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European Commission Spokesman's Briefing for 07-12-04Midday 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 Communicationb04/12/07[01] New Forum launched to promote philanthropic support for researchThe European Commission is today announcing the creation of a new Forum to increase philanthropic contributions for research. The idea of such a Forum was raised by a group of experts asked by the Commission to make recommendations as to how Europe should go about making better use of charitable and private donations to advance research. The European Forum on Philanthropy and Research Funding will be initially established for a period of three years and will examine issues such as: the research funding policies of existing philanthropic organisation; legal, fiscal and regulatory issues; and governance and ethical issues.[02] Bring the peoples of Europe ‘Together in diversity!’ Campaign launch of the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue 2008On 4 December 2007, the European Commission is launching the communication campaign for the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue 2008 with the slogan 'Together in Diversity'. The event also sees the inauguration of the website www.dialogue2008.eu. The European Commissioner for Education, Culture, Training and Youth, Ján Figel’, will be joined by 'European Ambassadors for Intercultural Dialogue', famous personalities of the cultural scene in Europe and beyond. The event will be animated by the presence of Brussels school pupils from a variety of ethnic backgrounds as a joint expression of the benefits of diversity on the eve of 2008.[03] Danuta Hübner donne le coup d'envoi la nouvelle politique régionale européenne dans le Languedoc-RoussillonLe 4 décembre, la Commissaire européenne la politique régionale Danuta Hübner est en visite dans la région Languedoc-Roussillon, dans le sud de la France. Ce sera l'occasion de lancer officiellement le programme de cette région dans le cadre de la politique de cohésion 2007-2013. Il conduira un investissement principalement orienté vers l'innovation et l'environnement, des domaines clés pour la région.[04] Mergers: Commission approves proposed acquisition of PPF's insurance business by GeneraliThe European Commission has cleared, under the EU Merger Regulation, the proposed acquisition of the insurance business of the Czech PPF Group N.V. by Assicurazioni Generali SpA of Italy. After examining the operation, the Commission concluded that the transaction would not significantly impede competition in the European Economic Area (EEA) or any substantial part of it.[05] Three in four EU citizens welcome dialogue with other culturesAlmost three quarters of EU citizens (72%) believe that people with a different background (ethnic, religious or national) enrich the cultural life of their country; a quarter (23%) of citizens disagree with that idea, according to a Flash Eurobarometer survey commissioned by the European Commission. Respondents were asked about the patterns of their interaction with people of different cultures, about their general attitude towards cultural diversity and, specifically, about the upcoming European Year of Intercultural Dialogue 2008.[06] The European Commission appoints Heads of Representation in Bulgaria and RomaniaThe Commission has today launched the procedure to appoint two new Heads of Representation – Mr. Niculae Idu for Romania and Mrs. Zinaida Zlatanova for Bulgaria. The appointments will be finalised after the acceptance of the offer by the candidates and the completion of the required medical check-up.[07] Mergers: Commission approves proposed acquisition of Andrew Corporation by CommScopeThe European Commission has cleared under the EU Merger Regulation the proposed acquisition of the US-based telecommunications equipment manufacturer Andrew Corporation by the US-based coaxial cable manufacturer CommScope. The Commission concluded that the transaction would not significantly impede effective competition in the European Economic Area (EEA) or any substantial part of it.[08] Commissioner Kuneva holds "Have a safe Christmas" web-chatOn 5 December 2007, from 17:00 to 19:00, European Consumer Affairs Commissioner Meglena Kuneva will launch her first webchat "Have a safe Christmas." Web surfers will have the chance to discuss product, and in particular toy safety on-line with Commissioner Kuneva. They will access the chat through Mrs Kuneva's website, by clicking on the "Your Space" button: <a href="http://ec.europa.eu/commission_barroso/kuneva/index_en.htm">http://ec.europa.eu/commission_barroso/kuneva/index_en.htm[09] La Communauté européenne renforce ses relations avec les Émirats arabes unis dans le domaine de l'aviationL’UE et les Émirats arabes unis ont signé un accord dans le domaine de l’aviation qui autorise les compagnies aériennes de l’UE effectuer des vols entre les Émirats arabes unis et n’importe quel État membre de l’UE. L’accord supprime les restrictions liées la nationalité prévues par les accords bilatéraux en matière de services aériens et permet donc toute compagnie aérienne de l’UE d’exploiter des services aériens entre tout État membre de l’UE où elle est établie et les Émirats arabes unis. Il officialise l'existence du marché unique européen du transport aérien dans les relations entre l'UE et les Émirats arables unis.[10] Mergers: Commission approves proposed acquisition of BSG Group's wireless business by SyniverseThe European Commission has cleared under the EU Merger Regulation the proposed acquisition of the BSG Group's wireless business, providing data and financial clearing services to wireless telecommunication companies around the world, by the US technology group Syniverse. The Commission's in- depth investigation, opened in July 2007 (see IP/07/1059), has shown that the acquisition would be unlikely to result in competition concerns in the market for the provision of GSM roaming data clearing services. The Commission has therefore concluded that the proposed transaction would not significantly impede effective competition in the European Economic Area (EEA) or a significant part of it.[11] Industrial producer prices up by 0.6% in euro areaIn October 2007 compared with September 2007, the industrial producer price index rose by 0.6% in the euro area (EA13), and by 0.9% in the EU27. In September, prices increased by 0.4% and 0.5% respectively.In October 2007 compared with October 2006, industrial producer prices gained 3.3% in the euro area and 3.5% in the EU27. These figures come from Eurostat.[12] European Maritime Day to be celebrated annuallyThe European Commission has proposed that a "European Maritime Day" be celebrated annually throughout the European Union on 20 May. This initiative is linked to the new Integrated Maritime Policy for the EU, proposed by the Commission in October. During the consultation process on this new policy, numerous stakeholders voiced the opinion that celebrating Europe's maritime heritage and future as well as highlighting its maritime activities would help raise citizens' awareness not only to the importance of the maritime sectors, but also to the key role of the marine environment and Europe's coastal regions, islands and outermost regions. Similar initiatives already exist, but with a distinct sectoral focus. The aim of European Maritime Day, on the contrary, will be to highlight the whole web of relationships that bind together all maritime and marine-related issues and activities in Europe, in line with the joined-up and cross-cutting approach of the new policy. The first European Maritime Day is planned for 20 May 2008. The Commission encourages all the European regions, ports, cities and other maritime stakeholders to join in the celebrations and to work together so that European Maritime Day can serve in the future as the focal date launching a 'maritime week' of conferences, festivities, networking, best practice exchange and benchmarking activities throughout the EU.[13] First EU-Australian Regional Youth Interfaith ForumFor the first time, the EU and Australia will co-host a Regional Youth Interfaith Forum to explore how religious tolerance can be promoted among young people. Commissioner Ferrero-Waldner, External Relations and Neighbourhood Policy, said on the eve of the Forum: "In our globalised world it is highly important to reach out to young people and offer them a broad understanding of the existing variety of cultures. Young people are the most vulnerable target for radical messages and extremism – which is why it is so important to understand each other better. Both the EU and Australia are committed to overcoming violent extremism in any form, and build bridges among communities. This Forum will offer the opportunity for young people from very different regions to discuss a broad range of issues and share their values." The Regional Youth Interfaith Forum will be held in Perth/Australia from 4-7 December and will bring together young religious leaders from the diverse religious communities of South East Asia, Europe and Australia. The theme of the Forum is “Embracing Diversity: Delivering messages of understanding”. The Forum will provide an opportunity for youth leaders to come together to establish friendships and build bridges and set about developing practical strategies aimed at promoting messages of tolerance and understanding among young people in their communities back home. During her recent visit to Australia in June 2007, Commissioner for External Relations and European Neighbourhood Policy, Benita Ferrero-Waldner and the Australian Government agreed to launch the Regional Youth Interfaith Forum. A second Forum is envisaged for 2008/2009 in Europe. For more information: EU-Australia Relations: <a href="http://ec.europa.eu/external_relations/australia/intro/index.htm">http://ec.europa.eu/external_relations/australia/intro/index.htm[14] Rediffusion[15] Commission welcomes Council's support to accelerate energy technologies for a low-carbon futureEnergy Commissioner, Andris Piebalgs welcomed today Member States' strong support for the Strategic Energy Technology plan, adopted on 22 November last. In the debate that followed the presentation of the Vision Paper prepared by the Portuguese presidency, Member States underlined that energy technologies will be crucial to successfully fighting against climate change and securing world and European energy supply.Autre matériel diffusé • Memo on Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council, 5-6 December 2007, Brussels • Memo on France- Programme opérationnel 2007-2013: Languedoc-Roussillon • Memo on France- Programme opérationnel 2007-2013: "Région centre" • Memo on France- Programme opérationnel 2007-2013: "Région Limousin" • Memo on France- Programme opérationnel 2007-2013: Haute-Normandie • Speech by Commissioner Fischer Boel "Working for success in the EU organic sector" at European Organic Congress in Brussels A disposition au secrétariat de Jonathan Todd (BERL 03/315): Notification préalable d'une opération de concentration : AIB/ FDC/JV Petroplus/ Shell French Refineries
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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