Competiveness Council targets digital revolution

EU member states have concluded discussion on eliminating obstacles to the development of the Single Market and developing a data-driven economy at this week’s Competitiveness Council.

The Council adopted conclusions setting out various actions aimed at removing unnecessary barriers to the Single Market, and enabling a smooth and quick transition to the digital age. The chair of the meeting, Latvian Minister for Economics Dana Reizniece-Ozola, underlined that: “There is no time to waste if Europe wants to be leading the digital revolution and enhance competitiveness. This requires a number of key actions such as removing artificial hurdles that prevent our companies and citizens from benefitting fully and on an equal basis from the single market. It is also crucial to create the basis for a solid framework for investment. Both conditions match the spirit and main focus of the Latvian Presidency to achieve a digital competitive Europe.”

Ministers also exchanged views on how Europe can better support and accelerate the transition towards a data-driven economy through open, networked and data-intensive research, within the context of the digital agenda for Europe.

After the meeting, the Latvian Minister for Education and Science, Mārīte Seile, said: “I strongly believe that putting ICT at the service of society and businesses can only be achieved through faster and wider innovation. The capacity for innovation very much depends on quality and quantity of investments and knowledge transfer between the public and private sector.

“In this respect, the Council has addressed two areas where open, networked and data intensive research can boost innovation: the pan-European e-infrastructures and policies and framework conditions for better use of Big Data and cloud computing.”

Following a debate, ministers also outlined the main elements to create simpler, better and more predictable rules to facilitate investments. The purpose is to implement the proposed new Investment Plan for Europe, which is expected to mobilise at least €315bn of additional investment over the next three years.

The next Competitiveness Council meeting will take place 28-29 May 2015.