(AGENPARL) – lun 10 luglio 2023 [https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/notiftemplate/img/espressobanner.jpg]
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[Daily News 10 / 07 / 2023](https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/mex_23_3764)
‘Roaming’ for Ukraine: operators extend agreement to provide affordable calls to and from Ukraine for another year
On 9 July, the Commission welcomed the twelve-month prolongation of the operators’ agreement allowing displaced refugees from Ukraine to stay connected across borders. The Commission has facilitated the agreement between 22 European and seven Ukrainian operators to prolong the agreement, which was first [signed in April 2022](https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/news/ukraine-eu-facilitates-coordinated-steps-telecom-operators-help-refugees-stay-connected), to mutually lower the rates they must sustain to connect calls across borders. Affordable calls allow those seeking shelter in Europe to reach family and friends in Ukraine, and vice versa.
The Body of European regulators of electronic communications (BEREC) monitors the impact of the agreement. The [latest data](https://www.berec.europa.eu/en/document-categories/berec/reports/berec-analysis-monitoring-of-the-joint-statement-agreed-between-ukraine-and-eu-operators) demonstrates that the agreement has been efficient in allowing operators to provide affordable calls across borders. When it comes to inter-operator rates for cross-border calls, operators in the European Economic Area (EEA) that are part of the agreement are subject to significantly lower rates than those operators who have not signed it.
The Commission urges all operators to join the agreement. An updated list of signatories can be found [online](https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/library/joint-statement-eu-and-ukrainian-operators-help-refugees-ukraine-stay-connected).
In parallel, the Commission has been preparing to integrate Ukraine into the EU Roaming area, which would provide a more stable and longer-term solution. In April 2023, the EU-Ukraine association committee adopted the Commission’s proposal for Ukraine to join the EU Roaming rules. The next step is for Ukraine to fully align their legislation with that of the EU and then for the Council of the European Union to adopt the final decision.
More information is available [online](https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/library/joint-statement-eu-and-ukrainian-operators-help-refugees-ukraine-stay-connected).
Commission adopts rules for implementing the Foreign Subsidies Regulation
The European Commission has adopted today the rules for implementing the [Foreign Subsidies Regulation](https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:32022R2560) (‘FSR’). The Implementing Regulation details procedural aspects of the implementation of the FSR. It also contains notification forms for concentrations involving foreign financial contributions and for foreign financial contributions in public procurement procedures.
The Implementing Regulation adopted today takes into account the feedback received during the one-month [public consultation](https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_23_591) period that took place between 6 February 2023 and 6 March 2023. In particular, as mandated by the FSR, it addresses respondents’ requests to limit the administrative burden related to notifications.
The Implementing Regulation, and in particular the notification forms, detail the reporting obligations of notifying parties, specifying the information that needs to be included in the notification forms for concentrations and public procurement procedures. Moreover, the Implementing Regulation provides detailed rules on: (i) the procedure for notifications to the Commission of concentrations and of participation in public procurement involving foreign financial contributions; (ii) the Commission’s investigation process; (iii) the procedural rights of the parties; (iv) the calculation and suspension of time limits; (v) the transmission and signature of documents.
The FSR will start to apply from 12 July 2023. As of 12 October 2023, companies will have to notify concentrations and participation in public procurement procedures involving foreign financial contributions and meeting the relevant notification thresholds.
A [press release](https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/IP_23_3747) and [questions & answers](https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/QANDA_23_3765) document are available online.
Eurobaromètre : l’action de l’UE sur la transition énergétique et en réponse à l’invasion de l’Ukraine largement approuvée
L’Eurobaromètre standard réalisé en juin 2023 et publié aujourd’hui confirme le très large soutien des citoyens de l’Union européenne à la transition énergétique. 85% d’entre eux souhaitent que l’UE investisse massivement dans le renouvelable et 82% estiment que l’UE doit réduire dès que possible sa dépendance à l’égard des sources d’énergie russes.
Les mesures prises en réponse à l’invasion de l’Ukraine par la Russie sont largement approuvées. 88% des personnes interrogées soutiennent l’action humanitaire et 86% l’accueil dans l’UE des personnes fuyant la guerre. 75% sont favorables au soutien financier à l’Ukraine et 72% aux sanctions économiques contre la Russie. Enfin, 64% des personnes interrogées approuvent le financement par l’UE de l’achat et de la livraison de matériel militaire en Ukraine et la même proportion approuve le fait que le statut de pays candidat ait été accordé à l’Ukraine.
77% des citoyens de l’UE se prononcent en faveur d’une politique de défense et de sécurité commune et de fortes majorités se dégagent en faveur d’une meilleure coordination des achats d’équipements militaires (77%), d’un renforcement de la capacité de l’UE à produire des équipements militaires (69%) et d’une augmentation du budget de la défense dans l’UE (66%).
Les perceptions économiques s’améliorent : 45% des personnes interrogées estiment que la situation de l’économie européenne est bonne (+ 5 points depuis la vague de janvier-février), contre 44% qui la jugent mauvaise (-7). L’inflation demeure perçue comme l’un des problèmes les plus importants auxquels l’UE doit faire face, mais dans une moindre proportion qu’en début d’année (27%, -5). L’euro enregistre un niveau de soutien proche de son record (78% dans la zone euro, 71% dans l’ensemble de l’Union). Par ailleurs, 55% pensent que le plan de relance NextGenerationEU peut être efficace pour répondre aux actuels défis économiques.
Les indicateurs de soutien à l’UE restent stables : 47% font plutôt confiance à l’UE et 32% aux gouvernements nationaux. 45% ont une bonne image de l’UE, 18% une mauvaise image et 37% une image neutre. Enfin, 63% se déclarent optimistes pour son avenir.
Un [communiqué](https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_23_3755) de presse et [l’enquête](https://europa.eu/eurobarometer/surveys/detail/3052) sont en ligne.
Agriculture : la Commission approuve une nouvelle indication géographique d’Italie
La Commission a approuvé l’ajout de « Sebadas / Seadas / Sabadas / Seattas / Savadas / Sevadas di Sardegna » d’Italie dans le registre des indications géographiques protégées (IGP).
Les « Sebadas / Seadas / Sabadas / Seattas / Savadas / Sevadas di Sardegna » sont une pâtisserie traditionnelle de l’île de Sardaigne. Elle se présente sous forme ronde ou ovale avec un goût de fromages et d’agrumes. La pâte est farcie de fromage de brebis, chèvre et/ou vache avec des écorces de citron et/ou d’orange. Dans la tradition culinaire de l’île, ce dessert est frit, agrémenté de miel ou de sucre puis servi chaud. Le produit peut porter un ou plusieurs des noms inclus dans la dénomination protégée.
Cette nouvelle dénomination sera ajoutée à la liste des 1 639 produits agricoles déjà protégées. 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/).
State aid: Commission approves modification of Dutch scheme to reduce greenhouse gas emissions
The European Commission has approved, under EU State aid rules, the modification of a Dutch scheme to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The scheme will further contribute to achieving the Netherlands’ energy and climate targets and the [EU’s strategic objectives relating to the European Green Deal](https://ec.europa.eu/info/strategy/priorities-2019-2024/european-green-deal_en).
The Netherlands notified the Commission of its plans to modify its Stimulering Duurzame Energieproductie (‘SDE++’) scheme approved by the Commission in [December 2020](https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/IP_20_2410) ([SA.53525](https://competition-cases.ec.europa.eu/cases/SA.53525)) and amended in [December 2021](https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/mex_21_6906) ([SA.100461](https://competition-cases.ec.europa.eu/cases/SA.100461)). The modified scheme will run until 31 December 2025.
The Netherlands made several amendments to the existing scheme. In particular, these amendments will guarantee a certain budget for supporting projects in areas where decarbonisation is currently relatively expensive but that offer promising green potential. A minimum budget of €750 million will be allocated in 2023 to projects in each of the following areas: (i) low-temperature heat, including geothermal, heat pumps and solar thermal; (ii) high-temperature heat, including mainly electrification options for industry via heat pumps and electric boilers; and (iii) molecules, which includes hydrogen production via electrolysis, production of biomethane, and advanced renewable transport fuels. In addition, the scheme is amended to cover also air water heat pumps for heating buildings, and the possible future electrification of offshore platforms.
Executive Vice-President Margrethe Vestager, in charge of competition policy, said: “Today’s approved modifications to the Dutch scheme will support projects that will significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It will increase the share of renewable energy and support the decarbonisation of industry and transport. The scheme shows how a wide variety of technologies can compete to find the best value for money in reaching our climate targets.”
A press release is available [online](https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/IP_23_3743).
State aid: Commission approves €10 million Estonian scheme to support agricultural and food producers in the context of Russia’s war against Ukraine
Under the scheme the aid will take form of direct grants. The purpose of the scheme is to support producers of agricultural and food products that are currently facing liquidity shortages due to the cost increase of fuel, electricity and fertilisers, a key input for agricultural production, and thus to ensure food security. The Commission found that the Estonian 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 company active in the primary production of agricultural products and €2 million per company active in food production; (ii) will be granted no later than 31 December 2023; and (iii) will be granted only to companies affected by the crisis. 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.106614 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.
Concentrations : la Commission autorise la création d’une entreprise commune par HPSL, Golden Chance et CMAT
La Commission européenne a approuvé, en vertu du règlement européen sur les concentrations, la création d’une entreprise commune par Hutchison Ports Sokhna Limited (« HPSL »), basée au Royaume-Uni, Golden Chance Investment Enterprise Limited (« Golden Chance »), basée à Hong Kong, et CMA Terminals SAS (« CMAT »), basée en France.
L’entreprise commune sera active dans la construction, le développement et l’exploitation d’un terminal à conteneurs dans le port d’Ain Sokhna en Égypte. HPSL est une division opérationnelle de CKHH, développeur et opérateur de terminaux à conteneurs et fournisseur de services logistiques associés au niveau mondial. Golden Chance est une filiale de COSCO, active en tant qu’opérateur portuaire. COSCO est active, entre autres, dans le transport de marchandises, la logistique, la construction, la réparation et les services de gestion de navires, l’ingénierie maritime, l’exploitation de terminaux et les services financiers et informatiques connexes. CMAT est une filiale de CMA CGM qui offre une gamme de services liés au transport maritime, notamment le transport de conteneurs et les services de terminaux portuaires. CMA CGM est également active dans le domaine du transport de fret, notamment aérien, et des services logistiques connexes.
La Commission a conclu que la concentration envisagée ne soulèverait pas de problème de concurrence, compte tenu de l’absence d’impact sur la structure du marché dans l’Espace Économique Européen. La transaction a été examinée dans le cadre de la procédure simplifiée de contrôle des concentrations.
De plus amples informations sont disponibles sur le [site internet concurrence](https://competition-policy.ec.europa.eu/index_en) de la Commission, dans le [registre public](https://competition-cases.ec.europa.eu/search) des affaires sous le numéro d’affaire [M.11104](https://competition-cases.ec.europa.eu/cases/M.11104).
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Climate diplomacy: EU, Canada and China co-host the 7th Ministerial on Climate Action (MoCA)
On Thursday 13th and Friday 14th July, Executive Vice-President Frans Timmermans, Canada’s Minister for Environment and Climate Change, Steven Guilbeault, and China’s Minister for Ecology and Environment, Huang Runqiu are co-convening the 7th Ministerial on Climate Action (MoCA), in Brussels. The MoCA is a major annual ministerial meeting on international climate action attended by Ministers from G20 countries and other key Parties in the UN climate negotiations.
Executive Vice-President Timmermans will deliver his opening remarks together with the other two co-chairs, followed by keynote speeches from UNFCCC Executive Secretary Simon Stiell and COP28 President-Designate Sultan Al Jaber. This opening session will be broadcast live on [EbS](https://audiovisual.ec.europa.eu/en/ebs/live/1).
Following the opening speeches, thematic sessions will focus on key political issues on the COP28 agenda. On Thursday, Ministers will discuss the implementation of the Paris Agreement and the first Global Stocktake, as well as finance for loss and damage. On Friday, the discussions will be dedicated to climate change mitigation including global cooperation on renewable energy and energy efficiency, enhancing adaptation action and delivering climate finance, followed by concluding remarks by the co-chairs.
A few places are available for media to follow the opening speeches on site. Places will be allocated on a first come, first served basis. If you are interested, please contact the SPP team below.
[Tentative agendas](https://ec.europa.eu/transparency/documents-register/search?query=eyJjYXRlZ29yeU9iamVjdHMiOltdLCJjYXRlZ29yaWVzIjpbXSwidHlwZU9iamVjdHMiOltdLCJ0eXBlcyI6W10sImRlcGFydG1lbnRPYmplY3RzIjpbXSwiZGVwYXJ0bWVudHMiOltdLCJsYW5ndWFnZSI6ImVuIiwia2V5d29yZHNTZWFyY2hUeXBlIjoiQUxMIiwidGFyZ2V0IjoiVElUTEVfQU5EX0NPTlRFTlQiLCJzb3J0QnkiOiJET0NVTUVOVF9EQVRFX0RFU0MiLCJpc1JlZ3VsYXIiOnRydWUsImtleXdvcmRzIjoibGlzdGUgZGVzIHBvaW50cyBwcsOpdnVzIiwicmVmZXJlbmNlIjoiIiwicGFnZSI6MX0%3D) for forthcoming Commission meetings
Note that these items can be subject to changes.
[Upcoming events](https://ec.europa.eu/info/events_en) of the European Commission
[Eurostat](https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/web/main/news/news-articles) press releases
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