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European Commission Spokesman's Briefing for 09-01-22Midday 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 Communicationb22/01/09[01] European Fund for the Integration of third country nationals 2007-2013 – BulgariaThe Commission has adopted the multiannual programme under the European Fund for the integration of third country nationals 2007-2013 for Bulgaria for an estimated amount of € 3,7 million as the Community contribution, together with the first two annual programmes 2007 and 2008.[02] European Fund for the Integration of third country nationals 2007-2013 –EstoniaThe Commission has adopted the multiannual programme under the European Fund for the integration of third country nationals 2007-2013 for Estonia for an estimated amount of € 7,9 million as the Community contribution, together with the first two annual programmes 2007 and 2008.[03] European Fund for the Integration of third country nationals 2007-2013 – HungaryThe Commission has adopted the multiannual programme under the European Fund for the integration of third country nationals 2007-2013 for Hungary for an estimated amount of € 13 million as the Community contribution, together with the first two annual programmes 2007 and 2008.[04] A more attractive European Research Area but stagnating EU R&D intensity: no time to take a break!The 2008 Science, Technology and Competitiveness (ST&C) key figures report published today provides for the first time an overview of progress from 2000 to 2006 in both EU R&D investment and in implementing the European Research Area (ERA). It shows that Europe's pool of researchers is growing and the EU is becoming more attractive for foreign researchers and for private R&D investments from the US. However, the stagnation of the EU-27's R&D intensity (R&D expenditure as % of GDP) at 1.84% is denting the EU's ambition to become a globally competitive knowledge-based society. Despite increased investment in research by many Member States and an improved efficiency of their research systems, the EU is still far from reaching its Lisbon target of investing 3% of GDP in R&D. A continued low level of business R&D investment, linked to an EU industrial structure with a smaller high tech sector than in the US, hampers the EU's performance. The 2008 Innovation Scoreboard published in parallel provides detailed results of EU innovation performance. Both reports prove that the EU must change its industrial structure, gear up on innovation and ensure more and better use of R&D.[05] Fonds européen d’intégration des ressortissants de pays tiers 2007- 2013 – LettonieLa Commission vient d’adopter le programme pluriannuel 2007-2013 pour la Lettonie au titre du Fonds européen d’intégration des ressortissants de pays tiers (dont le montant est estimé à 11,2 millions d’euros en ce qui concerne le concours communautaire), ainsi que les deux premiers programmes annuels pour 2007 et 2008.[06] European Fund for the Integration of third country nationals 2007-2013 – MALTAThe Commission has adopted the multiannual programme under the European Fund for the integration of third country nationals 2007-2013 for Malta for an estimated amount of € 3,7 million as the Community contribution, together with the annual programme 2007 .[07] European Fund for the Integration of third country nationals 2007-2013 – The NetherlandsThe Commission has just adopted the multiannual programme under the European Fund for the integration of third country nationals 2007-2013 for the Netherlands for an estimated amount of 17,7 million as the Community contribution, together with the first two annual programmes 2007-2008.[08] Fonds européen d'intégration des ressortissants de pays tiers 2007 2013 – PologneLa Commission vient d’adopter le programme pluriannuel 2007 2013 pour la Pologne au titre du Fonds européen d’intégration des ressortissants de pays tiers, pour lequel le montant du concours communautaire est estimé à 15,8 millions €, ainsi que les deux premiers programmes annuels (2007 et 2008).[09] Fonds européen d'intégration des ressortissants de pays tiers 2007- 2013 – SuèdeLa Commission a adopté le programme pluriannuel 2007-2013 pour la Suède au titre du Fonds européen d'intégration des ressortissants de pays tiers (dont le montant est estimé à 13,4 millions d'euros pour ce qui concerne le concours communautaire), ainsi que les deux premiers programmes annuels (2007 et 2008).[10] European Fund for the Integration of third country nationals 2007- 2013: United KingdomThe Commission has adopted the multiannual programme under the European Fund for the integration of third country nationals 2007-2013 for the United Kingdom for an estimated amount of € 129.49 million as the Community contribution, together with the first annual programme 2007.[11] European Return Fund 2008-2013 – EstoniaThe Commission has adopted the multiannual programme under the European Return Fund 2008-2013 for Estonia for an estimated amount of € 3 million, together with the first annual programme (2008).[12] Fonds européen pour le retour 2008 2013 - FINLANDELa Commission européenne a adopté le programme pluriannuel de mise en Å“uvre du Fonds européen pour le retour 2008 2013 présenté par la Finlande, qui représente un montant estimatif de 6 millions €, ainsi que le premier programme annuel de cet État membre (2008).[13] European Return Fund 2008-2013 – ItalyThe Commission has adopted the multiannual programme under the European Return Fund 2008-2013 for Italy for an estimated amount of € 71 million, together with the first annual programme (2008).[14] European Return Fund 2008-2013 – LatviaThe Commission has adopted the multiannual programme under the European Return Fund 2008-2013 for Latvia for an estimated amount of € 3 million, together with the first annual programme (2008).[15] European Return Fund 2008-2013 – PolandThe Commission has adopted the multiannual programme under the European Return Fund 2008-2013 for Poland for an estimated amount of over € 17 million, together with the first annual programme (2008).[16] European Return Fund 2008-2013 – United KingdomThe Commission has adopted the multiannual programme under the European Return Fund 2008-2013 for the United Kingdom for an estimated amount of € 95 million, together with the first annual programme (2008).[17] European Return Fund 2008-2013 – SloveniaThe Commission has adopted the multiannual programme under the European Return Fund 2008-2013 for Slovenia for an estimated amount of € 8 million, together with the first annual programme (2008).[18] External Borders Fund 2007-2013 – FinlandThe Commission has adopted the multiannual programme under the External Borders Fund 2007-2013 for Finland for an estimated amount of € 51 million, together with the first annual programmes 2007.[19] External Borders Fund 2007-2013 – A two fold financing for LithuaniaThe Commission has adopted the multiannual programme under the External Borders Fund 2007-2013 for Lithuania for an estimated amount of € 32 million. An amount of € 108 million will complement this allocation to fund the Special Transit Scheme. It supports the implementation by Lithuania of the relevant EC regulations in relation to the management of the transit of persons by land between the Kaliningrad region and the rest of the Russian Federation through the territory of the Community.[20] Fonds pour les frontières extérieures 2007 2013 - PologneLa Commission européenne a adopté le programme pluriannuel de mise en Å“uvre du Fonds pour les frontières extérieures 2007 2013 présenté par la Pologne, qui représente un montant estimatif de 78 millions €, ainsi que le premier programme annuel de cet État membre pour 2007.[21] External Borders Fund 2007-2013 – PortugalThe Commission has adopted the multiannual programme under the External Borders Fund 2007-2013 for Portugal for an estimated amount of € 35 million, together with the 2007 annual programme.[22] Fonds pour les frontières extérieures 2007-2013: République tchèqueLa Commission européenne a adopté le programme pluriannuel de mise en Å“uvre du Fonds pour les frontières extérieures 2007-2013 présenté par la République tchèque, pour un montant estimé à 21 millions d’euros, ainsi que le premier programme annuel pour 2007.[23] Fonds pour les frontières extérieures 2007-2013 - SuèdeLa Commission européenne a adopté le programme pluriannuel de mise en Å“uvre du Fonds pour les frontières extérieures 2007-2013 présenté par la Suède, pour un montant estimé à 15 millions d’euros, ainsi que les deux premiers programmes annuels (2007 et 2008).[24] Substantial progress on innovation in EuropeThe 2008 European Innovation Scoreboard (EIS) published today shows the EU making substantial progress in its innovation performance preceding the financial crisis. The relative innovation gap with the US and Japan was reduced, in particular amid strong progress by many new Member States such as Cyprus, Romania and Bulgaria. Across the EU, particular progress was made in human resources and availability of finance for innovation. However, innovative investments by businesses are still relatively weak especially if compared to the US and Japan. In parallel to this report, the 2008Science, Technology and Competitiveness report provides a more in-depth analysis of trends in public and business R&D,, technological performance and progress in implementing the European Research Area[25] Dépistage du cancer: l'Europe doit mettre les bouchées doubles, selon un rapport de la CommissionLe cancer constitue la deuxième cause de décès dans l’Union européenne. Chez les femmes, le cancer du sein, le cancer du col de l’utérus et le cancer colorectal sont responsables de 32 % des décès liés au cancer, tandis que dans la population masculine, le cancer colorectal représente 11 % des décès dus à cette maladie. Vu le vieillissement de la population, ces chiffres risquent fort d’augmenter, à moins que des mesures préventives soient déployées pour réduire le nombre des victimes du cancer. L’Union européenne a pris des engagements communs pour assurer un dépistage adéquat du cancer du sein, du cancer du col de l'utérus et du cancer colorectal, comme l’indique la recommandation du Conseil du 2 décembre 2003 relative au dépistage du cancer (2003/878/CE). Dans le premier rapport sur la mise en Å“uvre de cette recommandation, la Commission signale que si de nombreux progrès ont été réalisés en matière de dépistage, les États membres n'ont pas totalement instauré les mesures attendues à cet égard. En effet, les pays de l’Union européenne réalisent chaque année moins de la moitié du nombre minimal d’examens recommandé. Par sa description claire de la situation et des lacunes constatées, ce rapport aide à réitérer l’engagement à faire du dépistage du cancer du sein, du cancer du col de l’utérus et du cancer colorectal une mesure fondamentale et un investissement payant pour réduire l’influence du cancer dans l’Union européenne.[26] State aid: Commission approves € 6.7 billion guarantee for SdB – Sicherungseinrichtungsgesellschaft deutscher Banken mbHThe European Commission has approved, under EC Treaty state aid rules, a € 6.7 billion SoFFin-guarantee for SdB – Sicherungseinrichtungsgesellschaft deutscher Banken mbH, a banking entity of the German private banking industry. The guarantee aims to bolster the German Deposit Protection Fund and to pre-finance future proceeds from the estates of insolvent Lehman Brothers entities. 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 guarantee is necessary to avoid a serious disturbance in the German economy and to ensure the stability of the German banking sector while avoiding undue distortions of competition and is therefore compatible with Article 87.3.b. of the EC Treaty.[27] Fonds européen d’intégration des ressortissants de pays tiers 2007- 2013 – ItalieLa Commission vient d’adopter le programme pluriannuel 2007-2013 pour l’Italie au titre du Fonds européen d’intégration des ressortissants de pays tiers (dont le montant est estimé à 96 millions d’euros en ce qui concerne le concours communautaire), ainsi que les deux premiers programmes annuels 2007 et 2008.[28] Industrial new orders down by 4.5% in euro areaIn November 2008 compared with October 2008, the euro area (EA15) industrial new orders index fell by 4.5%. In October the index decreased by 5.7%. In the EU27 new orders declined by 3.9% in November 2008, after dropping by 6.6% in October. Excluding ships, railway & aerospace equipment, for which changes tend to be more volatile, industrial new orders dropped by 3.4% in the euro area and by 4.5% in the EU27. In November 2008 compared with November 2007, industrial new orders decreased by 26.2% in the euro area and by 25.4% in the EU27. Total industry excluding ships, railway & aerospace equipment fell by 22.8% in the euro area and by 22.1% in the EU27. These estimates are released by Eurostat.[29] EU27 current account deficit € 39.5 billionAccording to the latest revisions, the EU27 external current account recorded a deficit of € 39.5 billion in the third quarter of 2008, compared with a deficit of € 9.7 billion in the third quarter of 2007 and a deficit of €29.6 billion in the second quarter of 2008. In the third quarter of 2008, compared with the third quarter of 2007, the deficit of the goods account increased significantly (-64.0 bn euro compared with - 38.7 bn) and the surplus of the services account diminished (+19.3 bn compared with +23.5 bn). The surplus of the income account (+19.4 bn compared with +19.6 bn) remained nearly stable, as did the deficit of the current transfers account (-14.3 bn compared with -14.1 bn). These provisional data, issued by Eurostat are subject to revision. In particular, with the publication of the first estimate for the fourth quarter of 2008 scheduled for 11 March 2009, a revised methodology will be applied. As a result, the figures for the current account will be revised from the first quarter of 2004. See at the end of this News Release for more details.[30] Statement by Enlargement Commissioner Olli Rehn on his visit to Croatia, Zagreb, 22 January 2009Following his visit to Ljubljana, Enlargement Commissioner Olli Rehn travelled to Zagreb where he met President Mesic and Prime Minister Sanader. They discussed the state of play in Croatia's accession negotiations. Following his meeting with the Croatian authorities, Commissioner Rehn stated: "I commend Croatia for the considerable efforts it has made and the good overall progress it achieved towards its EU accession goal. I encourage Croatia to continue its preparations for EU accession with full speed and determination. " Related to the border issue with Slovenia, Commissioner Rehn and the Croatian authorities explored ways forward. Commissioner Rehn encouraged the solving of the open border issue in the spirit of good neighbourly relations. He reiterated his proposal that in case both countries judge that some form of European facilitation can be helpful, the Commission is ready to consider such possibility.[31] Commission clears acquisition of Triumph-Adler by Kyocera MitaThe European Commission has granted clearance under the EU Merger Regulation to the acquisition of sole control of TA Triumph-Adler AG (TA) of Germany by Kyocera Mita Corporation (KMC) of Japan. KMC produces and distributes office automation products and related services. TA distributes office automation products and related services. The operation was examined under the simplified merger review procedure.[32] Commission clears joint venture between Telenet, Concentra and VARThe European Commission has granted clearance under the EU Merger Regulation to the proposed joint venture between Belgian companies Telenet NV, Concentra Media NV and Vlaamse Audiovisuele Regie NV (VAR), which is controlled by Vlaamse Radio- en Televiesieomroep (VRT) of Belgium. Telenet provides television, telephone and internet access services through cable networks to residential and business subscribers in Belgium. Concentra publishes newspapers and magazines, and provides free-to-air television and radio in Belgium. VAR sells television, radio and online advertising space in Belgium. The joint venture will provide intermediation services for the sale of online advertising space in Belgium and neighbouring countries. The operation was examined under the simplified merger review procedure.[33] Prague conference on future of services in Internal MarketThe Czech EU Presidency and the European Commission will hold a conference on 'The Future of the Services in the Internal Market' on 2 February 2009 in Prague. Speakers will focus on the coming into force of the Services Directive in December 2009 and its importance for the Internal Market, as well as the future of services in the Internal Market beyond the Services Directive. Representatives of Member States, Members of the European Parliament, as well as a wide range of stakeholders representing business and civil society are expected to attend. The Conference will be an all day event, starting at 9.30, in the Clarion Hotel, Freyova 33, Prague, Czech Republic. More information on the Conference can be found at: <a href="http://ec.europa.eu/internal_market/services/services-dir/conferences/conference_02022009_en.htm">http://ec.europa.eu/internal_market/services/services- dir/conferences/conference_02022009_en.htm. More information on services can be found at: <a href="http://ec.europa.eu/internal_market/top_layer/index_19_en.htm">http://ec.europa.eu/internal_market/top_layer/index_19_en.htmRediffusion [34] Mergers: Commission approves proposed joint venture between Mauser and ReydeThe European Commission has cleared under the EU Merger Regulation the proposed joint venture between Mauser Holding International of Germany and Reyde of Spain, for the production and sale of intermediate bulk containers (“IBCs”). Furthermore, Mauser is to sell the assets of its plastic drums' business in the South of France to Reyde. After examining the operation, the Commission concluded that the transaction would not significantly impede effective competition in the European Economic Area (EEA) or any substantial part of it.[35] Vice President Tajani : EU action needed to promote sustainable urban mobilityVice President Antonio Tajani announced today the action plan at EU level to tackle the chronic problems created by transport in Europe's towns and cities. Speaking at the CIVITAS II Final Conference, held in Toulouse from 21-23 January 2009, he noted that for Europe to meet its commitments on climate change, energy security and environmental pollution, all actors at EU level, cities, Member States and the EU, need to work together to find solutions to the congestion and environmental problems that plague our cities.[36] Statement by Enlargement Commissioner Olli REHN on his visit to Slovenia, 21 January 2009Today, Enlargement Commissioner Olli Rehn is visiting Slovenia. He is meeting President Danilo Türk, Prime Minister Borut Pahor and Foreign Minister Samuel Zbogar. They are discussing the outlook for the EU's enlargement agenda for 2009, in particular as regards the region of the Western Balkans. Following the meeting with the Prime Minister Commissioner Rehn stated: "I welcome Slovenia's strong commitment for stability and progress on the Western Balkans. We have reviewed the outlook for 2009 which is going to be an important year for the EU integration process of the Western Balkans." In the meetings with his Slovenian counterparts Commissioner Rehn also discussed the state of play in Croatia's EU accession negotiations. They explored ways forward concerning the border issue and the accession negotiations. "I encourage the solving of the open border issue in the spirit of good neighbourly relations. If both countries judge that some form of European facilitation can be helpful, the Commission is ready to consider such possibility." – said Commissioner Rehn.[37] Autre matériel diffusé• Memo on European Innovation Scoreboard 2008: Summary of the situation in the 27 Member States• Memo "Towards a more research-intensive and integrated European Research Area" - Science, Technology and Competitiveness key figures report 2008" • Memo "Aperçu de la couverture actuelle des programmes systématiques de dépistage du cancer du sein, du cancer du col de l’utérus et du cancer colorectal dans l’Union européenne" • Statement by Commissioner Günter Verheugen, Vice-President of the European Commission responsible for Enterprise and Industry, following high- level round table on SMEs' access to finance, held in Brussels on 21st January 2009 • Address by Commissioner McCreevy at the EP Committee on Internal Market and Consumer Protection (IMCO), Brussels • Discours du Vice Président Tajani 'Intervention sur la mobilité urbaine à la conférence CIVITAS II', Toulouse A disposition au secrétariat de Jonathan Todd (BERL 03/315): Notification préalable d'une opération de concentration : Hitachi/Hitachi Koki
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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