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European Commission Spokesman's Briefing for 08-03-10Midday 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 Communicationb10/03/08[01] Des traducteurs en herbe récompensés par l'UEVingt-sept «jeunes traducteurs», un par État membre de l'Union européenne, sont venus aujourd'hui Bruxelles pour recevoir leur prix l'issue du tout premier concours européen de traduction organisé l'intention des écoles. M. Leonard Orban, commissaire européen chargé du multilinguisme, donnera une conférence de presse dans la salle de presse du bâtiment du Berlaymont, où il accueillera les lauréats du concours Juvenes Translatores («jeunes traducteurs» en latin) et leur remettra leur prix.[02] European Consumer Champion: Commissioner Kuneva celebrates Consumer Day with EU award ceremonyCommissioner Meglena Kuneva today presented the first ever EU Consumer Champion award, in the run up to European Consumer Day on 15 March. The top prize went to Finland for a dynamic web-game designed to teach young consumers about their rights and responsibilities as online shoppers. Ireland, UK, Hungary, Estonia and Norway also received special category awards for campaigns which excelled in promoting consumer rights in an innovative and effective way. The European winner was selected from the best national consumer campaigns, which covered topics as diverse as financial services, air passenger rights, SMS loans, online shopping, food information and children as consumers. Commissioner Kuneva will be joined by all of the national winners for an official award ceremony in the Galeries de la Reine (Brussels city centre) this afternoon, where there will be a press point (14.00) and public exhibition of all the campaigns.[03] Successful Executive Training Programme to Japan and Korea opens again: Opportunity for 60 European managers60 European managers will have the opportunity of succeeding in the Japanese and Korean markets thanks to the new cycle of the Executive Training Programme (ETP), launched by the European Commission today. The programme is targeted at European managers who want to develop business with Japan and Korea. ETP is a unique intensive professional development programme designed to provide EU companies with the knowledge and skills needed to make the most of their business opportunities in Japan and Korea.[04] Concentrations: la Commission approuve le projet de rachat des branches Ventilateurs de refroidissement et Moteurs électriques de Continental par BroseLa Commission européenne a autorisé, en vertu du règlement CE sur les concentrations, le projet de rachat des branches Ventilateurs de refroidissement et Moteurs électriques de l'entreprise Continental AG par l'entreprise Brose Fahrzeugteile GmbH & Co. KG, toutes deux établies en Allemagne. Après avoir examiné l'opération, la Commission est parvenue la conclusion que celle-ci n'entraverait pas de manière significative l'exercice d'une concurrence effective dans l’Espace économique européen (EEE) ou une partie substantielle de celui-ci.[05] Commissioner Piebalgs welcomes energy efficiency and renewable energy agreement by European RetailersEnergy Commissioner Andris Piebalgs welcomed the declaration of the Association of Europe's leading retailers signed today which aims at reducing energy consumption per square metre by at least 20% by 2020 and go beyond the 20% objectives put forth by the Commission directive on Renewable energy sources.[06] The Commission takes stock of maritime surveillance systems and offshore government activities in EUThe European Commission published today three working documents describing the current state in the offshore government activities in the coastal EU Member States and maritime surveillance at EU level. These documents are seen as an initial response to the aim of the integrated EU Integrated Maritime Policy (see IP/07/1463) to provide tools for joined-up policy- making in the EU. In this sphere, this would be achieved through the establishment of an integrated network of maritime surveillance systems and the promotion of improved cooperation between Member States' Coastguards and appropriate agencies. The first working document outlines where the competencies lie in the coastal Member-States for ten offshore activities (customs, border control, pollution response, fisheries control, maritime safety, maritime security, vessel traffic management, accident and disaster response, search and rescue, and law enforcement). The second describes the cross-border cooperation in these areas between the Member States in five sea regions (Atlantic Ocean, Baltic Sea, Black Sea, Mediterranean Sea and North Sea), while the third presents the current situation of the maritime surveillance systems in the EU with focus on data sharing aspects. The same aims underlie the recent Commission Communication on the creation of a European Border Surveillance System EUROSUR (see MEMO/08/86). In it, the Commission declared its strong commitment to moving forward towards a common information sharing environment for the whole EU maritime domain through the integration of the maritime reporting and monitoring systems. The three working documents are available at: <a href="http://ec.europa.eu/maritimeaffairs/subpage_mpa_en.html">http://ec.europa.eu/maritimeaffairs/subpage_mpa_en.htmlFurther information on an Integrated Maritime Policy is available at: <a href="http://ec.europa.eu/maritimeaffairs/">http://ec.europa.eu/maritimeaffairs/ [07] L’UE27 a enregistré un déficit des échanges courants de 19,0 milliards d’eurosLe compte des opérations courantes de l’UE27 a enregistré un déficit de € 19,0 milliards au quatrième trimestre 2007, comparé un déficit de € 21,5 milliards au quatrième trimestre 2006 et un déficit de € 17,2 milliardss au troisième trimestre 2007. Au quatrième trimestre 2007, la balance des services de l’UE27 a affiché un excédent de € 26,0 milliards d’euros, comparé un excédent de € 17,9 milliards au quatrième trimestre 2006 et un excédent de € 23,2 milliards au troisième trimestre 2007. Ces données provisoires publiées par Eurostat restent sujettes révision.[08] EU27 R&D spending stable at 1.84% of GDP in 2006In 2006, the EU27 spent 1.84% of GDP on Research & Development (R&D). In 2005, R&D intensity (i.e. R&D expenditure as a percentage of GDP) was also 1.84% and in 2000 it was 1.86%. In 2006, R&D expenditure in the EU27 amounted to more than 210 billion euro, compared with 170 billion euro in 2000.Eurostat publishes the 2008 edition of Science, Technology and Innovation in Europe. This publication covers a wide range of indicators in line with the strategic goals set out by the European Council in the Lisbon strategy aiming to turn the European union by 2010 into the most competitive and dynamic knowledge-based economy in the world. The indicators include R&D expenditure, R&D personnel, patents, venture capital, high-tech external trade and other indicators related to high-tech and knowledge intensive sectors of the economy. In this News Release Eurostat presents a limited selection of the data available in the publication.[09] Commission clears acquisition of Grundig by BekoThe European Commission has granted clearance under the EU Merger Regulation to the acquisition of sole control of Grundig Multimedia BV (Grundig) of The Netherlands by Beko Elektronik A.S. (Beko) of Turkey, belonging to the Koç group. Beko manufactures and sells non-branded colour televisions. Grundig develops, designs and sells its own branded consumer electronic products. The operation was examined under the simplified merger review procedure.[10] Commission clears acquisition of TUI Cruises by TUI and Royal Caribbean CruisesThe European Commission has granted clearance under the EU Merger Regulation to the acquisition of joint control of TUI Cruises GmbH of Germany by TUI AG (TUI) of Germany and Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd (RCL) of the US. TUI is active in shipping and tourism. RCL operates cruises. TUI Cruises operate cruises for German-speaking customers. The operation was examined under the simplified merger review procedure.[11] Rediffusion[12] Concentrations: la Commission autorise le projet d'acquisition de certains actifs de Scottish & Newcastle par CarlsbergLa Commission européenne a autorisé, en vertu du règlement CE sur les concentrations, le projet de rachat, par la société danoise Carlsberg, de certains actifs du brasseur Scottish & Newcastle (S&N), dont le siège se trouve au Royaume-Uni. Après examen, la Commission est parvenue la conclusion que l'opération n'entraverait pas de manière significative le jeu de la concurrence dans l’Espace économique européen (EEE) ou une partie substantielle de celui-ci.[13] Commissioner Michel encouraged by positive talks with Cuban governmentLouis Michel, European Commissioner for Development and Humanitarian Aid, has described his meetings with Cuban Foreign Minister Felipe Pérez Roque as "positive and encouraging". The meetings between Commissioner Michel and M. Roque aimed to be a first step to contribute to the normalisation of the EU relationship with Cuba.[14] Commissioner Ferrero-Waldner on International Women's Day: Women's rights are human rightsTomorrow will mark the Women's International Day. On this occasion Commissioner for External Relations and European Neighbourhood Policy Benita Ferrero-Waldner emphasises: "Human rights are universal. They are the rights of every woman, man and child all over the world. Unfortunately, this is still just an ideal for the majority of the world population, and even more so for women. Whilst key policy and legal instruments for achieving gender equality are in place, commitments are not properly followed by action and resources." We are strongly committed to keep our promises, and mobilize our full political and financial support for national-owned gender policies and the critical work of women's organizations worldwide". Background: Internationally agreed human rights standards and instruments including UN Security Council Resolution 1325 do exist but need to be implemented fully. The issue of "Financing for gender equality and the empowerment of women" has been at the center of recent debates at the UN Commission on the Status of Women, which has concluded today its 52nd session of work. The UN Commission on the status of women this year also reviewed the theme of “women’s equal participation in conflict prevention". Women’s empowerment and peace and security has been addressed by 50 international women leaders during the conference "Women: stabilizing an insecure world", organized by Commissioner Ferrero-Waldner on 6 March 2008.Figures provide significant evidence of the key importance attached by the European Union in promoting gender equality. Annually almost 35% of the European Union development aid is spent on initiatives that support the advancement of gender equality and women's empowerment. For more information: <a href="http://ec.europa.eu/external_relations/human_rights/intro/index.htm">http://ec.europa.eu/external_relations/human_rights/intro/index.htm <a href="http://ec.europa.eu/external_relations/euromed/women/index.htm">http://ec.europa.eu/external_relations/euromed/women/index.htm <a href="http://ec.europa.eu/europeaid/cgi/frame12.pl">http://ec.europa.eu/europeaid/cgi/frame12.pl <a href="http://ec.europa.eu/commission_barroso/ferrero-waldner/women_en.htm">http://ec.europa.eu/commission_barroso/ferrero- waldner/women_en.htm [15] Commissioner Ferrero-Waldner welcomes the election of André Azoulay as first President of the Anna Lindh FoundationAt its meeting in Brussels today, the Board of Governors of the Anna Lindh Foundation for the Dialogue between Cultures formally elected André Azoulay as its first President for the period 2008 until 2011. The Board of Governors, comprising ambassadors and senior officials from all members of the Euro-Mediterranean Partnership, were unanimous in their choice of M. Azoulay who will take up his new position immediately. Benita Ferrero- Waldner, European Commissioner for External Relations and European Neighourhood Policy, commented on Azoulay's election: “I am delighted by this news. André Azoulay is not only a personal friend but also a friend of the Mediterranean and a great champion of intercultural dialogue and understanding. He brings immense knowledge, wisdom and experience to this challenging position. I look forward to working with him in our common pursuit in the Euro-Mediterranean region.” In his address to the Board of Governors, accepting their nomination M. Azoulay said: “I am honoured and delighted by the trust you have put in me with this nomination. The Mediterranean has not undergone a clash of civilisations. If there is a clash, it is a clash of ignorance. The Euro-Mediterranean Partnership is synonymous with an alliance of civilisations. The mission, with which you have entrusted me, as President of the Anna Lindh Foundation, represents, for me, a life long vocation. The Foundation should be at the epicentre of the quest for mutual tolerance and understanding. The Anna Lindh Foundation is the first common institution jointly established and financed by members of the Euro-Mediterranean Partnership. The Foundation’s main objective is to bring people and organisations from both shores of the Mediterranean closer to each other. In the promotion of mutual understanding and dialogue it strives to foster tolerance among people by fostering exchanges between members of their diverse civil societies. The Foundation, located in Alexandria, acts as a network of national networks established by Euro- Mediterranean partners. Background: The Euro-Mediterranean Partnership. The Euro-Mediterranean Partnership (Barcelona Process), launched in November 1995, formed an innovative alliance based on the principles of joint ownership, dialogue and co-operation. The Partnership has been driven since by a common political will to build together a space of peace, security and shared prosperity. It has been successful in creating long-term political and institutional links between Europe and its Mediterranean partners, in establishing the foundations for free trade and in engaging Mediterranean partners in the path of reforms. The priority of the Barcelona Process is to develop the regional dimension of the Partnership between Europe and the Southern Mediterranean. With the European Neighbourhood policy working to complement and reinforce the Barcelona Process, through action plans agreed with the Partner countries, an added impetus has been given to bringing about a qualitative change in Euro-Mediterranean relations. More information at:<a href="http://ec.europa.eu/external_relations/euromed/etn/12mtg_0208/index.htm">http://ec.europa.eu/external_relations/euromed/etn/12mtg_0208/index.htm Autre matériel diffusé • Memo on Questions and Answers on European Consumer Champion Awards • Memo on European Commission proposals for fast track administrative burden reductions in 2008 A disposition au secrétariat de Jonathan Todd (BERL 03/315): Notification préalable d'une opération de concentration : Candover / Towergate / Paymentshield / Open GI Ingersoll Rand / Trane
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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