Competitiveness Council, 29-30/11/2018, 29-30 November 2018

Main results

Internal market and industry, 29 November

The Council reached agreement on its position (general approach) on the platform-to-business regulation and the general safety of vehicles regulation. It also reached agreement on a partial general approach on the single market programme regulation. These agreements open the way for negotiations to begin with the European parliament. Ministers also adopted conclusions on the future EU industrial policy strategy.

Under the traditional 'competitiveness check-up' item, the Council discussed the future governance of the single market. During this debate the Commission presented its Communication on the future of the single market which it adopted on 22 November 2018.

Today we have reached agreement on a wide range of legislative initiatives. These will bring significant benefits, from safer roads to stronger economies. We also had an opportunity to exchange views about a future EU industrial policy strategy and the challenges of the single market in a rapidly changing world. Margarete Schramböck, Austrian Federal Minister for Digital and Economic Affairs

• EU industrial policy (background information)
• Single market for goods and services (background information)

Space, 30 November

The Council took note of a progress report by the presidency on a proposed EU space programme regulation and exchanged views on the main outstanding issues with a view to providing guidance on further work.

The EU's space policy is vital for our economies, security and research. Today's discussions have shown how much progress we have made since June in working towards the adoption of a new, ambitious EU space programme. Norbert Hofer, Austrian Minister for Transport, Innovation and Technology (including Space)

Research and innovation, 30 November

The Council adopted conclusions on the governance of the European Research Area.

It also reached a partial general approach on the proposed framework programme for research and innovation (Horizon Europe) and took note of a presidency progress report on the specific programme implementing Horizon Europe.

Today's partial agreement on Horizon Europe, achieved in less than six months after we received the Commission's proposal, shows our common will to make rapid progress on this important piece of legislation. It paves the way for a rapid adoption of the package as soon as talks on the multiannual financial framework have been concluded. Heinz Faβmann, Austrian Federal Minister for Education, Science and Research

• EU space programmes (background information)
• Horizon Europe (European Commission)