European Union

Belgrade-Pristina Dialogue: Joint Statement by President A.Vučić

Retrieved on: 
Monday, September 7, 2020
Organizations, Articles, International organizations, Confederations, European Union, Avdullah Hoti

On the occasion of the continuation of the EU Facilitated Dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina, President Aleksandar Vui and Prime Minister Avdullah Hoti confirmed to EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the European Commission, Josep Borrell, that they attach the highest priority to EU integration and to continuing the work on the EU-facilitated Belgrade-Pristina Dialogue which is a key element of their respective EU paths.

Key Points: 
  • On the occasion of the continuation of the EU Facilitated Dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina, President Aleksandar Vui and Prime Minister Avdullah Hoti confirmed to EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the European Commission, Josep Borrell, that they attach the highest priority to EU integration and to continuing the work on the EU-facilitated Belgrade-Pristina Dialogue which is a key element of their respective EU paths.
  • They also committed to redoubling their efforts to ensure further EU alignment in accordance with their respective obligations.
  • In this respect, the recently agreed documents in Washington, D.C., building on previous Dialogue-related commitments undertaken by the two parties, could provide a useful contribution to reaching a comprehensive, legally binding agreement on normalization of relations.

Italian: UniCredit and the EIB 200 million euros to support SMEs and Mid-Caps through the Covid-19 emergency

Retrieved on: 
Monday, September 7, 2020
European Union, Banks, Financial services, UniCredit, European Investment Bank, EIB

They have just signed an agreement that will see the EIB allocate 200million euros to UniCredit, to lend in turn to SMEs (companies with up to 250 employees) and mid-caps (up to 3,000 employees).

Key Points: 
  • They have just signed an agreement that will see the EIB allocate 200million euros to UniCredit, to lend in turn to SMEs (companies with up to 250 employees) and mid-caps (up to 3,000 employees).
  • UniCredit and the EIB have agreed to apply extraordinary eligibility criteria to this credit line for companies.
  • The new agreement between UniCredit and the EIB follows on from a series of recent deals to support SMEs, mid-caps and agricultural businesses in Italy.
  • In the last five years, UniCredit has channelled about 5billion euros in EIB funding to Italian companies, financing more than 4,000 projects.

Poland: EIB lends up to EUR 10 million to Scope Fluidics to develop diagnostics equipment for infectious diseases

Retrieved on: 
Monday, September 7, 2020
Articles, European Union, Multilateral development banks, Infectious diseases, European Investment Bank, Fluidics, Infection, Infectious disease, Pandemic

The European Investment Bank (EIB) has agreed to lend up to EUR 10 million to Scope Fluidics, a Polish medical technology company developing innovative products in the field of medical diagnostics.

Key Points: 
  • The European Investment Bank (EIB) has agreed to lend up to EUR 10 million to Scope Fluidics, a Polish medical technology company developing innovative products in the field of medical diagnostics.
  • The EIB financing will support the companys efforts to develop new, efficient and affordable methods for detection of pathogens causing infectious diseases, including COVID-19.
  • Testing a broader range of infectious diseases may significantly increase the standard of care and the effectiveness of prevention of complications in the evolving pandemic.
  • The financing comes from a joint European Commission and EIB initiative the Infectious Diseases Finance Facility (IDFF) backed by the Horizon 2020, the EU Research and Innovation programme
    2014-2020.
  • By investing in this project, the Bank will provide a relevant contribution to the scientific advancement in the field of diagnostic equipment for infectious diseases, including COVID-19.
  • On behalf ofthe entire Scope Fluidics team, I would like to thank EIB for the trust of such an experienced institution - says prof. Piotr Garstecki, CEO of Scope Fluidics.
  • With this loan to Scope Fluidics the EU is making one step closer to finding solutions to fight the coronavirus pandemic.
  • Background information The InnovFin Infectious Diseases Finance Facility (IDFF) is a financial product dedicated to support the fight against infectious diseases.
  • Scope Fluidics SAis a hub that grows med-tech start-ups, each developing a radical solution to a challenge in global health.

Press release - LUX prize will be awarded jointly by the European Parliament and the European Film Academy

Retrieved on: 
Sunday, September 6, 2020
Organizations, Articles, Sassoli, International organizations, European Film Academy, European Union

said David Sassoli, President of the European Parliament, in his video address to the Venice film festival audience.

Key Points: 
  • said David Sassoli, President of the European Parliament, in his video address to the Venice film festival audience.
  • A truly pan-European Audience Award

    The LUX Award, until recently organized and awarded by the European Parliament alone, from now will be awarded by the European Parliament and the European Film Academy, in partnership with the European Commission and the Europa Cinemas network.

  • It will be formally called LUX - the European Audience Film Award by the European Parliament and the European Film Academy, with the shortened adaptation LUX European Audience Film Award.
  • Mike Downey, chairman of the European Film Academy, will be the Honorary President of the LUX jury.

Press briefing ahead of Eurogroup meeting of 11 September 2020

Retrieved on: 
Saturday, September 5, 2020
European Union, Eurogroup, Eurozone, Council of the European Union, Economy of the European Union, Articles, Eurogroup Working Group, Tuomas Saarenheimo, Videotelephony

The (virtual) press briefing ahead of the videoconference of Eurogroup of 11 September 2020 will take place on 8 September 2020 at 14.30.

Key Points: 
  • The (virtual) press briefing ahead of the videoconference of Eurogroup of 11 September 2020 will take place on 8 September 2020 at 14.30.
  • The briefing will be "off the record" and will be given by Tuomas Saarenheimo, President of the Eurogroup Working Group.
  • If you hadn't registered for one of the previous virtual Eurogroup press events, please use this link to do so and have the possibility to ask questions.
  • Deadline: Tuesday, 8 September 2020, 13.00

    Further instructions will be sent to all registered participants after the deadline.

Forward look: 7 - 20 September 2020

Retrieved on: 
Saturday, September 5, 2020
Organizations, Council of the European Union, United Nations General Assembly observers, Articles, International organizations, Competitiveness Council, European Union

Overview of the main topics and events at the Council of EU and European Council.

Key Points: 
  • Overview of the main topics and events at the Council of EU and European Council.
  • Competitiveness Council (Internal market and industry), 18 September 2020

    Ministers in charge of internal market and industry will discuss (and adopt conclusions) on how to deepen the single market.

  • They will also debate how to strengthen the international competitiveness of the EU economy.
  • For video coverage of Council sessions and audiovisual material, please see the following Council websites:

ESMA starts recruitment for Executive Director

Retrieved on: 
Saturday, September 5, 2020
Financial markets, Agencies of the European Union, European Union, Given names, Government agencies, Financial regulation, European Securities and Markets Authority, Corporate law, Esma, Regulation (EU) No 648/2012, Committee of European Securities Regulators

04 September 2020

Key Points: 
  • 04 September 2020

    Vacancies

    The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA), the EUs securities markets regulator, has published today avacancy noticeto fill the position of Executive Director of the Authority.

  • The current Executive Director, Verena Ross, having served the maximum number of ten years allowed under the ESMA Regulation, will leave the post on 29 May 2021 and ESMA now starts the process of finding her successor.
  • The Executive Director of the Authority is appointed by ESMAs Board of Supervisors after confirmation by the European Parliament.
  • Position

    The Executive Director is a full-time independent professional, member of ESMA staff, based in Paris (France).

Poland: EIB supports Poland in the fight against COVID-19

Retrieved on: 
Friday, September 4, 2020
European Union, Multilateral development banks, Financial services, Finance, European Investment Bank, EIB

The EU bank will lend 650 million to help the Polish government cover expenses and investments related to the ongoing pandemic.

Key Points: 
  • The EU bank will lend 650 million to help the Polish government cover expenses and investments related to the ongoing pandemic.
  • The aim is to strengthen Polands emergency response system for the COVID-19 crisis as well as increase its mid and long-term pandemic preparedness.
  • The EIB financing targets schemes in the health and civil protection sectors, which are under the greatest stress.
  • The EIB funding agreed today with the Ministry of Finance means that Poland is better equipped to fight the pandemic and can invest more resources in upgrading its level of responsiveness in both healthcare and civil protection, said Prof Teresa Czerwiska, EIB Vice-President, who oversees operations in Poland.

Press release - Roma integration: fight social exclusion, poverty and anti-gypsyism, MEPs demand

Retrieved on: 
Friday, September 4, 2020
Continents, Organizations, World, Antiziganism, Genocides, Racism in the United Kingdom, Romani, Romani people, Member of the European Parliament, European Union

MEPs therefore demand inclusive education, early childhood development and an end to discrimination and segregation.

Key Points: 
  • MEPs therefore demand inclusive education, early childhood development and an end to discrimination and segregation.
  • The text, which will be put to the vote in plenary in October, was adopted with 52 votes to 9 and 5 abstentions.
  • They call on the Commission to table a legislative proposal focused on fighting poverty and anti-gypsyism and improving living and health conditions of Romani people.
  • Efforts should be accelerated in all EU member states but especially in those with a large Romani population, say MEPs.

ESMA confirms Securitisation Regulation requirements entry into force on 23 September 2020

Retrieved on: 
Friday, September 4, 2020
Financial markets, Given names, Corporate law, Financial regulation, European Union, Regulation (EU) No 648/2012, Systemic risk, Esma, European Securities and Markets Authority, Government agencies

04 September 2020

Key Points: 
  • 04 September 2020

    Securitisation

    The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA), the EUs securities markets regulator, confirms that the different elements of the new regime under the Securitisation Regulation (SR) will come into force on 23 September 2020.

  • Those entities who wish to be registered as a SecRep by ESMA can submit their applications from 23 September 2020.
  • These disclosure templates will enter into force on 23 September 2020 and must as of that date be used to make any new information available about a securitisation in accordance with Article 7 of the Securitisation Regulation.
  • ESMA has published guidance on how to fill in the disclosure templates in its Q&A Document on Securitisation Topics.