Brussels, 28/09/2007 (Agence Europe) - In Brussels on Friday 27 September, under the umbrella of the Competitiveness Council, EU industry ministers discussed the progress made, and challenges still to be faced, in the new integrated Community policies for industry and European SMEs put in place in 2005 under the revised Lisbon strategy. The meeting was chaired by Portuguese Economy Minister Manuel Pinho. On the basis of the Commission's mid-term progress reports on industrial policy (see EUROPE 9461), SME policy (see EUROPE 9501) and the strategy on digital competence (see EUROPE 9497), the Competitiveness Council will produce a report on its debates with a view to adopt a consistent raft of conclusions on these three issues at its next meeting on 22-23 November. These conclusions, which will inform discussion at the European Council in December, will also address all other aspects of European competitiveness, including its external dimension. This dimension, which formed the leitmotiv of the informal Competitiveness Council in Lisbon in July, was one of the flagship themes of this formal industry minister meeting over dinner on Thursday 27 September. “There is a broad consensus between member states and the Commission on the need to further strengthen the external dimension of European competitiveness,” Industry Commissioner Günter Verheugen told press. Like the Council president, the commissioner noted the importance of getting “a level playing field” for the EU on the global market. In their comments, Pinho and Verheugen stressed the need of getting rid of non-tariff barriers which penalise European companies on third markets, and also of ensuring that intellectual property rules are complied with in third countries. They also stressed the need of putting in place tough worldwide environmental standards, to be applied by all, including European companies active outside the Community. “We don't want protectionism. We want stronger representation for Europe, stronger defence of our interests,” Verheugen stated. Pinho and Verheugen said there was strong consensus between the Council and the Commission on the idea that, in the face of globalisation, climate change and sustainable development, EU industrial and SME policies more than ever needed great integration of all Community policies. (eh)