Brussels, 11/02/2009 (Agence Europe) - In their conclusions adopted on Tuesday 10 February, European finance ministers are convinced that the single market constitutes a “particularly precious advantage that must be preserved in this period of financial crisis and economic slowdown”. They therefore stated that when measures are taken in response to current difficulties, “member states should abstain from action that could restrict the four freedoms, harm competition” or go against European rules on state aid. This is a barely veiled warning against protectionist temptations by certain EU countries that attempt to protect their economies to the detriment of their European partners. It would appear that the Czech Presidency has called for a European summit at the beginning of March to specifically focus on the fight against protectionism.
The Ecofin Council is convinced that respect by member states for the rules will provide an “appropriate framework for economic recovery”. It also appeals for fostering consumer confidence, simplifying the business environment and reducing administrative costs. Particular attention should be paid to the services market (with the entry into force of the services directive at the end of the year), network corporate sectors (energy, transport, telecommunications) for which the European Commission has drawn up a mixed balance sheet (EUROPE 9831) and retail financial services. Ministers are still hoping that there will be a Community patent. They are also pleased to note that the Commission has begun detailed monitoring of the agro-foods sector, the retail trade, electro-technical and pharmaceutical industries. Member states themselves could proceed to this exercise at a national level. The Council urged the Commission to provide a report by the end of the year on market monitoring progress and called on the Council's economic policy committee to work towards implementing a methodology in this area. (M.B./transl.rh)