The Gabonese President Ali Bongo Ondimba has called for the signing of a “ Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), fair and balanced ” with the EU, on behalf of the Economic Community of Central African States (CEMAC).
The negotiations between the EU and CEMAC (Congo, Cameroon, Gabon, Chad, Central African Republic, Equatorial Guinea) began in 2003. Only Cameroon has signed an agreement with the EU in 2009.
Central Africa has not concluded an agreement with Brussels unlike West Africa. These agreements are expected to facilitate the export of African products to Europe.
Economic growth in Central Africa should be only 1.7% in 2016 against 2.5% in 2015, had said in early July the Governor of the Bank of Central African States ( BEAC).
The growth in 2014 was 4.9% in the countries of the subregion.
The BEAC governor had ordered the member states to diversify their economies to less feel the shocks caused by falling oil prices.
During the meeting in Malabo, the CEMAC countries have also decided to allocate a fund of four billion CFA francs (about six million) for the reconstruction of the Central African Republic.
The Gabonese President Ali Bongo Ondimba has called for the signing of a “ Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), fair and balanced ” with the EU, on behalf of the Economic Community of Central African States (CEMAC).
The negotiations between the EU and CEMAC (Congo, Cameroon, Gabon, Chad, Central African Republic, Equatorial Guinea) began in 2003. Only Cameroon has signed an agreement with the EU in 2009.
Central Africa has not concluded an agreement with Brussels unlike West Africa. These agreements are expected to facilitate the export of African products to Europe.
Economic growth in Central Africa should be only 1.7% in 2016 against 2.5% in 2015, had said in early July the Governor of the Bank of Central African States ( BEAC).
The growth in 2014 was 4.9% in the countries of the subregion.
The BEAC governor had ordered the member states to diversify their economies to less feel the shocks caused by falling oil prices.
During the meeting in Malabo, the CEMAC countries have also decided to allocate a fund of four billion CFA francs (about six million) for the reconstruction of the Central African Republic.
Navigo amount or rent, ELP rates or gas prices … the numbers vary Monday.
first, the Navigo pass. He must now pay 3 euros extra for it. The cost of unlimited travel in the capital and in Île-de-France for a month thus amounts to 73 euros. As for the metro ticket, it costs ten cents more, or 1.90 euro. And the price of booklets of ten tickets now amounts to 14.50 euros (14.10 euros against previously). However, the price of the Imagine R package available to students only evolve September.
If this change might stifle most subscribers, the new benchmark rents should allow some tenants to save. It is indeed as from today the new reference amounts must be taken into account. Housing supported concerned may not exceed by more than 20% a reference rent or be less of it more than 30%. The Alur law which came into force on 1 August 2015, provided to frame the rents for all tense areas. Finally, the device was stationed in Paris and voluntary common.
Another text on rents for relocation in areas of “over 50,000 inhabitants where there is a marked imbalance between supply and housing demand “is also applied from that date. It provides that the rent for a new tenant can not exceed that of the previous tenant, with rare exceptions.
The rate of housing savings plans opened on Monday, August 1, they will report more than 1 %, against 1.5% previously. The remuneration of the blocked investment for four years after going on social security contributions (15.5%) 1.26% to 0.84%. It is now very close to that of the Livret A, the rate of (0.75%) will not move before August 1, 2017.
Finally, on August 1, 2016, the regulated tariffs out of taxes ‘Engie increase on average by 2% compared to the scale in force in July 2016. the increase was 0.7% for those who use gas for cooking, 1.2% for those with a dual use and cooking hot water and 2.1% for households who heat with gas. Since 1 January 2015, the rate regulated gas sales have declined on average by 17.1%.
Growth in Spain continues the momentum. This is what announces the government stressing that the economy grew by 0.7% from April to June, although it marks a slight decline in the second quarter 2016, slightly below the 0.8% first trimester.
Nothing to worry about the eyes of the Minister of Economy Luis de Guindos, has revised upwards its forecasts for 2016, anticipating a 2.9% of GDP the year, well above the 1.6% expected for the entire euro area over the period. This is “realistic and conservative estimates” , he says, who also leads to cautiously adjust its figures for 2017, 2.3% growth by announcing the fact, says -he, “the impact of Brexit which could cost two or three decimal places in Spain”.
the good news is undoubtedly this dynamic allows the country to create jobs and begin to absorb the huge pocket of unemployment has been reduced to 20% of the workforce for the first time in six years, far from the peak of 27% in 2013 . the prospect of a tourist season all records this summer should accelerate this recession and Luis de Guindos estimates that unemployment will be 18.6% at the end of the year and 16.6% in late 2017, with the creation of 900,000 net jobs during these two years.
uncertain
Still, these predictions are marked by blur, while the country remains in political uncertainty, no new government in sight in the coming weeks. The outgoing president, the conservative Mariano Rajoy, won the legislative elections of last June, had to ask last week to King Felipe unusual period before run for the nomination, not having yet met the support to ensure the Parliament’s vote in favor. Despite this uncertain situation, Spain consolidates its relaunch. She seems to have defeated his old demons and the belief of economists that he needed a growth of at least 2% to start creating jobs. A recent study by the foundation Funcas calculated effect that the country turns the “job machine” from 1% growth, due in particular to the reform that has eased the labor market. This means that the unemployment curve will continue to drop even though the economy growing at less than 2% from 2018, as provided by international agencies.
But the economist Daniel Fernandez Kranz, author of the study, warning of a trompe-l’oeil effect. This upturn in employment is mainly based on seasonal effects for low-skilled jobs. “The greater flexibility may have led to more in periods of low growth job creation” , he noted, stressing the fact that he perceives “not trace of greater dynamism in terms of creating stable jobs, but only in temporary employment creation ‘
According to Bercy, almost all taxpayers and income are concerned. Namely: wages and salaries, pensions and retirement, income independent, recurring income from property and income called “ replace ” such as unemployment benefit or maternity leave.
Only the income from securities and real estate gains, representing 2% of the income of taxpayers are not affected by the reform … are themselves already deducted at source.
MODE COLLECTION
Among employees, tax will be deducted by the employer on the basis of a sampling rate calculated and transmitted by tax administration: it will appear on the payroll as well as social contributions. Same thing for retirees, this last detail that the collection will be made by the pension fund.
The taxpayers do not want their employers are aware of their financial situation may request that a “ neutral rate ” is applied to them by default, near the scale of a single person without children, and then pay directly to the tax authorities pay.
The self-employed, in turn, will pay a monthly or quarterly payment, calculated by the administration according to their income the previous month and adjusted according to their actual income.
TAX RATE
Calculated by the tax authorities, that rate will apply to income received each month. If income decreases, the levy will decrease; if it increases, it will increase in the same proportion.
Note: the taxpayer may request in during the year an update of its tax rate in case of significant change in income from home or a change in family situation.
It will also continue to send its annual tax return every spring. The opportunity to declare all of its sources of income and tax advantages it enjoys.
QUOTIENT FAMILY
The tax will continue to be calculated at the tax household: the familialization and conjugalization of the tax, despite the deduction at source will be well preserved.
To take into account any income disparities within couples, spouses, however, may opt for two different tax rates depending on their income. “ It is not a tax individualisation, but simply a different distribution of tax payments ,” says Bercy, for which “ it does have no impact on the total amount of tax payable by the couple . ”
TAX CREDITS
The transition to withholding does not change the rules for calculating the tax and therefore does not prevent taxpayers to continue to benefit from reductions or tax credits, for example, when investing in the renovation of their homes to save energy or when making a donation to charity.
CALENDAR
The reform of the withholding tax must be adopted this fall by the Parliament in the Finance Bill 2017.
in September 2017, taxpayers will receive the tax rate at source will be applied to them, based on 2016 earnings at January 1, 2018, their taxes will be directly deducted from their paycheck on that basis. This rate will then be updated every year in September.
The tax is thus paid each year: in 2017 of income from 2016 in 2018 to 2018 income, then in 2019 on revenues of 2019, etc. What will happen to the revenue 2017 ‘Bercy ensures that there will be no double taxation in 2018: “ the tax normally due under non-exceptional income received in 2017 will be canceled “.
the finance minister Michel Sapin, and the state budget secretary, Christian Eckert, said the removal of contours to the source of the income tax, due to come into force on 1 st in January 2018.
Mr. Eckert assured: the 2017 presidential election will not call this deadline involved. “We are taking the necessary steps to reform that came into force in 2018″ , has he declared in regional dailies Ebra group. “I am convinced that no one will return to this reform because it is desired by the French, and it is desirable, just and modern” , he said.
Read also: tax: the answers to your questions about withholding
this project is that the income tax is charged on the employer, based on a tax rate calculated and transmitted by the tax authorities. Income will be taxed directly as each month for the current year and no longer under the previous year.
“From tax returns made in spring 2017, the tax authorities will calculate the effective tax rate of the home “, explained Finance Minister in the Sunday Journal . “The taxpayer shall know in the summer. The tax rate will forward it to the employer, pension fund, employment center … Who will charge in January and pay the amount to the tax authorities “, has he detailed.
in spring 2018, taxpayers will make a new income tax on 2017 earnings that will result if any “a new re-entry to applicable rate” with the key to a refund ” in case of overpayment “ or ” residue “ to pay otherwise
Read also:. what the levy the source of the tax change to your income
“the rate will be subject to secrecy”
as is also the case in Germany, spouses have significant income gaps “can choose a rate each instead of the overall rate of their home” . In case of change of activity or family situation, it will be possible to ask the tax authorities a new rate during the year. “The administration will change it within three months” , said Mr Sapin.
“The rate will be subject to secrecy. Disclosure by the employer (or any third party) will be punished by law “, he added, evoking the hypothesis of a five-year maximum prison and 300,000 euros of fine, he added. Taxpayers who do not want their employers are aware of their financial situation may request that a “neutral rate” be applied to them by default, and then pay directly to the tax authorities balance confirmed the Minister.
This rate “neutral” or “standard” will be applied in case of first use or if the taxpayer is attached to his parents’ home. “It corresponds roughly to the one that applies to a single person without children” says Mr Sapin.
The text, which was the subject of criticism in the spring both unions of tax administration that employers should be subject to parliamentary “in the second half of August” , according to Bercy.
Read also: How to levy tax at source is it practiced elsewhere in the world?
In a decree dated July 25, 2016, the Minister of the Economy, Industry and Digital, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Development and the Minister of Labour, Employment, Training professional and social dialogue conducted the classification of Dijon “international tourist zone” (ZTI). The area concerned is that of the heart of town and the site of the old hospital will be created where the International City of gastronomy and wine.
Set up by law for the growth, activity and equality of economic opportunity, called Macron law, ZTI allow the opening of the seven seven-day shopping and evening until midnight to meet the expectations of the international tourists. . To date, seven French cities have obtained this certification, representing 18 international tourist areas only
François Rebsamen, mayor of Dijon and President of Greater Dijon, is fully satisfied with this decision: “As former Minister of Labour, Employment, vocational Training and social Dialogue, I know the challenges of the bill that helped create the ZTI. This classification provides new perspectives on the threshold of a new beginning for Dijon; a regional capital facing international tourism, allowing merchants who wish to take advantage of this momentum. “
Several criteria justify, for the State, the entry of Dijon city in the heart club of ZTI. international recognition related to heritage and cultural offer exceptional, international tourist flows and proven rail and road access to national or even international scale
After the double Unesco recognition which Dijon enjoys, under Climates of the vineyards of Burgundy and the French gastronomic meal, this labeling recognizes the international reputation of our city and offering the ability to host in the best foreign tourists who visit the capital of the Dukes of Burgundy. The International City of food and wine included in the ZTI strengthen advantage of the attractiveness of the city.
The heart of Dijon, the regional capital, is the largest open air shopping center in Burgundy -Franche-Comté. National retailers are very interested in this area preserved and enhanced; the vacancy rate for commercial premises is one of the lowest in France; the pedestrianization program launched 15 years ago continues this year with the major axis merchant-Plough Piron.
Thanks to the ranking ZTI, the few 1200 City heart of the shops will now have the opportunity, if they wish and at the end of the negotiations provided by law, to extend their openings, and help strengthen the influence and appeal of Dijon.
François REBSAMEN, Mayor Dijon, President of Greater Dijon
Just like Apple, Google or Facebook, Amazon this week released the results of its second quarter 2016. True to its recent habits, the titan of e-commerce has given full satisfaction to its shareholders: it has managed to combine strong growth and positive net income for Amazon, the quarter that ended June 30 was the second last of the fiscal year 2016. over the period, sales of products generated more than $ 21.1 billion in revenue, while services have brewed a whopping 9.3 billion. A total turnover reached 30.404 billion dollars, embodying an increase of 31% compared to the second quarter 2015. Operating income, he was $ 1.285 billion, against “only” 464 million a year earlier. Net income, finally, was unusually strong with respect to the investment policy of Jeff Bezos: it reached $ 857 million, almost 10 times more than the end of the same period in 2015 (92 million ).
for Amazon, this report is extremely flattering to more than one. First, it comes marking the fifth consecutive quarter crowned with a profit, which is really not insignificant in the history of the firm. Then it confirms the successful bet are the Amazon Web Services (AWS). Indeed, they have recorded over three months, 2.886 billion dollars in revenue, up 58% on the year. Above all, they generated a operating profit of $ 718 million. They thus contribute longer to the group’s profitability as e-commerce activities. – Knowing that they are still in expansion stage and have just landed in India
For the third quarter , Amazon is expected to continue this momentum. The dealer announces a turnover of between 31 and 33.5 billion, supported in particular by Prime Day was “ the biggest day ” in the history of the site. Compared to the 2015, the US giant evokes a jump of 60% in orders and ensures that sales partner shops “ nearly tripled .”
Investors and European leaders awaited the verdict with nervousness. He fell Friday, July 29, at 22 hours after the close of US markets. Unsurprisingly, Italian banks are among those that have performed poorly to new stress tests (or stress tests ) conducted by the European Banking Authority (EBA).
in particular Banca Monte dei Paschi di Siena (MPS), recording by far the worst performance. Just before the publication of the results of stress tests , MPS announced the establishment of a rescue plan which involves the sale of part of its bad loans.
in detail, the EBA unveiled batteries figures concerning 51 European banks, representing 70% of banking assets in the Old Continent. In parallel, the European Central Bank (ECB) subject to testing 56 other institutions in the euro area – but in this case, the results were not made public
In theory, the principle. of these examinations is simple: check banks’ health status and whether they would be able to absorb shocks in case of a catastrophe that would be spread over three years. Here, the scenario includes a recession of 1.2% in 2016 and 1.3% in 2017 in the European Union, soaring unemployment and the collapse of property prices. EBA measurement, including how changing the main solvency ratio (the “Common Equity Tier 1″) for each institution – this indicator measures the strength of banks, as it establishes a relationship between their own funds and the amount of loans distributed , weighted by the associated risks
Read also:. the Italian bank MPS launches a rescue plan
in the case of MPS, this ratio would melt of more than 14.5 points for fall – 2.44% in the adverse scenario. This is well below the symbolic threshold of 5.5% set in the previous stress tests in 2014. At 4.31%, the Irish Allied Irish Banks goes not the threshold. If they are over a dozen other institutions post, despite everything, fragilities.
“Shed light on the state sector
This is particularly the case of the Irish Bank of Ireland, the Austrian Raiffeisen, the Spanish Banco Popular, the Italian UniCredit or the German Deutsche Bank, which show a ratio below 8% in the crisis scenario, against 9.2% on average for all banks. Conversely, good Swedish students are all above 14%.
“If we recognize the importance of capital raising conducted to date this is not a good bill of health , says the president of the EBA, Andrea Enria, in a statement. There is still work to do. “
Read also: The” bad debts “challenge of European banks
Meanwhile, the French finance minister, Michel Sapin, welcomed the results of hexagonal banks, “now among the strongest,” he said. The BPCE group, Credit Agricole, Credit Mutuel, The Post Bank, BNP Paribas, and to a lesser extent, the General Society displayed the correct indicators.
Michel Sapin s’ welcomed the results of the french institutions, “among the most solid”
bank stress tests took major importance since the crisis. The United States have strengthened in 2008, with a target: “shed light on the state sector, before starting spring cleaning” recalls Gregory Claeys, the Brussels think-tank Bruegel. But also avoid the Japanese scenario, where, not having revealed the true state of their balance sheets after the crisis of 1990, banks have turned into “zombies” unable to properly finance the economy.
“in Europe, where households and especially businesses borrow mainly from banks, such a scenario would be dramatic,” Gerino said Daniel, president of the company Selection management Carlton
Read also:. British banks still fragile
But when the EBA is, in turn, launched in the year in 2010 and 2011, it failed to detect flaws in Irish and Greek settlements, yet on the verge of explosion … to strengthen this system and make the stress tests more credible leaders Europeans have entrusted the supervision of the largest banks in the euro area the ECB (130 in all), in addition to the action of EBA.
“Italy has too expected “
Before starting this mission, the ECB again” tested “banks in October 2014. Twenty-five had then failed. Thirteen had to raise fresh capital in stride. “This exercise has helped to restore confidence in the sector, and the ECB has become a credible supervisor” , judge Bruno Colmant, chief economist at Degroof Petercam.
But the stress tests are not infallible either. First, because their results depend on the established disaster scenario. Or it can hardly take into account all possible risks, including political. In addition, tests released Friday concern only 51 banks, 130 against those in 2014.
“No Greek or Portuguese institution n ‘ is present, while some may be a source of risk in their countries, “ regret Jezebel Couppey-Soubeyran, specialist banking in Paris-I-Panthéon-Sorbonne.
Finally, unlike 2014, the tests do not distinguish winners or losers and do not require direct recapitalization of banks whose solvency is threatened too much in the dark scenario. Supervisors will decide later what recommendations to make to each bank on the matter
Read also:. Greece is preparing to recapitalize its banks
Still, the published data July 29 confirmed that if he gets better, the European banking sector has not turned the page of the crisis, particularly in Italy. “Very fragmented, the Peninsula institutions buckling under 360 billion euros of bad loans,” recalls Nicolas Véron, a specialist in these questions at the Peterson Institute in Washington. “Unlike Ireland or Spain, who cleaned up the balance sheet of their banks after the crisis, Italy has waited too long. “
The results of the “stress tests” or “bank stress tests” were highly anticipated by the European banking sector. Made Friday night, they were passed with flying colors by French banks. But what are they exactly? Francetv info provided an update on three questions.
What are these tests?
Conduits under the aegis of the European Banking Authority ( ABE) on EU banks since the financial crisis of 2008 which required the bank bailout with public funds, i ls designed to test the strength of bank balance sheets during economic or financial shock, says Le Figaro . Bank balance sheets are subject to various scenarios to simulate its response capabilities, says Cross . A central scenario is “based on key existing macroeconomic forecasts (unemployment, growth …)” and “we imagine a series of economic and financial shocks more or less serious” continues Cross . The banks are then evaluated on “degraded scenarios.” It can be a “strong slowdown in growth or even recession, rising unemployment and defaulted loans, a fall in stock markets …” then sounds out how the bank would react .
This time the tests were based on scenarios including a GDP fall of the European Union of 7.1% compared to the baseline scenario over the next three years and down 20 % of interest income. For the first time, these stress tests take into account the consequences of risky behavior of banks such as fines and financial implications of amicable settlements on equity during the period used for the tests.
What are the results?
the EBA conducted the bank stress tests on 51 main banking groups in the EU. The Italian bank Monte dei Paschi, the Austrian Raiffeisen, the Spanish Banco Popular, as well as two of the main Irish banks have obtained the worst results at the end of the “stress tests”. The two largest German banks, Deutsche Bank and Commerzbank, are also among the 12 banks that have proven the most fragile in the tests, with their British rival Barclays. The results were announced after Banca Monte dei Paschi di Siena, the oldest bank in the world, announced Friday a last-ditch rescue plan that includes a capital increase of five billion euros and the sale of bad loans to 9.2 billion euros.
Eight years after the collapse of Lehman Brothers which led to a serious crisis in the global banking sector, the EBA emphasized that there remained work to do to revive the credit within the European Union, where many banks are still hampered by billions of euros of bad loans. “Although a number of individual banks have clearly had bad results, the overall conclusion of the European Banking Authority – that European banks would resist property to another crisis – is encouraging” said Anthony Kruizinga PwC. The EBA said that efforts should still be made to the European banking system has a better foundation in terms of capitalization.
And the French institutions?
Six banking groups, representing over 90% of the assets of the french banking system have been involved in this exercise. And these banks performed well , said on Friday the Bank of France (BoF) after the publication of their results. “They were able, in recent years strongly strengthen their capital to meet regulatory requirements and demonstrate that they now have a high level of solvency” , explained BoF Governor François Villeroy de Galhau who is also president of the control Authority and resolution (APCR) French.
the French banking Federation (FBF) said in a statement that these tests yet more severe than in 2014, show that French banks are among those who resisted best an adverse scenario. “After the positive results of November 2014, the results of stress tests in 2016 confirmed once again the strength of French banks. The relevance of our universal banking model provides good risk diversification and income, and good funding economy “, noted Marie-Anne Barbat-Layani, executive director of the FBF.
the finance minister Michel Sapin said in a statement that ” banks French were strengthened in response to increased requirements after the crisis, and are now among the strongest. They are thus able to effectively contribute to the financing of the economy “.
Theresa May did not share the enthusiasm of his predecessor David Cameron for China’s financial involvement in the construction project by EDF of two EPR nuclear reactors at Hinkley Point, told the BBC on Saturday a former colleague.
“When we were in government (Cameron),” reported the former minister Vince Cable Companies, “Theresa May made it clear she did not like the approach rather enthusiastic than we had vis-à-vis Chinese investment. “
“In my memory, it raised objections at the time,” said he said.
The EDF Board gave Thursday night the green light to the controversial project and signing the contract with the Government of Theresa May was scheduled for Friday but the new British Minister for Enterprise and Energy, Greg Clark, announced the surprise that his government would carefully review all aspects of the project and make its decision in early fall.
the UK and EDF have reached an agreement on the proposed Hinkley Point in England in 2013 while Chinese participation was incorporated two years later to the during a state visit to London by Chinese President Xi Jinping to celebrate the start of a new “golden period” between the two powers.
At the end of October 2015, EDF, its Chinese partner CGN and the British government concluded a series of agreements under which the French public electrician will own 66.5% of the project and CGN (China General Nuclear) 33.5%. The cost of building reactors is estimated by EDF to 18 billion pounds (21.3 billion euros).
Strategic Area
Theresa May was for six years Minister of the Interior of the government of David Cameron before taking his succession to the British executive head after the vote of 23 June for a release in the UK of the European Union.
In the weeks that followed the “Brexit,” the new head of the British government stressed that his country was open to investment. However, she warned that his government would be able to intervene to defend a strategic sector judged against foreign capital if necessary.
Last year, Nick Timothy, a close collaborator Theresa May became the one of his chiefs of staff, was concerned that the CGN group, owned by the Chinese state, would have access to computer systems giving it the ability to block the British energy production.
two reactors at Hinkley Point in southwest England, would provide about 7% of the electricity in the United Kingdom and would fill the void left by the closure of coal plants in the country, expected by 2025 .
the construction costs are borne by EDF and CGN but the British government has committed to pay for 35 years a minimum price for electricity from the plant.
Opponents of the project, including British officials and experts believe that London surpayera its electricity at this price, which is currently twice as high as the market price.
EDF, who said no having been notified of the decision of the British Government to review the project, said he was confident in the decision that will make London in the fall. CGN said respect the government’s decision to take time to become familiar with the file.
The expected verdict of the British government could coincide in September, with a decision about another major infrastructure project, the extension of the London airports of Heathrow or Gatwick, already postponed several times.
Service Theresa May have not reacted to Vince Cable. A government spokesman said Friday he was “just normal” that the new cabinet is looking at all aspects of the project
READ MORE:. EDF launches the construction of two EPR UK Jean-Bernard Lévy: “We know the risks we master the” Hinkley Point: London maintains the suspense
(AOF) – Amazon.com issued last night much better than expected thanks to good performance of AWS, its subsidiary specializing in IT cloud computing. In the second quarter, net profit of the group was $ 857 million or $ 1.78 per share, against a net profit of $ 92 million representing 19 cents per share, a year earlier. The consensus was much lower: $ 1.11! Operating income, he spent 464 million dollars to 1.285 billion dollars while the group was the best $ 975 million.
AWS recorded an operating profit of € 718 million against € 302 million in the second quarter, 2015.
the group’s sales were up 28% to $ 29.1 billion, exceeding the consensus of $ 29.55 billion. They are also above the average forecast of 29.25 billion dollars.
In terms of outlook for the second quarter 2016, net sales of the group are expected between 31 and 33.5 billion dollars, compared to market expectations of $ 31.6 billion. Operating profit should be between 50 and 650 million dollars compared to 406 million in the third quarter 2015
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D irector Auto Press Club and expert in the automotive industry, Didier Laurent believes that the certification rules for vehicle emissions are ” totally outdated. “
The commission set up by Ségolène Royal does not rule out that other manufacturers use” cheats “software. Is this possible? DIDIER LAURENT. I am convinced that other manufacturers could install software tricksters and Volkswagen is not the only to have sinned. But still have to prove it. Investigations conducted by the experts of the Royal Commission were not sufficiently detailed to allow to determine. One thing is certain, officially reported by automakers fuel emissions and consumption levels are a huge deception. In addition, everyone cheats in one way or another, at the level of certification tests to make its most virtuous models. Even the government is complicit because the certification requirements are frozen for years.
What it means?
As cars, in real conditions, consume and pollute more than what is displayed by the manufacturer. Whatever the model, you can add 1 to 2 liters to the actual consumption of your car from the specifications we present you. First, because today’s technologies are diverse (hybrid or 100% thermal) and do not meet the same consumer logic. Furthermore, because the regulation is completely obsolete. In addition, the cars presented by manufacturers for laboratory tests are especially prepared to consume and pollute as little as possible. Between Fully charged batteries and the choice of ultra-low resistance tires rolling, the motorist will not necessarily on his car, you can win 4 or 5 g of CO2 per kilometer for approval.
Is it, as suggested by the Committee, withdraw their approval to vehicles that consume more than what announces the manufacturer?
No, it would not serve much. What consumers want most is more transparent and that manufacturers are investing heavily in real cleantech. There, it would be effective for our lungs and the planet.
How to rebuild trust between consumers and manufacturers?
The approval of the vehicles system is reviewing its entirety. We must enact fair rules. It is planned in 2017 to review the test protocols at European level to be closer to the actual driving consumption. We will see then climb homologated consumption of all vehicles by 10 to 15% for the same engine.
How to go further?
consumption calculations must be established by differentiating gasoline, diesel, hybrid and plug-in hybrids. When we present a hybrid model of 400 hp, which officially consumes only 2.1 liters / 100 km, it is impossible. In fact, this car will consume on average three to four times on a long drive. We have to say.
The chronology of “Dieselgate”
2014. Researchers, commissioned by several US NGOs, discovering that Volkswagen vehicles emit up to 40 times the amounts allowed by the nitrogen oxide state. The US authority in charge of the Environment (EPA) is notified.
18 September 2015. EPA makes public information. Dieselgate early scandal. The Volkswagen company recognizes his fault.
April 23, 2016. The German government published the results of emissions tests. Sixteen manufacturers are pinned.
July 29, 2016. The Royal Commission does not rule out the fakers software equip other brands. Of the 86 vehicles, selected randomly, many limit violations were found.
SOME PRECAUTIONS language, but that seems a certainty established. The technical committee set up by Segolene Royal after the Volkswagen case made yesterday its final report on the reality of polluting emissions from diesel vehicles in France. Verdict? The Commission can not exclude that other diesel car manufacturers have used, too, to “cheaters” software. In short: the Volkswagen scandal – the 1 st Global manufacturer had installed a software intended to deceive the certification tests – probably is not an isolated case.
Very high overruns …
Of the 86 vehicles tested, the results showed “many excesses” of the selected thresholds.
… even in conditions of approval!
The tests are all done in “laboratory” – that is to say in conditions very different from driving on the road – often plead manufacturers to explain the results of variations. Yes but … for some vehicles, the Committee notes “sizeable differences” even in conditions of approvals that have been reproduced. In short, there is a wolf.
Other software tricksters?
The report of the commission does not exclude it. But this issue is extremely complex … First, all other manufacturers have sworn hands on the engine they did not use this device. Then, “to pass the certification tests, manufacturers make a perfect car that has nothing to do with the lambda car factory ( Editor’s note: who is the one tested by the Commission ) “explains Bruno Guibeaud, president of Europe Quality Expertise (EQE), one of the largest automotive experts French networks. “Pistons, cylinders, connecting rods, all set within a micron. The test car is a real Formula 1, that’s what creates a bias … “
Exactly, last December, Renault announced it would invest 50MdEUR to reduce the gap between emissions of its cars in conditions of approval and in real situations. The announcement did he seem not enough to convince the government to no faker software. A few weeks later, the DGCCRF launched raids on several locations of the manufacturer.
No cheating in France? Impossible to get to the bottom
The commission set up by Ségolène Royal did not have access to all embedded software and any analysis of these was thus recognized. “Renault and PSA had offered to provide their own, but members of the commission decided not to pursue a longer investigation, says a member of the cabinet of the Minister of the Environment. This would have added six months of additional investigation. “
The argument may seem strange. And in fact, it annoys associations! “One wonders why the commission did not go further and why this investigation as early stops, wonders Arnaud Gosse, lawyer of environmental law. One can not help thinking that it was to avoid destabilizing the French automotive industry. “
Iron all exhausts comb
Faking or not,” maintain such a level of pollution is unacceptable ton Lorelei Limousin, France Climate Action Network. The authorities need to be intransigent. “Yesterday, the Royal Commission called for new tests” to assess whether manufacturers) does (should) not be subject to a withdrawal of their approval. ” “I will go through with the implementation of the report, assured the minister. It is a matter of trust and builders will put in front of their responsibility because air pollution is a serious problem. We can not procrastinate or joke about it. “
* No growth in Q3 than Q2 increased to + 0.7% * The strikes affected production * Stagnation of consumption and decline in business investment * Economists rather reassuring on the objective of 1.5% in 2016 (updated with comments from economists) by Myriam Rivet PARIS, July 28 (Reuters) – the French economy stagnated in the second quarter, blaming the backlash of its very strong start to the year and the effects of disruptions related to the movement against the bill work, without calling into question the scenario of growth close to 1.5% in 2016, say economists. For INSEE noted at the same time the first quarter growth to 0.7%, against 0.6% previously announced. And acquired in 2016, namely the level of GDP if growth was zero last two quarters, remains at 1.1%. The first estimate for the April-June GDP falls below the forecasts of economists polled by Reuters and the Bank of France (to 0.2% in both cases), and the latest forecast by Insee published mid-June, which stood at 0.3%. In a statement, the finance minister Michel Sapin recognizes that the figure is “disappointing”. But “beyond the jolts from one quarter to the next, the French economy remains on a recovery momentum that does not affect the forecast 1.5% growth in 2016,” says t -he. This assessment is shared by Axelle Lacan, economist at the institute COE-Rexecode, who, “with gains of 1.1%, this seems feasible.” Michel Martinez, economist euro area at Societe Generale CIB also judge that “there is no reason to worry about a reversal of growth”, although he stressed that “to reach 1.5% in average in 2016, it will take 0.55% growth in the third as the 4th quarters. ” Both recall that this backlash was expected after a very dynamic first quarter, even if the braking was greater than expected. The contribution of final domestic demand to growth in the quarter was thus void and that the change in business inventories cost him 0.4 points, only the foreign trade turned positive (0.3 points), allowing him to salvage. Stopping refineries because of strikes in May and June has penalized the spring production of manufactured goods (1.0%), impacting the total output of goods and services (-0.2%). But more surprisingly, household consumption, which jumped 1.2% in the first quarter, stagnated in both goods (0.0%) than for services (-0.1%), although INSEE has reported always vigorous energy costs. This sullen consumption was particularly reflected in the results of L’Oréal, the cosmetics giant who said Friday that France had cost him a point of growth for overall sales in the second quarter. ATTACK EFFECT? It is not guaranteed that the traditional engine of the French economy to start all full in the third quarter, in an environment marked by a series of Islamist attacks, including the attack to the truck that made 84 dead July 14 in Nice . “The attacks had hitherto a temporary effect on consumption, therefore on the economy () but now there is a repetitive aspect that will begin to penalize more sustainable economy through including higher the security costs for companies, “said Axelle Lacan. The overall investment contracted by 0.4% after three quarters of strong growth, the companies falling by 0.2%. He had jumped from 2.1% in Q1 to approach the expiration of the tax system of “overdamping” productive investment which was eventually extended for one year. While economists do not anticipate any marked rebound in business investment during the summer, they do not provide as long as it is affected by the prospect of “Brexit”. “Investigations in July on the business climate does not indicate Brexit of major impact in France, contrary to what has been observed in Germany,” noted Axelle Lacan. For his part, François Letondu (Societe Generale) estimates that the impact of Brexit growth will occur mainly via exports to the UK and save the confidence of French companies, especially since they benefit from conditions very favorable financing and evolve a sound banking system. Overall, these two economists expect a very gradual reacceleration in the second half that would strengthen the government’s target for the year. “We remain on a trend of modest recovery but is still better than what we knew in previous years,” said Francois Letondu. “In 2015 we had exactly the same situation, it is normal that an economy that is relatively open, which faces external shocks particularly important enough (as lower oil prices) know quite volatile rates of growth “has he said. Detailed statistics on the site of INSEE: French http://bit.ly/2aBBdRi The indicators in real time ECONFR Indicators of real time eurozone ECONEZ Update on French conditions ECO / FR (Edited by Yann Le Guernigou)
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The independent technical commission set up by Segolene Royal after the Volkswagen case can not exclude that other diesel car manufacturers have used the software “cheaters,” she said in its final report compiling tests 86 vehicles.
Pointing “many overtaking” thresholds identified during these tests, the commission says some vehicles have “significant differences” even in conditions of approval and called for new tests, “to evaluate they should not be subject to a withdrawal of their registration certificate. ”
The commission created after the scandal Volkswagen diesel engines rigged to try to restore confidence has delivered an opposite post Friday, not excluding that no other software manufacturers use “cheats”.
in its final report compiling the tests of 86 vehicles taken at random, and of which AFP obtained a copy, this independent commission also noted “numerous exceedances” of the selected thresholds, elements that had filtered in points stage.
But the commission says some vehicles have “significant differences” in conditions of approval and called for new tests “to assess whether they should not be withdrawal of their registration certificate. “
the works, which were based on tests conducted by UTAC-Ceram organization, aimed” to make all the transparency practices of automotive industry and restore consumer confidence, “said Segolene Royal, Minister of the Environment who installed the commission.
While Volkswagen has confessed in September 2015 have installed on diesel vehicles software engine management intended to deceive the certification tests by temporarily reducing emissions, other manufacturers whose forbidden to use this device prohibited by the European and American regulations.
But experts noted in their report that “it was not possible to have access to all the embedded software, and therefore no software analysis was done.”
“the commission can therefore not rule definitively on the presence or absence of software + cheaters + in the tested vehicles, “they add.
Even without access to these programs, tests have” identified a significant number of anomalies “, whether or CO2 emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx), vis-à-vis the thresholds that the Commission had set.
Segolene Royal has promised in a statement to go “to the end of the implementation of the report. It is a matter of trust. Manufacturers will be in front of their responsibility because air pollution is a serious problem, we can not procrastinate or joke. “
The Volkswagen case had an impact on the whole automotive industry , highlighting the sometimes significant differences between the emission standards in certification tests and those in actual use.
decried for their obsolescence, current European standards, say NEDC , will be replaced in 2017 by a new Protocol (WLTP), supposed to be more relevant
-. Poor students –
UTAC-Ceram has tested 86 vehicles (85 diesel and petrol, for reference) in three ways “in conditions slightly different from those of the approval to lure, and so detect” a fraudulent device. each time, it added a tolerance threshold.
of the 85 vehicles, about a third (24 to 28), were left “anomaly” vis-à-vis the NOx limits, according to the three tests. An even greater phenomenon CO2 (measured in two tests), 39 and 47 vehicles exceeded the thresholds.
Among the “bad students” during the first test of the NOx in car certified “Euro 6″, the latest standard, include the Fiat 500X, the Renault Talisman and Nissan Qashqai.
We find the Fiat bottom of the league for the first Euro 6 CO2 test. The Volvo V40 and the Skoda Fabia precede it.
The commission, which interviewed 11 manufacturers models “anomaly,” said opposition having been the argument that the pollution control systems could see their limited effectiveness to avoid a deterioration of the mechanical components, which allows also the law.
But it seems that in some cases, these measures are triggered “long before the physical limits are actually met by the systems used, “according to the report.
Among the groups in question, Renault said in April that it would reduce NOx emissions via technical developments in plant this summer, before switching . forward towards a more efficient diesel pollution control technology
in a joint statement, France Nature Environment and Climate Action Network doubted the good faith of the builders: “it is almost impossible to determine the reasons actual techniques that have motivated manufacturers to manipulate the action of pollution control systems. “
the two associations also regretted that the auto makers plans to bring the actual emissions from their vehicles European standards “are insufficient to remedy a very damaging situation for public health and the environment.”
The mammoth project at Hinkley Point, piloted by EDF to build two European pressurized reactors (EPR) in Britain, he sounds “renewal and rebuilding the French nuclear” Friday trumpeted as the CEO of the French electrician, Jean-Bernard Lévy? Or threat he rush home EDF “Areva in a kind of abyss” as feared Gérard Mangin, who resigned as director to “not condone “ a project deemed risky and contrary to the energy transition? Following the green light voted Thursday night at Forceps (ten votes to seven against, an empty chair) by the group’s board of directors, the Hinkley Point controversy remains strong in France, as in Britain. So much so that the new British Prime Minister, Theresa May, announced that it would take time for reflection (see cons below) Cold picking the French camp that already had the Montblanc on hand to sign contracts. The controversy exceeds the split between pro and anti-nuclear. Because beyond the French sector of the atom is its credibility, its financial health, its future, EDF plays in this project to 18 billion pounds (21.5 billion euros).
What’s Hinkley Point?
A UK Power station located in Bridgwater, Somerset, southern England. In 2012, during a Franco-British summit, David Cameron and Nicolas Sarkozy Guinea arrowroot there to build two EPR reactors and entrusted the project management of the construction site of the future operator EDF. A logical choice given that the French group is already the operator of the fifteen operating reactors producing 20% of electricity in Britain. EDF is financing the project to 66% (€ 17 billion), the balance back to its Chinese partner CNG. With an output of 638 MWe each 1, Hinkley Point C EPR both are expected to provide to them only 7% of the UK current. And reduce emissions of CO 2 of the country. Their construction, which involve other French as Bouygues, Alstom Power (acquired by the American GE) and Areva of course, is to begin in 2019 with delivery expected in 2025. The site must create 25 000 jobs on site and 4000 in France. Finally, if all goes well.
Why is France more than?
Hinkley Point is, as the boss of EDF, Jean-Bernard Lévy, ” the new frontier “ of the French nuclear industry, which really needs. With these two EPR finished lamentos on the rout of the atom made in France following the near-bankruptcy of Areva early 2015. With the “new nuclear” the lobby at last holds his great project to save the reputation and the use of an industry that employs between 200 000 people in the country. For the previous two EPR came close to the sink. Built by Areva since 2005, the Finnish EPR has seen its costs tripled to over € 10 billion and still not delivered. Led by EDF, the Flamanville in Normandy, whose delivery was scheduled for 2012 but was postponed to the end of 2018, did little better. It was built more nuclear power plants in France for twenty years and it showed in terms of loss of know-how. Especially as the EPR is ultimately a pressurized water reactor improved, controlled technological process since the late 60s.
This industrial defeat forced the state shareholder (85 EDF% and 87% of Areva) to intervene to restart “team France’s nuclear” through recapitalization (5 billion for Areva, EDF 3 billion). The electrician was summoned to resume activity of Areva reactors, whose role will now confine to supply enriched uranium and reprocess radioactive waste. A EDF to play the role of “leader” a nuclear power returned to “offensive and ambitious” dixit Levy. Clearly, no room for error this time the atom is one of the last bastions and French technological reasons of state control successfully Hinkley Point
Y a-. does a bankruptcy threat to EDF?
this is what environmentalists predict and that also fear many executives of the group, some suspected of being members of Greenpeace. The former CFO of EDF Thomas Thornton bluntly resigned earlier this year, arguing that Hinkley Point had “a risk of major construction” and its equity financing threatened the company “Who would bet 60% or 70% of its assets on a technology which we still do not know if it works, then it is ten years since we try to build it?” said Santos during his hearing in the Assembly. The construction period specified, six and a half years, is considered unrealistic by many EDF engineers in view of past abuses. And the internal report “Cardiff” estimated two-year delay would climb the addition of 17 billion euros to 20 billion euros for the company. But management did not budge. Hinkley Point will be a success and a cash machine with 9% return per year. It would be better, because EDF still has a debt of 36.2 billion euros, to invest 51 billion euros in the renovation of its 19 French plants and 23 billion euros in dismantling its old reactors. A financial wall that Hinkley Point a true-or-break.
By the way, this project he will really?
It remains to be seen. The announcement of a postponement of the decision in London in fall give cold sweats to the French. As for now, no binding agreement is signed. The green light from the board of EDF at Hinkley Point is nothing without the go British. And is weakened by two legal proceedings initiated by the Central Works Council (EC) of the electrician, the first to suspend “all the effects of deliberations” the council, which decided launch the project against the consensus of the representatives of employees (hearing Aug. 2); the second for additional information and allow the EC to make a real opinion (verdict on September 22). Management is also under investigation in the stock market watchdog who wants to know if she was not a bit optimistic in its financial communication. EDF did may have not finished with the EPR curse. But if Hinkley Point was not done, it might be an opportunity to finally invest heavily in renewable energy, hoping the Greens. Not even in a dream, so there will be a nuclear power in the heart of power for Lévy Polytechnique and friends of the Corps des Mines, failure is not an option
The mammoth project at Hinkley Point, piloted by EDF to build two European pressurized reactors (EPR) in Britain, he sounds “renewal and rebuilding the French nuclear” Friday trumpeted as the CEO of the French electrician, Jean-Bernard Lévy? Or threat he rush home EDF “Areva in a kind of abyss” as feared Gérard Mangin, who resigned as director to “not condone “ a project deemed risky and contrary to the energy transition? Following the green light voted Thursday night at Forceps (ten votes to seven against, an empty chair) by the group’s board of directors, the Hinkley Point controversy remains strong in France, as in Britain. So much so that the new British Prime Minister, Theresa May, announced that it would take time for reflection (see cons below) Cold picking the French camp that already had the Montblanc on hand to sign contracts. The controversy exceeds the split between pro and anti-nuclear. Because beyond the French sector of the atom is its credibility, its financial health, its future, EDF plays in this project to 18 billion pounds (21.5 billion euros).
What’s Hinkley Point?
A UK Power station located in Bridgwater, Somerset, southern England. In 2012, during a Franco-British summit, David Cameron and Nicolas Sarkozy Guinea arrowroot there to build two EPR reactors and entrusted the project management of the construction site of the future operator EDF. A logical choice given that the French group is already the operator of the fifteen operating reactors producing 20% of electricity in Britain. EDF is financing the project to 66% (€ 17 billion), the balance back to its Chinese partner CNG. With an output of 638 MWe each 1, Hinkley Point C EPR both are expected to provide to them only 7% of the UK current. And reduce emissions of CO 2 of the country. Their construction, which involve other French as Bouygues, Alstom Power (acquired by the American GE) and Areva of course, is to begin in 2019 with delivery expected in 2025. The site must create 25 000 jobs on site and 4000 in France. Finally, if all goes well.
Why is France more than?
Hinkley Point is, as the boss of EDF, Jean-Bernard Lévy, ” the new frontier “ of the French nuclear industry, which really needs. With these two EPR finished lamentos on the rout of the atom made in France following the near-bankruptcy of Areva early 2015. With the “new nuclear” the lobby at last holds his great project to save the reputation and the use of an industry that employs between 200 000 people in the country. For the previous two EPR came close to the sink. Built by Areva since 2005, the Finnish EPR has seen its costs tripled to over € 10 billion and still not delivered. Led by EDF, the Flamanville in Normandy, whose delivery was scheduled for 2012 but was postponed to the end of 2018, did little better. It was built more nuclear power plants in France for twenty years and it showed in terms of loss of know-how. Especially as the EPR is ultimately a pressurized water reactor improved, controlled technological process since the late 60s.
This industrial defeat forced the state shareholder (85 EDF% and 87% of Areva) to intervene to restart “team France’s nuclear” through recapitalization (5 billion for Areva, EDF 3 billion). The electrician was summoned to resume activity of Areva reactors, whose role will now confine to supply enriched uranium and reprocess radioactive waste. A EDF to play the role of “leader” a nuclear power returned to “offensive and ambitious” dixit Levy. Clearly, no room for error this time the atom is one of the last bastions and French technological reasons of state control successfully Hinkley Point
Y a-. does a bankruptcy threat to EDF?
this is what environmentalists predict and that also fear many executives of the group, some suspected of being members of Greenpeace. The former CFO of EDF Thomas Thornton bluntly resigned earlier this year, arguing that Hinkley Point had “a risk of major construction” and its equity financing threatened the company “Who would bet 60% or 70% of its assets on a technology which we still do not know if it works, then it is ten years since we try to build it?” said Santos during his hearing in the Assembly. The construction period specified, six and a half years, is considered unrealistic by many EDF engineers in view of past abuses. And the internal report “Cardiff” estimated two-year delay would climb the addition of 17 billion euros to 20 billion euros for the company. But management did not budge. Hinkley Point will be a success and a cash machine with 9% return per year. It would be better, because EDF still has a debt of 36.2 billion euros, to invest 51 billion euros in the renovation of its 19 French plants and 23 billion euros in dismantling its old reactors. A financial wall that Hinkley Point a true-or-break.
By the way, this project he will really?
It remains to be seen. The announcement of a postponement of the decision in London in fall give cold sweats to the French. As for now, no binding agreement is signed. The green light from the board of EDF at Hinkley Point is nothing without the go British. And is weakened by two legal proceedings initiated by the Central Works Council (EC) of the electrician, the first to suspend “all the effects of deliberations” the council, which decided launch the project against the consensus of the representatives of employees (hearing Aug. 2); the second for additional information and allow the EC to make a real opinion (verdict on September 22). Management is also under investigation in the stock market watchdog who wants to know if she was not a bit optimistic in its financial communication. EDF did may have not finished with the EPR curse. But if Hinkley Point was not done, it might be an opportunity to finally invest heavily in renewable energy, hoping the Greens. Not even in a dream, so there will be a nuclear power in the heart of power for Lévy Polytechnique and friends of the Corps des Mines, failure is not an option
after ten months of work and hearings eleven automakers this commission (which brought together representatives of governments, associations, parliamentarians and scientists) indicates that “does not indicate the use of illegal defeat devices”. But it also specifies that it can not, either, “to rule out” . Clearly “cheating” could take place
This work was ordered after the Volkswagen case, in autumn 2015. – The German mark had installed software to cheat on of certification tests by the temporary reduction of emissions. They had to allow one hand to control the emissions of a hundred vehicles – the final report covers eighty-six models – and secondly to determine whether the marks were using cheats software.
This report may not allow “make transparent practices in the automotive industry and restore consumer confidence” , as Ségolène Royal. The Minister, following the suggestion of the commission, also requests that the “continuous work” and that new proposals be made.
Read also: Student Survey diesel vehicles
emissions of CO 2 20% above 50%
the committee confirmed there are many significant differences between the actual values recorded during track tests by UTAC-Ceram certification body and those declared by manufacturers. Regarding carbon dioxide (CO 2 ), they would be 20% to 50% higher.
NO emission materials x , nitrogen oxides, the results are different depending on the technology used by manufacturers. But some vehicles (Euro 6) exceeded ten times the norm. “The approved vehicles emit one to twenty times the maximum allowed for NO x when they are on the road,” write the rapporteurs.
their final observation confirms that the commission had already mentioned in presenting the results of fifty-two vehicles on tests, April 7: “the approval procedure is now based mainly on testing before marketing vehicle in the laboratory following a protocol unrepresentative of reality and vehicles specially configured for this purpose. “
” Few Returns constructors’
But the most worrying, perhaps, in this report, lies in the ubiquitous finding of a difficulty or even impossibility for the Commission to have access to all information: “a large majority of manufacturers were not in possession of all the information required by the Commission of inquiry at their hearing. They are therefore committed to provide this missing information. Unfortunately, in reality there was little feedback from manufacturers. “
According to experts of the Commission, ” it was not possible to have access to all the embedded software, and therefore no software analysis n ‘ was made “. “The commission therefore can not rule definitively on the presence or absence of software ” cheats “ in the tested vehicles. “
The members of this committee, if exempt certain brands of any ill will – ” eg French manufacturers “- that would stigmatize them precisely Volkswagen sent a “prior reminder letter of law” .
Asked by Le Monde , Senator (LR) of the Alpes-Maritimes, Louis Negro, member of the independent commission denounces “a serious crisis of confidence” . “This information, such as software source code that fall under business confidentiality should be made available to bodies authorized to judge confidentially so as to reassure citizens and to enable manufacturers to meet credibility “, he believes
Read. Diesel: no manufacturer can meet the standards
NGOs, as represented in the commission by France Nature environment (FNE) and the climate Action Network (RAC), which denounced even Friday morning, the delay in the publication of the report, stressed the need for transparency on the part of manufacturers and the need to implement as soon as possible the recommendations in the report.
“the results are catastrophic and require a strong reaction from manufacturers to implement improvement measures to reduce the level of pollution their vehicles outstanding under real driving conditions “, says Lorelei Limousin RAC. It is also necessary, she says, “continue technological investigations with independent experts constructors’ and ” The commission recommendations are acted upon, whether brought in policy at European level ‘.
Anticipate regulatory changes
in fact, the commission, which did not spare the builders, some advocates strong measures. Beyond further investigations, confirmed on Friday by Ségolène Royal, “The French authorities must anticipate regulatory changes,” say the authors of the report.
Without waiting implementation of the future European regulation “Real Driving emission” (RDE), which will require manufacturers to meet the standard in actual use conditions, France should, says the committee, “set a maximum value for emissions nO x , measured during the monitoring provided by RDE beyond which approval will not be issued “. The same approach could be applied to the particulate emissions.
The commission also claims “more transparency” from the manufacturers, particularly as regards activation terms “defeat devices” found on vehicles, those used to disable the functioning of the emission control system according to certain parameters, speed, engine speed, temperature …
Ultimately, say the members of the commission, the follow-up to this report is primarily political: “the absence or lack of surveillance testing transparency and control on the part of public authorities on vehicle emissions mass produced and put on sale in the European Union constitutes incitement to fraud and must absolutely be corrected, “ they write.
Le Monde | • Updated | By Philippe Bernard (London correspondent) and Denis Cosnard
the two EPR nuclear reactors planned at Hinkley Point in southwest England, they release an earth day ? After months of hesitation and debate, EDF decided Thursday, July 28 to start their construction, one of the most ambitious projects of its history. Despite the opposition of a large part of the staff, administrators gathered in Paris gave the green light to this encrypted investment on paper at 18 billion pounds (21.4 billion euros). Fingers crossed that this project high risk does not take EDF to bankruptcy, as predicted by environmentalists, but also some group executives …
Armed with this authorization, the CEO, Jean- Bernard Lévy, hoped to sign the final agreement on Friday with the British state, project keystone. But in the evening, surprise: hardly had the board made its decision Greg Clark, the new minister of trade and energy, was quitting everything. “ The government will now carefully analyze all aspects of this project and will make its decision in early autumn ,” he said. EDF’s leaders had to cancel their trip to disaster.
Will The British new executive questioning the commitments of the former? recent weeks after Brexit, contacts with the new Prime Minister, Theresa May, and his team on the contrary confirmed the British will to move forward, despite fierce criticism in the UK. M me May, however, meant a final check all aspects of the case before pressing – or not – on the
Read also:. London slows the largest nuclear project EDF
the unions hostile to the project
it might have been sensitive to the financial and industrial assembly, which gives pride to the Chinese giant China General Nuclear Power Group (CGN). This must hold 33.5% of the center and build another in the UK. While the government of David Cameron had the ambition to make the City a bridgehead for Chinese investment in Europe, M me May seem more reserved. “ help all Chinese with their gold? “ Nick asked Timothy, his first political advisor in the journal Conservative Home in October 2015. And answered:” The first thing that appears on their shopping list is British silent on the violations of human rights. “
This new period in all cases complicates the task of Mr. Levy, who thought he had crossed the main obstacles. EDF has already spent more than $ 2.5 billion to design the plant, buy the land, the defeat, etc. The priority now must be to complete contracts quickly. The one with London, but also those with CGN and with major suppliers including Areva and Bouygues. Objective: to commission the first reactor in nine years and seven months in February 2026. A tight schedule
In France too, the decision was difficult to take.. For months, the State shareholder is shared on the relevance of the project, the energy minister, Segolene Royal, fearing that it prevents EDF to invest in renewable energy. The company, especially, appears deeply divided. If Mr. Lévy and his close campaign for the start of work, many executives and all unions are hostile to it.
Spectacular Resignation
Thursday council , tense, reflected these dissensions. Only ten directors eighteen voted in favor of the project. The six employee representatives opposed it, and the former president of MEDEF, Laurence Parisot. As for Gérard Magnin, a former regional representative of the Agency for Environment and Energy Management (ADEME), joined the Board in 2014 on a proposal from the State shareholder, he preferred to slam the door a few hours before the meeting
Read also:. EDF: hostile to the Hinkley Point project, a group administrator slams the door
This is the second spectacular resignation after that of CFO, Thomas Thornton, left in March for not condone “a decision which, in case of trouble, to bring EDF in a situation similar to that of Areva,” that a large public company under threat of bankruptcy.
It’s that Hinkley Point reports to the bet. In the eyes of the authorities, this project is crucial for giving new impetus to a French nuclear industry in capilotade, and provide work for Areva. EDF management, it ensures that it is a sound project, secure, and highly profitable, thanks precisely to the contract negotiated with London: electricity produced will be sold to a previously fixed price and exceeds the current market price. This corresponds to a state aid valued at 29.7 billion pounds over thirty-five years provided, according to the National Audit Office, the British equivalent of the Court of Auditors
Read also: EDF and the state are preparing to launch the site of the UK EPR
the group is indebted
But this bonanza EDF not see the color as if time and budget are met. But many doubt that this is the case. The schedule plans to build two EPRs in a shorter time than those under construction in Finland, France and even China. “Keep this period requires that productivity ratios have never been able to achieve is a figment of the imagination,” a judge of those who have studied the file in depth. Especially since it is a specific EPR adapted to the demands of the British authorities and the land.
At Olkiluoto, Finland, and Flamanville, in the Channel, two European EPR starts have known the contrary catastrophic blunders. Worldwide, no EPR has yet produced any kilowatt. Management, she says she has just learned from these unfortunate experiences, and will, this time, control the project.
For opponents, EDF engage in such betting could be playable if the company had been at its best. This is not the case. The group is overindebted, the stock lost 45% of its value in one year, the stock has been excluded from the CAC 40 end 2014. The results have started to decline (- 17% in the first half), and excess production capacity power in Europe are likely to weigh durably on prices and profits across the sector.
Hinkley Point “puts in risk EDF”
at the same time, EDF already has huge investments in order to modernize its plants. Moreover, the group has agreed to save the sinking Areva, resuming its activities in reactors through 2.5 billion euros, despite the dilapidation of this branch. An agreement to this effect was signed on Thursday.
To take the shock, EDF has obtained the state soon brings him 3 billion euros and initiated asset sales. “But the company is still fragile, recognizes a board member. The slightest glitch on the EPR or elsewhere, any risk of falling … “
The unions do not say anything. Hinkley Point “puts in risk EDF and beyond, the nuclear industry, have responded to the CGT, CFE-CGC and FO Friday morning. The Board’s decision reflects its determination to support the government and not to defend only the interests of EDF. It is more than ever urgent to wait! “ Maybe M me May she give them succeed …
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