Council calls for integration of industrial competitiveness into EU policy
The Competitiveness Council has concluded its first day of talks, adopting conclusions on industrial competitiveness and Europe 2020.
Following a debate, the council agreed that it was important to systematically integrate industrial competitiveness issues into all relevant EU policy areas, including environment, climate, energy and competition, with a view to creating a stronger industrial base for the EU economy.
Commenting, Federica Guidi, Italian Minister for Economic Development, said: “The Italian Presidency is really pleased with the outcome of the meeting, which is an important landmark in our progress towards mainstreaming industrial competitiveness and strengthening EU policies for the real economy through an enhanced role of the Competitiveness Council. It paves the way towards realising the task the European Council set for us.”
The council also held a debate on the midterm review of the Europe 2020 strategy. The discussion focused on aspects relating to the achievement of a well-integrated internal market and the development of an agenda in support of industrial competitiveness. The main aim of the review is to draw lessons from the first four years of the strategy’s implementation and to ensure it continues to be an effective tool for jobs and growth creation in the coming years.
Sandro Gozi, Italian State Secretary for European Affairs, underlined that “relaunching investments for Europe and reviewing the Europe 2020 strategy is crucial for the future of the EU. Today’s debate in the Competitiveness Council helped us to place these issues in a wider context, in order to enhance the internal market, foster growth and renew our support to the real economy. Investments, growth, competitiveness and employment are top priorities for the Italian Presidency.”
The Competitiveness Council will conclude its two-day meeting later today.
