Main news from Brussels this week
date: 01/02/2019
European Commission calls for policies promoting investments and fiscal responsibility to sustain EU growth in 2019
The European Commission adopted on 27 February its annual assessment of the economic and social situation in member states. It finds that challenges vary significantly across countries and commissioners called for appropriate and determined policy to promote investment, pursue responsible fiscal policies and implement well-designed reforms. The series of country-specific reports is part of the annual cycle of economic policy coordination at EU level, known as the European Semester.
European Commission asks online platforms for more details on progress in implementation of the code of practice against disinformation
The European Commission published on 28 February reports by Facebook, Google and Twitter on progress made in January 2019 on their commitments to fight disinformation. The three online platforms are signatories of the code of practice against disinformation and have been asked to report monthly on their actions in the run up to the European Parliament elections in May 2019. The Commission has also asked the platforms for more detailed information to monitor progress on the scrutiny of ad placement, transparency of political advertising, closure of fake accounts and marking systems for automated bots. The next monthly report covering activities done in February will be published in March 2019. This will allow the Commission to verify that effective policies ensuring the integrity of the electoral processes are in place before the European elections.
EU launches new data sharing platform to improve diagnosis and treatment for patients with rare diseases
On 28 February to mark Rare Disease Day, the European Commission launched a new online knowledge-sharing platform to help improve the diagnosis and treatment for Europe's 30 million citizens living with a rare disease. The European Platform on Rare Diseases Registration will enable scientists, policymakers and patients make the most of data on rare diseases and new EU-wide standards for data collection and exchange will mean that data can more easily be compared across Europe.
One Oscar and several Césars for EU supported films
EU funded films were again nominated across various categories at the 91st Academy Awards, also known as the Oscars. In the end it was British actress Olivia Colman who won the Oscar for the best actress in The Favourite. The Favourite, an Irish-UK-US coproduction by Yorgos Lanthimos, received €50,000 of EU funding for its development, via the Creative Europe MEDIA programme. During the weekend, some EU-supported films stood out during the 44th edition of the French César Awards held on Friday 22 February. In particular, Jusqu'à la garde by Xavier Legrand was one of the big winners of the night receiving up to five awards, including the César for best film. The other two EU-supported films awarded at the French ceremony were Dilili in Paris by Christophe Rossignon, which won best animated film, and Sink or Swim (Le Grand Bain) with Philippe Katerine as best supporting actor. The EU's MEDIA programme plays a crucial role in supporting Europe's audiovisual sector through the development, promotion and distribution of thousands of films as well as support to training programmes, film festivals, cinema networks and distribution platforms.
EU invests over €10bn in innovative clean technologies
On 26 February, the European Commission announced an investment programme worth over €10 billion for low-carbon technologies to boost their global competitiveness. The Innovation Fund aims to create the right financial incentives for companies and public authorities to invest now in the next generation of low-carbon technologies and to give EU companies a first-mover advantage to become global technology leaders. The EU innovative climate action will also offer a range of benefits for the health and prosperity of Europeans with an immediate, tangible impact on people's lives – from the creation of local green jobs and growth, to energy-efficient homes with reduced energy bills, cleaner air, more efficient public transport systems in cities and secure supplies of energy and other resources. The Commission aims to launch the first call for proposals under the Innovation Fund in 2020, followed by regular calls until 2030.
MEPs and ministers reach agreement on initiatives strengthening the Capital Markets Union
On 26 February, the European Parliament and member states reached agreement on several European Commission proposals aimed at strengthening the EU Capital Markets Union. In particular, MEPs and Ministers agreed new rules to promote the EU covered bonds market; on more proportionate and effective prudential rules for investment firms (IFR); and rules to help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to tap market-based funding more easily and cheaply.
More information on:
Simplified rules for investment firms
Access of SMEs to capital markets
All this week's key European Commission announcements can be found here