Europe Daily News, 03 April 2024

COMPETITION

• Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case M.11138 - TotalEnergies / Air Liquide / JV)
• Nordic Metal sees clearance decision for Alumeco acquisition published by EU watchdog - See Case M.11061
• Austria - Construction cartel update: BWB requests the imposition of a fine of EUR 1.05 million against Bodner

STATE AID

• Authorisation for State aid pursuant to Articles 107 and 108 of the TFEU - Cases where the Commission raises no objections - SA.110949
• Commission opens two in-depth investigations under the Foreign Subsidies Regulation in the solar photovoltaic sector - IP/24/1803

TRADE & CUSTOMS

• Agenda for: Working Party on Trade Questions - 09 April 2024
• Agenda for: 11th meeting of the Customs 2027 Programme - Project Group on UCC Special Procedures: UCC INF - 18 April 2024
  
• Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/967 of 2 April 2024 amending Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/1996 imposing a definitive anti-dumping duty on imports of certain prepared or preserved sweetcorn in kernels originating in the Kingdom of Thailand following an expiry review pursuant to Article 11(2) of Regulation (EU) 2016/1036 of the European Parliament and of the Council

INTERNAL MARKET & INDUSTRY

• Agenda for: Working Party on Competitiveness & Growth (High Level) - 25 April 2024 - Attendance of third parties
• Answer given by Mr Dombrovskis to a MEP written question - EIB loan to Volvo Cars for the development of electric vehicle platforms
• Answer given by Mr Breton to a MEP written question - EU steel industry and the potential layoff of hundreds of thousands of employees
• Answer given by Mr Breton to a MEP written question - Businesses in jeopardy over the proposal for a regulation on combating late payments
• EU rules drive pharma backers to the US, says Irish investment chief - Europe’s regulations have become ‘too burdensome’ and could hinder innovation, argues Michael Lohan - Financial Times
• Business worries EU directive on consumer protection will leave them exposed - Companies fear changes over product liabilities will lead to a more litigious environment and lawsuits to gain trade secrets - Financial Times

FINANCE

• Agenda for: 21st Meeting of the Committee on the Prevention of Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing - 11 April 2024
• Answer given by Ms Mc Guinness to a MEP written question - Financial access for pro-Russian actors and disinformation websites: exploring inconsistencies and EU policy
• ESMA consults on possible amendments to the Credit Rating Agencies Regulatory Framework

AGRICULTURE & FISHERIES

• Agenda for: Special Committee on Agriculture - 08 April 2004,
  - Follow-up to the “Conclusions on the opportunities of the bio-economy in the light of current challenges with special emphasis on rural areas”

ENERGY

• Answer given by Ms Simson to a MEP written question - The protection of the EU internal natural gas market
• Answer given by Ms Simson to a MEP written question - Consequences for EU solidarity and energy security of fees for gas transit via Germany that are unjustified and incompatible with EU law 
• Food, Feed and Fuel for the EU: Realising the potential of renewable ethanol biorefineries for a more autonomous Europe - see ePURE Position Paper

TRANSPORT & MOBILITY

• Working documents - 7th meeting of the “European Ports Forum”- 15 March 2024
  - Study on short-sea shipping's contribution to the TEN and the means to support and revitalise sector
  - Revision of the TEN-T Regulation and the maritime transport
  - CEF Transport funding for ports
• Council Decision (EU) 2024/1016 of 25 March 2024 on the position to be taken on behalf of the European Union within the Joint Committee established by the Agreement between the European Union and the Republic of Moldova on the Carriage of Freight by Road, as regards the continuation of the Agreement
• EU institutions commit to boost cycling across Europe

FUTURE OF EUROPE

• Agenda for: Meeting of the Coreper (Part.2) - 03 April 2024

EXTERNAL RELATIONS

• Political and Security Committee Decision (CFSP) 2024/1014 of 26 March 2024 on the appointment of the EU Force Commander for the European Union military operation in the Mediterranean (EUNAVFOR MED IRINI) and repealing Decision (CFSP) 2023/2078 (EUNAVFOR MED IRINI/1/2024)
• Gaza/Israel: Joint Statement by HR and Commissioner for Crisis Management on killing of humanitarian workers
• Commission concludes its third policy dialogue with Japan on education, culture and sport - IP/24/1801
• UN HRC55 - Item 10 General Debate on Technical assistance and capacity-building - EU Statement
• Answer given by HR/VP Borrell to a MEP written question - European Union Border Assistance Mission at the Rafah Crossing Point (EUBAM Rafah)