Brussels, 26/09/2013 (Agence Europe) - Worried by the relative decline in their traditional industries and competitiveness damaged by ever higher energy prices, the member states want to improve coordination within the constraints of the EU treaty and further integrate the various policies. They are looking to the European Council in February 2014 to deliver fresh impetus from the highest level.
The first formal meeting of EU industry ministers under Lithuanian presidency, on 26 September, was a first step in drafting their contribution to the next meetings of a European Council which has promised to take things in hand to improve EU competitiveness. The Presidency will summarise Thursday's debate to produce conclusions which the Competitiveness Council will adopt at the start of December and which will serve as recommendations to the European Council.
Ministers first of all held an exchange of views on how best to support small businesses (SMEs). This provided an opportunity to take stock of the latest developments with the Small Business Act that was adopted in 2008. “We hope to get things moving again by means of new measures to improve the business climate”, said Lithuanian Economy Minister and Council chair Evaldas Gustas. Ministers also highlighted the need for measures on services, the digital agenda and non-bank finance sources.
They exchanged views, too, on the framework conditions and future prospects of European industry as affected by key aspects of EU energy, climate and environment, research and trade policies. High energy costs for industry and the impact of climate policies were among the issues to be addressed as matters of priority, and the ministers agreed that rapid completion of the internal market in energy was more vital than ever. The Presidency will draw together the views expressed on Thursday to inform conclusions to be adopted in December and to be put to the European summit in February 2014, the flagship subject of which will be industry.
Much is expected of the summit. “It could be the catalyst for significantly strengthening the growth and competitiveness dimension of coordination policy, in line with Article 173 of the Treaty of the EU”, hoped Industry Commissioner Antonio Tajani, in a letter to ministers on 20 September. It will give the EU, he said, “the opportunity to agree an industrial pact for growth and jobs which could improve the business climate, industrial competitiveness, and take coordination of policy to a new level”. (EH/transl.fl)