Conclusies Raad Concurrentievermogen (en)
COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION
(OR. en)
PROVISIONAL VERSION
PRESSE 217 PR CO 28
PRESS RELEASE 3242nd Council meeting Competitiveness (Internal Market, Industry, Research and Space)
Brussels, 29-30 May 2013
Presidents Richard Bruton
Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation of Ireland Sean Sherlock
Minister responsible for Research and Innovation of Ireland
PROVISIONAL VERSION
29.-30.V.2013
Main results of the Council
The Council meeting focused on a range of measures aimed to support and accelerate economic recovery and translate results into more growth and new jobs.
Firstly, the Council reached a political agreement on two regulations pushing forward the reform of the state aid rules.
Pursuing efforts to relieve regulatory burden for the benefit of the competitiveness of EU companies, the Council approved conclusions on smart regulation.
Ministers exchanged views on several aspects of copyright laws in the EU, including on a set of recommendations on private copying and reprography levies.
Ministers also provided with political guidance to make progress in the reform of the audit market, which is intended to improve quality and independence of audits, to increase transparency and reinforce investors' confidence as well as to reduce the current market concentration.
Furthermore, the Council took stock of the state ofplay regarding the Single Market Act actions, which are contained in two packages of priority measures aimed at increasing confidence and stimulating growth and jobs creation.
Ministers also addressed the current difficulties that are facing several industrial sectors in Europe as a consequence of the economic crisis. They were informed by the Commission on the follow-up to initiatives carried out in support of those sectors.
The Council adopted conclusions on space industrial policy.
The Council took note of the progress made on the ongoing negotiations of the multi-annual research programme "Horizon 2020", following a Presidency report on key political issues with a view to paving the way for an early agreement on the programme with the European Parliament.
In addition, it endorsed a new EU strategy for enhancing international cooperation in the field of research and approved conclusions on high performance computing. It also updated the mandate of the European Research Area Committee.
Finally, ministers discussed on joint programming activities carried out in the field of research.
PROVISIONAL VERSION
CONTTS1
29.-30.V.2013
PARTICIPANTS................................................................................................................................5
ITEMS DEBATED
Modernisation of copyright laws.........................................................................................................8
Audit reform.......................................................................................................................................10
Single Market Act..............................................................................................................................13
Smart regulation.................................................................................................................................14
Modernisation of state aid policy.......................................................................................................15
Monitoring of the industrial policy....................................................................................................16
Horizon 2020: the framework programme for research and innovation (2014-2020).......................19
EU international cooperation in research and innovation..................................................................21
Joint programming of research projects.............................................................................................22
High performance computing............................................................................................................23
European Research Area Committee: updated mandate....................................................................23
EU space policy.................................................................................................................................24
OTHER BUSINESS..........................................................................................................................26
Energy technologies and innovation..................................................................................................26
Innovation Policy Management - High Level Group recommendations...........................................26
Work programme of the upcoming Lithuanian Presidency...............................................................27
1 • 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 29 -30 V2013
OTHER ITEMS APPROVED
FOREIGN AFFAIRS
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-Belarus - restrictive measures................................................................................................................................28
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-Chairmanship of the UN peacebuilding commission............................................................................................28
JUSTICE AND HOME AFFAIRS
Migration from SIS 1 + to SIS II...........................................................................................................................28
COMPETITIVESS
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-Impact assessment within the Council...................................................................................................................29
ERGY
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-Ecodesign requirements - space and water heaters................................................................................................29
VIRONMT
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-Montreal Protocol on substances that deplete the ozone layer - negotiating directives.........................................30
EMPIOYMT
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-EU guidelines for the G20 Labour and Employment Ministers meeting...............................................................30
FISHERIES
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-Partnership agreement between EU and Cote d'lvoire - Renewal of the protocol.................................................30
TRADE POIICY
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-Anti-dumping measures - bicycles - tungsten electrodes - China and other countries..........................................31
TRANSPARCY
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-Annual report on public access to documents.......................................................................................................31
APPOINTMTS
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-Committee of the Regions.....................................................................................................................................32
PROVISIONAL VERSION
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PARTICIPANTS
Belgium:
Mr Johan VANDE LANOTTE Ms Céline FREMAULT Mr Philippe COURARD
Bulgaria:
Ms Petia VASSILEVA
Czech Republic:
Mr Petr FIALA
Mr Milan HOVORKA
Mr Jakub DÜRR
Denmark:
Ms Annette VILHEMS Mr Morten 0STERGAARD Mr Jonas BERING LIISBERG
Germany:
MrPhilippRÖSLER
Mr Georg SCHÜTTE Mr Stefan KAPFERER
Estonia:
Mr Juhan PARTS Mr JaakAAVIKSOO
Ireland:
Mr Richard BRUTON Mr Sean SHERLOCK
Mr John PERRY
Greece:
Mr Panagiotis MITARACHI
Mr Vasilis MAGLARIS Spain:
Mr José Manuel SORIA Ms Carmen VELA OLMO Mr Luis VALERO
France:
Mr Arnaud MONTEBOURG Ms Geneviève FIORASO Mr Thierry REPTTN Mr Alexis DUTERTRE
Italy:
Mr Enzo MOAVERO MILANESI
Mr Flavio ZANONATO
Ms Maria Chiara CARROZZA
Cyprus:
Ms Maria HADJITHEODOSIOU
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for the Economy, Consumers and the North Sea
Minister responsible for Employment, Economic Affairs, Foreign Trade, and Scientific Research State Secretary for Social Affairs, Families, the Disabled and Scientific Policy with responsibility for Occupational Hazards, attached to the Minister for Social Affairs and Public Health Vice-President and Minister for Economic Affairs, SMEs, Foreign Trade and New Technologies
Deputy Permanent Representative
Minister for Education, Youth and Sports Deputy Minister for Industry and Trade Deputy Permanent Representative
Minister for Business Affairs and Growth
Minister for Science, Innovation and Higher Education
Deputy Permanent Representative
Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Technology and Vice Chancellor
State Secretary, Federal Ministry of Education and Research
State Secretary, Federal Ministry of Economics and Technology
Minister for Economic Affairs and Communications Minister for Education and Science
Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation Minister of State with responsibility for Research and Innovation (Departments of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation and Education and Skills) Minister of State with responsibility for Small Business (Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation)
State Secretary for Development, Competitiveness, Infrastructure, Transport and Networks Secretary General of Research and Technology
Minister for Industry, Energy and Tourism
State Secretary for Research, Development and Innovation
Secretary General of Industry for Small and Medium
Enterprises
Minister for Economic Regeneration Minister for Higher Education and Research Minister with responsibility for European Affairs Deputy Permanent Representative
Minister responsible for European Affairs
Minister for Economic Development
Minister for Education, Universities and Research
Acting Deputy Permanent Representative
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Latvia:
Mr Vjaceslavs DOMBROVSKIS
Mr Juris PÜCE
Mr Juris STALMEISTARS
Lithuania:
Ms Biruté VÉSAITÉ, Mr Dainius PAVALKIS Mr Sarflnas BIRUTIS
Luxembourg:
Mr Etienne SCHNEIDER Ms Marline HANS
Hungary:
Mr Zoltón CSÉFALVAY Ms Katalin KISZELY
Malta:
Mr Christian CARDONA Mr Stefan BUONTEMPO
Mr Patrick MTFSUD
Netherlands:
Mr Sander DEKKER Mr Wepke KINGMA
Austria:
Mr Karlheinz TÖCHTERLE Mr Harald GÜNTHER
Poland:
Mr Jerzy Witold PIETREWIC Mr Jacek GULINSKI
MrAndrzej DYCHA
Portugal:
Mr Nuno CRATO
Mr Franquelim ALVES
Romania:
Mr Varujan VOSGANIAN MrMihnea COSTOIU
Mr Tudor PRISECARU Slovenia:
Mme Renata ZATLER MrUrosROZIC
Mr Uros VAJGL Slovakia:
Mr Alexander MICOVCIN Finland:
Mr Lauri IHALAIN Ms Marja RISLAKKI
Sweden:
Mr Jan BJÖRKLUND Ms Annie LÖÖF Mr Gunnar OOM
United Kingdom:
Mr Stephen GRE
Ms Shan MORGAN
Minister for Education and Science Secretary of State, Ministry of the Economy Deputy Permanent Representative
Minister of Economy
Minister of Education and Science
Minister for Culture
Minister for Economic Affairs and Foreign Trade Minister for Higher Education and Research
State Secretary, Ministry of the National Economy Deputy State Secretary, Ministry of Public Administration and Justice
Minister for the Economy, Investment and Small Business Parliamentary Secretary for Research, Innovation, Youth and Sport within the Ministry for Education and Employment
Deputy Permanent Representative
State Secretary for Education, Culture and Science Deputy Permanent Representative
Federal Minister for Science and Research Deputy Permanent Representative
State Secretary, Ministry of the Economy
Deputy State Secretary, Ministry of Science and Higher
Education
Deputy State Secretary, Ministry of the Economy
Minister for Education and Science
Secretary of State of Entrepreneurship, Competitiveness
and Innovation
Minister of Economy
Minister delegate for higher education, scientific research
and technological development
State Secretary, Ministry of National Education
State Secretary at the Ministry of the Interior
State Secretary, Ministry of Economic Development and
Technology
Deputy Permanent Representative Deputy Permanent Representative Minister for Labour
State Secretary, Minstry of Employment and the Economy
Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Education
Minister for Enterprise
State Secretary to the Minister for Trade
Minister of State for Trade and Investment (jointly with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office) Deputy Permanent Representative
PROVISIONAL VERSION
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Commission:
Mr Joaquin ALMUNIA
Ms Neelie KROES
Mr Antonio TAJANI
Mr Michel BARNIER
Ms Androulla VASSILIOU
Ms Maire GEOGHEGAN-QUINTSf
Ms Connie HEDEGAARD
Mr Tonio BORG
Vice-President
Vice-President
Vice-President
Member
Member
Member
Member
Member
The Government of the Acceding State was represented as follows:
CROATIA
Ms Irena ANDRASSY
Deputy Permanent Representative
PROVISIONAL VERSION
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ITEMS DEBATED
Modernisation of copyright laws
The Council held a public debate on several aspects contained in the EU's strategy to modernise copyright laws (). In particular, the debate focused on three key elements of the strategy: the copyright framework across the digital single market, the different national policies on private copying levies, and the collective management of copyright and multi-territorial licensing of online music
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-The copyright framework in the digital single market
Ministers assessed the progress made on the steps for establishing a modern copyright framework for the content of the digital single market that were put forward by the Commission in its communication of December 2012 (). The review of the copyright environment in Europe is deemed essential in order to achieve a well-functioning digital single market. It involves facilitating the creation of digital business models, providing with appropriate protection to creators and producers and ensuring certainty to commercial users and online consumers
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-Private copying levies
Following a presentation by António Vitorino, former European commissioner for justice and home affairs, on a report on private copying and reprography levies1, ministers elaborated on three aspects related to: recent developments in the field of private copying and reprography in individual member states; the definition of the private copying exception and possible measures aimed at reducing the fragmentation of the internal market in this field ().
The report recommends two main streams of action: first, to foster increased reliance on licences and contractual arrangements as the best way to ensure that right holders are properly remunerated for their creative efforts and investments. Second, to consider measures aimed at reconciling disparate national levy systems within the single market
The Commission indicated that the views expressed by delegations will feed into the ongoing reflections to improve the private copying levies in Europe and to adapt it to the digital age
http://ec.europa.eu/internal_market/copyright/docs/levy_reform/130131_levies-vitorino-recommendations en.pdf
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-Draft directive on collective management of copyright and multi-territorial licensing of rights in musical works for online uses
The Council took note of a progress report as well as of an oral update by the Presidency ().
This draft directive is currently under examination by national experts within the Council
It pursues two complementary objectives: firstly, it aims to put in place an appropriate legal framework for the collective management of authors' rights by providing for rules ensuring improved governance and greater transparency of all collecting societies; secondly, it aims to facilitate the multi-territorial and multi-repertoire licensing by collecting societies of the rights of authors in their musical works for online uses within the internal market
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Audit reform
Following a presentation by the Irish Presidency of a progress report, ministers expressed views on outstanding issues of the ongoing reform aimed at improving audit rules in the EU. The outcome of the debate provides political guidance for taking the reform forward
The reform is being carried out on the basis of two Commission proposals covering on the one hand a revision of the Audit Directive ("Eighth Company Law Directive") () and on the other a regulation on specific requirements regarding statutory audit of public-interest entities ().
The financial crisis highlighted weaknesses in the statutory audit especially with regard to public-interest entities, which are of significant public interest because of their business, their size, their number of employees or their corporate status
The reform is intended to improve quality and independence of audits, to increase transparency and reinforce investors' confidence. It also seeks to reduce the current market concentration and lack of choice within the audit market
During the public deliberation, the Presidency invited ministers to express their views on the Presidency compromises as regards three main issues :
1. Mandatory rotation of auditors and audit firms ofpublic interest entities
The Commission in the draft regulation proposed provisions requiring the mandatory rotation of auditors and audit firms after a maximum period of 6 years which could, under certain exceptional circumstances, be extended to 8 years. It was also proposed that where a public-interest entity has appointed two or more statutory auditors or audit firms (joint audit), the maximum duration of the engagements will be 9 years and that on an exceptional basis, such duration may be extended to 12 years
Having regard to the need to ensure the high quality of audit, including independence and objectivity of auditors in particular of public interest entities, as a compromise the Presidency suggested to set a maximum period of engagement of 7 years (8 years for joint audit), renewable, subject to the satisfaction of certain criteria, for a maximum of 7 further years (8 years for joint audit). In addition, the Presidency compromise foresees that, on an exceptional basis, the Public Interest Entity may request the competent authority to grant another extension to re-appoint the statutory auditor or audit firm for a maximum of 2 further years (3 years for joint audit)
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The majority of Ministers could support the general principle of a mandatory rotation accompanied with a number of applicable conditions
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2.Restriction on the provision of relatedfinancial audit services and prohibition of non-audit services
In order to address the need to reinforce independence, the Commission proposed to limit the services that statutory auditors and audit firms of public interest entities are allowed to carry out emphasising that the auditor should focus on audit. To this end, it proposed to differentiate certain categories of services
It proposed to limit the provision of related financial audit services to no more than 10 % of the fees paid by the audited entity for the statutory audit
In order to o facilitate a compromise, the Presidency proposed to increase this threshold to no more than 70 % of the fees paid in any three year period. In addition, services related to audit work imposed by Union legislation would not be counted against this threshold
Under the Presidency proposal, this limitation is applicable to all services that do not feature on the list of prohibited services ("black list") which it proposes
The concept and content of a list of prohibited services ("black list") only, with auditors permitted to provide all other services that do not feature on this list was developed by the Presidency in response to a request from delegations for a simpler system of permitted/ prohibited services. It was also designed to meet the objectives of reinforcing the independence of auditors and the avoidance of conflict of interest, on which there were divergent views as to how this could be achieved and on the specific services that should be prohibited
A large number of Ministers could agree with the establishment of a black list. However, a number of them were not in favour of the cap of 70%
3. Cooperation of national audit oversight bodies
The Commission proposal envisages that EU-wide cooperation on auditor oversight between the national competent authorities takes place within the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA). The proposed committee would assume functions previously undertaken by the European Group of Auditors' Oversight Bodies (EGAOB), an expert group chaired by the Commission
PROVISIONAL VERSION
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The Presidency compromise proposal attempts to address concerns expressed by several delegations as regards the Commission proposal, by providing the creation of a Committee of European Auditing Oversight Bodies (CEAOB) within ESMA, composed of the members of EGAOB and having decision making powers
A number of delegations proposed an alternative to ESMA, namely the strengthening of existing co-operation provided under the EGAOB, by means of the establishment of a body to be known as the "European Board of Auditors' Oversight Bodies" (EBAOB)
Many delegations were favourable for the establishment of the European Board of Auditors' Oversight Bodies, although some support was also expressed for the cooperation to take place within ESMA
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PROVISIONAL VERSION
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Single Market Act
The Council took note of the progress made concerning pending legislation included in the Single Market Act packages, which are made up of priority measures aimed at the completion of the single market by increasing confidence and stimulating growth and jobs creation
The Irish presidency presented an overview of the state of play regarding the measures of both the Single Market Act I and II packages ().
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
The Single Market Ipackage includes actions such as the modernization of the public procurement and the review of the professional qualifications directive
In April 2011, the Commission presented its communication "Single Market Act - Twelve levers to boost growth and strengthen confidence" (), which contains the identified actions to address the objective of re-launching the single market
The Single Market Act II package is the second wave of priority proposals presented by the Commission in October 20121 in order to supplement the first set of measures of the Single Market Act I. It includes the modernisation of EU insolvency rules, the deployment of high-speed broadband and the review of the product safety directive
The Council looks forward to rapidly examining them, in close co-operation with the European Parliament and the Commission, in order to allow their adoption by the end of the current parliamentary cycle at the latest so as to bring new impetus to the internal market
The Council adopted conclusions on the Single Market II last December (). In the conclusions, the Council highlights the necessity for the single market to rest upon a strong economic and social basis
All these instruments of growth, competitiveness and social progress will contribute to reducing barriers and to improving efficiency on the single market for businesses, citizens, consumers and workers
EU heads of state and government are closely monitoring the process in the wider context of the European Growth Agenda
http://ec.europa.eu/internal_market/smact/docs/single-market-act2_en.pdf
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Smart regulation
The Council adopted conclusions on smart regulation, as a follow up to the communication on "EU regulatory fitness" and the communication "Smart regulation: responding to the needs of SMEs"
The conclusions () urge the implementation, by all actors involved, of measures contained in the communications leading to tangible reductions in the overall burden of regulation for businesses, especially small ones, as well as simplification for end-users
Among other things, the conclusions also call for drawing practical lessons from the online survey on the top ten EU most burdensome legislative acts for SMEs carried out by the Commission1
At the last spring summit, EU heads of state or government called for action to reduce the overall burden of regulation at EU and national levels, whilst preserving the proper protection of consumers and employees. They instructed the member states and the Commission to take the work forward on smart regulation in the light of the Commission's communications, with a specific emphasis on the needs of SMEs
l
http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/policies/sme/public-consultation-new/index en.htm
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Modernisation of state aid policy
During a public session, the Council reached a political agreement on an update of two main regulations governing the EU's state aid rules: the "procedural regulation" and the "enabling regulation"
These are a part of the broader reform initiated after the presentation of the Commission communication on the EU state aid modernisation (). The communication puts the single market at the centre of the reform and calls for more effective and efficient use of public finances to better sustain research and innovation, sustainable development, cohesion and other growth-oriented policies. It foresees the completion of the reform by the end of 2013
The "procedural regulation1" sets out the rules concerning state aid investigations
The update of the procedural regulation with regards to complaint-handling and market information tools seeks to better focus the Commission actions on cases with a significant impact on competition and trade in the internal market
The "enabling regulation " enables the Commission to adopt so-called "block exemption regulations for state aid". Under these regulations, the Commission can declare specific categories of state aid compatible with the EU treaty if they fulfill certain conditions, thus exempting them from the requirement of prior notification and approval
The changes to the enabling regulation will allow the Commission to apply a simplified control to certain categories of aid without weakening efficient supervision and monitoring. The enabling regulation will cover new types of aid such as the aid granted to culture or the aid to repair the damage caused by natural disasters
At its meeting of 10 December 2012, ministers agreed on the need to modernise state aid policy by setting objectives that support growth, employment and EU competitiveness, while contributing to member states' efforts towards more efficient use of public finances. They stressed that state aid should be designed to sustain and improve the competitiveness of European industry, taking into account the economic crisis and the worldwide context
1 regulation
2 regulation
PROVISIONAL VERSION
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Monitoring of the industrial policy
At a public session, ministers assessed the situation of the European industry. They were also informed by the Commission on the follow-up to initiatives carried out in support of certain industrial sectors that are facing particular difficulties as a result of the economic crisis
Last December, the Council adopted conclusions on an update to industrial policy and its contribution to growth and economic recovery ().
The conclusions laid emphasis on four pillars: stimulating investment in innovative and new technologies; allowing EU companies to derive maximum benefit from the internal market and international markets; improving access to finance; and increasing investment in people and skills
To this regard, the Council underlined the importance of speeding up actions in strategic sectors with strong potential for underpinning competitiveness and job creation
The conclusions were based on the Commission communication () updating the flagship initiative on industrial policy and the ensuing ministerial discussions. The strategy of the Europe 2020 industrial policy flagship aims at strengthening Europe's industrial competitiveness and facilitating the transition to a low-carbon and resource efficient economy
Furthermore, the Council took note of information regarding the following issues:
- Modernisation of trade defence instruments
At the request of the French delegation, the Commission made a presentation on the Trade Defence Modernisation package submitted to the Council and the European Parliament on 10 April
The package involves amendments to regulation ("the basic anti-dumping regulation") and regulation ("the basic anti-subsidy regulation"). These regulations have not been substantially revised since the completion of the Uruguay Round in 1995
The initiative to modernise the EU's trade defence instruments was launched following a public consultation and an impact assessment carried out during 2012. Draft guidelines on four topics of trade defence investigations (i.e. Union interest, injury margin, analogue country and expiry reviews) are currently open in a new public consultation until 31 July 2013
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- Programme for the Competitiveness of Enterprises and Small and Medium-sized Enterprises ("COSME")
The Presidency informed about the state of play of the ongoing negotiations with the European Parliament for the establishment of the COSME programme
This programme, which will run from 2014 to 2020, is designed to address the market failures that SMEs are facing, notably regarding the access to finance through the use of dedicated financial instruments. The original proposal foresees a budget of 2 billion euros for the whole period. However, its final budget will depend on the outcome of the negotiations on the EU's multi-annual financial perspectives
Discussions with the European Parliament started last January in view of reaching a first-reading agreement
- Access to finance and internationalisation of SMEs: outcome of the informal Council in Dublin
The Presidency brought the Council's attention on the results of the informal Competitiveness Council that took place in Dublin, Ireland, on 2 and 3 May
The issues discussed included: access to finance and the use of venture capital for trading global companies; internationalisation of SMEs and opportunities for EU enterprises in global markets, and cities and regions as drivers of entrepreneurship and innovation
- Car industry: review of rules on C02 emissions from cars
The Spanish delegation, supported by the Czech and Slovak delegations, drew the attention of the Council on the competitiveness of the automotive industry in relation to the ongoing review of two regulations on C02 emissions from passenger and from light commercial vehicles, which impose mandatory emission reduction targets for new vehicles of these categories ().
- Shipbuilding industry: new initiative "LeaderSHIP 2020 "
The Commission informed on the situation of the European shipbuilding industry and reported on the "LeaderSHIP 2020" initiative ().
Building on the LeaderSHIP 2015 programme and taking into account the main challenges and opportunities that occurred following the economic crisis, the new initiative seeks to consolidate a new strategy for the further development of a competitive EU shipbuilding industry which contributes to sustainable, secure and safe sea-borne transport and advances into marine resource use and energy generation
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- Tobacco industry
The Czech and Polish delegations drew the attention of the Council to the competitiveness aspects and potential consequences for economic operators () of a draft directive on the manufacture, presentation and sale of tobacco and related products ().
A number of delegations took the floor and recalled the need of achieving the right balance between the different aspects of the proposal
The subject is planned for discussion by ministers for health on 21 June
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Horizon 2020: the framework programme for research and innovation (2014-2020)
Ministers took note of the state of play on negotiations with the European Parliament concerning the different parts of the Horizon 2020 programme, following the presentation of a report by the Presidency (). They also discussed some of the key political issues with a view to paving the way for an early agreement with the European Parliament
These issues have been classified by the Presidency in 3 categories:
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-issues related to the Horizon 2020 architecture, which include topics such as spreading excellence in science and research and widening participation of low performing regions;
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-new possible action lines and ways for improving the participation of small businesses in the programme, and
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-simplification and effectiveness, in particular of the future funding model for research projects
At the end of the session, the Presidency summarised the outcome of the debate indicating that:
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-Ministers agreed with the Presidency's view that the negotiations with the Parliament on the overall package should be completed before the end of June
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-There is a strong consensus that simplification is critical to ensuring that Horizon 2020 delivers on its potential to be a real driver for growth in Europe and that the funding model agreed by the Council last October is the key means to ensure simplification and should be the cornerstone of the package to be agreed with the Parliament
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-In order to achieve this Ministers are willing to be flexible on a number of issues such as widening participation, science for society, experimentation on a fast-track to innovation approach and budgetary targets or indication for energy, an SME instrument and possibly other elements
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-The Presidency will take on board these orientations in further work on finalising the texts of Horizon 2020
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Horizon 2020 will replace the EU's 7th research framework programme (FP7), which runs until the end of 2013. The new framework for research is expected to eliminate fragmentation in this field and to ensure more coherence. Horizon 2020 builds upon the current FP7 concept, the Competitiveness and Innovation Programme and the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT)
As compared to 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
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EU international cooperation in research and innovation
By means of conclusions, the Council endorsed a new EU strategy for enhancing international cooperation in research and innovation ().
The new strategy, which was presented by the Commission during the Council meeting of 11 December 2012, focus on: 1) Strengthening the Union's excellence and attractiveness in research and innovation as well as its economic and industrial competitiveness; 2) Tackling global societal challenges; and 3) Supporting the Union's external policies ().
The conclusions call on for its implementation by, inter alia, developing strategic roadmaps for cooperation with third countries and regions and associating those roadmaps with the implementation of the Horizon 2020 research framework programme
The EU's framework programmes for research have already played an important role in supporting research and innovation cooperation between the EU and its member states and countries outside the Union. However, as the mid-term review of the 7th research framework programme pointed out, Europe's efforts in the field of international cooperation need to be intensified and more strategically focused
For this reason, many delegations underlined the need to apply a more strategic vision for the future development of international partnerships under the next framework programme Horizon 2020
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Joint programming of research projects
The Council held a policy debate on joint programming activities carried out in the field of research
Joint programming is a process designed to ensure the optimisation of research efforts. It aims to reinforce cross-border cooperation and the coordination and alignment of national publicly funded research programmes. It is a part of the new European Research Area (ERA) landscape
The debate was structure by means of a discussion note and a questionnaire put forward by the Presidency ():
Many delegations highlighted the need to move forward from planning to implementation
Ministers agreed that a successful implementation of joint programming requires a new mind-set at national level, involving, for example, greater alignment of national programmes, earmarking of funds or acceptance of jointly agreed standards and procedures
Joint programming should also ensure the achievement of a maximum societal impact
Since 2009, 10 joint programming initiatives have been launched in order to address specific societal challenges facing Europe such as neurodegenerative diseases, climate change, urban development, etc
The Presidency organized a conference on Joint Programming in Dublin on 28 February and 1 March, gathering national policy makers, programme managers and institutional representatives to discuss the achievements so far and the steps for the future. A copy of the final report of conference was delivered to the Council1
Last December, the Council adopted conclusions on the ERA and the key elements that should lead to its successful achievement, thereby creating a single market for knowledge and improving the mobility of researchers and the attractiveness of Europe for foreign researchers
The European Council called for the completion of the ERA by 2014
l
http://ipic2013.conference-websites.co.uk/files//DublinReport final.pdf
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High performance computing
The Council adopted conclusions related to the Commission communication entitled '"High Performance Computing: Europe's place in a Global Race" ().
In its conclusions of 17 May 2010 () on various issues related to the development of the ERA, the Council asked for further development of computing infrastructures, such as PRACE l;
In 2009, the Council invited the member states to have more coordinated investments in HPC and invited the Commission to propose financial incentives for jointly developing and sharing research infrastructures in computing, to pool their investments in HPC under PRACE, and to strengthen the position of European industry and academia in the use, development and manufacturing of advanced computing products, services and technologies
European Research Area Committee: updated mandate
The Council updated the mandate of the European Research Area Committee by means of a resolution
This committee is a policy advisory body whose mission is to provide strategic input to the Council, the Commission and the member states on any research and innovation issue relevant to the development of the ERA2
The Council will entrust the committee with the implementation of the recommendations included in the committee's report of 18 April 2013 (ERAC ).
The Committee will also change its name to European Research Area and Innovation Committee in order to reflect the growing importance of research-related innovation
PRACE (Partnership for Advanced Computing in Europe) is a project to create a pan-European research infrastructure for high performance computing: http://www.prace-ri.eu/
http://www.consilium.europa.eu/policies/era/erac?lang=en
PROVISIONAL VERSION
29.-30.V.2013
EU space policy
The Council adopted conclusions on space industrial policy ().
The conclusions welcome the communication from the Commission entitled "EU Space Industrial Policy: releasing the potential for economic growth in the space sector" (), released on 28 February, as an useful basis for upcoming discussions
They acknowledge the success of the European space industry in the global commercial market and the achievements of the European Space Agency (ESA1) and the EU member states in the development of a strong space sector. However, they also highlight a number of challenges which need to be addressed in the context of the development of a world-class, globally competitive European space industry
The Commission communication indicates five objectives upon which the EU space industrial policy should be centred:
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-establish a coherent and stable regulatory framework;
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-further develop a competitive, solid, efficient and balanced industrial base in Europe and support SME participation;
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-support the global competitiveness of the EU space industry by encouraging the sector to become more cost-efficient along the value chain;
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-develop markets for space applications and services, and
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-ensure technological non-dependence and an independent access to space
In addition to the adoption of the conclusions, the Council took note of information on three key components of the EU's space policy for the coming years:
- "Copernicus" programme (predecessor of European Earth Observation programme "GMES")
The Commission presented a proposal for the funding and operation of the European Earth Monitoring Programme "Copernicus" for the period 2014-2020 ().
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PROVISIONAL VERSION
29.-30.V.2013
Copernicus is the new name of the GMES (Global Monitoring for Environment and Security) programme
Copernicus aims at providing Europe with a continuous, independent and reliable access to observation data and information. It is structured in six Services: Marine, Atmosphere, Land and Climate change monitoring as well as support to Emergency and Security
- Space surveillance and tracking programme
The Council took note of a report on the progress made concerning a draft decision aimed at establishing a surveillance and tracking support programme for the space ().
Last February, the Commission transmitted to the Council and the European Parliament the proposal setting out an organisational framework for the setting up and operation of a European space surveillance and tracking service ( + ADD1).
Space infrastructures are increasingly threatened by collision risks due to the growing population of satellites or the increasing amount of space debris
In order to mitigate the risk of collision it is necessary to identify and monitor satellites and space debris, catalogue their positions, and track their movements when a potential risk of collision has been identified so that satellite operators can be alerted to move their satellites. This activity is known as space surveillance and tracking (SST)
As operational SST services at European level do not exist, European satellite operators rely today to a large extent on US SST information. The need for a proper SST capability to improve the provision of SST information at European level has been highlighted by the Council
- Relations between the EU and the European Space Agency (ESA)
The Council took note of information by the Commission on the status of reflections on the evolutions of the EU-ESA relations (), as a follow up to the Council conclusions on 'Establishing appropriate relations between the EU and the ESA" adopted last February ().
PROVISIONAL VERSION
29.-30.V.2013
OTHER BUSINESS
Energy technologies and innovation
The Council took note of information on the key issues addressed in the communication on Energy Technologies and Innovation that were on the agenda of the Strategic Energy Technology plan (SET plan) conference that took place on 6 and 7 May in Dublin, namely the development and market roll-out of energy technologies in Europe
On 2 May 2013, the Commission published a communication setting out a strategy to enable the EU to have a world-class technology and innovation sector in energy fit for coping with the challenges up to 2020 and beyond
A ministerial discussion on the Commission communication is planned at the Energy Council meeting on 7 June
Innovation Policy Management - High Level Group recommendations
The Polish delegation informed the ministers on the work of the High Level Group on Innovation Policy Management ().
The High Level Group, which was established in December 2011, has formulated a set of recommendations on ways to develop and manage a more comprehensive innovation policy in the EU
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PROVISIONAL VERSION
29.-30.V.2013
Work programme of the upcoming Lithuanian Presidency
The Lithuanian delegation informed ministers about the Lithuanian Presidency's work programme on competitiveness for the second half of 2013
The work programme for competitiveness is in line with the 18-month programme jointly prepared by the three upcoming EU presidencies ().
In the field of internal market and industry, the top priorities of the Lithuanian presidency will include the progress and finalisation of pending legislative initiatives contained in the Single Market Act I and II packages
In the field of research, the Lithuanian Presidency will take forward the various files leading to the achievement of the European Research Area, including the "Horizon 2020" programme for research and innovation
It will also take the work forward concerning files in the field of the space policy
PROVISIONAL VERSION
29.-30.V.2013
OTHER ITEMS APPROVED FOREIGN AFFAIRS Belarus - restrictive measures
The Council amended EU restrictive measures against Belarus, considering that there were no longer grounds for keeping one person and two entities on the list of those subject to restrictive measures. This decision does not reflect any change in the EU's policy towards Belarus as most recently set out in the Council conclusions of 15 October 2012.
Chairmanship of the UN peacebuilding commission
The Council decided that the EU should make itself available for the chairmanship of the Central African Republic configuration of the UN peacebuilding commission
JUSTICE AND HOME AFFAIRS
Migration from SIS 1 + to SIS II
The Council took note of:
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-the arrangements between the member states and Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway for the maintenance and financing of VISION {the Schengen Consultation Network) during a transitional period;
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-the Service Level Agreement on the temporary modalities of cooperation, including budget estimations, between the member states and Iceland, Lichtenstein and Norway using VISION on the one hand and EU-LIS A (European Agency for the operational management of large-scale IT systems in the area of freedom, security and justice), on the other, and the mandate given to the Presidency to sign the agreement on behalf of the States concerned
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PROVISIONAL VERSION
29.-30.V.2013
COMPETITIVESS
Impact assessment within the Council
The Council took note of a report on impact assessment within the Council
The report follows from the 2011 Council conclusions on the subject ( and ). The recall, among other things, the commitment to prepare, where appropriate, impact assessments on substantive amendments during the legislative process, as a means to contribute to improve the quality of legislation in the context of the smart regulation agenda
ERGY
Ecodesign requirements - space and water heaters
The Council decided not to oppose the adoption of two Commission regulations:
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-implementing directive /EC with regard to ecodesign requirements for space heaters and combination heaters (): and
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-implementing directive /EC with regard to ecodesign requirements for water heaters and hot water storage tanks ().Under directive /EC ecodesign requirements should be set by the Commission for energy-related products representing significant volumes of sales and trade, having a significant environmental impact and presenting significant potential for improvement through design in terms of their environmental impact, without entailing excessive costs
The Commission regulations are subject to the so called regulatory procedure with scrutiny. This means that now that the Council has given its consent, the Commission may adopt them, unless the European Parliament objects
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PROVISIONAL VERSION
29.-30.V.2013
VIRONMT
Montreal Protocol on substances that deplete the ozone layer - negotiating directives
The Council authorised the Commission to negotiate, on behalf of the European Union, amendments and adjustments to the Montreal Protocol on substances that deplete the ozone layer (OJL297. 31.10.1988. p. 21.).
The negotiations will take place at the twenty-fifth meeting of the parties to the Protocol and at the twenty-sixth meeting of the parties to the Protocol/tenth Conference of the Parties to the Convention
EMPLOYMT
EU guidelines for the G20 Labour and Employment Ministers meeting
The Council endorsed the EU guidelines on the priorities for the EU and its member states at the G20 Labour and Employment ministers meeting which will take place on 18-19 July 2013 in Moscow
FISHERIES
Partnership agreement between EU and Cote d'lvoire - Renewal of the protocol
The Council adopted a decision on the signing on behalf of the EU, and the provisional application of the protocol setting out fishing opportunities and the financial contribution provided for in the fisheries partnership agreement (FPA) between the EU and the Republic of Cote d'lvoire ().
The partnership agreement in the fisheries sector between the EU and Cote d'lvoire was concluded in 2008. The main objective of the protocol to this FPA is to define the fishing opportunities offered to EU vessels as well as the financial contribution due, separately, for access rights and for sectoral support. Following the negotiations, a new protocol was initialled on 9 January 2013 with the previous protocol due to expire on 30 June 2013. In order to allow EU vessels to carry on fishing activities, the new protocol should be applied on a provisional basis as from 1 July 2013, pending the completion of the procedures for its formal conclusion
In addition to the signing of the provisional application of this new protocol, the Council adopted also a regulation concerning the allocation of fishing opportunities between member states under this protocol and the financial contribution of the EU ().
PROVISIONAL VERSION
29.-30.V.2013
TRADE POLICY
Anti-dumping measures - bicycles - tungsten electrodes - China and other countries
The Council amended regulation imposing a definitive anti-dumping duty on imports of bicycles originating in China following an interim review pursuant to regulation (). It also extended the anti-dumping duty imposed by regulation on bicycles from China to those consigned from Indonesia, Malaysia, Sri Lanka and Tunisia ().
The Council adopted a regulation imposing a definitive anti-dumping duty on imports of certain tungsten electrodes originating in China following an expiry review pursuant to regulation ().
TRANSPARCY
Annual report on public access to documents
The Council adopted its annual report on the implementation of regulation regarding public access to documents in 2012 ( + COR 1).
The report provides an overview of the Council's transparency policy and practice and gives information about the Council's public register of documents as well as statistics on public access to documents
The report indicates, inter alia, that
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•As of 31 December 2012, the Council's public document register listed 1.915.737 documents (all languages), of which 77,3 % were public documents, i.e. either available in a downloadable format or on request
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•Almost 40% of the total number of documents relating to draft legislative acts produced by the Council in 2012 were issued as public documents and were thus immediately accessible via the register
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•In 2012, 750.316 unique visitors logged on to the register, which represents an increase of approximately 35% as compared to the number of individual users of the public register in 2012
PROVISIONAL VERSION
29.-30.V.2013
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•The Council received 1.871 initial requests for access from the public concerning a total of
6.166 documents and gave access (either entirely or in part) to 78,8 % of the requested documents
In addition, the report highlights the key developments in the eleventh year of implementation of the regulation and reviews complaints submitted to the European Ombudsman, as well as rulings given by the Courts of the European Union in 2012 in the field of regulation
APPOINTMTS
Committee of the Regions
The Council appointed Mr Paolo di LAURA FRATTURA, Mr Nicola ZINGARETTI and Mr Guerino TESTA (Italy) as members of the Committee of the Regions for the remainder of the current term of office, which runs until 25 January 2015 ( and ).