The topics of the meeting were:

• implementation of the updated New Industrial Strategy for Europe - accelerating the "Fit for 55" ecological transformation from an industrial perspective,
• the forward-looking design of EU competitiveness policy and further promotion of the single market - joining forces for better regulation.

We must ensure public acceptance of the energy transition and preserve the competitiveness of Polish industry,

- said Deputy Minister of Development and Technology Marek Niedużak during the Council meeting.

Increasing the competitiveness of the economy and strengthening the single market are possible if, when creating regulations in the EU, we pay special attention to the situation and specificity of small and medium-sized enterprises

- emphasised Deputy Minister Niedużak.

Ecological transformation in industry

In July this year, the European Commission adopted the 'Fit for 55' package - a set of interrelated draft regulations aimed at implementing the new climate target adopted by the European Council in December 2020, i.e. reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 55 per cent from 1990 levels by 2030. (instead of the previous 40% target). Wednesday's COMPET Council meeting was the first debate by EU Economy Ministers on 'Fit for 55'.

Deputy Minister Niedużak stressed that in order to achieve this goal, it is necessary to ensure appropriate regulatory tools, a predictable legal framework, investment opportunities and monitoring of the impact of the 'Fit for 55' package on industrial ecosystems and their competitiveness.

To maintain public support for the transition, we need to make sure that the pursuit of this goal has a strongly positive balance of benefits and losses for both industry and consumers,

- M. Niedużak said.

He stressed that the "Fit for 55" package is a chance for the EU to become a leader in innovative technologies related to the energy transformation, for example in emission-free transport, as well as hydrogen and alternative fuels. For Polish companies, it is also a chance to create sustainable jobs in building renovation, electrification, increasing the use of renewable energy sources and decarbonising industry and transport.

Poland has consistently stressed that the climate transition must be fair. For this to succeed, we need to pay attention to the uneven distribution of costs

- the Deputy Minister pointed out.

M. Niedużak said that the costs of the transformation should be borne primarily by global producers, and not by SMEs or end consumers. He spoke of EU instruments supporting the decarbonisation of industry in order to prevent an increase in inequalities between EU countries.

Legal support for the European Union's single market

The aim of the Competitiveness Council is to play an important role in the discussion on how better regulation can contribute to strengthening the competitiveness of the EU economy. In particular, it is about strengthening the position of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

That is why it is so important to apply the SME test systematically in European assessments of the impact of legislation on these companies, especially in the long term. This will make it possible to choose legislative measures more carefully, so as not to restrict, but to support the development of SMEs.

The Deputy Minister also stressed the importance of efforts to further reduce the regulatory burden, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises.

Competitiveness Council (COMPET)

The task of the Competitiveness Council is to enhance competitiveness and growth in the European Union. The Council deals with:

• internal market - removing barriers that impede the cross-border movement of goods, workers, capital and services,
• industry - integrating industrial concerns into all related EU policies, responding to the specific needs of individual sectors,
• research, innovation and space - the Council seeks to strengthen the scientific and technical basis of European industry with a view to increasing its international competitiveness, stimulating growth and job creation and working with the European Space Agency on a European space policy.

In particular for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), the Council wants to improve the business environment for companies. It participates in legislative work on SME-friendly solutions to improve access to finance, cut red tape and foster innovation.

Its meetings are attended by ministers from all Member States who are responsible for trade, economy, industry, research and innovation or space. The relevant European Commissioners also take part in the meetings.

The Council meets at least four times a year.