Competitiveness Council, 30/11-01/12/2015, 30 November - 1 December 2015

Main results

European Research Area 

The Council adopted conclusions on research integrity, on advancing gender equality in the European Research Area (ERA) and on the review of the ERA advisory structure.

• Council conclusions on research integrity
• Council conclusions on advancing gender equality in the European Research Area
• Council conclusions on the review of the European Research Area advisory structure

Research Integrity is acknowledged as being key to research excellence and socio-economic relevance. Marc Hansen, Secretary of State for Higher Education and Research of Luxembourg and the President of the Council

Ministers exchanged views on how to make the best possible use of the European Fund for Strategic Investments to stimulate research and innovation. 

The chair of the meeting Marc Hansen, Secretary of State for Higher Education and Research of Luxembourg, made the following statement: 

“The challenging work begun last summer has been accomplished today. Research Integrity is acknowledged as being key to research excellence and socio-economic relevance. Secondly, institutional and cultural change in the framework of the ERA is pivotal to promote gender equality in research. And thirdly, we have revised the advisory structure of the ERA to ensure better and a more efficient functioning.
All these are fundamental pillars to make a genuine and efficient internal market for knowledge circulation and innovation".

Competitiveness check-up 

The Council held the second edition of the "competitiveness check-up" at which ministers discussed the priorities and most pressing issues in the real economy. The debate focused on the competitiveness of EU businesses in the global markets, including in energy intensive sectors such as steel. 

As a part of the check-up, the Luxembourg Presidency presented a report on the implementation of competitiveness mainstreaming, which summarises progress achieved over the past six months in taking better account competitiveness in all policy areas.

• Presidency's report on mainstreaming competitiveness

We have shown that the Council is able to react quickly to crises, such as the downturn in the EU steel industry or the car emissions scandal. Etienne Schneider, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Economic Affairs of Luxembourg and the President of the Council

At the end of the meeting, Etienne Schneider, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Economic Affairs of Luxembourg, made the following comments: "The Luxembourg Presidency has worked hard to give substance to competitiveness mainstreaming. We have put in place innovative working methods to improve the functioning and increase the influence of the Competitiveness Council. We have shown that the Council is able to react quickly to crises, such as the downturn in the EU steel industry or the car emissions scandal."

New single market strategy 

The Council held a first exchange of views on the new strategy for the single market in goods and services.  The discussion focused on measures to help innovative SMEs expand their activities across the EU. There was wide support for the strategy and its objective of reducing barriers in the internal market. 

The Council also discussed  how to make use of the new better regulation agenda to improve the functioning of the single market and to create growth and jobs. There was a strong wish to ensure that legislation is less burdensome, more efficient and more focused. 

National competitiveness authorities 

The Council debated a Commission recommendation to create independent competitiveness authorities in each Member State in order to better monitor the implementation of structural reforms. A large number of delegations expressed concerns that these would create additional burdens and delays in decision-making. 

Car emissions

Finally, the Council received an update regarding the follow-up to the car emissions scandal and recent developments regarding the introduction of Real Emissions Driving testing procedures.

Live streaming, videos and photos

• Live streaming of public sessions and press events
• Videos and photos for the meeting, Competitiveness Council, 30 November-1 December 2015