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European Commission Spokesman's Briefing for 08-06-05Midday Express: News from the EU Commission Spokesman's Briefings Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: EUROPA, the European Commission Server at <http://europa.eu.int>CONTENTS / CONTENU
MIDDAY EXPRESSNews from the Communication Directorate General's midday briefingNouvelles du rendez-vous de midi de la Direction Générale Communicationb05/06/08[01] Anti-money laundering: Commission takes measures against 15 Member States for non timely implementationThe European Commission has decided to pursue infringement procedures against 15 Member States for failure to implement the Third Anti-Money Laundering Directive in national law. The Commission will send formal requests to Belgium, Czech Republic, Germany, Greece, Spain, Finland, France, Ireland, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Sweden and Slovakia. These formal requests take the form of "reasoned opinions", 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 Directive should have been implemented by 15 December 2007.[02] Liberté d’établissement: la Commission demande à l’Espagne de présenter ses observations sur la réglementation andalouse relative aux surfaces commercialesLa Commission a décidé d’adresser une lettre de mise en demeure à l’Espagne en raison des restrictions qui pèsent sur l’établissement des surfaces commerciales dans la Communauté Autonome d'Andalousie. Les dispositions andalouses relatives aux conditions d’implantation des surfaces commerciales pourraient être contraires à l’article 43 du traité CE sur la liberté d’établissement. En l’absence de réponse satisfaisante des autorités espagnoles dans un délai de deux mois à compter de la réception de la mise en demeure, la Commission pourrait envoyer un avis motivé, seconde phase de la procédure d’infraction pouvant mener jusqu’à la Cour de Justice.[03] Liberté d’établissement: la Commission conteste le régime français des concessions hydroélectriquesLa Commission européenne a décidé de traduire la France devant la Cour de Justice pour sa réglementation qui accorde le droit de préférence au concessionnaire sortant, lors du renouvellement des concessions des ouvrages utilisant l’énergie hydraulique.[04] Libre prestation de services: procédure d'infraction à l’encontre de l'Allemagne pour la législation du Saarland relative à la formationLa Commission européenne a décidé de l’envoi d’un avis motivé à l’encontre de l'Allemagne pour la législation du Saarland relative à la formation ("Weiterbildungs- und Bildungsfreistellungsgesetz") selon laquelle un prestataire de service doit, afin de pouvoir être reconnu comme établissement de formation au sens de la loi, disposer d'un siège au Saarland et, en plus, avoir exercé une activité de formation dans le Saarland pendant deux ans.[05] Qualifications professionnelles: la Commission prend des mesures à l’encontre de huit États membres pour garantir la mise en œuvre du droit de l’UELa Commission européenne a décidé d'adresser un avis motivé à huit Etats membres, à savoir l'Allemagne, l'Estonie, la Lettonie, la Lituanie, les Pays-Bas, la Pologne, la Suède et le Royaume-Uni, pour non- communication des mesures de transposition de la directive 2005/36/CE relative à la reconnaissance des qualifications professionnelles.[06] Professional qualifications: Commission refers Italy and Poland to Court of Justice over non-implementation of EU lawsThe European Commission has decided to refer Italy and Poland to the European Court of Justice over their failure to inform the Commission of measures taken to implement Directive 2006/100/EC adapting certain directives in the field of freedom of movement of persons, by reason of the accession of Bulgaria and Romania.[07] Professional qualifications: Commission requests information on Germany's compliance with Court of Justice judgementThe Commission has decided, under Article 228 of the EC Treaty, to send a letter of formal notice to Germany requesting it to provide information on the measures it have taken to comply with a 2007 judgement of the European Court of Justice (C-456/05) in the area of professional qualifications.[08] Public procurement: Commission closes infringement case against Germany concerning an urban development project in FlensburgThe European Commission has decided to close an infringement case against Germany concerning a land sale for urban development purposes by the public utility company of the city of Flensburg.[09] Public procurement: infringement proceedings against Austria concerning award of planning services in GüssingThe European Commission has decided to send a formal request to Austria concerning the award of planning services in 2007 in the context of the extension of the Montecuccoli barracks in Güssing. The services amount to 2.5 million Euros and their value is thus more than 10 times higher than the threshold for the application of the European procurement Directive 2004/18/EC. 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.[10] Public procurement: infringement proceedings against Spain concerning award of contracts for the supply of helicoptersThe European Commission has decided to send a formal request to Spain concerning the conclusion of two framework agreements with the company Eurocopter for the supply of helicopters respectively to the Ministry of the Interior for national police and "Guardia Civil" and to the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food for missions of surveillance and support of the national fishing fleet. Based on these framework agreements both Ministries have already awarded two contracts for the supply of helicopters: 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.[11] Motor insurance: Commission takes action to ensure that five Member States implement EU lawsThe European Commission has decided to refer Greece to the European Court of Justice over its failure to implement in national law the Fifth Motor insurance Directive (2005/14/EC) by the agreed date of 11 June 2007. The Commission has also decided to formally request Belgium, France, Greece, Latvia and Romania to implement the Directive on reinsurance (2005/68/EC). These formal requests take the form of "reasoned opinions", 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.[12] Free movement of capital: Commission closes case against Austria concerning liquidity reserve obligations in certain banking sectorsThe European Commission has closed the infringement procedure initiated against Austria on legislation requiring banks in the cooperative and savings banks sector to keep a liquidity reserve exclusively with their central institution in Austria. Following an amendment made to the Austrian legislation in question, these banks are offered the possibility to keep the liquidity reserve with another bank in the EU if they join a scheme of joint liquidity compensation and keep that reserve to provide liquidity in case of need.[13] Company law: Commission takes measures against 11 Member States over non-implementation of EU rules on cross-border mergersThe European Commission has decided to pursue infringement procedures against 11 Member States for failure to implement the Cross-Border Mergers Directive in national law. The Commission will send formal requests to Belgium, Greece, Spain, France, Italy, Lithuania, Latvia, the Netherlands, Portugal, Sweden and Slovenia. These formal requests take the form of "reasoned opinions", 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 Directive should have been implemented before the end of 2007.[14] Free movement of capital: Commission calls on Germany to apply Court ruling on Volkswagen lawThe European Commission has decided to open infringement proceedings against Germany following its failure to comply with a Court of Justice ruling of 23 October 2007 regarding the 1960 law privatising Volkswagen (VW law).In that judgement, the Court found that three provisions of the VW law attribute unjustified special rights to German public authorities (the Land of Lower Saxony and potentially also the Federal Government) and that by maintaining them in force, Germany has failed to fulfil its obligations under the EC Treaty rules on the free movement of capital (Article 56). The request for information on Germany’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). Failure by the German authorities to comply with the 2007 judgement could result in fines being applied by the Court of Justice.[15] Roadmap on visa free travel opens EU doors to Bosnia and HerzegovinaEuropean Commission Vice President Jacques Barrot, in charge of Justice, Freedom and Security, welcomed the transmission of the Roadmap on visa liberalisation to Sven Alkalaj, the Foreign Affairs Minister of Bosnia and Herzegovina, today in a ceremony which took place in Sarajevo. The Roadmap gives clear indications to the authorities of Bosnia and Herzegovina on the measures that need to be taken in order to grant visa free travel to all its citizens.[16] Europe needs to multiply 'Guggenheim effect' to stay attractive, Hübner tells World Investment Conference in La BauleEurope needs to multiply the 'Guggenheim effect' achieved in Bilbao to stay attractive for investors – and Cohesion Policy can help to get results. That is one of the key messages Danuta Hübner, Commissioner for Regional Policy, will take to the World Investment Conference in La Baule, France. The conference, which takes place 4-6 June, brings together about 900 business and political leaders to explore how to make Europe more attractive and competitive.[17] Commission acts on gender equality legislationThe Commission has sent reasoned opinions to Estonia and Finland to fully implement EU rules prohibiting discrimination in employment and occupation on the grounds of sex (2002/73/EC). The countries have two months to respond. If they fail to reply or if the response is unsatisfactory, the Commission can decide to take them to the European Court of Justice (ECJ).[18] Mergers: Commission clears proposed acquisition of Trolltech by NokiaThe European Commission has approved under the EU Merger Regulation the proposed acquisition of the Norwegian company Trolltech by the Finnish company Nokia. Nokia is mainly active in the development and supply of mobile handsets and Trolltech is a supplier of software development tools, that is software used to develop software. The Commission concluded that the transaction would not significantly impede effective competition within the European Economic Area (EEA) or a substantial part of it.[19] Competition: Commission ends Court proceedings after Sweden abolishes Boxer's exclusive right in digital terrestrial broadcasting servicesThe European Commission has withdrawn its case against Sweden at the European Court of Justice after Sweden amended its Radio and TV Act. In particular, Sweden abolished the licensing system that gave the partly state-owned company Boxer an exclusive right to handle certain digital terrestrial broadcasting services in breach of EU law. The Commission had decided to refer Sweden to the Court in October 2006 (see IP/06/1411).[20] Product safety: Commissioner Kuneva presents expert report "Evaluating business safety measures in the toy supply chain"Today in Brussels European Consumer Affairs Commissioner Meglena Kuneva presented a report by independent experts entitled "Evaluating Business Safety Measures in the Toy Supply Chain." The Report was carried out at the initiative of the European Commission, as a follow up to the Commission's product safety Stocktaking review in Autumn 2007. The stocktaking was undertaken after a series of high profile recalls to review the strengths and weaknesses of the existing mechanisms to ensure product safety in Europe. The expert report published today, represents the results of a five- month analysis of product safety measures in the toy supply chain. The main conclusion of the research is to underline that product safety cannot be guaranteed by final product testing alone but that it has to be a key part of the "quality culture" of an organisation and needs to be embedded in the entire product supply chain. The evaluation found that Chinese authorities and manufacturers have made significant progress in tackling toy safety concerns. Amongst the key conclusions, the report found that it is the smaller players in the market, such as small European importers and traders and small Chinese manufacturers that tend to be the weak link in the product safety chain. They find it most difficult to fully understand and ensure compliance with the applicable legislation and standards. A second area where weaknesses have been detected is in relation to the expertise available within Member States' enforcement practices and the role of the testing laboratories. The report sets out a series of practical recommendations addressed to each of the stakeholders in the supply chain to strengthen safety controls.[21] EU and Brazil meet to discuss Strategic PartnershipThe EU Troika and Brazil will hold their first ever ministerial meeting on 6th June 2008, in Brdo pri Kranju, Slovenia. The talks will be yet another milestone in shaping EU-Brazil relations and implementing the Strategic Partnership launched in July 2007. The meeting will take stock of the preparations for the next EU-Brazil Summit, where a Joint Action Plan will be the key deliverable. Discussions will focus on climate change, effective multilateralism, the fight against global poverty, energy, migration, the global food crisis. The European Commission will be represented by Benita Ferrero-Waldner, Commissioner for External Relations and Neighbourhood Policy.[22] Erasmus Mundus: plus de 2 000 nouvelles bourses accordées à de nouveaux étudiants en masterPlus de 2 000 étudiants et 450 enseignants issus de pays tiers bénéficieront d’une bourse Erasmus Mundus pour l’année universitaire 2008-2009. Les premiers pourront ainsi étudier en Europe pendant une ou deux années et décrocher un diplôme de master sanctionnant l’un des 103 cursus «Erasmus Mundus» de très grande qualité proposés par des consortiums d’établissements européens d’enseignement supérieur.[23] Environment: Commission warns France over protection of hamsters and extension of portThe European Commission is sending two final warnings to France for insufficient implementation of nature protection legislation. The first case concerns the dramatic decline of one of Europe's most threatened – and strictly protected - mammals, the great hamster of Alsace, which is significantly also known as the European hamster. The final warning letter notes that rapid and substantial action is needed to prevent the animal from becoming extinct. The other case concerns a planned extension to the port of Saint Nazaire on the Loire, which would destroy protected wetlands. More ambitious compensation measures will be required before the development can be sanctioned. Any failure to respond within two months could see France taken to the European Court of Justice.[24] Italy: Commission pursues legal action over infringements of environmental lawsThe European Commission is pursuing legal action against Italy over three cases in which EU legislation to protect the environment is being violated. One case concerns Italy's failure to comply fully with a European Court of Justice (ECJ) judgement condemning it for not carrying out an environmental impact assessment of a new waste incinerator. In this regard the Commission is sending a first written warning under Article 228 of the treaty, which could lead to Italy being fined if it does not comply. In the other two cases, the Commission is sending Italy final written warnings under Article 226 of the Treaty over a river water abstraction project which is harming a protected wildlife site and the failure of a local authority to verify whether a strategic environmental assessment of a new land-use plan was needed.[25] Environment: Commission sends warning to Bulgaria over failure to protect wild birdsThe European Commission is sending a first written warning to Bulgaria for taking insufficient measures to protect nature. The case concerns Bulgaria's failure to designate adequate Special Protection Areas (SPAs) for migratory and vulnerable wild bird species, which violates the EU directive on the conservation of wild birds.[26] Car taxation: Commission takes steps against Portugal for its car tax- suspension system favouring vehicles produced in PortugalThe European Commission has formally requested Portugal to change its law as regards the difference in car tax-suspension periods granted to "registered" and "recognised" vehicle traders. The Commission considers that the difference in treatment leads to discrimination of vehicles produced in Member States other than Portugal. The request takes the form of a reasoned opinion (second step of the infringement procedure provided for in article 226 of the EC Treaty). If the relevant national legislation is not amended in order to comply with the respective reasoned opinions, the Commission may decide to refer the matter to the European Court of Justice.[27] VAT – Commission takes steps against Poland regarding its exclusions to deduct VAT on certain specific motor vehicles and on the fuel acquired to propel themThe European Commission has formally requested Poland to bring its national rules governing the exclusions of the right to deduct VAT due or paid on certain specific motor vehicles and on the fuel acquired to propel them in line with the provisions of the VAT Directive. The request takes the form of a reasoned opinion (second step of the infringement procedure provided for in Article 226 of the EC Treaty). If, within two months, the relevant national provisions are not amended so as to comply with the reasoned opinion, the Commission may decide to refer this matter to the European Court of Justice.[28] VAT – Commission takes steps against Spain regarding its rules governing the right to deduct VAT on importsThe European Commission has formally requested Spain to bring its national rules governing the right to deduct VAT on imports into line with the provisions of the VAT Directive. The request takes the form of a reasoned opinion (second step of the infringement procedure provided for in Article 226 of the EC Treaty). If, within two months, the relevant national provisions are not amended so as to comply with the reasoned opinion, the Commission may decide to refer this matter to the European Court of Justice.[29] Système communautaire de suivi du trafic des navires et d'information: la Commission prend des mesures contre l'ItalieLa Commission européenne a envoyé aujourd'hui un avis motivé à l'Italie au motif qu'elle n'a pas transposé correctement en droit national la législation communautaire relative au système communautaire de suivi du trafic des navires dans les eaux communautaires. Ce système a pour objet de renforcer la sécurité en mer et de limiter les conséquences des accidents. L'envoi d'un avis motivé est la dernière étape avant le dépôt d'une plainte devant la Cour de justice.[30] Formation des marins: la Commission prend des mesures contre Chypre, la République tchèque et le Royaume-UniLa Commission européenne a envoyé aujourd'hui des avis motivés à Chypre, à la République tchèque et au Royaume-Uni pour ne pas avoir adopté, comme convenu, une législation nationale sur la reconnaissance mutuelle des brevets des gens de mer délivrés par les États membres. L'envoi d'un avis motivé constitue la dernière étape avant le dépôt d’une plainte officielle devant la Cour de justice des Communautés européennes.[31] Sécurité maritime: la Commission européenne prend des mesures contre la FinlandeLa Commission européenne a envoyé aujourd'hui un avis motivé à la Finlande au motif qu'elle n'a pas transposé correctement en droit interne ni mis en œuvre la législation sur le contrôle par l'État du port. Le contrôle par l'État du port consiste à inspecter les navires étrangers dans les ports des États membres afin de vérifier si l'état du navire et de son équipement est conforme aux exigences des règles internationales, et que le navire est doté d'un personnel navigant et est exploité conformément à ces mêmes règles. La mesure prise aujourd'hui par la Commission est la dernière étape avant le dépôt d'une plainte contre la Finlande devant la Cour de justice des Communautés européennes.[32] Formation des conducteurs professionnels : La Commission traduit le Portugal et la Grèce devant la Cour de justiceLa Commission européenne a décidé aujourd'hui d'engager devant la Cour de justice européenne une procédure contre le Portugal et la Grèce pour n'avoir ni transposé la directive sur la formation des conducteurs professionnels ni notifié les mesures de mise en œuvre. Cette directive rend obligatoire la qualification initiale et la formation continue pour les conducteurs de véhicules routiers affectés aux transports de marchandises ou de voyageurs.[33] La Commission traduit le Royaume-Uni devant la Cour de Justice pour infraction à la législation communautaire dans le secteur du transport routierAujourd'hui, la Commission européenne a engagé des procédures contre le Royaume-Uni pour non-respect de la législation du travail européenne relative aux activités de transport routier.[34] Statement on Zimbabwe by Louis Michel, European Commissioner for Development and Humanitarian Aid"I am deeply concerned by the reports of the detention of some leaders of the Zimbabwe opposition during electoral campaigning in south-western Zimbabwe. We are endeavouring to clarify the situation and obtain further information on the ground. The situation raises the wider concern that appropriate conditions be in place ahead of and during the second round of Presidential elections on 27th June."[35] Autre matériel diffusé• Memo on Energy Council• Memo on Questions & Answers on the evaluation of business safety measures in the toy supply chain • Memo on the Visit of Commissioner Kuneva to the People's Republic of China: frequently asked questions on product safety • Speech by Commissioner Ferrero-Waldner 'Russia and the EU’s need for each other', Moscow • Discours du Président Barroso 'Une Europe plus forte à l'intérieur pour une Europe plus forte à l'extérieur', Bruxelles • Discours du Président Barroso 'Considérer L'humanité comme un Tout', Bruxelles • Speech by Commissioner Fischer Boel 'Statement on rising food prices at the FAO high level conference', Rome • Speech by Commissioner Fischer Boel 'EU Biofuels Policy', Rome • Speech by Commissioner Hübner 'European Policy for making European Territories more attractive', La Baule - Embargo 13h00 - A disposition au secrétariat de Jonathan Todd (BERL 03/315): Notification préalable d'une opération de concentration : Bilfinger Berger / M+W Zander FM
From EUROPA, the European Commission Server at http://europa.eu.int/ Midday Express: News from the EU Commission Spokesman's Briefings Directory - Previous Article - Next Article |
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