(AGENPARL) – gio 27 luglio 2023 [https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/notiftemplate/img/espressobanner.jpg]
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[Daily News 27 / 07 / 2023](https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/mex_23_4021)
EU strengthens support to cross-border journalism with €14 million
Twelve consortia of news organisations have received a total EU support of €14 million for cross-border projects to strengthen the news media sector over the next two years.
Investigative journalism, community media, sign language journalism, podcasts and youth journalism are among the profiles of the twelve [winning consortia](https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/news-redirect/796439), spread across the EU and [other](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/crea/guidance/list-3rd-country-participation_crea_en.pdf) Creative Europe countries. The activities of the funded projects will include the development of common business and editorial standards, testing of new types of newsrooms and new formats, training programmes and cross-border productions. The project beneficiaries operate with full editorial independence.
These projects have been selected following the second [yearly call for proposals for Journalism Partnerships](https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/funding/journalism-partnerships-0)under Creative Europe in 2022, as part of the [NEWS initiative announced in the Media and Audiovisual Action Plan](https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/policies/news-initiative).
Each year, a new call for Journalism Partnerships is published under this initiative, which aims to foster cross-border collaboration among news media organisations across Europe.
The first of these annual calls, issued in 2021 and worth €8 million, was finalised and resulted in [seven selected projects](https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/news/spotlight-first-eu-supported-journalism-partnerships). The third and latest [call for proposals for Journalism Partnerships](https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/funding/journalism-partnerships-1), worth €10 million, was published in December 2022 and is currently under evaluation, with selected projects expected to start early 2024.
An overview of grants to news media is [available here.](https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/library/eu-support-news-media-sector)
InvestEU : Le FEI et Banco Santander signent un accord afin de soutenir les petites entreprises à hauteur de 280 millions d’euros maximum
Le Fonds européen d’investissement (FEI) et Banco Santander renforcent leur soutien aux petites et moyennes entreprises et aux petites entreprises à moyenne capitalisation au moyen d’un accord de garantie InvestEU d’un montant de 200 millions d’euros. Cet accord a été rendu possible avec le soutien du [programme InvestEU](https://investeu.europa.eu/index_en).
Les garanties prévues par l’accord permettront à Banco Santander de fournir 280 millions d’euros de nouveaux financements pour aider les entreprises à exploiter pleinement leur potentiel. La ligne de crédit est liée à des produits de financement fournis par le Fonds InvestEU et couvrant deux domaines: (1) durabilité et, (2) innovation et numérisation.
Paolo Gentiloni, commissaire à l’économie, a déclaré : « Les petites et moyennes entreprises sont depuis longtemps une source essentielle de croissance en Europe. Je me réjouis que le programme InvestEU ait un impact considérable dans ce contexte. Cet accord aidera non seulement ces entreprises à créer des emplois, mais leur permettra également de jouer un rôle crucial en contribuant à une économie plus durable, plus innovante et plus numérique. Elle libérera tout le potentiel des entreprises espagnoles en matière de croissance verte et d’emploi ».
Le [programme InvestEU](https://investeu.europa.eu/index_en) fournit à l’UE un financement à long terme en mobilisant des fonds privés et publics à l’appui des priorités stratégiques de l’UE. Dans le cadre du programme, le Fonds InvestEU est mis en œuvre par l’intermédiaire de partenaires financiers qui investiront dans des projets utilisant la garantie du budget de l’UE et mobiliseront ainsi au moins 372 milliards d’euros d’investissements supplémentaires.
Un [communiqué de presse](https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_23_3982) est disponible en ligne.
Agriculture : La Commission approuve quatre nouvelles indications géographiques françaises
Aujourd’hui, la Commission a approuvé l’ajout de quatre produits français de l’île de Corse dans le registre des Indications Géographiques Protégées (IGP). Il s’agit de la « Pancetta de l’Ile de Beauté » / « Panzetta de l’Ile de Beauté » ; le « Saucisson sec de l’Ile de Beauté »/« Salciccia de l’Ile de Beauté » ; la « Bulagna de l’Ile de Beauté » ; et le « Figatelli de l’Ile de Beauté »/« Figatellu de l’Ile de Beauté ».
Ces nouvelles dénominations seront ajoutées à la liste des 1 643 produits agricoles déjà protégés. La liste de toutes les indications géographiques protégées se trouve dans la base de données [eAmbrosia](https://ec.europa.eu/info/food-farming-fisheries/food-safety-and-quality/certification/quality-labels/geographical-indications-register/). Plus d’informations sont disponibles en ligne sur [les systèmes de qualité](http://ec.europa.eu/agriculture/quality/schemes/index_en.htm) et sur notre portail [GIView](https://www.tmdn.org/giview/).
Agriculture: The Commission approves a new geographical indication from the United Kingdom – ‘Gower Salt Marsh Lamb’
‘Gower Salt Marsh Lamb’ is prime lamb that is born, reared and slaughtered on the Gower Peninsula in South Wales. It is the unique vegetation and environment of the salt marshes on the north Gower coastline, where the lambs graze, which gives the meat its distinctive characteristics.
This new denomination will be added to the list of 1,643 agricultural products already protected. The list of all protected geographical indications can be found in the [eAmbrosia](https://ec.europa.eu/info/food-farming-fisheries/food-safety-and-quality/certification/quality-labels/geographical-indications-register/) database. More information is available online at [Quality Schemes](http://ec.europa.eu/agriculture/quality/schemes/index_en.htm) and on our [GIView](https://www.tmdn.org/giview/) portal.
Antitrust: Commission opens investigation into possible anticompetitive practices by Microsoft regarding Teams
The European Commission has opened a formal investigation to assess whether Microsoft may have breached EU competition rules by tying or bundling its communication and collaboration product Teams to its popular suites for businesses Office 365 and Microsoft 365.
Microsoft includes Teams, a cloud-based communication and collaboration tool, in its well-entrenched cloud-based productivity suites for business customers Office 365 and Microsoft 365. The Commission is concerned that Microsoft may be abusing and defending its market position in productivity software by restricting competition in the European Economic Area (‘EEA’) for communication and collaboration products.
In particular, the Commission is concerned that Microsoft may grant Teams a distribution advantage by not giving customers the choice on whether or not to include access to that product when they subscribe to their productivity suites and may have limited the interoperability between its productivity suites and competing offerings.
These practices may constitute anti-competitive tying or bundling and prevent suppliers of other communication and collaboration tools from competing, to the detriment of customers in the European Economic Area (‘EEA’).
If proven, the behaviour under investigation may breach EU competition rules, which prohibit the abuse of a dominant position (Article 102 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (‘TFEU’)). The Commission will carry out its in-depth investigation as a matter of priority. The opening of a formal investigation does not prejudge its outcome.
Executive Vice-President Margrethe Vestager, in charge of competition policy said: “Remote communication and collaboration tools like Teams have become indispensable for many businesses in Europe. We must therefore ensure that the markets for these products remain competitive, and companies are free to choose the products that best meet their needs. This is why we are investigating whether Microsoft’s tying of its productivity suites with Teams may be in breach of EU competition rules.”
A press release is available [online.](https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_23_3991)
State aid: Commission approves €40 million German support for on-shore LNG terminal in Brunsbüttel
The European Commission has approved, under EU State aid rules, a €40 million German support measure for the construction and operation of a new land-based liquefied natural gas (‘LNG’) terminal in Brunsbüttel, with an annual capacity of 10 billion cubic meters. The terminal comprises import, storage and distribution facilities, and it is planned to start operating by the end of 2026. The measure will contribute to the security and diversification of energy supplies in Germany and help end dependence on Russian fossil fuels in line with the [REPowerEU Plan](https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/IP_22_3131).
The beneficiaries of the measure are the German energy operator RWE and the Dutch energy network operator Gasunie. The company German LNG Terminal GmbH (‘GLNG’) will build and operate the LNG terminal. GLNG will have three shareholders: (i) the German government through the investment and development bank KfW with a 50% stake; (ii) Gasunie with a 40% stake; and (iii) RWE with a 10% stake.
Under the measure, the aid will take the form of a preferential dividend distribution mechanism: KfW will give to its co-investors a share of the dividends paid by GLNG if the project’s annual return is below a fixed percentage of the total capital invested by all shareholders, including KfW. The amount of aid disbursed under the measure will depend on the annual returns but is expected to amount to €40 million.
Executive Vice-President Margrethe Vestager, in charge of competition policy, said: “The new LNG terminal in Brunsbüttel will improve gas supply and infrastructure in Germany and thereby contribute to the achievement of the EU’s goals in terms of security and diversification of energy supplies. The measure approved today has sufficient safeguards to limit any possible distortions to competition.”
A press release is available [online](https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_23_3612).
State aid: Commission approves €28.8 million Austrian measure to support the modernisation of Sandoz’s penicillin production in Tyrol
The European Commission has approved, under EU State aid rules, a €28.8 million Austrian measure to support the modernisation of Sandoz GmbH (‘Sandoz’) penicillin production site in Tyrol. The measure will help to maintain in the EU the last fully integrated production of amoxicillin, the most used penicillin type, contributing to the security of supply of essential and live-saving medicines. The measure will contribute to strengthening the continuity and security of supply of medicines in line with the [Pharmaceutical Strategy for Europe](https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_20_2173).
Under the measure, the aid will take the form of a direct grant of €28.8 million to support the modernisation of Sandoz’s amoxicillin production process. In particular, Sandoz will (i) further rationalise the production process of starting material from fungal cultures, and (ii) build a new plant for carrying out the enzymatic synthesis of the active pharmaceutical ingredient (‘API’).
The Commission assessed the measure under EU State aid rules, in particular [Article 107(3)(c) of the TFEU](https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX%3A12008E107), which enables Member States to support the development of certain economic activities subject to certain conditions. On this basis, the Commission approved the Austrian measure under EU State aid rules.
Executive Vice-President Margrethe Vestager, in charge of competition policy, said: “Amoxicillin is an important antibiotic, for which we have seen repeated shortages across many Member States. This measure will ensure that a fully integrated production line of amoxicillin remains in the EU. This will help us secure the supply of this critical antibiotic. At the same time, the public support will be strictly limited to what is necessary.”
A press release is available [online](https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_23_4006).
State aid: Commission approves €113 million Polish scheme to support pig producers in the context of Russia’s war against Ukraine
Under the scheme, the aid will consist in limited amounts of aid in the form of direct grants. The purpose of []the measure is to support small and medium-sized companies active in the pig production sector that are currently facing liquidity shortages due to the cost increase of energy, fuel and other raw materials, and thus to ensure food security.
The Commission found that the Polish scheme is in line with the conditions set out in the Temporary Crisis and Transition Framework. In particular, the aid (i) will not exceed €250,000 per beneficiary; and (ii) will be granted no later than 31 December 2023. The Commission concluded that the scheme is necessary, appropriate and proportionate to remedy a serious disturbance in the economy of a Member State, in line with Article 107(3)(b) TFEU and the conditions set out in the Temporary Crisis and Transition Framework. On this basis, the Commission approved the scheme under EU State aid rules.
More information on the Temporary Crisis and Transition Framework and other actions taken by the Commission to address the economic impact of Russia’s war against Ukraine and foster the transition towards a net-zero economy can be found [here](https://ec.europa.eu/competition-policy/state-aid/ukraine_en). The non-confidential version of the decision will be made available under the case number SA.108164 in the [State aid register](https://ec.europa.eu/competition/elojade/isef/index.cfm?clear=1&policy_area_id=3) on the Commission’s competition [website](https://ec.europa.eu/competition-policy/index_en) once any confidentiality issues have been resolved.
Mergers: Commission clears acquisition of Endeavour Energy by Macquarie and BCI
The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of joint control of Endeavour Energy by Macquarie Australian Infrastructure Management 1 Limited (‘Macquarie’), all of Australia, and British Columbia Investment Management Corporation (‘BCI’) of Canada.
Endeavour Energy owns and operates an electricity distribution network located in New South Wales, Australia. Macquarie is a subsidiary of the Macquarie Group, a financial group active worldwide providing asset management and finance, banking, advisory and risk and capital solutions. BCI is a long-term investor across a range of asset classes.
The Commission concluded that the proposed acquisition would raise no competition concerns, given that Endeavour Energy does not have any activities within the European Economic Area. The transaction was examined under the simplified merger review procedure.
More information is available on the Commission’s [competition](https://competition-cases.ec.europa.eu/search) website, in the public [case register](https://competition-cases.ec.europa.eu/search) under the case number [M.11181](https://ec.europa.eu/competition/elojade/isef/case_details.cfm?proc_code=2_M_11181).
Mergers: Commission clears acquisition of Amara by Cinven
The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of sole control of Amara S.A. (‘Amara’) of Spain by Cinven Capital Management (VII) General Partner Limited (‘Cinven’) of Guernsey.
Amara is a provider of integrated solutions for businesses on decarbonisation, electrification and energy efficiency. Cinven is a private equity business that provides investment management and investment advisory services. It also controls a number of portfolio companies active across various sectors. The companies’ activities overlap in particular in the supply of telecommunications and electricity equipment.
The Commission concluded that the proposed acquisition would raise no competition concerns, given the companies’ limited combined market position resulting from the proposed transaction. The transaction was examined under the simplified merger review procedure.
More information is available on the Commission’s [competition](http://ec.europa.eu/competition/index_en.html) website, in the public [case register](https://competition-cases.ec.europa.eu/search) under the case number [M.11156](https://competition-cases.ec.europa.eu/cases/M.11156).
[Liste des points prévus](https://ec.europa.eu/transparency/documents-register/search?query=eyJjYXRlZ29yeU9iamVjdHMiOltdLCJjYXRlZ29yaWVzIjpbXSwidHlwZU9iamVjdHMiOltdLCJ0eXBlcyI6W10sImRlcGFydG1lbnRPYmplY3RzIjpbXSwiZGVwYXJ0bWVudHMiOltdLCJsYW5ndWFnZSI6ImVuIiwia2V5d29yZHNTZWFyY2hUeXBlIjoiQUxMIiwidGFyZ2V0IjoiVElUTEVfQU5EX0NPTlRFTlQiLCJzb3J0QnkiOiJET0NVTUVOVF9EQVRFX0RFU0MiLCJpc1JlZ3VsYXIiOnRydWUsImtleXdvcmRzIjoibGlzdGUgZGVzIHBvaW50cyBwcsOpdnVzIiwicmVmZXJlbmNlIjoiIiwicGFnZSI6MX0%3D) à l’ordre du jour des prochaines réunions de la Commission
Veuillez noter que ces informations sont données sous réserve de modifications.
[Prochains événements](https://ec.europa.eu/info/events_fr) de la Commission européenne
[Eurostat](https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/web/main/news/news-articles): communiqués de presse
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