2015 - Main contents

Source: European Commission (EC) i, published on Monday, October 19 2015.

European Commission takes action to tackle radicalisation through the criminal justice system

On 19 October, the European Commission hosts with the Luxemburgish Presidency, the first high-level conference on the criminal justice response to radicalisation, bringing together Justice Ministers, Members of the European Parliament, government officials, the Counter-Terrorism Coordinator, Eurojust and frontline practitioners including national prosecutors and prison directors. Commissioner for Justice, Consumers and Gender Equality, Vera Jourová will lead discussions on how to better deal with radicalisation and find the right criminal justice responses to this common challenge. She said: "Radicalisation is a growing threat across Europe. Online radicalisation and the issue of foreign fighters are new challenges that emerged over the last years. Radicalisation in prisons is a particular point of concern. The Commission is committed to supporting Member States by funding projects in this field and training people in the criminal justice system to deal with radicalised persons." Addressing the problem of radicalisation is a cornerstone of the European Security Agenda, which sets out the European Union's collective response to terrorism. At the Conference, Commissioner for Migration, Home Affairs and Citizenship, Dimitris Avramopoulos said: "Tackling radicalisation head-on is a key priority in our fight against terrorism. Our European Agenda on Security made this very clear. That is why we are reinforcing our existing Radicalisation Awareness Network with a centre of excellence within Europol, to improve the sharing of best practices and information with more than 2000 key experts and practitioners across Europe. That is also why I will be launching the Internet Forum this year with important industry players to strengthen our collective response to tackling radicalisation online." For more information see conference programme and press release. A press point with Commissioner Jourová and Minister of Justice of Luxembourg Felix Braz will take place at 14:30 at the VIP corner of the Berlaymont and will be livestreamed on EbS. (For more information: Christian Wigand - Tel.: +32 229 62253; Mélanie Voin - Tel.: +32 229 58659)

European Commission and European Investment Fund mobilise funding support to European micro-enterprises

The European Commission and the European Investment Fund will today open up access to finance for microenterprises under the European Programme for Employment and Social Innovation (EaSI), which will provide a €96 million guarantee for the period 2014-2020 - expected to mobilise over €500 million in loans. Guarantee agreements will be signed between the European Investment Fund, which manages the EaSI guarantee on behalf of the European Commission, and six microfinance institutions in six countries. Marianne Thyssen, Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs, Skills and Labour Mobility, said: "I congratulate the six microcredit providers which will sign their guarantee agreements today - easing access to finance for new microenterprises. Microfinance is an essential instrument to promote entrepreneurship and fight against social and financial exclusion. The Juncker Commission is committed to creating growth and jobs and today we are delivering concretely on this priority." The guarantee agreements target those who wish to start or further develop their own micro-enterprises, in particular people who have difficulties in entering the job market or in accessing finance. A press release will be available at 17:30 with further details on the funding. A press conference with Commissioner Thyssen and Minister Nicolas Schmit can be followed live at 16:15 here. (For more information: Christian Wigand - Tel.: +32 229 62253; Mélanie Voin - Tel.: +32 229 58659)

New phase of Latin America programme EUROsociAL+ launched

Today, the European Commission launched a new phase of EUROsociAL+, which is an EU programme to increase social cohesion in Latin America. Through the programme, which will have a budget of €32 million for the period 2016-2021, the EU will contribute to policy changes in three priority areas: social policies, democratic governance, and gender equality. EU Commissioner for International Cooperation and Development, Neven Mimica, said: "Inequality represents a common concern in our two regions. Programmes such as EUROsociAL+ show clearly the EU's added value in supporting the efforts of Latin America to increase social cohesion by sharing our valuable experience in this area with partners in the region." A press release and factsheet are available online. (For further information: Alexandre Polack - Tel.: +32 229 90677; Sharon Zarb - Tel.: +32 229-92256)

Mergers: Commission clears acquisition of Imtech Marine by Parcom and Pon in maritime electrical engineering

The European Commission has approved under the EU Merger Regulation the acquisition of joint control over the Imtech Marine Group BV by Parcom Capital Management BV and Pon Holding BV, all of the Netherlands. Imtech Marine provides electrical engineering services in the maritime sector. Parcom is a private equity fund. Pon is a conglomerate with subsidiaries active, among others, in the market for electrical engineering for the maritime sector. The Commission concluded that the proposed transaction would raise no competition concerns because of the limited overlaps between the companies' activities and because many other companies would remain active in the examined markets. The operation was assessed under the normal merger procedure. More information is available on the Commission's competition website in the public case register under the case number M.7771. (For more information: Ricardo Cardoso - Tel.: +32 229 80100; Carolina Luna Gordo - Tel.: +32 229 68386)

Mergers: Commission clears acquisition of car trader MSA by rival PGA

The European Commission has approved under the EU Merger Regulation the acquisition of MSA by PGA. MSA and PGA are retail distributors of passenger cars and light commercial vehicles and related services in France. PGA is controlled by the Volkswagen Group that is active in car manufacturing and other related services. The Commission concluded that the proposed acquisition would raise no competition concerns because the companies' market shares are low. Moreover, they face competition from a large number of retail companies. More information is available on the Commission's competition website, in the public case register under the case number M.7747. (For more information: Ricardo Cardoso - Tel.: +32 229 80100; Carolina Luna Gordo - Tel.: +32 229 68386)

Mergers: Commission clears acquisition of SunGard by Fidelity National Information Services

The European Commission has approved under the EU Merger Regulation the acquisition of SunGard by Fidelity National Information Services (FIS), both of the US. FIS provides banking and payment solutions as well as consulting and outsourcing products for the financial services industry globally. SunGard offers software and technology solutions in various areas including corporate liquidity, insurance, asset management, wealth and retirement management, retail banking and capital markets. The Commission concluded that the proposed acquisition would raise no competition concerns, given the companies' negligible combined market shares and the existence of other strong competitors. The transaction was examined under the simplified merger review procedure. More information is available on the Commission's competition website, in the public case register under the case number M.7767. (For more information: Ricardo Cardoso - Tel.: +32 229 80100; Carolina Luna Gordo - Tel.: +32 229 68386)

EUROSTAT: European official statistics: Better data. Better lives.

On 20 October, World Statistics Day is being celebrated for the second time. This event highlights the importance of official statistics in our society. Official statistics help decision makers develop informed policies that impact millions of people. Improved data sources, sound statistical methods, new technologies and strengthened statistical systems provide better data, which will enable better decisions that eventually result in better lives for all of us. At EU level, efforts have been made over more than 60 years by the statistical authorities of the Member States, working together with Eurostat, the statistical office of the European Union, in the European Statistical System, to produce reliable and comparable data. A Eurostat press release can be found here. (For more information:Christian Wigand- Tel.: +32 229 62253; Mélanie Voin - Tel.: +32 229 58659)

EUROSTAT: Production in construction down by 0.2% in euro area

In August 2015 compared with July 2015, seasonally adjusted production in the construction sector fell by 0.2% in the euro area (EA19) and by 1.2% in the EU28, according to first estimates from Eurostat, the statistical office of the European Union. In July 2015, production in construction grew by 0.4% in both zones. In August 2015 compared with August 2014, production in construction fell by 6.0% in the euro area and by 5.0% in the EU28. A Eurostat press release can be found here. (For more information: Lucia Caudet - Tel.: +32 229 56182;Heli Pietila - Tel.: +32 22964950)

ANNOUNCEMENTS

High Representative / Vice-President Federica Mogherini to visit Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on 20 October

The High Representative / Vice-President Federica Mogherini will travel to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on 20 October. The visit marks the 40th Anniversary of EU-Ethiopia relations. The HR/VP will meet with the Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegnas, and will launch a High Level Dialogue on migration with Ethiopia, ahead of the Valetta summit taking place on 11-12 November. The HR/VP will also visit an EU funded project focussed on the reintegration of returnees to Ethiopia and local civil society organisations. She will also pay her first visit to the African Union Commission. She will meet with African Union Commission Chairperson Dr Nkosazana Clarice Dlamini-Zuma, and will deliver a speech to the African representatives to the African Union, and other key representatives. (For more information: Alexandre Polack - Tel.: +32 229 90677; Maja Kocijancic - Tel.: +32 229 86570; Daniel Puglisi - Tel.: +32 229 69140)

Vice-President for Energy Union Maroš Šefčovič on Energy Union Tour to Belgium

Vice-President for Energy Union, Maroš Šefčovič, visits Belgium on 20 October as part of his Energy Union Tour. In the context of the Benelux Energy Week, Vice-President Šefčovič will hold Trilateral Ministerial Meetings with the Federal Minister of Energy, Environment and Sustainable Development Marie Christine Marghem, as well as with Regional Ministers of Energy, Annemie Turtelboom, Céline Fremault and Paul Furlan. In the presence of Ms Marghem and Deputy Prime Minister of Luxembourg Etienne Schneider, the Vice-President will also visit the upper reservoir of the Coo-Trois-Ponts Hydroelectric Power Station. Vice-President Šefčovič will deliver an introduction speech (16:10) at the Benelux Secretary-General on the Commission’s analysis of the main strengths and weaknesses of Belgian’s energy system and the new opportunities the Energy Union offers. Vice-President Šefčovič said: "Whether it is with politicians, energy stakeholders, NGOs or citizens, I look forward to discussing how Belgium and Belgian consumers can benefit from the Energy Union. I welcome electricity interconnections with its neighbours and regional cooperation within the Pentalateral Energy Forum. The aim of my visit is to bring real and tangible benefits for all of us if we follow a European, cross-border approach". Follow the Energy Union Tour on the Vice President's blog, as well as on his Twitter and Facebook accounts. Find more information on the Commission’s website of the Energy Union. (For more information: Anna-Kaisa Itkonen - Tel.: +32 229 56186; Nicole Bockstaller - Tel.: +32 229 52589)

European Commission marks Ninth EU Anti-Trafficking Day

Tomorrow, the European Commission, in cooperation with the Luxembourg Presidency of the Council of the European Union, will organise a conference to mark the Ninth EU Anti-Trafficking Day, with the participation of the EU Anti-Trafficking Coordinator, experts, civil society and MEPs. The high-level conference entitled "Time for Concrete Action: Implementing the Legal and Policy Framework on Trafficking in Human Beings", will focus on the implementation of the ambitious EU legal and policy framework to address trafficking in human beings. Dimitris Avramopoulos, Commissioner for Migration, Home Affairs and Citizenship, who will be opening the conference, said: "Potentially many thousands of people fall victim to human trafficking each year, and are often exploited in coercive or inhumane conditions. It is a heinous crime that knows no borders or pity and we must follow the profits and the demand that fuel it. We must crack down on the criminal networks, ensure victims have access to their rights, and ensure that those who exploit them are punished. And we have both the legal and moral responsibility to do so urgently". (For more information: Natasha Bertaud - Tel.: +32 229 67456; Tim McPhie - Tel.: +32 229 58602)

UN talks in Bonn focus on draft text for new global climate deal

Countries gathering at UN climate talks in Bonn, Germany on 19-23 October will seek to make progress on the draft text of the new global climate agreement due to be adopted in Paris in December. This is the last official negotiating session before the Paris summit (COP21). The five-day session will be crucial for improving the draft negotiating text released in early October by the co-Chairs of the negotiations. While the new text is concise and readable, the Commission considers substantial work is needed to make it clear and balanced. The EU is committed to the adoption of a legally binding, ambitious and fair global agreement that will help keep the world on track to avoiding dangerous climate change. To date, 151 Parties to the UN climate convention, representing around 90% of global emissions, have put forward their intended contributions in preparation for the Paris deal. The EU press briefing can be followed live on the UNFCCC website on Monday 19 October at 12:00. (For more information: Anna-Kaisa Itkonen - Tel.: +32 229 56186; Nicole Bockstaller - Tel.: +32 229 52589)

Commissioner Bulc visits the United Kingdom and France

Today and tomorrow EU Commissioner for Transport Violeta Bulc travels to London in the United Kingdom and to Coquelles in the North of France. In London, she will visit Heathrow airport, meet with the Rt. Hon. Patrick McLoughlin, British Secretary of State for Transport, and address the House of Commons and the House of Lords. On Tuesday, she will deliver a speech at the Aerodays conference, an event focusing on research and innovation in the aviation sector. There she will reiterate her commitment to a strong aviation sector delivering on President Juncker's agenda for jobs, growth and investment in Europe. Commissioner Bulc will then cross the Channel to visit the Eurotunnel facilities in Coquelles. On this occasion she will also re-inforce the support of the Commission to the Franco-British cooperation in relation to the migration situation in the Calais area. (For more information: Jakub Adamowicz - Tel.: +32 229 50595; Alexis Perier - Tel.: +32 229 69143)

Policy Coherence for Development report launched today

Today, Neven Mimica, European Commissioner for International Cooperation and Development, launched the 2015 Report on Policy Coherence for Development. It shows that the European Union has made good progress in Policy Coherence for Development (PCD) over the last two years. " Policy Coherence for Development becomes more important than ever in the context of the new 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Formulating sound policies which take into account from the outset the impacts on developing countries will be central to the achievement of the new global goals. The EU has been a pioneer in this field, and since 2013 has made further noteworthy advances in areas such as agriculture, fisheries, trade and climate change. But more can and should be done. It is my personal commitment to take up this challenge", said Commissioner Mimica. (For more information: Alexandre Polack - Tel.: +32 229 90677; Sharon Zarb - Tel.: +32 229 92256)

Ministerial Pledging Conference on Somali Refugees to take place in Brussels

A pledging conference designed to mobilise the international resources needed to achieve sustainable solutions for Somali refugees in the Horn of Africa will take place in Brussels on Wednesday 21 October. The EU is expected to pledge new support for Somali refugees in Somalia and Kenya during the conference. The conference will bring together a wide range of key international players, including United Nations agencies, inter-and non-governmental organisations, and national authorities. The European Commission will be represented byHigh Representative / Vice-President Federica Mogherini and Commissioner for International Cooperation and Development, Neven Mimica. Somalia remains one of the countries with the largest and most protracted displaced communities worldwide, with 1.1 million internally displaced and almost 1 million refugees in the Horn of Africa region. The event will take place at the MCE - Conference and Business Centre, Rue de l'Aqueduc 118, 1050, Brussels. Journalists are invited to cover the opening remarks (9:45-10:15), the press conference at 15:00, and the closing remarks (16:15 - 16:45) which will also be available on EbS.To register for the event, contact Stacey.Vickers@ec.europa.eu (For more information: Alexandre Polack - Tel.: +32 229 90677; Sharon Zarb - Tel.: +32 229-92256)

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