DAILY NEWS
Brussels, 29 May 2024
Commission decides to close the Article 7(1) TEU procedure for Poland
Today, the European Commission has decided to close the Article 7(1) TEU procedure for Poland by withdrawing its reasoned proposal that had triggered this procedure in 2017. On 6 May 2024, the Commission finalised its analysis on the rule of law situation in Poland in the context of the Article 7(1) TEU procedure. The Commission considers that there is no longer a clear risk of a serious breach of the rule of law in Poland within the meaning of that provision. Poland has launched a series of legislative and non-legislative measures to address the concerns on independence of the justice system, it has recognised the primacy of EU law and is committed to implementing all the judgments of the Court of Justice of the European Union and the European Court of Human Rights related to rule of law including judicial independence.
During the General Affairs Council on 21 May 2024, the Vice-President for Values and Transparency, Věra Jourová, had a positive discussion with ministers on the situation in Poland under the Article 7 procedure, as well as on the latest Commission assessment and the intention to withdraw the reasoned proposal. Member States recognised the efforts already made by the Polish Government to address the existing concerns. Following this discussion, the Commission has today decided to close the Article 7 procedure, and has informed the Council and the European Parliament that it is withdrawing its reasoned proposal of 2017.
Vice-President Jourová said: “Today marks an important day for the rule of law in Poland and in the European Union. After more than six years, following the positive steps taken by the Polish authorities as well as the strong support expressed by Member States in that respect, we have now closed the Article 7 procedure for Poland. We will continue engaging with the Polish authorities to support them in their endeavour to promote the rule of law.”
The Commission will continue to monitor the measures under the Action Plan, as well as other steps to promote the rule of law in Poland, in particular under the Rule of Law Report process.
(For more information: Anitta Hipper - Tel.: +32 2 298 56 91; Jördis Ferroli – Tel.: +32 2 299 27 29)
Applications for the Lorenzo Natali Prize on journalism now open
As of today, journalists can apply for the 2024 Lorenzo Natali Prize, the EU's flagship journalism award, by submitting eligible stories. Journalists reporting on issues related to climate, environment and energy, digital and infrastructure, gender equality, human development, migration and forced displacement, peace and governance, sustainable growth and jobs, and youth can apply online until midnight CEST on 30 June.
How to participate?
Journalists can submit written, audio-visual or multimedia work in one of the following categories:
Applications are open to reporting in any language but should be accompanied by a translation in one of the competition languages: English, French, Spanish, German or Portuguese.
Detailed information on the terms and conditions is available here.
Selection of winners
A Grand Jury of internationally renowned journalists and representatives from key non‑governmental organisations around the world will choose the winners in each category. Each winner will receive €10 000. The winner of the Best Emerging Journalist category will also be offered work experience/a traineeship with a media partner.
The winners will be announced at the Lorenzo Natali Prize Award Ceremony in Brussels later in 2024.
Background
The Prize commemorates the former Vice-President of the European Commission, Lorenzo Natali, who contributed significantly to the promotion and furthering of European development policies. His spirit has been kept alive through the Prize for over three decades by celebrating journalists whose stories inspire change. The Prize was first launched by the European Commission in 1992.
Previous winners are listed on the website of the Lorenzo Natali Prize.
For More Information
Apply for the 2024 Lorenzo Natali Prize here
Lorenzo Natali Prize website
Directorate-General for International Partnerships
Quote(s)
The Lorenzo Natali Prize recognises and celebrates journalists’ vital role to shed light and truth of facts. It encourages journalists to give a voice to the voiceless, uncover the untold human stories, and to stand up as guardians of press freedom. By doing so, they contribute to collective efforts to build more empathic, inclusive and sustainable societies for a better world.
Jutta Urpilainen, Commissioner for International Partnerships
Commission establishes AI Office to strengthen EU leadership in safe and trustworthy Artificial Intelligence
Today the Commission has unveiled the AI Office, established within the Commission. The AI Office aims at enabling the future development, deployment and use of AI in a way that fosters societal and economic benefits and innovation, while mitigating risks. The Office will play a key role in the implementation of the AI Act, especially in relation to general-purpose AI models. It will also work to foster research and innovation in trustworthy AI and position the EU as a leader in international discussions.
The AI office is composed of:
The AI Office will be led by the Head of the AI Office and will work under the guidance of a Lead Scientific Adviser to ensure scientific excellence in evaluation of models and innovative approaches, and an Adviser for international affairs to follow up on our commitment to work closely with international partners on trustworthy AI.
AI Office setup and tasks
The AI Office will employ more than 140 staff to carry out its tasks. The staff will include technology specialists, administrative assistants, lawyers, policy specialists, and economists.
The office will ensure the coherent implementation of the AI Act. It will do this by supporting the governance bodies in Member States. The AI Office will also directly enforce the rules for general-purpose AI models. In cooperation with AI developers, the scientific community and other stakeholders, the AI Office will coordinate the drawing up of state-of-the-art codes of practice, conduct testing and evaluation of general-purpose AI models, request information as well as apply sanctions, when necessary.
To ensure well-informed decision-making, the AI Office will collaborate with Member States and the wider expert community through dedicated fora and expert groups. At EU-level the AI Office will work closely with the European Artificial Intelligence Board composed of representatives of Member States. The Scientific Panel of independent experts will ensure a strong link with the scientific community and further expertise will be gathered in an Advisory Forum, representing a balanced selection of stakeholders, including industry, startups and SMEs, academia, think tanks and civil society.
The AI Office will promote an innovative EU ecosystem for trustworthy AI. It will contribute to this by providing advice on best practices and enabling access to AI sandboxes, real-world testing and other European support structures for AI uptake, such as the Testing and Experimentation Facilities in AI, the European Digital Innovation Hubs, and the AI Factories. It will support research and innovation activities in the field of AI and robotics and implements initiatives, such as GenAI4EU, to ensure that AI general-purpose models made in Europe and trained through EU supercomputers are finetuned and integrated into novel applications across the economy, stimulating investment.
Finally, the AI Office will ensure a strategic, coherent and effective European approach on AI at the international level, becoming a global reference point.
Next Steps
The organisational changes outlined above will take effect on 16 June. The first meeting of the AI Board should take place by the end of June. The AI Office is preparing guidelines on the AI system definition and on the prohibitions, both due six months after the entry into force of the AI Act. The Office is also getting ready to coordinate the drawing up of codes of practice for the obligations for general-purpose AI models, due 9 months after entry into force.
In April 2021, the Commission proposed the EU AI Act and a new Coordinated Plan with Member States, to guarantee the safety and fundamental rights of people and businesses, while strengthening investment and innovation across EU countries. The EU AI Act was provisionally agreed by co-legislators in December 2023 and is the world's first comprehensive law on Artificial Intelligence. The AI Act should enter into force by end July 2024.
In January 2024 the Commission launched a package of measures to support European startups and SMEs in the development of trustworthy Artificial Intelligence (AI). As part of these measures, a Commission decision to establish the AI Office was adopted.
AI Office
A European Approach to Artificial Intelligence
AI Act
AI Innovation Package
AI Pact
The AI-office unveiled today, will help us ensure a coherent implementation of the AI Act. Together with developers and a scientific community, the office will evaluate and test general purpose AI to ensure that AI serves us as humans and uphold our European values.
Margrethe Vestager, Executive Vice-President for a Europe Fit for the Digital Age
With the new AI Office and its 140 talented women and men, the Commission will have the necessary expertise to drive the implementation of the AI Act and to reinforce Europe's role as a global standard-setter in AI. The Office will foster a European AI ecosystem that is innovative, competitive and respectful of EU rules and values.
Thierry Breton, Commissioner for Internal Market
€608.6 million from Horizon Europe to train doctoral candidates under Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions
Today, the Commission announced a new call for Doctoral Networks under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA), part of the EU research and innovation programme Horizon Europe. €608.6 million in funding will support consortia of organisations to recruit and train doctoral candidates.
The call is part of the €1.25 billion from Horizon Europe that will support research under MSCA this year, announced in April. It is expected to fund 160 doctoral programmes spanning multiple scientific fields with a strong focus on interdisciplinary, international and intersectoral cooperation. These doctorates will offer jobs, training, and skills development opportunities to around 2,400 researchers, enabling them to acquire innovation-related competences, and boosting their long-term employability.
Iliana Ivanova, Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth, said: “Through Doctoral Networks under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions, Horizon Europe enhances the quality of doctoral education across Europe and worldwide. These innovative networks provide researchers with transferable skills, enriching their career opportunities and boosting their international connections. I encourage organisations from all sectors to apply and build strategic partnerships to attract top research talent that we need in Europe.”
The scheme includes specific incentives to develop Joint Doctorates, offering integrated training programmes in synergy with the goals of the blueprint for a European degree. It also offers incentives to develop Industrial Doctorates which train researchers and develop their skills outside academia, particularly in industry, businesses and the public sector.
Doctoral Networks are implemented by partnerships of organisations both in academia and beyond, which benefit from the scheme by attracting talent, boosting their global visibility and fostering their international links with other sectors. The deadline for application is 27 November 2024.
More information and guidance on how to apply is available here. Prospective applicants can also attend a dedicated virtual information day on 7 June 2024.
(For more information: Johanna Bernsel — Tel.: + 32 2 298 66 99; Flore Boutier - Tel.: +32 2 296 60 43)
Commissioner Simson to discuss electricity grids, Russian fossil fuel imports and European Green Deal with EU Energy Ministers
Commissioner for Energy, Kadri Simson, will represent the Commission at tomorrow's Energy Council in Brussels. The Commissioner and Ministers will discuss the development of future-proof electricity grids, which are key for the integration of renewables in the EU's energy system and the achievement of the clean energy transition.
Two years after its adoption, the Belgian Presidency has invited the Commissioner and Ministers to take stock of progress on the REPowerEU Plan to phase out Russian fossil fuels, and the next steps for its implementation. They will also discuss the EU's energy preparedness for the next winter as we progress with gas storage refilling and anticipate further supply chain evolutions at the end of the year.
The Commissioner and Ministers will hold a debate on the implementation of the European Green Deal and how it can help make Europe's economy more sustainable. The Commissioner will take the opportunity to remind Member States of the importance and urgency of finalising their National Energy and Climate Plans by the end of June, where they should update their policies to reach the EU's 2030 climate and energy goals, based on the Commission's recommendations. In the margins of the Council, the Commissioner will attend the signature of a Memorandum of Understanding between Germany, Italy, and Austria on the development of a hydrogen corridor from North Africa to Central Europe.
At the end of the Council, Commissioner Simson will participate in a press conference alongside the Belgian Presidency of the Council, expected at around 18:45 CEST. You will be able to follow it live on EbS+.
(For more information: Tim McPhie – Tel.: +32 2 295 86 02; Giulia Bedini – Tel: +32 2 295 86 61; Ana Crespo Parrondo – Tel.: +32 2 298 13 25)
Commissioner McGuinness visits Athens for discussions on capital markets, competitiveness and cyber resilience in the finance sector
Commissioner for Financial Services, Financial Stability and Capital Markets Union, Mairead McGuinness, will be in Greece from today to Thursday, 30 May. The Commissioner will give a keynote speech on the powerful role of capital markets in transitioning the economy towards more sustainable practices at the ‘Climate in the Center of Economy' conference, organised by the Hellenic Capital Market Commission (HCMC).
Over the course of the morning, the Commissioner will also attend meetings with the Chair of Financial Services and Markets Authority (FSMA) Belgium, the Chair of the HCMC and with the Chairman of the US Commodity Futures Trading Commission. In the afternoon, the Commissioner will visit the European Union Agency for Cybersecurity (ENISA) for an exchange on cyber resilience in the finance sector.
On Thursday, the Commissioner will visit the Central Bank of Greece to attend the joint presentation of the European Investment Bank (EIB) survey results 2023 for Greece. During this visit, she will give a keynote speech at the conference ‘Transforming the Greek Economy for Competitiveness and Resilience', co-organised by the EIB and the Central Bank of Greece. In the afternoon, the Commissioner will meet with the Governor of the Central Bank of Greece, Ioannis Stournas.
(For more information: Francesca Dalboni – Tel.: +32 229 88170, Marta Perez-Cejuela Romero - Tel.: +32 2 296 37 70)
The European Commission appoints a new Director for its Directorate-General for Mobility and Transport
Today, the European Commission has decided to appoint Fotini Ioannidou to the function of Director for Directorate ‘Waterborne' at Directorate-General Mobility and Transport (DG MOVE). This Commission department is responsible for EU policy on mobility and transport. The date of effect will be determined later.
In her new role, Ms Ioannidou, a Greek national, will leverage her extensive professional experience spanning over 30 years in the transport sector, including more than 12 years in management positions at the Commission. She is renowned for her strong leadership and management abilities, as well as her capacity to implement strategic coordination effectively. Her excellent analytical skills and results-oriented approach will enable her to address organisational and operational challenges efficiently. In this new capacity, she will also draw upon her comprehensive knowledge of various transport policy aspects, particularly focusing on logistics, maritime and inland waterway transport, as well as sustainability and innovation in mobility.
Fotini Ioannidou is currently serving as the Acting Director for Directorate ´Waterborne´. She has successfully negotiated several policy files falling under the purview of this Directorate within the context of inter-institutional relations, leading to the conclusion, among others, of four trilogues related to the latest maritime package. Previously, she served as Deputy Director of the same department, being responsible for preparing and coordinating EU positions in the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), including on the issue of shipping decarbonization.
Before joining the Commission in 1994, she worked as project manager for a European research project focused on an integrated network of civil aviation systems.
Ms Ioannidou is an electrical engineer by training and holds two Master's degrees in Electronics and Information Systems.
(For more information: Balazs Ujvari - Tel.: +32 2 295 45 78; Veronica Favalli – Tel.: +32 2 298 72 69)
The European Commission appoints a new Deputy Director General for its Directorate-General for Digital Services
Today, the European Commission has decided to appoint Philippe Van Damme to the function of Deputy Director-General responsible for ‘Digital Enablers and Innovation' and ‘Digital Workplace and Infrastructure' at the Directorate General for Digital Services (DG DIGIT). This Commission department is responsible for digital services supporting other Commission departments and EU institutions in their daily work. The date of effect will be determined later.
Mr Van Damme possesses over 20 years of experience at the Commission in the digital sector, managing corporate digital workplace and infrastructure services. He has a proven track record in senior management, showcasing strong leadership, innovation, and change management skills. He excels in addressing the challenges introduced by new working methods and has the specialized expertise necessary to navigate large organizations through digital transformation processes.
Philippe Van Damme, a French and Belgian national, is currently Director for ‘Digital Workplace and Infrastructure' at DG DIGIT. Prior to that, he served as Head of Unit at DG DIGIT, responsible for Corporate Human Resources Solutions and Information Systems for Human Resources Management. Between 2000 and 2006, he worked at the Directorate-General for Administration where he was the principal architect of the Commission's Human Resource Management system ‘Sysper2'. Prior to joining the Commission in 2000, he had various experiences in IT research and engineering within the Belgian Administration. Mr Van Damme has Master's Degrees in Electronic Engineering and in Industrial Management.
The European Commission appoints a new Deputy Director-General for its Directorate-General for Health and Food Safety
Today, the European Commission has decided to appoint Lorena Boix Alonso to the function of Deputy Director-General responsible for ‘Public Health, Cancer and Health security', ‘Digital EU4Health and Health Systems Modernisation', ‘Medical Products and Innovation' within the Directorate-General for Health (DG SANTE). This Commission department is responsible for EU policy on food safety and health and for monitoring the implementation of related laws. The date of effect will be determined later.
With two decades of service at the Commission, Ms Boix Alonso has developed extensive expertise in the digital domain, particularly in digital health policies and programmes. She has led key initiatives, such as the the ‘European Cancer Imaging initiative, the Genomic infrastructure', the ‘Digital Twin of the Human Body' and the EU COVID certificate. Her ability to develop and achieve strategic health policy objectives, combined with her managerial skills, contributed to the successful implementation of the EU e-ID Wallet Regulation. This regulation enables the storage and cross-border use of e-prescriptions, access to e-health records, and the secure provision and sharing of personal health data. Additionally, Ms Boix Alonso has experience in policymaking, legislation, implementation, enforcement, and crisis management in cybersecurity and e-privacy.
Lorena Boix Alonso, a Spanish national, currently serves as the Director for Digital Society, Trust, and Cybersecurity at the Directorate-General for Communications Networks, Content and Technology (DG CNECT). Throughout her career, she has held progressively responsible positions in the Directorate-General for Competition (DG COMP) and DG CNECT. Her experience includes serving as Deputy Head of Cabinet for Digital Agenda and Competition under former Vice President for Competition Neelie Kroes. Ms Boix Alonso joined the Commission in 2003 and is a lawyer by training.
The European Commission appoints the first ever Chief Confidential Counsellor for its staff
The European Commission has decided to appoint Lene Naesager to the newly created function of Chief Confidential Counsellor (CCC), an independent function reporting directly to the Commissioner in charge of Administration. The date of effect will be determined later.
With the nomination of this new senior figure, the Commission takes a decisive step in the implementation of the latest Commission decision of December 2023 on the prevention and fight against harassment which was announced in the Commission`s new Human Resources Strategy in 2022. The new anti-harassment framework encourages early reporting of unwanted and inappropriate behaviours and puts the victim at the center of the process. This framework, including the new function of the CCC, is one of the key deliverables of the Strategy.
With a robust professional background spanning 30 years at the Commission, Lene Naesager brings extensive and varied experience within the institution, coupled with a strong management record that will serve her well in the challenging role of CCC, where she will play a key role in the prevention and fight against harassment. She possesses a wealth of leadership experience, a strategic mindset, and sound political judgment, along with excellent interpersonal skills, empathy and interest in her colleagues' wellbeing. Having held diverse roles across various Commission departments, Naesager has further honed her expertise through significant positions in the Cabinets of two former Commissioners. Notably, she served as Deputy Head of Cabinet for Fischer Boel, former Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, and as a member of Cabinet for Ritt Bjerregaard, former European Commissioner for Environment, Nuclear Safety, and Civil Protection. Her multifaceted experience underscores her adaptability and effectiveness in navigating different managerial roles and policy areas.
Lene Naesager, a Danish national, is currently the Director for Strategy and Corporate Communication at the Directorate-General for Communication (DG COMM). Her previous roles include serving as Acting Director at Directorate-General for Agriculture (DG AGRI). Before joining the Commission in 1994 at the Directorate-General for Competition (DG COMP), she worked as a consultant for the Economic and Social Committee. Ms Naesager holds a PhD in Law.
CALENDAR
Tuesday 28 May
Mr Margaritis Schinas in Porto, Portugal: participates in the Concordia Summit.
Wednesday 29 May
Mr Margaritis Schinas delivers a keynote speech at the event organised by the College of Europe alumni association hosted in the Turkish Embassy.
Ms Stella Kyriakides holds a videoconference call with the Cyprus National Cancer Committee; meets with Mr David Clarinval, Minister of the Middle Class, SMEs, Self-employed, Agriculture, Social Integration and Urban Policy.
Thursday 30 May
Mr Margaritis Schinas receives students from the Greek National School of the Judiciary.
Friday 31 May
Mr Margaritis Schinas in Thessaloniki, Greece: participates in the event ‘What Europe do we want' organised by ELIAMEP.
The European Commission is committed to personal data protection. Any personal data is processed in line with Regulation (EC) 2018/1725. All personal information processed by the Directorate-General for Communication / European Commission Representations is treated accordingly. If you do not work for a media organisation, you are welcome to contact the EU through Europe Direct in writing or by calling 00 800 6 7 8 9 10 11.
Athanasios ATHANASIOU
Press Officer / Political Reporter
European Commission
Representation in Cyprus
EU House, 30 Vyronos Avenue, 1096 Nicosia
Tel: +357 22 81 75 76 Mob: +357 99 363753
Twitter: @aathans