Daily News 02 / 02 / 2015 Brussels, 2 February 2015 ANNOUNCEMENTS

First Vice-President Timmermans meets Chairs of EU Affairs Committees of National Parliaments On Monday 2 February, First Vice-President Frans Timmermans attends in Riga the Meeting of the Chairpersons of COSAC (the Conference of Parliamentary Committees for Union Affairs of Parliaments of the European Union). Participants in the meeting will discuss the priorities of the Latvian Presidency of the EU, prospects for the EU after the election of the new European Commission, and the Eastern Partnership. First Vice-President Timmermans is responsible for strengthening the interaction of the Commission with national Parliaments. (for more information: Natasha Bertaud – Tel.: +32 229 67456; Tim McPhie – Tel.: +32 229 58602) Commissioner Vella in Paris for Euromaritime Business Forum Commissioner for Environment, Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, Karmenu Vella, will be in Paris on Tuesday 3 February, to participate in one of the biggest European marine and maritime business forums, Euromaritime. The Commissioner will present the potential of Europe in becoming a world leader in the Maritime Economy and how areas such as ocean energy and aquaculture can be supported through the new Investment Plan for Europe, Horizon 2020 and the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund. On his way to Paris Mr Vella highlighted: "In our shared European history, a strong and sustainable maritime sector has always been a pillar of the economy. The sector can play a vital role in job creation, investment, and the economic fightback." (for more information: Enrico Brivio – Tel.: +32 229 56172; Iris Petsa – Tel.: +32 229 93321) Commissioner Moscovici in Berlin Pierre Moscovici, European Commissioner for Economic and Financial Affairs, Taxations and Customs, will be in Berlin on Monday, 2 February and Tuesday, 3 February 2015. He will be meeting with Mr Wolfgang Schäuble, Minister of Finance; Mr Sigmar Gabriel, Minister for Economic Affairs and Energy, and Vice-Chancellor; and Mr Frank-Walter Steinmeier, Minister for Foreign Affairs. (for more information: Annika Breidthardt – Tel.: +32 229 56153; Audrey Augier – Tel.: +32 229 71607; Johannes Bahrke – Tel.: +32 229 58615)

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