Brussels, 10/07/2003 (Agence Europe) -Having observed that one year on, nothing of any note has yet come out of the new formation known as the “Competitiveness” Council, Italian Minister for Community Affairs, Rocco Buttiglione, said on Tuesday that the Italian Presidency of the EU hoped to “reinforce the idea of an integrated approach to competitiveness through the three planks (“internal market”, “industry” and “research”) and beyond”, in other words by strengthening its co-operation with other configurations of the Council such as the “Transport” Council. The Minister also pleaded in favour of stepping up co-operation between the “Competitiveness” Council and the European Commission. The Italian Presidency will therefore make all efforts actively to contribute to the definition of the integrated strategy for competitiveness called for by the Spring European Council. Mr. Buttiglione also emphasised the need to make progress in dossiers related to intellectual property..The Italian Presidency considers it a priority that political agreement is reached on the proposed directive on means to ensure that intellectual property laws in all fields are respected. It will also endeavour to conclude the approval of the regulation on the Community patent and the adoption of the directive on applying the patent to computer-developed inventions. The Minister furthermore stressed the importance of education and training with a view to “creating a European market of professions”. On this point, the Presidency hopes to reach political agreement on the proposal to improve mechanisms for recognising vocational qualifications, with a view to promoting the free circulation of workers, and achieving a “labour market” which is accessible by all. Lastly, Mr Buttiglione stated that the Presidency would do all in its power to conclude the adoption of both directives on public procurement.