Brussels, 15/07/2010 (Agence Europe) - Under the presidency of the Walloon minister for the economy, Jean-Claude Marcourt, the work of the two day meeting of the European ministers for industry, as part of the informal Competitiveness Council at Louvain-la-Neuve on 14, 15 and 16 July, focused on the globalisation of the economy and its impact on the value and competitiveness chains of the EU.
The discussions particularly focused on the new industrial policy of the EU currently being prepared. The European Commission is developing a communication for the autumn to which member states will add their contributions. Despite divergences on certain themes, Marcourt affirmed on Wednesday that there was significant convergence between the EU27 on the levers in place for making the EU into a sustainable economy, such as specific financial tools for SMEs, innovation and distribution of innovation, as well as comprehensive transformation of employee competences.
In his opening speech on Wednesday, Marcourt pointed out the central role of the SMEs. The “Think Small” principle must become a reality in all Community policies, he insisted, pointing out that SMEs accounted for more than 95% of companies in the EU, 45% of added value in industry and almost 59% of jobs. The Belgian minister also highlighted the link between the competitiveness of economies and the internationalisation of their SMEs, a link emphasised in a recent study published by the Commission (EUROPE 1075). Marcourt underscored the “pivotal role” of innovation and the pro-active contribution of SMEs to transforming the EU into a sustainable economy. Nonetheless, the minister highlighted the needs of SMEs in terms of access to financing, particularly risk capital, markets and innovation, as well as reducing the administrative burden.
On Thursday, the second session of the meeting of ministers responsible for industry confirmed the determination of the EU27 to defend and strengthen European industry on the world scene, in helping it become more environmentally friendly. Hit by the full force of the crisis and increasingly confronting stronger international competition, ministers agreed with their Belgian colleague on the importance of keeping a significant industrial fabric in Europe, a sector which has been relegated to the benefit of the services sector.
As well as measures for supporting industrial activity in Europe and ensuring its transition to a more environmentally friendly economy, ministers also tackled the essential question of access to raw materials. Faced with emerging competitors, particularly China, which has an insatiable need for resources, Marcourt appealed for strengthening ties between the EU and Africa through partnership. The commissioner for industry, Antonio Tajani, stated that “European companies have a quality when it comes to providing products…We can give them the quality of our motorways and railways. China only has economic interests in Africa, which are not geopolitical. The EU has a stake in defending stability, development and economic growth in Africa, which will help resolve migratory pressures and fight against terrorism”. Marcourt declared that “the EU must defend (in Africa) a socio-economic model and society. This is not just about trade but will also ensure the development of society's values”. The question of access to raw materials will be at the centre of the EU-Africa summit next December in Tripoli.
On Thursday, the Competitive Council also gave a mandate to the Belgian Presidency to conclude an agreement with the European Parliament for a flagship directive, the Small Business Act, namely, the directive against delayed payments during commercial transactions. This now involves limiting the payment of invoices to 30 days by public authorities to an SME or 60 days during a transaction between companies. The impact of this directive is estimated to be worth around €7 billion of the economy for SMEs. (E.H./transl.fl)