Brussels, 08/01/2014 (Agence Europe) - The Greek Presidency intends to tackle several key dossiers in an effort to make progress on internal market issues and even conclude some at the Competitiveness Council on 26-27 May.
As part of the Single Market Act II, Greece will pay particular attention to implementation of the provisions included in the services directive; the Presidency may also explore the possibility of recasting this directive.
In the sphere of intellectual property, the Greek Presidency is hoping to achieve an agreement on the directive on collective copyright management by the end of this parliament, in May this year. Online content will also be on the agenda of a conference in Athens next June. Although the agreement on the single patent still needs to be ratified by the different member states, the Presidency will provide European delegations with an update on progress at the May Competitiveness Council.
During this Council, the Greek Presidency is hoping to achieve a political agreement on the legislative package on the Community trade mark. This will amend the tasks carried out by the Internal Market Harmonisation Office and introduce a European legislative framework for trademarks.
At the same Competitiveness Council in May, the Greek Presidency is hoping to reach agreement on a general approach on harmonised protection at European level for trade secrets. In the enterprise arena, the rotating Presidency will also provide delegations with information regarding progress made on the status of the European foundations. The Presidency will also provide information at this Council on the European directive on e-invoicing in the context of public procurement. Greece has stated that it is determined to finalise procedures on the subject. (MD/transl.fl)