“It is the Hungarian Presidency’s goal to achieve a new European deal of competitiveness. We aim to design this deal by 8 November when there is a European Council in Budapest”, declared the Hungarian Minister for European Affairs, János Bóka, on Tuesday 3 September, after an informal meeting of ministers on ‘General Affairs’. This could take the form of a declaration at the end of the summit of European leaders, like the Versailles Declaration in March 2022 under the French Presidency of the Council.
This document would be based in part on Mario Draghi’s report on the future of European competitiveness, which could be presented next week, according to four European sources. The Antwerp declaration (see EUROPE 13354/9), signed by Europe’s top business leaders, is also a source of inspiration.
Hungary is expected to use this next milestone to highlight the issue of reducing the regulatory burden in the EU, which is an important matter for the country.
According to János Bóka, this issue is also of concern to the other member countries. He said that the ministers stressed the importance of the ‘Better Regulation’ initiative at EU level to increase economic competitiveness, notably through more targeted impact assessments, better consideration of national specificities and greater involvement of stakeholders.
According to Mr Bóka, the following elements have also been identified as essential for the much talked about deal: “the importance of investment in key technologies, reducing our dependence on third countries, enhancing the digital single market, and strengthening research, innovation and connectivity”.
These ideas are similar to those in the Clean Industry Deal proposed by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in July (see EUROPE 13457/8) and the New European Competitiveness Deal called for by the European Council in June (see EUROPE 13387/1).
‘Draghi’ report as a new element. Although Mario Draghi’s report is not due to be presented until next week, the former Italian Prime Minister and ECB President is due to take part in the Conference of Presidents at the European Parliament on Wednesday 4 September. He will then return to the Council building for an exchange with the permanent representatives of the Member States to the EU.
The Hungarian Presidency of the EU Council then hopes that Mr Draghi will attend the meeting of internal market ministers on 26 September. He will undoubtedly have contributions to make on the subjects expected to be on the ministers’ agenda: competitiveness in the broad sense, as well as support for SMEs and reform of the rules on State aid.
Few details are known at this stage about the document, which was initially expected in June. On Monday 2 September, the Politico Europe website reported that it had access to a version of the report dating from June. The media outlet revealed proposals to unlock potential investments in the defence industry, including greater flexibility to authorise mergers of companies in this sector. (Original version in French by Léa Marchal and Mathieu Bion)