Brussels, 02/12/2014 (Agence Europe) - The Competitiveness Council on 4 December will contain a brainstorming activity on European industry and how to further extend the internal market. Conclusions will be adopted on these subjects, particularly from within a perspective of “smart” regulation.
On Thursday 4 December, ministers will hold an orientation debate on the lack of industrial competitiveness in the EU. This will be further bolstered by the presentation of the report from the national representatives in charge of the SME Envoy Network. The Italian presidency of the Council of the EU will focus work on the need to coordinate the work undertaken in other Council groupings that have had an impact on European industry. It will also assess the action taken to improve the competitiveness of SMEs. Conclusions will be adopted, which will call on the Commission to produce a roadmap next year, on the competitiveness of European industry.
A second orientation debate will take place on the question of improving the internal market. Ministers are expected to provide their points of view on what priority action should be taken in this regard, as well as the sectors containing a high level of potential for raising investment. The discussion will be completed with the adoption of two different rafts of conclusions: one on smart regulation (very much prioritised by the United Kingdom and which will touch on the question of the REFIT programme) and the second on the action plan for customs risk management.
Package tours. Ministers are also expected to reach a political agreement of principle (general approach) on package tours and assisted travel packages. Some delegations are still expected to have reservations about this and believe that the negotiations will require more time but a qualified majority should be obtained at a level of the national ambassadors to the EU (Coreper). This agreement is expected to help pave the way to negotiations with the European Parliament.
Ministers will also reach a political agreement in principle on the text covering cable and individual protection installations and equipment.
On Friday 5 December, work will focus on research and is expected to lead to the adoption of many draft conclusions on research and innovation as sources for renewed growth, as well as the 2014 report on the European Research Area.
Ministers will also discuss space policy as a driving force for the European economy and will adopt conclusions in this connection on future challenges that will need to be met. (MD)