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Europe Daily Bulletin No. 12498

4 June 2020
Contents Publication in full By article 3 / 40
EU RESPONSE TO COVID-19 / Social
European College of Commissioners approves classification of SARS-CoV-2 as a category 3 biological agent
Brussels, 03/06/2020 (Agence Europe)

The European College of Commissioners gave its green light, on Wednesday 3 June, to classify the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes Covid-19 disease, as a category 3 biological agent under Directive 2000/54/EC on the protection of workers from risks related to exposure to biological agents at work.

The virus, thus, is categorised alongside SARS-CoV-1 or MERS-CoV, the zoonotic virus of the Middle East, whereas the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) and many MEPs would have preferred to...

Contents

SOCIAL AFFAIRS - EMPLOYMENT
EMPLOYMENT: European Commission launches second stage consultation of social partners on European instrument introducing fair minimum wage
SOCIAL: coordination of social security systems, Croatian Presidency of the Council of the EU seeks to break deadlock in negotiations with European Parliament
EU RESPONSE TO COVID-19
SOCIAL: European College of Commissioners approves classification of SARS-CoV-2 as a category 3 biological agent
HEALTH: Commission publishes its roadmap on future pharmaceutical strategy
HEALTH: Covid-19, second wave must be prepared for “without being too paranoid or too quiet”, according to WHO
BUDGET/ECONOMICS: EU leaders to discuss MFF 2021-2027 and European Recovery Plan on 19 June
ECB: monetary institute could increase its purchases of sovereign securities in response to Covid-19 pandemic
FINANCE: sustainability is at heart of Recovery Plan, says Commission
TRANSPORT: European ministers invited to decide on modalities for a sustainable and digital recovery
STATE AID: green light for a Czech scheme for rent compensation due to coronavirus
DEMOCRACY: Commission prepares Communication on disinformation in context of coronavirus pandemic
SECTORAL POLICIES
TRANSPORT: airline workers' unions suspend their cooperation with Commission, accused of exceeding its prerogatives
HOME AFFAIRS: EU interior ministers to discuss lifting of restrictions at internal borders of Schengen area
JUSTICE: assignment of claims, extradition and impact of Covid-19 on agenda of European Ministers of Justice
DIGITAL: Croatia to end its EU Council presidency without agreement on major legislative dossiers
SPACE: budget cuts proposed by European Commission worry European Parliament
RESEARCH: first fund raising of €70 million for EU Malaria Fund
FOOD SAFETY: European Commission publishes roadmap for revision of directive on ‘Sustainable Use of Pesticides’
FOOD: most European consumers are ready for more sustainable choices, but face obstacles, according to BEUC
ENVIRONMENT: average emissions from new cars increased by 2.3g CO2/km in 2018, according to EEA
ENERGY: European nuclear industry wishes to play a leading role in economic recovery
EXTERNAL ACTION
SYRIA: European Commission proposes new aid of €585 million
MIDDLE EAST: international community is concerned about unilateral actions and tensions between parties
KOSOVO: EU welcomes formation of a new government
TRADE: updated analysis of impact of coronavirus crisis on EU trade
AUSTRALIA: progress in bilateral trade negotiations with EU
ECONOMY - FINANCE - BUSINESS
TAXATION: prospect of new US trade sanctions puts pressure on OECD to reach an agreement on digital taxation
COUNCIL OF EUROPE
CORRUPTION: Council of Europe experts call for a redoubled and “proactive” implementation of GRECO’s recommendations
NEWS BRIEFS
BELARUS: Biedroń and Auštrevičius condemn new wave of arrests in run-up to presidential election
ENERGY: competitiveness of renewable energies continues to increase, according to IRENA
UNITED STATES: GUE/NGL and Renew Europe groups in European Parliament want a debate on police violence after murder of George Floyd
FINANCE: Austrian Harald Waiglein reappointed head of EU Council's Financial Services Committee
TAXATION: agreement in EU Council on extension to deadlines for exchange of information as a result of Covid-19
TAXATION: EU Council adopts its conclusions on revision of Directive on administrative cooperation
TAXATION: EU Council adopts its conclusions on tax treatment of new tobacco products
JUSTICE: 'GDPR' Regulation review report submission postponed until end June
MIGRATION: European Commission asked to organise disembarkation of 450 people detained off Malta
POLAND: presidential election will take place on 28 June
CONGO REPUBLIC: EU partially suspends funding for WWF project for infringement of Pygmy rights
YEMEN: EU announces €70 million in emergency humanitarian aid for vulnerable populations