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European Commission Spokesman's Briefing for 07-10-24Midday 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 Communicationb24/10/07[01] European Commission supports a major exhibition charting 50 years of European history“It’s our history”, an exhibition set to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Treaties of Rome, opens tomorrow at Tour&Taxis in Brussels. Staged by The Museum of Europe, it tells the fascinating story about the changes that have shaped Europe from post war destruction to today’s intercultural challenges. The exhibition is supported by a € 1 million grant from the European Commission, and is part of the celebrations of the EU’s jubilee year. Open to the public until 23 March 2008, ‘It’s our history’ also neatly links the 50th anniversary celebrations with the European Year for Intercultural Dialogue 2008.[02] Commission refers Finland to the European Court of Justice a second time over tobacco for oral useThe European Commission has today decided to refer Finland to the European Court of Justice (ECJ) for a second time for failing to comply with an earlier judgement by the European Court of Justice on 18 May 2006 concerning tobacco for oral use in the Åland Islands. The Court's judgment in this case (C-343/05) confirmed Finland's failure to comply with Article 8 of Directive 2001/37/EC on the manufacture, presentation and sale of tobacco products, which prohibits the placing of tobacco for oral use on the market. The Commission will ask the Court to condemn Finland to pay a lump sum and, if Finland fails to comply before the judgment, a daily penalty. Tobacco is the single largest cause of avoidable death in the European Union, accounting for over 650.000 deaths each year. It is estimated that 25% of all cancer deaths and 15% of all deaths in the Union could be attributed to smoking. Tobacco for oral use contains particularly large quantities of carcinogenic substances.[03] Commissioner Potočnik makes his first official visit to Chile and BrazilEuropean Science and Research Commissioner, Janez Potočnik, is making his first official visit to Brazil (24-26 October) and Chile (27-30 October). The visit is an opportunity to demonstrate the EU's commitment to strengthening S&T links with South America and to building solid research partnerships to combat global challenges. In Brazil, this follows on the launch of an EU-Brazil Strategic Partnership and the recent entry into force of an EU-Brazil Science and Technology Agreement. With Chile, the EU has an established, ambitious bilateral relationship with an S&T agreement dating back to 2002. In both countries, the Commissioner will combine meetings with ministers and senior officials with visits to research projects and interaction with the business community.[04] ITER agreement enters into forceThe ITER Agreement, creating an international project to demonstrate the feasibility of fusion as an energy source, enters into force today. Involving the EU, US, India, China, South Korea, Russia, and Japan, ITER is the world's biggest scientific collaboration of its kind, representing over half of the world's population. The agreement was signed on 26 November 2006, and enters into force 30 days after the last ratification, which was by China.[05] Commissioner Piebalgs and Minister Pinho discuss future challenges ahead of the energy councilEnergy Commissioner Andris Piebalgs met today the Portuguese Minister for Economic Affairs and Energy Manuel Pinho to discuss the main energy issues of the Portuguese Presidency ahead of the energy council on 3 December. Their dialogue was focused on the third internal energy market package, the Strategic Energy Technology plan, scheduled by the end of November and the Renewables and Climate change package which will be adopted at the beginning of next year.[06] Shortlist selected for European Enterprise AwardsA 13-strong shortlist has been selected for the European Enterprise Awards 2007, which reward public initiatives supporting entrepreneurship. A high profile jury, made up of European entrepreneurs, leading business organisations, academics as well as representatives of the European Commission and the Portuguese Presidency, met in Brussels today to review 48 nominees in six categories. Final results will be announced on 6 December 2007 at a ceremony in Porto. The winners of this annual event act as role models across the regions of Europe in how to create environments where entrepreneurs and entrepreneurship can flourish.[07] State aid: Commission orders recovery of restructuring aid from Polish seamless tube producer Technologie BuczekThe European Commission has decided under EC Treaty state aid rules that Polish tube producer Technologie Buczek has misused restructuring aid it received in 2003 under special national rules for steel restructuring in Poland. Moreover, Poland has failed to recover public debts from the company, which constitute additional illegal aid. The Commission has ordered Poland to recover the unlawful aid from Technologie Buczek and two of its subsidiaries.[08] State aid: Commission launches probe into possible aid to Polish tube producers Walcownia Rur Jedność and Walcownia Rur Jedność SerwisThe European Commission has opened under EC Treaty State aid rules an in- depth investigation into restructuring aid in favour of two Polish seamless tube producers. The Commission mainly has concerns that the public capital injections into the companies at a time when they were in financial difficulties were not made on market conditions. The opening of an investigation gives interested parties a possibility to submit their comments. It does not prejudge the outcome of the procedure.[09] State aid: Commission prohibits planned subsidies for digital terrestrial TV in North Rhine-Westphalia, GermanyThe European Commission has decided that German plans to finance part of the fees commercial broadcasters pay for the transmission of their programs on the digital terrestrial television (DVB-T) network in the German Land of North Rhine-Westphalia are not compatible with the EC state aid rules. The Commission fully supports the transition from analogue to digital broadcasting. However, the proposed measures fail to identify properly the problem that requires state aid, and to choose appropriate and non- discriminatory means of funding.[10] European Commission and WFP sound alarm over humanitarian impact of climate changeLouis Michel, the European Commissioner for Development and Humanitarian Aid and Josette Sheeran, Executive Director of the World Food Programme (WFP) jointly warned that "climate change is an increasing threat to development and humanitarian relief efforts" during WFP’s Executive Board meeting today.[11] EU steps up the fight against undeclared workUndeclared work is still a problem in Europe and is undermining the EU's ability to meet its targets for more and better jobs and stronger growth, says a new European Commission report released today. It identifies the main drivers for the informal economy, sets out successful ways to reduce it and proposes a series of concrete follow-up actions at European and national levels. New figures from Eurobarometer – which has carried out the first ever Europe-wide harmonised survey on this sensitive topic – confirm the existence of a large market for undeclared work all over the EU.[12] Public consultation calls for better enforcement of existing labour lawThe European Commission presented today the results of its public consultation on adapting labour law to the present world of work. The consultation was a great success: Over 450 opinions were received from a wide range of stakeholders in EU-27 and beyond. Despite divergent views, the results highlight that labour law is central to managing the EU's workforce and to providing workers with a sense of security. Many replies underline, in particular, the need to implement existing labour legislation fully in all Member States and to reach agreement on ongoing issues such as the proposals on Temporary Agency Workers and the review of the Working Time Directive. Reactions also suggest that the national reform process under the EU's strategy for Growth and Jobs and the integrated approach to developing and implementing flexicurity-based principles is the best way forward.[13] Commissioner Joe Borg at aquaculture event in IstanbulEuropean Commissioner for Fisheries and Maritime Affairs Joe Borg tomorrow attends the Aquaculture Europe 2007 conference in Istanbul, which is for the first time organised in conjunction with a major aquaculture and fisheries fair, Future Fish Eurasia. The theme of the Aquaculture Europe conference is the competing claims between stakeholders from different sectors for the basic resources on which the aquaculture sector depends. Commissioner Borg will address the opening session of the conference, along with a number of other speakers, including Turkish Minister for Agriculture and Rural Affairs Mr Mehdi Eker. Mr Borg will explain how the new integrated European Maritime Policy will help aquaculture meet the challenges it faces by promoting an integrated and balanced approach of marine and maritime activities. Mr Borg and Minister Eker will then open the Future Fish Eurasia exhibition and tour the various stands, before holding a meeting to discuss issues of common interest. Aquaculture Europe 2007 is organised by the European Aquaculture Society (EAS), and hosted by the Turkish Federation of Aquaculture and Fisheries. Mr Borg will meet with the EAS Board, an international non-profit organisation whose core activity is the dissemination of scientific information on aquaculture. They will discuss the current state of play of EU policy on aquaculture, following a major stakeholder consultation organised this summer by the Commission. The Commission has a stand at the exhibition providing information on EU aquaculture policies.[14] Commission authorises GM maize and GM sugar beetThe European Commission today adopted Decisions authorising 3 GM maize (1507xNK603; NK603 x MON810; and 59122 Herculex RW) for feed and food use and for import and processing. In addition, a GM sugar beet (H7-1) for use as food and feed produced from it, was also authorised. All of the GMOs received positive safety assessments from EFSA and underwent the full authorisation procedure set out under EU legislation. As Member States failed to return a qualified majority decision for or against these authorisations in the Standing Committee on the Food Chain and Animal Health, and then in the Council, the dossiers were sent back to the Commission for decision. The authorisations are valid for 10 years, and any products produced from these GMOs will be subject to the EU's strict labelling and traceability rules. For more information, see: <a href="http://ec.europa.eu/food/food/biotechnology/index_en.htm">http://ec.europa.eu/food/food/biotechnology/index_en.htm[15] 50 Years of Food Safety: EU experts gather to celebrateOn Thursday 25th October, Health Commissioner Markos Kyprianou will be joined by high level food safety, plant health and animal health experts from across Europe to mark 50 years of food safety in the EU. It will be an opportunity to take stock of the achievements in EU food safety policy over the years, and exchange views on priorities for the future. The day will begin with a special meeting of the Chief Veterinary, Plant, Feed and Food Safety Officers from each Member State, at which there will be a broad discussion on the new Community Animal Health Policy, border controls and multi-annual programming in the veterinary field. On Thursday afternoon, key players (past and present) in EU food safety policy will partake in a forum debate with young EU experts, to share experiences, memories and expectations of food safety, animal health and plant health in Europe. Commissioner Kyprianou will make a closing speech at the forum, and will then present the Commission's recently published book outlining the progress of European food safety since 1957. Journalists are invited to the cocktail at which the book will be launched, at 19.00 in Hotel Crowne Plaza, Place Rogier, Brussels City Centre. On Friday 26th October, some of the participants will visit the livestock market in Ciney, to see how animal health and welfare rules are applied in practice, as well as the nearby insemination centre and "pilothèque" (DNA-based traceability centre). For more information, see:<a href="http://ec.europa.eu/food/food/50years_foodsafety_en.htm">http://ec.europa.eu/food/food/50years_foodsafety_en.htm [16] Rédiffusion[17] State aid: Commission launches in-depth investigation into unlimited state guarantee for the French post office (La Poste)The European Commission has opened the formal investigation procedure against France regarding the unlimited state guarantee provided for La Poste. La Poste benefits from this guarantee because of its status as a legal entity governed by public law, equivalent to an EPIC. The guarantee enables La Poste to obtain finance on favourable terms. Because its competitors do not enjoy the same advantage, the guarantee is likely to distort competition to an extent detrimental to the common interest, at a time when the postal sector is in the process of being liberalised. Initiating the procedure gives interested parties the opportunity to comment on the proposed measures, but does not in any way prejudge the outcome.[18] Together for Health – A Strategic Approach for the EU, 2008-2013The European Commission adopted today a Health Strategy setting out the direction for Community Health action in the years to come . The White Paper, “Together for Health – A Strategic Approach for the EU, 2008- 2013” establishes a broad cross-policy framework to respond to a wide range of health challenges in a comprehensive and coherent way. It provides for concrete new actions aiming, among other things, to strengthen European defences against health threats, to increase prevention and early diagnosis of cancer and to equip citizens with the tools they need to make informed decisions about their health. Overall, the strategy aims to help foster good health in an ageing Europe, to protect the European Union’s citizens against health threats and to support dynamic health systems.[19] Making Europe more attractive to highly skilled migrants and increasing the protection of lawfully residing and working migrants.Today the Commission adopted two legislative proposals in the area of economic migration. The first proposal aims at establishing a Framework Directive for the purpose of admission of highly qualified migrants to the EU, creating the EU Blue Card. The second proposal is a Directive establishing a single application procedure for a single residence and work permit and a common set of rights for third-country workers legally residing in a Member State.[20] Faire de la mondialisation une occasion saisir - Le programme de travail de la Commission pour 2008.La Commission européenne a adopté aujourd'hui son programme de travail pour 2008. Il en ressort que la Commission concentre ses efforts sur la production de politiques fondamentales pour l'agenda de la mondialisation: définition de priorités stratégiques essentielles que la Commission s'engage adopter en 2008 et détermination d'autres domaines qui retiendront toute l'attention de la Commission l'année prochaine.[21] Commissioner Andris Piebalgs committed to further develop energy cooperation with RussiaFollowing the EU-Russia energy dialogue meeting of 16 October 2007, which agreed on the 8th EU-Russia Energy Dialogue Progress Report, Commissioner Piebalgs is delivering a keynote speech in the "Second International Energy Week – Moscow Energy Dialogue". "It is important to develop our cooperation as this is the only way to guarantee security of supply and security of demand. This Energy Week contributes to the achievement of this goal", said the Commissioner on the occasion of this conference. Within the context of the Conference, there is also a meeting at expert level during which EC experts gave a detailed overview of the EU energy liberalisation package.[22] State aid: opening of a formal investigation procedure into possible overcompensation of Deutsche Bahn AG by the German federal states of Berlin and Brandenburg for public service contractsThe procedure concerns a public service contract concluded between Deutsche Bahn and the federal states of Berlin and Brandenburg for the period 2002- 2012. Several factors drawn to the attention of the Commission suggest that Deutsche Bahn may be receiving overcompensation for the services rendered.[23] State aid: Commission approves aid to Newquay Cornwall Airport in the UKThe European Commission adopted today a decision approving under State aid rules a number of measures providing for the public financing of infrastructure developments at Newquay Cornwall Airport in the South West of England. The redevelopment of this small regional airport is expected to cost some £44 million (€65 million) of which £19.5 million will be made up of Community funds. The remainder of the investment will come from public funding agencies in the UK and through borrowing. The Commission found the financing compatible with the common market as it allows the construction of essential infrastructure designed to achieve a clearly defined objective of general interest without leading to undue distortion of the market.[24] Aide d’État: la Commission approuve l’aide de la Grèce en faveur des infrastructures routièresLa Commission européenne a décidé aujourd'hui de ne pas soulever d'objections certaines mesures adoptées par les autorités grecques en faveur des infrastructures routières. La Commission considère que les subventions pour la construction et la rénovation de ces infrastructures routières en Grèce ne constituent pas une aide d’État.[25] Aide d’État: la Commission approuve l’aide en faveur de l’aéroport de Rzeszów Jasionka en PologneLa Commission européenne a décidé aujourd'hui de ne pas soulever d’objections au financement public du développement des infrastructures de l’aéroport régional polonais «Port Lotniczy Rzeszów Jasionka». La mesure vise améliorer les infrastructures de l’aéroport et ainsi le développement socioéconomique de toute la région de Rzeszówsko-Tarnobrzeski.[26] Autre matériel diffuséSpeech by President José Manuel Durão Barroso "Debate on the informal Council in Lisbon" at the European ParliamentSpeech by President José Manuel Durão Barroso "Opening remarks of President Barroso – Legal Immigration Speech by Olli Rehn "Turkey on the Road of Reforms" at the EP Plenary Session in Strasbourg Memo on Simplified admission procedures and common set of rights for third- country workers Memo on Attractive conditions for the admission and residence of highly qualified immigrants Memo EU steps up the fight against undeclared work Memo on 2007 European Enterprise Awards: 48 nominees for the most
entrepreneurial region in Europe
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 |
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