Competitiveness Council, 04-05/12/2014, 4-5 December 2014

Council discusses action to boost the single market 

At the meeting in Brussels on 4-5 December, EU competitiveness ministers agreed on what needs to be done to develop the single market and step up Europe's economic integration. 

Single market

During the policy debate on actions needed to further develop the single market, ministers focused on areas that are most likely to generate investment and growth. They include:

• completion of the energy, transport and digital single market
• effective implementation of the services directive
• cutting of red tape
• boosting of online trade
• creation of environment favourable for small and medium-sized businesses

Following the debate ministers adopted conclusions on smart regulation and customs risk management, which are both paramount to the better functioning of the single market.

In conclusions on smart regulation, EU ministers insisted on the need for European rules to be transparent, simple and conducive to growth. They were in favour of solutions that would help businesses and consumers avoid facing the costs of the 28 national markets. In a document on customs risk management, the ministers backed EU strategy intended to boost trade while tightening supply chain security.  

Package travel in Europe in 2011

• 23% of holidaymakers in Europe bought customised holidays
• 23% of them opted for traditional pre-arranged packages
• 35% of all travel sales were made online 

Package travel

The Council has agreed a position on the reform of the EU rules on package travel.   

'Package travel' refers to combinations of travel services which typically include transport, hotel and some other services, like car hire. The current rules on package travel date back to 1990 when the internet did not exist, airlines were not liberalised and the travel market mostly offered ready-made package holidays and tours.

The draft legislation seeks to extend the current protection for traditional travel packages put together by tour operators or travel agencies to include travel packages that are combined at the consumer's request. 

The agreement reached by the Council allows it to open negotiations with the European Parliament on the draft legislation.

Other items on the agenda

Safety standards

Ministers agreed on a position on the draft rules modernising safety requirements for personal protection equipment and devices using cables for transport, like cable cars and chairlifts. The objective is to tighten controls without creating a heavy burden or costs for industry.

The Council will now open negotiations on the draft rules with the European Parliament. 

Space policy

Ministers discussed the competitiveness of the European space sector and its role in boosting the European economy. The debate was followed by the adoption of conclusions in which the Council set out priorities for the European space policy and the means to achieve them. It also called for stronger space research and greater cooperation between the EU, the European Space Agency and the member states.    

European Research Area

The Council adopted conclusions on progress towards the European Research Area (ERA), which called on the European Commission to improve the monitoring mechanism in cooperation with EU countries. It also said that a fully-functioning ERA needs effective governance "with a more enhanced role of member states".