Brussels, 29/11/2005 (Agence Europe) - After an exchange of views based on a questionnaire from the UK Presidency (EUROPE 9076), the Industry Ministers of the EU, meeting on Tuesday within the Competitiveness Council, adopted conclusions on the Commission communication regarding the industrial policy (EUROPE 9042). The Council gave its support to the Commission's new integrated approach which rests on a package of cross-cutting and sectoral initiatives (and which has, they say, a particular importance for the new Member States). Against that backdrop, the Council is stressing the necessity of the burden of legislation and regulation not having an “adverse impact on competitiveness” for European industry in comparison to non-European competitors who do not face such an administrative burden. The ministers also approved the Commission's proposed institution of a high level group to develop a consistent approach to the environment, competitiveness and energy (which should in particular examine the emissions-trading system). They also stressed the importance of the European manufacturing industry as a generator of new and innovative products: because it is competitive in the production sectors with high added value, it is “essential to increase research and development and innovation to guarantee its competitiveness”, the Council said. Also pointing out the high and ever-increasing degree of interdependence of industry and services and the need to “take account of the specific context of each sector”, the Council recognised that structural change was inevitable and that protectionism was not an appropriate response. Nonetheless, it recognised that there is a need to “guarantee that the policies put in place accompany this change and the workers affected by it”. The ministers also stressed the importance of political commitment at national level to support an integrated approach to industrial policy, in order to obtain conclusive results. In this context, they particularly emphasised the role of professional training in facilitating structural change and improving key qualifications at all levels.