Main results
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
Live streaming
28 May 2019
13:15 Press conference (space)
15:30 Public session
17:30 Press conference (research)
Estimated schedule
Agenda highlights
Space and research, 28 May
Ministers will have a policy debate on the EU’s role in global space policy. The Council will also adopt conclusions in the field of space.
In addition, ministers will be engaged in a public policy debate on the impact of research and innovation on EU competitiveness.
EU space policy (background information)
Horizon Europe: developing EU research and innovation (background information)
Meeting information
27 May: Internal market and industry.
28 May: Research and space.
Meeting n°3694
Brussels
27-28/05/2019
Preparatory documents
List of A items, non-legislative activities
Outcome documents
http://www.europa-nu.nl/id/vkyuo5hol8th/nieuws/competitiveness_council_27_28_05_2019?ctx=vjgtmkwna7mq&s0e=vhdubxdwqrzw
