Strengthening competitiveness is one of the main priorities of the Hungarian Presidency of the Council of the EU, according to its programme. The country intends to become involved in the process “by playing an active role” in the discussion and follow-up of the reports by Mr Draghi and Mr Letta on competitiveness and the internal market. In addition, the subject of competitiveness must be dealt with horizontally, according to Budapest, which is also calling for stakeholders to be consulted during the drafting of the ‘New European Competitiveness Deal’.
To support European industrial policy, Hungary wants to examine “the need for targeted, European-level intervention to strengthen the competitiveness of businesses”. Special mention is also given to the automotive industry in the programme. This sector accounts for 21% of Hungarian exports. Measures to support the market for electric vehicle production are needed, according to Budapest.
Furthermore, in line with the latest conclusions of the European Council, Hungary is focusing on reducing the administrative burden for businesses, particularly SMEs.
Legislative files
A number of proposed regulations are still under discussion within the institutions, and the Hungarian Presidency is keen to progress them in particular. This is the case with the regulation on late payment. The European Parliament has already adopted its position on this text, but work in the EU Council has made little progress. In particular, Member States are highly critical of the European Commission’s proposal and there are differences of opinion on the main principles of the text (see EUROPE 13366/5).
Budapest would like the EU Council to adopt a position on this proposal so that it can start negotiations with the European Parliament before January 2025.
The Hungarian Presidency would also like to make progress on the EU patent package proposed by the Commission in April 2023 (see EUROPE 13171/1), “in particular with regard to the legislative proposals on the Supplementary Protection Certificate for medicinal products, which will improve the competitiveness of the EU pharmaceutical industry”.
Of the six texts in the patent package, only the regulation on compulsory licences has just been agreed by the EU Council (see other news).
The Hungarian Presidency programme can be viewed here: https://aeur.eu/f/crs (Original version in French by Léa Marchal)