The industry ministers will continue their discussions on the EU’s competitiveness on Thursday 28 November in Brussels. They are expected to express their position on the subject in a set of conclusions. During the other debates, a range of subjects will be addressed, including the principle of ‘better regulation’ and the situation of the automotive industry and battery production in Europe.
The future of European competitiveness. Three weeks after the ‘Budapest Declaration’ (see EUROPE 13521/2), the Member States are expected to give just a few more details on the direction to be taken by the European Commission over the next few years. The disagreements between the EU27 on the issues of funding and the strategic technologies to be supported mean that they are unable to give a more precise direction at this stage.
At a meeting on Wednesday 27 November, the Member States’ permanent representatives to the EU were unable to approve the text of the conclusions on the future of European competitiveness, due to a persistent point of disagreement. For some Member States, this means not committing to financing European industry through European funds. On Wednesday, language on financial support for production sites was still causing problems for some delegations.
The other major point of contention, on the priority given to ‘clean technologies’ or ‘net zero’ technologies, has been resolved. The first of the two terms should be the one used in the text.
On Tuesday evening, two diplomatic sources were confident that an agreement would be reached on the text before or during the ministers’ meeting.
To see the draft conclusions dated 25 November: https://aeur.eu/f/ehk
Reducing regulatory burden. The ministers will discuss a recurring topic on which they agree much better: reducing the regulatory and administrative burden on businesses in the EU. In particular, they will examine the Commission’s Better Regulation initiative and seek to identify areas for improvement.
In their conclusions on the future of competitiveness, the Member States also dwell on this subject, and in particular ask the Commission to clarify the method it will use to reduce reporting obligations by 25%.
Batteries. At the request of the Swedish, French and German delegations, a briefing will be given on the state of battery production in Europe. The three countries are keen to draw attention to the issue and explore ways of better supporting the sector.
Underlying this is the situation of battery manufacturer Northvolt, which is currently facing bankruptcy (see EUROPE 13531/27).
Automotive industry. Under other business, Italy, Austria, Bulgaria, Poland, the Czech Republic, Romania and Slovakia will present a joint proposal for a “Renewed Automotive Policy”.
The seven countries are calling for an investment plan for the sector, including for industrial production. Most notably, they are calling for the adoption of the principle of technological neutrality to support the production of biofuel-powered vehicles.
Finally, the analysis of CO2 standards for light vehicles absolutely must be brought forward, in their view, in order to arrive at a potential revision of the rules before 2026. The fines that car manufacturers risk paying for failing to comply with CO2 emission standards in 2025 will “seriously limit the industry’s ability to reinvest in innovation and development”, according to the authors of the proposal. They therefore call on the Commission to support manufacturers in their transition.
To see the text: https://aeur.eu/f/ei6
Any other business. The ministers will also be briefed on a number of other issues during their meeting: the Hungarian Presidency of the EU Council will give an update on the legislative texts currently on the EU Council’s table, and the Polish Presidency of the EU Council, which starts in January, will present its programme.
Denmark had wanted to focus on biotechnology and Finland on the bioeconomy.
Research. On Friday 29 November, the ministers responsible for research will meet to adopt a number of conclusions on the European Research Area, advanced materials and a European research and innovation (R&I) initiative (see EUROPE 13530/11). They will also discuss the contribution of research and innovation to EU competitiveness. (Original version in French by Léa Marchal)