MEPs discussed, on Tuesday 25 January, the report by Christophe Hansen (EPP, Luxembourg) on the fight against distortive foreign subsidies. Overall, they are calling for a review of the thresholds above which the instrument applies.
The rapporteur had decided to align with the thresholds proposed by the European Commission (see EUROPE 12868/4, 12711/9), which requires reflection by the Renew Europe, S&D, Greens/EFA, The Left and ID groups.
Emmanuel Maurel (The Left, France) said that, for example, the 500 million turnover of a company involved in a merger and established in the EU, below which notification is not required, is too high. Instead, he suggested a threshold of €100 million in turnover.
His colleagues from the different groups did not specify the thresholds they were considering. Inma Rodríguez-Piñero (S&D, Spain), however, described the thresholds proposed by the Commission and the rapporteur as “not reasonable”.
She also called for a stronger role for the European Parliament in this instrument, in particular so that it can be informed and ensure a follow-up.
Reinhard Bütikofer (Greens/EFA, Germany) pointed to overly limited definitions of subsidy and called for more transparency and clarity on how the Commission will judge the positive or negative effects of a subsidy.
However, it is important to avoid an administrative burden, said Ánna-Michelle Assimakopoúlou (EPP, Greece).
ID Group MEP Marco Campomenosi (Italy) added that it would be appropriate to try to move quickly on this dossier, in order to try to close it during the French Presidency of the EU Council, as France has indicated its will to do so.
In addition, the Presidency submitted a first compromise of the text to the EU Council on 19 January. EUROPE will come back to this in the next few days.
MEPs have until 31 January to table their amendments.
See the report by Christophe Hansen: https://bit.ly/3KbeRTJ (Original version in French by Léa Marchal)