Brussels, 10/12/2012 (Agence Europe) - Meeting for their Competitiveness Council on Monday 10 December, the ministers of the EU27 dealt with the following points related to competition and customs union.
State aid. The ministers held a debate on the future of the European state aid policy. Most of them favourably welcomed the opportunity to examine this issue. They have decided to work together with the Commission from 2013 with a view to simplifying the rules on state aid to achieve the growth objectives and a more efficient use of public money.
Customs 2020. With the United Kingdom having lifted its reservation, the ministers agreed on the creation of a “Customs 2020” programme of action for the years 2014-2020, to replace the programme “Customs 2013”. By providing the states with support measures, particularly for the purchase of technical material and equipment, this programme will make it possible for customs legislation to be implemented harmoniously in the member states. During the debate, Lithuania, Poland and Hungary stressed the urgent need for this money, to fight various types of trafficking (including tobacco), amongst other things. However, the programme's funding will depend on the outcome of the negotiations on the multi-annual financial framework 2014-2020 of the Union.
Customs code. The ministers decided to step up their efforts towards a final position of the Council by the end of January 2013 on the revision of the customs code, on the basis of the compromise text of the Cypriot Presidency. Time is running out to reach an agreement at first reading with the European Parliament in order for the revised regulation to be adopted by 24 June 2013, when the current regulation expires.
Strategy for the future of customs union. The Council adopted conclusions which stress that customs union should continue to pursue its strategic objectives approved in 2008.
Combating intellectual property violations. On the basis of the Commission's report on the implementation of the action plan on the fight against customs violations for the period 2009-2012, the ministers adopted a decision for the application of the new plan to fight intellectual property violations (IPR) for the period 2013-2017. Amongst other things, they recommend that the Commission prepare, for spring 2013, a timetable for the implementation of the new plan, check this implementation, reporting to the Council each year, and that it submit a final report to the Council on the correct application of the plan in 2017. The plan aims, amongst other things, to fight the trade in counterfeit goods sold over the internet or transported by container. (FG/transl.fl)