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The Council adopted a partial general approach on the Annex to the Strategic Innovation Agenda (SIA) of the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT).
This agreement at the level of ministers is an important milestone allowing also for the start of interinstitutional exchange on the EIT package with the European Parliament.
Blaženka Divjak, Croatian Minister for Science and Education
The Annex to SIA sets out the priority fields and strategy of the EIT for the period 2021-2027. It defines the EIT's objectives, key actions, mode of operation, expected results and resources needed. It also ensures the necessary coherence of the EIT with Horizon Europe, the future EU framework programme for research and innovation for the period 2021-2027 and is expected to foster synergies with other EU programmes.
Strategic approach to international cooperation in research and innovation
On the basis of a presidency note, ministers exchanged views on the EU strategy regarding international cooperation in research and innovation.
In this context, ministers acknowledged the importance of international cooperation for maximising the potential of research and innovation within the EU. At the same time, several ministers stressed the need for cooperation agreements to meet the conditions of reciprocity, added value and respect of EU values. There was broad support for a differentiated approach, which rewards those countries wishing to collaborate in areas of mutual strategic interest.
Furthermore, ministers stressed the need for investing more in research and innovation in order to attract talented researchers from third countries but also to keep EU researchers within the EU.
Science knows of no frontiers. In order to continue to excel, our researchers need to be able to have access to international research facilities and collaborate with their counterparts in third countries. The EU remains open to mutually beneficial cooperation agreements in the field of research and innovation with our main world partners.
Blaženka Divjak, Croatian Minister for Science and Education
European Green Deal - transition to a climate-neutral and circular EU industry
On the basis of a presidency note, ministers exchanged views on the most appropriate policies needed to :
support the industry's contribution to the attainment of the climate neutrality objective in 2050,
reduce the risk of carbon leakage and
facilitate and accelerate the transition to a circular economy through digitalisation.
We need to ensure that the transition towards a climate-neutral EU industry takes place in a fair, inclusive and sustainable way. Turning challenges into opportunities will be our biggest task. Our discussions today prove that we are determined to preserve the competitiveness of our industry while achieving the climate goals set by the European Green Deal.
Mr Darko Horvat, Croatian Minister of the Economy, Entrepreneurship and Crafts
The European Green Deal was proposed by the Commission in December 2019 as the new EU growth strategy. It aims to transform the EU into a sustainable and climate-neutral economy by 2050. It puts forward a number of measures and policies aimed at rendering the transition just and inclusive, boosting the competitiveness of the EU economy, improving people's health and quality of life and protecting the environment. The European Council endorsed in December 2019 the objective of a climate-neutral EU by 2050.
Conclusions on better regulation "Ensuring competitiveness and sustainable, inclusive growth"
The Council adopted a set of conclusions in the context of its better regulation agenda. These conclusions touch upon the quality of impact assessments, the need for policymakers to take into account the particular interests of small and medium-size enterprises, starts-ups and micro enterprises, as well as to improve methods of checking whether existing EU laws remain fit-for-purpose. Better regulation plays an important role in achieving a competitive, sustainable and inclusive EU economy. It ensures evidence-based decision making and policies that are fit-for-purpose.
European Semester - Single Market Performance report
On the basis of a presidency note, the Council had an exchange of views on the findings of the Single Market Performance report drawn up by the Commission.
Ministers broadly agreed on the need for a holistic approach regarding the integration of the single market, while at the same time focusing on specific areas with untapped potential, such as services. Better implementation and enforcement of single market rules, as well as further standardisation, harmonisation and mutual recognition remain the main instruments for maximising the benefits of the single market.
The 2019 Single Market Performance Report assesses the economic performance of the EU's Single Market and highlights the areas in which member states need to undertake structural reforms in order to optimise this performance. It covers goods, services, energy, digitalisation, public procurement and integration of capital markets. It accompanies the Commission's Annual Sustainable Growth Strategy 2020, which sets policy priorities focused on competitive sustainability and mark the starting point of the 2020 European Semester.
The Commission shared with the Council its first assessment of the potential impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on EU industry. The Commission drew member states' attention to the importance of sharing all critical information and coordinating any measures taken at EU level.
c) Findings of the survey on barriers on the Single Market for Czech businesses and conclusions from international conference "The EU Single Market from the perspective of SMEs" (Prague, 16 January 2020)
- Information from the Czech delegation
The Czech delegation drew the Council's attention to the findings of the above mentioned survey and conference. The main purpose of the survey, conducted by the Czech ministry of industry and trade, was to analyse how Czech entrepreneurs cope with selected barriers to trade in the Single Market. On the other hand, the aim of the conference was to inform entrepreneurs about business opportunities in the Single Market.
The Lithuanian delegation reported to the Council the findings of a survey on the barriers that Lithuanian businesses are encountering in the Single Market while expanding their cross-border activities. The survey was launched by the Lithuanian government in November 2019 and was concluded on 31 December 2019. It was noted that a follow-up high level event will be held in Vilnius on 13 March 2020 to discuss these findings and explore possible solutions with business representatives.
This agreement at the level of ministers is an important milestone allowing also for the start of interinstitutional exchange on the EIT package with the European Parliament.
We need to ensure that the transition towards a climate-neutral EU industry takes place in a fair, inclusive and sustainable way. Turning challenges into opportunities will be our biggest task. Our discussions today prove that we are determined to preserve the competitiveness of our industry while achieving the climate goals set by the European Green Deal.
