Competitiveness Council, 27-28/05/2019, 27-28 May 2019

Main results

Space and research, 28 May

The Council discussed ways of strengthening EU's role as a global actor and promoting international cooperation in the field of space. Ministers called for more investment in space-related research and innovation. They stressed the importance of international cooperation and of space diplomacy for the EU space industry and agreed on the need for the EU to proactively engage on ongoing discussions on global space governance.

The Council also adopted conclusions on space as an enabler of a more competitive EU economy.

Space offers huge potential in terms of opportunities for enhancing our competitiveness, innovation and entrepreneurship. We need to pursue and strengthen our skills and capacity development efforts in order to be able to maintain our leadership role on a global level. Nicolae Hurduc, Romanian Minister for research and innovation

• Council conclusion on “Space as an enabler” (28/05/2019)
• EU space policy (background information)

In the margins of the Council, the Space Council held its ninth meeting. The Space Council is a forum aimed at coordinating space activities between the EU and the European Space Agency (ESA). The Presidents of the Competitiveness Council and of the ESA Council at ministerial level issued the following conclusions.

• Presidencies conclusions after 9th EU-ESA Space Council

The Council had a policy debate on how to enhance the positive impact of the EU's policy on research and innovation on the competitiveness of the EU economy. Ministers stressed the need for an adequate budget for "Horizon Europe", the next multiannual framework programme on research and innovation. They also called for a policy that ensures synergies between various EU funding programmes to maximise their effects. Finally, they highlighted the positive effects of an appropriate regulatory framework, including state aids, for innovation.

Today's discussions have enabled us to identify the key strategic choices which are needed to ensure that research and innovation remains a strong driving force for a more competitive EU economy. Nicolae Hurduc, Romanian Minister for research and innovation

Single market and industry, 27 May 

The Council held a public policy debate on the most important elements which need to be taken into account when designing the EU's comprehensive, long-term industrial policy strategy and an ambitious approach to a competitive single market and adopted conclusions on each of these topics.

Ministers broadly agreed on the need for a strong EU industrial base, capable of facing global competition and of seizing the opportunities and addressing the challenges linked to the digital transformation and to the transition towards a climate-neutral and circular economy. They reiterated the European Council's call on the Commission to present a comprehensive, long-term EU industrial policy strategy by the end of 2019, in close consultation with member states and stakeholders.

As regards the approach towards the single market, ministers stressed their willingness to remove unjustified barriers to cross-border trade within the EU, in particular in the services sector. They called for a future single market that is digital by default, future-proof and centered on businesses’ and citizens needs and cross-border experiences. They invited the Commission to present by March 2020 a long-term action plan for the better implementation and enforcement of single market rules.

The Council also adopted conclusions on how to boost the competitiveness of the EU's tourism sector as a driver for sustainable growth, jobs and social cohesion in the EU for the next decade. With these conclusions, the Council invites the Commission to undertake an in-depth analysis of recent developments and future trends having an effect on the tourism sector and to pursue the most relevant policy on tourism with a vision for 2030 in order to maintain EU's position as a world leader in this sector. It also invites member states to strengthen their cooperation and exchange of best practices and take the findings of the future Commission analysis into account when designing national tourism policies.

Under the traditional competitiveness checkup, ministers discussed the implications of market competition on competitiveness.

Today's discussions and conclusions provide the Commission with solid ground on which to build a long-term and ambitious EU industrial policy strategy and a long-term vision for a more efficient and competitive single market. These are crucial for the future global competitiveness of our economies and the prosperity of our businesses and citizens. Nicolae Hurduc, Romanian minister for research and innovation

• Single market for goods and services (background information)
• EU industrial policy (background information)
• European Council, 21-22/03/2019