Brussels, 28/05/2009 (Agence Europe) - On Thursday 28 May, European ministers with responsibility for competitiveness adopted conclusions on an integrated industrial policy in the European Union during this period of economic and financial crisis. They called for a strong industrial base to be maintained in Europe requiring stable and predictable framework conditions for production, simplification of rules and increased investment in research and development. Underlining that primary responsibility for restructuring lies with industry itself, the Competitiveness Council said that restructuring should be facilitated, while reminding industry that this should be carried out “in a socially responsible way”.
Ministers supported the Commission in its intention to launch an integrated strategy focusing on raw materials and called on it to act on the following: - the identification of critical non-energy raw materials before the end of 2009, improving the conditions for extracting raw materials in the EU, enhancing the efficient use of resources. The conclusions adopted contain provisions specifically for the chemical industry (for example, implementation of the REACH directive on chemical products), the electrical and electronic industry and the car industry (for example, on the seriousness of the current economic situation, the CARS 21 initiative). The Competitiveness Council restated its opposition to all forms of protectionism. It called for a level playing field and for a return to normal lending activities to companies. (M.B./transl.rt)