The Council adopted a key issues paper on competitiveness and innovation, as well as conclusions on the single market review. Both documents will be submitted to the spring meeting of the European Council, to be held in Brussels on 13 and 14 March.
The Council reached an agreement on the main elements for the launching of a fuel cells and hydrogen joint technology initiative.
Adoption of the Key Issues Paper
The Council held an exchange of views on the Lisbon policy package for growth and jobs and adopted a “Key Issues Paper” with a view to its forwarding to the Spring European Council.
With regard to the ‘Better Regulation’ approach the Key Issues Paper states that this “continues to be a key component of the competitiveness agenda” and should be considered a high priority by each Council formation in its regulatory work.
The Council calls for continued progress to implement the Action Programme on Reducing Administrative Burdens. The fast-track actions scheduled for 2007 should be finalised if possible by the 2008 Spring European Council.
It welcomes the Commission’s intention to adopt a second tranche of Fast Track Actions, on the basis of proportionate impact assessment where appropriate, and underlines that these should be agreed by all institutions as soon as possible.
Council Conclusions on "A single market for 21st century Europe"
Among others, the Council agrees with the Commission on the need for a more evidence-based and impact-driven approach to internal market policy, in line with the better regulation agenda, with targeted actions to remove barriers and promote competition in areas and sectors of particular economic significance. “This includes, where appropriate, harmonisation as well as mutual recognition”, the Council states.
The Council also welcomes the Commission's intention to develop a Consumer Market Scoreboard and new consumer price data. “It looks forward to initiatives from the Commission as a result of its review of the consumer acquis, striking the right balance between a high level of consumer protection and the competitiveness of enterprises, while ensuring the principle of subsidiarity”.
Competitive Council Conclusions
Council Conclusions - Key Issues Paper
Council Conclusions - A Single Market for 21st Century Europe
Agenda
Background document
© Graham Bishop
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