Competitiveness Council 29 and 30 November

Sam Gyimah Excerpts

Tuesday 27th November 2018 Written Statements

[The Minister for Universities, Science, Research and Innovation (Mr Sam Gyimah)]

The Internal Market and Industry Day of the Competitiveness Council will take place on 29 November 2018 where the right hon. Lord Henley, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, will represent the UK; and the Research and Space Day on 30 November 2018 where I will represent the UK.

Day one—internal market and industry

The Internal Market And Industry Day will consider a number of legislative items including general approaches on the proposed regulations on platform-to-business relations and the general safety of vehicles and a partial general approach on the proposed single market programme as part of the next multi-annual financial framework. The Council is expected to adopt conclusions on a future EU industrial policy strategy, and Ministers will have an exchange of views on the future of the single market.

Under any other business there will be an update on the proposed regulation on supplementary protection certificates for medicinal products; information from the presidency on the functioning of the EU on certain categories of horizontal aid, and on the REACH review in the light of industrial competitiveness; a report of the SME envoy network; and information from the Czech, Finnish, Danish and Irish delegations on a study entitled “Making EU Trade in Services Work for All—Enhancing Innovation and Competitiveness throughout the EU Economy”. The day will conclude with information from the incoming Romanian presidency on its proposed work programme.

Day two—research and space

The Research And Space Day will begin with a session on space during which the Council will review the progress report and exchange views on the regulation establishing the space programme of the Union.

The Council will then begin the research session with the adoption of conclusions on the Governance of the European research area.

The Council will then discuss the Horizon Europe package—framework programme for research and innovation 2021-27. The Council will seek to first agree on a partial general approach for the framework programme and its rules for participation and dissemination and secondly it will discuss the progress report for the specific programme implementing Horizon Europe.

Day two will conclude with any other business. The presidency will first provide information on the Evolution of Europe’s space activities: long-term perspective (Space conference) (Graz, 5-6 November 2018). The day will conclude with information from the incoming Romanian presidency on its proposed work programme.

[HCWS1115]