far awayAlthough the EU's Telecom Rules have led to significant benefits for citizens and enterprises alike, important challenges remain for national and European regulators, says a report published by the European Commission today. The report presents the results of 600 draft regulatory decisions sent to the Commission by National Regulatory Authorities. The Commission's review mechanism of national regulatory decisions, an important part of the EU Telecom Rules, has led to more coherent market analyses, greater transparency and has ensured that regulation only exists in markets which need it to be competitive. However, the Commission's report also found that, in a number of cases, the solutions which national regulators impose in order to remedy a lack of competition vary, leading to the risk of a fragmentation of the internal telecoms market to the detriment of consumers and operators with pan-European business activities.[13] L'UE réduit les formalités administratives à une vitesse record : gain de temps et d'argent pour les petites entreprisesLes sociétés anonymes ne devront plus faire réaliser des rapports d'experts coûteux en cas de fusion ou de scission, sauf si les actionnaires le demandent. Au terme d'une procédure accélérée de trois mois, le Parlement européen a approuvé le 11 juillet une proposition de la Commission européenne visant à supprimer des charges administratives inutiles pesant sur les petites entreprises. La proposition fait partie d'un ensemble de dix actions rapides présentées par la Commission il y a à peine quelques mois pour réduire les formalités administratives (voir IP/07/294) et attend maintenant l'accord des Etats membres. Cet ensemble de mesures constitue le premier exemple de propositions de réduction pure, en ce qui concerne notamment les obligations d'information, approuvées par le biais d'une procédure efficace et rapide des législateurs.[14] European Group on Ethics gives their opinion on the ethics review of projects using human embryonic stem cells funded from the 7th Research Framework ProgrammeThe European Group on Ethics (EGE) has delivered its most recent opinion to European Commission President José Manuel Barroso, looking at the issues of ethics reviews of research projects using human embryonic stem cells - hESC. The opinion was based on the Council and Parliament Decision that sets up the programme. The EGE recognised the need to promote responsible research that is transparent, serves the public interest, respects Member States' autonomy, preserves public trust, promotes international cooperation and requires the embedding of ethics within research practice. The Group suggested that, among others, the following considerations have to apply to hESC funded by the EU: 1) FP7 hESC lines have to result from non-implanted IVF embryos; 2) hESC lines banked in the European Registry should be used where possible; 3) If alternatives to hESC with the same scientific potential as embryo-derived stem cells will be found in the future, their use should be maximised; 4) Donors' rights (in terms of health, informed consent, data protection and free donation) have to be protected and safeguarded; 5) actions to stimulate public debate on this research area are needed at EU level. The EGE's opinion can be found at <a href="http://ec.europa.eu/european_group_ethics/index_en.htm">http://ec.europa.eu/european_group_ethics/index_en.htm.For information on the policy on human embryonic stem cells in the 7th Research Framework Programme: MEMO/07/122 [15] Selon Danuta Hübner, les fonds communautaires devraient stimuler la croissance, la productivité et l'emploi en RoumanieLa commissaire européenne chargée de la politique régionale, Danuta Hübner, se rendra dans la région de Bucarest et à Sibiu, en Roumanie centrale, les 12 et 13 juillet. Elle signera officiellement, en compagnie du Premier ministre Călin Popescu-Tăriceanu, le cadre de référence stratégique national (CRSN) de la Roumanie, que la Commission a adopté le 25 juin. Ce document expose la manière dont la Roumanie investira les €19 milliards alloués au titre de la politique de cohésion pour 2007- 2013. La Commission mise sur un rôle important des fonds dans l'amélioration de la compétitivité et du développement des régions de Roumanie, ainsi que dans le relèvement de la qualité de vie des citoyens du pays.[16] Commission to decide on Cyprus national allocation plan and amendments on five othersOn Friday 13 July 2007, the European Commission is scheduled to take its decision on the national allocation plan submitted by Cyprus under Directive 2003/87/EC, which establishes the EU emissions trading scheme for greenhouse gases. The Commission will also take a decision regarding the proposed amendments to the allocation plans of Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg and Sweden. The decisions will be communicated at 17hrs Central European Summer Time (CEST) via an esPRESSo.The announcement will also be displayed simultaneously on both the href="http://europa.eu.int/rapid/">http://europa.eu.int/rapid/ and the DG Environment websites at: <a href="http://ec.europa.eu/environment/climat/emission.htm">http://ec.europa.eu/environment/climat/emission.htm and <a href="http://ec.europa.eu/environment/climat/2nd_phase_ep.htm">http://ec.europa.eu/environment/climat/2nd_phase_ep.htm. [17] Industrial production up by 0.9% in euro area - Up by 0.7% in EU27Seasonally adjusted industrial production increased by 0.9% in the euro area (EA13) in May 2007 compared with April 2007. Production fell by 0.7% in April and grew by 0.6% in March. In the EU27 output rose by 0.7% in May, after a decrease of 0.4% in April and an increase of 0.5% in March. In May 2007 compared with May 2006, industrial production rose by 2.5% in the euro area and by 2.7% in the EU27. These estimates are released by Eurostat.[18] Le PIB de la zone euro et celui de l'UE27 en hausse de 0,7% - +3,1% et +3,3% respectivement par rapport au premier trimestre 2006Au cours du premier trimestre 2007, le PIB de la zone euro (ZE13) et celui de l'UE27 ont augmenté de 0,7% par rapport au trimestre précédent, selon les estimations révisées publiées par Eurostat. Au cours du quatrième trimestre 2006, les taux de croissance avaient été de +0,9% tant dans la zone euro que dans l'UE27. En comparaison avec le même trimestre de l'année précédente, le PIB de la zone euro a augmenté au premier trimestre 2007 de 3,1% et celui de l'UE27 de 3,3% après respectivement +3,3% et +3,5% au cours du trimestre précédent. Au cours du premier trimestre 2007 et parmi les Etats membres pour lesquels les données du PIB, corrigées des variations saisonnières, sont disponibles, l'Irlande (+4,7%) a enregistré le plus fort taux de croissance, suivie de la Grèce (+3,2%), la Lettonie (+2,6%), la Slovaquie (+2,4%), l'Estonie et la Lituanie (+2,3% chacun).[19] Call for tender for a study on the impact of climate change on European forestsThe European Commission has launched a call for tender for a study on the impact of climate change on European forests and options for adaptation. The study should improve the Commission understanding of the potential implications of the climate change process for the EU forestry, and of their possibilities to adapt to its impacts in order to minimise the potential negative effects. The aim of the study is twofold : (1) to provide a science-based overview of current knowledge on observed and projected effects of climate change on forests in different geographical areas of the European Union ; and (2) to identify options for forests and forestry to adapt to climate change and reduce the vulnerability in view of the expected effects. The maximum budget attributed to this study is €100, 000. The deadline for submitting offers expires on 20 September 2007. The Commission intends to award the contract before the end of 2007, following the evaluation of the offers received. The contractor will have to carry out the study within 11 months from the signature of the contract. For details, see:<a href="http://ec.europa.eu/dgs/agriculture/tenderdocs/2007/159969/index_en.htm">http://ec.europa.eu/dgs/agriculture/tenderdocs/2007/159969/index_en.htm [20] Call for tender for a study on the impacts of modulationThe European Commission launched a call for tender for a study on the economic, social and environmental impact of modulation. The mechanism of compulsory modulation was introduced by the reform of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) of 2003 in order to achieve a better balance of support between market policy and rural development and to increase the potential for long term sustainability of agriculture and rural development. It implies a reduction of direct payments applied to farmers (first Pillar) and a transfer of the budgetary resources released to rural development measures (second Pillar). The study will provide a quantitative and qualitative assessment of the impacts of modulation, including the economic and social performance, environmental outcomes, effects on competitiveness, and implications for community and national budgets. The maximum budget attributed to this study is €600,000. The deadline for submitting offers expires on 10 September 2007. The Commission intends to award the contract before the end of 2007, following the evaluation of the offers received. The contractor will have to carry out the study within 9 months from the signature of the contract. For more information on the call for tender, see:<a href="http://ec.europa.eu/dgs/agriculture/tenderdocs/2007/159967/index_en.htm">http://ec.europa.eu/dgs/agriculture/tenderdocs/2007/159967/index_en.htm [21] Call for tender for an evaluation study on producer organisations in the fruits and vegetables sectorThe European Commission launches a call for tender for an evaluation of measures regarding producer organisations in the fruits and vegetables sector. The producer organisations have been part of the Common Market Organisation in fruit and vegetables since its creation. They are meant to contribute to the concentration of supply, to strengthening the position of the fruit and vegetable producers on the market, and to improving the competitiveness of the fruit and vegetable sector. The evaluation will examine to what extent these key objectives have been achieved, as well as the effectiveness and efficiency of the operational programmes established by producer organisations. This evaluation study is part of the pluri- annual evaluation programme of CAP measures. The maximum budget attributed to this evaluation study is €400,000. The deadline for submitting offers expires on 17 September 2007. The Commission intends to award the contract before the end of 2007, following the evaluation of the offers received. The contractor will have to carry out the evaluation study within 11 months from the signature of the contract. For more information on the call for tender, see:<a href="http://ec.europa.eu/dgs/agriculture/tenderdocs/2007/159968/index_en.htm">http://ec.europa.eu/dgs/agriculture/tenderdocs/2007/159968/index_en.htm [22] Autre matériel diffuséIntroductory remarks by Charlie McCreevy at his press conference on SOLVITErasmus Mundus II : a new boost for the EU's reference programme for cooperation with third countries in the field of higher education - FAQ "Erasmus Mundus - External Cooperation Window" student and academic staff exchange cooperation between Europe and Partner Countries Electronic communications: the Article 7 procedure and the role of the Commission - Frequently Asked Questions Speech by Olli Rehn on Erik Meijer's EP report on the progress in the former Yugoslav Republic Of Macedonia (11/07, Strasbourg) Speech by Olli Rehn on "Future Agreement on Kosovo" at European Parliament
(11/07, Strasbourg)
From EUROPA, the European Commission Server at http://europa.eu.int/ Midday Express: News from the EU Commission Spokesman's Briefings Directory - Previous Article - Next Article |