Press Release: Competitiveness (Internal Market, Industry, Research and Space) Council, Brussels, 27 September 2013

Amongst items discussed:

Ministers held a policy debate on the main actions in support of the European small and mediumsized enterprises (SMEs). They took stock of developments since the establishment of the Small Business Act, which set out actions to respond to challenges resulting from the economic crisis, and examined ways to further improve their growth capacities.

Ministers also exchanged views on the framework conditions for a competitive industry in Europe including competitive aspects of other EU policies such as energy, climate, research and trade policies. The outcome of the debate sets the basis to prepare Council conclusions to be adopted at the December Competitiveness Council. Moreover, the debate focused on some strategic industrial sectors, in particular, the defence industry, following the action plan proposed by the Commission in July ahead of the December European Council.

The recent action plan in support of the steel industry also received due consideration.

The Council held a policy debate on the state of the Innovation Union strategy and on the steps forward towards the completion of a common European Research Area.

In this context, the Council took note of a presentation on a new generation of public and private partnerships that will implement major elements of the Innovation Union and other relevant EU strategies to stimulate the creation of growth and jobs. These partnerships will allow to carry out large-scale and long-term innovation activities under the umbrella of "Horizon 2020", the EU's next research framework programme.

Five private-public partnerships are proposed to be set up or further developed as Joint Technology Initiatives in the fields of bio-based industries, aeronautics, electronics, fuel cells and hydrogen and innovative medicines.

Four public-public partnerships are proposed to be further developed on research programmes jointly undertaken by member states with the participation of the Union in the areas of active and assisted living, clinical trials in African countries, metrology and research-performing SMEs.

Without discussion, the Council adopted an update of the Union Customs Code.

ESO: Background Information: Memo: Competitiveness Council – 26-27 September 2013 http://www.europeansources.info/record/memo-competitiveness-council-26-27-september-2013/

---