DAILY NEWS
Brussels, 30 May 2023
Wildfires: EU doubles rescEU firefighting fleet for summer 2023
Following up on President von der Leyen's State of the Union speech in September last year, Commissioner for Crisis Management Janez Lenarčič announced today the doubling of the rescEU aerial firefighting fleet for this year's wildfire season while speaking at the 10th anniversary of the EU's Emergency Response Coordination Centre.
rescEU firefighting fleet for 2023
Preventive and monitoring measures
Following the calls from EU Ministers and the European Parliament, in 2022 the Commission developed also a Wildfire Prevention Action Plan. This action plan is organised around three objectives: 1) improve administrative capacity; 2) improve knowledge; 3) increase investments in wildfire prevention action.
As part of the prevention action plan, the EU is launching today a new Wildfire Peer Review Assessment Methodology. This new tool helps countries assess their capacity to prevent and prepare for wildfires, and supports the exchange of good practices among European countries, within the framework of the EU Civil Protection Mechanism.
In addition, an Emergency Response Coordination Centre Wildfires Support Team is being created to enable near-real-time monitoring and analysis of the wildfire situation from mid-June to mid-September.
Background
Wildfire prevention, preparedness and response actions work hand in hand to save lives, livelihoods and protect the environment. Having experienced wildfire experts, well-trained firefighters, information technology and sufficient response assets available makes a difference.
The EU ensures a coordinated approach to preventing, preparing and responding to wildfires when those overwhelm national response capacities. When the scale of a wildfire overwhelms the response capabilities of a country, it can request assistance via the EU Civil Protection Mechanism. Once activated, the EU's Emergency Response Coordination Centre coordinates and finances assistance made available by EU Member States and nine additional Participating States through spontaneous offers. In addition, the EU has created the European Civil Protection Pool to have a critical number of readily available civil protection capacities allowing for a stronger and coherent collective response. Should the emergency require additional, life-saving assistance, the rescEU firefighting reserve steps in to provide additional capacities to confront disasters in Europe. The Emergency Response Coordination Centre also monitors the evolution of wildfires with the support of early warning systems such as the European Forest Fire Information System, while the EU's Copernicus emergency satellite mapping service complements operations with detailed information from space.
For More Information
Questions and Answers on wildfires: EU response 2023
Factsheet on EU preparing for the 2023 wildfire season
Wildfires
rescEU
EU Civil Protection Mechanism
Emergency Response Coordination Centre
Peer Review Programme
Quote(s)
Wildfires have become a pan-European concern. They gravely affect lives, livelihoods and the environment. In total, 20 EU Member States recorded more burned areas than average in 2022. The wildfire risk expanded to areas that have not previously been exposed, moving well beyond the Mediterranean region. This increase in wildfires requires decisive and prompt action also at EU level. I thank all the countries involved in boosting the EU’s response this wildfire season. At the same time, I call upon the Member States to also strengthen wildfire preventive action.
Janez Lenarčič, Commissioner for Crisis Management - 30/05/2023
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Wildfires: EU doubles rescEU firefighting fleet summer 2023
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Contacts for media
· Balazs UJVARI
Phone
+32 2 295 45 78
Mail
balazs.ujvari@ec.europa.eu
· Daniel PUGLISI
+32 2 296 91 40
daniel.puglisi@ec.europa.eu
Statement by Commissioner Kyriakides on World No Tobacco Day
Commissioner for Health and Food Safety, Stella Kyriakides marked World No Tobacco Day on 31 May by stating:
“Today, tobacco use remains the single largest avoidable health risk in the EU, and contributes to many serious health problems. It remains the leading cause of preventable cancer in the EU, with over a quarter of all cancers attributed to it.
We know for a fact that tobacco kills up to half of its users, and this must change in a strong European Health Union that delivers for all citizens.
With Europe's Beating Cancer Plan, we have made reducing tobacco consumption a key priority with a very clear goal - to create a ‘Tobacco-free Generation'. Despite considerable progress made in addressing the use of tobacco in recent years, the number of smokers in the EU is still too high. We need to step up our action to deliver on the commitment to reduce tobacco consumption in the EU population from today's 25% to 5% by 2040.
This is why this year, we will be proposing new recommendations to our Member States on promoting smoke-free environments to further reduce the use of tobacco and protect our citizens.
As an example, these actions will allow us to do more to limit the consumption of new tobacco products entering the market, as well as the impact of second-hand smoke in outdoor spaces.
This is an important step in our commitment to better protecting non-smokers, especially vulnerable population groups such as children. It will also help us reduce smoking and the use of new tobacco products across the EU, especially amongst young people.
World Tobacco Day is a timely reminder that we can and must all take our health into our own hands. Quitting smoking goes a long way towards this.”
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· Stefan DE KEERSMAECKER
+32 2 298 46 80
stefan.de-keersmaecker@ec.europa.eu
· Célia DEJOND
+32 2 298 81 99
celia.dejond@ec.europa.eu
Visa policy: Strengthening monitoring of the EU's visa free regimes
Today, the Commission adopted a Communication on the monitoring of the EU's visa-free travel regimes setting out a consultation process. The Communication looks at the functioning of the EU's 60 visa-free regimes and identifies the main challenges in the areas of irregular migration and security.
The Visa Suspension Mechanism is set out in Article 8 of the Visa Regulation. Its main purpose is to enable a temporary suspension of the visa exemption in case of a sudden and substantial increase in irregular migration or security risks.
In her letter to the European Council of 20 March 2023, President von der Leyen stated that ‘the Commission will strengthen its monitoring of the visa policy alignment and will present a comprehensive report paving the way for a legislative proposal amending the visa suspension mechanism'. Following today's Communication, the Commission is launching a consultation process to meet these objectives.
Visa-free travel brings significant economic, social, and cultural benefits to EU Member States and third countries. At the same time, the past years have shown that significant migration and security challenges can derive from visa-free travel. Insufficient visa alignment with the EU visa policy can turn a visa-free country into a transit hub for irregular entries to the EU. This was the case of visa-free entries into the Western Balkans by nationals of countries that are visa-required for the EU, increasing the number of irregular arrivals to the EU in 2022. The issue was addressed after immediate and extensive contacts between the Commission and Western Balkans partners, who made substantial progress in visa alignment. As a result, irregular arrivals to the EU have reduced. Additionally, investor citizenship schemes operated by visa-free third countries pose security risks including those related to infiltration of organised crime, money-laundering, tax evasion and corruption for the EU. These allow non-EU nationals to acquire the nationality of a visa-free country and enter visa free into the EU, by-passing the EU short stay visa procedure.
A strengthened monitoring and visa suspension mechanism
To address these challenges and prevent these risks effectively, existing rules concerning the monitoring of the functioning of visa-free regimes with third countries and the suspension of visa exemptions, should be re-assessed and improved.
With today's Communication, the Commission is launching a consultation process with the European Parliament and the Council to identify how best to improve the EU's visa suspension mechanism. A future revision of the rules could notably include:
Next Steps
The Commission will discuss with the European Parliament and the Council how to strengthen the visa policy toolbox with a revised Visa Suspension Mechanism.
On the basis of this discussion, the Commission will present in autumn 2023 a legislative proposal revising the Visa Suspension Mechanism.
The EU has currently a visa free-regime in place with 60 non-EU countries. 25 countries have visa waiver agreements with the EU and 8 obtained visa exemption as a result of the successful completion of a visa liberalisation dialogue (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine). The remaining countries obtained visa exemption in accordance with the first harmonisation of EU rules (Council Regulation (EC) No 539/2001). Additionally, on 19 April 2023, the Council and the European Parliament agreed to grant a visa exemption to Kosovo, following the successful completion of a visa liberalisation dialogue, which will enter into force as of 1 January 2024 at the latest.
Communication on the monitoring of the EU's visa free regimes
Migration and Home Affairs Visa policy (Europa.eu)
IP 5th Visa Suspension Report
European Council conclusions, 9 February 2023
Visa liberalisation is an essential element to facilitate people-to-people contacts and strengthen business, social and cultural ties between EU and partner countries’ citizens. Maintaining this achievement, however, requires constant vigilance. Steps should be taken promptly to increase visa policy alignment as part of the engagement and commitment to the European Union through our visa agreements.
Margaritis Schinas, Vice-President for Promoting our European Way of Life - 30/05/2023
The EU’s visa policy is closely intertwined with our migration policies. Having a better visa policy will have a positive impact on our migration management. Aligning visa free policies of the EU’s neighbouring countries is a key foundation for a strong united partnership with our neighbours in the region.
Ylva Johansson, Commissioner for Home Affairs - 30/05/2023
Strengthening the EU's visa free regime
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· Anitta HIPPER
+32 2 298 56 91
anitta.hipper@ec.europa.eu
· Fiorella BELCIU
+32 2 299 37 34
Fiorella.BELCIU@ec.europa.eu
· Andrea MASINI
+32 2 299 15 19
andrea.masini@ec.europa.eu
MSCA Doctoral Networks: Commission launches €434.8 million call to train doctoral candidates
Today, the Commission opened a new call for the 2023 Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Doctoral Networks. The call is expected to fund over 130 doctorates spanning all scientific fields as well as the training and skills development of 1,600 doctoral candidates. With a budget of €434.8 million, the call will fund doctoral programmes implemented by international partnerships of organisations from different sectors across Europe and beyond. Besides regular doctorates, specific incentives are provided to set up Industrial Doctorates, which train researchers and develop their skills outside academia, particularly in industry, businesses and the public sector, and Joint Doctorates, which offer integrated training programmes leading to joint or multiple degrees. The call will close on 28 November 2023.
Vice-President for promoting our European Way of Life, Margaritis Schinas, said: “The Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Networks raise the attractiveness and excellence of doctoral training in Europe and beyond. They equip researchers with research and transferable competencies and skills, enhancing their career prospects and international connections. I invite organisations from all socioeconomic sectors to apply to develop strategic partnerships and attract the best research talent.”
Doctoral Networks offer researchers opportunities in the academic and non-academic sectors, and provide them with research training, as well as transferable skills and competencies relevant for innovation and long-term employability. They also benefit participating organisations by supporting excellent doctoral programmes, which allow them to attract talent, boost their global visibility and foster their international links with other sectors. More information on the 2023 Doctoral Networks call and on how to apply is available online. Potential applicants can also attend the dedicated information day on 14 June 2023.
(For more information: Sonya Gospodinova – Tel.: +32 229 66953; Flore Boutier - Tel.: +32 229 66043)
State aid: Commission adopts Communication on mid-term review of regional aid maps
The European Commission has adopted, under EU State aid rules, a Communication regarding the mid-term review of the regional aid maps applicable for the period 2022-2027.
Regional aid is an important instrument used by Member States to enhance regional development. On 19 April 2021, the Commission adopted the revised EU guidelines on regional State aid (the ‘Regional Aid Guidelines'), setting out the rules under which Member States can grant State aid to companies to support the economic development of disadvantaged areas in the EU, while ensuring a level playing field between Member States. The revised Guidelines entered into force on 1 January 2022. As foreseen by the Regional Aid Guidelines, Member States can amend their regional aid maps as part of a mid-term review, taking into account updated statistics. The Communication adopted today sets out the updated statistics and the rules for the mid-term review. The updated statistics have been now extended taking into account data up to 2021, covering therefore also the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Member States now have the possibility to propose amendments to their regional aid maps to reflect unfavourable changes in the GDP per capita and unemployment rates in their regions.
Provided that the applicable conditions are fulfilled, Member States can now notify amendments to their regional aid maps including: (i) new regions eligible for aid under Article 107(3)(a) Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (so-called 'a' areas) and increased maximum aid intensities in existing ‘a' areas; (ii) increased maximum aid intensities in existing so-called non-predefined ‘c' areas eligible for aid under Article 107(3)(c) Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union and replacements of existing non-predefined ‘c' areas with new non-predefined ‘c' areas; and (iii) increased maximum aid intensity for regions that are experiencing population loss.
The review of regional aid maps is not mandatory. Member States that intend to amend their regional aid maps for the period 1 January 2024 to 31 December 2027 can notify the amendments to the Commission by 15 September 2023. The notified amendments will be subject to individual decisions by the Commission.
(For more information: Daniel Ferrie – Tel.: +32 229 86500; Sara Simonini – Tel.: +32 229 83367)
President von der Leyen and High Representative Borrell to participate in European Political Community meeting in Moldova
On Thursday, 1 June, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will attend the second meeting of the European Political Community, alongside High Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell, hosted by Maia Sandu, the President of Moldova.
Heads of state or government from across the continent will gather in Bulboaca, Moldova, to foster political dialogue and cooperation to strengthen the security, stability and prosperity of the European continent.
Ahead of the summit, on Wednesday 31 May, President von der Leyen will meet with President Sandu. They will then give a joint press conference at 17:00 EEST (16:00 CEST), which you can follow live on EbS.
Later that day, HR/VP Borrell will officially inaugurate the new European Union Partnership Mission in Moldova together with Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Popescu, and Minister of Interior, Ana Revenco. HR/VP Borrell will then, in the presence of the Moldovan Minister of Defence Anatolie Nosatîi, officially handover the newly delivered equipment to the Armed Forces of the Republic of Moldova funded under the European Peace Facility.
On 1 June, in the margins of the meeting of the European Political Community, HR/VP Borrell will meet Moldovan Prime Minister Dorin Recean.
Press points, pictures and videos will be available on EbS, and live updates on the President's, HR/VP's, EEAS, and EU Delegation's social media channels.
(For more information: Dana Spinant – Tel.: +32 2 299 01 50; Peter Stano – Tel.: +32 2 295 45 53, Paloma Hall Caballero – Tel.: +32 2 296 85 60)
EU-US Trade and Technology Council: Fourth ministerial meeting to be held in Luleå, Sweden
Tomorrow, 31 May, the fourth ministerial meeting of the EU-US Trade and Technology Council (TTC) will be held in Luleå, Sweden.
It will be co-chaired by European Commission Executive Vice-President Margrethe Vestager, European Commission Executive Vice-President Valdis Dombrovskis, United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken, United States Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo, and United States Trade Representative Katherine Tai, joined by European Commissioner Thierry Breton, and hosted by the Swedish Presidency of the Council of the European Union.
The TTC is a transatlantic forum where both sides coordinate approaches and address key trade and technology issues. The fourth ministerial meeting will focus on topics such as artificial intelligence, emerging technologies, online platforms, sustainable trade, export controls and investment screening as well as trade facilitation.
In the margin of the meeting, the EU and the US representatives will participate in discussions with key stakeholders representing industry, academia, and civil society to discuss key priority areas of the EU-US. Trade and Technology Council and the way forward for its work.
The European Union and the United States launched the EU-US Trade and Technology Council (TTC) at their summit in Brussels on 15 June 2021. The inaugural meeting of the TTC took place in Pittsburgh on 29 September 2021. This was followed by a second summit in Paris on 16 May 2022 and a third summit in College Park, Maryland, in December 2022.
(For more information: Miriam García Ferrer – Tel.: +32 2 299 90 75; Johannes Bahrke– Tel.: +32 2 295 86 15; Roberta Verbanac – Tel.: +32 2 298 24 98; Thomas Regnier – Tel.: +32 2 299 10 99)
European Green Deal: EU steps up dialogue with Malaysia and Indonesia on EU deforestation rules
Executive Vice-President for the European Green Deal, Frans Timmermans; High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the Commission, Josep Borrell; and Commissioner for Environment, Oceans and Fisheries, Virginijus Sinkevičius, are meeting today the Deputy Prime-Minister of Malaysia, Dato' Sri Haji Fadillah Yusof, and the Coordinating Minister of Indonesia, Airlangga Hartarto, to discuss the recently approved EU Regulation on deforestation-free supply chains.
Close cooperation with partner countries is crucial to fulfil the objectives of the EU Regulation. The EU is committed to step up its engagement with partner countries, to jointly address deforestation and forest degradation and enhance deforestation-free value chains.
The EU will support countries to address specific needs to promote transparent and deforestation-free supply chains. Particular attention will be given to small holders' inclusion, as well as to scaling up the use of traceability tools, while also helping partner countries meet their international commitments on halting deforestation.
The EU, Indonesia and Malaysia are committed to halting deforestation, which occurs at an alarming rate around the world, leading to climate change and biodiversity loss. Halting deforestation requires cooperation between producer and consumer countries of products frequently associated with deforestation. The EU acknowledges efforts undertaken by the two countries to reduce deforestation.
(For more information: Adalbert Jahnz – Tel.: +32 229 53156; Nabila Massrali - Tél.: +32 229 88093; Daniela Stoycheva – Tel.: +32 229 53664; Xavier Cifre Quatresols – Tél.: +32 229 73582)
Commission hosts meeting of European ministers meet to discuss chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear preparedness
Ministers responsible for civil defence and civil protection in EU Member States and Participating States in the EU Civil Protection Mechanism will meet today in Brussels for an informal ministerial-level coordination meeting on chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) preparedness. The meeting is co-hosted by Commissioner for Crisis Management, Janez Lenarčič, and the Swedish Minister for Civil Defence, Carl-Oskar Bohlin, on behalf of the Swedish Presidency of the Council of the EU.
In February 2022, the Mechanism was activated to support Ukraine in the face of the Russian invasion. Since then, the Mechanism has been used to channel unprecedented amounts of critical support provided by EU Member States, Participating States and, for the first time ever, private-sector actors. The total amount sent exceeds 90,000 tonnes with an overall financial value of over €650 million. In order to help the country prepare for CBRN incidents, this support included chemical detectors, potassium iodide tablets, therapeutics, dosimeters, radiometers, spectrometers, protection suits and different types of masks to Ukrainian authorities. In addition, over €53 million worth of CBRN countermeasures and response equipment from the rescEU reserves have been mobilised, including potassium iodide tablets, protection suits, antidotes, therapeutics, decontamination means and reagents, respirators, detection devices, and medical equipment.
The ministerial meeting today aims to facilitate a high-level, strategic discussion around how to further strengthen Union-level CBRN preparedness, in support of both Ukraine and other countries that could be affected.
(For more information: Balazs Ujvari - Tel.: +32 229 54578; Daniel Puglisi - Tel.: +32 229 69140)
Commissioner Urpilainen meets UN Secretary-General Guterres and reaffirms EU strong partnership with the UN to deliver on Sustainable Development Goals
On 30 and 31 May, Commissioner for International Partnerships, Jutta Urpilainen, will be in New York, United States, for a two-day visit to the United Nations. She will meet the UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, to discuss EU-UN cooperation, notably to prepare the SDG Summit 2023 and the Summit of the Future taking place in September 2024. Afterwards, the Commissioner and the UN Deputy Secretary General, Amina Mohamed, will have strategic dialogue on the EU-UN partnership.
At a time when multilateralism is threatened and political commitment to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) must be renewed, Commissioner Urpilainen will reiterate the EU's engagement for a strong partnership with the UN. She will present how the EU Global Gateway investment strategy is advancing SDGs in partner countries. Global Gateway aims to mobilise public and private investments up to €300 billion between 2021 and 2027. The Commissioner's visit is also an opportunity to exchange views on the geopolitical context, and the current situations in Sudan, the Sahel and Afghanistan.
Furthermore, during her visit, Commissioner Urpilainen will meet Csaba Körösi, the President of the UN General Assembly, to discuss the SDG Summit and the UN General Assembly High-Level Week taking place in New York, in September 2023. With the UN Under-Secretary General for Economics and Social Affairs, Li Junhua, the Commissioner will also touch upon financing for development. She will then exchange with Linda Greenfield-Thompson, the US Ambassador to the UN, on the EU-US cooperation at the UN and on global development.
On the second day of her visit, Commissioner Urpilainen will discuss youth issues with Jayathma Wickramanayake, the UNSG's Youth Envoy. She will participate in the EU-organised event ‘EU Global Gateway: A new partnership to promote sustainable investments for people and the planet', with high-level representatives of Namibia, Ecuador, Philippines and Fiji. The UN Deputy Secretary-General, Amina Mohamed, will also join the event.
Pictures of the mission will be available on EbS.
(For more information: Ana Pisonero - Tel.: +32 229 54320; Jennifer Sánchez da Silva - Tel.: +32 229 58316)
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