Verslag van de bijeenkomst van de ministers van Financiën (en)
COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION
PROVISIONAL VERSION
PRESSE 418 PR CO 52
PRESS RELEASE
3190th Council meeting
Competitiveness (Internal Market, Industry, Research and Space)
Luxembourg, 10 and 11 October 2012
President Mr Stavros MALAS
Minister for Health (responsible for the Research portfolio) Mr Neoklis SYLIKIOTIS
Minister for Commerce, Industry and Tourism of Cyprus
PROVISIONAL VERSION
10.-11.X.2012
Main results of the Council
The Council agreed on the main elements of the rules of participation in projects funded under "Horizon 2020", the next research and innovation framework programme for the years 2014-2020. It also agreed on the modalities to integrate the European Institute of Innovation and Technology into the Horizon 2020programme.
The Council held a policy debate on the next steps towards the completion and implementation of the European Research Area.
The Council held a debate focused on reinforcing the European industrial policy and its contribution to growth and economic recovery. They also considered specific measures in support of the construction sector and of the cultural and creative sectors. In addition, it adopted conclusions on key enabling technologies, which are ofparticular importance for the innovativeness and competitiveness of industry, including in areas such as nanotechnology, biotechnology and advanced materials. The conclusions also give green light for launching a European innovation partnership for raw materials.
The Council committed to intensify efforts in order to speed up the process for the adoption of the twelve measures included in the "Single Market Act I" package for growth, competitiveness and social progress.
In the field of consumer protection, the Council endorsed the European Consumer Agenda for the coming years.
PROVISIONAL VERSION 10 -11X2012
CONTTS1
PARTICIPANTS................................................................................................................................5
ITEMS DEBATED
Horizon 2020: research and innovation programme for 2014-2020....................................................8
-Rules for participation in actions of Horizon 2020............................................................................8
-European Institute of Innovation and Technology.............................................................................9
European Research Area....................................................................................................................10
Industrial policy and its contribution to growth and economic recovery..........................................12
- Update of the industrial policy flagship initiative...........................................................................12
- Construction sector..........................................................................................................................13
- Cultural and creative sectors...........................................................................................................13
- Key enabling technologies / Innovation partnership on raw materials..........................................14
Single Market Act..............................................................................................................................14
European Consumer Agenda.............................................................................................................15
Any other business.............................................................................................................................16
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-Research infrastructures...................................................................................................................16
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-European steel industry....................................................................................................................16
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-European Tourism Forum (Nicosia, 25-26 October).......................................................................16
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-State aid for film industries..............................................................................................................17
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-Competitiveness Council working methods....................................................................................17
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•Where declarations, conclusions or resolutions have been formally adopted by the Council, this is indicated in the heading for the item concerned and the text is placed between quotation marks
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•Documents for which references are given in the text are available on the Council's Internet site (http ://www. consilium, europa, eu)
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•Acts adopted with statements for the Council minutes which may be released to the public are indicated by an asterisk; these statements are available on the Council's Internet site or may be obtained from the Press Office
PROVISIONAL VERSION 10 -11X2012
OTHER ITEMS APPROVED
RESEARCH
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-Algeria - Brazil - Scientific and technological cooperation agreements................................................................18
COMPANY LAW
— Directive on coordination of safeguards - Updated version..................................................................................18
ERGY
Energy Community - 10th Ministerial Council.....................................................................................................18
PROVISIONAL VERSION
10.-11.X.2012
PARTICIPANTS
Belgium:
Mr Johan VANDE LANOTTE Mr Jean-Claude MARCOURT Ms Ingrid LIET
Bulgaria:
Mr Sergei IGNATOV Ms Petia VASSILEVA
Czech Republic:
Mr Michal ZAORALEK Mr Milan HOVORKA
Denmark:
Mr Uffe TOUDAL PEDERS
Mr Jonas BERING LIISBERG Germany:
Mr Georg SCHÜTTE Mr Stefan KAPFERER
Estonia:
Mr JaakAAVIKSOO Mr Clyde KULL
Ireland:
Mr Sean SHERLOCK
Mr Richard BRUTON Greece:
Mr Vasilis MAGLARIS
Mr Spyridon EFSTATHOPOULOS
Spain:
Ms Carmen VELA OLMO Mr Luis VALERO
Mr José Pascual MARCO MARTINEZ France:
Mr Arnaud MONTEBOURG Mr Alexis DUTERTRE
Italy:
Mr Enzo MOAVERO MILANESI Mr Massimo VARI Mr Marco PERONACI
Cyprus:
MrNeoklis SYLIKIOTIS Mr Stavros MALAS
Latvia:
Mr Roberts KILIS Ms Lauma SIKA Mr Juris PÜCE
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for the Economy, Consumers and the North Sea
Vice-President and Minister for Economic Affairs, SMEs, Foreign Trade and New Technologies Vice-Minister-President of the Flemish Government and Flemish Minister for Innovation, Public Investment, the Media and Poverty Reduction
Minister for Education, Youth and Science Deputy Permanent Representative
Deputy Minister, Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports Deputy Minister for Industry and Trade
Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation
Deputy Permanent Representative
State Secretary, Federal Ministry of Education and Research
State Secretary, Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs and Technology
Minister for Education and Science Deputy Permanent Representative
Minister of State with responsibility for Research and Innovation (Departments of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation and Education and Skills) Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation
State Secretary, Mnistry for Education, Religious Affairs, Culture and Sport
State Secretary, Ministry for Development, Competitiveness, Infrastructure, Transport and Networks
State Secretary for Research, Development and Innovation State Secretary, Ministry for Industry, Energy and Tourism
Deputy Permanent Representative
Minister for Economic Regeneration Deputy Permanent Representative
Minister responsible for European Affairs State Secretary for Economic Development Deputy Permanent Representative
Minister for Commerce, Industry and Tourism Minister for Health
Minister for Education and Science
Acting State Secretary, Ministry of Education and Science
State Secretary, Ministry of the Economy
PROVISIONAL VERSION
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Lithuania:
MsNerijaPUTINAITÉ
Mr Giedrius KADZIAUSKAS
Luxembourg:
Mr Etienne SCHNEIDER Ms Michèle EISBARTH
Hungary:
Mr Zoltón CSÉFALVAY Mr Olivér VARHELYI
Malta:
Mr Jason AZZOPARDI
Mr Patrick MIFSUD
Netherlands:
Mr Halbe ZIJLSTRA Mr Derk OLDBURG
Austria:
Mr Karlheinz TÖCHTERLE Mr Harald GÜNTHER
Poland:
Mr Jacek GULINSKI
MrAndrzej DYCHA
Ms Karolina OSTRZYNIEWSKA
Portugal:
Ms Leonor PARREIRA Mr Carlos OLIVEIRA
Romania:
Mr Nicolae ROTILEANU Mr Tudor PRISECARU
Slovenia:
Mr Ziga TURK Mr Uros VAJGL
Slovakia:
Mr Stefan CHUDOBA
MrPavolPAVLIS Finland:
Mr Jouni HAKALA
Ms Marja RISLAKKI Sweden:
Mr Jan BJÖRKLUND Ms Ewa BJÖRLING Ms Marita LJUNG
United Kingdom:
Mr David WILLETTS
Ms Shan MORGAN
Deputy Minister for Education and Science Deputy Minister for the Economy
Minister for Economic Affairs and Foreign Trade Deputy Permanent Representative
State Secretary, Ministry of the National Economy Deputy Permanent Representative
Minister for Fair Competition, Small Business and Consumers
Deputy Permanent Representative
State Secretary for Education, Culture and Science Deputy Permanent Representative
Federal Minister for Science and Research Deputy Permanent Representative
Deputy State Secretary, Ministry of Science and Higher Education
Deputy State Secretary, Ministry of the Economy Deputy Permanent Representative
State Secretary for Science
State Secretary for Entrepreneurship, Competitiveness and Innovation
State Secretary, Ministry for Economy, Trade and Business Environment
Secretary of state, National Authority for Scientific Research
Minister for Education, Science and Sport Deputy Permanent Representative
State Secretary, Ministry of Education, Science, Research and Sport
State Secretary, Ministry of the Economy
State Secretary, Ministry of Employment and the Economy
Deputy Permanent Representative
Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Education Minister for Trade
State Secretary to the Minister for Information Technology and Regional Affairs
Minister of State for Business, Innovation and Skills (Minister for Universities and Science) Deputy Permanent Representative
PROVISIONAL VERSION
10.-11.X.2012
Commission:
Ms Neelie KROES Vice-President
Mr Antonio TAJANI Vice-President
Ms Maire GEOGHEGAN-QUINN Member
Mr Michel BARMER Member
Mr John DALLI Member
The Government of the Acceding State was represented as follows:
CROATIA
Ms Marija LUGARIC Deputy Minister for Science, Education and Sport
Ms Irena ANDRASS Y Deputy Permanent Representative
PROVISIONAL VERSION 10 -11X2012
ITEMS DEBATED
Horizon 2020: research and innovation programme for 2014-2020 -Rules for participation in actions of Horizon 2020
The Council reached agreement on a partial general approach1 on a draft regulation laying down the terms and conditions for the participation in research projects funded under Horizon 2020. Participants may be research associations, universities, undertakings, industry consortia, etc
The draft regulation also lays down the rules governing the exploitation, dissemination and protection of results of the research projects
The agreement paves the way to start negotiations with the European Parliament with a view to a first-reading agreement
Ministers discussed in public deliberation, on the basis of a Presidency proposal (), outstanding issues such as the best way to achieve the highest level of simplification, especially for the benefit of participating organisations; the funding model to be used for the reimbursement of research activities, and the possibility of widening participation by reinforcing the attractiveness of researchers' careers across the Union
Under the agreement, a simplified system consisting of a single reimbursement rate of eligible costs per research project would apply for all activities within a research project, and for all participants. The reimbursement would reach a maximum of 100 % of the total eligible costs of a project, with a limitation to a maximum of 70 % for close-to-market actions and programme co-fund actions. A flat rate of 25% of the total direct eligible costs will be reimbursed to cover indirect costs. A "bonus +" scheme was included in the agreement whereby eligible personnel costs can include supplementary payments made to personnel up to EUR 8 000 per person per year
A partial general approach is an agreement on the essential elements of a legal act, pending the opinion of the European Parliament and the relevant discussions on the EUs multi-annual budget
PROVISIONAL VERSION
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Some of these issues were also addressed at an informal preparatory meeting on 20 July, where research ministers agreed on the need for substantial simplification of the rules for participation and dissemination under Horizon 2020 in order to attract the best researchers and innovators1
Once approved, this set of common rules will also apply to the participation in projects managed by the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT)
-European Institute of Innovation and Technology
The Council reached agreement on a partial general approach on a draft regulation amending the rules of the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) ().
The agreement paves the way to start negotiations with the European Parliament with a view to a first-reading agreement
The draft regulation will enable the EIT to be an integral part of Horizon 2020
The EIT, which was set up in March 2008, will continue to reinforce the innovation capacity of the EU and its member states and to the general objective of Horizon 2020, mainly by integrating the "knowledge triangle" of higher education, research and innovation. This integration takes place primarily via the Knowledge and Innovation Communities (KICs), which bring together organisations on a long-term basis in order to respond to big societal challenges
Under Horizon 2020, the EIT would receive a financial contribution of € 3.1 billion for the period 2014 to 2020
On 8 and 9 November, a conference is scheduled in Larnaca, Cyprus, titled "EITStakeholders Conference - Addressing Societal Challenges through the EIT" (http://www.facebook.com/ConfEITCy)
1 http ://www. cv2012. eu/index.php/en/file/Sm7rFRmoNSr2nxXo9+AUZw==
PROVISIONAL VERSION
10.-11.X.2012
Horizon 2020 - state of play
On 31 May 2012, the Council reached an agreement on a partial general approach on the "Horizon 2020" framework programme (). Horizon 2020 will replace the EU's 7th research framework programme (FP7), which runs until end the of 2013
At that occasion, the Council also took note of a report () on the progress made concerning the other three parts of the package: the specific programme implementing Horizon 2020, the rules of participation in research projects and the Euratom programme on nuclear research activities
The new framework for research is expected to eliminate fragmentation in this field and to ensure more coherence. Horizon 2020 will build upon the current FP7 concept, the Competitiveness and Innovation Programme and the EIT
As compared with FP7, Horizon 2020 has a number of new features that make it fit for purpose to promote growth and tackle societal challenges
The Commission presented the several components of the Horizon 2020 on 30 November 2011: http://ec.europa.eu/research/horizon2020/index en.cfm
It is proposed to allocate € 80 billion for the 2014-2020 period, thus making Horizon 2020 the world's largest research programme
European Research Area
The Council held a policy debate on the key elements that should lead to the achievement and implementation of the European Research Area (ERA) ().
The outcome of the debate will feed into draft conclusions on ERA to be submitted for approval by the Council at the December Competitiveness Council
The debate followed a presentation by the Commission of its communication "A reinforced European Research Area partnership for excellence and growth" (), published on 17 July 2012, together with the communication "Towards better access to scientific information: Boosting the benefits of public investments in research" () and a recommendation on access to and preservation of scientific information ().
PROVISIONAL VERSION
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Some delegations expressed their agreement on the approach taken by the Commission as well as the priorities listed in the communications
A close monitoring of the implementation of every aspect will be required to ensure delivery to the goals of ERA
Over the years, progress has been made towards a ERA through instruments such as the successive multi-annual research framework programmesjoint programming initiatives and research infrastructure consortia. Nevertheless, progress has been uneven in different dimensions of ERA as well as across member states
In February 2011, the European Council called for the completion of the ERA by 2014: "Europe needs a unified research area to attract talent and investment. Remaining gaps must therefore be addressed rapidly and the ERA completed by 2014 to create a genuine single market for knowledge, research and innovation. In particular, efforts should be made to improve the mobility and career prospects of researchers, the mobility of graduate students and the attractiveness of Europe for foreign researchers."
A conference on the future of ERA will be organized in Nicosia, Cyprus, on 14 November1
http://www.cy2012.eu/index.php/en/political-calendar/areas/competitiveness/presidency-
conference-completing-the-european-research-area-in-the-context-of-the-innovation-union
PROVISIONAL VERSION 10 -11X2012
Industrial policy and its contribution to growth and economic recovery
Ministers exchanged views on an update to the European industrial policy and its contribution to growth and economic recovery. They also considered specific measures in support of the construction sector and of the cultural and creative sectors.
The Council adopted conclusions on key enabling technologies, which are of particular importance for the innovativeness and competitiveness of industry and the whole economy, including in areas such as nanotechnology, biotechnology and advanced materials. The conclusions also give green light for launching a European innovation partnership for raw materials.
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-Update of the industrial policy flagship initiative
Following a presentation by the Commission of its "Industrial policy communication update: A contribution to growth and economic recovery" issued on 10 October1, Ministers underlined the importance to speed up actions in strategic sectors with strong potential to underpin competitiveness and job creation
The outcome of the discussion will feed into the preparation of Council conclusions on industrial policy to be submitted for approval at the December Competitiveness Council meeting
The debate focused on four pillars which need urgent attention as a result of the economic crisis:
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-stimulate investments into innovative and new technologies;
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-allow EU companies to derive maximum benefit from the internal market and international markets;
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-improve access to finance; and
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-increase investment into people and skills
A number of promising new markets were also identified that can contribute to a strong, innovative and competitive manufacturing industry and to restore the growth path of the EU economy
l
http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/policies/industrial-competitiveness/index en.htm
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PROVISIONAL VERSION
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-Construction sector
Ministers addressed the situation of the construction sector in the different countries and on the measures put in place or envisaged in support of the sector at national level
They welcomed the action plan drawn up by the Commission to promote construction as a driving force for the creation of jobs ().
The action plan contained in the strategy for the sustainable competitiveness of the construction sector and its enterprises, issued on 31 July 2012, focuses on five key objectives: stimulating favourable investment conditions; improving the human-capital; improving resource efficiency; strengthening the internal market; and fostering the global competitiveness of EU companies
The strategy also puts emphasis on appropriate programmes for repair, maintenance and renovation projects and relevant fiscal and financial instruments and credit mechanisms for renovation pursuing ambitious sustainability targets
The construction industry is a major economic operator. Overall, it generates almost 10% of GDP and provides 20 million direct jobs, mainly in micro and small enterprises
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-Cultural and creative sectors
Following a presentation by the Commission on its communication on "Cultural and creative sectors for creative growth in the EU" (), published on 26 September 2012, ministers considered possible measures in support of these sectors
It was stressed the economic significance of cultural and creative sectors and their role in employment and growth creation as well as in contributing to an environment conducive to innovation
A number of initiatives were highlighted in order to promote these sectors
The communication sets out a multi-layered strategy for helping these sectors to adapt to the changing environment and unleash their potential to contribute to growth
PROVISIONAL VERSION
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Cultural and creative sectors (such as architecture, archives and libraries, artistic crafts, audiovisual, cultural heritage, fashion design, music, publishing, etc.), play an important role in the European economy and culture. They account for 3.3% of GDP and 3% of total employment in the EU. However, their importance is even greater if one considers other sectors which rely on cultural and creative input
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-Key enabling technologies / Innovation partnership on raw materials
The Council exchanged views on key enabling technologies (KETs) and endorsed, by means of conclusions, the strategy contained in the Commission communication entitled "A European strategy for KETs - A bridge to growth and jobs" of 2 July 2012 ().
Micro and nano-electronics, nanotechnology, photonics, advanced materials, industrial biotechnology and advanced manufacturing technologies have been identified as the EU's KETs
The strategy for KETs aims to keep pace with the EU's main international competitors, contributing to sustainable growth and job creation in the EU, whilst at the same time addressing today's major societal and environmental challenges
The conclusions also gives green light for launching a European innovation partnership for raw materials (). European Innovation Partnerships is a novel concept designed to provide a framework to bring together stakeholders across policy in order to integrate or initiate supply and demand side measures across the whole innovation cycle
See conclusions in full. Single Market Act
The Council took note of the state of play of the twelve measures included in the "Single Market Act I" and held a debate on the way forward ().
Each one of these measures, to be adopted in co-legislation by the European Parliament and the Council, are currently at a different stage of the legislative process
PROVISIONAL VERSION
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These twelve instalments of growth, competitiveness and social progress range from worker mobility, SME finance and consumer protection to digital content, public procurement and trans-European networks. Their aim is to reduce barriers and to improve efficiency for everyone on the single market: businesses, citizens, consumers and workers
The Council confirmed that, given the current economic crisis and the social challenges ahead, the single market remains one the most important assets for growth and job creation and therefore sustained efforts are required in order to accelerate the adoption of all twelve key actions as a matter of priority
Furthermore, once adopted, a timely and correct transposition and implementation of all the new measures should be ensured across member states, so that their benefits can be delivered rapidly to citizens and businesses
Ministers also welcomed the second wave of new priority proposals presented by the Commission on 3 October 2012 under the "Single Market Act II"1, which will supplement the first set of measures, aiming at the completion of the single market by increasing confidence and stimulating growth and jobs creation
The presidency announced its intention to submit draft conclusions on the Single Market II package at the Competitiveness Council in December
The 20th anniversary of the creation of the single market will be celebrated during the "Single Market Week" from 15 to 20 October 2012 with events taking place in many cities across the EU: http://www. singlemarket20. eu/en
European Consumer Agenda
The Council approved a resolution on the European consumer agenda for the coming years ().
The resolution endorses the Commission's vision on consumer policy, which was exposed in the communication "A European Consumer Agenda - Boosting confidence and growth " of 22 May 2012 ( + ADD 1).
http://ec.europa.eu/internal market/smact/docs/single-market-act2 en.pdf
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Any other business
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-Research infrastructures
Over the working lunch on 10 October, ministers exchanged views on the role of the European Strategic Forum for Research Infrastructures (ESFRI) as well as the follow-up of implementation of ESFRI projects, with attendance of Mrs Geoghean-Quinn, commissioner in charge of research and innovation, and Mrs Beatrix Vierkorn-Rudolph, chair of the ESFRI
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-European steel industry
The Council took note of a report by the Commission on the outcome of a high-level roundtable on the situation and perspectives of the European steel industry which took place in Brussels on 19 September ().
At that meeting, which gathered industry and trade unions representatives, eleven areas of particular importance were identified for the competitiveness of the steel sector: (i) international competition (including protectionism and unfair trade practices), (ii) access to raw materials, (iii) extra costs due to legislation, (iv) implementation of EU climate policy, (v) EU climate policy objectives beyond 2020, (vi) energy costs, (vii) EU resource-efficiency policy, (viii) skills shortages, (ix) possible adaptations of capacities, (x) research and innovation and (xi) demand-side measures stimulating recovery in the key sectors
Several delegations supported the initiative to convene the next high-level roundtable next November and expressed their readiness to actively contribute to the efforts for preserving and enhancing the competitiveness of the steel sector in Europe
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-European Tourism Forum (Nicosia, 25-26 October)
The Council took note of preparations concerning the 11th European Tourism Forum that will take place in Nicosia, Cyprus, on 25 and 26 October ().
PROVISIONAL VERSION
10.-11.X.2012
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-State aid for film industries
The Council took note of information by the German delegation regarding a draft Commission communication on state aid for films and other audiovisual works (http://ec.europa.eu/competition/consultations/2011 state aid films/index en.html)
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-Competitiveness Council working methods
Over the working lunch on 11 October, the ministers for competitiveness exchanged views on ways for improving the Competitiveness Council working methods, notably with a view to enhance the efficiency of the proceedings in the monitoring of policies related to the European Growth Agenda
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PROVISIONAL VERSION
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OTHER ITEMS APPROVED RESEARCH
Algeria - Brazil - Scientific and technological cooperation agreements
The Council adopted a decision aimed at concluding a scientific and technological cooperation agreement with Algeria ().
It also approved the renewal of the EU-Brazil scientific and technological cooperation agreement for an additional period of five years ().
COMPANY LAW
Directive on coordination of safeguards - Updated version
The Council approved a recasted version of an existing directive (77/91/EEC) on coordination of safeguards which, for the protection of the interests of members and others, are required by member states of companies within the meaning of the EU treaty, in respect of the formation of public limited liability companies and the maintenance and alteration of their capital, with a view to making such safeguards equivalent (PE-CONS 50/12 and ADD1).
The directive aims to coordinate national provisions relating to the formation and to the maintenance of public limited liability companies
ERGY
Energy Community - 10th Ministerial Council
The Council adopted a decision establishing the European Union position in view of the meeting of the Energy Community Ministerial Council, which will take place on 18 October 2012 in Budva (Montenegro) and endorsed the agenda