EXME 09 / 20.11
MIDDAY EXPRESS
News from the Communication Directorate General's midday
briefing
Nouvelles du rendez-vous de midi de la Direction
Générale Communication
20 / 11 / 09
- Public procurement: Commission
calls on Greece to review urban planning contracts and to comply with Court
ruling on medical devices
The European
Commission has decided to formally request Greece to review contracts for
cadastral mapping and urban planning services awarded by the municipalities of
Vasilika, Kassandra, Egnatia and Arethousa. This formal request takes the form
of a "reasoned opinion", the second stage of the infringement procedure laid
down in Article 226 of the EC Treaty. If there is no satisfactory reply within
two months, the Commission may refer the matter to the European Court of
Justice. The Commission has also decided, under Article 228 of the EC Treaty, to
send Greece a letter of formal notice requesting full information on compliance
with the 2009 judgment of the European Court of Justice concerning the supply of
medical devices.
- Public procurement: Commission
refers Spain to Court of Justice over modification of contracts after
award
The European Commission has
decided to refer Spain to the European Court of Justice over a series of
provisions of the new Spanish public procurement law (Ley 30/2007 de contratos
del sector público – LCSP) governing modification of contracts.
- Public contracts: Commission
refers Germany to Court of Justice over waste disposal service contracts awarded
by city of Rostock
The European
Commission has decided to refer Germany to the European Court of Justice over
the conclusion of a waste disposal service contract in 1998 with a contract
period of 25 years and a contract value of approximately 150 million Euros
between the city of Rostock and a mixed undertaking, and the amendment of that
contract in 2004. Furthermore, the case also concerns the conclusion of an
agreement in 2007 with a mixed undertaking concerning the provision of waste
collection, treatment, recycling and street cleaning services with an annual
contract value of 10.8 million Euros per year. All these contract awards or
modifications have been carried out without the execution of tender
procedures.
- Professional qualifications:
Commission requests information from Greece on compliance with Court judgments
on engineers and implementation of EU rules
The European Commission has decided, under Article 228 of
the EC Treaty, to send a reasoned opinion to Greece requesting information on
the measures they have taken to comply with a judgment of the European Court of
Justice of 23.10.2008 (C-274/05) regarding the recognition of professional
qualifications of engineers. The Commission will also send a letter of formal
notice to Greece under Article 228 regarding a judgment of the Court of 2.7.2009
(C-465/08) on the implementation of a Directive on professional
qualifications.
- Free movement of capital:
Commission calls on Italy to apply Court of Justice ruling on special powers in
privatised companies
The European
Commission has decided to remind Italy of its obligation to comply with a Court
of Justice ruling of 26 March 2009. This ruling found that by virtue of the
legislation that lays down the criteria for the exercise of special powers in
privatised companies referred to in Article 2 of decree-law 332/1994 operating,
among others, in the telecommunications and energy sectors, Italy had failed to
fulfil its obligations under EC Treaty rules on the free movement of capital
(Article 56) and the right of establishment (Article 43). The request for
information on Italy’s compliance with the Court ruling takes the form of
a ‘letter of formal notice’ under EC Treaty infringement procedures
related to compliance with Court of Justice rulings (Article 228).
- Internal Market: Commission
refers Belgium to Court of Justice over law on supplementary health insurance
provided by private sickness funds
The
European Commission has decided to refer Belgium to the European Court of
Justice over its national rules on supplementary health insurance provided by
private sickness funds. The Commission wants to ensure that these private
sickness funds (mutualités/ziekenfondsen) comply with the EU insurance
directives when they offer supplementary health insurance cover outside the
scope of obligatory social security.
- Public procurement: Commission
closes infringement procedure against France concerning direct award of
concessions to public bodies, as provided for under the 'Sapin Law'
The European Commission has decided to
terminate an infringement procedure that it had initiated against France under
Article 226 of the EC Treaty relating to a provision of Law No 93-122 of 29
January 1993 (known as the 'Sapin Law') which allowed public entities to award
concession contracts to public bodies without prior publicity or competitive
tendering. These concession contracts (referred to as 'conventions de
délégation de service public' (public service delegation agreements)
in French law) relate to a wide range of areas of activity including, for
example, water and electricity distribution, waste collection, management of
public amenities such as sports fields and swimming pools, etc. and the
construction and operation of motorways.
- Public procurement: Commission
closes infringement case against Slovakia after the cancellation of a service
contract awarded by the Slovak Ministry of Infrastructure
In 2007, the Slovak Ministry of Infrastructure awarded a
public service contract for advertisement, translation, interpretation, legal
and public procurement management services with a contract period until the year
2015 and a contract value of 90 million Euros. The contract was awarded
following the publication of a notice for a period of 2 weeks by the Ministry on
the notice board situated in a part of its premises with restricted access.
Following a complaint in February 2009, the Commission considered that the means
of publication in this tender procedure have been insufficient to ensure the
Community law principle of adequate transparency due to the restrictions both in
time and access to the relevant contract information. Consequently, a formal
letter pursuant to Article 226 EC-Treaty was sent to the Slovak authorities in
April 2009. The Slovak authorities responded to the Commission by informing
about the cancellation of the service contract in May 2009.
- Financial services: Commission
takes action to ensure that 10 Member States implement EU rules
The European Commission has taken action to
ensure that agreed Internal Market legislation is implemented in a total of 10
Member States. The Commission has decided to refer Belgium, Ireland, Greece and
Luxembourg to the European Court of Justice as they have failed to fully
implement into their national laws the latest Directive in the field of
accounting within the prescribed deadline. The United Kingdom will also receive
a reasoned opinion concerning the lack of transposition of this Directive on the
territory of Gibraltar. In addition, the Commission has decided to send reasoned
opinions to Greece, Spain, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal and the
United Kingdom for failure to implement Directive 2007/44/EC, which lays down
the procedures and criteria for the prudential assessment of acquisitions and
increase of holdings in the financial sector. Reasoned opinions are the second
stage of the infringement procedure laid down in Article 226 of the EC Treaty.
If there is no satisfactory reply within two months, the Commission may refer
the matter to the European Court of Justice. Finally, the Commission has
decided, under Article 228 of the EC Treaty, to ask Belgium for full information
on its execution of a previous judgment of the European Court of Justice
concerning implementation of a Directive on prevention of money laundering and
terrorist financing.
- Free movement of services:
Commission takes action against Germany (care insurance) and Cyprus (education
services)
The European Commission has
taken action to put an end to certain obstacles to the free movement of services
in Germany and Cyprus. The Commission will send Germany a reasoned opinion in
relation to the rules on its care insurance scheme. The Commission will also
send Cyprus a reasoned opinion concerning its rules on establishment and
operation of institutions of tertiary education. Reasoned opinions are the
second stage of the infringement procedure laid down in Article 226 of the EC
Treaty. If there is no satisfactory reply within two months, the Commission may
refer the matter to the European Court of Justice.
- Free movement of capital:
Commission requests Austria to modify provisions on the acquisition of
agricultural real estate in the Land Transfer Law of Vorarlberg
The European Commission has sent Austria a
formal request with regard to the Vorarlberg Land Transfer Law, under which a
non-farmer cannot acquire agricultural land if a farmer intends to acquire that
land instead. Moreover, future agricultural use by a farmer within an
agricultural undertaking has to be ensured. The infringement procedure was
initiated by a letter of formal notice in December 2008 following a complaint.
Having analysed the Austrian government's reply, the Commission considers that
the restrictions still represent some unjustified obstacles to EC Treaty rules
on free movement of capital. The Commission's request takes the form of a
'reasoned opinion', the second stage of infringement procedures under Article
226 of the EC Treaty. If there is no satisfactory reply within two months, the
Commission may decide to refer the case to the European Court of Justice.
- Free movement of services:
Commission takes action against United Kingdom (recognition of medical expenses)
and Portugal (construction services)
The European Commission has taken action to put an end to
certain obstacles to the free movement of services in the United Kingdom and
Portugal. The Commission will send the United Kingdom a supplementary reasoned
opinion concerning its legislation on the recognition of medical expenses. The
Commission will also send Portugal a reasoned opinion concerning its legislation
on construction services. Reasoned opinions are the second stage of the
infringement procedure laid down in Article 226 of the EC Treaty. If there is no
satisfactory reply within two months, the Commission may refer the matter to the
European Court of Justice.
- Fiscalité directe: La
Commission Européenne a demandé à la France d'éliminer les
discriminations fiscales à l'égard des organismes d'intérêt
général et sans but lucratif étrangers
La Commission Européenne a envoyé à la
France une demande formelle visant à modifier le régime fiscal des
donations à l'égard des organismes d'intérêt
général et sans but lucratif (osbl) ayant leur siège dans un
autre Etat membre de l'UE ou de l'EEE. La France accorde une exemption
d'impôt sur les dividendes et de droits de mutation à titre gratuit
aux organismes publics, d'utilité publique et notamment à ceux à
caractère charitable, uniquement s'ils sont établis en France. Par
ailleurs, la France n'accorde une déduction fiscale aux donateurs que pour
les dons ou les cotisations versées à des organismes sans but lucratif
qui exercent leur activité sur le territoire français. La Commission a
adressé aux autorités françaises un 'avis motivé' qui
constitue la deuxième phase de la procédure d'infraction prévue
par l'article 226 du Traité CE. Si la France dans les deux mois suivant la
lettre de la Commission n'accepte pas de modifier sa législation, la
Commission peut décider de saisir la Cour de Justice Européenne.
- Fiscalité automobile: la
Commission européenne demande à la France de modifier un aspect
discriminatoire de sa législation relative à la taxe dite "malus",
dans le cas des véhicules d'occasion en provenance d'un autre Etat
membre
La Commission a demandé
à la France de modifier, dans un délai de deux mois, un aspect
particulier de sa législation relative à la taxe dite "malus", qu'elle
considère discriminatoire à l'égard des véhicules d'occasion
en provenance d'un autre Etat membre. Cette demande a été faite sous
la forme d'un avis motivé, deuxième étape de la procédure
d'infraction de l'article 226 du Traité CE. Si la France ne modifie pas sa
législation dans le délai prescrit, la Commission peut décider de
porter l'affaire devant la Cour de justice.
- Tabacs manufacturés: la
Commission européenne demande à la France de supprimer les limites
quantitatives strictes appliquées aux achats de tabacs réalisées
par des particuliers dans d'autres Etats membres
La Commission a demandé à la France de
modifier, dans un délai de deux mois, sa législation et sa pratique
administrative relatives à la circulation et à la détention
tabacs manufacturés acquis par des particuliers dans d'autres Etats membres
pour leurs besoins propres. Cette législation et cette pratique font
obstacle à l'application du principe de libre circulation des marchandises
dans un marché intérieur. Cette demande a été faite sous la
forme d'un avis motivé, deuxième étape de la procédure
d'infraction de l'article 226 du Traité CE. Si la France ne modifie pas sa
législation et sa pratique dans le délai prescrit, la Commission peut
décider de porter l'affaire devant la Cour de justice.
- TVA: la Commission
européenne demande à la France de modifier sa législation
concernant les terrains à bâtir
La Commission a demandé à la France de
modifier, dans un délai de deux mois, sa législation relative à
l'exonération de TVA dont bénéficient les livraisons de terrains
à bâtir, réalisées à titre onéreux par un
assujetti, lorsque ceux-ci sont acquis par des personnes physiques en vue de la
construction d'immeubles. Cette demande a été faite sous la forme d'un
avis motivé, deuxième étape de la procédure d'infraction de
l'article 226 du Traité CE. Si la France ne modifie pas sa législation
et sa pratique dans le délai prescrit, la Commission peut décider de
porter l'affaire devant la Cour de justice.
- VAT: The Commission tackles 8
Member States over the application of the VAT grouping rules
The European Commission has formally requested the
Netherlands, Ireland, Spain, Finland, Sweden, United Kingdom, the Czech Republic
and Denmark to amend their legislation with regard to the application of their
VAT grouping schemes. These requests are in the form of a reasoned opinion which
is the second stage of the infringement proceedings provided for in Article 226
of the Treaty. If these Member States fail to comply with the reasoned opinion
within two months, the Commission may refer the matter to the Court of Justice
of the European Communities.
- Taxation of interest and
royalties: Commission takes steps against Lithuania
The European Commission has sent an additional reasoned
opinion (the second step of the infringement procedure of Article 226 of the EC
Treaty) to Lithuania about its rules under which interest paid to foreign
variable capital investment companies and closed-end investment companies
(including investment funds and pension funds) is taxed more heavily than
interest paid to comparable domestic recipients. The additional reasoned opinion
also addresses the taxation of royalty payments to non-resident companies.
Lithuania is requested to reply within two months, or the case might be brought
before the European Court of Justice.
- Direct taxation: The
Commission requests Belgium to change its legislation implementing the
Parent-Subsidiary Directive
The
European Commission has sent a reasoned opinion (the second step of the
infringement procedure of Article 226 of the EC Treaty) to Belgium about its
rules implementing the Parent-Subsidiary Directive (90/435/EEC). The Belgian
rules introduce an additional condition to those specified in article 3 of the
Directive. If Belgium does not reply satisfactorily to this reasoned opinion
within two months, the Commission may refer the matter to the European Court of
Justice.
- Transport: a further step
towards a sustainable future
The
European Commission today is hosting a high-level conference in Brussels on the
future of the European transport system. This event marks the closing of two
public consultations that the Commission launched in June 2009 with its
Communication 'A sustainable future for transport' and its Green Paper
'Trans-European transport network: A policy review'. The conference, opened by
European Commission Vice-President Antonio Tajani, brings together stakeholders'
contributions and discusses concrete ideas that have emerged during the
consultation process. A White Paper, defining a vision for the future of
transport and specific steps to be taken in the next decade, will follow next
year.
- «Dessine-moi un
droit!» - la Commission européenne lance la quatrième
édition de son concours de posters pour les jeunes afin de
célébrer le vingtième anniversaire de la convention des droits de
l'enfant
Le vingtième anniversaire
de la convention relative aux droits de l'enfant est le sujet d'un concours de
posters lancé ce 20 novembre 2009 par le vice président Jacques
Barrot. Les jeunes Européens âgés de 10 à 18 ans sont
invités à imaginer un poster sur l'un des droits consacrés par la
convention. L’objectif du concours est de faire en sorte que ces jeunes
Européens soient mieux informés de leurs droits et mieux
équipés pour les défendre.
- EU marks 20 years of Child
Rights Protection and Looks Ahead
Today
the world celebrates the 20th anniversary of the UN Convention on the Rights of
the Child (UNCRC) – the most universally ratified human rights treaty. The
Convention is the first international legally binding instrument establishing
minimum standards for the protection and safeguarding of a full range of civil,
political, social, economic and cultural rights of all children around the
world. The internal policies of the EU and its external relations are based on
the full respect and promotion of the Convention's principles. This anniversary
is an opportunity to recognise the progress achieved in the promotion and
protection of children’s rights, but also to reflect on remaining
challenges to enable children all over the world to fully enjoy their rights. To
highlight the joint commitment to the principles of the UNCRC, the European
Commission, UNICEF and UNRIC will jointly mark the 20 anniversary of the
adoption of the Convention.
- Single European Sky:
Commission sends reasoned opinions to four Member States
The European Commission today decided to send reasoned
opinions to four EU Member States (Luxembourg, Greece, the Czech Republic and
Finland) that have failed to notify, or have only partially notified, their
measures for the transposition into national law of a European directive on the
Community air traffic controller licence.
- Employment equality rules:
reasoned opinion to the UK; case closed for Slovakia
The European Commission has today sent a reasoned opinion
to the United Kingdom for incorrectly implementing EU rules prohibiting
discrimination based on religion or belief, disability, age or sexual
orientation in employment and occupation (Directive 2000/78/EC, see also
MEMO/08/69). It has also decided to close infringement proceedings concerning
the same Directive against Slovakia as their national legislation has been
brought into line with EU requirements.
- La Commission adopte le plan
d'aide alimentaire aux personnes les plus démunies pour l'année
2010
La Commission européenne a
publié aujourd'hui le plan d'aide alimentaire aux personnes les plus
démunies pour l'année 2010. Mis en place à l'origine pour fournir
des stocks excédentaires de produits agricoles («stocks
d'intervention») aux personnes dans le besoin, le régime a
été modifié au milieu des années 1990 pour permettre de
compléter les stocks d'intervention avec des achats sur le marché dans
certaines circonstances. Cette année, cependant, les stocks d'intervention
existants (céréales, sucre, poudre de lait, beurre) ont largement pu
couvrir les besoins du plan 2010 ne nécessitant alors qu'un recours
restreint aux achats sur le marché. Le budget alloué est de 500
millions d'euros et correspond à celui du plan de 2009. Cette année,
19 Etats Membres ont décidé de participer au Programme.
- European Commission takes
legal action against the UK and Denmark on gender equality rules
The Commission has today sent reasoned
opinions to the UK and Denmark for not fully implementing EU rules prohibiting
discrimination in employment and occupation on the grounds of gender
(2002/73/EC, see also MEMO/08/742). This is the second stage of the infringement
procedure. Both countries now have two months to respond.
- CAP simplification: Commission
to take on further simplification projects
Today, the European Commission's Directorate General for
Agriculture and Rural Development issued a report with the reactions to the 39
simplification suggestions which Member States jointly submitted to the
Commission in April. The working document provides information on the outcome of
the assessment process and a state-of-play on the progress made since March
2009.The report will be discussed during the Agriculture Council in
December.
- Commission withdraws court
case against Estonia on gender equality rules
The Commission has today decided to withdraw the case
against Estonia before the European Court of Justice (ECJ) for non-transposition
of EU rules prohibiting gender discrimination in access to and supply of goods
and services (Directive 2004/113/EC). Estonia has recently adopted national
measures to transpose the Directive into national law.
- La Comisión archiva las
causas judiciales iniciadas contra España, Eslovaquia y Malta, a raíz
de la adaptación de la legislación sobre igualdad racial de estos
países
La Comisión Europea ha
decidido hoy archivar los procedimientos por incumplimiento iniciados contra
España, Eslovaquia y Malta al haber aplicado estos adecuadamente la
legislación de la UE destinada a combatir la discriminación racial.
Las causas judiciales se habían abierto por motivos de incompatibilidad de
la legislación nacional de estos países con la Directiva de la UE
sobre igualdad racial (2000/43/CE), adoptada en noviembre de 2000 (véase
también MEMO/07/257). Dicha Directiva prohíbe la discriminación,
directa e indirecta, por motivos de origen racial o étnico tanto en el
ámbito del empleo como fuera de él.
- 112: European Commission sends
Italy final warning and closes legal action against Lithuania
The European Commission today stepped up legal action
against Italy because Italian emergency services still do not receive
information about the location of people who dial 112 – Europe's single
emergency number – from mobile phones despite a previous judgement of the
European Court of Justice. The Commission has decided to send Italy a reasoned
opinion, which is the final stage before the case is referred again to the
European Court of Justice, who would then have to decide to impose financial
penalties on Italy for lack of respect of a previous judgement. At the same
time, the Commission also ended legal action taken against Lithuania as caller
location details are now available for 112 calls from mobile phones.
- L'UE octroie près d'un
demi-milliard d'euros à l'Italie: la plus grande aide jamais versée au
titre du Fonds de solidarité
Paweł Samecki, Commissaire européen à la
politique régionale, et Guido Bertolaso, Sous-Secrétaire d'État
à la Présidence du Conseil des Ministres italien et Chef du
Département de la Protection Civile, ont signé aujourd'hui un accord
confirmant l'octroi de 493.7 millions d'euros à l’Italie, suite au
tremblement de terre dans les Abruzzes en avril dernier. Cette aide est
mobilisée à travers le Fonds de solidarité de l'Union
européenne (FSUE) et permettra de compenser les dépenses publiques
italiennes engagées au titre des interventions de première
urgence.
- Air quality: Commission sends
warnings to eight Member States over failures to comply with EU air quality
standards
The European Commission today
warned eight Member States for their continuing failures to improve air quality.
Letters have been sent to Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Greece, France, Hungary,
the Slovak Republic, and Romania. The warnings come over excess emissions of
tiny airborne particles known as PM10. Under European legislation, certain
limits were to be met by 2005. Numerous Member States applied to extend the time
for meeting the PM10 standard until June 2011, and some extensions were granted
to countries clearly striving to improve compliance. Today's letters target the
countries judged to be falling behind. France is also receiving a separate
letter over its failure to control emissions of sulphur dioxide.
- State aid: Commission approves
revised Irish guarantee scheme for financial institutions
The European Commission has approved, under EC Treaty
state aid rules, an Irish measure aimed at stabilising financial markets by
providing guarantees on deposits and debt to eligible banks active on the Irish
market. The Commission found the revised scheme, originally approved on 13
October 2008 (see IP/08/1497), to be in line with its Guidance Communication on
state aid to overcome the financial crisis (see IP/08/1495). In particular, the
measure as amended is limited in time and scope. The Commission therefore
concluded that the measure is an adequate means to remedy a serious disturbance
of the Irish economy and as such is in line with Article 87.3.b of the EC
Treaty.
- Environment: Commission takes
Bulgaria to court for delays in providing Sofia with adequate waste disposal
facilities
The European Commission is
pursuing court action against Bulgaria for failing to properly implement EU
waste law. The case concerns inadequate waste disposal facilities in its
capital, Sofia. Bulgaria should have had an adequate network of waste disposal
installations in place by the time of its accession on 1 January 2007. However,
Sofia continues to rely on the old sub-standard Sudohol landfill. Community
funding is available to upgrade the capital's waste infrastructure. However,
while the Bulgarian authorities have been working towards making important new
investments, a solution remains some years away.
- State aid: Commission requests
information from Spain on recovery of incompatible aid from Magefesa group
(Indosa-CMD)
The European Commission
has formally requested Spain to provide information concerning measures taken to
implement a European Court of Justice (ECJ) ruling of 2 July 2002 (case
C-499/99), condemning Spain to recover illegal and incompatible fiscal aid
granted to the Magefesa Group in the 1990s. Although the ECJ judgement dates
back to 2002, Spain has still not informed the Commission that the incompatible
aid has been fully recovered from the beneficiaries. The Commission has
therefore sent a so-called 'letter of formal notice' to Spain, the first step of
EC Treaty infringement procedures for failure to respect Court judgements
(Article 228).
- State aid: Commission requests
Spain to comply with Court judgment on recovery of incompatible aid under
company tax schemes
The European
Commission has formally requested Spain to implement a European Court of Justice
(ECJ) judgment (case C-177/06) declaring that Spain had failed to recover
illegal and incompatible state aid granted by certain Basque Provinces, as it
was ordered by Commission decisions of December 2001. Although the ECJ judgement
dates back to 2007, the Commission has concluded that Spain has still not
completed the recovery of the aid granted by the Provinces of Guipúzcoa and
Álava. The Commission's request takes the form of a reasoned opinion, the
second step of infringement proceedings for failure to respect a Court judgement
(Article 228 of the EC Treaty). If Spain continues to fail to comply with the
ECJ decision, the Commission may refer it to the Court for a second time and
request the ECJ to impose fines until the aid has been fully recovered. The
fines can take the form of periodic penalty payments, lump sums or both (see
also MEMO/05/482).
- Environment: Commission sends
final warning to Finland over environmental liability law
The European Commission is sending a final written
warning to Finland for failing to comply with a European Court of Justice ruling
on environmental liability law. The ruling concerns Finland's failure to
transpose the EU directive on liability for damage to the environment into its
domestic law. While the transposition has now been completed on the mainland,
the directive has not yet passed into law in the province of Åland. The
deadline was 30 April 2007. In the absence of measures to comply with the final
warning, the Commission has powers to ask the Court to impose fines on
Finland.
- Italy: Commission seeks urgent
injunction to prevent hunting of protected birds; takes court action over
missing industrial permits
The
Commission is calling on the European Court of Justice to issue an injunction
against Italy to prevent the hunting of protected bird species in the Lombardy
region. Court action is already pending against a number of regions, including
Lombardy, for the practice of allowing hunting derogations which do not comply
with the strict conditions laid down in EU law. However, the Commission has
decided to take urgent action after Lombardy passed new legislation which allows
the hunting of four protected species until 31 December 2009. In a separate
case, the Commission is taking Italy to the European Court of Justice for
failing to issue or update permits for several hundred industrial
operations.
- Environment: Commission takes
Spain to court over nature conservation shortcomings, warns Cyprus and
Bulgaria
The European Commission is
taking Spain to Court for its failure to provide adequate protection for 174
Natura 2000 areas in the Canary Islands. Spain is now two years behind schedule
in providing the necessary protection. Separate warning letters for other nature
cases are being sent to Cyprus and Bulgaria. The Cyprus case, which was opened
in 2007, concerns a failure to designate a sufficient number of protected areas
for birds. The Commission is also concerned about environmental impact
assessments made in the Rila Mountains in Bulgaria prior to the development of
ski resorts there.
- Waste water treatment:
Commission takes France to court; sends warning to five Member States
The European Commission is taking France to
the European Court of Justice (ECJ) for not complying with EU legislation on
urban waste water treatment. Some 60 large towns and cities have been listed as
not having waste water treatment up to EU standards. The list includes Arles,
Avignon, Bordeaux, and Lyon. The Commission is also sending a first written
warning to five Member States for inadequate waste water treatment in smaller
towns. The five are Belgium, Luxembourg, Portugal, France and Germany.
- Waste management: Commission
calls for better implementation of EU waste law by Member States
The European Commission today adopted two
reports which reveal that EU waste law is being poorly implemented and enforced
in many Member States. The assessment highlights the need for significant
efforts by Member States to ensure that waste management meets the standards set
by EU legislation. These efforts are crucial to protect the environment and
human health.
- Commission announces winners
of environmental management awards
Seven organisations have won the European Eco-Management
and Audit Scheme (EMAS) Awards for excellence in environmental management. The
winners were announced at an awards ceremony in Sweden last night. The awards
recognise outstanding achievements in environmental management. The 2009 awards
focused on the supply chain including green procurement. This year 32
organisations from 12 European countries were nominated. The seven winners were
selected by a jury of six experts in the field of environmental management and
public procurement.
- Cogeneration Directive:
Commission sends a Reasoned Opinion to four Member States
Today, the Commission sent a Reasoned Opinion to
Portugal, Slovakia, Finland and the United Kingdom for failure to communicate
the full transposition of the Directive on the promotion of cogeneration . The
Directive aims at promoting the use of combined heat and power with the view of
saving primary energy, avoiding network losses and reducing greenhouse
gases.
- Commission takes action
against Greece for non-notification of the transposition of a Euratom
directive
The Commission decided today
to send a Reasoned Opinion to Greece for failure to notify the Commission of the
timely transposition into national law of the Directive on the supervision and
control of shipments of radioactive waste and nuclear spent fuel.
- Green electricity: Commission
refers Italy to the Court of Justice
The European Commission has today launched court
proceedings against Italy for its failure to recognise certain guarantees of
origin from other EU Member States specified under the EU Directive on
electricity production from renewable energy sources . Member States are
required by this Directive to establish a system of guarantees of origin and to
recognise those of other Member States.
- Seed marketing: Commission takes next step in its infringement
proceedings against two Member States
The European Commission
has sent "Reasoned Opinions" to the governments of Poland and the United Kingdom
over their failure to notify national implementing measures as required by
Directive 2008/62/EC. This directive provides derogations from the EU seed
marketing legislation for seed varieties that are naturally adapted to local and
regional conditions and are threatened by genetic erosion. It also provides
derogations for the marketing of seed and seed potatoes of these varieties.
The sending of a "Reasoned Opinion" is the second step in infringement
proceedings under Article 226 of the EC Treaty. If the Member States concerned
are not able to assure the Commission that this directive has been transposed to
their national legislation, the next step would be for the Commission to lodge
cases against them at the European Court of Justice.
- Commission refers Greece to the ECJ over unjustified milk import
controls
The Commission decided today to refer Greece to the
European Court of Justice (ECJ) because the Member State has implemented
national rules on milk import controls which are incompatible, in the
Commission's view, with existing Community legislation.
National legislation in place provides for systematic sample checks of every
consignment of milk imported from third countries at the points of entry, which
are not in line with Commission Decision 94/360/EC. The matter of veterinary
checks on products entering the Community from third countries is harmonised
under Community Legislation, which warrants the protection of animal and public
health and helps to safeguard supplies whilst ensuring market stability.
The imposition of physical checks, which cannot be justified under Community
legislation, appears to be inconsistent with EU law and principles. The referral
of the infringement case to the Court may lead to a declaration that the Member
State concerned has failed to fulfil an obligation under the EC Treaty. At a
later stage, if the infringement persists, the ECJ can condemn the Member State
to pay a lump sum and/or financial penalty.
- The European Commission welcomes the autonomy of the "Clean Sky"
JTI
On 19 november 2009, the "Clean Sky" Joint Undertaking
reached its administrative and operational autonomy from the European
Commission. Clean Sky is a Joint Technology Initiative, a public-private
partnership between the Commission and the aeronautics industry, set up to
develop research for cleaner and quieter aircraft in order to establish an
innovative and competitive Air Transport System. Janez Potočnik, European
Commissioner for Science and Research stated " Today Clean Sky Joint Technology
Initiative leaves the nest. As one of the parents the Commission is proud to let
it fly solo. Clean Sky is one of the five public-private partnership for
research we hatched two years ago in areas of promising technologies. I'm
confident Clean Sky will help Europe to keep EU research on clean technologies
in the lead and to move towards a competitive "green" economy. The JTIs will set
the example for many more public private partnerships at European level ". For
more information, see www.cleansky.eu
- Commissioner Dimas to present state of play in global climate
negotiations at Environment Council
Environment Commissioner
Stavros Dimas will represent the European Commission at the Environment Council
meeting on 23 November. The special meeting will be devoted exclusively to
preparations for the UN climate conference in Copenhagen on 7-18 December, at
which the EU wants to reach agreement on all the key elements of an ambitious
global regime for tackling climate change. The Council will take stock of the
state of play in the negotiations in the light of this week's pre-conference
informal ministerial meeting in Denmark and other recent developments (e.g
recent announcements of climate mitigation action from partners such as Brazil
or South Korea), consider how to increase the momentum and review what is
necessary for a successful and robust outcome. The morning session starting at
1030 will consist of a series of presentations. Danish Climate and Energy
Minister Connie Hedegaard, who will chair the Copenhagen conference, and Yvo de
Boer, Executive Secretary of the UN climate change convention, will make
introductory presentations. Commissioner Dimas will elaborate on the
Commission's vision on the current state of negotiations and the main challenges
ahead to achieve an ambitious agreement in Copenhagen. Thirdly, Hanne
Bjurstrøm, Norwegian State Secretary and chief climate negotiator, will
discuss Norway's proposals on tackling deforestation. Ministers will hold their
policy debate over lunch. The Council is expected to conclude at around 1600. A
press conference will be held at the Council at 16:30.
Rediffusion
- Commission adopts
communication on releasing the potential of public private partnerships
The Commission has set out a framework for
encouraging the use of public private partnerships (PPPs) to meet existing and
future needs for investment in public services, infrastructure and research in
Europe. When properly managed in the current and future public interest, PPPs
can bring immense benefits. Yet their use is still limited and many Member
States have little experience with them. In line with the European Economic
Recovery Plan, the Commission wants to give a fresh push to PPPs to encourage a
more frequent and better use of PPPs at a time where innovative public financing
solutions are needed to manage the challenges of tight national budgets. The
decision on whether or not to use PPPs will remain entirely with national
authorities. The Communication also covers options for improving the functioning
of the EU's Joint Technology Initiatives, which are EU co-funded PPPs in key
research areas (see MEMO/07/570).
- Commission approves German aid
scheme to promote use of hybrid buses in public transport
The European Commission has authorised today German state
aid supporting market acceptance of highly efficient vehicle technologies. The
initiative is aimed at reducing the environmental impact of bus traffic.
- La Commission autorise une
aide publique pour l'extension de la piste d'atterrissage de l'aéroport de
Groningen
La Commission européenne
a donné son feu vert au financement par l'Etat néerlandais de
l'extension de la piste d'atterrissage de l'aéroport de Groningen. La
Commission estime que cette aide d'Etat est compatible avec le marché
commun.
- Commission approves state aid
for purchasing low-carbon buses in England
The European Commission has authorised today an aid
scheme supporting the purchase of low-carbon buses in England. The main
objective of the scheme is to reduce the CO2 emissions produced by public buses
through the introduction of a 'Green Bus Fund'.
- Aides d'État: la
Commission ouvre une enquête approfondie sur la garantie d'État de
49,6 millions d'euros en faveur du fabricant roumain de produits chimiques
Oltchim
La Commission européenne a
engagé la procédure d'enquête formelle prévue par les
dispositions du traité CE relatives aux aides d'État sur une garantie
d'État de 49,6 millions d'euros en faveur d'Oltchim, l'une des plus grandes
entreprises chimiques de Roumanie. Elle doute que la garantie d'État, qui
doit être accordée conformément à l'actuel régime
d'aides approuvé par la Commission le 5 juin 2009 (voir IP/09/882), soit
conforme à son cadre temporaire relatif aux aides d'État à
l'économie en période de crise (voir IP/08/1993 et MEMO/08/795),
modifié le 25 février 2009). La Commission doit notamment
vérifier si l'entreprise Oltchim connaissait déjà des
difficultés avant la crise financière et économique actuelle
(auquel cas elle ne pourrait pas bénéficier des aides relevant du
cadre temporaire). L'ouverture de l'enquête approfondie donne aux parties
intéressées l’occasion de formuler leurs observations sur les
mesures en cause. Elle ne préjuge pas l'issue de la procédure.
- State aid: Commission
authorises aid for revitalisation of degraded areas in Poland for the period
2007-2013
The European Commission has
authorised, under EC Treaty State aid rules, around € 500 million of
public funding that the Polish authorities intend to grant for the
revitalisation of economically deprived areas of Poland in the period 2007-2013.
The aim of the measure is to reduce the disadvantages faced by less developed
areas by supporting the modernisation of housing, national heritage and
cultural institutions in the framework of revitalisation programmes. The
Commission has concluded that the planned measures will not affect trading
conditions to an extent contrary to the common interest and that the impact on
trade between Member States will be very limited.
- Aides d'État: la
Commission interdit le régime de subventions des prix de
l'électricité en faveur d'Alcoa et ordonne la récupération
partielle des aides déjà accordées
À l'issue d'une enquête approfondie ouverte en
juillet 2006 (voir IP/06/1038), la Commission européenne a estimé que
les aides au fonctionnement que l'Italie a accordées depuis 2006 au
producteur d'aluminium Alcoa étaient incompatibles avec les règles du
traité CE sur les aides d'État. Les tarifs préférentiels de
l'électricité consentis, de 2006 à 2010, par l'Italie à
Alcoa pour ses fonderies de Sardaigne et du Veneto contribuent uniquement à
réduire ses coûts de fonctionnement sans aucune autre justification.
Ils apportent donc à l'entreprise un avantage indu sur ses concurrents qui,
eux, doivent exercer leurs activités sans bénéficier de telles
subventions. La Commission a ordonné par conséquent à l'Italie de
mettre fin à ces subventions illégales et de récupérer une
partie des aides déjà versées à Alcoa.
- State aid: Commission opens
in-depth investigation into Portuguese regional investment aid for
Petrogal
The European Commission has
opened a formal investigation under EC Treaty state aid rules into an aid worth
some €160 million for an investment project of the Portuguese energy
company Petrogal in its existing refineries in Sines and Matosinhos. Portugal
intends to subsidise the modernisation and integration of the two sole
refineries in Portugal, mainly aiming at increasing the production of diesel to
the detriment of fuel oil production. The investment will also increase the
production of naphtha. After a preliminary investigation, the Commission has
doubts as to the compatibility of the aid measure with the state aid rules, in
particular regarding the incentive effect of the aid and the high market share
of the beneficiary on the Portuguese market. Moreover, issues regarding the
geographic and product market definition need to be clarified. The opening of a
formal investigation gives interested third parties the possibility to comment
on the proposed measure. Opening of an in-depth investigation does not prejudge
the outcome of the procedure.
- Nigeria signs € 677
million European Development Fund agreement to support governance, trade and
peace actions
The European Commission
has today signed a multi-million euro agreement that aims to help Nigeria tackle
development challenges in the areas of governance, trade and peace. The
agreement, signed in Brussels by European Commissioner for Development and
Humanitarian Aid, Karel De Gucht, and by Nigeria's Executive Secretary of the
National Planning Commission, Professor Sylvester Monye, is an ambitious step
forward in cooperation and is a direct result of the Nigeria-EU political
dialogue. It reinforces cooperation in three strategic areas: peace and
security; governance and human rights; trade and regional integration with
€ 677 million for the period 2009 – 2013 financed through the
European Development Fund.
- European Commission and IMF
welcome reaffirmed commitments of the largest foreign banks in Hungary
In a meeting in Brussels of the European Bank
Coordination Initiative held on 19 November 2009, the parent banks of the six
largest foreign banks active in Hungary reaffirmed their commitments made in May
2009 to support their subsidiaries. These commitments, along with the balance of
payments support package, are helping Hungary weather the economic downturn and
return to a sustainable growth path.
- Commission acknowledges ITER
Council's outcome and the steps taken towards a realistic scenario
On 18th and 19th of November, the
representatives of European Commission attended the fifth ITER Council in
Cadarache (France) together with representatives from the six other ITER
members: China, India, Japan, Korea, Russia and the United States. Progress
towards developing a realistic scenario for construction of ITER has been
achieved; however, the EU agrees with its international partners that the
discussions on the schedule for construction, and in particular on the terms of
mitigation of the risks, are still needed. An Updated Scenario, acceptable to
all members, is expected to be established by the end of February 2010.
The objective guiding European Union actions is to ensure the sustainable
success of ITER project with acceptable risks and at reasonable costs. For this
to happen, a number of boundary conditions need to be met: credible cost
assessment, acceptable costs and cost containment measures, realistic time table
and sound management of the project at international and national levels.
• Memo on "Commission Communication on Public
Private Partnerships - Frequently asked questions"
• Memo on "Questions &
Answers on Interpretation"
• Memo on "German –
threatened with extinction?"
• Discours par
Commissaire Spidla sur L'Europe des femmes, pour les femmes et par les
femmes
• Speech by Vice
President Tajani "Conferenza sul futuro della politica dei trasporti e sulla
revisione delle reti TEN-T"
• Calendrier hebdomadaire
du 23 au 29 novembre
• Top News from the
European Commission
A disposition au secrétariat de Jonathan Todd (BERL 03/315):
Notification préalable d'une opération de concentration:
Canon/Oce
DCC Energy/Shell Direct Austria
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