-
.
- Ελληνικά
Brussels, 25 September 2023
The Director General of the Ministry of Energy, Trade and Industry, Mr Marios Panagidis, attended the EU Competitiveness Council meeting held today in Brussels.
During the meeting, the Council's General Approaches on the package of revision of the EU legislation on Industrial Designs and Models, as well as on the Proposal for a Regulation "Euro 7", concerning emissions and battery longevity of motor vehicles, were adopted. The role of competitiveness checks in the formulation of legislative proposals was also discussed, as well as the review of EU pharmaceutical legislation from an industrial and competitiveness perspective.
During the debate on the review of EU legislation on industrial designs, the "27" underlined that the new revised rules will modernise the current legislation and establish a more accessible, cost-effective and efficient system for businesses and in particular for SMEs. It was stressed that this would also help to support the digital and green transition of European industry. In his intervention, Mr Panagides welcomed the compromise texts and called for rapid adoption of the new rules. He noted that this would help to improve the conditions for innovation for businesses, especially SMEs, and thus strengthen competitiveness in the internal market.
In adopting the General Approach on the proposed "Euro 7" Regulation, it was stressed that it would help to ensure the proper functioning of the single market by introducing more appropriate, more efficient and more long-lasting rules on vehicle emissions, ensuring a high level of environmental and health protection. Mr Panagides supported the Presidency's compromise proposal. He noted that the adoption of the new rules should protect human health and the environment on the one hand and ensure the competitiveness of the automotive industry and affordable vehicle prices for all EU citizens on the other.
The "27" also exchanged views on the role of competitiveness checks in the light of the Commission's communications "Thirty Years of the Single Market" and "EU Long-Term Competitiveness". Particular reference was made to the need to reduce administrative burdens and to carry out competitiveness checks in particular for SMEs. Mr Panagides supported the long-term strategy for securing investment opportunities and job creation in the EU, recognising the particular importance of competitiveness checks. He also welcomed the "SME relief package" recently announced by the Commission.
In the context of the Council, Austria and Germany raised the issue of protecting EU industry and competitiveness in the context of the ongoing review of EU pharmaceutical legislation. Director General Panagides stressed that the priority in this discussion should remain equal and timely access to medicines for all EU patients.
Contents of this article including associated images are owned by PIO
Views & opinions expressed are those of the author and/or PIO
Source
