European Commission proposes urgent market intervention to reduce bills for Europeans 

 

The Commission proposes to intervene urgently in European energy markets to address the recent dramatic price hike. The EU is facing the consequences of a serious mismatch between energy demand and supply, notably because Russia continues to use its energy resources as a weapon.

. In order to alleviate the increased pressure on European households and businesses, the Commission is now taking the next step to address this issue by proposing exceptional measures to reduce electricity demand which will help reduce electricity costs for consumers, and measures to redistribute energy sector surplus revenues to final customersThis builds on pre-agreed measures to store gas and reduce gas demand to prepare for the upcoming winter. The Commission also continues to work on improving the liquidity of market operators, lowering gas prices and reforming the electricity market design in the long term.

The first answer to the problem of high prices is to reduce demandThis can affect electricity prices and contribute to overall market de-escalation. In order to focus on the most expensive hours of electricity consumption, when gas-fired electricity production has a significant impact on the price, the Commission proposes a obvezu commitment to reduce electricity consumption by at least 5 % during selected peak hoursMember States will have to set 10 % of the hours with the highest expected price and reduce demand during these peak hours The Commission also proposes that Member States should aim to reduce aggregate electricity demand by at least 10 % by March 31st 2023. They can choose the appropriate measures to achieve this reduction in demand, which may include financial compensation. Reducing demand at peak times would lead to a reduction in gas consumption by 1.2 billion cubic meters during the winter. Increasing energy efficiency is also an essential part of delivering on our climate commitments under the European Green Deal.

The Commission also proposes a a temporary revenue ceiling for “inframarginal” electricityproducers, i.e., low-cost technologies such as renewables, nuclear and lignite, which deliver electricity to the grid at a price below the price set by more expensive ‘marginal’ producers. These inframarginal producers generate exceptional revenues at relatively stable operating costs, as expensive gas power plants have increased the wholesale price of electricity they receive. The Commission proposes to set the revenue cap of inframarginal producers at EUR 180/MWh. This will allow producers to cover their investment and operating costs without distorting investments in new capacities in line with our 2030 and 2050 energy and climate targets. Revenues above the ceiling will be collected by Member States’ governments and used to help energy consumers reduce their bills. Member States trading in electricity are encouraged to conclude, in a spirit of solidarity, bilateral agreements on the sharing of some of the inframarginal revenues collected by the country of production for the benefit of end-users in a Member State with low electricity production. Such agreements are to be concluded by December 1st 2022 if the net imports of electricity into a Member State from a neighbouring country amount to at least 100 %.

As a third measure, the Commission proposes a temporary solidarity contribution for excess generated by activities in the oil, gas, coal and refineries sectors not covered by the inframarginal revenue ceiling. This time-limited contribution would maintain incentives for investments in the green transition. It would be collected by Member States on the basis of 2022 profits that are at least 20 % higher than the average profit of the previous three years. Revenues would be collected by Member States and redirected to energy consumersin particular to vulnerable households, hard-hit businesses and energy-intensive industries. Member States may also finance cross-border projects in accordance with the objectives of REPowerEU or use part of the revenue to jointly finance employment protection measures or promote investments in renewable energy and energy efficiency.

As part of further intervention in electricity market rules the Commission is also proposing to extend the energy price toolbox available to help consumers. For the first time, the proposals would allowallow regulated electricity prices below cost levels and would extend regulated prices to SMEs..

As announced by Commission President von der Leyen on Wednesday September 7th, the Commission will continue to work on other ways of lowering prices for European consumers and industry and reducing market pressure. The Commission will discuss in detail with Member States how best to reduce gas prices, analyzing different ideas on price caps and strengthening the role of the EU’s energy platform in encouraging lower price agreements with suppliers through voluntary joint procurement. The Commission will also continue to work on tools to improve liquidity in the energy utilities market and review the temporary framework for state aid in crisis situations to ensure that it continues to allow Member States to provide the necessary and proportionate support to the economy while ensuring a level playing field. At the extraordinary meeting of the Energy Council on September 9th, member states’ energy ministers endorsed the Commission’s ongoing work in these areas.

Open competition European Commission's Juvenes Translatores for young translators  

 

Secondary schools in all EU countries can now enrol for Juvenes Translatores the European Commission's annual translation contest. From 12:00 CET on 2 September, schools can.for their students to compete with peers around the EU register onlineThis year, contestants will translate texts on the topic ‘European youth.'

Commissioner for Budget and Administration, Johannes Hahn saidWith this contest we want to inspire young people about a career in translation and promote language learning. 2022 is the European Year of Youth, and the contest will bring together young people from different countries, encourage them to pursue their love for languages and help them overcome barriers between people and cultures. Giving people the ability to communicate with and understand one another, regardless of differences, is essential for the EU to flourish.”

Participants can translate between any two of the EU's 24 official languages (552 possible language combinations). Entering the contest is a two-stage process. In the first stage, schools need to register by 12:00 CET on 20 October 2022. Teachers can complete the registration form in any of the EU's 24 official languages.
The Commission will then invite 705 schools — randomly selected by computer — to the next stage. The number of schools taking part in each country will be equal to the number of seats the country has in the European Parliament. The chosen schools then nominate up to five students to participate in the contest. They can be of any nationality, but all participants must have been born in 2005.The contest will be run online on 24 November 2022 in all participating schools.
The winners — one per country — will be announced by early February 2023. They will be invited to receive their prizes in spring 2023 at a ceremony in Brussels. They will have the chance to meet professional translators from the European Commission and find out more about the profession and about working with languages.
Context
The Commission's Directorate-General for Translation has organised Juvenes Translatores (Latin for ‘young translators') every year since 2007. It promotes language learning in schools and gives young people a taste of what it is like to be a translator. It is open to 17-year-old secondary school students and takes place simultaneously in all selected schools across the EU. The contest has inspired some participants to study languages at university and go on to become professional translators. In addition, it provides an opportunity to showcase the EU's rich linguistic diversity.
For more information

Juvenes Translatores website

The European Union’s cohesion policy: EUR 9 billion from 2021 to 2027 to Croatia

Croatia will of EUR 9 billion of cohesion policy funding for the period 2021-2021 under the Partnership Agreement with the Commission EUR 9 billion from 2021 to 2027 to Croatia Croatia will receive a total of EUR 9 billion of cohesion policy funding for the period 2021-2027 to promote the economic, social and territorial cohesion of their regions and the green and digital transitions. This investment will help reduce regional economic disparities and improve skills, training and job opportunities. EU funding will also support the development of a competitive and innovative export-oriented Croatian economy.

Towards a resilient, net-zero carbon economyCroatia will allocate almost 31 % of the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and 39 % of the Cohesion Fund to climate objectivesIn concrete figures, EUR 2.56 billion will help improve energy efficiency, increase the share of renewables in energy production to 60 % in 2030, strengthen the circular economy, climate resilience and biodiversity. More than EUR 650 million will be invested in achieving the latter objective. Furthermore, EUR 179 million from the Just Transition Fund will mitigate the economic and employment impacts of the green transition. This will be achieved by decarbonising energy-intensive industries, strengthening entrepreneurship and investing in workers’ skills, diversifying the economy in the most affected regions, strengthening cooperation between businesses and the research community, and increasing employment opportunities in the labour market.

Strengthening economic competitiveness and digitalisation.EUR 1.7 billion from the ERDF to increase the competitiveness and internationalisation of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and improve employee skills will support Croatia’s innovative and smart economic transformation.

Reducing regional disparitiesInvestments will take place throughout Croatia, including its poorest parts; almost EUR 500 million earmarked for facilitating the industrial transition in Croatia’s regions will contribute to improving international competitiveness. In addition, 12 % of ERDF resources will be dedicated to urban development and around 3 % to the development of smart and sustainable islands. More support is also foreseen for mountain areas. In this way, EU funds will help all parts of Croatia reach the economically and socially developed capital of Zagreb and the most developed regions of the EU.

Improvement of connectivity . Almost EUR 1 billion will be dedicated to improving regional, local and cross-border mobility in all sectors, including the development of a sustainable, smart, safe and intermodal transport network linked to the TEN-T trans-European network, and to enable much-needed improvements in national rail infrastructure and further progress in maritime transport on the coast of Croatia.

Social inclusion, employment, education, trainingAlmost EUR 2.5 billion from the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) and the ERDF will be used to boost quality employment and skills, education, health and social services. Well- designed active support to employment, especially for women, young people and vulnerable groups, will be accompanied by improving the capacity of labour market institutions, such as public employment services, for example through digitalisation. Investments at all levels of education will allow for concrete improvements in the education system, from early childcare to adult education. These investments will also strengthen upskilling and reskilling to better match new labour market needs and develop the basis for individual learning accountsThe risk of poverty and social exclusion is particularly exposed to older people, women and people with disabilities. As a result, the strategic needs mapping will provide significant resources from the ESF+ to invest in the welfare system and the transition from institutional social services to community-based social services, in particular as regards assistance to people with disabilities, long-term care and assistance to the most deprived. The Partnership Agreement will also provide support for the training of medical staff and the strengthening of emergency medical assistance systems and telemedicine services.

Sustainable fishing. The European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund will invest EUR 244 million in sustainable fisheries and the protection of marine biodiversity and ecosystems in the Adriatic Sea. This fund will also support the development of sustainable and low-carbon aquaculture and processing sectors, the economic and social vitality of fishing communities and the implementation of international ocean governance. All supported measures will help Croatia to contribute to the objectives of the Common Fisheries Policy, as well as the key EU policy priorities outlined in the European Green Deal, the Farm to Fork Strategy and the Biodiversity Strategy.

Statements by the members of the College
Commissioner for Cohesion and Reforms Elisa Ferreira said: Since Croatia’s accession to the EU, investments in its balanced development under cohesion policy amounted to 4 % of Croatia’s GDP. These investments have increased its competitiveness, helped create new jobs and promote a greener and more digital economy. The new Partnership Agreement for the period 2021-2021 By 2027, this Member State is provided with additional funding to continue its path towards economic, social and territorial cohesion and development.

European Commissioner for Employment and Social Rights Nicolas Schmit added: This Partnership Agreement is a key step towards achieving Croatia’s 2030 national social targets, as set out in the Action Plan for the Implementation of the European Pillar of Social Rights. I underline the strategic focus of ESF+ investments, which foster quality employment, enable workers to acquire the skills they need to navigate today and the future labour market and provide significant funding for investments in social services that are essential for social inclusion, including assistance to people with disabilities, healthcare and long-term care.
skrb.
Commissioner for Environment, Oceans and Fisheries Virginijus Sinkevičius said: Europe’s blue economy creates concrete opportunities for coastal communities. The European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund supports innovative projects that contribute to the sustainability of the exploitation of marine resources, the decarbonisation of our economy and the protection of biodiversity. This Partnership Agreement encourages Croatia’s green and digital transition and helps build low-carbon, sustainable, innovative and resilient fisheries and aquaculture sectors in the Adriatic Sea.”

Context
The Partnership Agreement with Croatia covers cohesion policy resources (ERDF, ESF+, Cohesion Fund and JTF) and the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF). The Partnership Agreement paves the way for the implementation of these investments on the ground. It covers four national programmes: The Competitiveness and Cohesion Programme (ERDF and Cohesion Fund), the Integrated Territorial Programme (ERDF and JTF), the Efficient Human Resources Programme (ESF+) and the EMFAF programme, to be adopted. Within the framework of cohesion policy and in cooperation with the Commission, each Member State shall prepare a Partnership Agreement, a strategic document for the programming of investments from cohesion policy and EMFAF funds during the multiannual financial framework. This agreement, focused on EU priorities, sets out the investment strategy and priorities set by the Member State and sets out a list of national and regional programmes for implementation on the ground, including an indicative annual financial allocation for each programme.

The 19th Partnership Agreement with Croatia was preceded by agreements with Greece, Germany, Austria, Chech Republic, Lithuania, Finland, Denmark, France, Sweden, Netherlands, Poland, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Portugal, Estonia, Slovakia, Italy and Romania.

More information

Long-term EU budget 2021-2030 2027 and NextGenerationEU

Questions and Answers on the EU legislative package for cohesion policy 2021-2030 2027

Breakdown of Member States’ allocations under cohesion policy

Partnership Agreements 2021-2021 2027

Open data platform for cohesion policy

On August 2nd, 2022, in Kino Plaški we held a short interactive workshop for children and young people on the topic of the European Union and the opportunities that are available to them. The workshop was organized by Studio Europa. In a pleasant and casual environment, elementary and high school students from different parts of Croatia were provided with initial information about the European Union, the new currency that awaits us, and European youth programs.

 

INFORMATION WORKSHOP ON THE TOPIC OF INTRODUCTION OF EURO AS AN OFFICIAL CURRENCY IN REPUBLIC OF CROATIA

Since moment when Euro becomes the official currency in the Republic of Croatia is less than six months away – yesterday, on July 14, 2022, in the organization of the Representation of the European Commission in Croatia, Europe Direct Karlovac and the Public Institution Regional Development Agency of Karlovac County, an information workshop for entrepreneurs on the topic of the introduction of Euro as the official currency was held. With comprehensive presentations, the lecturers Branka Augustinović and Lucija Sušić from the Ministry of Economy and Sustainable development; and Amalija Jurin from the Ministry of Finance, brought up the changes that will occur with the introduction of Euro, which will directly affect all business processes.
Amalija Jurin predstavila je glavne odrednice novog Zakona o uvođenju eura kao službene valute u RH te kronologiju postupka uvođenja istog. Predavačica se osvrnula na najvažnije aktivnosti i promjene poslovnih procesa koji se očekuju u periodu do 5. rujna 2022. godine, kada započinje obvezno dvojno iskazivanje cijena. Također je naglašeno i što očekivati nakon 1. siječnja 2023. kada Hrvatska planira uvođenje eura, ali i od kolike je važnosti da se svi poslovni subjekti u Hrvatskoj na vrijeme pripreme za poslovanje u novoj službenoj valuti, posebno prema krajnjem potrošaču.
Branka Augustinović and Lucija Sušić presented to the attendees the Guidelines for adjusting the economy in the process of replacing the Croatian kuna with the Euro, a document whose purpose is to timely inform business entities about the necessary adjustments, encourage timely preparations for double reporting and coordinate the implementation of consumer protection measures.
At the workshop, the concept of the Code of Ethics was also clarified. Its purpose is to determine the way business entities should act for the purpose of reliable and transparent introduction of the Euro, with the aim of creating trust and a safe environment for consumers. All business entities are invited to join this initiative.
More information about the Code of Ethics, adopted Guidelines and Instructions for adaptation, as well as the most frequent questions and answers related to the introduction of the Euro, can be found at the following link:

https://mingor.gov.hr/smjernice-za-prilagodbu-gospodarstva-u-procesu-zamjene-hrvatske-kune-eurom/8652.

Poziv na informativnu radionicu o uvođenju eura

Šest mjeseci dijeli nas od dana kada euro postaje službena valuta u Republici Hrvatskoj. Stoga, Predstavništvo Europske komisije u Republici Hrvatskoj i Javna ustanova Regionalna razvojna agencija Karlovačke županije u sklopu provedbe projekta EUROPE DIRECT Karlovac organiziraju informativnu radionicu o uvođenju euru u četvrtak, 14. srpnja 2022. godine u 11 sati u dvorani Udruženja obrtnika Grada Karlovca, Ulica Jurja Haulika 14. Planirano trajanje radionice je sat i pol.

Proces uvođenja nove valute zahtjeva prilagodbe i promjene, kako poslovnih procesa tako i pravovremeno osposobljavanje djelatnika za rad u novoj službenoj valuti. Izrazito je važno ne podcijeniti opseg aktivnosti i prilagodbe koje je potrebno poduzeti kako bi se svaki poslovni subjekt pravovremeno pripremio za poslovanje u novoj službenoj valuti. Stoga, na radionici će biti predstavljene glavne odrednice postupka uvođenja eura kao službene valute u Republici Hrvatskoj koje su sadržane u krovnom Zakonu o uvođenju eura kao službene valute u Republici Hrvatskoj (NN 57/22), zatim što je to Etički kodeks i zašto bi se poslovni subjekti koji su u direktnom odnosu s potrošačem trebali priključiti toj inicijativi. Prezentirat će se najvažnije aktivnosti i potrebne zakonske prilagodbe u postupku uvođenja eura za gospodarstvenike i tijela javne vlasti. Također, ukratko će biti predstavljena iskustva iz drugih zemalja članica gdje je euro zajednička valuta.

Na radionici će sudjelovati predstavnici Ministarstva financija te Ministarstva gospodarstva i održivog razvoja koji će odgovoriti na pitanja: Što uvođenje eura znači za poduzetnike (uključujući i obrte te OPG-ove), ali i regionalnu i lokalnu samoupravu?

Pozivamo sve zainteresirane da se pridruže na radionici u Dvorani Udruženja obrtnika Grada Karlovca, u Karlovcu na adresi Ulica Jurja Haulika 14. Zbog organizacijskih potreba, prijavu sudjelovanja je potrebno izvršiti putem prijavnog obrasca Radionica o uvođenju eura (google.com).

OBILJEŽAVANJE EUROPSKOG DANA PARKOVA, MEĐUNARODNOG DANA BIORAZNOLIKOSTI I DANA ZAŠTITE PRIRODE RH 2022.

Europe Direct Karlovac, in cooperation with Public Institution Natura Viva, Karlovac County, City of Karlovac and Karlovac School for Forestry and Wood-work, celebrated European Day of Parks, International Day for Biological Diversity and Nature Protection Day of the Republic of Croatia. We have thus placed emphasis on the European Green Plan and the very important EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030.

This special day for nature protection is traditionally marked in our Vrbanić park by setting up houses for birds, bats and squirrels. By doing so, we wanted to ensure that our smallest park’s inhabitants become permanent residents of our city of parks.

European Day of Parks is designed to raise public awareness of the importance of protected areas in Europe. The initiative was launched in 1999 by the EUROPARC Federation to commemorate May 24th, 1909, when Sweden declared the first 9 national parks in Europe.

International Day for Biological Diversity and Nature Protection Day of the Republic of Croatia are celebrated every year on May 22nd, and this year under a slogan that says "Building a common future for all life".

Vrbanić Park is protected as a monument of park architecture and all in order to preserve its landscape, cultural and biological value, as it is the most valuable park in the city of Karlovac. By doing this joint activity in Vrbanić Park, we wanted to send a clear message of commitment. Preservation of biodiversity and park’s species and habitats is a must – which also determinates one of the main tasks of Public Institution NATURA VIVA.

Citizens of Karlovac County have yesterday, May 9th, celebrated Europe Day. The event was organized by Europe Direct Karlovac and Public Institution Regional development agency of Karlovac County. In addition to the hosts; the Head of Karlovac County Martina Furdek Hajdin, Mayor of Karlovac Damir Mandić and Director of Regional Development Agency Vilko Klasan, Head of European Commission Representation in Croatia Ognian Zlatev was also present. Along with music programme performed by Karlovac Music School, the citizens of Karlovac and Karlovac County had the opportunity to get introduced to the local products at the Mini Green Market and an exhibition of student works on the topic of "Croatian Euro".

After the programme in the center of Karlovac, which was intended for the general public, the Head of Karlovac County Martina Furdek Hajdin, Mayor of Karlovac Damir Mandić and Director of Regional Development Agency Vilko Klasan have participated in the Dialogue with the Youth while sailing on the Grain Boat. Some of the topics of the Dialogue were entrepreneurship, opening a business after graduation and what are the problems that young people face today when they have to decide which high school or college to enroll in. The moderator of the whole event was young entrepreneur and Tik-Toker from the Karlovac County, Dario Marčac. Iva Rukavina, Nick Vrnoga and a young musician and composer Krešimir Klarić are other young entrepreneurs who spoke about their experience.

New call to participate to allow even more young people to travel - DiscoverEU

 

DiscoverEU, which allows 18-year-olds to explore Europe by travelling mainly by train, opens its first round of applications in 2022. From tomorrow 7 April at noon until noon, young people living in Erasmus+ countries will be able to apply for one of the 35,000 free travel passes.

This year’s application round marks the inclusion of DiscoverEU in the Erasmus+ programmeThanks to this change, 70 000 travel passes will be distributed Year of Youth in 2022: in today’s application round, 35 000 travel passes have been announced and a further 35 000 are foreseen for the next application round in October. Integration into Erasmus+ also opens the door to candidates from Iceland, Liechtenstein, North Macedonia, Norway, Serbia and Turkey, who are the first chance to participate.

Vice-President for Promoting our European Way of Life Margaritis Schinas DiscoverEU offers more travel opportunities for young people than ever before. In the European Year of Youth, we put young people at the heart of our attention. We owe it to an entire generation that hasn't been able to travel for the last two years. Good luck, everybody!“

Candidates who have successfully completed a selection quiz, born between 1 July 2003 and 30 June 2004, will be able to travel in Europe for a maximum of 30 days between 1 July 2022 and 30 June 2023. Those who reach the age of 18 in the second half of the year will be able to apply in the next round of applications in October.

In addition, the winners of the travel pass will also receive a DiscoverEU discount card. With this new card, winners will be able to receive more than 40 000 different discounts for public transport, cultural events, accommodation, food, sports events and other services available in all eligible countries.

To increase the learning dimension of DiscoverEU, Erasmus+ National Agencies National Agencies organise information sessions and meetings to prepare young travellers for travel and to facilitate the exchange of experiences. DiscoverEU aims to promote, inter alia, discussions on sustainability, culture and European identity at these meetings. Special emphasis is placed on inclusion. Participants with disabilities or health problems may be accompanied while travelling. In addition to travel expenses, additional individual assistance is provided.

The Commission shall promote sustainable rail travel. Exceptions are cases where young people cannot travel to continental Europe by train before starting their journey. Therefore, specific arrangements are available for young people from the outermost regions, overseas countries and territories, remote territories and islands.

More information:

DiscoverEU

Europski portal za mlade

Predstavništvo u Hrvatskoj

New European Bauhaus (NEB) three new calls for projects

The Commission announced three new calls for projects to make the new European Bauhaus a reality. They are intended to help citizens, cities and villages integrate the new European Bauhaus project in detail in their communities.

The first and second calls launched by the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT),focus on citizen engagement activities and co-creation of public spaces with citizens. The projects selected under the first call the first call will help citizens adopt more sustainable habits and develop new products, services or solutions.

It will also help community members to become drivers of change. Projects in the second call will invite local actors to inspire and reflect on public spaces in cities, urban and rural areas in their ideas by creating new solutions for the future.

The third and final call provides technical assistance to small and medium-sized municipalities that lack the capacity and expertise to translate project ideas related to the new European Bauhaus.

On 7 April, the Commission will launch the New European Bauhaus laboratory as a space for reflection and action on co-creation and testing processes for tools, solutions and policy recommendations, as announced in September 2021..

For more information on the calls see on link.