The series of informal meetings in Budapest under the Hungarian Presidency of the EU Council kicks off with the Industry Ministers of the EU27 on Monday 8 July. They are meeting to follow up the directions given by European leaders in recent months on the subject of the EU’s competitiveness (see EUROPE 13441/5). On the agenda for their meeting are: industrial policy, electric vehicles, technological advantage and the Single market.
Hungary is one of the most vocal Member States on competitiveness (see EUROPE 13440/30). It is on the side of the Member States who are advocating a reduction in barriers and rules for businesses.
In this context, Budapest has made it known that it is keen to work in particular on the theme of the automotive industry, a sector in which the country exports a great deal. The ministers have been invited to take part in a working session on electric mobility on Tuesday 9 July. The aim will be to consider how to build a business-friendly environment in this sector so that it can compete effectively.
While the European Commission has just imposed countervailing duties on Chinese battery electric vehicles (see EUROPE 13446/1), Hungary has taken a stand against this action. It fears repercussions for its exports to China.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán also travelled to Beijing on Monday 8 July, to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping. According to China Central Television (CCTV), their discussions focused on peace in Ukraine.
In Budapest, another working session will focus on artificial intelligence and its role in European competitiveness.
The ministers will then meet again to report on these two sessions. They should also return to Enrico Letta’s report on the future of the Single market.
The meeting on Tuesday 9 July will be chaired by Márton Nagy, Minister for the National Economy. (Original version in French by Léa Marchal)