Brussels, 5 December 2017

The Socialists and Democrats welcomed the blacklist of tax havens approved by EU finance ministers but warned the Member States about the need to seriously follow-up on commitments and deplore the absence of dissuasive sanctions.

S&D Group spokeswoman on economic and monetary affairs, Pervenche Berès MEP, said:
 
“The Socialists and Democrats have been working for many years to get a European blacklist of tax havens. The EU is confirming its leadership by improving international rules to fight tax evasion and tax avoidance.
 
“However, we deeply regret that the Council has watered down the listing criteria proposed by the European Commission which was credible and ambitious.
 
“These criteria ended up by excluding de facto any EU Member States.
 
“As for the grey list, the reform pledges made by jurisdictions to avoid being blacklisted must now be followed by actions. Commitments in writing are not enough; there should be clear deadlines on when this should enter into force. And, if deadlines are not respected, countries should be blacklisted. The EU needs to define quickly a precise calendar for the monitoring process and the update of the lists, which should be done before next summer.”

S&D Group spokesperson on the Panama Papers inquiry committee, Peter Simon MEP, added:
 
"The S&D Group has always called for strong and deterrent sanctions, such as withholding taxes, exclusion from public procurement calls, withdrawal of business licences for the jurisdictions, the intermediaries and companies proved to be involved in blacklisted tax havens.
 
"It is disappointing that no sanctions are imposed yet. Even the best blacklist is useless if it is not backed by dissuasive measures.
 
“Furthermore, tax havens inside the EU are missing as well. If we want to fight tax avoidance credibly on a global stage, we must also put our own house in order. Why should we care about states inside of our Union that have turned stealing our taxes into their business model? Solidarity is not a one-way road!"

MEPs INVOLVED

BERÈS Pervenche

pervenche.beres@ep.europa.eu

+32(0)2 28 45777

+33(0)3 88 1 75777

http://www.pervencheberes.fr/

SIMON Peter

peter.simon@ep.europa.eu

+32(0)2 28 45558

+33(0)3 88 1 75558

http://www.peter-simon.eu

S&D PRESS CONTACT

HÉLIN-VILLES, Solange

solange.helin@ep.europa.eu

+33 3 88 17 47 79

+32 2 283 21 47

Today in Brussels, the European Cancer Patient Coalition called for more concrete actions to increase access and awareness of cancer genetic testing and other types of biomarkers at the event held in the European Parliament. Genetic testing and other types of biomarker testing help to identify the “Achilles' heel” of different types of cancer, ensuring that the right person receives the right treatment at the right time. Hosted by MEP Marlene Mizzi (S&D, Malta), the event was focused on Cancer Biomarkers in the Era of Personalised Medicines. The discussion with policymakers and European experts in the field, the importance of biomarkers for people with cancer, and the necessary actions needed to make precision medicine in cancer a reality across Europe.

The European Cancer Patient Coalition called for more progress to be made towards a harmonised and more efficient regulatory framework which will increase access to and potentially reduce the cost of biomarker testing. The cancer patient organisation also highlighted the need for increased access and decreased waiting times for high-quality biomarker testing to make personalised healthcare more of a reality.

The European Cancer Patient Coalition President, Francesco De Lorenzo, said “Biomarkers are key for quick and appropriate identification of precision medicines, but they also offer an enormous contribution to the sustainability of healthcare systems. Presently, we have biomarkers available for a number of cancer types, but research must be dedicated to identifying more biomarkers.”

“It is completely unacceptable that with the already existing list of biomarkers, 60% of patients have not been proposed a biomarker testing by their oncologists,” he added, referring to the findings of a recent ECPC-EAPM patient survey on biomarker awareness.

Marlene Mizzi, MEP, stressed the need for more action on biomarkers awareness:

“It is of paramount importance that we work together to raise biomarker literacy amongst cancer patients across Europe. We need to increase patient understanding of biomarkers and endorse awareness campaigns that increase biomarker literacy by increasing patient knowledge on where they need to go to get biomarker testing,” she said during the event.

Genetic testing and other types of biomarker testing are already available for many types of cancer. These tests help to identify the people who may benefit from effective cancer treatment, ensure sustainable healthcare systems, and avoid treatment-related toxicity. However, their authorised use and reimbursement in the European Union varies by country, and access is often only available in large cancer centres. For those people who are able to access biomarker testing, the waiting times for the results varies from 5 days in some member states to an entire month in others.

ECPC also launched an educational video animation on cancer biomarkers during the event. Aimed at policymakers, healthcare professionals and patients, the animation is set to raise awareness about the state of biomarker testing in Europe and increase the understanding of its benefits to individual’s health and the healthcare systems.

-----------------------------------------------------------ENDS-------------------------------------------------------

About the European Cancer Patient Coalition

The European Cancer Patient Coalition is the largest European cancer patients' umbrella organization. 

The European Cancer Patient Coalition is the voice of cancer patients in Europe. With over 400 members, ECPC is Europe’s largest umbrella cancer patients’ association, covering all 28 EU member states and many other European and non-European countries. The European Cancer Patient Coalition represents patients affected by all types of cancers, from the rarest to the most common.

About Cancer Biomarkers

Cancer biomarkers are the molecules that are usually produced by cancer cells, which can then be detected in bodily fluids or tissues. When tested, such biomarkers can identify people who have or may be at risk of cancer and can also be used to monitor remission. Cancer biomarkers can also help select or predict patients who are likely to derive therapeutic benefit from specific medicines and treatments.

Notes to editors:

For more information please contact: lydia.makaroff@ecpc.org

Follow us on Twitter: @cancereu

Brussels, 5 December 2017

The Global Progressive Forum strongly regrets the Argentinian government’s decision to deny access to several trade unions and NGOs at the World Trade Organisation (WTO) conference taking place in Buenos Aires 10-13 December 2017.
 
We consider that to achieve good results at the conference and greater legitimacy for the decisions that will be taken there, it is crucial to involve all stakeholders and have a transparent dialogue.
 
We call on the Argentine government to review their decision immediately and ensure the democratic participation of all representatives of civil society and workers.
 
* The Global Progressive Forum (GPF) is an international network promoted by the Party of the European Socialists and the Socialists and Democrats in the European Parliament to connect progressive forces from around the world and develop a global progressive agenda.

Postal operators will continue to support the Commission's move to modernise VAT rules for improving cross-border e-commerce and combat fraud.  It is in everybody's interest that the new One-Stop-Shop IT system addresses all concerns including the expected increase in processing costs brought to the delivery sector, before It is fully extended and performing well towards the end of 2021.  During the implementation process, we support the Commission's approach to closely monitor and assess the systems.  Postal operators as key players in the e-commerce delivery sector, are ready to further contribute expertise, know-how and intensify cooperation to ensure the success of the process. 

#deliver4europe #digitalsinglemarket #ecommerce #one-stop-shop #VAT

See also

A well-functioning One-Stop-Shop with strong uptake is key to the success of modernising VAT

Removal of the VAT de Minimis on E-Commerce Items will cost the delivery Industry 1b euros more

Effects of Removing the VAT De Minimis on e-commerce Imports by Copenhagen Economics

Full report

Postal Operators react to the New VAT proposal for Cross-border E-commerce(published 5 Dec 2016)

Brussels, 06/12/2017

Today EURELECTRIC announced a new long-term vision for the electricity industry in Europe. National associations and Chief Executives from all major power companies in Europe have agreed a Vision Declaration that commits the sector to accelerate the clean energy transition, taking a leading role in Europe’s decarbonisation efforts towards the Paris Agreement.  
 
Sector leaders have all committed to take action to support the economy-wide shift to an efficient climate-friendly society and achieve a competitive reliable carbon-neutral electricity mix in the EU well before mid-century.
 
“Our industry sees a great opportunity on the path towards a progressively decarbonised and fully sustainable European energy future. Electricity is playing a growing role in making this vision happen and EURELECTRIC will lead this transformation. Today’s announcement shows how together we are determined to accelerate the energy transition through a progressive electrification of Europe’s energy consumption while making the European power sector carbon-neutral well before mid-century,” said Francesco Starace, EURELECTRIC President and CEO of the Italian energy group Enel.
 
With the new vision the sector strengthens its commitment to invest in clean power generation and other transition-enabling solutions and, importantly, to help accelerate CO₂ emission reductions in other sectors through increasingly efficient use of clean electricity.
 
“Electrification of heating, transport and industry is a win-win. It comes with higher efficiency and lower CO₂ emissions. We should do everything possible to advance electrification with smart regulation,” said Magnus Hall, CEO of Vattenfall and Vice-President of EURELECTRIC.
 
The rise of digital solutions and decentralised generation technologies have been centre stage in the discussions over the new vision. They are widely believed to have profound impacts on the organisation of the sector and on the relations between companies and customers.
 
“The investment required in clean electricity and transition-enabling technologies is huge. This statement reflects our full commitment to invest in innovation, to build new cross-sector business models, and ensure that electricity keeps creating value in decades to come,” said Alistair Philips-Davies, CEO of SSE and Vice-President of EURELECTRIC.
 
The announcement follows a comprehensive consultation process, which engaged company CEOs and industry representatives from across Europe. The final declaration received unanimous support at its adoption. It demonstrates the unwavering commitment from the power sector to play a key role in the transition to a sustainable, smart and energy efficient society.
 
EURELECTRIC’s Secretary General, Kristian Ruby, expressed satisfaction that the entire sector supports the vision, but also pointed out that delivering it will require further collective efforts: 

“The commitment and ambition expressed in this vision are challenging, especially for regions which depend on high carbon value chains. We therefore call on policymakers to do their utmost to ensure a fair and responsible transition, both socially and geographically, and provide the necessary support and funding to address any socio-economic impacts,” Ruby said.
  
Following the adoption of this vision declaration, the European electricity sector will launch several projects in the coming years aimed at identifying the challenges and opportunities of an accelerated clean energy transition. As the sector embarks on its journey it will engage stakeholders and communities across the entire European economy on these projects.

ENDS

Background: The Union of the Electricity Industry, EURELECTRIC, is the sector association representing the common interests of the electricity industry at pan-European level. EURELECTRIC represents 3,500 companies across Europe with an aggregate turnover of €200 bln. It covers all major issues affecting the sector, from electricity generation and markets, to distribution networks, customers, as well as environment and sustainability issues.

Press Contact:

Anamaria OLARU, Press & Media Relations

tel: +32 (0)483 45 92 42

e-mail: aolaru@eurelectric.org

Brussels, 6 December 2017

The Socialists and Democrats in the European Parliament are not satisfied by the reform of the Economic and Monetary Union (EMU) proposed today by the European Commission.

S&D Group leader Gianni Pittella stated: "The package has some positive elements, such as a new minister for the eurozone, as inspired by Commissioner Moscovici, and the transformation of the European Stability Mechanism into the EU framework. However, the package does not live up to our expectations of change, overall.

"In particular, we are deeply concerned with the proposal to incorporate the fiscal compact into EU law. Thanks to our discussions, we avoided the incorporation of the Fiscal Compact in the Treaties and we preserved the flexibility granted by the Commission in the last years. However, the fiscal compact logic should be completely scrapped to turn the page on blind austerity.

"This also poses a democratic issue, since the European Parliament will be regretfully marginalized in the legislative procedure.

"We reject any attempt by the hawks of austerity to dictate Europe's agenda. Any reform of the EMU should focus on investments, growth oriented policies and solidarity.

"The S&D Group will be at forefront with its proposals for a progressive Europe".

S&D Group vice-president responsible for economic and monetary affairs, Udo Bullmann added: "The Commission's plans regarding the European Monetary Fund (EMF) are indeed a strong point in an otherwise weak package. We expect the Commission not to budge in the view of potential resistance to today's proposals.

"Transforming the European Stability Mechanism into a fully-fledged European Monetary Fund under Union law is key for the S&D Group. Nobody wants to see the eurozone slip back into crisis. But when it happens, we need to have the instruments to act more quickly and much more transparently than in the recent eurozone crisis.

"The model for the establishment of the EMF proposed by the Commission today is going into the right direction. We welcome the proposal to set up the EMF as a Union institution operating under the community method by means of a legislative procedure with the EP approval. We also back the Commission's proposals as regards the distribution of tasks and responsibilities. We agree that the Commission should continue to monitor fiscal policy and the financial assistance programmes in which the future EMF is to be involved".

S&D Group spokeswoman for economic and monetary affairs Pervenche Berès stressed:"We welcome the recognition by the Commission of an indispensable stabilisation function, but we don't understand why this has not conducted to the needed binding instrument. We also regret that the Commission has not made any concrete and operational proposals to set up a dedicated budget for the eurozone despite the call from the European Parliament earlier this year.
 
"There are no concrete proposals to tackle and reduce the economic and social imbalances between the members of the eurozone. Structural reforms are not enough.
 
"A budgetary capacity for the eurozone is deeply needed to stabilise the euro area in the long term. It is an instrument for solidarity that is highly necessary to help the economies in the eurozone absorb macroeconomic shocks and converge again.
 
"It will provide incentives for growth-friendly structural reforms. By failing to act, the EU will not learn the lessons from the 2008 financial and economic crisis."

MEPs INVOLVED

PITTELLA Gianni

gianni.pittella@ep.europa.eu

+32 2 284 51 59

+33 3 88 17 51 59

http://www.giannipittella.eu/

BULLMANN Udo

udo.bullmann@ep.europa.eu

+32(0)2 28 45342

+33(0)3 88 1 75342

http://www.udo-bullmann.de/

BERÈS Pervenche

pervenche.beres@ep.europa.eu

+32(0)2 28 45777

+33(0)3 88 1 75777

http://www.pervencheberes.fr/

S&D PRESS CONTACT

BERNAS, Jan

jan.bernas@ep.europa.eu

+33 3 88 16 43 69

+32 2 284 21 32

HÉLIN-VILLES, Solange

solange.helin@ep.europa.eu

+33 3 88 17 47 79

+32 2 283 21 47

Brussels, 6 December 2017

S&D MEPs are calling for more support to be given to communities and refugees working to integrate newly arrived refugees into their societies. That was the message to come out of two seminars in the European Parliament today, focused on refugee integration.

S&D Group vice-president Tanja Fajon said:
 
“Across Europe there are thousands of examples of individuals and communities going to great lengths to help refugees integrate into their new homes. From providing education to helping find jobs, this can make a huge difference to peoples’ lives. These grass-root efforts don’t just help the refugees, they help build relationships and trust between communities and are essential if our asylum system is going to work effectively.
 
“Currently we have no EU-wide sponsorship programme for refugees; we are clearly lagging behind other parts of the world on this. We are calling on the Commission to act and deliver a programme that could strengthen our resettlement efforts in the EU.” 

S&D Group vice-president Josef Weidenholzer added:
 
“Canada and other countries have been running programmes to help individuals and communities ‘sponsor’ refugees for many years now. These have shown significant advantages in helping people integrate into their new societies and find work. We need to look at how sponsorship could help strengthen refugee relocation and resettlement in the EU - helping refugees and boosting local communities. We spend so long focusing on the difficulties of asylum policy that it is also important to show the positive benefits it can bring to our communities.”

MEPs INVOLVED

FAJON Tanja

tanja.fajon@ep.europa.eu

+32(0)2 28 45493

+33(0)3 88 1 75493

http://www.tanja-fajon.si/

WEIDENHOLZER Josef

josef.weidenholzer@ep.europa.eu

+32(0)2 28 45473

+33(0)3 88 1 75473

http://www.weidenholzer.eu/

S&D PRESS CONTACT

ALLAN, Tim

tim.allan@ep.europa.eu

+32 2 283 41 82

****Deutsche Version s.u.****

"With his plans to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, Donald Trump deliberately pours oil on the fire of the Middle East conflict and provokes the entire Islamic, but also the Christian world and humanity as a whole," says Gregor Gysi, President of the European Left, criticizing the plans of the US President. Gysi continues:

"For decades, the status of Jerusalem has been part of the struggle for a peaceful solution to the Middle East conflict, a city shaped like no other by important Christian, Jewish and Muslim holy sites, which has great significance both religiously and politically, not only for Israelis and Palestinians, also for the entire Christian, Jewish, Islamic, other and non-religious world.

In 1948, the United Nations decided to found the state of Israel in order to provide the Jews, after the Holocaust, with the right to their own statehood, lasting protection, a guarantee of life and perspective. This was related to the fact that people without Jewish faith can live equally in Israel. In addition, the UN decided in 1948 to found a state of Palestine. While there is the state of Israel, the Palestinians are still waiting to realize their claim. Like the Israelis, they have a right to security, independence and sovereignty. In accordance with all UN decisions, the state of Palestine is to be proclaimed and recognized within the 1967 borders.

This excludes a one-sided claim of Israel on Jerusalem as the capital. An exchange of territories can only be agreed between the sovereign states of Israel and the future Palestine. The Israeli settlement in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, which is in violation of international law and condemned by the UN Security Council, undermines the efforts for a peace in the Middle East, which includes a two-state solution from which Israeli politicians increasingly refrain.

Either there is an understanding between Israel and Palestine regarding Jerusalem, or an international solution is being created for Jerusalem to secure the claim of all believers and humanity in this historically unique city. The international community would then be responsible for the safety of the people of Jerusalem, the preservation of all religious and cultural sites, the freedom to practice any religion, and the enhancement of the quality of life in the city.

With his plans for unilateral recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, US President Trump does not support a solution and provokes Islamist riots worldwide. That makes the policy against terrorism implausible. One must not withdraw one of the most important religious sites such as the Dome of the Rock on the Temple Mount to Islam indirectly in this way. Peace in the Middle East, the fair two-state solution for Israel and Palestine, is a long way off. As we have seen, this is dangerous and completely irresponsible, especially in times when there are many fires in the Middle East. The intention of the US President does not make Israel, the region or humanity safer. On the contrary."

*******

"Mit seinen Plänen zur Anerkennung Jerusalems als Hauptstadt Israels gießt Donald Trump bewusst Öl ins Feuer des Nahost-Konflikts und provoziert die gesamte islamische, aber auch die christliche Welt und die Menschheit", kritisiert Gregor Gysi, Präsident der Europäischen Linken, die Pläne des US-Präsidenten scharf. Gysi weiter:

"Seit Jahrzehnten ist der Status Jerusalems Bestandteil der Auseinandersetzungen um eine friedliche Lösung des Nahost-Konfliktes. Die Stadt ist wie keine andere geprägt durch wichtige christliche, jüdische und muslimische heilige Stätten und hat dadurch sowohl in religiöser als auch in politischer Hinsicht eine große Bedeutung nicht nur für Israelis und Palästinenser, sondern für die gesamte christliche, jüdische, islamische, anders und nicht religiöse Welt.

Die UNO beschloss 1948 die Gründung des Staates Israels, um nach dem Holocaust den Jüdinnen und Juden mit dem Recht auf eine eigene Staatlichkeit einen dauerhaften Schutz, eine Lebensgarantie und Perspektive zu geben. Dies war damit verbunden, dass in Israel ebenso Menschen ohne jüdischen Glauben gleichberechtigt leben können. Außerdem beschloss die UNO 1948, einen Staat Palästina zu gründen. Während es den Staat Israel gibt, warten die Palästinenserinnen und Palästinenser nach wie vor auf die Realisierung ihres Anspruchs. Sie haben wie die Israelis ein Recht auf Sicherheit, Unabhängigkeit und Souveränität. In Übereinstimmung mit sämtlichen UNO-Beschlüssen soll der Staat Palästina in den Grenzen von 1967 proklamiert und anerkannt werden.

Das schließt einen einseitigen Anspruch Israels auf Jerusalem als Hauptstadt aus. Ein Austausch von Territorien kann nur zwischen den souveränen Staaten Israel und dem künftigen Palästina vereinbart werden. Der völkerrechtswidrige und vom UN-Sicherheitsrat verurteilte Siedlungsbau Israels in der Westbank sowie in Ostjerusalem untergräbt die Bemühungen für einen Nahost-Frieden, zu dem eine Zwei-Staaten-Lösung gehört, von der zunehmend israelische Politiker Abstand nehmen.

Entweder gibt es hinsichtlich Jerusalems eine Verständigung zwischen Israel und Palästina oder es wird eine internationale Lösung für Jerusalem geschaffen, damit der Anspruch aller Gläubigen und der Menschheit an dieser historisch einzigartigen Stadt gesichert wird. Die internationale Gemeinschaft wäre dann für die Sicherheit der Menschen in Jerusalem, für den Erhalt sämtlicher religiöser und kultureller Stätten, für die Freiheit jeglicher Religionsausübung und für die Steigerung der Lebensqualität in der Stadt verantwortlich.

Mit seinen Plänen zur einseitigen Anerkennung Jerusalems als Hauptstadt Israels unterstützt US-Präsident Trump keine Lösung und provoziert weltweit islamistische Ausschreitungen. Das macht die Politik gegen den Terrorismus unglaubwürdig. Man darf eine der wichtigsten religiösen Stätten wie den Felsendom auf dem Tempelberg dem Islam nicht indirekt auf diese Art und Weise entziehen. Der Frieden in Nahost, die faire Zwei-Staaten-Lösung für Israel und Palästina rücken so in weite Ferne. Das ist wie dargestellt gerade in Zeiten, in denen es viele Brandherde im Nahen Osten gibt, gefährlich und völlig verantwortungslos. Die Absicht des US-Präsidenten macht weder Israel noch die Region noch die Menschheit sicherer. Im Gegenteil."

NAIROBI (December 6, 2017) –The United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) today approved  resolution UNEP/EA.3/L.20 which concluded that waste minimization and environmentally sound solid waste management should be given the highest priority in efforts to address marine litter.

The World Plastics Council issued the following statement, through Abdulrahman Al-Fageeh in his role as chairman of the World Plastics Council:

“This resolution, adopted during the third session of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA3), adds to the fast-growing global consensus that to end marine plastic pollution we must invest in improved municipal solid waste management, with a focus on emerging economies with large populations near rivers and coastlines.  

“The resolution is consistent with prior research sponsored by the Ocean Conservancy’s Trash Free Seas Alliance® in Stemming the Tide: Land-based strategies for a plastic-free ocean, with similar statements APEC Ministers, the G-7, and G-20, and with commitments and programs underway by plastics makers around the globe.

“Since 2011, our industry has partnered in many efforts to research and prevent marine debris around the world under our “Declaration of the Global Plastics Solutions for Solutions on Marine Litter,” which has been signed by 70 plastics associations in 35 countries. Our 2016 Progress Report lists 260 projects that have been completed or are in progress in various parts of the world since the effort began.

“People around the world appreciate plastics for their usefulness, low weight, hygiene and low cost. Strong, lightweight plastics enable us to reduce material use and ultimately conserve resources, save energy, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and reduce food waste. A study from Trucost, Plastics and Sustainability: A Valuation of Environmental Benefits, Costs, and Opportunities for Continuous Improvement, compares the environmental costs of using plastics to alternative materials. The study found that replacing plastics in consumer products and packaging with a mix of alternative materials that provide the same function would increase environmental costs by over three fold, annually.

“Marine debris is a complex, global issue that deserves thoughtful consideration and action on the part of government, scientists and industries working together. The UNEA3 resolution through waste management practices will help support long-term, integrated solutions to this challenge”

The World Plastics Council will continue to support initiatives to drive waste minimization and environmentally sound solid waste management.

# # #

www.worldplasticscouncil.org

The World Plastics Council is a global forum for leading resin producing companies to accelerate cooperation and to deliver improved outcomes for the benefit of society. WPC is committed to contributing solutions to marine litter and other challenges. As an example, WPC supports the urgent need for integrated waste management as set forth in recent action plans and ministerial statements from APEC, the G-7 and the G-20. WPC also actively supports the work of the Trash Free Seas Alliance, and the associations in our value chains that are delivering Marine Litter Solutions.

Following the presentation of the European Commission’s proposals to complete the Economic and Monetary Union, CEEP General Secretary Valeria Ronzitti commented:

“We believe that the European Commission has fulfilled its commitment to swiftly complete the Economic and Monetary Union. Following the presentation of today’s package, it is now up to the Council and the Member States to pick up the issue and move forward. The December EuroSummit will be an important moment to create a momentum on this issue, and show a joint political will to move ahead.”

“To create a macroeconomic stabilisation function, CEEP emphasised a clear support for a European Investment Protection Scheme as a tool to give a clear stabilisation function while protecting key investment for the future. We welcome the proposal of the Commission to create such scheme, as this option is truly future-oriented.”

“We also acknowledge the need to integrate the substance of the Treaty on Stability, Coordination and Governance (TSCG) into the Union legal framework. However, explicit references to the flexibility must be integrated and should be an integral part of the future TSCG. The current ‘conceptual approach’ is far from being enough.”

“Finally, we hope that the proposed new European Monetary Fund will allow to better reconcile the Member States’ stability needs, while supporting the recovery of the European economy.”

For further information, please contact:
Maxime STAELENS, Communication Officer
Email: maxime.staelens@ceep.eu
Tel.: + 32(0) 2 229 21 40

To subscribe to our newsletter, please follow this link.
 

CEEP, European Centre of Employers and Enterprises providing Public Services, is one of the three general cross-sectoral European Social Partners. It gathers public and private providers of services of general interest from across Europe. CEEP members contribute to more than 26% of EU GDP and employ 30% of the EU workforce.

Brussels, 6 December 2017

The S&D Group strongly protests against the announcement made by President Donald Trump about the official recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and his decision to move the US embassy to the city in the near future, hiding behind the Congress and without offering any new hope for Palestinians.

S&D Group president Gianni Pittella MEP said:
 
"This announcement is a bad step at a bad moment. President Trump seems to be using his power to fuel the Israeli-Palestinian conflict instead of working for peace in the region. He is working against the hopes for peace in the Middle East the same way as he has gone against the global efforts aimed at dealing with migration flows or fighting climate change.
 
"We must say it loud and clear again: the only way to achieve a lasting peace between Israelis and Palestinians is through a negotiated two-state solution with the states of Israel and of Palestinian living side-by-side together in peace and security along the 1967 borders, with mutual land swaps, and Jerusalem as the capital of both states. The final status of Jerusalem has to be settled through negotiations that fulfil the aspirations of the parties. Until then, the relevant UN Security Council resolutions cannot be overturned."

S&D Group vice-president Elena Valenciano MEP added:
 
"We stand by our Palestinian friends who cannot be left alone on this troubling day. We call on the international community to transform this dramatic announcement into a turning point when we finally wake up and create – today, and not tomorrow – a dynamic that will bring peace to Arabs and Israelis in the Middle East. President Trump leaves us no other choice than taking action ourselves and the European Union must be in the frontline.
 
“We fully understand the rage of the Palestinian people, but we call for all to avoid violence as a response. We continue to support the policy of non-violent resistance of President Mahmoud Abbas, as the only chance to achieve a Palestinian state recognised by the world in the spirit of the two-state solution. This must be our common goal for which we also work in the European Parliament."

S&D Group vice-president Victor Boştinaru MEP added:
 
"There is a reason why the international community has not recognised Jerusalem as the capital of Israel: there is a single acceptable solution for Jerusalem, and this can only be achieved through direct negotiations between both sides. Any unilateral decision that goes against a negotiated solution can only damage the peace process and create more polarisation in an already fragile region. Most importantly, this will create an even more challenging security environment that will directly affect both Israelis and Palestinians.
 
"The US has been and continues to be a key player in the region and a partner for the European Union. President Trump has the duty to act responsibly and consider the risks of his actions. Such a unilateral step goes against his so-called commitment to relaunching the Middle East Peace Process and can also have serious consequences for our co-operation in the region."

MEPs INVOLVED

PITTELLA Gianni

gianni.pittella@ep.europa.eu

+32 2 284 51 59

+33 3 88 17 51 59

http://www.giannipittella.eu/

VALENCIANO MARTÍNEZ-OROZCO Elena

elena.valenciano@ep.europa.eu

+32(0)2 28 45846

+33(0)3 88 1 75846

http://www.socialistasparlamentoeuropeo.eu/

BOŞTINARU Victor

victor.bostinaru@ep.europa.eu

+32 2 284 58 32

+33 3 88 17 58 32

http://victorbostinaru.ro

S&D PRESS CONTACT

KOMODROMOS, Dimitris

dimitris.komodromos@ep.europa.eu

+33 3 88 17 46 98

+32 2 283 14 59

TIM YEO, CHAIRMAN OF NEW NUCLEAR WATCH EUROPE (NNWE):

“It's great news for the future of nuclear energy in Europe, and for jobs in Britain, that a new owner has been found for the troubled NuGen project at Moorside. 

The success of Kepco in building new reactors in UAE in less than 10 years from a standing start is encouraging.

However, today's announcement is only the first step in a long process. Before construction can start Kepco's design must pass the rigorous scrutiny of the Office of Nuclear Regulation (ONR).

Then there's the small matter of agreeing what consumers will pay for the electricity which will not be generated before 2030. It's a safe bet that the price will be set at a lower level than Hinkley Point.”

-ENDS-

 
For more information, please contact:
 
Ed Gavaghan
T: +44 (0)7714 283858
E: press@newnuclerwatch.eu
 
Notes to Editors:

• NNWE was founded at the end of 2014 to help ensure nuclear power is recognised as an important and desirable way for European governments to provide affordable, secure, low carbon energy and help to meet the long-term energy needs of their citizens.
• Membership of NNWE is open to all companies, individuals and organisations active in the nuclear industry including those involved in the supply chain. More information is available at www.newnuclearwatch.eu
• Tim Yeo is Chairman of New Nuclear Watch Europe and the University of Sheffield Industrial Advisory Board for the Energy 2050 initiative. He is a former Minister of State for the Environment, Shadow Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, and was Chair of the Environmental Audit Select Committee from 2005-2010 and then Chair of the Energy and Climate Change Select Committee from 2010-2015.

Brussels, 7 December 2017

The all-party parliamentary committees on climate and energy today voted on an important report on EU energy governance, aimed at ensuring that the EU’s energy goals to comply with the Paris climate change agreement are met.
 
This report is part of the Clean Energy Package and is crucial because it will ensure the fulfilment of 2030 energy and climate targets, in the absence of the national binding targets.

MEP Theresa Griffin, S&D spokesperson on this file in the industry and energy committee, said:
 
“After crucial wins on Energy Efficiency and Renewables last week, today a progressive framework to enact these achievements was secured. This includes meeting the Energy Union's 2030 energy and climate objectives, whilst developing Integrated National Energy and Climate plans that cover the five dimensions of the Energy Union.
 
“More importantly, the Parliament reaffirmed its commitment to tackling energy poverty. This text includes a clear definition on energy poverty and guidelines for member states to report on those suffering from energy poverty. Furthermore, amendments on a Just Transition fund were secured, ensuring that workers in heavy carbon industries are provided with the skills and training necessary to access jobs in the clean energy economy.”

MEP Carlos Zorrinho, S&D spokesperson on this file in the environment committee, said:
 
"The vote today is an important step forward in the implementation of a European energy policy of decarbonisation with a strong focus on clean energy, renewables, energy efficiency and interconnections.
 
“The fight against energy poverty and for a Just Transition fund for all citizens has been fortified and conditions have been created to improve the quality of life of European citizens.
 
“Furthermore, the targets and objectives approved provide a strong incentive to modernise industry and services in the European Union, making the most of the energy transition and the digital revolution.”

MEPs INVOLVED

GRIFFIN Theresa

theresa.griffin@ep.europa.eu

+32(0)2 28 45271

+33(0)3 88 1 75271

http://theresagriffin.eu

ZORRINHO Carlos

carlos.zorrinho@ep.europa.eu

+32 2 284 45 20

+33 3 88 17 45 20

S&D PRESS CONTACT

MARTIN DE LA TORRE, Victoria

victoria.martindelatorre@ep.europa.eu

+33 3 88 16 42 98

+32 2 284 30 81

Frankfurt/Brüssel, 7. Dezember 2017 – Die EU will faire Wettbewerbsbedingungen im grenzüberschreitenden Handel, schadet mit ihren jüngsten Plänen aber der eigenen Industrie. Die Maschinenbauer in Deutschland lehnen die geplante Änderung der Antidumping-Instrumente entschieden ab, weil sie am Ende zu erheblichen Mehrkosten für die verarbeitende Industrie in Europa führen würden.„Damit schneidet sich die EU ins eigene Fleisch und verschlechtert unsere Wettbewerbsfähigkeit“, warnt Ulrich Ackermann, Leiter VDMA Außenwirtschaft.

In der Sache geht es um eine vermeintliche „Modernisierung“ der bestehenden Antidumping-Instrumente der EU. Das Europäische Parlament und der Rat haben eine Vereinbarung verkündet, die im Interesse einzelner Wirtschaftszweige unter anderem höhere Schutzzölle vorsieht. Insbesondere die Einschränkung der sogenannten „Regel des niedrigeren Zollsatzes“ lehnt der Maschinenbau entschieden ab. Eine solche Einschränkung würde bedeuten, dass es wieder zu höheren Schutzzöllen kommen könnte. Solche überhöhten Zölle führen im globalen Wettbewerb unwillkürlich zu erheblichen Mehrkosten für die weiterverarbeitende Industrie in der EU. Denn der Import von Gütern und Rohstoffen wird sich deswegen verteuern, was den Industriestandort Europa schwächt.

„Für den Maschinenbau und andere weiterverarbeitende Industrie werden die neuen Anti-Dumping-Instrumente zu mehr Rechts- und Planungsunsicherheit führen“, warnt Ackermann. „Der nun vorliegende Vorschlag berücksichtigt nicht in angemessener Weise die Interessen der importierenden und in der EU produzierenden Industriezweige. Stattdessen stehen die Interessen einzelner Branchen im Vordergrund.“

Über zusätzlichen Belastungen durch die Neuregelung können auch einzelne Verbesserungsvorschläge gegenüber den bisherigen Antidumping-Instrumenten nicht hinwegtäuschen. So sollen zwar der „KMU Helpdesk“ ausgebaut und das Untersuchungsverfahren vor der Einführung von Antidumping-Zöllen verkürzt werden. „Fraglich bleibt aber ob diese beiden Versprechen in der Praxis für die betroffenen Industriezweige tatsächlich Erleichterungen bringen“, bemängelt Ackermann.

Haben Sie noch Fragen? Ulrich Ackermann, Leiter VDMA Außenwirtschaft, Telefon +49 69 6603 1441, ulrich.ackermann@vdma.org, beantwortet sie gerne.

Tough new measures to prevent a repeat of the vehicle emissions scandal have been approved by the European Union.

Piloted through the European Parliament by ECR MEP Dan Dalton, they will see a minimum of 500 models of cars of various ages being tested by Member States each year.

National authorities undertaking the work will be reviewed by the European Commission to ensure the tests are consistent and effective.

Speaking after agreement was reached today in talks between the Parliament, Commission and the European Council, Mr Dalton said: "This is the final step in fixing a broken system which let down millions of people around Europe."

"It is good news for car owners, who can be sure their vehicles perform as they are supposed to; for manufacturers, who can be sure that competitors aren't cheating the regulations; and for air quality."

"No longer will illegally polluting cars make it onto our roads undetected."

Other measures featured in the new legislation include:

• Owners will be reimbursed if they make repairs on vehicles to fix issues later subject to a manufacturer's recall.
• Independent garages will have access to information on vehicles they need to compete with dealers and help drive down prices.
• If there is any repeat of VW-style cheating of emissions tests, national governments and, if necessary, the Commission, will be able to levy fines.
• The testing system will be much more transparent, with third parties able to access the data.

Mr Dalton added: "It has not been easy to secure agreement but I am delighted that we managed to include in the final text almost all the recommendations made by Parliament's committee of inquiry into the emissions scandal."

"Make no mistake, in future any manufacturers trying to cheat the system will be found out and properly punished."

ENDS

Press officer to contact: Robert Taylor, robert.taylor@ep.europa.eu, +32 498984760

The ECR was created to take the EU in a new direction, according to the principles of our founding Prague Declaration. It is the third largest group in the European Parliament with 74 MEPs from 18 EU states.

For more information on the ECR, watch our promotional video at http://youtu.be/F5syQt1JuQI or visit our website: www.ecrgroup.eu