Ms Stella Kyriakides in Athens, Greece: delivers a keynote speech at the first Greek Forum on Cancer: Policy, Research and Funding Strategies, organised by the Hellenic Cancer Federation (ELLOK).
Wednesday 3 July 2024
College Meeting
Mr Margaritis Schinas in Cascais, Portugal: participates in the EPP Group study days.
EU adopts 14th package of sanctions against Russia for its continued illegal war against Ukraine, strengthening enforcement and anti-circumvention measures
The Commission welcomes the Council’s adoption of a 14th package of sanctions against Russia. The new package responds to the needs and findings on the ground, and tackles enforcement issues. As the Russian aggression against Ukraine continues, the EU remains determined to keep acting to further reduce Russia’s sources of revenue and capacity to wage war. Today’s measures send a clear and strong signal of EU unity and of our support to Ukraine and its people.
The package contains important new energy-related measures targeting liquifi
ed natural gas (LNG), and measures targeting vessels which support Russia’s war. As regards LNG, the package prohibits all future investments in, and exports to, LNG projects under construction in Russia. It will also prohibit, after a transition period of 9 months, the use of EU ports for the transshipment of Russian LNG. Moreover, the package prohibits the import of Russian LNG into specific terminals which are not connected to the EU gas pipeline network.
For the first time, the EU has adopted a measure targeting specific vessels contributing to Russia’s warfare against Ukraine, which are subject to a port access ban and ban on provision of services. These vessels can be designated for a broad array of reasons such as their support through the transport of military equipment for Russia, the transport of stolen Ukrainian grain and support in the development of Russia’s energy sector, for instance through the transport of LNG components or transshipments of LNG. This measure also targets tankers part of Put
in’s dark fleet which circumvent the EU and Price Cap Coalition’s caps, while adopting deceptive shipping practices in complete disregard of international standards. In this first round of listings, the EU has placed 27 vessels on this list. This list can be updated as regularly as needed to address the ever-evolving involvement of those vessels helping Russia to wage war against Ukraine.
Moreover, the package introduces new listings targeting individuals and entities responsible for actions undermining or threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine. A total of 116 additional listings of 69 individuals and 47 entities are subject to asset freezes, and – in the case of individuals – also to travel bans.
Today’s package significantly strengthens our financial sanctions by introducing a ban for EU banks outside Russia to use the financial messaging system SPFS, which is the Russian equivalent of SWIFT. It also allows the Council to draw up a list of non-Russian third country
banks connected to such system; those banks will be banned from doing business with EU operators. Last, it introduces a ban on transactions with banks and crypto assets providers, in Russia and third countries, that facilitate transactions supporting Russia’s defence-industrial base. These new sanctions will curb the ability of the Kremlin to channel funds to finance its war machine.
One of the key objectives remains to continue limiting Russian revenues, and to reinforce export restrictions on industrial goods and advanced technology. The package restricts export of nine additional dual-use and advanced technology items (e.g. microwave and aerial amplifiers, flight data recorders and All-Terrain Vehicles) and extends the export bans on certain types of industrial products chemical, plastics, vehicle parts and machinery goods (EUR 5 billion of EU exports prior to the invasion, in 2021). In addition, the export as well as the transfer of manganese ore are now prohibited.
The package also imposes stricter res
trictions for the export of dual-use and advanced technology items to 61 entities – established in Russia (28) and in third countries (33) – which are directly or indirectly associated to Russia’s military complex and thus contribute to supporting the Russia’s war of aggression. In addition, the package also extends the import ban to helium which generates significant revenues for Russia.
As Russia is constantly looking for ways to circumvent sanctions, the EU has reassessed and adjusted its strategies. To further limit Russia’s ability to access restricted goods and technology, this package contains several measures meant to boost private sector compliance, support enforcement by national competent authorities, and hamper sanctions circumvention, including by keeping in check the foreign subsidiaries of EU operators.
It moreover includes specific initiatives to protect EU operators from expropriation and to respond to other illegitimate actions of the Russian state, including the theft of intellectual prop
erty.
The package also finetunes the import ban on Russian diamonds already agreed in the 12th sanctions package. It clarifies that the ban does not apply to diamonds that were located in the EU or in a third country (other than Russia), or were polished or manufactured in a third country, before the ban on Russian diamonds entered into force (so-called ‘grandfathering’). It also allows temporary imports or exports of jewellery, for example for trade fairs or repairs. Furthermore, the package prolongs by six months (until 1 March 2025) the sunrise period after which the full-traceability scheme for imports of rough and polished natural diamonds will become mandatory. In addition, it postpones the ban on jewellery incorporating Russian diamonds processed in third countries other than Russia until the Council decides to activate the ban in the light of action taken within the G7 to pursue that measure.
Furthermore, the new package includes measures that protect our democratic processes and combat Russian inte
rference, such as prohibiting political parties from receiving funding from the Russian state. It also includes measures strengthening existing transport restrictions, and in particular the flight ban and the road transport prohibition.
A complete overview of the package is available in our Q and A.
Background
The EU stands firmly with Ukraine and its people, and will continue to strongly support Ukraine’s economy, society, armed forces, and future reconstruction. EU sanctions are at the core of the EU’s response to Russia’s unjustified military aggression against Ukraine, as they degrade Russia’s military and technological capability, cut the country from the most developed global markets, deprive the Kremlin from the revenues it is financing the war with, and impose ever higher costs on Russia’s economy. In this respect, sanctions contribute to fulfilling the EU’s key objective, which is to continue to work for a just and lasting peace, not another frozen conflict. Their effects grow over time as the san
ctions erode Russia’s industrial and tech base. The EU also continues to ensure that its sanctions do not impact energy and agrifood exports from Russia to third countries. As guardian of the EU Treaties, the European Commission monitors the enforcement of EU sanctions by EU Member States.
Anomalous, growing trade figures for some specific products/countries are hard evidence that Russia is actively attempting to circumvent sanctions. This calls for us to redouble our efforts in tackling circumvention and to ask our neighbours for even closer cooperation. EU Sanctions Envoy David O’Sullivan continues his outreach to key third countries to combat circumvention. The first tangible results are already visible. Systems are being put in place in some countries for monitoring, controlling, and blocking re-exports. Working with like-minded partners, we have also agreed a list of Common High Priority sanctioned goods to which businesses should apply particular due diligence and which third countries must not re-expo
rt to Russia. In addition, within the EU, we have also drawn up a list of sanctioned goods that are economically critical and on which businesses and third countries should be particularly vigilant.
For More Information
Link to Q and A
Link to Official Journal
More information on sanctions
Ambitious EU-Kenya Economic Partnership Agreement enters into force
Today, the EU-Kenya Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) has entered into force, representing a key milestone in the EU-Kenya Strategic Partnership.
The agreement will boost bilateral trade in goods, increase investment flows, strengthen the ties between reliable partners, and facilitate mutually advantageous economic relations in a sustainable manner, stimulating job creation and economic growth.
The EU-Kenya EPA is the most ambitious deal negotiated with an African country in terms of sustainability, and can serve as a template for other sustainable trade agreements. These commitments include binding provisions on labour issues, gender equality, e
nvironment and the fight against climate change.
Kenya is East Africa’s main economic hub – and EU-Kenya trade relations have substantial growth potential. The agreement will unlock new economic opportunities, as the EU is Kenya’s first export destination and second largest trading partner. Total trade between the EU and Kenya reached pound 3 billion in 2023 – an increase of 16% compared to 2018.
The EPA will also create more opportunities for Kenyan businesses and exporters, as it will fully open the EU market for Kenyan products and incentivise EU investment in Kenya thanks to increased legal certainty and stability.
Background
The Economic Partnership Agreement between the EU and Kenya was concluded in June 2023 and signed by both parties on 18 December 2023. The agreement aims at implementing the provisions the EU-East African Community (EAC) EPA, and it remains open to other EAC countries.
The EPA and its ambitious commitments represent a crucial deliverable of the EU’s 2021 Trade Policy Review and
its trade policy with Africa, helping the EU deepen and expand its current trade agreements with African countries, and enhance their sustainability objectives.
For more information
EU-Kenya trade relations
Questions and Answers
Memo
Commission sends preliminary findings to Meta over its ‘Pay or Consent’ model for breach of the Digital Markets Act
Today, the Commission has informed Meta of its preliminary findings that its ‘pay or consent’ advertising model fails to comply with the Digital Markets Act (DMA). In the Commission’s preliminary view, this binary choice forces users to consent to the combination of their personal data and fails to provide them a less personalised but equivalent version of Meta’s social networks.
Margrethe Vestager, Executive Vice-President in charge of competition policy, said: ‘Our investigation aims to ensure contestability in markets where gatekeepers like Meta have been accumulating personal data of millions of EU citizens over many years. Our preliminary view is that Me
ta’s advertising model fails to comply with the Digital Markets Act. And we want to empower citizens to be able to take control over their own data and choose a less personalised ads experience.’
Thierry Breton, Commissioner for Internal Market, said: ‘Today we make another important step to ensure full compliance with the DMA by Meta. Our preliminary view is that Meta’s ‘Pay or Consent’ business model is in breach of the DMA. The DMA is there to give back to the users the power to decide how their data is used and ensure innovative companies can compete on equal footing with tech giants on data access.’
By sending preliminary findings, the Commission informs Meta of its preliminary view that the company is in breach of the DMA. This is without prejudice to the outcome of the investigation. Meta now has the possibility to exercise its rights of defence by examining the documents in the Commission’s investigation file and replying in writing to the Commission’s preliminary findings. The Commission will concl
ude its investigation within 12 months from the opening of proceedings on 25 March 2024.
You will find more information in our press release.
(For more information: Lea Zuber – Tel.: +32 2 295 62 98; Thomas Regnier – Tel.: + 32 2 299 10 99; Sara Simonini – Tel.: +32 2 298 33 67)
EU-Japan deal on data flows enters into force
Today, the landmark deal on cross border data flows between the EU and Japan entered into force. It is a milestone in our joint efforts to advance the digitalisation of both European and Japanese societies and economies. Its provisions will facilitate business on both sides, sending a strong signal against digital protectionism.
With its inclusion in the EU-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), the agreement will deliver real benefits to companies active across most sectors, such as financial services, transport, machinery, and e-commerce. Businesses can now handle data more efficiently, without cumbersome administrative or storage requirements, in a predictable legal environmen
t.
This entry into force of this agreements also promotes the concept of ‘Data Free Flow with Trust’, a guiding principle for international cooperation on data flows, based on our shared values. It allows us to lay the foundation for a common approach on digital trade, acting against arbitrary unjustified restrictions to data flows, while promoting shared prosperity.
More information is available online.
(For more information: Balazs Ujvari – Tel.: +32 2 295 45 78; Ana Apse-Paese – Tel.: +32 2 298 73 48)
Commission launches targeted consultation on new procedure for access to justice in environmental matters in relation to State aid decisions
Today, the European Commission launched a targeted consultation to seek feedback from the business community and public authorities on a proposed new procedure aimed at enabling public access to justice for specific Commission decisions on State aid measures, for challenges based on grounds related to alleged breaches of EU environmental law.
In particular, the Com
mission is seeking feedback on the impact of the proposed procedure on investment decisions and project implementation by the business community, and more generally on the roll-out of EU policies. The targeted consultation will also gather information on the cost implications and administrative burden of the new procedure for businesses and Member States.
Under the envisaged new procedure, eligible members of the public, such as environmental non-governmental organisations, would be able to ask the Commission for an internal review of a State aid decision for alleged violations of EU environmental law. The eligible applicants would have a right of redress before the EU Courts. The new procedure will give due consideration to the special characteristics of State aid control and its effectiveness, including in terms of duration. It will consider notably the role State aid plays for the European Green Deal, as well as for ensuring economic and financial stability for the internal market in times of crisis.
The
targeted consultation is addressed to the business community and the relevant public authorities dealing with State aid and environmental matters. They can submit their comments on the proposed new procedure by 6 September 2024.
This consultation follows up on the 2021 findings of the Aarhus Convention Compliance Committee concluding that the EU is in breach of the Aarhus Convention, because the public cannot challenge State aid decisions adopted under Article 108(2) TFEU where these decisions allegedly breach EU environmental law. On 17 May 2023, the Commission adopted a Communication identifying options to follow up on these findings, with a view to creating a new procedure. A call for evidence was launched by the Commission on 30 May 2024.
The Commission intends to publish a Staff Working Document assessing the scope, content and likely impacts of the initiative in the second quarter of 2025, which will summarize the information received in the targeted consultation.
(For more information: Lea Zuber – T
el.: +32 2 295 62 98; Nina Ferreira – Tel.: +32 2 299 81 63)
Commissioner Dalli in Mexico to attend third Feminist Foreign Policy Conference
As of today, Commissioner for Equality, Helena Dalli, will be in Mexico to participate in the third Feminist Foreign Policy Summit, taking place in Mexico City. The Commissioner will deliver a speech alongside representatives from national governments.
In the margins of the summit, Commissioner Dalli will also meet with Secretary of Foreign Affairs of Mexico, Alicia Bárcena, as well as President of the National Women’s Institute of Mexico. On Tuesday, Commissioner Dalli will engage with women entrepreneurs on opportunities and challenges facing women entrepreneurs in Mexico, as well as with Mexican civil society organisations to discuss equality-related topics, such as combatting violence against women, sexual and reproductive health as well as the rights of LGBTIQ people and persons with disabilities.
On Wednesday, Commissioner Dalli will visit a shelter for female
victims of violence supported with EU financing, including via the Spotlight Initiative.
(For more information: Christian Wigand – Tel.: +32 2 296 22 53; Jördis Ferroli – Tel.: +32 2 299 27 29)
Commissioner Simson in Chile and Argentina to deepen energy cooperation
This week, Commissioner for Energy, Kadri Simson, will be in Chile and Argentina to step up cooperation with these two countries in the energy field, with a specific focus on renewables and hydrogen.
Today and tomorrow, the Commissioner will be in Santiago de Chile for a series of bilateral meetings, notably with the Minister of Energy, Diego Pardow Lorenzo; the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Alberto van Klaveren; as well as the Executive Vice-President of the Chilean Economic Development Agency (CORFO) José Miguel Benavente, and the Executive Secretary of the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), José Manuel Salázar-Xirinachs. She will also meet with business representatives of the renewable energy sector.
Today, Comm
issioner Simson will also deliver remarks at the event ‘Global Gateway Investment Agenda – Team Europe Initiative RH2 Development Chile’ and participate in a panel discussion on a just energy transition and green hydrogen. During her stay in Chile, the Commissioner will also visit local energy projects, notably the Smart Energy Monitoring Initiative for public buildings – which is funded through the Euroclima program, as well as an EU-funded project involving the use of solar panels for the energy self-consumption of Winery Santa Ema.
The Commissioner will spend the rest of the week in Buenos Aires where she will co-chair the EU-Argentina High-Level Energy Dialogue alongside Secretary of Energy Eduardo Rodríguez Chirillo on Wednesday and participate with him in a dialogue on the energy transition and green hydrogen at the German-Argentine Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
During her stay in Argentina, Commissioner Simson will meet bilaterally with the Minister for Finance, Luis Caputo, and the Minister for
Foreign Affairs, Diana Mondino. She will also exchange with several operators of the energy sector. A visit to the Sustenta-Vitis sustainability project supported by AL INVEST Verde is also foreseen.
Source: Cyprus News Agency