 |
Compact version |
|
 |
        |
|
 |
||
|
Thursday, 21 November 2024
|
||
 |
 |
|
|
|
European Commission Spokesman's Briefing for 08-11-13Midday 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 Communicationb13/11/08[01] Securing your energy future: Commission presents energy security, solidarity and efficiency proposalsThe European Commission has proposed today a wide-ranging energy package which gives a new boost to energy security in Europe, supporting the 20-20- 20 climate change proposals which should be agreed by December. The Commission puts forward a new strategy to build up energy solidarity among Member States and a new policy on energy networks to stimulate investment in more efficient, low-carbon energy networks. The Commission proposes a new EU Energy Security and Solidarity Action Plan which sets out five areas where more action is needed to secure sustainable energy supplies. The Commission also looks at the challenges that Europe will face between 2020 and 2050. In addition, a package of energy efficiency proposals aims to make energy savings in key areas, such as reinforcing energy efficiency legislation on buildings and energy-using products, and enhancing the role of energy performance certificates as well as inspection reports for heating and air-conditioning systems.[02] Taxation of savings: The European Commission proposes changes to eliminate tax evasion (see MEMO/08/704)The European Commission has adopted today an amending proposal to the Savings Taxation Directive, with a view to closing existing loopholes and eliminating tax evasion. Since 2005, the Savings Directive ensures that paying agents either report interest income received by taxpayers resident in other EU Member States or levy a withholding tax on the interest income received. The Commission proposal seeks to improve the Directive, so as to better ensure the taxation of interest payments which are channelled through intermediate tax-exempted structures. It also proposes to extend the scope of the Directive to income equivalent to interest obtained through investments in some innovative financial products as well as in certain life insurances products. Moreover, simplification of the technical operation of the Directive should lead to a more user friendly system and more efficient implementation.[03] Danuta Hübner in Poland: balanced territorial development strategy will be crucial to sustaining growthDanuta Hübner, European Commissioner for regional policy, will today attend the launch in Warsaw of the "Territorial Review of Poland", a key document prepared by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) in cooperation with the Polish Ministry of Regional Development. Elżbieta Bieńkowska, the Polish Minister for Regional Development will join the Commissioner at the launch, together with senior OECD officials and Polish officials responsible for the implementation of European Union Cohesion Policy investments. Commissioner Hübner will also address a conference at the Polish Parliament (Sejm) on the consequences of European Union enlargement.[04] State aid: Commission approves Dutch emergency recapitalisation of INGThe European Commission has approved, under EC Treaty state aid rules, an emergency intervention in the form of recapitalisation, that the Dutch authorities intend to grant to ING Groep N.V.. The Commission found the measure to be in line with its Guidance Communication on state aid to overcome the current financial crisis (see <a href="http://europa.eu/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=IP/08/1495&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en">IP/08/1495). The measure constitutes an adequate means to remedy a serious disturbance in the Dutch economy while avoiding undue distortions of competition and is therefore compatible with Article 87.3.b. of the EC Treaty. In particular, the measure is limited in time and scope, requires an adequate remuneration and provides safeguards to minimise distortions of competition.[05] La Commission lance un débat sur la participation civique et décerne des Étoiles d’or aux projets sur la citoyennetéÀ la suite d’une sélection opérée plus tôt dans l’année, la Commission européenne décerne aujourd’hui les Étoiles d’or de la citoyenneté européenne active douze projets de participation civique lors d’une cérémonie qui se déroulera Bruxelles. Cette occasion marquera également l’inauguration officielle du forum 2008 intitulé «L’Europe pour les citoyens» qui permettra de débattre de la participation civique et de son influence en Europe.[06] EU-Russia Summit in Nice on 14 NovemberNice will host the next EU-Russia Summit on November 14, which, following the meeting of EU Foreign Ministers of 10 November, will confirm the continuation of negotiations for a New EU-Russia Agreement. Alongside topics such as the economic and financial crisis, energy security, and climate change, the Summit will also address the recent conflict in the Caucasus and other international issues such as Iran and proposals for a new European security architecture. In addition, the summit will review the state of play in the four Common Spaces . The Commission will be represented by the President of the European Commission, José Manuel Barroso, accompanied by Commissioner for External Relations and European Neighbourhood Policy Benita Ferrero-Waldner, and Trade Commissioner Catherine Ashton.[07] Reduced gap in employment rates between men and women in the EU27In 2007 in the EU27, the employment rate was 72.5% for men and 58.3% for women, compared with 70.7% and 53.6% respectively in 2000. This means that employment rates for both men and women have increased over this period, and that the difference in rates between men and women has narrowed from 17.1 percentage points in 2000 to 14.2 pp in 2007. This information comes from a report published by Eurostat based on the results of the 2007 Labour Force Survey. Largest gap in employment rates between men and women in Malta, smallest in Finland.[08] Clusters: Europe needs world-class innovation centresClusters are important drivers of competitiveness and innovation. They create a particularly fertile business environment for companies, especially for small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs). Cluster enable businesses to collaborate with research institutions, suppliers, customers and competitors all based in the same geographical area. Today, at the 4thcompetitive Cluster Forum in Sophia Antipolis, the European Commission’s Vice-President Günter Verheugen will point out that Europe needs to better exploit the potential of clusters and strive for excellence. The result will be more world class innovative clusters in the EU. He will call upon participants to help implement effectively the recently published framework that is designed to facilitate the emergence of such clusters within the EU, as outlined in the Commission Communication adopted on 17 October 2008 (<a href="http://europa.eu/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=IP/08/1548&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en">IP/08/1548). At a ministerial conference tomorrow the French Minister of the Economy of Industry and Employment, Christine Lagarde, together with the European Commissioner for Science and Research, Janez Potočnik, will discuss this important issue further, in partnership with other European Ministers in charge of industry, research and innovation. <a href="http://www.sophia- antipolis.org/ue2008/programme2.htm">More information[09] Reintroduction of private storage for butterFollowing the significant price increases for dairy products last year markets are now undergoing a severe correction. Prices have decreased sharply and butter is quoted below or close to the intervention level in a number of Member States. Intervention buying-in is currently closed and will become available as from 1 March 2009 as laid down in the Council Single CMO Regulation. In a falling market buyers are reluctant to enter into major contractual commitments, thereby fuelling further the downward trend. The general economic situation inside and outside the European Union, as well as financing problems, add to the fragility of the market situation. However, the current lack of balance on the market is to some extent expected to be of a temporary nature. Under these circumstances the Commission intends to support the dairy market by granting an aid for private storage for butter. The scheme will start on 1st January 2009 with butter produced in December 2008 also being eligible for aid. Detailed rules for the scheme received a positive vote from Member States today in the Single Management Committee. There will be a flat rate aid level of €15.62 per tonne, plus €0.44/tonne/day to cover variable costs for cold storage and financing.[10] Autre matériel diffusé• Memo on Energy efficient buildings save money: Recast of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive• Memo on Towards secure, sustainable and competitive European energy networks • Memo on Combined Heat and Power generation (CHP) • Memo on Update to the Commission's Nuclear Illustrative Programme • Memo on Ensuring secure oil supply: a stronger system of emergency oil stocks • Memo on Right set of tyres can reduce your fuel bill • Memo on Energy efficiency: delivering the 20% target • Memo Towards more energy efficient products: extending the scope of energy labelling • Memo on Safeguarding security of natural gas supply • Memo on Offshore Wind Energy • Memo on EU Energy Security and Solidarity Action Plan: 2nd Strategic Energy Review • Memo on Review of the Savings Taxation Directive – Frequently Asked Questions (see also IP/08/1697) • Memo on State aid: Commission welcomes Court ruling on recovery of illegal aid • Memo Antitrust: la Commission confirme avoir effectué des inspections- surprises dans le marché des services d'analyses de biologie médicale • Speech by Vice-President Wallström ' Chemicals - the Achilles heel of our society', Gothenburg • Speech by Commissioner Hübner 'Polycentric development: what does it mean?', Warsaw – in Polish only • Speech by Commissioner McCreevy 'Markets in Financial Instruments Directive (MiFID)', Brussels • Speech by Commissioner McCreevy 'The Single Market', Brussels - EMBARGO 15h00 A disposition au secrétariat de Jonathan Todd (BERL 03/315): Notification préalable d'une opération de concentration : GKN/Airbus Filton Wing Component Operation DP World/Conti 7/Rickmers 2.Terminal/DP World Breakbulk
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 |
|
 |
|
 |
 |
|
All Rights Reserved.