Competitiveness Council, 27-28/09/2018, 27-28 September 2018

Main results

Internal market and industry, 27 September 

The Council held a public policy debate on strengthening the innovation capacity of EU industry, with emphasis on capturing the potential of digitalisation and Artificial Intelligence.

Capturing the full potential of digitization is crucial for the competitiveness of the EU economy. Our discussions today are a first step towards an EU action plan on artificial intelligence, which will help boost growth and jobs. Margaret Schramboeck, Austrian Federal Minister for Digital and Economic Affairs

Under the traditional "competitiveness check-up", the Council assessed the importance of regional convergence as a factor contributing to the overall increase of productivity growth and competitiveness.

• Competitiveness check-up (background information)
• Informal meeting of competitiveness ministers: artificial intelligence on the agenda (Austrian presidency)

Research and innovation, 28 September  

In the morning, ministers held a policy debate on the structure of the next EU framework programme for research and innovation, Horizon Europe, as well as on the Specific Programme implementing Horizon Europe. The new programme will cover the years 2021 to 2027.

Research and innovation are vital if we are to remain competitive at the global level. The next EU framework research programme has an important role to play in supporting national efforts to promote excellence and close the innovation gap within the EU. Heinz Faβmann, Austrian Federal Minister for Education, Science and Research

In the afternoon, ministers debated the legal status and the key elements of the strategic planning process for the Horizon Europe programme. The debate will provide political guidance to ongoing work in the Council's preparatory body.

• Horizon Europe (European Commission)
• Informal meeting of competitiveness ministers: start of negotiations on Horizon Europe (Austrian presidency)